Malva Leaves Prescription Drug Interactions
Sunday, June 1st, 2008Malva Leaves Prescription Drug Interactions - Herbal Remedies Health Info
Suggested Reading: Herbal Remedies Side Effects
(more…)
Archive for the ‘Health Questions’ Category
Marshmallow Leaves Prescription Drug Interactions
Sunday, June 1st, 2008Marshmallow Leaves Prescription Drug Interactions
Related Information: More about Nutritional Supplement and Herbal Remedies Side Effects
(more…)
Milk Thistle Prescription Drug Interactions
Sunday, June 1st, 2008Milk Thistle Prescription Drug Interactions
Suggested Reading: Is it safe to use herbs with drugs?
Milk Thistle is one of the ingredients in Dr. Miller’s Holy Tea
(more…)
Blessed Thistle Prescription Drug Interactions
Sunday, June 1st, 2008High Fructose Corn Syrup Question
Wednesday, May 28th, 2008Best Natural Constipation Remedy
Monday, May 19th, 2008Natural Constipation Remedy Works for Persistent, Prolonged Constipation that did not respond to other constipation remedies I tried ….. Holy Tea worked for me when nothing else worked
Suggested Reading: What causes gas and bloating?
Naturally Relieve Constipation and Bloating
Bisphenol A Hormone Controversy
Thursday, April 17th, 2008CT Scans and Cancer Risks
Wednesday, April 16th, 2008Insisting on More Discriminatory Use of CT Scans Could Reduce Your Cancer Risks
Related Reading: Cervical Cancer Information
Vytorin Benefits Questioned
Friday, April 11th, 2008Cardiology Conference Reveals Limited Benefit from Vytorin use
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved
Are you taking Vytorin for high cholesterol? It may not be helping as much as you hoped.
If your doctor has you on Vytorin or Zetia, you may find the recent information presented by the conference on cardiology in Chicago to be of interest.
Their findings stated that Vytorin (and Zetia, which is a component of Vytorin) demonstrated only limited proof of benefit in reducing high cholesterol.
To read more on the cardiology report on Vytorin and Zetia, and to discover natural ingredients that may be helpful in addressing high cholesterol, please
read this article on Vytorin and Zetia benefits
Is Taking MSM Safe?
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008Is MSM safe for longterm use - What are the side effects of taking MSM
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved
I have taken MSM for pain, inflammation and muscle cramps and have always gotten good results.
I just read something over at the Mayo Clinic website about MSM safety and thought it might be good to post the following guidelines.
According to the article mentioned above, there seems to be a 12-week safety line drawn in the sand.
In other words, MSM is generally considered safe to take for up to 12 weeks and then, even though there is no evidence to suggest that taking MSM longer would result in harm, there is some reason that the safety goes into question after that 12 week period.
I’ve never taken MSM even 12 weeks before, because it usually helps within a week.
I also read that, as is the case with anything else you consume whether food, herbs, vitamins or prescription medicines, that there are some potential side effects to taking MSM. I have never personally experienced any of these.
The side effects mentioned include headache, upset stomach and loose bowels. Obviously, if you expereince any negative side effects when taking MSM, you should adjust dosage or stop taking it. Also, if under a doctor’s care for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, consult with your doctor before adding natural anti-inflammatories.
MSM is not MSG
By the way, I am taking about methylsulfonylmethane ( MSM ) and not monosodium glutamate ( MSG ). Because there is only one letter’s difference in the abbreviation between these two, very different substances, they sometimes get confused.
MSG is a food additive I consider toxic at any level. I believe it should be banned from foods and particularly foods for children as the MSG has more of a chance of causing brain damage in very small children who consume foods heavy in it. Because MSG enhances the flavor of foods, it is heavily used in children’s processed foods, cereals and snacks.
I read on a couple of websites that MSM can cause thinning of the blood as well so if on blood thinners, check with your doctor. I think that’s a good idea before adding anything new, if on blood thinners. Even liquid nutritionals like Goji can cause problems with blood thinners.
