Archive for January, 2009

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Holistic Therapy For Couples – Creating Balance in Your Life and Relationship


2009
01.31

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Many couples who experience a bump in the road in their relationship turn to counseling for help. Some people do not realize the differences between holistic counseling and traditional counseling when they are trying to work out relationship issues.

Traditional counseling typically focuses primarily on the issues the couple brings to the session to discuss, whether they are subjects of frequent arguments, one partner’s hurt feelings, or intimacy issues. Working on these surface issues can be helpful, but this approach acts more as a band-aid to cover only visible wounds while ignoring the imbalance between the partners that could be causing the wounds.

A couple’s individual disagreements and communication problems could be symptoms of a much greater issue – one that will never be addressed by traditional counseling. In most cases, when two people are in need of counseling, both the individuals and the couple as a unit are out of balance and need a more holistic approach to help them heal themselves and their relationship.

Holistic Counseling is entirely focused on helping partners reclaim that balance and wellness for themselves and for their lives together. A balanced partnership is one founded upon feelings of love, trust, intimacy, and joy. As such, all holistic therapy will focus on enhancing these aspects of the bond.

The holistic approach is best for two people who feel like their relationship is out of balance, particularly if they believe that their disagreements are a symptom of a larger issue. Relationships lacking in joy, intimacy, or positive communication can benefit from this method. Through holistic therapy, partners can explore these issues and learn new ways of thinking about their bond with one another.

Holistic therapy may particularly appeal to people who find a traditional therapist’s approach off-putting. Some participants in typical therapy sessions feel like they are being involved in a moderated debate; others even think their partner and the therapist are ganging up on them.

Another benefit of holistic counseling is that it is far less likely than traditional counseling to result in psychiatric medication being prescribed for one or both parties. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and sleeping pills are often recommended for one or both people by traditional counselors. Sometimes, these drugs serve only to increase problems between two people. They can cause sexual issues or even change an individual’s personality to some degree, creating another rift. That is not to say that drugs are inappropriate for every case, of course. Unfortunately, many modern practitioners use medication as a first line of defense rather than a last ditch resort. Swallowing a pill is easier than changing a couple’s worldview or the way that they work with one another.

Holistic therapy should not be viewed as a quick fix to relationship problems. However, it will reach down to the roots of the bond to improve the couple as a whole as well as both individuals. It is an approach designed for partners who desire true balance in their lives, both together and separately.

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Cystic Acne and Some Natural Treatments


2009
01.30

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More severe cases of acne tend to be characterized not just by the presence of pimples and blemishes, but also by the formation of nodules or cysts. Acne that involves the development of cysts is called cystic acne.

A cystic acne lesion is much larger than a regular pimple, sometimes 5mm or more in diameter. These lesions can be hard and painful. Cystic acne lesions are filled with pus but should not be squeezed. Squeezing a cystic lesion can lead to a worse infection and inflammation. The lesions are prone to scarring and should be taken care of by a dermatologist, who often uses procedures to reduce swelling and to lessen the likelihood of scar formation.

In severe cases of cystic acne, it may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist about treatment. But there are many holistic remedies and preventative measures one can take against cystic acne. An alternative medicine practitioner should be consulted about some of these holistic remedies, while other more common procedures can easily be performed at home with no medical supervision.

Many dermatologists and alternative medicine practitioners believe that cystic acne can be controlled to some degree through diet. Cystic acne is often the result of an unknown allergic reaction to particular foods.

The first step in controlling cystic acne through diet is to experiment with the systematic elimination of certain foods. It is also helpful to add certain foods to your diet that are known to help in the recovery of severely acne prone skin.

Sugary foods and foods that contain milk or dairy products are commonly the trigger for cystic acne. As you experiment with eliminating these food types, be sure to read package labels closely so that you are not ingesting sugar and dairy products unknowingly. Be aware that it may be several weeks before you notice a change.

Foods containing trans-fatty acids are also a common irritant to skin prone to cystic acne. Foods like margarine, shortening, fried foods, salty snacks, soda, and meat contain trans-fatty acids and should be avoided.

Many people who suffer from cystic acne find that the addition of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin A carotene can help to ease their condition. These foods include dark leafy vegetables, and yellow-orange vegetables and fruits such as carrots, yams, and squash.

It is also helpful to drink up to four quarts of purified water a day to eliminate toxins and to help the transportation of essential nutrients to the skin.

Cystic acne can also be aggravated by stress. Alternative medicine practitioners often suggest making yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation part of your daily activities. These activities can help to reduce stress levels, thereby decreasing the skin’s tendency to produce cystic acne lesions. Getting enough sleep is also essential in holistic therapy treatments.

