All About Yoga and Breast Cancer
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Created December 22, 2010
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
For women coping with breast cancer, yoga may offer a host of benefits. Although yoga can't treat cancer itself, some research suggests that taking up a yoga practice might help breast cancer patients and survivors deal with the following cancer-related problems:
1) Fatigue
Fatigue is common among breast cancer patients, especially when undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. For a clinical trial published in the International Journal of Yoga in 2009, researchers assigned 88 breast cancer patients to receive either yoga or therapy prior to radiation treatment. Results revealed that those in the yoga group had significantly less fatigue, psychological distress, insomnia, and appetite loss (compared to those in the therapy group).
In a previous study of 13 women with metastatic breast cancer (published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management in 2007), scientists found that an eight-week yoga-based treatment program helped reduce fatigue and pain (as well as promote relaxation).
2) Emotional Issues
A number of studies show that practicing yoga may help ease emotional troubles among women with breast cancer. For instance, a 2009 study from the journal Psychooncology found that breast cancer patients who took part in 10 weekly, 75-minute restorative yoga classes experienced greater improvements in emotional well-being, mental health, and depression (compared to those assigned to a wait list). The study included 44 women, 34 percent of whom were undergoing cancer treatment.
Other studies indicate that yoga may help lessen irritability, mood disturbance, and negative thinking among breast cancer patients and survivors.
3) Anxiety
Yoga may help soothe anxiety among women in breast cancer treatment, according to a 2009 study from Complementary Therapies in Medicine. For the study, 98 breast cancer patients were assigned to take part in a 60-minute yoga class or a therapy session prior to receiving cancer treatment (such as surgery). Study results showed that members of the yoga group had lower levels of anxiety (compared to those who received therapy).
Is Yoga Safe for Breast Cancer Patients?
While yoga is generally considered safe, certain postures may be difficult to achieve or may induce muscle and/or joint damage if not executed properly.
Learn more about yoga and cancer.
Should You Use Yoga to Cope with Breast Cancer?
While yoga may be of some benefit to breast cancer patients and survivors, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. If you're interested in incorporating yoga into your breast cancer treatment, talk to your doctor about finding a yoga program that's right for you.
MY THOUGHTS
you don't need to have breast cancer to enjoy the benefits of yoga. i should take it up again. find time for it. it helps me sleep. i feel better in the morning. and yes, yes, yes. it has this calming effect.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
Alternative Medicine for Anxiety
Natural Remedies for Anxiety
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Updated September 20, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
What is Anxiety?
Although it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, if you feel anxious without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability, impatience, or poor concentration.
People may also notice changes in their physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, excessive sweating, and headache.
It's important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble anxiety.
Natural Remedies for Anxiety
These are some of the natural remedies that are being explored for anxiety.
#
Passionflower
The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used as a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
Two studies involving a total of 198 people examined the effectiveness of passionflower for anxiety. One study found passionflower to be comparable to benzodiazepine drugs. There was also improvement in job performance with passionflower and less drowsiness with passionflower compared with the drug mexazolam, however, neither was statistically significant.
Side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. The safety of passionflower in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established. There have been five case reports in Norway of people becoming temporarily impaired mentally after using a combination product containing passionflower. It's not known whether the other ingredients in the supplement played a role.
Passionflower should not be taken with sedatives unless under medical supervision. Passionflower may enhance the effect of pentobarbital, a medication used for sleep and seizure disorders.
#
Bodywork
Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork are widely used to diminish muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.
What is Massage Therapy?
10 Massage Styles
10 Embarassing Massage Questions
#
Mind/Body Techniques
Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine you can stick to with a hectic schedule.
Diaphragmatic Breathing, Step-by-Step
The Relaxation Response
Mindfulness Meditation
#
Valerian
The herb valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is best known as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the research supporting its use for anxiety is limited.
For example, researchers with the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed studies on valerian for anxiety. Only one study met their quality criteria. It was a four-week study comparing valerian, the medication diazepam (Valium), and a placebo in 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder. No statistically signficant differences were found between the groups, perhaps due to the small size of the study.
Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn't be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most people don't like the smell of valerian and prefer taking the capsule form.