Potential skin rashes were also mentioned on a couple of forums on the subject. In general, it’s good to notice any different reactions you might have after taking something new, whether natural or prescription medication as the potential for allergic reaction exists with just about anything you put into your body.
Fasting and Detoxing your Body
Friday, April 4th, 2008Fasting and Detoxing Questions - Candida and IBS concerns when detoxing your body, taking fiber and juice fasting
Related articles: All You Ever Wanted to Know About Detoxing Your Body But Didn’t Know Who To Ask
Cinnamon for high blood sugar
Saturday, March 29th, 2008Lowering Blood Sugar Levels Naturally
Diabetes-Related Health Articles
Cinnamon for high blood sugar - type of cinnamon used is vital to success
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved
I remember reading about cinnamon for lowering triglycerides and helping to lower blood sugar levels, maybe even a few years ago. I’ve also read about using this spice to help with weight loss. However, I just read that there are diffierent types of cinnamon and that the type you need to be using for these medicinal properties is NOT the type that ends with the word “cassia”.
There are apparently compounds in the cassia form of cinnamon that, if taken longterm, might interfere with blood thinners like coumadin and also have toxic properties.
Other types of cinnamon include the wild cinnamon that grows in Japan, called Cinnamomum inners and Saigon Cinnamon.
The type of cinnamon that is suggested for use to help with blood sugar levels, and the type of cinnamon considered “true cinnamon” is Cinnamomum Zeylanicum.
more information about the medicinal properties and historical uses of cinnamon
Cinnamomum zeylanicum is considered superior to Cinnamomum cassia and I assume that’s why it is called “true cinnamon”. However, I found reference in a couple of other resources that listed “true cinnamon as Cinnamonum verum. For example, NOW brand cinnamon is listed as containing the “true cinnamon” Cinnamonum verum.
I surmise from what I’ve read so far that as long as it is one of those two types, it’s superior to the use of Cinnamomum cassia and safer for use as a medicinal spice.
CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE TAKING CINNAMON
You should always check with your doctor before adding new products to your health care regime, whether those products are natural, over the counter or prescription. It’s vital to rule out drug interactions with herbs, such as that which could occur with the cassia brand and blood thinners like coumadin, as well as just to get your doctor’s input on your choices.
Do you know the most common diabetes symptoms?
Senile Dementia Information
Saturday, March 29th, 2008Health Conditions that can Mimic or be a factor in dementia. Learn more about senile dementia
Questioning a Diagnosis of Senile Dementia - What You Need to Have Your Doctor Rule Out
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved
I was surprised to come across some information about dementia and to realize that so many other health conditions could either contribute to the condition or even mimic the symptoms of senile dementia.
Before accepting a diagnosis of dementia, it would be wise to rule out the following health conditions:
Vitamin Deficiencies: Deficiencies that can cause some of the same symptoms as senile dementia include Vitamin B deficiencies. Specifically noted as cause of some of the same symptoms as dementia were deficiencies in Vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Related article on effects of B-12 deficiency
Iodine Deficiencies linked to senile dementia symptoms: As far as iodine deficiency goes, you may think you get all the iodine you need in salt but on a salt-restrictive diet this might not be the case and, if the person eats a lot of soy products or drinks a lot of soy milk, they can still be deficient in iodine even though they eat iodized salt.
Soy has something that blocks absorption of iodine. Also, some salts do not have iodine, such as some sea salts. I know the sea salt I use says right on the box that it does not contain iodine.
Vitamin Deficiencies due to prescription drugs: Certain B-Vitamin deficiencies can happen when taking certain medications. My mom’s heart doctor has her on several B vitamins for that reason so check with your doctor to see if you need to supplement with B-vitamins because these vitamins are not fat-soluble which means the body can’t store them up like it does D or A. They need to be replenished daily, either in our diet or by supplementation.
Health Conditions to rule out:
Besides these common deficiencies, I’d also ask directly whether or not your doctor tested for conditions such as….
