What You Need To Know About Anemia - Four Curious Facts. 14 Less Common Causes.

What You Need To Know About Anemia - Four Curious Facts
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What is anemia?

When the number of red blood cells in blood is low, it is all about anemia.

Blood is divided into two components: a liquid part – plasma, and cellular-containing several different cell types. The most important and the most numerous cells in human blood are red blood cells. 

The rest are platelets and white blood cells. The main task of the red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. The red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow after a series of complex operations. Unlike most cells in the body, they do not have a core.

4 curious facts about anemia……

1. To not suffer from anemia, red blood cells should be in adequate number, and nutrients, bone marrow and kidneys, should work in full harmony. If your kidneys, or bone marrow are not functioning, or the body has a shortage of nutrients, the red blood cells will not be in the right number and their function will be extremely difficult to be maintained.

2. Anemia acts like a safety valve (signal) for starting morbid process in the body. It is divided into two types of acute and chronic.

Chronic continues for a longer period.  Its symptoms occur more slowly and evolve gradually, until the acute starts abruptly and it is exhausting.

3. Red blood cells live about 100 days, and the body repeatedly trying to replace them. In elderly people, the production of red blood cells occurs in the bone marrow.  Doctors should determine, whether the low number of red blood cells is caused by loss of red blood cells, or their production in the bone marrow is reduced. Knowing, whether the number of white blood cells (or thrombocytes) have changed, helps to determine the cause of anemia.

4. Young women are in danger twice, because of menstrual bleeding.

Types of anemia

According to the size of red blood cells, there are three basic types:

1.Macrocytic anemia

It occurs when red blood cells are less, than normal. Among the main reasons are lack of iron (or low iron) and thalassemia (hereditary diseases associated with hemoglobin). How to lower hemoglobin – here.

2.Normocytic anemia

It occurs when red blood cells are normal in size, but they are few in number. This type of anemia is associated with kidney disease.

3.Makrocytic anemia

It occurs when red blood cells are larger than normal. The main reason for this type of anemia is pernicious anemia and anemia associated with alcoholism.

14 Causes of anemia

Among the common causes of anemia are:

1.active bleeding (anemia caused by it), usually in heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal ulcers or cancer (colon cancer).

2.iron deficiency - the bone marrow needs iron to produce red blood cells.

Iron plays a very large role in the proper structuring of the hemoglobin molecule. If there is a deficiency of iron, you are affected by microcytic anemia (see above). This kind of anemia can occur if you have chronic bleeding, colon cancer, uterine cancer, intestinal polyps, hemorrhoids etc.

3.chronic illness - any long-term chronic disease (such as chronic infection or cancer) can provoke anemia.

4.kidney disease - the kidneys secrete a hormone (erythropoietin) that helps the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. In people with long renal disease, the production of this hormone is reducing. This in turn, leads to reduced production of red blood cells and thus begins anemia.

5.pregnancy - the presence of water and more fluid during pregnancy, dilutes blood, and it leads to a reduced concentration of red blood cells.

6.poor diet - to produce red blood cells, the body needs vitamins and minerals, and for the proper production of hemoglobin are required iron, vitamin B 12 and folic acid. 

Deficiency of any of these components can result in anemia. Attention! Strict observance of a vegetarian diet can cause low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid, which in turn leads to anemia.

7.problems in the stomach or intestine (pernicious anemia), which in turn leads to poor absorption of vitamin B 12

8.abnormal hemoglobin molecules (sickle cell anemia). This affects the overall structure of red blood cells and they may take the form of a semicircle. People, suffering from this type of anemia can be diagnosed in childhood, depending on the severity and symptoms of the disease.

9.talasemiya- it can be different, starting from mild to severe.  The reasons are hereditary, associated with abnormalities in hemoglobin (the correct amount of hemoglobin molecules is insufficient).

10.alcoholism - poor nutrition and lack of vitamins and minerals, are associated with alcoholism. Alcohol can be toxic to the bone marrow and  to slow the production of red blood cells.

 11.diseases associated with bone marrow - certain cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma may change the production of red blood cells and to provoke anemia.

12.aplastic anemia - many viral infections can seriously affect the bone marrow and to limit the production of all blood cells. Chemotherapy and some cancer drugs can do the same.

13.hemolytic anemia - red blood cells become dysfunctional for various reasons. Some of its forms can be inherited, as they constantly destroy themselves and quickly reproduce new red blood cells.

