Duodenal Ulcer Symptoms

Duodenal ulcer is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacteria acts by causing the rupture of the inner lining of the stomach and the digestive tract. As we know, our stomach produces hydrochloric acid, that helps in digestion of food and destruction of bacteria. This acid is corrosive in nature and so some cells on the internal lining of the stomach and duodenum generate a natural mucus barrier to protect the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Our body naturally maintains a balance between this digestive acid and the mucus defense barrier. However, a person may develop duodenal ulcers if there is any kind of alteration in this balance, i.e. excessive acid generation or less production of mucus barrier by the duodenum, which may eventually damage the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

Causes of Duodenal Ulcer
Although research shows that 80 to 90% of cases of duodenal ulcer in humans is primarily due to bacterial infections, there are various other factors that may lead to different symptoms. Smoking, excessive caffeine intake, drinking alcohol, stress, etc., are some common causes that may stimulate acid secretion in the stomach, and increase the risk of developing ulcers. Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, make the stomach vulnerable to the harmful effects of hydrochloric acid.

Symptoms of Duodenal Ulcer
Though each individual may experience different symptoms, the following are the most common symptoms. The patient may usually suffer duodenal ulcer symptoms between or immediately after meals, when hungry or during the early hours of morning. The pain or discomfort due to duodenal ulcer may last for few minutes to several hours.

• Gnawing or burning of the stomach
• Severe abdominal pain, especially between the breastbone and the navel
• Heartburn, especially after meals
• Excessive bloating, belching of the stomach
• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Excessive fatigue and weakness
• Tarry bowel movements
• Bleeding ulcers, though very rare, mainly occur due to perforation of the intestinal wall, or an obstruction preventing the passage of food

Diagnosis of Duodenal Ulcer
For diagnosing a duodenal ulcer, the doctor may review the patient's symptoms, medical history and conduct tests like an upper GI radiograph, in which the patient swallows liquid barium to locate the ulcer on the radiograph. The patient may also have to undergo blood and stool tests to determine the presence of H. pylori bacteria. In some cases, the doctor may perform an endoscopy to view the upper digestive tract, or a biopsy in which a piece of tissue is taken and sent for lab testing.

Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer
The treatment mainly depends on the cause and severity of the disease. The doctor may prescribe medications like H2-blockers and acid pump inhibitors to reduce the amount of acid generated by the stomach. Antibiotics or mucosal protective agents like antacids, sucralfate, etc., can be used to form a protective barrier over the site of the ulcer. However, if these medications are not effective enough to subside the duodenal ulcer, the patient may have to undergo a surgery, or the ulcer may even transgress into duodenal cancer.

However, along with these treatments, one of the most effective ways to cure is to bring healthy changes in our lifestyle. The patient should quit smoking, drinking alcohol, caffeine and chewing or smoking tobacco products as these things may ignite duodenal ulcer symptoms. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest can surely help overcome and prevent the risks of developing duodenal ulcer.

Ulcer Diet List

Sometimes, due to specific reasons, the lining inside the stomach gets eroded or abraded. This condition is known as ulcer and is one of the painful conditions experienced by people of all age groups. Various factors like eating extremely spicy foods, smoking, consuming alcohol, etc. can cause ulcer. Peptic or stomach ulcers in children are due to a bacterial infection caused by H. pylori or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).

Ulcers can be of different types like stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, esophageal ulcer, etc. Treatment of ulcers includes use of medications like antacids, acid blockers and PP inhibitors. At the same time, it is also essential to follow a diet to reduce the acid production in the body and prevent further damage.

Ulcer Diet

There are certain foods which tend to aggravate the acid production in the body and cause more discomfort. It is very difficult to treat and cure ulcer if a person continues consuming these foods. Therefore, these foods need to be avoided from the body as soon as possible. On the other hand, there are several foods in the ulcer diet list that are safe to consume as they do not lead to acid production in the body.

Type of Foods	Foods to Avoid	Foods Safe to Consume
Vegetables	Tomatoes, cabbage, sprouts, turnips, peppers, cucumber, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, rutabaga, sauerkraut	Green leafy vegetables, legumes, all fresh vegetables
Fruits	Citrus fruits, lemons, oranges, berries, nuts and seeds	All the rest of fruits
Dairy	Whole milk, butter, cream, cheese, margarine	Low fat milk, butter, soy, tofu
Meat / Poultry	Fried and seasoned meat, chicken and fish, corned beef, frankfurter sausages	Lean meat, fish, skinless poultry, eggs
Grains	Breads, pastries, cakes, biscuits, refined flour products	Whole wheat bread and pasta, rice cakes, waffles
Beverages	Coffee, tea, soda, fruit juice	Herbal tea, clear homemade soup
Others	Animal fat, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, ketchup, peanut butter, vinegar, mustard oil, chili sauce, pepper, garlic, chili powder, pickles	Olive oil, low-fat dressing, honey

Ulcer Diet Recommendations

If you are looking for an easy diet for ulcers, then note that all fried, processed and canned foods need to be completely avoided in the peptic ulcer diet. Most of the canned and processed foods contain higher amounts of salts, preservatives and vinegar that can aggravate ulcer and hence, they need to be cut down from the diet. Similarly, chocolates, candies and mint also worsen stomach ulcers and hence, one should avoid having these foods. When suffering from ulcers, it is advisable to go for home cooked and light food that are recommended in the above mentioned list. The following are some recommendations that one need to follow along with the diet.

• It is essential to have freshly cooked food, preferably cooked at home.
• You should have smaller meals and eat food slowly. Having 4-5 small meals after a gap of 2-3 hours helps in proper digestion.
• You should have dinner 2-3 hours prior to bedtime. It is not advisable to lie down immediately after having meals.
• Spicy, acidic and fried foods should be totally avoided for getting rid of ulcers as soon as possible. Spices, oil, dressing, salts and sugar should also be used in moderation in the peptic ulcer disease diet.

If you follow the ulcer diet regularly for the prescribed period, you can surely recover from the disease completely. Lastly, you should note that even after recovering from the disease, you should not go back to your original diet, but, rather follow this diet to prevent ulcer from recurring. This diet should be followed only after consulting the doctor. Take care!

Alcohol and Stomach Ulcers

I was researching this topic and came across various forums and blogs wherein people are associating their stomach ulcers or the symptoms of stomach ulcers with alcohol. I mean on every other page you will come across queries wherein people are confused if they are suffering from stomach ulcers because of their alcohol consumption, or diet! Well, the answer is, neither alcohol, nor diet is the main CAUSE of stomach ulcers. What exactly are stomach ulcers? Stomach ulcers are nothing else but peptic ulcers that occur within the stomach lining. They are also known as Gastric ulcers. These ulcers form a sore within the stomach wall and eats away the inner lining of the stomach causing bleeding and lesion as well. The main cause of the development of stomach ulcer is a bacterium known as Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, which accounts for 80% of the cases of stomach ulcers. The rest 20% of the causes include intake of certain medications including aspirin, ibuprofen, and medications used to treat osteoarthritis. But then, what does alcohol has to do with stomach ulcers? Is it all right to consume alcohol if it doesn't cause gastric ulcers? Well, all these questions will be answered in the following section.

Relationship Between Drinking Alcohol and Stomach Ulcers

Well, let's think of it this way. Obesity doesn't cause heart attack, but when you are suffering from a heart condition, you are strictly asked to manage your weight. Why? Because being overweight can trigger a heart attack and not cause it! Similarly, alcohol may not be the causing agent of stomach ulcers but it can definitely make the existing condition worse. Consumption of alcohol increases the production of acid in the stomach which eventually leads to further erosion of the stomach lining, causing the ulcer to bleed and making the condition all the more severe in nature. This explains as to why do doctors suggest patients with peptic ulcers to refrain from alcohol. However, the question still remains, why do people experience symptoms of stomach ulcer after drinking alcohol? The most common symptom is abdominal pain, which can also be accompanied by heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Well, the reason behind this could be the level of acid that increases in the body when you consume alcohol. Apart from that, the abdominal pain can also signify problems with the liver and pancreas, which can be a sign of the adverse effects of alcohol on your health. You would be interested to know that there was a study done based on animal testing. It stated that only 190+ proof alcohols have the tendency to cause ulcers in the stomach. However, it is not possible for a human to consume 190 or higher proof alcohol because it would end up burning the skin of the mouth while consuming it. We cannot consume more than 150+ proof alcohol, which cannot cause stomach ulcers on its own.

