Wednesday, November 29, 2017

白血病先兆 Leukemia Symptoms: Know the Signs

經常發燒、疲憊不堪,甚或有關節疼痛和淋巴腫賬等不適。 這些症狀表面上看有些似流感或其他感染的跡像,但這些也是白血病患者常見的症狀。白血病的其他症狀包括容易出血或瘀傷、反复流鼻血和皮膚出現小紅點等。

一般而言,白血病屬於人體血液組織的癌症(骨髓是其中一種血液組織)。 白血病的體徵因癌症類型而異, 在某些情況下,白血病早期可能沒有明顯症狀。

由於許多白血病症狀比較模糊,可能由其他疾病(癌變或非癌變)引起,所以必須盡快讓醫生對其進行評估。 一個及時而準確的診斷意味著更早可以開始治療,挽回一命。

You’re feverish and fatigued. Your joints ache, and your lymph glands have swollen. Sounds like you have signs of the flu or any number of infections. But they’re also common leukemia symptoms.  Other symptoms of leukemia are easy bleeding or bruising, recurrent nosebleeds and tiny red spots in your skin.

In general terms, leukemia is cancer of your body’s blood-forming tissues, such as the bone marrow. Signs of leukemia vary, depending on the type of cancer you have; in some cases, leukemia causes no symptoms early on.

Since many leukemia symptoms are vague and may be caused by other conditions—cancerous and non-cancerous—it’s important to have them evaluated by your physician. A prompt, accurate diagnosis means an earlier start to treatment that may save your life.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

舒緩耳鳴的補充劑 Supplements for Tinnitus

耳鳴是指耳朵聽到嘶嘶聲或振鈴聲,這些聲音可以持續性或間歇性發生。有時發生於一邊耳朵,也可能兩邊同時發生。

耳鳴有很多成因,或者與年齡漸長聽力減退有關,或由於耳部損傷或感染、身處高噪音環境或高海拔地區、上呼吸道感染、耳垢堵塞、身體缺乏某些維他命和礦物質、耳骨改變、甚或高血壓或低血壓、糖尿病或血液循環障礙等因素所造成。

耳鳴情況如果未能得到改善,會嚴重干擾日常生活,影響聽力,不能集中精神去工作,甚至睡眠困難。

這裡提供一些天然補充劑,或有助減少耳鳴發生,天然而有效。

1.銀杏葉

銀杏葉被認為是針對耳鳴最有效的草藥。它有助改善血液循環,因此能改善耳部功能,減少聽到振鈴等聲音。

此外,銀杏葉具有抗菌和抗真菌特性,可以針對潛在感染,有利於改善症狀。

建議每天服用120至240毫克標準化銀杏葉提取物,持續服用六週效果更為理想。


2. 聖羅勒

聖羅勒是一種印度草藥,也是針對耳鳴很有效的自然療法草本成分。它的抗菌特性能消除導致耳鳴的細菌。另外,這種草藥可以減輕耳痛情況。

3. 生薑

生薑也有助改善耳鳴情況。薑的藥用和治療作用有助改善血液循環、消除病原體和對抗自由基。此外,它具有類似阿司匹林的止痛特性,幫助減輕耳鳴引起的疼痛感覺。



Tinnitus means sizzling or ringing sounds in the ears, which can be constant or intermittent. It can occur in one or both ears.

It may be caused by age-related hearing loss, an ear injury or infection, exposure to loud noise, high altitudes, upper respiratory infections, earwax blockage, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, ear bone changes, or diseases like high or low blood pressure, diabetes or a circulatory system disorder.

This annoying condition can interfere with daily activities and cause difficulty hearing, working, concentrating and sleeping. There are a number of natural supplements to reduce ringing in the ears that are very effective.

1. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is considered the best herbal remedy for tinnitus. It plays a key role in improving blood circulation, which in turn improves the ear functioning and reduces ringing sensations.

Plus, this herb has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can treat any underlying infection that may be contributing to the condition.

Take 120 to 240 mg of standardized extract daily for six weeks to get positive results.

2. Tulasi (Holy Basil)

Tulasi is another good natural remedy for treating tinnitus. Its antibacterial properties can kill the bacteria that may be causing the problem. Plus, this herb can give you relief from ear pain.

3. Ginger

Ginger is also used as a cure for tinnitus. The medicinal and healing properties in ginger help improve blood circulation, get rid of pathogens, and fight free radicals. Plus, it has aspirin-like properties that can help reduce pain accompanying tinnitus.

