About Flaxseed and Cholesterol

Flaxseeds provide numerous health benefits. Flaxseed is versatile and easily added to muffin mixes, breads, sprinkled on cereal or added to smoothies. Research into the health benefits of flax suggests a link between the seed's lignan compounds and lower blood cholesterol levels.

Features of Flax

About the size of a sesame seed, the small brown flaxseed packs a wallop. Despite its small size, flaxseeds are chock full of nutrients and provide a rich source of complete protein. In addition to containing phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, flax contains a high percentage of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats.

Cholesterol and Flaxseed

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that one in every six Americans have high blood cholesterol levels. According to the CDC, a buildup of waxy, fat-like cholesterol leads to heart disease and stroke. Regular flaxseed consumption may help lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of blood clots. This is due to lignan, flaxseed's cholesterol-lowering compound.

Benefits of Flaxseed

According to the University of Michigan, preliminary studies suggest flaxseed helps people trying to lower their cholesterol. They also report reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing substantial benefits of flaxseed consumption from those suffering with constipation and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Research

Flaxseed's ability to reduce cholesterol levels is the subject of much research. In 2007, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center reviewed nine clinical trials examining flaxseed's effectiveness in lowering cholesterol. Their review led them to suggest that 15 to 50 grams of whole or powdered flaxseed daily modestly reduces total and LDL cholesterol by 1.6 to 18 percent. Whole flaxseed and flaxseed powder appears more effective at reducing cholesterol than flaxseed oil. Researchers at Iowa State University's Nutrition and Wellness Center report daily consumption of 3 tbsp. of flaxseed reduced cholesterol in men by just under 10 percent over three months. Iowa State University professor Suzanne Hendrich said although it lowers cholesterol less effectively than standard drugs, it lowers levels enough to make it an option for men unable to take pharmaceuticals.

Consumption

Flaxseed can be purchased at local health food stores or even many corner grocery stores. Whole flax seeds are best used in muffin or bread mixes or sprinkled on yogurt, salads, cereal or other foods. While ground flaxseed meal provides cholesterol-lowering lignans, the seed meal oxidizes if left unconsumed for too long. Oxidation alters food flavor and diminishes the product's healthy omega-3 fatty acids, considered an important factor in heart attack prevention. Chew whole seeds thoroughly, and consider using a coffee grinder to grind your own seeds. Otherwise, purchase ground flaxseed and keep it refrigerated.

Uses for Epsom Salts for an Eye Wash

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination System, between 50 and 85 percent of the American population do not ingest enough magnesium in their diets. The addition of Epsom salt, for which the chemical name is magnesium sulfate, can alleviate some of this deficiency as magnesium is absorbed through the skin. Epsom salt is readily available at most groceries and drugstores, as it has a variety of disinfecting uses and can also be used for treating eye conditions.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, more commonly known as "pink eye" is an inflammatory condition of the eye. See your ophthalmologist or optometrist for treatment. You can also use Epsom salt compresses. Mix some Epsom salt into warm water and soak a towel with the solution to press over the infected eye for its disinfecting properties. People who are prone to getting conjunctivitis can make this a regular weekly practice to prevent the onset of the condition.

Iritis

When the iris of the eye becomes infected and inflamed, a painful condition called iritis can develop. Iritis can affect vision or even cause blindness if not treated immediately and properly, so see your ophthalmologist or optometrist, who will prescribe steroids or some other medication. He may recommend regular use of Epsom salt compresses over a closed eye to help alleviate this condition.

Styes

A sty is an infection or inflammation of the eyelid. The secretory gland of the eye becomes infected, resulting in a painful bump or growth on the eyelid. This condition tends to present when a person is tired; exhaustion can also be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Applying a warm Epsom salt towel or soaking the infected eye in an Epsom salt eyewash can help.

In Conjunction with Eyewashes

Eye conditions that are treated with compresses or eyewashes may also be alleviated with Epsom salt baths. Pour 2 cups into your bathwater and soak for 20 to help your body absorb magnesium.

