Autism is a little understood brain disorder that affects approximately 4 out of every 10,000 people. But every mom with a little one that shows sign of autism feels very alone at times. There are well over 100,000 autistic individuals in the United States.
Autism is usually diagnosed in early childhood (before the age of three) and is characterized by a marked unresponsiveness to other people and to the surrounding environment. Physically, autistic individuals do not appear different from others, but they exhibit marked differences in behavior from a very early age. While most babies love to be held and cuddled, autistic infants appear indifferent to love and affection. As they grow older, they fail to form attachments to others in the way most children do, and instead seem to withdraw into themselves. It is important to note that autism is not a mental illness.
Many autistic children also exhibit unpredictable and unusual behaviors that can range from constant rocking, to pounding their feet while sitting, to sitting for long periods of time in total silence. Some experience bursts of hyperactivity that include biting and pounding on their bodies.
Autistic children have learning disabilities, and are often mentally disabled. Speech development is usually delayed, and in many cases is absent or limited to nonsensical rhyming or babbling.
Some autistic children seem to have lower than normal intelligence, while others seem to fall into the normal range. Still others have low intelligence in most areas but almost supernatural abilities in others, such as mathematics or music. Most develop a strong resistance to any changes in familiar environments or routines.
The cause of autism is unknown. Studies comparing twins suggest that there may be a hereditary component to this disorder. Some experts believe that it is a result of some neurological imbalance or malfunction that renders the autistic individual painfully oversensitive to external stimuli. It is known that autism is not caused by parental neglect or actions, as was once believed.
Certain triggers have been implicated as possible precipitators of the disorder. These could include problems in pregnancy and birth, viral infections, exposure to certain environmental chemicals or pollutants, or even allergies to certain foods (i.e. gluten or dairy products).
There are also suggestions that autism may be caused by a reaction to childhood vaccines, especially those containing high amounts of mercury. More research is needed in this area.
There are also natural treatments for autism, including herbal and homeopathic remedies which can help maintain harmony, health, and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system, without side effects or sedation.
Here are some natural remedies
High Blood pressure usually causes no symptoms until complications develop, this is why it is known as the “silent killer.” Warning signs associated with advanced hypertension may include:
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances
Blood pressure is usually divided into two categories, designated primary and secondary.
Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that is not due to another underlying disease. The precise cause is unknown, but a number of definite risk factors have been identified. These include:
- Cigarette smoking
- Stress
- Obesity
- Excessive use of stimulants such as coffee or tea
- Drug abuse
- High sodium intake
- Use of oral contraceptives
- Family history
Because too much water retention can exert pressure on the blood vessels, those who consume foods high in sodium may be at a greater risk for high blood pressure.
When persistently elevated blood pressure arises as a result of another underlying health problem, such as a hormonal abnormality or an inherited narrowing of the aorta, it is called secondary hypertension. A person may also have secondary hypertension because the blood vessels are chronically constricted or have lost elasticity from a buildup of fatty plaque on the inside walls of the vessel, a condition known as atherosclerosis. The narrowing and or hardening of the arteries makes circulation of blood through the vessels difficult. The result is high blood pressure.
Secondary hypertension can also be caused by poor kidney function, which results in the retention of excess sodium and fluid in the body. This increase in blood volume within the vessels causes elevated blood pressure levels.
When the heart pumps the blood through the arteries, the blood presses against the walls of the blood vessels. In people who suffer from hypertension, this pressure is abnormally high.
Whether blood pressure is high, low, or normal depends on several factors:
- The output from the heart
- The resistance to blood flow of the blood vessels
- The volume of blood
- Blood distribution to the various organs
If blood pressure is elevated, the heart must work harder to pump an adequate amount of blood to all the tissues of the body. Men tend to develop hypertension more often than women, but the risk for women rises after menopause and soon approaches that of men. A woman’s risk of high blood pressure also increases if she takes oral contraceptives or is pregnant.
Eat a high-fiber diet and take supplemental fiber. Oat bran is a good source of fiber.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, garlic, grapefruit, green leafy vegetables, melons, peas, prunes, raisins, squash, and sweet potatoes.
Eat grains like brown rice, buckwheat, millet, and oats,
Take 2 tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily.
Keep you weight down.
Be sure to get sufficient sleep.