Subdural hematomas
Menningitis
Encephalatis
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus ( NPH )
Heavy metals poisoning
In addition, if you have known heart disease then oxygen supply may be a factor. Check to see if decreased oxygen supply is evident and ask what can be done to help that condition which may, in turn, help the symptoms of dementia.
If symptoms have their onset soon after having had anesthesia, also have your doctor followup to see if you might have had a reaction to the anesthesia or if too much may have been given. I’ve seen two special reports lately about hospital mistakes that have caused people unnecessary suffering, pain and even death. Doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists….they are all people. People can make mistakes.
Drug abuse, whether with recreational or prescription drugs, can cause disorientation, confusion and other symptoms associated with dementia but you can also unknowingly have an allergic reaction to a medication or have an interaction between different prescription medications and end up with symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s.
It’s a good idea to go over all drugs and discuss all potential side effects and potential drug interactions with your pharmacist and your doctor.
Frequenty Asked Health Questions
Thursday, March 27th, 2008
Non-Invasive Health Screenings
Cardiovascular Health Tests, Now Available Without Doctor Visit
Get information about frequently asked health questions and about the non-invasive testing procedures now available without going to your doctor or the hospital
I am all for out-patient diagnostic testing as long as it is reliable. These folks have several tests that are reported to be just as dependable as what you’d get at your doctor’s office or in the hospital. They just cost a whole lot less.
If you have questions about any of the following conditions, you’ll find good, general information as well as info on any tests that are available and when the Life Screening Crew might be coming to your area soon.
Frequently asked questions cover the following health conditions: Osteoporosis,
Heart Disease, Diabetes, Stroke, Carotid Artery Health Problems, Atrial Fibrillation (also called afib), Irregular Heart Rhythm, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm and Peripheral Arterial Disease .
Related articles: What is the difference between Heart Palpitations and Atrial Fibrillation?
Access the frequently asked health questions here
ps. I’ve had all the heart and arterial health tests done except for the afib test (the didn’t have that when I went…it’s new) and was impressed with the results. Good to know how your cardiovascular health is doing.
Neck and Shoulder Pain
Monday, March 17th, 2008
Neck and Shoulder Pain Relief Tips - These work for my neck and shoulder pain
Except for any noted source material, content copyright, Neva. J. Howell, all rights reserved
I work at the computer almost every day. I work A LOT. So, there are lots of days that I end up with neck and shoulder pain. Two regular practices I have integrated into schedule with the sort of regularity with which other women might be appointments for having their hair or nails done, are massage and chiropractic care.
Getting massage as often as I can, and getting regular chiropractic adjustments (I only go to chiropractors who practice low-force or no-force chiropractic care, the best of which
is, interestingly enough, called B.E.S.T.) have helped tremendously and I’ve learned to help them do a more effective job by doing my own work in-between visits.
In general, I get up from the chair more often and stretch. I also have specific neck and shoulder stretches that I do in the shower every day. This is particularly good
because the hot water has already warmed the tissues so that stretching is easier and I can stretch more.
Hair-Pulling for Neck and Shoulder Pain
I’m tender-headed and the thought of pulling my own hair, or having someone else pull it, was not appetizing. The first time my massage therapist suggested it, I wanted to say no.
I’m so glad I didn’t say no. If done properly, hair-pulling can provide a great deal of relief for neck stiffness and can even relieve tense shoulders by loosening the scalp.
I start at the base of the skull, near the occipitals. I just take a small amount of hair and slowly stretch it, rather than actually pulling, straight up. Then, very slowly I move the hair so that
I’m pulling the scalp underneath in all four directions. When that part of the scalp feels a bit more loose, I move on. In my case, it usually just requires doing the occipital area on both sides but you can use hair-pulling to loosen the entire scalp.
Another great way to help the body let go of shoulder tension, which also helps neck tension, is to take a brush and gently tap, bristle side down, on the top of the shoulders. I read about this in Donna Eden’s book on Energy Medicine.