Sunday, November 19, 2017

鼻竇炎 Sinusitis

根據最新研究指出,鼻竇炎與真菌感染關係密切。真菌感染會引起鼻塞,造成鼻腔和鼻竇腫脹閉合,最終導致鼻竇炎。人體內,無論任何管道被阻塞(如闌尾、膽囊等),都會導致繼發性細菌感染 - 鼻竇也不例外。病發時,鼻腔粘液會變成黃綠色,多數人這時候會去看醫生。醫生很多時會處方抗生素以消除細菌感染,這樣你短期內會感覺好了一些。不幸的是,抗生素會導致鼻腔內的真菌(酵母菌)感染惡化,誘發更多的腫脹和堵塞,再導致更多的細菌感染。這就是為什麼鼻竇炎通常會變成慢性鼻炎。 Mayo Clinic Proceedings報導的一項有趣的研究指出,以前“真菌過敏被認為只涉及少於10%的病例......然而我們的研究表明,真菌可能是幾乎所有這些問題的原因,它不是過敏反應,而是免疫反應。”

天然療法
膠性銀鼻腔噴霧
膠性銀是一種非常有用的治療鼻竇炎的天然成分。它具有抗病毒和細菌感染特性。每個鼻孔每天使用1-2次,持續使用6-12週,效果最為理想。

針對念珠菌感染
為了剷除鼻竇感染的根源,治療真菌/念珠菌感染至關重要。鼻竇炎(甚至慢性鼻炎)通常在接受治療6-12週情況會明顯改善。大蒜(Allium sativum)具有抗真菌特性。益生菌如嗜酸乳桿菌和雙歧桿菌也有助於恢復鼻粘膜細菌的正常平衡。一些研究表明黑接骨木果中的化學物質或有助於減少包括鼻竇在內的粘膜腫脹,並有助於緩解鼻塞。

桉樹油(尤加利油)
桉樹油能產生一種奇妙的帶滲透性的揮發物,不會像薄荷油那樣具有刺激性。桉樹油芬香,幾個世紀以來一直用於擴張呼吸道、縮小鼻腔腫脹和減少粘液分泌 - 效果快速也不會令人昏昏欲睡。

勤洗鼻
用一杯溫水、1/4至半茶匙的食用鹽開鹽水洗鼻,能將數以十億計的細菌清除,這樣你的身體就不必與之搏鬥了。

盡量避免使用抗生素
鼻竇感染可能存於所謂的“生物膜”中。服用抗生素很可能會將短期鼻竇感染轉變為慢性鼻竇炎。


Fungal infections cause a stuffy nose, eventually causing the nasal passages and sinuses to swell shut. In the body, any time something gets blocked (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, etc.), it results in a secondary bacterial infection — and the sinuses are no exception. When this happens, your nasal mucus turns yellow-green, and you go to the doctor in pain. They give you an antibiotic, which knocks out the bacterial infection and sometimes leaves you feeling better. Unfortunately, the antibiotic worsens the underlying yeast infection in your nose, causing more swelling and blockages and, therefore, more attacks of bacterial infections. This is why sinusitis in the U.S. usually becomes chronic. An interesting study reported in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings noted that previously “fungus allergy was thought to be involved in less than 10% of cases... our studies indicate, in fact, fungus is likely the cause of nearly all of these problems and that it is not an allergic reaction but an immune reaction.”

Treatment
Colloidal Silver Nose Spray
Another very helpful over the counter treatment for sinusitis is colloidal silver. It is an anti-infectious agent against both viral and bacterial infections.  Use 1 to 2 sprays in each nostril twice a day for 6-12 weeks.

Check for candida
To get to the root of sinus infections, and eliminate them, treat the underlying fungal/Candida infections. Sinusitis, even chronic, usually responds dramatically to yeast treatment for 6-12 weeks.  Garlic (Allium sativum) has antifungal properties. Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium may help restore normal balance of bacteria in the nasal mucous membranes. Some evidence suggests that chemicals in elderberry may help reduce swelling in mucous membranes, including the sinuses, and help relieve nasal congestion.

Eucalyptus oil
Eucalyptus oil provides a wonderful penetrating vapor that does not have the tendency to irritate like menthol. Eucalyptus smells great, and has been used for centuries to clear stuffy airways, shrink nasal swelling and reduce secretion of mucus — fast and without causing sedation.

Nasal rinses
Nasal rinses using 1/4-1/2 tsp of salt per cup of lukewarm water will wash billions of bacteria down the sink so your body doesn’t have to fight them.

Avoid antibiotics
Sinus infections likely exist in what are called “Biofilms.” Antibiotics turn short term sinus infections into chronic ones.

