Biology (Health Improvement Series), Essay Example

Ayurvedam

This section examines how to improve your health by using Ayurvedam. It considers both the advantages and potential side effects of using this drug.

There has been a great deal of discussion concerning the use of alternative medicines and herbal based medicines such as those using Ayurvedam.  “Nupal Remedies has been able to unlock the treasure trove of nature, which possesses the secrets of life saving herbs. These herbal remedies have been highly effective in the treatment of many health problems. Nupal Remedies uses these ayurvedic medicines in its treatment, for the holistic healing of its patients.  (Nupal Remedies).  The majority of Ayurvedam drugs do not contain any side effects.  This is considered to be one of the major advantages of this type of medicine.  In those rarer cases where there have been complications this has been attributed to  ” improper methods of administration, poor timing, or dietary imbalance. Another reason can be manufacturing defects.” ( keralaayurvedics.com)

Another aspect of herbal medicines is that these first came about in a purer environment than that which we experience today.  At that time there was not a potential risk due to contamination or pollution.  Plants that grow in these changed environments may contain elements from pollution or other contamination and this in turn can lead to side effects.

Within the context of Health and Wellness industry today, the roots derive from the ancient practices of Eastern Medicine.  These practices  concentrated on healing and looking for the cause of illness. ” The development of illness is due to the battle between energy in the body and pathogenic influences.”  (Sales Creators).  Hence, the prime causes of illnesses are due to an energetic imbalance within the body. As such we therefore need to eliminate the pathogenic influence or balance and strengthen the energy in the body. “Western medical research is discovering what ancient Ayurvedic medicine of India and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long realized. They stress maximizing health by living correctly, and the human body’s abilities to heal. Traditional Chinese Medicine places ‘Qi,’ the principle of vital energy at the core of its medical theory and practice.” (Sales Creators)

“Today we are faced with what may be the single greatest drug safety catastrophe in the history of this country or the history of the world… In my opinion, the FDA has let the American people down, and sadly, betrayed a public trust.” (MD)

Those ominous words, spoken by David J. Graham, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Director of Drug Safety for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on November 18, 2004, were part of Congressional testimony concerning the dangers of Vioxx. (MD). The arthritic drug was removed from the market place because it increased the risk of heart attacks.

Cholestorol

An alternative medical treatment to reduce cholesterol levels is by using Ayurvedic herbal treatments.  This as opposed to conventional drugs like Crestor, Lipidor, Zocor etc.  The latter having side effects.   ” If your total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL, your heart attack risk is relatively low, unless you have other risk factors. Even with a low risk, it’s still smart to eat foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and also get plenty of physical activity. Have your cholesterol levels measured every five years — or more often if you’re a man over 45 or a woman over 55.”   The consequences of high cholesterol is that it significantly increases your risk of heart-attack or stroke.  200 mgl/dl is generally the number that moves you into the high risk category, with the risk doubling if you exceed 240 mgl/dl.  Another issue aligned to this is high blood pressure and normally prescription drugs are recommended here in order to main balance

Zocor seems to have terrible side effects for about 2% of the people taking this medication. One patient was quoted as saying Zocor has become a nightmare for me. I started Zocor in Sept or October 2002 and been sick ever since. My muscles ache all the time and my arms go to sleep at night also have calf cramps. Although side effects are uncommon with Crestor, depending on dosage,  you can experience constipation, dizziness , headache , nausea, stomach pain.  Like all drugs with potential side effects you should consult your physician for appropriate advice. With Lipidor, Headaches, muscle pain, and joint pain are common side effects. Side effects that are less common include lack of appetite, back pain, and constipation. Although most people have no problems when taking the drug.

