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Natural Health Tip 116
More Benefits of Flax Seed
One of my earlier presentations in
Flax seeds are rich in protein, but the best benefit of flax seed is the oil of the seed that contains alpha linolenic acids, shortened to ALA.
The essential fatty acids found in flaxseed oil are the principal reason why this nutrient needs to be a part of every diet.
In addition to
Flax seed oil seems to have properties that can heal the inner lining of inflamed intestines. The fiber in each serving of flax seeds can also contribute to healthy intestinal flora, preventing disease and illness related to unhealthy bacteria in the body. Many people who are dealing with constipation, a weak digestive system, or just need to get started on a detoxifier, can benefit from taking flaxseed oil each day. Flax seeds at one time were a common ingredient in cereals and breads, but wheat and corn have become the prevalent flours today. However, flax can be added to cereals and other prepared foods, such as salads and soups.
Flaxseed oil is an affordable and safe supplement that has enormous health benefits. Whether you select flax seeds mixed in cereal, salads, and other foods or the oil in gel caps that are easy to swallow and digest, flaxseed should be a daily supplement.
Happy Fathers Day to all fathers or those that honor their fathers. My father passed away eleven years ago nearly to the day. His picture is on my dresser and I thank him for showing me the important lessons of life. To him I give my grateful thanks for tolerating my outrageous behaviors.
It is summer and I am taking my hiatus for a few months to complete my continuing educations courses and other necessary tasks. Have a joyous summer and I will see you in the fall.
Health and happiness.
John
www.diynaturalhealth.net
john@diynaturalhealth.net
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Natural Health Tip 115
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome. Is it contagious?
World Cup Soccer and summer sports guarantee a few shin splints. Shin splints is a general term used to refer to a painful condition in the shins. often caused by running, jumping, dancing or sprinting and may be very slow to heal. A formal medical term for the condition is medial tibial stress syndrome.[
The function of the muscles at the front of the shin (tibialis anterior) is to dorsiflex, the foot or cause it to bend upward at the ankle. Imagine standing with the foot flat on a level surface. Without lifting the heel from the surface bring your foot upward. The large muscle on the inside edge of your shin bone (tibia) is the anterior tibialis. It may not be obvious why a muscle which raises the toes can be stressed or injured by running, but it is an important muscle to stabilize the ankle especially in vigorous and strenuous activities. Common activities of skiing and skating can also result in shin splints.
It is also believed that a contributing cause of shin muscle pain in some cases is the relative weakness of the muscles on the anterior of the lower leg compared to those in the calf. Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the shin are prescribed to even out the muscle imbalance.
What to do if you develop a shin splint –
Unless you plan to take a few weeks sunning in
· Running and other strenuous activities which include flexing the anterior tibialis should be avoided until the pain subsides and no longer returns. With rest and anti-inflammatory treatments, such as cold-packs and topical anti-inflammatory gels, additional treatments may be suggested by a doctor or athletic trainer.
· Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be taken, though there is some controversy over their effectiveness. Also, the lower legs may be taped or wrapped in an elastic bandage to stabilize and take some load off the periosteum (See Natural Health Tip 92 to learn how to apply an elastic wrap). In addition, gentle massaging the affected muscle can be helpful, though try to avoid the tibial bone. Finally, using good shoes is important.
What to do that can help avoid shin splints-
Remember that soft tissue injuries, such as shin splints, take time to heal. A fractured bone is often immobilized, thus allowing the injury to quickly heal. Soft tissue injuries take longer because we continue to use those muscles.
· Balancing muscle groups can help prevent injuries, such as shin splints. Exercises, such as yoga and Tai Chi, can gently and effectively develop muscle balance. Morning stretching before running is important as is the stretching after running. Healthy circulation can help reduce soft tissue injuries.
· Low impact activities, such as swimming or bike riding, can be alternatives or as part of a cross-training program to reduce the risk of shin splints.
· Wear good quality shoes. In fact, rotate wearing your shoes whether exercising or just for daily activities. Properly fitting shoes can retain muscle group balance and maybe reduce muscle injuries.
Have a happy Fathers Day next Sunday. I know it’s a popular marketing technique to tie dads and grads together, but unless you are a graduating dad this day is special for all fathers. Have a great week and I will talk with you soon.
Health and happiness.
John
www.diynaturalhealth.net
John@diynaturalhealth.net
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Natural Health Tip 114
Hepatitis B
I was surprised to learn that
The city is about one-third Asian descent, and of those the San Francisco Health Department is estimating that seventy-five percent are probably infected with the hepatitis B virus. The suspected reason for the high incidence is that women who had the virus transmitted it to their children.
Discussing hepatitis can cover a wide variety of causes and symptoms. There are basically five viruses, A, B, C, D, and E, which can cause infection. The most common forms of hepatitis are A, B, and C. Hepatitis is defined as inflammation of the liver (hepat-liver and itis- inflammation). The reality is that most people who are infected with HBV do not know it until it develops into a more serious stage, such as liver cancer which is usually fatal.
Hepatitis B is a potentially serious form of liver inflammation due to infection by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It occurs in both rapidly developing (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) forms, and is one of the commonest chronic infectious diseases worldwide. An effective vaccine is available which will prevent the disease in those who are later exposed.
When a person is infected by HBV, the virus enters the bloodstream and body fluids, and is able to pass through tiny breaks in the skin, mouth, or the male or female genital area. In areas high in HBV infection, children are the most vulnerable because they do not have the immune system to ward off the virus. On the other hand, only about five percent of teenagers and adults develop the chronic infection.
There are several ways of getting the infection:
- During birth, a mother with hepatitis B may pass HBV on to her infant.
- Contact with infected blood is a common means of transmitting hepatitis B. One way this may happen is by being stuck with a needle. Both healthcare workers and those who inject drugs into their veins are also at risk.
- Having unprotected sex with a person infected by HBV.
The most common way of transmitting the hepatitis virus is blood to blood or derivatives from transfusions. It cannot be transmitted casually by shaking hands, sharing a hug, or even with others in the workplace. However, practicing basic health protections are important.
- Wash your hands. I’ve preached this so many times.
- Wash fruits and vegetables especially from developing countries that may not have sufficient health protocols.
- Practice safe sex.
I openly confess that I am not an expert on hepatitis, but I did unfortunately have an experience on an Intensive Care Unit when I was accidentally stuck by an IV needle. This prompted the Administration to have me take the HBV vaccine, a series if three inoculations, as a health precaution. That was over thirty years ago.
After my incident one of the nurses shared her story that after injecting a patient she was accidently bumped and she dropped the syringe that landed point down through her shoe. There she stood with the syringe stuck through her shoe and into her foot. The Charge Nurse ordered her to have the HBV vaccine.
Have a great and healthy week and month of June. Talk with you soon.
John
John@diynaturalhealth.net
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