So what do we conclude about the stomach ulcer-alcohol relationship? I am sure after reading the last five lines of the previous paragraph, you would be very relaxed and happy about the fact that you can "continue" drinking alcohol now, right? Well, no you can't! The bottom line is that alcohol is not the main cause of stomach ulcer, but if you have been experiencing some prominent stomach ulcer symptoms, then alcohol will worsen the condition. It is like, 'salt doesn't burn the skin, but if you already have burns on your skin, then a contact with salt will flare up the burning sensation'. Alcohol also tends makes the stomach all the more acidic, which isn't good if you have ulcers in your stomach, because it will work as a fuel adding to the fire. Therefore, as soon as you understand that alcohol is affecting or flaring up the pain caused by stomach ulcers, stop consuming it in order to prevent further irritation and complications. If the pain or discomfort persists, then get in touch with your healthcare specialist as soon as possible.

Anxiety Symptoms in Women

In today's fast-paced and stressful life, both men and women tend to suffer from anxiety. Women are more prone to it as they have to juggle a lot of things, while balancing both work and home simultaneously. This can cause a lot of stress and tension to a woman. Prolonged stress and worry can sometimes cause anxiety in women. There are a lot of other causes, which produce these symptoms. Let's understand the causes first, before moving on to the symptoms and the cures.

Causes
When facing difficult circumstances in personal or professional life, a woman might feel stressed and anxious. Anxiety in women could also be a result of certain hormonal changes that take place in the body due to menses, childbirth or menopause. Sometimes, excessive intake of tea, coffee, alcohol or taking drugs could lead to anxiety too. A woman might be sensitive to certain foods, such as wheat or sugar. Consumption of these can lead to anxiety. It could also be due to certain chemical imbalances in the body. The brain releases a substance called serotonin, which helps in regulating the moods and emotions, thus keeping a person calm and relaxed. If the brain does not provide adequate amount of serotonin, the body goes through a chemical imbalance, thereby causing these symptoms.

Common Symptoms
Anxiety symptoms in men are similar to those in women. Here are some common depression and anxiety symptoms in women.

Physical

• Increase in heartbeat and heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort and pain
• Abdominal pain and indigestion
• Increased perspiration
• Shivering or trembling
• Numbness in certain body parts
• Dizziness, headaches or light-headed feeling
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling excessively cold, resulting in cold hand and feet and body chills.
• Muscle pain
• Increased blood pressure
• General fatigue
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep

Psychological

• The woman may develop negative feelings and constantly feel that something untoward is going to happen.
• Anxiety triggers a fear of impending death in the sufferers.
• The woman may feel a sense of detachment towards oneself and the world.
• The woman may experience constant worry and tension, and is not able to concentrate on anything.
• The woman might become extremely aggressive.
• There might be a personality change in the woman and she might become socially inactive.

Treatment
Overcome this problem naturally by consuming herbs, such as passionflower, kava kava, valerian and lemon balm, as they soothe the nerves and cure insomnia. These herbal remedies have a calming effect on the body and help in providing relief from tension. Certain meditation techniques, such as breathing exercises and Pranayama, have proven effective in alleviating the symptoms. Reiki, practiced under a trained practitioner, can also help in minimizing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

If you are experiencing anxiety symptoms and chest pain or if the symptoms have worsened, it is recommended that you undertake cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by consulting a psychiatrist. CBT will help identify the reason behind your feelings of stress and the psychotherapist will suggest remedies accordingly. CBT is a systematic approach to solve problems related to dysfunctional emotions and behavior. So psychotherapy sessions can be helpful. In case of an emergency, you may use antianxiety drugs or anti depressant to minimize the symptoms, but only after consulting a physician.

Symptoms of the different types of anxiety, such as social anxiety and separation anxiety, can be controlled or minimized by following the above-mentioned treatment. Having a positive attitude, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising everyday, along with a regular treatment, go a long way in relieving the anxiety symptoms in women.

Proper Diet for Abs

In order to lose weight from your belly, you have to make a routine of exercising daily. Along with exercises, taking a proper diet is extremely essential too. A healthy abs diet ensures that your body is energized to carry out the various exercises that you need to perform to lose belly fat. In addition to that, it aids in fat burning too.

Breakfast is Mandatory
Your breakfast should be the heaviest meal of the day. Never skip your breakfast as it provides you with energy to keep going the whole day. Moreover, you must have seen that whenever you do not eat in the morning, you tend to eat whatever you can lay your hands on during the day. So, to avoid overeating and to keep yourself energized, eat a calcium and protein rich breakfast such as cereals with milk, a boiled egg and perhaps a glass of juice.

Say No to Junk
It is recommended that you take a healthy diet for great abs. So, give up on processed foods, oily stuff, junk food especially burgers and pizzas, as these all add unnecessary layers of fat on the belly.

Lots of Veggies and Fruits
Best diet for abs is that which comprises lots of fruits and vegetables. So make sure to include fiber rich foods such as apples, bananas, prunes, grapefruits, raspberries, oranges, almonds, green peas, avocados, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots and sweet corn in your diet plan.

Food with Complex Carbohydrates
Although many diets recommend to virtually give up on carbohydrates, yet it is not what you should aim for. However, what you should do is to only take foods which have complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal, green leafy vegetables, legumes, brown rice, brown bread and whole wheat pasta. Researches have shown that complex carbohydrates are processed very easily by the body and they in fact help in burning fat from all over the body!

Low Fat Dairy Products
Proper diet for men as well as women should include low-fat dairy products like yogurt and milk as researches show that dairy foods, especially low-fat milk, is one of the shocking foods that burn belly fat.

White Meat and Fish
High protein foods such as chicken and turkey are a must have in any good diet for abs. High protein foods improve upon the body's metabolism, thus leading to lesser weight gain. Eating fish such as salmon and tuna is recommended for men as these contain the omega 3 essential fatty acids which are needed to keep the heart in good shape. Various nuts and seeds such as almonds and flax-seed are rich in such healthy fats too, so should be taken everyday.

A Gallon of Water
Besides eating the right food, make sure to drink enough water to keep your body hydrated. Ideally, two liters of water everyday are suggested for women and men. However, if you are heavily into exercising and body building, drink a gallon. Water helps in better digestion and elimination of fats from the body.

As mentioned above, complement this diet with some effective cardiovascular exercises as well as abdominal exercises. If you are able to stick to this diet and a regular exercise regimen, there are no two ways that soon you will experience fat loss from your entire body, including your stomach, thus revealing those much coveted abs!

ADHD - The Medication Decision

Enlarge Image Three and a half million children in the U.S. meet the criteria for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). With such a large number of children affected, it seems that there are always reports and research projects under way to explore further the most effective treatments for this behavioral disorder. Many people make the assumption that children with ADHD are automatically treated with some sort of prescription medication, but of those three and a half million affected children, only about fifty percent of them are diagnosed and have medications as part of their treatment plans. So if your child is diagnosed with ADHD, what exactly are the options for treating it?

To begin with, parents should not make the assumption that simply because their child is high-energy or has a short attention span he or she has ADHD. ADHD is a behavioral disorder, and diagnosing it is a lengthy process involving a team of individuals working with your child, including, but not limited to, parents, teachers, caregivers, and pediatricians. Plenty of children will exhibit some of the characteristics of ADHD from time to time, depending on their age and maturity level: for example, having trouble taking turns is a fairly standard behavior for a three-year-old! A child with ADHD exhibits many behavior from a standardized list of expected behavior; the symptoms persist over time; and the child's symptoms create some level of impairment in two or more settings (both at school and at home, for example). Once a formal diagnosis is reached, establishing the proper course of treatment is the next step, so it is important to know what your options are.

With half of the diagnosed children out there receiving medication as part of their treatment, clearly medication may be one of the options you and your pediatrician discuss. Before making the decision to medicate your child for any condition, parents need to make sure that they understand why the medication is being deemed necessary; how the medication works in your child's body; and what are the possible risks and side effects of the medication in question.

