All about Anxiety Disorders

For people suffering from anxiety disorders, anxiety is not merely an occasional wave of apprehension, but a serious disorder that needs to be addressed urgently. These disorders last for six months or more and often aggravate with time due to lack of proper treatment. Since they are usually accompanied by mental or physical illnesses, they are generally disguised by alcohol or substance abuse making it difficult to recognize symptoms. As a result, it becomes crucial to treat other illnesses first in order to prepare the person for treatment of anxiety disorders.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

• Panic Disorder: People suffering from panic attacks tend to avoid visiting places where they have had a panic attack, as they tend to associate these places with their illness. For instance, if a panic attack occurred in an elevator, someone suffering from this disorder may fear using elevators and thus avoid staying in apartments or working in offices located in high rise buildings. Feelings of fear are dominant and such people experience frequent attacks of terror that are accompanied by symptoms such as perspiration, dizziness, and pounding heart. People having a panic attack may feel as if they are about to die, or are losing their mind or having a heart attack. Since panic attacks are sudden, people suffering from this form of disorder get stressed out worrying about their illness and dreading their next attack.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: People suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) usually have constant, disturbing thoughts or "obsessions" and often resort to stringent rituals or "compulsions" to overcome the anxiety that results from such thoughts. For instance, people obsessed with hygiene, may get into the habit of washing their hands frequently. Other common rituals may include frequently checking if the door is locked, or if the stove is off, or count things again and again.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This type of disorder usually develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that involved physical harm or at least a threat of physical harm. Thus traumatic incidents like child abuse, plane crash, bomb blasts, and natural calamities can affect people severely and even make them emotionally numb. They become irritable, lose interest in everything around them, and usually suffer from sleep problems.
• Social Phobia: People suffering from this form of disorder, usually become extremely self-conscious in social situations, as they fear that they are constantly being observed and judged by others. This fear interferes with daily activities and may make it increasing difficult to keep friends or develop a good rapport.
• Specific Phobia: People with specific phobia develop an irrational fear for something that may not be actually dangerous. Thus, someone with specific phobia may dread driving, dogs, tunnels, escalators, and so on.
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Someone suffering from this type of disorder, may experience constant tension and worry about issues unnecessarily all through the day. This habit of constant worrying makes it impossible to lead a normal stress free life and a person suffering from GAD usually has poor concentration.

Treating Anxiety Disorders

With more than forty million American adults suffering from these disorders, it is one of the major health concerns in the United States today. Most of us experience anxiety, fear, or nervousness while attending our first interview, or during our first stage performance. Although it's quite normal to experience these feelings occasionally, some people may suffer from constant anxiety that can disrupt their normal lives. They may experience panic attacks, shyness while meeting new people, or develop phobias that may affect their social life drastically. Treating these disorders is possible and the form of treatment will largely depend on the nature of problem and individual preference. Health experts emphasize on medication, certain forms of psychotherapy or a combination of both for treating effectively. Before going ahead with the treatment, doctors, conduct a through diagnostic exam to determine the type. If the person is also a victim of alcohol or substance abuse, it is important to deal with that problem first to ensure that the patient benefits from the treatment.

• Medication: Although you can't entirely rely on medicines, medication plays an important role in keeping them under control if you are receiving psychotherapy. Your physician may prescribe antidepressants, beta-blockers, and antianxiety drugs to put a check on various physical symptoms associated with the disorder.
• Antidepressants: Basically developed to treat depression, antidepressants have been found very effective in dealing with anxiety disorders. You may require as long as four to six weeks in order to notice a significant difference. However, you need to continue taking antidepressants for a while to gain full control over your illness.
• SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are the newest forms of antidepressants and are used to alter the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Like other neurotransmitters, serotonin also facilitates communication among brain cells and SSRIs are usually prescribed for anxiety disorders like OCD, panic disorder, social phobia, and PTSD. SSRIs have also been very effective in treating patients who suffer from a combination of panic disorder and OCD, depression, or social phobia. Some of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), Fluoxetine (Prozac), and escitalopram (Lexapro).
• Tricyclics: Much older than SSRIs, tricyclics are prescribed for treating anxiety disorders except OCD. Some of the side effects caused by tricyclics include dryness in the mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain.
• Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy involves counseling that is required to reach to the root of the problem and work out ways to deal with the symptoms.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a highly effective form of treatment, is used to change those thoughts that support fear, and help people change the way they respond to anxiety-provoking situations.

Incorporating simple stress management techniques and meditation in your routine life can have a very relaxing effect on the mind and help you deal with the symptoms effectively. Other options include MAOIs, antianxiety drugs, and beta-blockers that can be used to control the symptoms. Many people suffering from anxiety disorders have learned to deal with their problem and have managed to lead a healthy, fulfilling life with proper treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Ulcer?

Have you ever felt a sharp pain in the pit of your stomach, following which the pain has subsided, coming back only when you eat again for a brief period? Does this situation sound familiar? If it does, then the chances are high that you may have stomach ulcers. The upcoming sections of the article will help you understand what are peptic ulcers, their symptoms, causes and treatment.