It is important to support the solid health of the heart and circulatory system. Natural Remedies I suggest are
Some women go through menopause with few or no noticeable symptoms. However, some of us get” lucky” and experience symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Poor libido
- Bladder problems
- Vaginal dryness and itching
- Burning and discomfort during sexual intercourse
- Breast tenderness
- dryness and aging of the skin
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
Hopefully not all in the same day! All of these symptoms are due to estrogen and progesterone deficiency. Over the long term, the diminished supply of estrogen increases the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and vaginal atrophy.
Osteoporosis in particular is a major problem for women after menopause. An estimated 80% of the 250,000 hip fractures that occur in the United States every year are due to osteoporosis.
Although estrogen levels drop sharply after menopause, the hormone does not disappear entirely. Other organs take over from the ovaries and continue to produce some estrogen and other hormones. Organs known as endocrine glands secrete hormones to maintain proper bodily functions.
Menopause, also referred to as the “change of life,” is the point at which a woman stops ovulating and menstruation ceases, indicating the end of fertility. When a woman stops ovulating, her ovaries largely stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is more than a sex hormone strictly tied to reproduction, it also acts on many different organs in the body. Cells in the:
- Vagina
- Bladder
- Breasts
- Skin
- Bones
- Arteries
- Heart
- Liver
- Brain
all contain estrogen receptors, and require this hormone to stimulate these receptors for normal cell function. Estrogen is needed to keep the skin smooth and moist, the body’s internal thermostat operating properly, and the arteries unclogged, for example. It is also necessary for proper bone formation.
This period in a woman’s life can come early or later, but the average age at menopause is about fifty. The transition usually lasts up to five years. A woman who undergoes a hysterectomy but who keeps at least one of her ovaries stops menstruating after surgery, but she will still go through menopause. If the ovaries are removed during hysterectomy, menopause occurs suddenly and symptoms may be more severe. Smoking is associated with early menopause.
Remember, it is important to remember that menopause is not a disease. It is a natural process in a woman’s life. How a woman views this time of her life can have a lot to do with how frequent and severe her symptoms are. If menopause is thought as the end of youth and sexuality, this time will be much more difficult than if it is viewed as the next, natural phase of life. With a proper diet, nutritional supplements, and exercise, most of the unpleasant side effects of menopause can be minimized, if not eliminated.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, and hot soups and drinks; they can trigger hot flashes, aggravate urinary incontinence, and make mood swings worse. They also make the blood more acidic, which prompts the bones to release calcium to act as a buffering agent. This is an important factor in bone loss.
The decision to use hormone replacement therapy is up to each individual. If you are considering estrogen treatment, it is critical to analyze your medical history while weighing the benefits against the possible risks. It is inadvisable to take estrogen if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, uterine cancer, of fibroid tumors; if you have cystic breasts diagnosed as “atypical hyperplasia”; or if you suffer from liver or gallbladder disease.
There are some wonderful natural remedies for this time in a woman’s life that makes life much easier for her and her loved ones.
These are some great ones:
In children under the age of five or so, the most common cause of bed-wetting is simply the size of the bladder; it is often just too small to hold enough urine to last through the night every single night. Thankfully, this type of bed-wetting is usually outgrown. Occasional bed-wetting by older children usually stops spontaneously by the teenage years. It should be said that underlying illness such as a urinary tract infection or diabetes may also result in bed-wetting.
Bed-wetting, known in the medical community as enuresis, is the act of urinating in bed habitually and, especially, involuntarily. Bed-wetting is common in early childhood. It also occurs sometimes in early adulthood and frequently among the aging. The causes are often unknown. The are popular theories that center on:
- Behavioral disturbances
- Very sound sleeping
- Consumption of too much liquid before bedtime
- Dreaming about using the rest room
- Food allergies
- Heredity
- Stress
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Psychological problems (one of the most common factors in young adults)
Bed-wetting is often caused by food allergies. Omit cow’s milk, which is highly allergenic, from the diet. Also eliminate from the diet carbonated beverages, chocolate, refined carbohydrates (including junk food), and products containing food coloring.
Do not spank for scold a child for bed-wetting. This only complicates the problem. Instead, give rewards for NOT wetting the bed.
Studies have shown of several cases of bed wetting (among children and adults) that were relieved within a matter of days when supplement of certain nutrients were supplied. Magnesium, vitamin B2, and pantothenic acid. In addition, all allergy causing foods were removed from the diet.
Zinc has been shown to improve bladder function.