The most common drug used to treat ADHD is methylphenidate (a stimulant, prescribed under brand names such as Ritalin and Concerta); there are also what are called "mixed salts", which is actually a blend of dexadrine and amphetamine, also stimulants. Stimulants can help to block the dopamine transporter (dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control movement, attention, and behavior), thus reducing levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Some other popular brand-name drugs used to treat ADHD are Adderall and Metadate. All of these drugs are considered Schedule II drugs, which means that they have a high degree of potential for abuse and require close medical monitoring and monthly office visits for prescriptions.

Parents who are considering using these medications face a daunting list of side effects; these can range from nausea, vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, even death (there were 186 deaths from the use of methylphenidate between 1990 and 2000). Even one of the newest, non-stimulant medications, Strattera, comes with a formal suicide warning for users. Many parents (obviously, from the statistics, about half of them) feel that these risks are acceptable when they are weighed against the reduction of their child's symptoms and the resultant improvement in the child's quality of life, peer interactions, or academic performance.

For other parents, however, especially for those whose child has been diagnosed with a milder form of ADHD, or whose child is a borderline case, the risks far outweigh any possible advantages they can imagine. So what non-medical options are available to those children?

First, an open, frank relationship with your child's teacher is critical if you make the decision not to medicate. It's all well and good to say "I don't feel comfortable giving my child those medications", but you can't just leave it at that. Together, you and your child's teachers will need to come up with behavioral modifications, both in the home and in the classroom, and positive/negative reinforcement systems that will be used, and used consistently, to help manage your child's specific behavior issues in all types of settings.

Second, an open and frank relationship with your pediatrician is also critical. Sometimes the push to medicate originates with the parents, sometimes it originates with the school. There is no denying that medication for many children with ADHD can make them calmer, making it easier for the teacher to manage the classroom, but you should not let the school pressure you into making what is, at heart, a medical decision for your child. Having a pediatrician who supports your decision to pursue drug-free options for treatment can provide an ally for you if you should experience pressure from the school to medicate.

Third, be very sure of the diagnosis your child is being given. Symptoms of ADHD are shared by dozens of other conditions, many of which are easily treatable (hypoglycemia; allergies; learning disabilities; and thyroid, hearing, or vision problems are just the tip of the iceberg of things a thorough pediatrician should seek to eliminate as possible causes of your child's symptoms).

One other possible course of treatment parents should investigate (and there is a great deal of new research being done every day) is how your child's diet affects their level of hyperactivity or impulsivity. Recent research has shown that children who eat "whole food" diets, or diets free from particular dyes or preservatives, have a significant reduction in ADHD-type symptoms, leading many parents to discover that their child's problem may not be ADHD at all (or may be a milder form of it), but is, in reality, an undiagnosed allergic reaction.

The bottom line is, and always will be, that hyperactivity and impulsivity, when severe enough, can interfere with a child's ability to function on a day-to-day basis, and parents are willing to do whatever it takes to help their children. For some parents, that choice may lead them in the direction of medications, but there are other options to consider-the important thing is to do your research and make a well-informed decision that is right for your child and for your family.

Nausea and Vomiting after Eating

The most common cause of nausea after eating is of course owing to the fact that your body is unwilling to accept, accommodate, digest and excrete the food that you have just taken in. Vomiting and nausea are both, ways of the body to tell you that the food that has been sent in is not welcome. The problem with such symptoms is that the exact cause of the ailment can be very minor and at the same time serious.

In such instances, the rule of thumb that can be followed is that a chronic nausea and vomiting needs to be attended to. Serious symptoms such as stomach pain, fatigue, fever, diarrhea or any other such physical symptom which accompanies nausea and vomiting, if still persist even after 24-48 hours needs to be tended to. Hence rush to the hospital.

Nausea and Vomiting after Eating: Symptoms and Remedies

As mentioned above, nausea and vomiting after eating can be caused due to a wide spectrum of reasons with varying degrees of severity. Here are some of the most common reasons which can cause the feeling of nausea and vomiting after a hearty, or in some cases a non-hearty meal.

1. Indigestion
Again just like, nausea and vomiting indigestion has several causes, and in fact in most of the cases, indigestion is the accomplice of nausea and vomiting. Indigestion may occur as a result of overeating, irregular eating, abnormal sleep cycles, sudden dietary or climatic changes, acidity and heartburn, acid reflux, etc. In some cases many more severe and serious causes are also attributed, such as ulcers in stomach, gallbladder or liver dysfunction, cancer, etc. The difference is that in cases of more serious causes, the urge to vomit and nauseating feeling is chronic. Some lesser severe causes are however not chronic. Hence if you are suffering from indigestion for more than 2-3 days, it's time to go to a doctor.

2. Food Poisoning
In some cases also known as food borne illness, consumption of contaminated, poisoned or microbes infested foods and the presence of toxins often causes immediate nausea and vomiting, with a very short time span. The nausea and vomiting occurs as the body makes a quick attempt to eject the poison and infection. In case if the nausea and vomiting persists, there is a need to visit the doctor, as there is a chance that your digestive tract has been poisoned or infected more intensely. The basic treatment would be antibiotics and a lighter diet, till the digestive tract gets cured.

3. Stress
Extreme stress, anxiety and even fatigue, physical strain has been noted to be a cause of vomiting or feeling a certain nausea among several people. These symptoms can often be chronic and if it is intense and prolonged beyond measure, it is advisable and recommend that you visit your physician or a doctor.

4. Morning Sickness
Well, If you are suffering from morning sickness, you probably know it yourself, however, here's a further explanation. The hormones estrogen and HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) are usually on the rise which tends to lead to vomiting and nausea. In some cases, it is believed that the vomiting is a reaction of the body to release substances which might prove to be toxic to the fetus or the mother.

5. Motion Sickness
Again like morning sickness, you would probably know that the cause of your ailment is motion sickness. Motion for a prolonged time, is sensed by the vestibular system. The food and fluids inside the stomach tend to reflux slightly which leads the body to react to the unprecedented presence of food in a reversed manner, which later on leads to the vomiting.

6. Excess Eating and Alcohol Consumption
Excess consumption of alcohol or any kind of food which substantially exceeds the capacity of the digestive tract to hold and process food may also lead to severe upset of food within the system leading to a certain reflux or motion of food in a reverse manner. This can cause the sensitive esophagus to immediately react and throw out the food in the form of vomit. In some cases the digestive tract simply does not accept any more food or fluids which tend to get stuck in the esophagus. Hence it is always recommended to eat as per your needs and consume the least possible alcohol. Accompanying effects can include, heart burn, acidity, etc.

7. Other Ailments
There are a considerable number of other ailments that can cause the feeling of nausea and probable vomiting after eating. Some common ones include...

• Appendicitis: The inflation of the appendix often lends to frequent vomiting and an acute abdominal pain around the belly button and then shifting towards the right lower abdomen. Please note that such a condition is dire and if you see the symptoms, rush to the doctor pronto.
• Cough: While eating or just after eating, cough bouts may lead to a sudden reflux of consumed foods and fluids. Curing the cough is the best remedy in such a case.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Sometimes also known as a bowel obstruction, this kind of obstruction is caused as a result of a variety of reasons which include, inflammatory bowel disease, hernia, foreign bodies, atresias, etc. This kind of condition is quite dangerous and is often accompanied by pain in the abdomen, constipation and distension in the abdomen. If symptoms persist, it is essential that you visit a doctor as soon as possible.
• Ulcers: Sometimes commonly referred to as GI ulcers, the ulcers occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, tend to cause the symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Ulcers cause a substantial amount of pain and a severely discomforting feeling, as the eroded part of the digestive tract cannot bear the digestive acids and juices. Medication and a good changed diet, under the supervision of a doctor is the best remedy for such a condition.

As mentioned above, the rule of thumb that needs to be followed is that in case of any prolonged and chronic symptoms, that occur for a time period of more than 2-3 days should not be ignored. The digestive system is very sensitive and it is best to visit a doctor rather than face any prolonged effects. I hope that the elaboration on nausea and vomiting after eating is resourceful.