What Is a Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is, in the most elementary terms, called stomach ulcers. They are also referred to as gastric ulcers. The lining of the stomach or the duodenum becomes sore. The duodenum is the initial segment of the small intestine. A peptic ulcer is called a gastric ulcer, and the ulcer that erodes the lining of the duodenum is called the duodenal ulcer. In certain cases, you may find that they have also developed in the esophagus, the tube or the pipe that carries the food from the mouth to the stomach.

Causes
The most prominent cause is the bacterium called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. This is the bacterium that creates damage when it attacks the stomach lining and destroys it. An excess of stomach acid also causes peptic ulcers. This attack causes the stomach lining to weaken and completely destruct the lining of the stomach. The soft tissues that are situated below the lining come in contact with the strong stomach acids that are produced in excess. The acid that is evicted can cause constant irritation and as time elapses, sores begin to form. Prolonged use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also cause them to build up and destruct the lining of the stomach. Stress and spicy food is not the cause of developing peptic ulcers; however, it may contribute in worsening and aggravating the situation.

When you are struck by peptic ulcers, it is always better to visit a health care professional, so that the ulcers can be cured quickly with the pain and discomfort not bothering you at all. The situation can be brought in complete control when medication is prescribed and followed for a stipulated period.

Symptoms
There are some symptoms that are less severe in nature, thus they could be termed prodromal symptoms that you may encounter. The most prevalent symptom is the burning sensation in the stomach. The pain may erupt anywhere between the belly button and the breastbone. You will experience pain that -

• Erupts in between meals;
• Generally starts post dinnertime;
• Stops with antacids and provides temporary relief;
• Lasts for a brief period (may range from an hour to three hours or so);
• Recurs within a period of days or weeks.

Other symptoms that may mark the severity include -

• Unexplained weight loss;
• Poor appetite;
• Nausea;
• Sharp, throbbing pain that may wake you up during nighttime;
• Bloating (feeling full);
• Having an insipid, almost acidic taste in the mouth;
• Burping with regurgitation of food;
• Discomfort accompanied with profuse perspiration;
• Vomiting fresh blood or dark, brown-colored blood
• A sense of discomfort in the stomach;
• Traces of blood found in stools indicating a bleeding sore.

These symptoms may occur if and when an ulcer has -

• Broken a blood vessel;
• Perforated or made a hole through your stomach or duodenal wall;
• Proving to be an obstruction for your food to travel from your stomach into the duodenum.

Difference between Stomach Ulcers and Heartburn
In most cases, a major symptom that indicates the presence of ulcers is confused with general heartburn and indigestion. The burning sensation in the stomach is almost annoying, making you feel uncomfortable. However, when this sensation lasts for more than 30-40minutes extending to 3 or 4 hours, it is indeed a matter of concern. The most important characteristic is its inconsistent onset. The pain may simmer for a week or a few weeks together, and one may experience no pain at all for weeks together. With stomach ulcers, one may feel a 'vacuum effect' of sorts. There is an emptiness at the pit of the stomach, making you feel that your system is experiencing hunger pangs. With this impression, one may end up eating in excess. The discomfort and vacuuming effect may be put to rest for a while. It is due to this reason that some people may gain weight. The issue of weight gain is faced by cases who have duodenal ulcers. However, in some cases the pain may increase after eating and in some, the pain may appear hours after one has consumed meals.

One may feel that the consumption of antacids and milk are necessary and beneficial in curing stomach ulcers. However, research holds testimony to the fact that antacids are a mode of procuring temporary relief. The same goes for consumption of milk. It is only relief that milk may provide, however, it is not a cure for the ulcers. Antacids are proven to relieve the pain; however, it fails to treat the root cause of stomach ulcers - Helicobacter pylori bacteria infection. It is only when antibiotics are prescribed and ingested that the infection is dealt with. With milk consumption, temporary relief will be attained, however, one is at a risk of increasing acid in the stomach. When the consistency of acid increases in the stomach, one poses the risk of aggravating the existent condition of stomach ulcers.

It would be to your advantage if you consult a trusted practitioner if you have been enduring any recurrent symptoms. Fixing an appointment for an expert consult will rule out serious doubts on the condition you endure.

Treatment
If H. pylori is found to be the cause of stomach ulcers, you would be given drugs to fight and kill the bacterium that is present. Before any medication is prescribed, the doctor will confirm his findings by conducting an endoscopy and this endoscopy will reveal and reconfirm his results. When drugs are administered they are meant to reduce the acid reflux in the stomach so that the ulcer can be cured and the infection does not occur. If the ulcers are at an elementary stage the medication prescribed will be very less in terms of dosage. However, if they have managed to spread, the medication provided would include high dosage which may also involve certain side effects such as vomiting, having an acidic and metallic taste in the mouth, weight loss for no apparent reason, diarrhea, nausea and severe headache. Treatment will carry on for two to three weeks and may take longer if they have spread to a larger area. Within a couple of months you will be completely cured. In certain rare cases, if the ulcers do not heal with the antibiotic prescribed there are probabilities that your doctor may ask you to resort to a surgery. But these cases are extremely rare, and if the medications prescribed are followed by the patient it will treat the condition thoroughly well.

If you feel that you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, consult the medical practitioner without any delay. Do not resort to self-medication. This may worsen the situation and get you in trouble as your condition would take longer to heal if you procrastinate to schedule an appointment with your doctor. It is better to be safe than sorry, right!