14.anemia associated with drugs - they may cause it as a side effect (hemolysis, bone marrow toxicity). Such drugs might be HIV AIDS medicines for malaria, antifungals, antihistamines, certain antibiotics (see also why antibiotics can increase Candida albicans).

Less common causes of anemia:

• thyroid problems
• liver disease
• lead poisoning
• malaria
• viral hepatitis
• mononucleosis
• bleeding disorders
• autoimmune diseases

Teenage Girls – First Period. Problems, Advice And Treatment Of Menstruation With Herbs. 4 Issues During Menstruation.

Teenage Girls – First Period.
Problems, Advice And Treatment Of Menstruation With Herbs.
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Monthly period in women is called menstruation. According to “natural laws” every month your body is preparing to become pregnant. If pregnancy does not occur, uterine, flush the uterine lining, to be able to grow again during the next menstrual cycle. Menstrual flow is a mixture of blood and tissue, coming from the inside of the uterus or womb.

Menstruation usually starts around 12 years of age (there are cases at the age of 9, as well) and continues until menopause (around age 51 and more). Most women's periods last from 3 to 5 days. In some women, the bleeding is very strong, they lose a lot of blood and can get into shock. The average amount of blood flow is about two tablespoons (30 ml) for the whole period.

 When to consult a doctor?

• if you have not had period until the age of 16
• if your period suddenly stops
• if you are bleeding too much, or bleeding lasts more days, than usual
• if you suddenly feel unwell, after using a tampon
• if you have bleeding between monthly periods
• if you have  severe pain during menstrual cycle 

How often girls have cycle?

Some girls start puberty early, others late. It is  absolutely valid for menstrual cycles. In some of them, first period occurs at the age of 10, while others don’t have even at 15. The time between periods (cycles) is called menstrual cycle. There are girls with a 28 day cycle, and girls with 24 or 30-day cycle (in some more). After first menstruation, the rest periods have a duration between 21-45 days.

After several years, duration of cycles normalizes from 21 to 34 days. Irregular bleeding affect mostly girls, who are beginning to have menstruation for the first time. They may have a 28-day cycle for two months, and then, for example to skip one month. Usually, after a year or two, the menstrual cycle becomes more regular, but there are isolated cases, where women have irregular periods even into adulthood.

Puberty

When girls begin puberty (age 8-13) in their bodies and behavior happen different things.  A number of hormonal changes start, in which their breasts begin to grow and after about 2 and a half years, the first menstruation occurs. About six months before the first cycle, the girl might notice an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge. No need of concern, unless you have a strong smell or itching.

Period spasms

They are quite common, as more than half of women said, that during the first few days of the menstrual cycle, have similar problems. Depending on the cases, the spasms can be painful, sharp and intensive, and you can feel them on the back or in the abdomen.

Premenstrual syndrome

For some girls, mood, a few days or weeks before the cycle, changes. In others it may be associated with anger, frustration, crying or need of a particular type of food. These changes may be due to the so-called premenstrual syndrome. It is related with the changes that occur in the body of the girl, during the cycle. Since hormone levels changing, (rise and fall) during the menstrual cycle, this can affect the way she feels. Some may experience strong emotions, to feel puffy or swollen (due to water retention), others may feel chest pain.

Proper nutrition, healthy sleep and exercises can relieve some of the symptoms. The girls who suffer from acne (pimples) may have a flare during a cycle, and this is due to hormones (when they grow up, problem goes away).

4 Issues during menstruation

During the cycle, women can get heavy bleeding, cramping, pain or missed a period. Here are some of them:

1.Amenorrhea - absence of menstrual cycle

This term describes the absence of the cycle of:

girls who have not had any menstruation until age 15

women and girls, who have not had a cycle for 90 days

The reasons for this may be:

• pregnancy
• breastfeeding
• rapid weight loss
• eating disorder
• excessive exercise
• stress
• serious conditions

In some cases, where girls have no menstruation, it’s possible , the ovaries to have stopped producing necessary hormones (estrogen).

Treatment of amenorrhea with herbs   

Before attempting to self-medicate, consult a doctor!

Periods of bleeding in women respond very well from mugwort tea. It acts as a stimulant, improving delayed menstrual period. It works very well  on nerves and stomach.

