Home Remedies and Diet for Lightheadedness: Stop Dizziness Tips

In a study published in Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009, about 35.4% of American adults above the age of 40 years suffer from vestibular dysfunction, severe dizziness or giddiness and lightheadedness. The same report suggested that vertigo and giddiness attributed to more than number of accidental deaths among elderly due to falls or injuries. These symptoms also significantly affects the quality of life of elderly individuals. This article provides insights into factors contributing to dizziness or lightheadedness and simple home and natural remedies to treat the condition effectively and naturally.

Dizziness affects Elderly
Individuals

What Causes Dizziness? 

This condition characterized by lightheadedness or a sensation of loss of balance and disorientation. The condition may be associated with symptoms like nausea, blurring of vision and a feeling of uneasiness. Often it is associated with a sensation of head rush and excessive perspiration and hyperventilation. Here are some common causes that are associated with dizziness,

• Vertigo: This condition is often attributed to vestibular dysfunction which often results in the loss of control of balance with a sensation of falling. This is the most common cause of lightheadedness among the elderly age group.
• Altered Blood Pressure: Hypertension or elevated blood pressure can result in giddiness. On the other hand drop in blood pressure below normal due to dehydration or other factors can also result in reduced blood supply to the brain and cause dizziness.
• Inadequate nutrition, long standing fever or chronic ailment, vomiting and diarrhea can also result in episodes of giddiness and imbalance
• Cardiovascular disorders like peripheral artery disease, heart attacks, angina, etc can also contribute to lightheadedness.
• Panic attacks often associated with elevated levels of stress can result in episodes of giddiness and light headedness.
• The condition when associated with nausea can be indicative of gastrointestinal disorders which include gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning and even diabetes.

Home Remedies to treat Lightheadedness Naturally

Here are some simple tips and home remedy suggestions for management of light headedness and dizziness,

• Ensure that you drink lots of water and fresh fruit juice. Often dehydration or sudden drop in blood pressure is one of the most common causes. Avoid soda drinks and caffeine as these can be dehydrating.



Coriander Seeds for
Light headedness

• Ginger is considered to be highly beneficial in treating lightheadedness associated with symptoms of nausea. Crush ginger roots and consume them fresh or boil them in a bowl of water and drink the decoction. Chamomile or peppermint is also good natural substitutes for ginger to manage light headedness.
• Wheat germ is also found to be beneficial in the management of light headedness. Consuming about two teaspoons of wheat germ with a glass of warm milk can help ease dizziness and light headedness. It is highly beneficial during pregnancy.
• Soak about five grams of coriander seeds in water overnight and consume the seeds along with a tablespoon of honey in the morning. Coriander seeds are bitter and honey helps sweeten it.
• A mixture comprising of freshly squeezed lemon juice, black pepper and salt in a glass of water is also considered to be a good treatment for vertigo.

Foods to Treat Dizziness Naturally with Diet

For individuals with frequent episodes of dizziness, there are certain diet and food suggestions,

Coconut Water to
Treat Dizziness

• Dizziness is linked with sudden drop in blood sugar levels and hence consuming foods like honey or fruit juices is considered to be highly beneficial. Consume coconut water and lime water to help retain normal blood sugar levels. However diabetic patients need to consult their doctors in cases of emergency.
• Anemia is another cause for dizziness. Consume foods rich in iron, Vitamin B12 and folic acid. Increase intake of chicken and lean meat, fish, green leafy vegetables, soy, etc. These foods are loaded with iron and Vitamin B12.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine in your diet. Reduce the intake of salt and sweets, especially containing refined sugar.
• Never skip a meal and eat small quantities of food frequently. Don’t stay hungry for more than four hours at a stretch.

Stop Dizziness Tips

Here are some simple tips to treat and prevent dizziness and attacks of light headedness,

• Avoid sudden jerky movement. Avoid standing up or reclining suddenly. This can result in positional hypo-tension and affect the circulation of blood to the brain
• Stress management plays a crucial role in the treatment of dizziness. Yoga and deep breathing exercises can be beneficial in the management of the condition.
• In case of dizziness one must relax and take deep breaths. Press the ridge above the nose, between the two eyes for a couple of seconds with your thumb. This can provide instant relief from giddiness.

In case of frequent episodes of dizziness, consult your physician to identify the underlying cause for the condition and treat it promptly. 