Vomiting Bile

Did You Know?

The vomit is usually faint, brown colored matter but the presence of bile makes it greenish-yellow.
Bile is a digestive juice manufactured by the liver. The bile acids, an important component of bile is primarily involved in break down and absorption of fats during digestion. Presence of bile in the vomit is indicating issues with the pyloric valve. It is discussed below:

Pyloric Valve is Open

Bile in the vomit is suggesting that the pyloric valve is open. The pyloric valve is a ring-like sphincter muscle found at the bottom of the stomach. It closes when the stomach contents have emptied completely into the small intestine. The closing of pyloric valve ensures that the contents do not flow in the backward direction. It is observed that most of the digestion takes place in the small intestine. This is where the green bile combines with the ingested food to promote digestion. So, greenish yellow vomit means that the contents of the small intestine (including the bile) have sneaked into the stomach. This can happen only when the pyloric valve is open and not closed.

What Does Vomiting Bile Mean?

Intestinal Blockage: When a person is vomiting bile, it is pointing towards the fact that the intestine is blocked. There is some kind of obstruction in the intestine that is not allowing the food to enter through it. So the ingested food, instead of moving from the stomach to the intestine, travels in the opposite direction and is finally vomited, along with the bile. The obstruction may be the result of twisting of the intestine. In other words, the structure of the intestine is distorted with too many turns and bends. This irregularity in the structure of the intestine could also be a birth defect. As a result, babies and children may frequently vomit bile due to inborn structural deformity of the intestine.

Intestinal obstruction is typically marked by severe abdominal pain. Unlike, other inflammatory bowel diseases, where the pain is tolerable, in this case the discomfort is torturing that may subside intermittently. Abdominal pain is typically accompanied by frequent bouts of green vomiting. Most importantly, the person feels constipated and there is absence of bowel movement.

Treatment: Bowel obstruction is a serious medical emergency and treating the patient at the earliest is a must to avert any complications. In most cases, a surgery is performed to unblock the bowel and correct the structural abnormality. The doctor may cut some portion of the intestine, in order to remove the structural deformity, which will help to stop episodes of vomiting bile.

Gallbladder Surgery: A person who has recently undergone a surgery involving gallbladder removal, may end up vomiting bile. There are reports of vomiting green bile in patients whose gallbladder has been removed. To be honest, vomiting bile is one of the side effects of gallbladder surgery that may last for 4-5 months post operation.

Treatment: If the vomiting persists and is followed by loss of appetite, it is not normal and suggests that the surgery hasn't been performed properly, hence some complications have occurred. It may indicate presence of infection, inflammation of pancreas or gallstones stuck somewhere in the bile duct.

Alcohol Intolerance: Vomiting bile after drinking? Well, this could be because the body is unable to tolerate too much of alcohol intake. It is observed that heavy drinkers are prone to this type of vomiting. It indicates the body's inability to absorb too much alcohol consumption and thus the toxic matter is thrown out of the body along with the bile.

Treatment: Alcohol intolerance being a lifelong medical condition, the best treatment involves staying away from beverages containing alcohol. In order to relieve symptoms of alcohol intolerance, taking OTC antihistamines in the appropriate dosage is recommended.

Gastroenteritis: Also, referred to as stomach flu, this is usually a viral infection of the stomach due to consumption of contaminated food and water. A person diagnosed with gastroenteritis also suffers from diarrhea, dehydration and complains about abdominal cramps. Stools in blood is an indication of a bacterial infection. However, in most cases it is viral gastroenteritis that triggers non-bloody diarrhea. In gastroenteritis, the body is unable to digest solid food for the first 2-3 days. Hence, the patient tends to vomit after taking a normal meal.

Treatment: As gastroenteritis patients vomit frequently, the risk of dehydration increases dramatically. To prevent this, increase water intake (and not carbonated drinks) to compensate for loss of fluid from the body. On the other hand, children are given electrolyte solutions to replenish fluid loss. For adults, antibiotics are prescribed if gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria. Use of antiemetics such as promethazine (Anergan) may also help to stop the vomiting.

Food Poisoning: Food that is cooked in unsanitary conditions is bound to get contaminated with various harmful microbes such as bacteria and viruses. Eating such unhygienic food can cause a number of health problems including diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. People affected with food poisoning not only vomit the contaminated food but are also seen puking yellowish bile.

Treatment: As far as treating food poisoning patients is concerned, consuming electrolyte solutions that are a good source of sodium, potassium and calcium is necessary. This rehydration therapy that is given either orally or intravenously helps to correct electrolyte imbalance. Although, diarrhea is associated with food poisoning, antidiarrheal medicines are not recommended as they are likely to aggravate the condition. Initially, you will be prohibited from eating and drinking for a few hours. Abstinence from consumption of food is then followed by a bland diet. Over time, easily digestible foods are then introduced into the diet.

Food Allergies: Eating certain foods that the person is allergic to, triggers an unexpected immune response forcing him to vomit the ingested food. This may be accompanied by stomach cramps, runny nose and breathing problems.