Valerian shouldn't be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn't be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be used before driving or operating machinery. Consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended. For more information about valerian, read the Valerian Fact Sheet.
#
Kava
Native to Polynesia, the herb kava (Piper methysticum) has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava. To date, there have been more than 25 reports of serious adverse effects from kava use in other countries, including four patients who required liver transplants. Learn more about kava; What is Kava?
#
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Some prescription drugs for anxiety work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. The degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain, however, is unknown.
#
Aromatherapy
Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.
What is Aromatherapy?
Tips on Buying Essential Oils
Using Essential Oils Safely
#
Other Natural Remedies for Anxiety
Pantothenic acid
Calcium
Magnesium
B vitamins
Chamomile
Sources
Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JR. Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytother Res. 16.7 (2002): 650-654.
Ernst E. Herbal remedies for anxiety - a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 13.3 (2006): 205-208.
Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD004515.
Miyasaka L, Atallah A, Soares B. Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD004518.
MY THOUGHTS
better look for passion flower. and inject the workplace with it for job performance. for the "undesirables", overdose. haha
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Updated September 20, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
What is Anxiety?
Although it's normal to feel anxious from time to time, if you feel anxious without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder may include restlessness, feeling tense or on edge, irritability, impatience, or poor concentration.
People may also notice changes in their physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep (insomnia), dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, excessive sweating, and headache.
It's important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems that may resemble anxiety.
Natural Remedies for Anxiety
These are some of the natural remedies that are being explored for anxiety.
#
Passionflower
The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used as a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
Two studies involving a total of 198 people examined the effectiveness of passionflower for anxiety. One study found passionflower to be comparable to benzodiazepine drugs. There was also improvement in job performance with passionflower and less drowsiness with passionflower compared with the drug mexazolam, however, neither was statistically significant.
Side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. The safety of passionflower in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established. There have been five case reports in Norway of people becoming temporarily impaired mentally after using a combination product containing passionflower. It's not known whether the other ingredients in the supplement played a role.
Passionflower should not be taken with sedatives unless under medical supervision. Passionflower may enhance the effect of pentobarbital, a medication used for sleep and seizure disorders.
#
Bodywork
Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork are widely used to diminish muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve sleep.
What is Massage Therapy?
10 Massage Styles
10 Embarassing Massage Questions
#
Mind/Body Techniques
Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine you can stick to with a hectic schedule.
Diaphragmatic Breathing, Step-by-Step
The Relaxation Response
Mindfulness Meditation
#
Valerian
The herb valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is best known as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the research supporting its use for anxiety is limited.
For example, researchers with the Cochrane Collaboration reviewed studies on valerian for anxiety. Only one study met their quality criteria. It was a four-week study comparing valerian, the medication diazepam (Valium), and a placebo in 36 people with generalized anxiety disorder. No statistically signficant differences were found between the groups, perhaps due to the small size of the study.
Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn't be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most people don't like the smell of valerian and prefer taking the capsule form.
Valerian shouldn't be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn't be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be used before driving or operating machinery. Consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended. For more information about valerian, read the Valerian Fact Sheet.
#
Kava
Native to Polynesia, the herb kava (Piper methysticum) has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava. To date, there have been more than 25 reports of serious adverse effects from kava use in other countries, including four patients who required liver transplants. Learn more about kava; What is Kava?
#
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Some prescription drugs for anxiety work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. The degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain, however, is unknown.
#
Aromatherapy
Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base of many relaxing blends.
What is Aromatherapy?
Tips on Buying Essential Oils
Using Essential Oils Safely
#
Other Natural Remedies for Anxiety
Pantothenic acid
Calcium
Magnesium
B vitamins
Chamomile
Sources
Andreatini R, Sartori VA, Seabra ML, Leite JR. Effect of valepotriates (valerian extract) in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Phytother Res. 16.7 (2002): 650-654.
Ernst E. Herbal remedies for anxiety - a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Phytomedicine. 13.3 (2006): 205-208.
Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Valerian for anxiety disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD004515.
Miyasaka L, Atallah A, Soares B. Passiflora for anxiety disorder. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Jan 24;(1):CD004518.