Foods High in Uric Acid

Uric acid is a by-product of purine metabolism. The human body synthesizes uric acid from the breakdown of purine bases that are present in the DNA, RNA, and the energy molecules. Uric acid is beneficial for the body. It acts as an antioxidant and helps in protecting the lining of the blood vessels. Under normal circumstances, excessive uric acid is eliminated from the body by the kidneys. However, if the kidneys fail to metabolize the purines, it would result in the accumulation of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid, also known as hyperuricemia, is a condition that can lead to the uric acid crystals getting deposited in one's joints, kidneys, sinews and other organs. This causes joint inflammation along with pain, swelling, and tenderness.

For those suffering from uric acid-related problems like gout and kidney stones, here are the foods to avoid completely, and those that can be had in moderation.

Foods to Avoid Completely
This list of foods high in uric acid contains approximately 1,000 milligrams of purine for every 3 ounces.

Organ Meat
Also known as Offal, organ meat is the internal organ of an animal. It has extremely high levels of purines in it, and can lead to an attack of gout.

LiverKidneyBrainsSweetbreadsSpleenMaws (stomach)
Meat Products
Red meat and game meat such as venison and duck are associated with high levels of purines.

BeefPorkVenisonGooseDuckLamb
Processed Meat Products

SalamiBaconBolognaSausagesDried Meat StripsPepperoni
Seafood
Seafood like tuna and mackerel are good for you as they contain essential Omega 3 fatty acids. However, they are extremely rich in purines as well, and hence, should be avoided.

MackerelTunaHerringAnchoviesScallopsSardinesMusselsLobsterShrimp
Foods High in Yeast
Foods which contain yeast such as breads, beer and alcohol beverages, contain large amounts of uric acid. Alcohol, in particular, is known to hamper the renal excretion in the kidneys, thereby resulting in high levels of uric acid in the body.

PastriesBrewer's YeastCakeBreadBagelsAlcoholic Beverages
Foods to Be Eaten in Moderation
Certain purine-containing foods can be eaten in moderation. These contain around 5 to 100 milligrams of every 3-ounce serving.

Vegetables
Vegetables are extremely healthy for everyone. However, some vegetables contain moderate amounts of purines, and should be avoided or eaten very less in order to avoid gout.

AsparagusCauliflowerMushroomsAubergineCarrotsRhubarbPotatoesPeasSpinach
Lentils and Beans

Lima BeansKidney BeansDried BeansLentilsNavy BeansSoybeans
White Meat

ChickenTurkeyQuail
Others

OatsJam and JelliesChocolatesCarbonated DrinksCommercial PicklesPackaged Fruit Juices
Lowering Uric Acid Levels
In order to avoid foods high in uric acid, the diet should be fashioned to eliminate all the high-purine foods, and instead include foods with moderate to low amounts of purine in them. The diet should include a liberal carbohydrate intake, such as pasta and rice, and foods low in protein and fats. Eating plenty of raw fruits, and vegetables such as tomatoes and cabbage that have a high water content have also known to be beneficial for reducing uric acid levels. Dehydration reduces kidney functioning, allowing uric acid to build up, and hence, drinking lots of fluids, especially water, will help keep the organs hydrated and dilute the amount of uric acid in the body. Juices made of black cherry, celery, birch leaf, and parsley, are very effective gout remedies that help in flushing out uric acid from the tissues.

One can effectively regulate the levels of uric acid in the body by making the necessary dietary changes. Those who have been diagnosed with hyperuricemia need to improve their dietary habits, and should also follow the treatment guidelines they have been given. The dietary changes should be made in conjunction with other changes in lifestyle, so as to relieve the body from the problems occurring due to a high concentration of uric acid.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is solely for informative purposes, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.

Treatment for Adults with ADD

If you think Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) only affects children, you are gravely mistaken. There are numerous cases of ADD in adults, diagnosis of which has been overlooked during childhood. Because parents and teachers have the common notion that children have a low attention span and are generally hyperactive, they fail to recognize that these children may be suffering from ADD. As such, these symptoms continue into adulthood when they start interfering with their daily lives. However, there is no reason for worry because there are some treatment methods that help overcome the symptoms and tackle all the responsibilities one has to deal with. However, before looking into these, we will understand what ADD is by looking into its symptoms.

Symptoms

ADD interferes in the lives of adults because it prevents them from easily achieving what their peers may be achieving. For example, pursuing a career requires a strong threshold for stress, and impeccable focus and organization. For adults who have ADD, doing so may not be easily possible. When ADD has hyperactivity as a symptom, it is termed as ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Different individuals exhibit different symptoms, and these have been discussed here.

• One of the biggest symptoms of ADD is a short attention span or difficulty paying attention to anything for a long time period.
• Such individuals are easily distracted by several other things in their environment.
• They face a lot of difficulty completing tasks on time and without errors because they have trouble paying attention to detail.
• Those affected are likely to phase out where they go blank for short periods and are unable to pay attention to anyone or anything. Alternately, in some cases, they may also get deeply absorbed in different activities that they find very pleasing. This is known as hyperfocus.
• Forgetfulness is another common symptom. Individuals affected fail to remember conversations, and even little things like where they left their keys. On a larger scale, they also tend to forget their appointments.
• Because they are so overwhelmed by the multiple activities they are required to focus on, they are likely to be highly disorganized. This may show in the way they work and even the way they keep their desks.
• Another common sign is the tendency to assume that there is enough time to complete tasks and therefore constantly put off important tasks or delay them. They are also likely to be late most of the time.
• One of the symptoms of ADHD in adults is hyperactivity, a trait characterized by constant fidgeting when asked to sit in a place for long hours. This hyperactivity is also shown where they tend to speak without thinking and may appear as rude or insensitive.
• Because such individuals may be distracted, they may interrupt conversations without regard for the person speaking. It is a symptom and may not be a part of the individual's nature.
• Though they may be overwhelmed by the numerous activities they are required to perform, individuals with ADD may want to do everything at once because they seek excitement. This is one of the common symptoms where they tend to get bored very easily because of the short attention span.
• Such individuals may have low self-esteem because of the inability to complete the responsibilities assigned to them. They perceive themselves as underachievers.
• Adults with ADD are constantly agitated, have a short temper, and are prone to intense mood swings.
• They are prone to high levels of stress due to the multitude of situations they are unable to handle. This may also lead to depression and anxiety.

If ADD goes undiagnosed it can lead to several relationship problems, health problems, and trouble handling finances and leading a comfortable life.

Treatment

The first step towards treating ADD is getting the correct diagnosis from a professional. Also, while doing so, it is important that the affected individual be given immense love and support so as to bolster her/his confidence and self-esteem, and not feel lonely in this 'battle' she/he is fighting with her/himself. The following treatment options may be used.

• Medication: Psychiatrists may prescribe some medication to treat the aforementioned symptoms. The best medication includes antidepressants and medicines that calm the hyperactive part of ADD so that some clarity of thought may be attained. The type of medication administered may differ greatly based on the symptoms that an individual is exhibiting.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This is a form of therapy that intervenes with the set pattern an individual may have developed due to ADD, and attempts to change these patterns for the better. This includes changing the thought process from negative to positive, and then dealing with individual symptoms to improve them. This process may take several sessions but is known to be extremely effective for ADD.
• Group Therapy: Adults may also be required to undergo group therapy where several individuals affected with the same condition are asked to sit together, talk out their problems, and be given solutions to their problems. Group support always helps and doesn't make the individuals affected feel like they are the only ones suffering from a problem.
• Lifestyle Changes: Affected individuals are asked to make changes in their lifestyle to aid their treatment. This includes changes in the diet, which help them feel calm, healthy, and positive. Further, they are also asked to exercise to expend the excess energy. Exercise also releases hormones that are known to help them feel good thereby tackling the anxiety and depression that is known to accompany ADD.
• Personal Changes: Those with ADD are asked to make changes in the way they deal with their lives by starting off on a small scale. For instance, they may be asked to keep a diary to be able to list the tasks they are required to perform in a day and perform them one by one in order to be able to complete them.

Apart from treating the affected individual, therapy is also provided to the family to teach them how to deal with the individual, and what they can do to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

All is not lost for individuals affected with ADD. As you can see, there are several methods of treatment. All it requires is faith and enough time to take effect. Things will definitely change thereon, and for the better.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of an expert.