Treatment: You should avoid consuming allergenic foods that are detrimental to your health. A minor allergic reaction may resolve on its own but in case of a severe allergic reaction that is marked by trouble breathing and facial swelling, a trip to the hospital is necessary. Here, the patient is given epinephrine injections to control the symptoms.

Empty Stomach: Vomiting on a nearly empty stomach can also cause presence of too much bile in the vomit. When there is nothing left in the stomach and you vomit, it is obvious that only thing that will come out, is a greenish liquid, known as bile. No wonder, the vomitus appears bright green when the stomach is empty.

Home Remedies for Vomiting

Temporarily avoid solid food and drink water at regular interval throughout the day to prevent dehydration from frequent vomiting. Having a glass of cold lime juice is also very effective to stop vomiting. Taking anti-nausea herbal teas can also help to relieve vomiting. So, those who have been 'throwing up' repeatedly should drink cinnamon or ginger tea to get relief. Intake of fluids in the form of fruit juices such as cranberry juice can also contribute to reduce nausea and vomiting.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.

Anxiety Attacks During Pregnancy

Everyone experiences bouts of stress and anxiety at some time or the other. The reaction to the daily stress is known as anxiety. Anxiety does not ring an alarm of concern until it culminates into a disabling anxiety disorder which can further lead to an anxiety attack. Now anxiety attack is a sudden surge of an overpowering fear which can strike a person for no rhyme or reason (or at times due to mental pressure caused by multiple reasons). It may also come to a person without any prior warning. And things cannot get any worse in a pregnancy if the woman experiences anxiety attacks during pregnancy.

Panic Attacks During Pregnancy
Anxiety, although concerns the mind, affects the physical aspect of the body too. Some prominent anxiety symptoms observed are heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sudden headache, stomach ache and chest pain. There is an increase in blood pressure and in some people sweating and trembling are significant symptoms.

For a pregnant female, there need not be a reason for anxiety attacks experienced by her. This is because there are many factors pertaining to both physical and mental health conditions. Some of the common reasons could be attributed to hormonal changes within her changing body (Change in hormones always brings changes in the physical and mental condition of a person) or some already existing ailments. One of the palpable reasons for anxiety attacks during pregnancy is alteration in levels of serotonin hormone (which is responsible for producing emotions like fear or worry). Due to an imbalance, this can trigger mood swings, panic attacks and depression. Hormonal changes can lead to erratic mood swings in a pregnant lady which can aggravate the anxiety in her, leading to an anxiety attack during pregnancy.

Apart from the physical concerns, psychological concerns can be more disturbing reasons for causing anxiety disorders during pregnancy. These concerns could be her doubts regarding her motherhood, financial concerns, loneliness or hearing negative things about life over a prolonged period of time. Anxiety attacks during pregnancy is not really an unusual thing, but in due course of time, if the recurrence is high, it does indicate that something is not right. Below listed are prominent anxiety attack symptoms in women who are pregnant:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Hot flashes, chills and excessive sweating
• Numbness in limbs
• Shortness of breath
• Emotional issues like detachment or unreality
• Irrational fears (like "going to die" or "impending doom")
• High blood pressure

Providing Relief from Anxiety During Pregnancy

• Practice Breathing Exercises: Anxiousness has never gotten anyone anywhere. So whenever anxiety strikes you, try to strike it back! Place your left hand on stomach and take deep breaths. Inhale slowly and deeply. While you take long breaths, you can feel the expansion and contraction of the stomach muscles within. Breathing exercises and yoga help a pregnant woman in complete relaxation of body and mind.
• Eat Healthy Diet: A healthy balanced diet is essential for a pregnant woman. Healthy food helps in sustaining a healthy body and a healthy body will sustain a healthy mind. Protein rich food (like lean meat, fish, poultry, egg whites, and beans) aid in producing nerve calming chemicals within the body. A lot of fruits, juices and fiber vegetables are recommended.
• Sleep well: Needless to say, a sound sleep is a very essential for a healthy life. In fact, sleep is the time when the immune system of our body strengthens itself. And for a pregnant woman, a sound sleep is a must. It is the best self healing therapy which need not be taught. And if a lady finds it difficult to sleep, she can listen to soothing musical notes which can help in calming down her nerves.

Now coming to the medication part, pregnancy and consumption of antianxiety drugs is definitely not a good combination. However in extreme conditions, antidepressants are recommended by doctors to combat depression symptoms in pregnant women. Below is a list of anxiety cure medications that include anxiety relieving drugs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and mood stabilizers:

• Citalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Amitriptyline (anti depressant)
• Nortriptyline
• Bupropion
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
• Benzodiazepine
• Sertraline

*Caution: The medications listed here are to be taken under doctor's guidance only.

Anxiety attacks during pregnancy can be a trying time for the woman and her family and can get quite depressing for the family. The best way to combat such unavoidable situations is to keep the mind engaged in activities like reading good books, hearing soothing music, eating healthy food, practicing pregnancy exercises and enjoying a good sound sleep in the night. Herbal medications can also be given to pregnant ladies as an alternative to the prescribed depression medications. Anxiety is quite a peril for a pregnant lady as it also induces stress into the unborn life budding inside her. Consequences of anxiety disorders during pregnancy can lead to premature births and children born with cleft lips. So, help your woman to overcome anxiety and depression. Make her happy and create an ebullient atmosphere around her! After all, happy women produce happy children. Isn't it?