Friday, November 10, 2017

草藥排毒:牛蒡與沒藥 Herbal detox: Burdock and Myrrh

牛蒡的使用歷史悠久,用於排清肝臟毒素和滋養血液。 服用後,它有發汗的特性,也會增加小便次數。 牛蒡是其中一種最有效的排毒藥草。

用處:舒緩痤瘡、糖尿病、濕疹、牛皮癬,它並具有抗癌特性。


沒藥也是非常有效的排毒草藥,它具有抗真菌和殺菌功效。

用處:香氛療法、香港腳、念珠菌、感冒、傷口、口腔護理、痔瘡和喉嚨痛。

主要成分是樹脂(粘性物質)。


Burdock (Arctium lappa) has been an important ancient herb used for cleaning the liver and building the blood. If taken internally, it could get you sweaty and urinating. Think of burdock as a toxic elimination herb.

Helps with: acne, diabetes, eczema, psoriasis and it has anti-cancer properties.


Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) has long been used as a cleansing agent due to its effective antifungal and antiseptic properties.

Helps with: aromatherapy, athlete’s foot, yeast, colds, cuts, oral care, hemorrhoids and sore throats.

The resin (the sticky substance) is used.

Thursday, November 09, 2017

降糖之星:肉桂與丁香 Spices for Diabetes: Cinnamon and Cloves

隨著糖尿病發病率不斷上升,而且西藥治療比較難根治,許多患者轉而傾向使用自然療法幫助控制病情。在一眾天然補充劑之中,肉桂和丁香在降糖作用的研究中有非常詳細的記載。

肉桂

肉桂來自原產於斯里蘭卡的一種濃密綠色樹木。其樹皮的內層被烘乾後,就是我們常見的香料————肉桂。根據美國營養學會2007年發表的研究,肉桂具有與胰島素類似的生物學性質,因此具有降低餐後血糖的能力。另外,根據美國營養學會2009年的報告,在餐中使用肉桂可降低胰島素抵抗性並增強胃腸激素的作用,造成飽腹感和減慢胃部排空率,對控制飯後血糖飆升非常有效。

丁香

丁香是來自一種熱帶常綠喬木的花蕾。研究表明,糖尿病患者每日服用丁香,有助減少血液中葡萄糖水平。根據Alam Khan博士2006年發表的研究,當食用超過30天,丁香具有將平均血清葡萄糖從12.5度降低至8.3度的潛力。

有益心臟健康

經常服用肉桂和丁香除了幫助降低血糖,對心臟健康也有額外益處。根據美國糖尿病協會2003年發表的研究,使用肉桂和丁香超過40天可以降低2型糖尿病患者的甘油三酯、低密度膽固醇和總膽固醇水平。


With rates of diabetes rising and no cure in sight, many patients are turning to natural remedies for support in managing their condition. Amoung these, cinnamon and cloves have been well-documented in research for their glucose-lowering effects.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon originates from bushy green trees native to Sri Lanka. The inner layers of the tree bark are dried to cultivate cinnamon. With biological properties similar to the hormone insulin, cinnamon has the ability to lower post-meal blood sugars, according to research published by the American Society of Nutrition in 2007. In addition, the use of cinnamon at meals decreases insulin resistance and enhances the effects of gastrointestinal hormones responsible for satiety and decreased gastric emptying rates, according to the American Society of Nutrition in 2009.

Cloves

Cloves come from a flower bud of a tropical evergreen tree. Research promotes the use of cloves for patients with diabetes for the glucose-lowering impacts experienced when consuming cloves on a daily basis. When consumed for more than 30 days, according to research published by Dr. Alam Khan in 2006, cloves have the potential to lower an average serum glucose from 12.5 mmol/L to 8.3 mmol/L.

Heart Health Benefits

For people seeking to use cinnamon and cloves for their glucose-lowering impacts, an additional heart health benefit exists. The use of cinnamon and cloves for more than 40 days leads to a reduction in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to research published by the American Diabetes Association in 2003.

扯鼻鼾 Snoring

當喉嚨組織在放鬆狀態下開始振動並在睡眠中發出聲音時,就會扯鼻鼾。如果扯鼻鼾情況嚴重,則可能導致失眠、破壞睡眠質素並引起煩躁。 幸而有許多簡單有效的天然補救措施可以舒緩這問題。 胡蘆巴 胡蘆巴是一種很好的天然療法,可防止因消化問題引起的扯鼻鼾。胡蘆巴對睡眠呼吸暫停也有效。 維他命C...