Help for Parents of a Child with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It is hard for these children to control their behavior and/or pay attention. A child with ADHD faces a difficult but not insurmountable task ahead. In order to achieve his or her full potential, he or she should receive help, guidance, and understanding from parents, guidance counselors, and the public education system.

Does my Child have ADHD?
If the parents doubt whether their child has this disorder, they are advised to consult a doctor. And as we know ADHD cannot be diagnosed from a single person's view, several people who are familiar with the child's behavior are interrogated by the doctor, like the child's class teacher and the neighbor. He could then examine the behavior of the child and look for any possible differences in behavior as compared to other children.

As the next step, the doctor would advise the parents to have taken various tests for the child that includes vision, hearing and blood tests. As a preliminary step, the doctor might suggest some medications that could possibly retard the hyperactive behavior of the child. However, this alone cannot narrow the diagnosis procedure. Yet, this can play a significant role if the child is surmised to have ADHD.

Moreover, the doctor might suggest consulting a psychologist, because, in most of the cases, the child may show a few symptoms of hyperactive behavior at the doctor's place, yet possess this disorder.

How should my Child be Taken Care of?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder results in the children being mentally suppressed since it affects the nervous system and retards them from living their normal life. The disorder has no proper medical cure although proper parental guidance can prevent the child from getting weaker. Parents must remember certain points when taking care of their children in their normal way of life. Some of the guidelines are as follows,

• Spend as much time as possible with your child and try to listen to what they convey. Listen to their feelings and expressions rather than to their words.
• Do not expect a lot from the children. Accept whatever they are able to deliver but boost them to do to their potential.
• Compensate their negatives with their positives. Encourage their every small talent and support them in their interests and their positive abilities.
• Praise their deeds however small they may be. Appreciate them with kind words and warm smiles, once in a while.
• Whenever they do any mistake, do not chide them harshly. Rather make them understand that what they did was not right and make them feel what is right.
• Plan and schedule the daily work and make them follow them daily. Make it a practice to abide by the rules whatever they might be.
• Engage them as an important and useful member in imposing the family rules and schedule.
• Express your love to them by showing physical contact like hugging or playing with them. Showing physical affection develops a sense of security in them.
• Assign small household works to them. Giving them responsibility oozes confidence into them.
• Involve them while managing the monthly budgets of your house. Teach them about planning and management.
• Provide them with small amounts of money and ask them to spend it sensibly and manage the expenditures.
• Engage yourself in their games and extra curricular activities. Providing them company in the fields that they are interested can make them feel contented.
• Encourage and make them develop their talents. Give them independence to work in the field that they are fascinated.
• Give them company at nights by orating nice and pleasing stories. Also, listen to what they speak and to the stories that they tell. Boost them to ask questions and doubts in your stories. Encourage and improve the creativity in them.
• Create calm and serene places for them to study and work for their school activities. Such an environment can increase their concentration levels and their self-confidence.
• Make their mind clear and safe. This not only needs a peaceful environment but also calm and soft people to interact with them.
• Make sure that they feel the same at school too. Interact with their teachers and arrange the needed formalities to assist the child. Make every arrangement to provide a clear environment for the children to learn and develop personal qualities.
• Never scold or chide them if the fail to score good marks in their academics. Instead, inject positive attitude and encourage them by citing good examples of improvement so that they tend to develop on their own and prove themselves the next time around.
• Most important of all is your personal activities. Always behave decently and act properly so that they learn by themselves from your activities. On the whole, act as a role model to them so that they start admiring you and wish to develop the good qualities from you.

Thus, it is an important point that the parents have to take the sole responsibility in the natural treatment of their child's disorder. It needs a collective effort of the doctor, the neighbor, the teacher and the parents themselves to effectively help the child. The doctor proves to be handy in certain situations, recommending some treatments. It is important to note that such children have to be given concrete explanations on various concepts, so that they actually grasp whatever they are told. Counseling has also proved to be useful in some cases.

What can be Done at Home?
The most important thing necessary for the parents is patience. They must be patient enough to modify their home life so as to pay more attention to their child. Parents are advised to do the following:

• Make a routine. Make your child do his routine work such as sleeping, eating, doing his homework, waking up, doing the chores, and playing computer games at specific hours.
• Be sure he understands you. Whenever you make a conversation with your child, maintain eye contact and explain things in a clear tone. Avoid speaking too much at a time and ask him to repeat what you say.
• Compliment the child. It is important to reward the child when he keeps up the routine and constantly shows a good behavior.
• Keep in touch with the teachers. Do not ignore talking to the teacher about the child's behavior at school from morning till evening. Make sure the child behaves in the exactly same way as he does at home.
• Appreciate his efforts. Parents are advised to pay attention to the efforts that the child puts in, instead of the outcomes of those efforts.
• Impart social skills. Children who suffer from ADHD often find it hard to develop good social behavior. So make sure that the child spends a considerable time with his friends.
• Have a constant eye on them. Since the children with ADHD are impetuous, constant adult supervision is required.

Will my dear one overcome ADHD?
It has been scientifically proved that, as the child grows older, the symptoms of this disorder get better. Hyperactivity gradually gets diminished as the child reaches his teenage. Though, there are children who reach their teenage and yet have mood swings, lack of concentration and are impulsive. Such children also find it hard to have the task completed on time. However, it lies in the hands of parents, who, along with the doctor and the teachers must put in the best of their efforts to give the child, a bright chance of overcoming this disorder.

Peptic Ulcer Surgery

Peptic ulcers have become more common with the changing lifestyle and dietary habits. These ulcers can develop in the lower part of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. While, duodenal ulcers are the most common ones, esophageal ulcers are very rare. Peptic ulcers are commonly known as stomach ulcers and include gastric (ulcers in the stomach), duodenal and esophageal ulcers.

Peptic Ulcers - Symptoms and Causes

Peptic ulcer causes include regular smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, regular intake of certain drugs, helicobacter pylori infection, etc. The last two causes are more common, when compared to others. As far as the peptic ulcer disease symptoms are concerned, abdominal pain is experienced by almost all peptic ulcer patients. It is described as a sharp, gnawing pain that may develop on any location that lies between the belly button and the lower ribs. While gastric ulcer worsens the abdominal pain after consuming food, in case of duodenal ulcers, the same happens if the stomach is empty. Other peptic ulcer symptoms include, nausea or vomiting, bloating and fullness, etc. Severe symptoms include bloody or tarry stools, blood in the vomit, anemia, etc.

How are Peptic Ulcers Treated

The treatment for stomach ulcers may differ from one person to another. The course of treatment is decided by the doctor, after assessing the condition of the patient. Stomach ulcer diagnosis is usually done with the help of endoscopy. Even a helicobacter pylori test and barium enema may be conducted as part of the diagnosis. Mild to moderate ulcers are often treated with medication. Stomach ulcer medication include antacids, anti-inflammatory agents, etc. In case of bacterial infection, antibiotics are also prescribed. Even proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers are used for this purpose. Switching to a stomach ulcer diet along with medication prove beneficial. In most cases, the ulcers heal with the above said medication and diet control. However, some people may not respond to medication, resulting in worsening of the condition. In some other cases, complications that necessitate peptic ulcer surgery may arise.

Peptic Ulcer Treatment - Surgery

Surgery is performed as the last option, when all other treatment methods fail or in emergency situations like bleeding or perforation of ulcers or obstruction. Surgery is performed either to remove the ulcers that do not heal or to reduce the acid in the stomach or as emergency peptic ulcer disease treatment measures. Basically, three forms of stomach ulcer surgery are performed for treating ulcers. This include vagotomy, antrectomy and pyloroplasty.