Mugwort tea

Soak about twenty, thirty leaves of the herb in 100 ml. boiling water, until the water turns brown. Filter. Drink 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, 50 ml.

2.Dysmenorrhea - painful menstrual cycle with severe spasms.

Most girls with dysmenorrhea, shouldn’t worry, though  these spasms can be quite serious. However, in older women, it may  be a signal about  serious illness, such as uterine fibroids, or endometriosis.

3.Abnormal uterine bleeding.

This is a vaginal bleeding, which is different from the normal menstrual cycles. It includes:

• bleeding between periods
• bleeding after sex
• severe bleeding or for more days than normal
• bleeding after menopause

Abnormal uterine bleeding can have many causes. Some are serious, others not and are easy to treat.

Both in girls and in adult women, who are approaching menopause, hormonal problems can cause long periods of irregular menstrual cycles. Even if you have hormonal problems, it can be treated.

4.Menoragia - heavy menstruation.

Heavy or prolonged bleeding, in which you can’t maintain your household work. It is due to hormonal imbalance, that causes menstruation without ovulation. In a normal menstrual cycle, the release of an egg from the ovaries, stimulates the production of the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for the regular cycle of menstruation. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to treat menorrhagia.

Signs and symptoms of menorrhagia include:

• irrigation (with blood) of one or more swabs (tampons) every hour for several hours
• bleeding for a week or more
• large clots during menstrual cycle
• restricting normal activities due to heavy bleeding
• symptoms such as anemia - fatigue, shortness of breath
• In some cases the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding can hardly be established, but there are many reasons that can lead to menorrhagia:
•  hormonal imbalance
• ovarian dysfunction
• uterine fibroids
• polyps
• adenomyosis
• complications during pregnancy
• cancer
• hereditary
• certain drugs
• a number of diseases (PID, thyroid problems, disorders of liver and kidneys, endometriosis) 

Risk factors

When an egg is not released, the insufficient amount of progesterone can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Usually, menstrual cycles without ovulation , are occurring between two different age groups:

• adolescent girls, who recently have started menstruating
• older women, who are approaching menopause (40-50, 60 years). They are at increased risk of hormonal problems.

5 Rare Types Of Migraines. Treating At Home With Herbs.

5 Rare Types Of Migraines. 

Treating At Home With Herbs.

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Migraine is severely painful headache, which is often preceded by warning signals - tingling hands and feet, nausea, vomiting, white spots and increased sensitivity to light and sound. This heavy and piercing headache can last for hours and sometimes - days.

Migraine is a result of dilation of blood vessels and release of chemicals from nerve fibers. When you have a headache, artery, which is located on the external side of the skull, expands and you feel pain and inflammation. In this situation, the sympathetic nervous system responds by nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. This leads to reduced blood circulation (cold hands and feet) and increased sensitivity to sound and light.

What is the cause of migraines?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of this disease is not yet known. It is believed that some biochemical reactions (confusing signals) unlock it.

• Here are some of the possible reasons:
• allergy and allergic reactions
• noise, odors, lights or perfumes
• physical / emotional stress
• irregular sleep
• smoking / smoke exposure
• skipping meals, fasting
• alcohol
• fluctuations in menstrual cycle
• taking pills for birth control
• hormonal fluctuations during menopause
• severe stress and tension
• foods containing tyramine (red wine, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs)

 Other foods causing migraine:

• chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, bananas, citrus fruits, onions, dairy products, fermented and pickled foods

Migraine - symptoms

An interesting fact is that the symptoms of migraine can occur immediately prior to the actual headache, during and after it.

Some of the most characteristic symptoms are:

• moderate, severe pain - usually on one side of the head
• severe throbbing pain in the head
• increasing pain for physical activity
• inability to perform daily duties
• nausea / vomiting
• extreme sensitivity to light and sound

Women, suffering from migraine may have different premonitions, also called warning symptoms, which may occur several hours or days before the headache. It can be expressed as too much energy, enthusiasm, appetite for sweets, thirst, drowsiness, irritability or depression.

Migraine phases

Migraine attack can be divided into four phases:

1.Warning phase - it happens to half of people, suffering from migraine. You may feel irritable, depressed, tired, experiencing hunger. You may experience these feelings for hours, even days, before the headache.