Sufficient and appropriate cleansing is also an important part of holistically taking care of skin prone to cystic acne.

To clean your skin effectively, wash it gently twice a day using warm water. Do not scrub or use harsh cleansing agents that are abrasive or high in Ph, which can aggravate the condition. Mild soaps are more effective. To dry your skin, pat it gently with a soft towel.

If you are considering treating cystic acne holistically, these tips are a good place to start. You may wish to consult an alternative medicine practitioner about further herbal and holistic therapies.

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How Dental Hygiene Affects Your Health


2009
01.29

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Good dental health and overall health are linked. There is no two ways about it. If you have an unhealthy mouth, chances are your body is not healthy either. Why? Well, every part of the body is interconnected. So, when you think about your health, don’t just think about blood, heart, lungs, etc. think about your oral health as well.

Dental hygiene affects your health in many ways. Poor dental hygiene often results in poor health, whereas good dental hygiene helps you stay on the road to good health. Let’s look at some examples:

Your mouth has tons of bacteria growing and living in it. This is fact, and can’t be avoided, but it can be better controlled. However, these bacteria are only kept under control by daily hygiene practices. So, how does good dental hygiene’s affect on control of bacteria affect your health? Well, as the plaque and tartar build up, and take over the mouth, they find their way into the blood stream. Your blood travels all throughout your body, so this can be detrimental to a person’s overall health. When infections or bacteria in the mouth enter the blood stream, they can start to attack arteries. In fact, they often attack the heart. It has been shown through many studies that people with poor oral health, and those who practice poor dental hygiene are more at risk for heart disease, stroke, and heart attack than those who take good care of their mouth and practice impeccable dental hygiene.

Dental hygiene does not only affect your health, but if you are pregnant, the dental hygiene your practice can also affect the health of your unborn baby. It is very important for women in childbearing years to be vigilant about keeping good oral health. Many studies have shown that premature birth is often connected to the mother having gum disease. Good dental hygiene almost always eliminates gum disease, and thus greatly reduces your risks of having a baby prematurely. The infection and bacteria caused by poor oral hygiene will lead to gum disease and can end up affecting the development of an unborn child. Although women who are pregnant should not undergo all dental procedures, regular check-ups and cleanings should be maintained, and are important to the health of your fetus.

How else does dental hygiene affect your health? Well, on a more basic level, good oral health means less pain for you to suffer. Pain in your mouth is caused by tooth decay and gum irritation. If you brush and floss properly each day, your gums will be healthy and strong, you will maintain your teeth, and you will have far less decay that leads to cavities. In essence, if you maintain good oral and dental hygiene, you will not have to suffer the pain and stress of trips to the dentist’s office.

Another way good dental hygiene and oral health are connected is in nutrition. Part of keeping a healthy mouth is eating right. Eating the right way means less cavities, it also means your body has the nutrients it needs to fight off infections and disease, including gum disease.

People who develop and maintain good dental hygiene habits are likely to have good overall hygiene habits that affect their general health. If you wash your hands regularly, shower, clean yourself, etc. you are less likely to get sick, and more likely to live a healthy happy life. So, brush, floss, see your dentist regularly, and remember good dental health means more than an attractive smile, it means health and vitality.

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Genetics of Food Allergy and Intolerance


2009
01.25

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Can genetics explain if you are allergic to some pollens or foods?

White blood cell patterns determined genetically and designated as HLA DQ and DR genes have been identified with an increased risk of pollen, dust, latex, and food allergies. The intriguing part of this story is that there is an advantage to knowing your HLA DR and DQ type when evaluating your risk for pollen allergies and their associated food allergies or cross reactions.

Genetics of Food Reactions and Allergies

As I explain in more detail in my articles on the genetics of gluten sensitivity, we all have proteins on the surface of our cells that are genetically determined. These patterns are easily detectable by testing cells from blood or from the mouth obtained by a Q-tip type swab. Specific patterns have been associated with increased risk for autoimmune conditions, gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.

HLA DQ Genetics and Celiac or Gluten Sensitivity

HLA DQ2 is present in more than 90% of people who have celiac disease while HLADQ8 is present in most of the rest, though not all people with celiac have been found to have DQ2 and/or DQ8.

DQ and DR Genetic Patterns Associated with Food and Pollen Allergies or Sensitivities?

Now it appears certain DQ or DR patterns are associated with food and pollen allergies as well. As the Food Doc, I continue to search the literature for more information about genetic links to food allergy and intolerance. My search has led to me to a couple of interesting articles in the unusual area of oral allergy syndrome (OAS). The relationship between seasonal and perennial nasal allergies and food allergies is certainly well established but not generally known by most doctors or patients. It appears that some of us need to avoid eating certain foods if we have hay fever or allergies, especially during the hay fever season. This problem also appears to be inherited.