A wonderful product for bed wetting is
Allergic responses can produce any one or a combination of several of the following symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Red, itchy or watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Hives, rashes, eczema, or other skin eruptions
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Fluid retention
- Swelling of the throat and the tongue
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system misinterprets a normally nontoxic substance, such as pollen, grass, a certain food, or a detergent, as a harmful invader. The immune system then responds to this perceived threat, called an allergen, by releasing substances called histamines. Histamines produce a wide range of bodily reactions, including respiratory and nasal congestion, increased mucus production, skin rashes and welts, and headache.
Now these reactions have their place, say in the case of an actual threat to the body, in the form of a flu virus, these reactions would form an important line of defense against the invader, helping to trap it and expel it, and encouraging you to rest and recover. But during the false alarm of an allergic response, the body overreacts to a harmless agent.
Most allergens are found either in the environment or in our food. Environmental allergens include:
- Pollen (hay fever)
- Molds
- Animal dander
- Dust
- Feathers
- Insect venom
- Certain cosmetics
- Household products
- Metals
When the environmental allergens are removed or make their seasonal disappearance, the body returns to “normal”. If the allergens are not removed, the immune system will continue its artificially high state of alert. In these cases, the allergic response can develop into chronic allergic rhinitis, in which the nasal passages remain persistently inflamed.
If you experience difficulty breathing or develop hives that spread rapidly, get emergency help at once. Allergic reactions like these can quickly be fatal.
About allergy tests, many conventional doctors suggest skin or blood tests to determine the source of allergies, but take care, These tests are invasive, expensive, and of questionable reliability. If your doctor recommends one of these tests, question him or her closely about the benefits you should expect.
Your diet plays a very important part. Eliminating foods that cause mucus should be a priority for any allergy sufferer. Mucus forming foods include all dairy products, fried and processed foods, refined flours, chocolate, and eggs.
The immune response stresses your digestive system, so place as few additional burdens on it as possible. Cut down on bad fats and oils (saturated, hydrogenated, or those containing trans-fatty acids) and increase your intake of fiber, especially from raw vegetables.
Green drinks are good for flushing out mucus and toxins. Drink one daily to help your system.
Natural antihistamines are available to help sufferers.
Here is a wonderful product for allergy relief
High levels of cholesterol in the blood is one of the many risk factors for serious future health problems.
Cholesterol isn’t all bad, your body requires it in moderation for the proper function of cells, nerves, and hormones. It is an essential component of every cell in your body, and life without it would be impossible.
Too much cholesterol can increase the chances of developing heart disease and stroke. By inhibiting circulation, too much of this substance can also cause gallstone, impotence, high blood pressure, and loss of mental acuity.
To distribute cholesterol throughout the body, substances called lipoproteins transport it in the blood. One class of lipoproteins, called low-density lipoproteins, or LDLs for short, carries cholesterol from the liver, where it is produced, to the cells that need it. The another kind of lipoprotein, called high-density lipoproteins, or HDLs, picks up the excess cholesterol from the cells and takes it back to the liver, where it is broken down and excreted from the body or reprocessed. A great checks and balance system.
Under normal conditions, the lipoproteins keep cholesterol levels in balance. But this carefully calibrated system can be overtaxed when the body creates more cholesterol than HDL can sweep away. After the cells take what they need, the existing HDLs remove what they can, and the extra cholesterol simply remains in the blood. Then if cholesterol becomes oxidized (not good) (especially LDL cholesterol) and attaches to the artery walls, it sets the stage for inflammation of the arteries. This chronic inflammation contributes to further buildup and deposition of cholesterol and plaque on the interior walls of the arteries. This is called buildup, which narrows the arteries and limits the amount of blood that can pass through them, setting the stage for arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. Arteriosclerosis is the first stage of heart disease: when left untreated, it will lead to a heart attack or stroke.
SYMPTOMS
Often, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol, so it’s important to have your doctor perform a blood analysis regularly. One sign of high cholesterol can be a buildup of cholesterol rings on the skin under the eyes. If cholesterol or heart problems run in your family, or if you experience any of the following make an appointment:
- Dizziness
- Mental confusion or dullness
- Circulatory problems
- Difficulty breathing after minor exertion
ROOT CAUSES
- Poor diet, especially one high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates
- Inactivity
- Hereditary tendency to high cholesterol
- Diabetes, insulin resistance
- Hypothyroidism
- Stress
Just as a poor diet is a primary cause of high cholesterol, dietary changes are one of the best ways to treat it. One major key to balancing cholesterol levels is to consume a diet that’s high in fiber. This means increasing the amount of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains in the diet. Soluble fiber is a great choice. This type of fiber does not dissolve in water and binds cholesterol as it passes through the digestive tract. Oat bran is a great example of soluble fiber, and more than twenty studies show that it reduces total and LDL cholesterol when consumed on a daily basis. One bowl of oatmeal can lower cholesterol levels between 8 and 23 percent in just three weeks. Pectin, found in the skin of apples, is also effective, as is ground flaxseeds.