• VAGOTOMY is a surgical procedure, wherein the vagus nerve, which is responsible for transmission of messages from the brain to the stomach is severed. This surgery aims at reducing acid secretion in the stomach, but, various side effects are found to happen due to this procedure. The patient may experience constant and severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. In some people, vagotomy affects the stomach emptying too. In order to rectify these problems, a newer version of this surgery has been introduced and in this procedure, only those parts of the vagus nerve that regulate the acid secretion in the stomach are cut off. This procedure is found to produce minimal side effects, but, do not affect stomach emptying.
• Another peptic ulcer surgery is ANTRECTOMY, which removes the antrum that is the lower part of the stomach. Antrum is responsible for producing the hormone that induces the stomach to secrete digestive juices. By removing the antrum, the acid production in the stomach is reduced. Even the areas lying near the antrum are removed, so as to block the production of pepsin. In most cases, vagotomy is also performed, along with antrectomy.
• PYLOROPLASTY is a surgery that aims at enlarging the pylorus, the passage from the stomach to the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. The pylorus that is widened through surgery enables the free flow of the contents of the stomach to the small intestine. In this case too, vagotomy is done.

Most of the above said surgeries are measures to control and treat stomach ulcers. Nowadays, most of the bleeding ulcers too are treated without surgery, as the treatment is provided through the endoscope. Bleeding ulcers may be cauterized or injected with medication (for healing) through the endoscope and thus peptic ulcer surgery is avoided. Even some of the perforations and obstructions can be rectified during the endoscopy. However, in some cases of peritonitis caused by perforated ulcer, surgery may be needed. So, to avoid complications and surgery, it is always better to diagnose and treat peptic ulcers at the earliest.

Stomach Ulcer Natural Treatment

Stomach ulcer occurs when the acid which is present in our stomach starts eating away on the inner wall of the stomach as well as the intestine. Open sores are created in the inner wall and sometimes if it's severe and if medical attention is not given properly then these sores or ulcers might start bleeding and might also pain a lot. The main cause of this ulcer are the Helicobacter pylori bacteria which causes Helicobacter pylori infection. These bacteria are present in the inner wall of the stomach, but sometimes when they start destroying the inner lining of the stomach, then stomach ulcer might take place. Excess secretion of stomach acid also leads to the illness. Consuming spicy food and also increase in age, further accelerates the whole process of formation of ulcer in the stomach. There are various drugs which gets rid of this problem. But there are also some natural means by which one can treat and prevent ulcers. Here are some stomach ulcer natural treatments which you can try out at home.

Causes and Symptoms

Before we learn how to treat the illness, it would be better if we first learn more about the causes as well as its symptoms. Some of the important causes has already been mentioned above. There are however few more causes that you can add to the list and that's smoking and consumption of alcohol or excess intake of drugs specially the ones which are non steroidal anti-inflammatory ones. There are also certain symptoms which indicates ulcer in the stomach, but the symptoms might vary from one person to another. Some of the common symptoms are pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, vomiting blood (this is a serious case and immediate medical attention is required), bloated stomach and constant burping.

Natural Remedies

The treatments are one of the best treatments that you can undergo in order to control and prevent ulcers in stomach. True there are several over - the - counter medications that are available to treat ulcer, but the stomach ulcer home treatments are safe and they work wonders when it comes to getting relief from ulcer pain. Here are some of the best cures that you can carry out.

• Drinking a glass of raw goat's milk is highly effective for treating gastric ulcer. If you want instant relief from the gastric pain, then drinking a glass of cold milk, without adding any sugar to it, will help you a lot.
• Cabbage is also good for treating the problems. Boil some cabbage, let the water cool and drink twice daily. You can also extract the juice of cabbage and drink it, but since the juice is quite strong, it is better if you mix it with some carrot juice.
• The juice of lime is also a good method. The citric acid and the minerals which are present in the juice, are good for treating this problem.
• One of the best options are bananas. This fruit has an unidentified compound in them which forms a coating on the inner walls of the stomach which in turn reduces the irritation of the ulcer pain. It also neutralizes the acidic juices in the stomach. If a person is in the advanced stage, then the diet that they can follow is two bananas and a glass of sugarless milk everyday.
• Almond milk from blanched almonds, are a good source of protein and it is also useful in neutralizing the acid which is present in the stomach, thus making it a good natural treatment for stomach ulcer.
• Drinking the water in which wood apple was soaked the entire night, is another good remedy for ulcer. Hot pack on the abdomen will help you get rid of the discomfort instantly.
• Fengreek tea is also good for ulcer as they create a lining on the walls of the stomach which prevents the acid from eating away the inner lining.
• Yoga and various exercises are also superb for treating stomach ulcer naturally. Ask your physician or Yoga instructor in order to learn which is the best exercise for your problem.

These were some of the treatment methods which you can try out. They are sure to give you instant relief from the pain and discomfort. These methods are also safe and great help in preventing and controlling ulcer in the stomach.

Low Purine Diet for Gout

Gout is the most painful type of arthritis which was earlier known as the 'rich man's disease'. But today we are all aware that it is that type of arthritis which is most easily identified and hence can be easily prevented and treated. It is an outcome of very high level of uric acid in the blood. But having a high blood uric acid level doesn't mean that you will necessarily fall prey to gout. Normally, the body gets rid of the uric acid by biological metabolism of the purines. Now you must be wondering what are purines and how do they enter our body.

What Are Purines?
Purines are vital components of the genetic materials present in plants and animals. They are the nucleoside bases present in DNA, RNA, energy molecules like ATP, GTP and coenzyme A. They enter our body through our diet and are used up in structuring our genes. A lot of protein rich foods are also rich in purines. Foods rich in purines include mushrooms, yeast, organ meat, legumes, etc.

Under normal conditions the purines in the body are metabolized to uric acid which is a waste material removed by the kidneys. Gout is a condition in which the uric acid crystals get deposited within the joints, especially the base of the big toe. Now this deposition causes severe pain as well as stiffness in the joints. As I said earlier gout can be easily prevented by little changes in your diet. A low purine diet helps alleviate potential pain caused by gout. Hence gout patients are often prescribed a low purine diet.

Low Purine Diet And Gout
Adopting a low purine diet can help one defeat the gout attacks which involve swelling, redness and severe joint pain. It helps prevent the damage caused by these gout attacks which sometimes cannot be cured even by surgeries. People find low purine diet the safest way to fight against gout.

Purines are present in almost all the foods that are considered to be healthy. This is one reason why people find it hard to choose the right low purine diet for them. In their effort to avoid purines, people sometimes tend to avoid some essential nutrition. Therefore, it is very essential to properly understand which foods come in the list of low purine diet for gout. Some of them may not be all that healthy and may not be a part of the 'balanced diet'. One must therefore make a wise decision to find the diet which suits him the best.

According to the American Dietician Association (ADA) foods containing more than 150mg of purines per 100g are considered to be purine rich foods and should be avoided. Here is a list of low purine foods for gout.

Fruits
Cherries have proven to be the best to fight off gout. This is because they contain compounds known as anthocyanins which help keeping the level of uric acid low. All types of fresh cherries-sweet or sour can be eaten raw or can be cooked as per your choice. You can also have cherry concentrates or cherry extracts if you can't find the raw ones. Both will be effective in the same way. Apart from cherries, other fresh fruits like bananas and fruit juices also help in reducing the symptoms of gout.

Vegetables
All green leafy vegetables prove helpful in keeping gout attacks away. Your diet should include cabbages, peas, beans, celery, parsley, potatoes, bell peppers and spinach. Avoid having too much of anything.

Dairy Products
Always look for fat free or low fat dairy products like skim milk, and low fat cheese. Try having baked foods instead of the fried ones. This can have a dual effect in keeping gout away and also keeping your weight in control.

Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates include rice, bread, pasta, cereals, whole grain which can be consumed if you are suffering from gout attacks.

Beverages
Fruit juices, soups especially cream style, coffee and tea in moderate amounts, can be a part of your low purine gout diet. Avoid the intake of alcoholic beverages as they can flare up the gout attacks. Drinking lots of water can be beneficial as it helps in flushing the uric acid out of the body.

One must have a low purine yet balanced diet. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with adequate fluids, preferably water or fruit juice in your regular diet. This will keep you healthy and you will be less prone to gout attacks. Do not forget to consult your nutritionist before making any drastic changes in your diet. Dietary changes will prove beneficial for gout but don't forget to consult your doctor and take the necessary medications.