Anxiety Attack Relief Tips

Anxiety attacks or panic attacks do not come with a warning sign and just hit you when you least expect it. There can be absolutely no reason for it to occur or there could be several factors playing simultaneous roles which result in such an upheaval. This condition is not restricted to adults alone and is common among children as young as 10 years onwards. Many people suffer from anxiety attacks when they are feeling tired and feel like their glucose levels are plummeting. This condition is medically known as hypoglycemia, wherein one feels giddy, fatigued, and craves for something sweet.

However many, including me, relate this phenomenon to an increase in adrenaline levels as well apart from the exhaustion. There are many individuals who have been suffering from panic attacks through most of their adult life. Here are some effective ways to distract your mind and mood so as to help you feel better and more relaxed.

Try to Walk Around
As soon as you feel your heart palpitating, the fear creeping in and find it increasingly difficult to breathe, remember only one thing. You have to get up and move from your place. Try walking and moving around a bit. If you're stuck in a train, walk in the passage, or pace around near your seat. If you're in a plane and don't have a choice, sit down and try to move your arms, legs and upper body as much as you can. This will help your mind get distracted from what it's going through. Do not worry about how you look, while you're doing these exercises. The point is to help yourself get better as soon as possible. The second advantage is that, it will help expend some of the excess adrenaline which has built up in your system. Working out will help for sure!

Ignore IT!
One of the most difficult but not impossible tasks to perform is to pretend everything is normal and that you are OK! When you know you are getting a panic attack, continue doing whatever you were doing a minute ago. Just relax and let the palpitation subside, which will take approximately less than 10 minutes unless it's a bad one. If it's really bad, it may leave its aftereffects even 15 minutes later. This is what I usually do, when I get panic attacks. I just remember to breathe normally, not to hard or too slow. The reason being because I do not want my mind to feel like something is wrong. Simple: remain calm, rest your head on your chair, like you do when you are tired. Do not bend forward, as this may constrict your air supply and make you feel stuffy and cramped. Trust me, you will feel great, knowing that you did not let the panic attack get the best of you.

Fight IT!
This strategy works great as well. Especially when you are angry that these attacks, dare to trouble you without any reason. If you are the kind to fight it off, try going for brisk walk, or run up and down the stairs, so as to kick out all the excessive adrenaline from your body. Fight it off, by doing exercises which will make you move and sweat. Skipping ropes is a great exercise for this, or simply standing in one place and jumping about 50 times works wonders as well. The advantages of exercising is that it helps release endorphins, which are feel good neurochemicals. They will help you not fear your condition.

Hum a Song
Here is a seemingly funny relief method, which has somehow always helped me and many others. All you need to do is to either hum a song, while you close your ears. Or you could sing it a bit louder, if you are in a private setting. While you do this, try to open you mouth every few seconds and let the sound echo out in a louder tone. This exercise helps distract all your senses and works well in letting the attack pass by quicker. If you do not like this idea, you may try reading a book aloud, or doodling on a piece of paper. Anything which will help you calm yourself down.

Breathing Exercises
If you are the calm sorts, certain anxiety attack relief exercises involving deep breathing would do you good. Women, can take inspiration from the prenatal classes they went through while they were expecting. All you need to do is to breathe a lot of air in through your mouth or nose and breathe it all out again in equal force. If you do it slow, breathe through your nose and exhale slowly as well. This exercise will help you calm down and relax. It will slow down your heart rate and stop the palpitation to a large extent. You may try the age-old brown bag therapy as well, and gradually breathe into a brown bag, while you see it flare in and out.

No to Caffeine and Sugar
These were some techniques that have helped me over the years. However, my doctor told me to stay away from caffeine and sugar, because these increase dehydration and energy levels. Instead drink plenty of cold water and take small sips. This will make you feel so much better.

Laugh It Off
If you have been feeling anxious or are on the brink of a panic attack, you may try reading a few really hilarious jokes, or watching a funny video online, or simply cracking a joke with a friend etc. Laughter is a great therapy for anxiety and helps you alleviate your stress and sends out happy signals to your brain, which helps it calm down. Trust me, you will feel so much better and relaxed after your bout of laughter.

The entire idea is to calm down, which means you keep your adrenaline levels at a normal and indulge in exercises on a regular basis so that you learn how to control your adrenaline.

Ten Ways to Cope with Anxiety

Anyone with an anxiety disorder can tell you that even though it's difficult, it isn't impossible to handle one's anxiety, especially for those whose anxieties are so severe that they must seek psychiatric treatment. Even those who are just worriers and don't need to seek medical attention for their anxiety have found that there are certain techniques one can use to help quell those nervous thoughts. There are ten ways to fight back against anxiety that don't require medication or doctors.

10. Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to stop anxiety. Not only is it good for your body in general, the extra blood and oxygen flow to your brain helps to relax those with nervous thinking. Even if you aren't an anxious person, you really should exercise!

9. Eating right

Consuming too much caffeine and sugar can make just about anyone anxious. It can increase your heart rate, among other physiological effects, and make you more anxious than you were to begin with. Eat a balanced diet and avoid large amounts of caffeine.