Not all fats are forbidden to people with elevated cholesterol. Essential fatty acids actually have a heart-protecting effect, so incorporate these into your diet:
- Cold-water fish like salmon or mackerel
- Flaxseeds
- Olive oil
- Omega 3 supplements
- Garlic and onions
- Nut, such as walnuts
But the hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats (which is the process that turns vegetable and seed oils into soft or solid fats) should be avoided. Researchers have discovered that the hydrogenated process produces altered molecules called trans-fatty acids. These substances appear to pack a double whammy:
- Not only do they raise LDL (BAD)
- They lower HDL (GOOD) and cause free radical damage
Not even butter does that kind of damage to your arteries.
Red yeast rice has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and increase HDL.
Guggul, this herb reduces cholesterol levels and increases HDL.
The prostate is a doughnut-shaped male sex gland. Normal size about that of a walnut. It is positioned beneath the urinary bladder. It encircles the urinary outlet, or utethra. During ejaculation, the muscles in the prostate squeeze fluid from the prostate into the urethral tract. Prostatic fluid makes up the bulk of semen.
Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, is common in men of all ages. The usual cause is infectious bacteria that invade the prostate from other areas of the body. Hormonal changes associated with aging may also be a cause.
Problems arise when the inflammation result in urine retention. This causes the bladder to become distended, weak, tender, and itself susceptible to infection. Infection in the bladder is easily transmitted up the ureters to the kidneys.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is the gradual enlargement of the prostate. Half of all men over the age of fifty and three fourth of men over 70 are affected by this condition. This is largely attributable to hormonal changes associated with aging.
After the age of around 50, a man’s testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease, while other hormones, such as prolactin and estradiol increase, creating an increase in the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a very potent form of testosterone. All this is happening in the prostate causing a hyperplasia (overproduction) of prostate cells. Ultimatedly resulting in prostate enlargement.
The major symptom of enlargement of the prostate is the need to pass urine frequently. A man may find himself rising several times during the night to urinate. Pain, burning, and difficulty in starting and stopping urination. Blood in the urine is not uncommon.
Symptoms
- Frequent urination
- Urination that is hard to start or stop
- Dribbling
- The sensation of an incompletely emptied bladder
- Increased nighttime urination
- Burning pain with urination
- Reoccurring bladder infections
Root Causes
- Hormonal changes
- Nutritional deficiencies
- A diet that’s high in fat and low in fiber
Foods that help
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Flaxseed oil
- Green tea
- Plenty of clean water to keep fluid moving through the urinary tract.
Saw palmetto and Pygeum are excellent herbs for prostate health.
Saw Palmetto
- Reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT
- Blocking DHT from binding to prostate cells
- Reducing the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the prostate cells
- Causing smooth muscle relaxation
( allowing the urethra to open more effectively and preventing the back-up of urine)
Pygeum a study involving three urology centers looked at the effects of Pygeum on the symptoms of BPH. Researchers concluded through urine flow measurements that pygeum induced significant improvements, including nighttime urination.
Testing for prostatitis and enlarged prostate usually involves a digital rectal exam plus a blood test that screens for levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein secreted by the prostate.
These products are are for a healthy prostate!
Garlic contains almost 80 sulphur compounds. Organic sulphur is famous for its healing and infection fighting ability. Garlic also contains an extremely powerful sulfuric compound called Allicin which is released when ever garlic cells are crushed, bruised or damaged. Allicin makes garlic one of the most popular natural alternatives to pharmaceutical antibiotics.
Life penicillin, garlic’s allicin kills:
- Bacteria
- Fungus
- Microbes and protozoa in the digestive tract
- Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
making it the world’s most effective and most natural broad spectrum antibiotic. It has been proven in the laboratory to kill every bacteria known, and at the same time, unlike antibiotics, it does not harm your important friendly intestinal flora bacteria.
Reports show during World War I the British soldiers chopped it up and put it on as a battle dressing for infected wounds and today, these records show it was more effective than antibiotics. This is an amazing herb. It also kills viruses, fungi and intestinal parasites.