PMS Symptoms But No Period

Delayed, missed or no period often raise huge anticipation for pregnancy in women who are trying to conceive. In fact during the reproductive years of a woman's life, a failure to menstruate or no period is often considered as an indication that she is pregnant. But not always will a missed or no period be considered as a pregnancy symptom. This is because there are many cases wherein a woman experience PMS symptoms but no periods, and she is not pregnant. But what is PMS and its symptoms and what are the various factors that contribute to this problem, we will know in the following sections.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is physical and psychological changes that a woman experience just a couple of hours or days before her menstruation begins. Majority of the women world wide experience PMS symptoms, though the severity, onset and duration of these symptoms vary from one woman to another. Hence for some women these symptoms are so mild that they subside in a day or so after the period begins while for others, these symptoms can be severe and may cause too much discomfort. These symptoms include breast tenderness, cramping, mood swings, bloating, hot flashes, weight gain, nausea, backache and many more.

The major cause for premenstrual syndrome is the hormonal changes the body undergoes during the entire menstrual cycle. Normally an average menstrual cycle is 28 days and it can be divided into three stages, which are the follicular, ovulatory and luteal stages. The follicular stage begins with menstrual bleeding along with shedding of the uterine wall lining. The levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones are low but as the day progresses the level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) starts increasing in order to stimulate the ovaries to release an egg. During the ovulatory stage, the levels of luteinizing hormones and FSH increase, as a result the egg or ovum is released by one or both the ovaries in case of fraternal twins.

Finally in the luteal stage, if the released egg is fertilized, a woman is considered to be pregnant and there will be no period. But if it is not fertilized, the levels of luteinizing hormones (LH) and the follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) fall, the egg starts disintegrating and the body starts preparing itself for having the next period. Hence all these hormonal changes and fluctuations in the estrogen and progesterone levels lead to the various PMS symptoms in women. All these factors also contribute to PMS symptoms after periods.

Causes

As explained above, the major causes for the symptoms of PMS without periods are hormonal imbalance and pregnancy. Here are some other probable causes for this.

• Stress: Mental or physical stress, anxiety or tension can be one of the major reasons for PMS symptoms but no period.
• Birth Control Pills: Another cause can be the use of birth control pills as they can affect your regular menstrual cycle and delay your period by a few days.
• Certain Medications: Certain medications for some illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, etc. can also delay your periods by a couple of days.
• Eating Disorders: Eating a diet which is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals required for normal functioning of the body can lead to irregular menstrual cycle.
• Menopause: Menopause which is the end of a woman's monthly menstruation cycle or the fertile period of her life can also bring some substantial changes in the frequency, duration as well as the nature of the menstrual cycle.
• Other Illnesses: Other diseases like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or ovarian cyst, Premature Ovarian Failure (POF), ectopic pregnancy, Bulimia, etc., can also be some probable causes.

The causes can be myriad and not all of them may be of serious health concern. However, if there is a considerable delay in your period and the symptoms become severe with time, do a pregnancy test and if it comes negative, consult your gynecologist to diagnose the underlying cause for having these PMS symptoms but without periods.

How to Stop Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks occur mainly when there is too much or excess worry and fear in one's mind. Worrying is a natural part of our thought process and there is nothing wrong with it, as long as you keep it under control. When you are worrying excessively, it can affect your work, your night's sleep, etc. If it continues unchecked for a long time, then your behavior and mental state can also get badly affected. People of any age group, including children, can suffer from panic attacks. It has been found that certain factors like traumatic childhood, lack of support system, loss of job, divorce, death of closed ones, etc often contribute towards this condition to a great extent. There are medicines that can be used to stop anxiety attacks, but most of them are addictive and have other side effects. For this reason, we are highlighting the natural ways to stop anxiety attacks.

Natural Ways to Stop Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety symptoms can show up at any point of time. Here are simple methods that can be effective as anxiety cures:

Face the Problem: Acceptance of the feelings of an anxiety attack can solve your problem to a great extent. We often try to deny the feelings, which in turn give rise to some other negative emotions like anger. Identify the kind of feelings you get during a panic attack and find out the reason that why you are getting them. Then it will be much easier to find a solution for the existing problem.

Breathing Control: The will help to relax the mind and body and stop anxiety and panic attacks. When we are anxious, our breathing becomes shallow and fast. To check the anxiety attack, what you need to do is to slow down your breathing. Make sure each of your breaths are deep and complete. Focus your attention on the inhalation and exhalation, and make sure that the time taken for both are equal. Another advantage of this technique is that it will divert your mind from the panic attack.

Stop Negative Thoughts: Most of the time, people get panic attacks because they think about negative things again and again. Therefore, it is very important to stop all such negative thoughts from coming to your mind. It may not be very easy to do this, but it is not impossible either. You can shout the word STOP inside your head several times. You can make your mind busy by reading a book, solving a puzzle, or listening to your favorite music. Thus you will be able to replace those ugly thoughts with more calming ones.

Exercise: Spend at least half an hour everyday in doing some exercises. When you exercise, the body uses up all the adrenalin hormones released during panic attacks and protects your body from its adverse effects. Moreover, it also helps to relax the tensed muscles caused by anxiety. You need not join a gym and shell out some money for this purpose. Just a brisk walk or simple stretching exercises will be helpful enough to cope up with anxiety.

Distract Your Mind: You should start doing this as soon as you notice any anxiety symptoms. This will stop the signals of panic attacks from reaching your brain. One of the simplest ways to do this is to pick up any object around you and verbalize its description. Tell yourself everything about it, starting from its color, size, texture and whatever qualities of the object that meets your eyes at that point of time. This way you are actually discarding all the thoughts of panic attacks that tend to creep into your mind.

Now you can understand how simple it is to stop anxiety attacks. An unhealthy lifestyle is often responsible for triggering panic attacks in most people. Therefore, controlling its symptoms will be much easier if you bring about some positive changes in your lifestyle. For this, you have to eat right kind of foods, which include eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and avoid fried foods and junk foods. Most importantly, strictly stop consumption of stimulants like tobacco, caffeine and alcohol.

What is Xanax Used for

Administration of any prescription medication is not recommended, unless it is recommended by a trusted health specialist. This is because such therapeutic drugs contain ingredients specific for a particular condition. Those sold as over-the-counter drugs and medications are formulated with ingredients, which are safe, even if they are taken without the doctor's supervision. So, understanding the specificity of a particular drug is crucial to get its benefits, while avoiding side effects. Coming to what is Xanax used for, first let's take a look at the basic drug information.

What are Xanax Pills?

The generic name of Xanax pills is alprazolam that is classified under the drug class, benzodiazepines. The same class includes other medications like clonazepam, diazepam, flurazepam and lorazepam. And other brand names of alprazolam drug are Xanax XR (extended release of Xanax) and Niravam. Xanax pills are available in varied concentrations (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 2 mg ), each of which is used according to the condition of the patient. It is also available in solution form, with a concentration of 1 mg/ml.

Uses of Xanax

Xanax is a prescription medication for managing anxiety symptoms and panic attacks. As per medical researches, anxiety and related medical conditions are manifested due to increased activity of the brain. Thus, antianxiety medications are formulated with an objective to inhibit or slow down brain activity (to some extent) and manage symptoms. Since neurotransmitters are indirectly responsible for initiating brain activity, antianxiety medication targets in reducing effects of these chemicals.

After ingesting Xanax and alike pills of the alprazolam family, they alter the chemical balance of the brain by elevating Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) effects. Regarding GABA, it is an inhibitory neurotransmitter released by the body under stress conditions. Since Xanax increases GABA production, it provides calming effect and the consequences of nervousness, worries and anxiety caused by depression are reduced considerably.

A major concern with Xanax pills is that they are habit-forming drugs. Regular intake of these medications for some time causes addictive effects to the drug recipients. Hence, treatment for anxiety disorder with Xanax pills should be done only if the doctor prescribes them. Very often, teenagers and adults take these antianxiety medication as a recreation drug. In such a case, one should take immediate medical attention. The doctor may suggest gradual reduction in the dosage to help quit Xanax without manifesting withdrawal symptoms.

Are There any Side Effects of Xanax?