Epsom Salt and Stress

Epsom salt is a natural stress reliever and has anti-toxin qualities. With an Epsom salt bath, magnesium is absorbed into the body, which helps the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps to elevate mood and induce relaxation. In addition to a healthy diet, being well-rested and relaxed helps the body fight off infection.

Milk Treatments for Tapeworm

According to MayoClinic.com, some people never even know they have tapeworms. These intestinal parasites often cause no symptoms and eventually leave the human body on their own. If this isn't the case for you and you seek medical assistance to kill and expel a tapeworm, you will likely be prescribed medication, reports MayoClinic.com. However, you may prefer first to try a home remedy to rid yourself of the intestinal invader, which can cause abdominal pain and lead to malnutrition. If you're in search of an alternative method, a milk treatment may do the trick.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk contains worm-killing agents, according to the Mamaherb website. Prepare it by grating the meat of half of a coconut and then extracting the milk from it. The home cooking rocks! website explains that you can extract the milk by placing grated coconut in a blender or by squeezing handfuls of the grated coconut until the milk runs into the bowl. You should drink this milk twice daily for up to a month or until the tapeworm exits the body. Mamaherb says it takes between 15 and 30 days for the coconut milk treatment to kill and rid a patient of a tapeworm.

Milk Bath

A milk bath is another alternative to prescription medication for tapeworm removal. The Natural-HomeRemedies website instructs those with tapeworms to fill their bathtubs with milk and soak their bodies in it. The site claims that tapeworms are attracted to the smell of the milk and will exit the body--through the anus--to reach the milk. The Grandma's Wisdom website recommends allowing 3 to 4 gallons of whole milk to warm to room temperature for the milk bath. The site says to warm up the bathtub first by filling it with hot water and then draining it before pouring in the milk--and up to 1 quart of hot water if you absolutely must warm it up before getting in. Grandma's Wisdom explains that you must sit with your knees bent and keep your rectum under the milk, usually for at least an hour. The site suggests distractions that will keep you relaxed, including reading and listening to music.

Milk Vapor Inhalation

Another way milk can reportedly attract tapeworms out of the body is via the nasal cavity. The Welsh Health Systems Newsletter website says to heat up a bowl of milk and inhale the vapors that rise up from the milk so that the tapeworm will smell the milk and exit the body from the nose.

Inversion Table & Chair Basics

Inversion therapy involves the use of reverse gravity to help reduce pain and reverse some of the affects of aging. Inversion therapy utilizes specialized tables and chairs and can provide a number of health benefits.

Function

The user lies down on the inversion table and, with the ankles secured, the table is then tilted so the body is at an angle with the head lower than the rest of the body. A chair can be inverted while in a seated position and may supply more comfort and support than a table.

Benefits

According to the National Institutes of Health, the biggest benefit of inversion therapy is for sufferers of low back pain. A 1985 study published on the NIH's publication website, Pubmed.org, found people who underwent inversion therapy, also called "gravity-facilitated traction," had an increase in the space between vertebrae which could lead to a reduction in back pain.

Inversion Duration

The 1985 study published on Pubmed.org, which was originally published in the "Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy," found that subjects inverted for just 10 minutes experienced significant increases in intervertebral dimensions.

Contraindications

According to a 2007 article in the "Los Angeles Times," inversion therapy should not be used by people who are obese or people with high blood pressure, circulatory issues, glaucoma, or women who are pregnant.

Cost

As of 2010, inversion tables and chairs start as low as about $200 for a basic chair to over $1,200 for a motorized table.

Definition of Ecological Medical Anthropology

Ecological medical anthropology is the study of how cultural and environmental factors effect the general health of a population. It includes examining the methods of treatment embraced by a culture of people and studies the impact of medical treatment and disease on a people. A medical anthropologist must understand a culture, the many factors that affect the general health of a population, including ecological impacts.