Garlic is nature’s wonder drug and herbalists have understood its medicinal value for at least 2,000 years.
Garlic is the common name for Allium sativum, which belong to the lily family. Predominantly consumed for its aromatic qualities in food, but medicinal history dating as far back as ancient Egyptian times showed it’s use as both culinary and medicinal. Roman Legions both used garlic for strength and energy and also as a dressing for infected battlefield wounds.
Garlic also kills:
- Intestinal worms
- Parasites
- viruses
that inevitable make their way into the gut and live there for years if not treated. This saps your energy and health. Medical treatments for parasites are hopelessly limited, since each medication is only designed to kill one type of parasite. Since there are at least a hundred types of parasites that make their way into the body from:
- Contaminated food
- Water
- Pets
- Meat
- Sushi
- Everyday eating
No one medication can kill them all, and no medication can be guaranteed to kill parasites safely, (except one) and that’s Garlic. The Allicin in garlic also kills intestinal fungus, known as Candida, which overgrows when the diet is high in sugar and carbohydrates, which is the thing intestinal parasites thrive one. When you do a colon cleanse you need garlic to help heal your colon. After removing old fecal matter, no reason to think you do not have old infection, pus, bacteria that needs to be killed before it can harm you.
Garlic not only reduces “bad cholesterol” while increasing “good cholesterol,” but regular use is also associated with a lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.
Several studies confirm garlic’s ability to lower blood pressure.
Because of it antiviral properties, one can apply one drop of garlic oil to the wart(s) twice daily for 4 weeks to safely remove warts.
A good quality garlic supplement is very important. Also an odorless or coated tablet is important at times. Where the garlic is grown makes a difference in quality.
Here are a few to pick from
Second only to the common cold as the most prevalent infectious ailment in the United States is periodontal disease. It is the major cause of adult tooth loss. As we age the probability increases of developing periodontal disease. Ranging from 15 percent at age 10 to more like 50 percent at age 50.
Peridontal means “located around a tooth”, so periodontal disease can refer to any disorder of the gums or other supporting structures of the teeth. Gingivitis or inflammation of the gums is the early stage of periodontal disease. Caused by plaque, which is sticky deposits of bacteria, mucus, and food particles that adheres to the teeth. When plaque accumulated it causes the gums to become infected and swollen. As the gums swell, pockets form between the gums and the teeth that act as a trap for still more plaque buildup. Other factors that contribute to the development of gingivitis include:
- Breathing through the mouth
- Badly fitting fillings
- Prostheses that irritate surrounding gum tissue
- Diet of too many soft foods that rob the teeth and gums of much needed “exercise”
All these factors can lead to gums that are red, soft, and shiny, and bleed easily. Usually gingivitis is essentially painless, but there can be some pain.
Left untreated pyorrhea or periodontitis can develop from gingivitis. This advanced stage of periodontal disease in which the bone supporting the teeth begins to erode as a result of the infection. Abscesses are common which are very painful. Pyorrhea causes halitosis (bad breath) with bleeding and often painful gums.
Conditions which make one more likely to develop pyorrhea are:
- Poor nutrition
- Improper brushing
- Wrong foods
- Sugar consumption
- Chronic illness
- Glandular disorders
- Blood disease
- Smoking
- Drugs
- Excessive alcohol consumption
It is often related to a deficiency of:
- Vitamin C
- Bioflavonoids
- Calcium
- Folic acid or niacin
Smokers are more susceptible than nonsmokers to periodontits and tooth loss.
Mouth problems often reflect deficiencies or underlying disorders in the body.
- Bleeding gums may signal a vitamin C deficiency
- Dryness and cracking at the corners of the mouth may indicate a deficiency of vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
- Dry or cracked lips can be the result of an allergic reaction
- Raw red mouth tissue bay be a sign of stress
- A smooth, reddish tongue can indicate anemia or poor diet.
- Sores under the tongue can be an early warning sign of mouth cancer
Regular dental checkups can help detect these conditions early. Floss your teeth daily. Do this faithfully every day. Be sure to brush your gums and tongue as well as your teeth using a very soft natural-bristle toothbrush.
Severe cases of periodontal disease may necessitate surgery to remove the infected tissue from the gum and reshape the bone. This can be very effective if you continue with your home care of your mouth.
Some people appear to be more susceptible than others to the bacteria that cause gum disease. Electric toothbrushes are very helpful in removing plaque.