As you now know what Xanax is prescribed for, you can predict its long-term effects on health. Any medication that has something to do with the chemical balance of brain should not be taken lightly. To be more precise, they affect the body's responses and cause associated medical conditions. Some people are allergic to benzodiazepines, which when taken caused mild to severe allergic responses. Hence, individuals who have a medical history of showing allergies to this drugs should abstain from Xanax.

Prior to relying on Xanax as anxiety cures, one should inform the doctor about any existing medical condition. For breathing problems, liver disorders and kidney problems, the doctor will perform required tests to check to determine if taking Xanax is safe or not. Also, speak to the physician, if there are any current medications. Xanax may interact with other drugs and alter their effects in the body. Xanax pills cause medical complications in expecting mothers and also, to the developing fetus.

Another consideration for taking this antianxiety medication is to refrain from alcohol. Both the effects of alcohol and Xanax are increased when taken together. Taking a note of general anxiety medication side effects, self medication of Xanax pills is strictly not recommended.

Debilitating Anxiety

Anxiety is a strong negative emotion which is triggered by mental stress. A sense of anxiety grips our mind before an important college examination or going on stage or for any other reason. Usually, we can tackle that nervousness and perform our task. However, a bout of anxiety attack can be described as a condition when a person gets fearful thoughts all of a sudden without any reason. During this time, some feel restless, suffocated, others feel that they may die or they may get killed. It continues hardly for few minutes or hours and then go away on its own. If it is not treated properly it keeps coming back from time to time and that too without any warning signal. As a result, these people live in a fear that they may get the next anxiety attack any moment. In other words, debilitating anxiety has an adverse impact on their personal and professional life.

Symptoms

Many people get debilitating anxiety as they fail to identify anxiety symptoms. Here are a few symptoms of anxiety that are most commonly observed:

• Restlessness
• Breathing difficulty
• Palpitation
• Excessive sweating
• Pain and discomfort in the stomach
• Sense of hopelessness
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Lack of patience
• Sleeping problems like insomnia
• Concentration problem

Treatment

When the physical symptoms of anxiety are debilitating and serious, then doctors try to reduce the intensity of the symptoms with the help of antianxiety medications. These medicines that are used for anxiety cures should not be continued for a long time as they are addictive and does not have any effect on the root cause of the problem. Cognitive behavioral therapy is of great help for debilitating anxiety. In this therapy, a therapist first identify the real underlying cause that trigger the unwanted anxiety feelings and help out the patient to develop skills to stay calm and relaxed under stressful situation. Yoga and meditation are helpful for stress relief.

How to Relieve Debilitating Anxiety

Along with the clinical treatment for anxiety, some changes are needed in daily habits and lifestyle in order to tackle the problem more effectively. Here are a few suggestions in this regard:

Eat Healthy Foods
Fresh fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates lean proteins should be included in the daily diet. Sugary foods, processed foods should be avoided. One should abstain from alcohol as it tend to aggravate anxiety symptoms.

Take Rest
A sound sleep at night for at least 8 hours can reduce the stress levels to a great extent. Those who find it difficult to fall asleep should take a warm bath or listen to a soothing music in order to induce sleep.

Plan Daily Schedule
We feel stressed out when we try to do too many things in a short span of time. It will be better if we prioritize our daily tasks and work accordingly. High priority assignments should be finished off first and then if time permits, then only complete the remaining low priority tasks.

Breathe Easy
Anxiety makes our breathing short and shallow which in turn causes lots of health problems. Therefore, you have to spend 5-10 minutes of the day taking some slow deep breaths. Such breathing exercises have a relaxing effect on the mind.

Stay Active
Let me tell you that the symptoms of debilitating anxiety does not cause any kind of physical harm. So, stop living life in fear and make conscious efforts to lead a productive life. Regular exercising also helps to remain physically active and overcome chronic fatigue.

Debilitating anxiety develop when anxiety symptoms are ignored over a period of time. It can be prevented if some prompt action are taken at the onset of mild panic attack. It includes living a healthy disciplined life, practice of breathing exercises for relaxation and elimination of unnecessary negative thoughts from the mind.

Dizziness and Vomiting

Dizziness is the condition in which one feels lightheaded or faint, with everything around appearing to be spinning. It is generally caused due to high or low blood pressure, anemia, dehydration, heat stroke, heart or brain-health problems or vertigo. Vomiting on the other hand is a condition in which one throws up the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It is generally caused due to a gastrointestinal illness like food poisoning or flu. There are times when both these conditions, occur simultaneously. Going through one is uncomfortable enough, not to mention being troubled by both.

Causes of Vomiting and Dizziness

There are several medical conditions in which these two symptoms; vomiting and dizziness are seen occurring together. They are as follows:

Motion Sickness
Several people experience motion sickness while aboard a ship or riding in a bus, car, etc. The constant motion causes their sense of balance and equilibrium to be disturbed, thereby resulting in a feeling of dizziness and nausea. Vomiting follows. Air hostess are often giving instructions to flight passengers, to use the brown bags provided if they feel nauseous. Dizziness and vomiting-like symptoms of motion sickness occur when conflicting messages are sent to the brain. This confusion and conflict results in these symptoms.

Pregnancy
Dizziness and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, is commonly seen in most women. Dizziness may be a sign of low blood pressure. Moreover, when a pregnant woman stands up quickly, the sudden standing-up movement causes drop in blood pressure (postural hypotension), resulting in a feeling of lightheadedness. Standing in hot stuffy rooms and crowded places also results in overheating of the body and conduces to dizziness and nausea. As the uterus expands in the second trimester, it applies pressure on the blood vessels, which again spearheads dizziness. The high level of hormones in the body during pregnancy is believed to cause nausea and vomiting.

Agoraphobia
This anxiety disorder is believed to involve fear of public places, crowds, crossing bridges and open spaces. This phobia typically affects women in early adulthood. The sufferer gets anxious in unfamiliar environment or places where she feels very little control is in her hands. This condition leaves her feeling trapped in a situation, or surrounding and she begins to panic. Dizziness, vomiting, abdominal distress, excessive sweating, etc. are some of the symptoms of agoraphobia. Dizziness may also cause the person to lose balance or fall unconscious in extreme cases.

Labyrinthitis
This disorder involves inflammation and irritation of the inner ear. The irritation and swelling conduces to dysfunctional ear, wherein the ability of the inner ear to maintain balance is disturbed. Thus, a person feels nauseous and giddy. Besides these symptoms, the person may also encounter hearing loss and tinnitus.

Caffeine Overdose
Taking more than the required amounts of caffeine results in caffeine overdose. Soft drinks, chocolates, coffee, certain teas usually contain small amounts of caffeine and usually do not end up in overdose cases. However, over-the-counter stimulants that help a person stay mentally active, when taken in excess, result in caffeine overdose that conduces to symptoms like breathing problems, muscle twitching, increased heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, tremors and even shock. Dizziness is caused because the stimulant caffeine reduces the amount of blood flow to the brain.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide, the odorless gas emitted from automobiles or anything that burns gasoline, wood, coal, etc. is a reason for causing thousands of deaths every year in North America. This dangerous gas when inhaled replaces the oxygen molecules in the red blood cells of the blood stream. They also prevent oxygen from entering the blood, thereby depriving vital organs like the brain, heart, kidneys, etc. of oxygen supply. Mostly children and elderly folks, are at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and results in dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, shock, nausea, vomiting or unconsciousness. It is important to identify these symptoms quickly and move away from the source of carbon monoxide.

Endometriosis
The uterus is lined with a tissue layer called endometrium, whose actual function comes into play, when a woman conceives. The rest of the time, the uterus gets rid of the endometrium every month, during the menstrual cycle. However, when the endometrium begins to grow outside the uterus, such as fallopian tubes, ovaries and other regions in the pelvic cavity, the person is said to suffer from endometriosis. The symptoms of this condition are dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, vomiting, etc. are seen to occur. Heavy blood flow during menstruation is what is mostly responsible for dizziness.

Dizziness and vomiting appear together in many other medical conditions like endometriosis, Meniere's disease, panic disorders, peptic ulcers, flu, hyperemesis gravidarum, etc. Though vomiting and dizziness are not grave situations, they can be indicators of something deleterious. So, if at all these symptoms are accompanied by fever, head injury, blurred vision, shortness of breath or chest pain, one should consult the doctor immediately.