8. Journaling

Journaling is a great way to release stress daily. By putting things down in words, you are releasing them onto the pages rather than keeping them pent up inside. Less stress naturally equals less anxiety.

7. Yoga

Need I say more? This popular form of exercise is both soothing and calming. I highly recommend it!

6. Pets

Pets are known to lower blood pressure and keep their owners calmer than people who don't own pets. They're also fun to talk to when you are anxious because they can't make judgments about your thoughts even if you are being irrational! They will sit there, listen, and hope they get a treat eventually.

5. Deep Breathing

This one of the most important methods for relieving anxiety. Often those suffering from anxiety tend to hyperventilate. By taking slow, deep breaths you can prevent hyperventilation and help the body get more oxygen to the brain. Oxygen will calm the body and mind.

4. Lists

Putting down your worries in a list can help you to identify which ones are legitimate and which are toxic, anxiety-causing worries. Try crossing out those that you have no control over to eliminate those toxic worries.

3. Talking

Talk to someone! It's as easy as that. Tell someone you trust, like a close friend, family member, or therapist, all about what's troubling you. Letting it out will ease the mind and the soul.

2. Meditation

Meditation is a difficult practice to get into, especially for those of us with overactive worries, but once you make it a habit you'll find it to be a great way to ease the nerves and keep your anxiety under control.

1. HUGS!

Giving and receiving hugs is not only a good way to show someone you care, but as social creatures we need contact with others. It's a natural thing we crave. Physical contact releases those feel-good endorphins that we all need once in a while. Sometimes the best way to stop those anxious thoughts is to go to a close friend or family member and say, "I'm not feeling well. Could I have a hug?" They'll certainly oblige because hugs probably make them feel better too!!

What is Potash

Origin of the term potash can be traced back to the Dutch word of potaschen. Potash has been used in many different applications from historic times. It was mainly used to make glass and also in textile industries. Potash was used in the soap making industry from 500 A.D. The method of leaching ashes of both sea and land plants was used in preparing potash. The mining of potash began in Ethiopia in the 14th century. So what is potash made of? The term potash is used for chemical compounds (salts) that contain a water-soluble form of potassium. One of the commonly found potassium compounds/potash is potassium chloride.

Facts about Potash

Some of the important facts pertaining to potash are presented below. The benefits of this chemical can be understood by means of this information.

• Potash is the 7th most common element found on earth. Proportion of potash contained in sea water is of 390 mg per liter. About 4 ppm of potash can be found in rainwater.
• Potash rock is the commonly used source to obtain this chemical.
• A variety of body functions are carried out with the help of potash. The amount of potassium required to maintain a healthy body (in adults) is 2 grams/day. Different sources through which potassium can be obtained are milk, root vegetables, bananas, fruit juice, etc.
• Fighting off the extreme temperatures (for plants) is possible with the help of potassium intake. The other problems/hazards that potassium helps overcome are attacks of insects (pests), weeds, etc. Plants can overcome stressful conditions with help of potassium.
• Potassium proves to be useful in the process of strengthening roots of plants; it also prevents the process of wilting.
• The processes of starch formation and protein synthesis are influenced by potassium to a great extent.

Potash Fertilizer
Potash rock is the source used in preparing the potash fertilizer. Potassium chloride is processed into forms of potash fertilizers like the potassium sulfate (K2SO4). Organic form of the potash fertilizer is wood ash. The wood ashes contain 6% of potash. The benefits offered by potash fertilizers are as follows:

• Potash is responsible for speedy growth of roots.
• Intensity of the diseases, which affect plant growth is reduced by the use of potash.
• Potash is considered to be useful from the point of photosynthesis.
• Production of grains that possess a high content of starches can be achieved by the use of potash fertilizers.
• Potash proves to be useful in the build-up of cellulose.
• Around 50 enzymes get activated due to the action of potash.
• Potash proves to be useful from the point of maintaining turgor and reducing wilting in plants.

Potash Poisoning
It is common knowledge that potash acts as a poison to heart. However, this chemical is also known to affect the nervous system and brain. The heart can get paralyzed with the introduction of potash into the circulatory system (and finally reaching the heart). Injection of potash in the jugular vein also has a similar effect. Chloride of potassium is a protoplasmic poison. It affects the brain and nervous system.

What is Potash Alum?
The chemical formula of potash alum is KAl(SO4)2 or KAl(SO4)2,12H2O. The specific name of this compound is hydrated potassium aluminum sulfate. Alum is actually a wider class of chemical compounds other than one mentioned above. The empirical formula for this class of alums is AB(SO4)2,12H2O. Potash alum is soluble in water. It is a naturally occurring mineral; potash alum occurs in the form of encrustations on rocks. Earlier, the mineral called alunite was used in the preparation of potash alum.

The article presents information about potash, what is its chemical composition and also the related facts associated with this chemical.

Stomach Ulcer Relief

An open sore in the lining of the stomach or intestine is known as stomach ulcer. It is caused by the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori and long term usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, voltaren, indocin and naproxen. Stomach ulcer causes immense discomfort to the sufferer. The most common stomach ulcer symptoms are recurrent burning pain in the upper abdomen. In some patients, the pain gets severe after a few hours of eating. This is because, when the food leaves the stomach, the acid concentration remains high. This causes sharp abdominal pain.