Definitions

To understand this complex field of study, it's best to break it down. Medical ecology involves examining any environmental factors, including water quality, food resources and air quality, that affect a human population's health. Anthropology is the study of a people, their cultures and traditions, religious and political beliefs and customs. By combining the two, the anthropologist can examine how the environment and culture of a people impact their general health.

An Example

A remote town could have a high incidence of childhood asthma. An ecological medical anthropologist would study how the environment, as well as the general cultural beliefs of the people living there, are contributing to this problem. While the medical conditions could be caused by poor air quality, the anthropologist would also consider the people's belief systems, access to medical care and general health before drawing any conclusions.

Case study

To understand what an ecological medical anthropologist does in the field, it helps to look at a real case study. Ecological medical anthropologist Sera L. Young spent time in Pemba, Zanzibar examining how a local group of women were responding to a western medical treatment for anemia. In her study, she looked at the volatile political history of this African region, including when health care became available there and how it was administered. Political upheaval had a dramatic and negative effect on the people's general health--and their acceptance of medical help.

Benefits

In the case of the women of Pemba, a clear understanding of that people's history helped to make administering the iron supplement easier for those involved with the treatment. Overcoming the suspicion of government interference, because of the violent history there, was a major concern. The ecological medical anthropologist looks at the entire picture, giving health care providers and planners a better understanding of how and when to administer medical aid.

A growing field

This is a growing specialty of anthropology because so many nations around the world are undergoing advances in access to health care, while at the same time dealing with major political and environmental disasters. "Medical Anthropology in Ecological Perspective" by Ann McElroy is considered by many to be a good introduction to this complicated field.

How to Prepare Chia Seeds

Chia Pets, a retail product on which grass grows into the pet's "hair," may be the reason most people are familiar with chia seeds. However, these are not the only use for chia seeds. Chia seeds are an edible plant source that comes from a desert plant called Salvia hispanica. This plant is a part of the mint family and grows abundantly in southern Mexico. Chia seeds contain many health benefits and were a large component of Mayan diets. They contain calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin and zinc. They are a good source of fiber, with 6.9 grams in a 25-gram serving. Chia seeds are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Instructions

1

Purchase pure chia seeds.

2

Add chia seeds to filtered water according to instructions on the package. If there are no instructions, use 1/3 cup of seeds for two cups of water. This is a 9:1 ratio.

3

Put the chia seed-and-water mixture in a clean jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.

4

Put the lid on the jar and shake the mixture for one minute. Let the mixture stand for two minutes and then shake for one more minute.

5

Refrigerate the gel for up to two weeks.

Negatives of Provillus

The Natural Products Association distributes Provillus, a hair regrowth product that combines nutritional supplements with the ingredient minoxidil. Minoxidil is the active ingredient in the FDA-approved Rogaine. Provillus contains nine vitamins, herbs and minerals. Know the drawbacks to Provillus before trying out the product.

Common and Rare Side Effects

The active ingredient in Provillus, minoxidil, has many side effects. The most common side effects include itching, redness, flaking of the scalp and dryness. A recurring headache may also occur. Serious side effects are rare but include allergic reactions and swelling, fainting, dizziness, flushing of the skin and fainting. Increased hair loss, acne at the site of application and facial hair growth may also occur. Consult a doctor if any of these side effects occur.

Serious Rare Side Effects

Serious rare side effects that may occur as a result of too much minoxidil being absorbed into the scalp include blurred vision and other changes of vision; numbness of the feet, face and hands; swelling extremities and rapid weight gain. These side effects are extremely dangerous and should be immediately reported to a physician.

Unproven Vitamins and Herbs

Multiple vitamins and herbs are used in Provillus. These herbs include saw palmetto, muria pauma and eleuthero ginseng. These herbs are unproven for hair treatment as they are typically used in supplements for prostate health and sexual dysfunction.

Price

A large price difference exists between Provillus and Rogaine. Both products have the same active ingredient (minoxidil) but a four-month supply of Provillus costs around $150 as of 2010 vs. a four-month supply of Rogaine that runs around $60.