Research Documents Genetic Association With Certain Food and Pollen Allergies

Boehncke, et al. from the University of Frankfurt reported in 1998 that certain white blood cell types known HLA class II genotypes or HLA DQ and DR genetic patterns were found more frequently in people with certain pollen associated food allergies. HLA-DQB1*0301 is present in more people with grass pollen allergy. Those with HLA-DRB1*08, an inherited white blood cell protein pattern linked with a grass pollen allergy, have six times the increased risk of peanut allergy. Those who have inherited the HLA-DRB1*12 white blood cell pattern are 13 times higher at risk for carrot allergy.

Tree Pollen Allergy to Birch Tree Pollen Appears to be Worst

Birch pollen associated hazel nut allergy is linked to HLA-DRB1*01, DQA1*0101, and DQB1*0501. Hazel nut, almond, walnut and apple are the most common food allergies associated with birch tree pollen. Allergies to those foods are commonly associated with birch tree pollen in other studies.

Weed Allergies Also Associated With Food Reactions

In 2004, Wang et al. from China published that the inherited white blood cell type DQA1*0302 is found in more people with Artemisia pollen-induced allergic rhinitis, hay fever due to Mugwort or Sagebrush weeds. Mugwort allergy is associated with several food allergies including apple, celery, hazelnut, pistachio, lettuce, almond, peanut, and carrots.

Where to Get Genetic Testing

There are three commercial labs that I am aware of that offer full HLA DQ typing. They are Quest Laboratories, The Laboratory at Bonfils in Denver, and Enterolab. Bonfils runs the Enterolab genetic tests. Enterolab offers the test run on samples of cells obtained from a Q-tip swab of the mouth. The test can be obtained directly from Enterolab without a doctor’s order though it is not covered by insurance. It however is very reasonable from a genetic testing standpoint at $149. Bonfils also does the DQ typing on cells obtained from blood samples sent to them from other labs.

The Future of Genetic Testing in Pollen and Food Allergies

In the future such testing should be very helpful in evaluating suspected food allergies, intolerance and pollen allergies. In the meantime those of us interested in this interesting story anxiously await more research findings in this exciting area. Dr. Fine, founder of Enterolab, has previously published the HLA DQ patterns associated with microscopic colitis. He has found that microscopic changes in the colon or large intestine are similar if not identical to what is seen in the small intestine in celiac disease. Several articles now document that a gluten free diet works in many people with microscopic, lymphocytic and collagenous colitis. It also helps many with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

A finding of intraepithelial lymphocytosis in the distal small intestine (terminal ileum) is associated with an increased incidence of celiac disease in the proximal small intestine. Now, adding to the intrigue, are these articles linking certain inherited white blood cell protein gene patterns to pollen allergy and food allergy cross reactions that are well recognized but rarely pursued clinically. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS), also called the “burning mouth syndrome”, occurs in many people but frequently goes undiagnosed. Symptoms include burning, painful and/or itching sensation of mouth or throat with or without swelling that occurs almost immediately after eating certain foods. The foods causing these reactions are commonly associated with pollen, latex or dust allergies.

Unusual Association of Pollen Allergies and Mouth Burning or Food Reactions

This unusual association of tree, grass, and weed pollens, latex and house dust mite allergies to food reactions, though well documented in the medical literature, is not commonly recognized by doctors or patients. The OAS literature contains numerous reports of food allergy or intolerance reactions that are associated with specific pollen, dust, mold or latex allergies. One of the best examples is ragweed pollen allergy. It is associated with a higher risk of food allergy or intolerance to only a few foods. These include foods in the gourd family (cucumbers and melons) and bananas. On other the hand, Birch tree pollen allergy is associated with sensitivity to many foods. The list includes those foods in the Rosacea family (apples, pears), tree nut family (hazelnut, almond, walnut), potatoes, and carrots. Reactions include classic allergic reactions such as skin rashes (atopic dermatitis, hives), wheezing (asthma), runny nose (allergic rhinitis), as well as the burning mouth OAS symptoms and other food intolerance symptoms.

If You Suspect Food Allergy, Intolerance or Sensitivity Get Evaluated By an Expert

Individuals who suspect food allergy or intolerance are encouraged to review the food-pollen connection and undergo appropriate evaluations for food allergy, intolerance and sensitivity. Food sensitivity includes gluten sensitivity and cow’s milk (casein) protein sensitivity. Food intolerance includes lactose intolerance. Food allergies are separate and distinct from either food sensitivity or food intolerance.