Home Remedies to Treat Excessive Sweating and Body Odor

Sweating is a natural process to keep the body cool. There are a host of products including antiperspirants, deodorants, etc to control body odor caused due to excessive perspiration or sweats. Fortunately there are several natural remedies and natural techniques to manage sweats and hyperhidrosis. If you always think, I sweat too much, here are some solutions to resolve your problem.

What causes too much Sweating or Hyperhidrosis?

Excessive Perspiration can
be annoying

Sweating or perspiration is a natural phenomenon which is associated with the sebaceous glands releasing natural sweat to cool down the body.

Perspiration or sweating is often in response to the environmental conditions like high temperature and humidity. However, there are a group of individuals who suffer from excessive perspiration or a condition known as ‘hyperhidrosis’.

As per a report, the antiperspirant and deodorant market in the United States was valued at $1.9 billion in 2005. Latest estimates suggest that the demand for these beauty products is estimated to rise at the rate of 7% per annum globally due to increasing demand in Asia, African and South American countries.

Fortunately, there are several different home remedies and diet suggestions that can help control excessive sweating. Though the use of talc powder and antiperspirants is rampant, the use of these products is often associated with allergies which may result in redness and irritation of the skin under the armpits. Suppression of perspiration can result in dermatitis in the underarms and also have detrimental impact on the health of an individual.

Home Remedies to Prevent Sweat and Body Odor

Here are some simple natural home remedies that have been found to be effective in the management of body odor and excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis,

Tomato Juice helps
manage excessive sweating

• Tomatoes: Consuming a cup of tomato juice each day is considered to reduce excessive sweating and reduce body odor. Tomatoes are loaded with anti-oxidants which can help regulate the activity of the sweat glands and also help in keeping the body cool.
• Grapes: Consuming about 10-15 grapes each day is also recommended. Grapes help to cool the body and also loaded with anti-oxidants that can help regulate the internal body temperature and prevent excessive sweating
• Eliminate foods like onions and garlic from your diet. These foods are highly pungent and are responsible for the offensive odor of the sweat. Also limit the intake of animal foods include chicken, lean meat and red meat.
• Zinc: Zinc is considered to reduce sweating naturally. Increase the intake of foods that are loaded with zinc which include turkey, spinach, nuts and sea foods. Zinc also helps control of offensive odor of the sweat.
• Consumption of herbal tea or green tea has also been claimed to be beneficial in prevent excessive perspiration. Herbal tea is also loaded with anti-oxidants; however its role in limiting sweating and body odor is not clear.

Natural Remedies to get rid of Body Odor and Hyperhidrosis

Here are some simple natural home based remedies that can help in the management of body odor and treat excessive sweating,

• Local application of freshly sliced lime or lemon around the armpits is considered to be the most effective natural measure to prevent excessive sweating and treat body odor. However application of lime can result in burning and should be avoided if there are cuts or bruises on the skin.



Sage Leaves for reducing
excessive sweating

• Another method of cooling the body includes boiling tea leaves in a large vessel. Allow the water to cool and soak your body including hands and feet in the tea water. Tannic acid in tea is considered to be beneficial in controlling perspiration and fight body odor
• Boil sage leaves in a large container and soak your body with the water once the water cools down. Sage is considered to be the best natural treatment for excessive sweating.

 Tips to Remember while Treating Hyperhidrosis

In addition to the home remedies, here are some additional tips that can help treat excessive sweat and hperhidrosis,

• Don’t reduce the intake of water. Water is essential to keep the body hydrated, though excessive consumption of water can result in excessive sweating. Ensure that you consume a minimum of 2.5 liters of water if you live in a relatively pleasant environment and about 3.5 liters if you live in a hot and humid climate.
• Avoid the consumption of spicy and hot foods which are known to raise the body temperate by boosting metabolism.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake.
• Ensure that you have an adequate intake of green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits in your diet at all times. 
• Avoid wearing synthetic clothes. Instead use cotton cloths. Also avoid dark colored cloths. Cotton absorbs the sweats while light color cloths repel heat and keep you cooler.

A multidisciplinary approach should help in effective management of excessive sweats and treat hyperhidrosis naturally.