There can be some cases of stomach ulcer where instead of pain, there is an increase in hunger or bloating. One serious complication of stomach ulcer is bleeding. Such a condition is indicated by black stool. Bleeding ulcers need immediate medical attention. However, there are certain things that can be tried at the comfort of your home, for effective stomach ulcer relief. Take a look at the following account on stomach ulcer to understand the disorder well.

Stomach Ulcer: Diagnosis
Usually, the symptoms and medical history of the patient is sufficient enough for the suspicion of stomach ulcer. However, several diagnostic tests are available to confirm the presence of stomach ulcer. A direct examination of the ulcer is conducted with the help of upper intestinal endoscopy. The same view can be seen by a barium x-ray of the stomach. Sometimes, a biopsy specimen is obtained to detect the malignancy of the stomach ulcer, in rare case.

Stomach Ulcer: Treatment
Stomach ulcer treatment is based on curing the underlying cause for it completely. As already mentioned, there are two main reasons behind stomach ulcer, namely a H.pylori infection and prolonged usage of NSAIDs. In the former case, treating the infection with effective antibiotics gives the patient complete stomach ulcer relief. Similarly, in the latter case, avoiding NSAIDs provides relief from stomach ulcers over time. The medical treatment for stomach ulcer also includes acid suppressing drugs while healing the damage.

Stomach Ulcer: Home Remedies
You can try out the below suggested natural ways of hastening the healing process of stomach ulcers.

• Caffeine and alcohol stimulate the production of stomach acid. Both these substances should be avoided completely if intense pain is felt due to stomach ulcer.
• Nicotine will hinder the healing process of stomach ulcer. It is advisable not to smoke or chew tobacco. This will delay the process of stomach ulcer treatment.
• Over-the-counter antacids can be taken to get temporary ease from stomach ulcer pain and other discomforts. One of the popular antacids called Pepto-Bismol, helps in the stomach ulcer cure.
• A patient of stomach ulcer should try to lead a stress free life. It is believed that stress aggravates the symptoms of stomach ulcer.
• One should avoid eating spicy, sour and hot foods as they tend to irritate the stomach.
• Following a simple diet with a fixed schedule of meal times provides the body with stomach ulcer relief.
• A herbal remedy for stomach ulcer is licorice or Glycyrrhiza glabra. Take its root, dry it and soak it in water for about 8-9 hours. Eat it with other dishes like rice gruel.

Effective stomach ulcer medication is available for stomach ulcer relief. Unfortunately, they do not produce the desired effects on many patients. In such cases, surgery, being the last option, is conducted. It can be either an open surgery or with the aid of laparoscopic methods. In a majority of the cases, positive results are obtained. Thus, by going through the given information on stomach ulcers, you must have come to know that complete stomach ulcer relief is possible and can be attained with medical treatments along with following a few simple home remedies. The future is indeed hopeful for patients with stomach ulcer.

Abs Diet Meal Plan for Women

Fab abs are always associated with celebrities, bikini models, fitness trainers, and body builders. If you think the same then you will be happy to know that you are wrong. How may crunches and abs exercises you perform every day? I am sure many of you are obsessed with the thought of having a flat belly. A moderate ab exercise is always welcome but how much attention you pay to your diet? Hardly anything. Cutting down on calories and counting them throughout the day aimlessly doesn't help in reducing the belly fat and getting the flat abs. You must follow a good abs diet meal plan to get toned belly. This article tells you about the abs diet for women that can help you achieve an hourglass figure. But before that, I would tell you certain food facts associated with belly fat that can help you make your own healthy abs diet plan.

Abs Diet Facts

Fat Storage: In most people the fat is stored in the lower belly, upper belly, or the buttocks, in short the lower body. So if you want to reduce the belly fat it is important to reduce the consumption of fat that accumulates on your stomach.

Eat More Weigh Less: I know it sounds better. But what is that you eat more is very crucial. You can eat raw salads and sprouted beans as much as you want during the day but not butter and chocolates. If you really long for them then have them in the morning in moderate amount.

Fad Diets: The world is full of people who want you to buy their silly product at any cost. They know you will fall prey to their bogus promises because they know you are in need. But stay away from such fad diets and crash diets, which initially look very promising but are hazardous to the health in the long run.

Eating Timings: Women are generally conscious about what they eat but not about when they eat. Eating at same time everyday is very important to reduce and maintain weight. Apart from this, you should consume heavy foods in the morning and light ones at night.

What to Cut On: Some people skip meals to reduce belly fat but that is not helpful at all. You just end up eating more later if not, you suffer from low energy and nutrient deficiencies. Instead of this you can go for smart foods that are low in calories but provide you enough energy. Not eating something completely is definitely a bad idea. So what you can do is consume them moderately or substitute them wisely. For example, eat whole grain foods instead of white foods.

Commitment: No no I am not talking about your partner. I mean that you must be committed to your diet and abdominal exercise regime. People are excited about losing weight initially but soon their enthusiasm fades and they end up putting on more weight. So stay committed and sure you will get the results faster.