Consider Getting Genetic Testing or Asking Your Doctor to Test You

This new information about the link of white blood cell protein patterns, HLA DQ types, suggests that we should consider having genetic testing done. After an adequate evaluation,

Establish a Baseline Symptom Score and Start a Food Symptom Diet Diary

I encourage everyone to establish a baseline symptom score. A detailed food symptom diary before a trial of elimination diet is also extremely helpful. An elimination diet that excludes major food lectins (dairy, grain, legumes, and nightshades) and any foods from the pollen list that one is allergic is recommended before accepting diagnoses of IBS, fibromyalgia, unexplained neuropathy or headaches, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Any symptoms not readily explained or improved with other diagnoses and treatment should be considered to be possibly due to a food reaction until proven otherwise.

Selected Bibliography

Boehncke, et al. Clin Exp Allergy. 1998 Apr;28 (4):434-41.

Fine KD et al. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Aug;95(8):1974-82.

Wang et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Feb; 130(2): 192-197.

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Dental Hygiene – Get Rid of Bad Breath


2009
01.24

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Bad breath is not an uncommon thing, but it is best to do something about it if you suffer from it as it can affect you both personally and professionally, especially in situations where you need to do a lot of socializing. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple and common remedies out there to help us cure bad breath. The extent of bad breath experienced by each individual would differ depending on the individual, and therefore the cures would be different too based on the individual.

If you are unfortunately suffering from bad breath, here are eight common remedies which you could try:

1. Maintain good oral hygiene. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough. This helps to keep your teeth and mouth clean, which in turn helps keep bad breath at bay. You don’t have to do much, just make sure you brush your teeth once in the morning and once more before you go to bed. Throughout the day, you could help keep your mouth clean by gargling with lukewarm water every time you eat something, even if it just snacks or sweets.

2. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also linked with brushing your teeth if you want to cure bad breath, and to get your mouth as clean as possible, you need to practice the right brushing technique. Contrary to what most people think, vigorously scrubbing your teeth is not the right way, and in fact can cause your enamel to wear out. Gentle brushing using down and up strokes or brushing in a small circular motion will suffice. Don’t forget to brush the outside, inside and on the crowns of your teeth as well.

3. Another thing that is linked to oral hygiene and brushing is brushing the tongue. It is important that you clean your tongue, as the thick, white coating you sometimes get on your tongue can also cause you to have bad breath. Once you’re done brushing your teeth, just run the brush gently on your tongue to clean it.

4. You need to floss or at least clean your teeth with a toothpick after a meal, because the food particles that get stuck in between the teeth can get decayed by bacteria and cause bad breath, especially if they are left overnight. Be sure to do this gently so that you don’t injure your gums.

5. It is also important to gargle with lukewarm water or a mouth wash of some sort after you have had something to eat. This will help clean your mouth and get rid of any remaining food particles that might still be in there. If you don’t want to use a mouth wash or you don’t have one available at hand, then try dissolving a little salt into the lukewarm water.

6. Use natural or artificial mouth fresheners to keep bad breath at bay. Some natural products which work as mouth fresheners are Cinnamon and cloves for example.

7. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids as well, because a dry mouth can also lead to bad breath. Your saliva produces enzymes that help keep away bacteria when your mouth is moist, so be sure to drink lots of water.

8. If you know you suffer from bad breath, don’t aggravate the situation by eating foods such as garlic and raw onions that make it worse. In fact, whether you have bad breath or not, you should avoid foods that make your mouth smell after eating, especially if you are going to an important meeting.

Now that you know some tips on how to cure bad breath, you can do something about it before it gets worse. If you have a more severe case of halitosis however, you may need professional help in curing the problem.

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Sleep, Insomnia, Good Skin


2009
01.24

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When was the last time you had a good night sleep? The feeling was heavenly, right? You have a clearer disposition in life. You look good. Your skin glows. You could do your job well and most of all, you could maintain that killer smile continuously flashing on your face. So, forget wearing that grumpy face of yours when you didn’t get a good sleep.

But how do I get a good sleep? This is the million dollar question of the millions of insomniacs out there. Some have consulted professional help and others have tried all the over the counter drugs just to find the best cure for the disorder. Before taking any measure that would involve money and spending, why not follow these helpful tips:

Don’t be a worrier! Let tomorrow worries for itself
If you are troubled, don’t try to solve them at the same time
Have a more positive outlook in life
Forget about your work when you are about to go to sleep
Keep yourself tidy and fresh before going to bed.
Avoid thinking too much!
Drink a glass of milk before bedtime.
Read a good book
Make sure that your stomach is not empty and not too full!
Don’t forget to pray!!!

Remember that an optimistic person emits positive vibration. You are inviting good things to come into your life. Just think that you don’t have trouble getting sleep. You’ll be surprised that you no longer have the disorder nor the help of those sleeping pills and professional advice..

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