2. Aura phase – it can include changes in vision: a flickering, jagged arc of light, "see" pics from the past or hallucinations, skin sensations, language problems,

3. Attack phase - the attack of a migraine can last for a few hours to several days. The most important is the pain you feel:

• it usually starts above the eyes
• typically affects one side of the head, or can strike the entire head. It can  affect the lower face and the neck.
• it has a throbbing intensity
•  it can get worse if you become physically active

4. Resolution phase – during which headache gradually disappears. At this time you may feel tired, irritable, depressed, experiencing difficulties in concentration. Also you may feel:

• extreme tiredness
• sluggishness
• confusion
• head pain that flares up when you lean over
• experience a rush of blood to the head

Rare types of migraines:

1.Menstrual migraine.

The symptoms of this kind of migraine were similar to normal, but migraine attacks are associated with the menstrual cycle. There are 2 such types:

a/pure menstrual migraine (only during the cycle)

b/migraine related to the menstrual cycle (appears around the menstrual cycle, but can also occur on other days of the month). Treatment for these two types is the same as for any other type of migraine.

2.Stomach migraine

It occurs most often among children. Instead of headache, they feel abdominal pain which lasts for several hours. During each attack, the headache is weak, or missing. It can be observed nausea, retching or other symptoms. An interesting fact is that children who have suffered from abdominal migraine, during teenage years, develop common migraine.

3. Ocular migraines (also known as a retinal migraine).

It causes temporary vision loss of part or whole eye. It can be supported with or without headache. Each attack happens at the same eye. During this migraine are not observed any serious problems with the eyes, and vision returns to normal.

Attention! If you get a sudden loss of vision, see a doctor immediately! There are various reasons for this and they must be excluded before the ocular migraine can be diagnosed.

4.Hemiplegic migraine (very rare).

Besides severe headache, symptoms include temporary paralysis of the body and weakness. This may take several hours or even days before fade. That’s why  this kind of attack can be mistaken with stroke. Also can appear and other symptoms - dizziness, double vision, visual problems, hearing problems and difficulty speaking. Important! You have these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately, you may have symptoms of a stroke!

5.Basilar type migraine.

Basilar artery is located in the back of the head, and this makes us think, that this type of migraine has occurred because of a problem with the basilar artery. And the exact causes are not known, yet. Symptoms include headache at the back of the head, double vision, dizziness, tinnitus, slurred speech and others. Caution - in this type of migraine it’s possible increased risk of stroke!

Folk recipes and herbs for migraine

St. John's wort (infusion)

Let one tablespoon of the herb to boil in a cup of water (250 ml.) for about 15 minutes. Strain and drink half a cup, 3 times a day.

Yarrow (tea)

Take a tablespoon of the herb and place it in a pot with 300ml boiling water.  Let it for 10 minutes to stand and strain. Drink while tea is hot, but not more than 2 cups a day.

Common balm (tincture)

Take half a tablespoon of herb and pour a glass of hot water over it.. Leave it for about 30 minutes. Take one or two tablespoons, 6 times a day.

Primrose (tea)

Take a tablespoon blossoms of primrose and pour a glass of hot water. Leave it for about 15 m, strain. Drink it while it is hot, but not more than 2 cups a day.

Valerian (root)

Take one table spoon of ground valerian roots, pour 250 ml. water and leave for 15 minutes to boil. Remove from heat and leave to stand for about 10 minutes. Take one tablespoon, three times a day.

Lime blossom (infusion)

Place a tablespoon of lime blossom in 250 ml. water to boil for about ten minutes. Strain and drink several times a day.

Rosemary

Take some dry leaves of rosemary and pour a cup of hot water, cover with a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Strain and drink several times a day.


Recommended products for migraine:

Genital Herpes. Herbs And Natural Remedies For Treating Genital Herpes.

Genital Herpes. Herbs And Natural 

Remedies For Treating  Genital Herpes.

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Genital herpes is a viral infection that affects skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and the area around them. It is caused by two types of viruses:

Herpes simplex virus-type 2 (HSV-2) that causes genital herpes in the majority of cases, and Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), which normally is the causative agent of herpes in nasolabial area.

In recent years, due to the diversification of the type of sexual contacts and widely practiced oral sex, significance of infection with HSV-1 genital herpes, is becoming more important.

Ways of infection with herpes virus

Most often infection occurs during sexual contact with a partner with active infection (you feel  pain, redness and blistering).  Extremely contagious is  the fluid from the blisters, the presence of wounds or scratches and minor injuries, which make easier transmission of the infection. It has been shown, that contamination can be obtained and in contact with a carrier of the virus, but who has no signs of the disease. 