Abs Diet Meal Plan

This is one of the flexible abs diet meal plan so that you get all the nutrients and you can eat variety of foods everyday. A monotonous diet is one of the biggest reasons why people do not adhere to the diet plans. So you can eat variety of fruits, vegetables that are low in calories and fats. But the only precaution you must take is eating right foods at the right time. Given below are some of the abs diet power foods that you must consume as staple foods:

• Spinach and other green leafy vegetable
• Almonds and other nuts
• Lean meats
• Instant oatmeal
• Egg whites
• Beans and legumes
• All type of berries
• Whole grain foods
• Low fat or no fat dairy products

You can combine the above foods wisely and make your own abs diet recipes. Given below is the effective abs diet plan that is made of the above power foods. It can also serve as six pack abs diet for women if combined with effective ab exercises.

Breakfast
1 cup of milk/ tea/ coffee
Oats - unflavored and unsweetened/ Cereals/ Cornflakes
One fruit- Apple/ Pear/ Peach/ Banana/ Guava/ 1 cup of berries/ Watermelon, Papaya etc.

Morning Snack
Handful of peanuts/ Peanut butter with whole grain toast/ Low fat yogurt

Lunch
Tofu/ Grilled or boiled chicken and Plain vegetable salad with whole grain bread or whole grain boiled rice
Or
Any type of green leafy vegetables, salad with whole grain pasta or whole grain bread
Or
Whole grain bread sandwich with low fat cheese

Evening Snack
One cup of skimmed milk/ tea/ coffee with popcorn or whole grain biscuits

Dinner
Boiled rice or whole grain bread with boiled fish or vegetables

From the above flat abs diet plan it is clear that you should eat less for dinner. Another important thing is having dinner at least two hours before going to bed. Those who are really obese can even skip the dinner and have a cup of skimmed milk or fibrous fruits and salads that can help them reduce belly fat faster. Try to avoid the sweet things as much as possible so that you can treat yourself once a month with a piece of cake or pastry. Follow the meal plan for a month meticulously and see the changes. Before you start abs diet, take the measurements of your abs. After one month, take measurements to check how many inches you have lost.

Low Purine Diet Tips

Purines are a group of aromatic organic compounds, which contain two fused rings of carbon and nitrogen atoms. They are one of the most widely distributed nitrogen containing heterocycle (organic compound containing at least one atom of carbon) in nature. Human body produces purine naturally. It is one of the two classes of bases in nucleic acids. In general, purine includes any of the bases that are derivatives of purine. Some of the important purines other than the bases of nucleic acids are adenosine, uric acid, caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Purine is also an important component of many of the biomolecules.

Purine plays an important role in body metabolism such as cellular signaling process, energy metabolism, translation, and disposal mechanism. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant. Overproduction or deficiency of purine causes certain purine metabolic diseases such as gout, xanthinuria and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (APRT) deficiency, lesch-nyhan syndrome, adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency, 5' nucleotidase defect, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency, myoadenylate deaminase deficiency and so on.

Low Purine Diet

Among the various purine metabolic diseases, gout or hyperuricemia is one of the most common diseases caused by overproduction of uric acid. It is characterized by high level of uric acid in blood. Excess uric acid is also deposited as uric acid crystals in joints, resulting in swelling and inflammation. Thus, patient of gout suffers from severe joint pain. Treatment of gout is done by limiting purine-rich diets and other medication. Maintaining body weight and regular exercise also help in gout treatment. Let's see some of the tips on low purine diets, which will help you in planning your diet.

Diet should include ample amounts of fruits and fruit juices. In addition, one should drink plenty of water so as to help the body in flushing out excess uric acid. This will also prevent further formation of uric acid crystals and/or stones.

Vegetables such as cauliflower, mushrooms, asparagus, green peas, spinach and beans are moderately rich in purine. So, consumption of these vegetables should be limited. However, there is no relevant data available about these vegetables, whether they affect purine metabolism or not. Other green vegetables and tomatoes have relatively low purine content.

Red meat (meat obtained from mammals) such as beef, pork and lamb are a rich source of purine. Meat from certain parts such as kidney and liver is extremely high in purine. Thus, red meat and organ meat should be avoided as far as possible. Poultry to a certain limit is safe to include in diet.

Dark berries are beneficial since they contain chemicals that reduce uric acid. Tofu (fermented soybean) is found to be very effective in lowering uric acid. Milk and milk products such as cheese and butter have low content of purine. Also nuts, corn, cornbread, tapioca, white bread, noodles, ice cream, chocolate, tea and coffee are safe to consume in this regard.

Seafood especially fish such as oysters, mackerels, salmons, sardines, clams and herrings should be avoided, as they have high purine content. Seafood other than these is safe to include in the diet but care should be taken not to overconsume them. Fish eggs (roe) are also rich in purine and should be avoided.

Diet should not contain beer and other alcoholic beverages, which are produced by yeast fermentation since they are very rich source of purine. Consumption of alcoholic beverages increases frequency of gout attacks.

Studies have been done on diets for gout (painful arthritis attack). Researchers have found out that a balanced diet should include complex carbohydrate foods such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Protein content should be low, around 15% calories and should be from selected food items like poultry and soybean. The total calorie amount from fats should be as low as 30%. It is always recommended to consult your physician and dietitian before following any diet plan.