There are many natural remedies for lowering cholesterol other than prescription drugs.  This should however be carefully evaluated with your physician and balanced against other considerations i.e. hypertension, high blood pressure, existing heart condition.  Examples of natural remedies include: Fibre can be obtained through fibre supplements or through foods such as whole grains and vegetables. It is thought that fibre binds to cholesterol in the small intestine and preventing cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Garlic has been widely studies for its cholesterol-lowering properties. Grape Seed Extract has been noted to reduce total cholesterol serum levels. Pantothine has been seen to increase HDL levels, therefore decreasing total cholesterol levels. Red yeast rice contains a natural form of lovastatin (Mevacor®). Although effective, this natural product is not regulated by the FDA, so the dosage may vary from pill to pill. Royal Jelly has been seen to lower cholesterol levels by reducing some of the cholesterol-elevating effects of nicotine. Soy has been shown to reduce total cholesterol levels Vitamin C has been noted to slightly reduce cholesterol levels.

Liver Disease

Cirrhosis of the liver is essentially a general terms for all forms of liver disease. It is classified as a serious hepatic disease and sees the liver contracting in size and becoming both hard and leathery.  This contraction is caused by lack of cell replacements and continued damage will impact the structure and ultimately lead to death. Three of the most common causes relate to excessive intake of alcohol, Hepatitis B, C and excessive intake of quinine.  ( one of the historic side effects of malaria fighting drugs).

Ayurvedic treatments begin with two herbs – kutki (picrorrhiza) and nisoth (turpeth). These herbs are taken in a mixed powder form in quantities of one or two teaspoons in hot water twice daily. Arogyavardhini is taken as a common medicine since it contains both kutki and nisoth.  Bhringaraja (trailing eclipta) is the drug of choice for almost all liver ailments. It can be even given to children suffering from liver problems. It is taken with honey as a vehicle because it is quite bitter in taste.

Treatment of liver disease with conventional drugs has to be accomplished with the support of specialist medical advice. Some potential drugs like Asperin can be dangerous to certain patients .. aspirin should be avoided in patients with cirrhosis because of its effects on coagulation and the gastric mucosa (Kasper DL et al 2005). The following conventional medicines are often prescribed to treat cirrhosis or fibrotic liver disease: Corticosteroids. These drugs have been shown to reduce the inflammation that characterizes liver disease. While they may be helpful to patients with alcoholic hepatitis and encephalopathy, they are less helpful to patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (Kasper DL et al 2005; Glanze WD 1996; Mathurin P et al 2002). Ursodiol. Among people with biliary cirrhosis, this drug replaces lost biliary acids. Side effects are rare. This drug may not halt progression of the disease (Kasper DL et al 2005).

Hair Loss

Hair loss can often occur about  3 or 4 months after an illness or a major surgery, often this can result in  suddenly lose a large amount of hair. This hair loss is related to the stress of the illness and is temporary. This is most common in cancer arresting drugs like Chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Hormonal problems can also cause  hair loss.  When the  thyroid gland is overactive or underactive, your hair may fall out. This hair loss usually can be helped by treatment thyroid disease. Hair loss may occur if male or female hormones, known as androgens and estrogens, are out of balance. Correcting the hormone imbalance may stop your hair loss.

Many women notice hair loss about 3 months after they’ve had a baby. This loss is also related to hormones. Some medicines can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss improves when you stop taking the medicine. Medicines that can cause hair loss include blood thinners (also called anticoagulants), medicines used for gout, high blood pressure or heart problems, vitamin A (if too much is taken), birth control pills and antidepressants.

Natural remedies like Hairomax oil and  Hairomax capsules help to maintain a healthy scalp and help to eliminate external problems like fungus and dandruff. As such providing double protection for your hair.  Hairomax provides all the necessary nutrients to re-establish hormonal balance and hence is an effective DHT blocker; it locks on to the hair follicles affecting the hair growth’s cycle. As DHT continues to wreak havoc, hair will become thinner and eventually bald spots will develop., Hairomax capsules helps to stop this process to a certain extend in the beginning, removing the harmful substance from the hair before it has a chance to cause damage.

It should be noted that many of these natural remedy products come from India and as such if you order by mail order you will need to factor in shipping costs and importation tax duties.  The alternative is too look for local suppliers in your area, where these costs have already been paid.  Certain pharmacies are also stocking herbal remedies so it is best to seek advice and shop around