Treat Brain Fog Naturally and Effectively: Home Remedies for Mental Fog

Brain fog or mental fog is a relatively common complaint experienced by individuals belonging to different age groups. Various studies have shown a strong correlation between brain fog and various autoimmune disorders. The condition is also closely linked with depression and chronic fatigue syndrome. Though no specific treatment is available for the management there are a host of home remedies, foods and dietary recommendations along with lifestyle modifications that can help in treating it effectively.

Brain Fog is linked
with Stress

What is Brain Fog?

Where are my glasses? Where did I put those report papers? What time was I suppose to attend the business meet? Most of us have experienced inability to remember occasionally. Though these symptoms may be a manifestation of mental fog, they should not be classified as brain fog unless they occur frequently and interfere considerably with an individual’s ability to perform routine activities.

It is a cognitive dysfunction which is associated with loss of certain intellectual functions including remembering, thinking and reasoning, which is significant enough to interfere with the ability of an individual to perform routine and day to day functions. Individuals suffering from this condition often suffer from inability to perform basic arithmetic calculations, lack concentration and limited verbal recall.

There are a host of conditions that are linked with the development of mental fog. The condition is considered to be associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, depression and elevated levels of psychological stress. In addition certain autoimmune disorders like Hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, etc are considered to cause a mild inflammatory reaction in the brain cells which in turn affects certain cognitive functions.

Home Remedies to Treat Brain Fog

Here are certain home remedies that have been found to be effective in the management of certain symptoms associated with the condition,

St Johns Wort is
effective in treatment
of Brain Fog

• St John’s Wort: An herbal supplement, St John wort is considered to be beneficial in the treatment of mental clutter and brain fogging. Though primarily used for the management of depression, this herbal supplement has been pronounced to be highly beneficial in the management of brain fatigue. An dose of 300 mg of the herbs extract is considered beneficial, though consumption of up to 1800 mg per day has not been reported with any side effects
• Saffron: Saffron is considered to be highly beneficial in improving cognitive functions and enhancing memory and decluttering the mind. Adding a few strands of saffron to milk and drinking twice a day is considered to be very beneficial.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is also considered to boost memory and enhance intellectual capabilities. Sprinkling cinnamon on food is considered to improve mental functions and help in the effective treatment of brain fog. Cinnamon also is considered beneficial in the management of digestive disorders and treatment of diabetes

Health Foods for the Brain

There are certain foods that are beneficial in the management of mental fog. Including these foods in your routine diet can be very beneficial in enhancing memory and cognitive functions,

• Eliminate alcohol and tobacco from your diet. Soda drinks, aerated drinks, etc are responsible for a mild inflammatory action and should be avoided.
• Increase the intake of green foods. Spinach, parsley, etc act as mood foods and are loaded with vitamins and minerals essential for health. Most green vegetables are loaded with minerals like iron, deficiency of which is considered to be primarily responsible for chronic mental fatigue.
• Milk and Milk products like cheese, butter, etc are pick me up foods that help boost the mood and loaded with essential amino acids and nutrients. Consuming low fat dairy products is good for the heart.
• Lean meat and chicken are also good sources of amino acids and vitamins and minerals. Consumption is recommended in moderation. These foods are loaded with Vitamin B12 which is considered vital for neurological health.
• Fresh fruits including grapes, strawberries, cherries, berries, etc are considered to be healthy as they are loaded with Vitamins and Minerals. These foods act as good mood boosters and help in management of brain fog effectively.
• Essential Fatty acids are important for mental development. Consume food cooked in olive oil and sunflower oil which is loaded with EFAs essential for brain development and growth.

Treating Brain Fog Naturally

There is sufficient evidence that physical exercise is considered to be the best way to manage and treat mental fatigue. Exercise helps improve the circulation of blood to the brain which in turn helps in replication and growth of brain tissue. Further, exercise is also considered beneficial in reducing plaque accumulated in the blood cells and in management of atherosclerosis. Jogging, swimming, walking, etc are considered to be healthy exercises, however always speak to your healthcare provider prior to indulging in any new vigorous exercise regimen.

Exercising the brain cells by performing mental activities like solving a crossword puzzle, doing mathematical calculations, putting a jigsaw puzzle, memory gains and reading a book are also considered to improve cognitive functions and help in management of brain disorders.

Always Remember!!

Get yourself thoroughly evaluated if your condition persists. Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, etc are linked with mental problems and need to be treated effectively to alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition. 

