Natural Remedies Tips And Information

Many women begin to notice an increased pattern of weight gain during menopause. Whereas women traditionally gain weight in the hips or buttocks, menopausal women find their weight gain localized around their abdomen. Decreasing amounts of estrogen in the female body as it stops menstruating is thought to be the primary cause for this weight gain, though the exact mechanics are not known. In addition, the decrease in muscle mass and slowing of the metabolism that is associated with ageing also plays a major role in menopausal weight gain. This weight gain can lead to a myriad of health issues, including heart disease and decreased energy.

There are several simple things that can be done to decrease or even reverse the pattern of menopausal weight gain, however. Eating a low-fat, high fiber diet will aid in reducing the fat accumulations around the midsection. Sustained cardiovascular activity will help boost your body's metabolism, making it easier to burn fat. Building muscle mass is also highly effective in this regard. These simple steps can help you work though menopausal weight gains.

May 12, 2006 11:04 - FDA Warns Antihistamine Linked to Deaths

Apr 25, 10:10 PM (ET)

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal health officials warned parents and doctors Tuesday not to give drugs that contain promethazine hydrochloride to children younger than 2, citing seven cases of death linked to use of the antihistamine.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a safety alert that beyond the deaths, it also has received 22 reports of severe breathing problems associated with use of the allergy drug, all in children younger than 2.

The drug, also known as promethazine HCl, is sold by Wyeth under the brand name Phenergan as well as in various generic versions. The warning covers all forms of the drug, including syrups, suppositories, tablets and injectable liquids.

Parents also should use care in giving the drug to children older than 2, the FDA said. The labels on all versions of the drug have been updated to reflect the strengthened warnings, the FDA said.

The drug, approved in 1951, is used to treat hay fever, stuffy or runny nose due to allergies and other minor allergies.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060426/D8H7DDDO0.html

May 16, 2006 12:50 - Vitamin E helpful in prevention of Diabetes type 2

Vitamin E has long been known to be a powerful antioxidant; it is often recommended to help detoxify the liver, amongst other uses. However, recent studies have suggested that vitamin E's uses may even include the prevention of type-2 diabetes in overweight individuals.

Insulin resistance, which often happens in people that are overweight or obese, causes the body to develop a resistance to the natural hormone that controls blood sugar. It is a precursor to the actual onset of type-2 diabetes. A recent study in New Zealand has found that vitamin E consumption actually improved insulin resistance in a group of overweight test subjects. Though these results were rather short-lived, researchers also found that elevations of a particular liver enzyme that is considered a warning sign for diabetes showed remarkable improvement during the duration of the study.

Vitamin E is found in a wide variety of foods, from nuts and seeds to whole grains and leafy green vegetables. The best way to prevent the onset of type-2 diabetes is to monitor diet and weight, but vitamin E can also help.

May 31, 2006 11:04 - Baby Colic Home Remedy

Colic is a condition found in babies that are 3 weeks to 3 months old. The behavior is characterized by constant crying (more than 3 hours daily) for more than 3 times a week. While the exact cause of colic is unknown, most health care professionals believe that the baby's temperament, environment, and occasional stomach pain may all be contributing factors. So how can parents help to remedy colic? Giving your baby a pacifier or going for a walk or drive with your baby may soothe colic, but there are also some other home remedies that may prove helpful.

Chamomilla, otherwise known as chamomile, is one such herb that has shown benefits in treating colic. This herb is known for its calming effect upon the nervous system, and can also help soothe upset stomachs. This may be why it has shown success in combating colic. Magnesium Phosphate has also been shown to have positive effects for babies with colic. This cell salt has long been used to remedy muscle and nervous disorders, and has a relaxing influence on colicky babies.

It is important for parents to note that colic is not something that they caused. It will usually go away shortly after your baby is 3 months old, but to help treat the condition in the meantime, it may be helpful to give these natural remedies a try. Learn more about a safe baby colic remedy here.