Deficiencies of coenzyme Q10 have been linked to periodontal disease. The amount of coenzyme Q10 present in the body declines with age, so it should be supplemented in the diet, especially by people who are over the age of fifty. A liquid or oil form is preferable. This vitamin like substance is very helpful to the heart tissue as well because it increases tissue oxygenation all over the body.
Vitamin C and A is needed for healing of gum tissue, especially of bleeding gums.
Bioflavonoids retard plaque growth which is a huge help.
Avoid taking antibiotics. The mouth is the hardest place for them to work, and they destroy the needed friendly bacteria in the colon. Try goldenseal first, it works faster and has no side effects.
These are all great for mouth health
Shingles strikes some 850,000 Americans each year. It can appear at any age, but is most common in people over the age of fifty, when the immune function naturally begins to decline as a result of aging.
Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which happens to be the same virus that causes chickenpox. It affects the nerve endings in the skin. Most common places on the body affected is the skin of the abdomen under the ribs, leading toward the navel, but can appear anywhere on the body.
Most adults have already contracted chickenpox. This common childhood disease causes a fever and a rash that itches maddeningly, but rarely does any permanent damage. However, once the varicella-zoster virus enters the body and has caused chickenpox, it doesn’t go away. It may lie dormant in the spinal cord and nerve ganglia for years until a weakening of the immune system. Then the varicella-zoster infection spreads to the very ends of the nerves, causing them to send impulses to the brain that are interpreted as severe pain, itching, or burning, and rendering the underlying skin much more sensitive than usual.
Most cases of shingles run their course within a few weeks. More severe cases may last longer and require aggressive treatment. But in some cases the pain continues for months, even years, after the blisters have disappeared. This syndrome, is called postherpetic neuralgia, this is more likely to occur in older people. If shingles develop near the eyes, the cornea may be affected and blindness may result. An ophthalmologist should be consulted if the shingles appear on the forehead, near the eyes, or on the tip of the nose. Untreated ophthalmic herpes zoster can lead to vision loss.
An attack of shingles is often preceded by three or four days of chills, fever, and achiness. The pain may have started in the affected area. Then crops of tiny blisters appear. The affected area becomes excruciatingly painful and sensitive to the touch. Numbness, depression, tingling, shooting pains, fever and headache may also be present. Thankfully this phase of shingles lasts only seven to fourteen days. (ONLY?!) The blisters eventually form crusty scabs and drop off. People can get shingles more than once.
The chance of an attack of shingles can be increased by many factors, including:
- Stress
- Cancer
- The use of anticancer drugs
- Immune system deficiency
However, serious illness is not required to activate the virus. Any type of physical or emotional stress can make one susceptible. Often, something as innocuous as a minor injury or a mild cold can lead to an attack in an otherwise healthy person. In most cases, it is never determined just what the trigger is. For people with immune deficiencies, shingles and its aftermath can be devastating. The disease is capable of affecting the internal organs, attacking even the lungs and kidneys. Disseminated shingles can cause permanent injury-including blindness, deafness, or paralysis, depending upon the area of the body that is served by the infected nerves-if it goes unchecked. Death can occur as the result of a secondary bacterial infection or viral pneumonia brought on by shingles.
L-Lysine is a very useful amino acid in the fighting of the viruses that cause cold sores and herpe viruses. Taking supplemental L-lysine, together with vitamin C with bioflavonoids, can effectively fight and /or prevent herpes outbreaks. Important for healing and for fighting the virus that causes shingles as well. Do not take this supplement for longer than 6 months at a time.
Cayenne (capsicum) contains a substance called capsaicin, which relieves pain and aids in healing. It also acts as a detoxifier. Cayenne is available in tablet and capsule form. Capsaicin is also the active ingredient in Zostrix, a topical cream, which is helpful for postherpetic neuralgia. Capsaicin should never be applied topically until the lesions caused by shingles have completely healed, however, or extreme burning pain can result.
Keeping stress to a minimum is important. Stress reduces the immune system’s effectiveness in fighting off infection. Studies have found that people with shingles report having recently been through stressful periods more often than other people. St Johns wort can help reduce the effects of the stress produced by the process of the shingles. The B Vitamins are needed for nerve health and to counteract deficiencies.
While shingles itself is not contagious, a person with shingles may infect previously uninfected persons, particularly children, with chickenpox. Stay away from pregnant women because she and her unborn child may become infected.
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