Home Remedies for Tender, Sore, Painful Breasts

Fibrocystic breast disease which results in soreness and tenderness of the breast prior to menstrual cycles is one of the most common female disorders. Estimates suggest that approximately half the number of females below the age of 50 years suffer from this disorder. While this condition has not been linked with any form of underlying medical condition, simple dietary measures and home remedies can help in treating this condition. This condition may often manifest as a part of a more broader syndrome complex referred to as premenstural disorder syndrome.

Symptoms of Sore Breasts

Most females are affected by breast problems, especially during their reproductive age (i.e. between puberty and menopause).Tenderness of the breast, also referred to as cyclic breast disorder occurs on a monthly basis just prior to the menstrual periods.
During this phases, breasts often feel swollen, painful and heavy, especially around the areolar region. Some patients may complain of increased sensitivity to touch, espeically around the areolar region.


Causes of Breast Tenderness

Breast Tenderness is a
common complaint

Some of the common causes for breast tenderness prior to periods include,

• Pre Menstrual Syndrome or PMS is a syndrome complex which is characterized by a host of symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue and breast pain about a week prior to menstrual periods. It is believed that the condition is caused due to retention of water in the breast tissue which tends to exert undue pressure resulting in tenderness and pain.
• Use of contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy or use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the management of symptoms of menopause are also considered to be contributing factors
• Consumption of caffeinated beverages results in dilation of blood vessels in the breast tissue due to the compound methylxanthine. This distention often result is pain
• Use of NSAIDs, steroids and HRT drugs are also linked with development of breast tenderness
• Sclerosing adenosis is also a condition which is associated with breast tenderness

Some of the other lifestyle related causes linked with painful breasts include,

1. wearing a tight fitting bra
2. breast enhancement or augmentation surgery

If pain and tenderness of the breast is a constant and ongoing and not linked to menstural cycles, it is essential to get onselfs evaluated to rule out the possibility of cancer of the breast.

Home Remedies for Painful Breasts

Here are some simple home remedies and supplements which have been reported to improve breast soreness and alleviate the pain. While one can use the supplements in conjuction with other medicines, it is essential to ensure that these supplements/home remedies dont interfere with other treatments linked to premenstural syndrome disorder. These simple remedies comprise of natural herbs and dietary supplements,

Chaste Tree Extract is
very beneficial in Breast Pain
Treatment

• Chaste Tree Extract: Studies have shown that chaste tree extract helps in restoring the balance between estrogen and progesterone. Imbalance in estrogen and progesterone can result in fluid retention in the body which in turn results in breast tenderness. Chaste Tree extract can help alleviate pain.
• Vitamin E: Reports have suggested that consumption of 500 IU of Vitamin E supplements can help in sustained relief from breast soreness.  
• Essential fatty Acids: Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are strong anti-inflammatory agents and help in reducing pain and tenderness in the breasts. Consumption of 1 gram of Evening primrose is recommended for the management of the condition. Alternatively flax seed oil is also considered to be a good source of EFAs.
• Magnesium supplements are also considered to be beneficial in the management of breast tenderness and soreness.
• Iodine: Studies have shown that lower levels of iodine can result in breast disorders. Consuming foods rich in iodine namely sea foods are considered beneficial. However, check for your thyroid condition before increasing the intake of iodine. However, it is essential to bear in mind that excessive iodine can be detrimental in the management of hyperthyroidism.
• Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 helps the liver process excess of estrogen and hence is considered beneficial in management of cyclic breast disorder.

Natural Treatment and Diet for Sore Breasts

Here are some addition considerations for management of tenderness and soreness of the breasts,

• Wear a bra of the right size and ensure that it supports the breast tissue adequately



Caffeine consumption is
strongly linked with
Breast Problems

• Cold compression is considered to relive pain as it averts inflammatory response. Regular cold compression during acute pain is recommended
• Limit and preferably eliminate caffeine from your diet. Avoid cola drinks, chocolate and other over the counter medications.
• Limit the intake of processed foods and saturated fatty acids. Limit consumption of Trans Fats in your diet.

Visit your gynecologist on regular basis, especially if the pain is severe or if you observe discharge from the nipples. 