This is possible during the so-called virus propagation period on the skin surface, prior to the clinical manifestations. Important from a practical point of view to know that herpes in the mouth and face can spread to the genital area of ​​a partner during oral intercourse. In this case, the cause is often HSV-1. 

By touching or scratching herpes, the viral infection can spread from one to another part of our body, or if you both use a common towel for both areas. It is possible for a person to carry the herpes of his own lips over their genital area.

It is possible the herpes infection to be transmitted from mother to newborn during birth.

Symptoms

The first attack is more severe and the rest ones are in a mild form. You can feel- fever, fatigue, pain during urination, pain in muscles and joints, enlarged lymph nodes. The complaints  are different and depends on the immune system.

Most common in men, rash appears on the penis’s head, or over the whole penis. In women, it appears on vulva, large or small labia, but may appear in the perineum, buttocks or inside the vagina and cervix.

Some more important symptoms are:

• numbness of the genitals and buttocks,
• appearance of small red blisters or sores on the genitals and inside
• swollen lymph nodes in groins,thighs, also in the vagina
• it can be painful or not
• vaginal discharges in women
• fever
• muscle aches
• headache
• painful urination

Complications

• Inflammation of the urethra from viral infection, accompanied by burning pain and difficulty in urination.
• Inflammation of the anal area and anal canal, associated with pain and discharge from the rectum.
• Neuralgic pain associated with nerve damage from herpes virus.
• Spreading of rash in people with weakened immune system.
• Herpes during pregnancy - herpes infection does not affect a woman's ability to conceive. If herpes occur in the first months of pregnancy the risk of harm to the fetus is minimal, but each case must be assessed by a specialist.
• Transmission of infection to the newborn – if mother is carrier of the herpes during birth, it can lead to infection of the newborn. Therefore you should tell it to your GP.

Herbs and natural remedies for treating  genital herpes

Common balm

Common balm is one of the most effective herbs for herpes. It contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and rosemary acid that prevent genital herpes virus to reproduce itself  in the body. During first signs of appearance of the virus, you can apply cream with common balm in places where you feel burning, itching and pain. You can also use common balm tea to wash the affected area or directly impose on them tea bags.

Recipe

Boil 250 ml of water and add 1 tablespoon of dried common balm. Filter and apply. More the better.

Common balm is also available in form of creams and ointments.

Aloe vera

Research has shown that it contains substances called polysaccharides such as acemannan, which possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immunostimulant properties. Other components of aloe are amino acids, which also contribute to growth and recovery of body tissues.

Apply aloe at the first sign of occurrence of genital herpes. Aloe can be found as a cream, ointment or lotion. Aloe cream in a concentration of 0.5% may be applied three times daily.

How to make aloe vera gel…..

Echinacea

Echinacea is a medicinal plant with antiviral and immunostimulatory properties. All parts of the plant (leaves, flowers and roots) may be used for the therapy of herpes. It can be taken as a tea, juice or supplement.

Propolis

Propolis is a bee product with exceptional beneficial properties. It can be placed directly on the skin to soothe irritation, and also to suppress the virus.

Black tea

Black tea is rich in tannin and has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare black tea bag and let it cool. Then apply it for about 5 minutes on the lesions. For better results, repeat the procedure twice or three times daily.

Lysine

Lysine is an amino acid known for its ability to control and prevent herpes. Recommended dose is 1000 mg three times a day, even in the absence of symptoms. Eat foods rich in lysine, such as legumes, fish, turkey, chicken and leafy vegetables. Avoid consumption of chocolate, nuts and seeds, since they contain a different amino acid - arginine which prevents the absorption and action of lysine and thus assists the virus.

Olive oil

Olive oil is known as a remedy for skin moisturizing. It is rich in antioxidants. For this purpose, take a cup of olive oil, heat it, add a little lavender oil and beeswax in it. Allow the mixture to cool and apply it on the affected areas.

Ice

One of the easiest method herpes treatment is ice. It provides great relief of pain. Take some ice and crush it. Put it in a plastic bag and wrap it. Place it on the lesions for 10-15 minutes to remove the pain and swelling of tissues. Prolonged exposure of the genitals of ice, however, can damage tissues.