Home Remedies and Natural Treatment for Athralgia (Joint Pain)

Athralgia or joint pain is a condition that affects individuals above the age of 40 years. Arthritis including rheumatoid or osteoarthritis are the most common causes associated with pain in the hip and knee joints. With limited options for management of this condition available in contemparary medicine, there are several natural treatments and home remedies that are beneficial to deal with this condition. In most cases, the beneficial effect ranges from reduced pain to significant relief in stiffness and improved joint mobility. 

Joint pains commonly occur in people of 40 years and above. The commonest cause for joint pain is arthritis, either rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Pain is often accompanied by stiffness and reduced mobility. While the condition can affect any joint, it is more frequently observed in weight bearing joints namely knees, hips and ankles. Occassionally joint pain in the wrist and fingers may also be observed.

Joint Pain results in
Limited Mobility

Home Remedies for Reducing Joint Pain and Improving Mobility

Here are some simple home remedies that have been found beneficial in treating athraligia. These home remedies are usually effective, irrespective of the joint involved,

• Carrots: Carrots are loaded with Vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant and neutralizes the free radicals that are responsible for damage to the joint tissue. Experts recommend consumption of one carrot each day, to reduce the symptoms of athralgia. Other foods that supply this anti oxidant include mangoes, parsley, apricots, broccoli, spinach, sweet potatoes, peaches, etc

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar is another simple home remedy which is considered to be beneficial in sustained and immense pain relief for joint pains. Add two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a tablespoon of honey and consume at least once a day.
• Epsom Salts: Add about five spoons of Epsom salt to bath water and then soak the affected joints. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which has strong anti inflammatory action in the joints and helps reduce stiffness and pain.



Apple Cider Vinegar
is beneficial for
Joint Pains

• Olive Oil: Local application of olive oil is considered to reduce pain and discomfort associated with athralgia. Olive oil should be applied to the affected joints just prior to retiring to bed.
• Papaya Seed Extract: Boil the papaya seeds in a bowl of water and consume the decoction about once each day for a month. This will not only reduce the pain and stiffness but also helps in improving joint mobility.

Massage and Simple Streching Excercises help reduce Joint Pain

 

Regular simple stretching exercises can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint and improve the mobility of the joint. Regular exercise also relieves the pain in the joint efficiently. Athraligia when associated with muscular fatigue can be effectively managed by massaging the affected joint with essential oil namely lavender, cardimon, etc. Note that the essential oil should be adequately diluted before being used.  

Effective Diet for Athralgia

Including the following diet in the food for about three months can yield beneficial results. This diet is beneficial in the management of chronic conditions like arthritis which is primarily responsible for joint pain and athralgia

•  Grapes: Grapes contain resveratrol, which is a natural anti inflammatory agent. Resveratrol helps reduce stiffness, swelling and inflammation of the joint and in turn helps improve the overall mobility of the joint. The anti inflammatory agent blocks the inflammatory pathways to bring about sustained relief



Vegetarian Diet is
good for Joint Problems

• Salads and Vegetarian Diet: It should be remembered that non vegetarian diet including chicken, eggs, dairy products and meat contain arachidonic acid which tends to get converted to leuckoterienes and prostaglandins, which exert an inflammatory action. Reducing animal sources of food and focusing on veggies can help in reducing chronic inflammation.
•  Flax seeds and Fish are loaded with essential fatty acids namely omega-3 fatty acids which has strong anti inflammatory effects. Increasing omega-3 in the diet is very important in management of joint pain and athralgia
• Soy: Soy is also packed with anti oxidants like phytoestrogens and isoflavones. Further soy is also a great source of plant protein which in turn in beneficial in preventing cartilage erosion.

Treating Joint Pain with Vitamins

Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex play a crucial role in the management of joint pain and athralgia naturally. Though calcium and magnesium are important for bone strengthen and mineralization, these vitamins play a crucial role in managing joint pain.

• Vitamin A contains antioxidants that help destroy the free radicals which result in degeneration of the joint tissue and prevent inflammatory response
• Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in the reconstruction of joint cartilage by preventing demineralization. its contribution in joint care and checking bone pain is vital.
• Vitamin C is an integral component of ligaments, cartilage, bones and tendons along with other types of connective tissue. Vitamin C plays an important role in synthesis of collagen which makes it’s supplementation critical in the management of athralgia
• Vitamin B complexes are essential to maintain healthy joints and bones.