MY THOUGHTS
better look for passion flower. and inject the workplace with it for job performance. for the "undesirables", overdose. haha
Sunday, January 2, 2011
alternative medicine for arthritis???
Cat's Claw
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Updated February 06, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
What is Cat's Claw?
Other names: Uncaria tomentosa, una de gato, life-giving vine of Peru, samento
Cat's claw is native to the Amazon. The name cat's claw comes from the thorns on the plant's leaves that look like the claws of a cat. The part used medicinally is the root bark. It comes in tablet, capsule, tea, dried herb or tincture forms.
Why Do People Use Cat's Claw
Cat's claw has a long history of traditional use by indigenous peoples in South America. It has been used to treat digestive problems, arthritis, inflammation, ulcers and to promote wound healing.
# Arthritis
Cat's claw is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Compounds in cat's claw are thought to block the body's production of inflammation-producing substances called prostaglandins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Cat's claw is believed to reduce pain somewhat, but it doesn't appear to have much of an effect on reducing swelling. More evidence is needed before cat's claw can be used as a treatment for arthritis.
# Cancer
There's some evidence cat's claw may affect the immune system. Preliminary laboratory studies suggest it may halt the spread of cancer cells. A few animal studies suggest it may help with cell damage caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Much more evidence is needed before it can be used as a cancer treatment, and it should never replace conventional care.
# Other conditions
Cat's claw has also been used for high blood pressure, HIV, diverticulitis, gastritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, but there's insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of cat's claw for these conditions.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Side effects may include nausea, headache and dizziness.
Cat's claw shouldn't be used by people who have had organ transplants.
The safety of cat's claw in people with certain autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Crohn's disease isn't known.
Cat's claw shouldn't be taken within two weeks before or after surgical procedures or by people who have bleeding disorders.
Pregnant or nursing women or children should avoid cat's claw.
Cat's claw shouldn't be confused with another herb called cat's claw acacia, catclaw acacia or Acacia gregii which is believed to contain a compound related to cyanide and should not be taken orally.
Possible Interactions
Cat's claw may decrease the effectiveness of drugs that suppress the immune system such as Imuran (azathioprine), CellCept, Neoral, Sandimmune (cyclosporine), Prograf, Rapamune and Zenapak.
Cat's claw is thought to be broken down by the liver, so it could theoretically interfere with the effectiveness of medications that are broken down by the same liver enzymes such as:
* oral contraceptives
* allergy medication such as fexofenadine
* cholesterol medication such as lovastatin
* antifungals such as ketoconazole
* cancer medications such as paclitaxel or vinblastine
MY THOUGHTS
i'd be scared to try cat's claw. good thing i don't need it. and what happensif you get the acacia kind?
By Cathy Wong, About.com Guide
Updated February 06, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
What is Cat's Claw?
Other names: Uncaria tomentosa, una de gato, life-giving vine of Peru, samento
Cat's claw is native to the Amazon. The name cat's claw comes from the thorns on the plant's leaves that look like the claws of a cat. The part used medicinally is the root bark. It comes in tablet, capsule, tea, dried herb or tincture forms.
Why Do People Use Cat's Claw
Cat's claw has a long history of traditional use by indigenous peoples in South America. It has been used to treat digestive problems, arthritis, inflammation, ulcers and to promote wound healing.
# Arthritis
Cat's claw is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects and has been used for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Compounds in cat's claw are thought to block the body's production of inflammation-producing substances called prostaglandins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Cat's claw is believed to reduce pain somewhat, but it doesn't appear to have much of an effect on reducing swelling. More evidence is needed before cat's claw can be used as a treatment for arthritis.
# Cancer
There's some evidence cat's claw may affect the immune system. Preliminary laboratory studies suggest it may halt the spread of cancer cells. A few animal studies suggest it may help with cell damage caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatment. Much more evidence is needed before it can be used as a cancer treatment, and it should never replace conventional care.
# Other conditions
Cat's claw has also been used for high blood pressure, HIV, diverticulitis, gastritis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, but there's insufficient evidence on the effectiveness of cat's claw for these conditions.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Side effects may include nausea, headache and dizziness.
Cat's claw shouldn't be used by people who have had organ transplants.
The safety of cat's claw in people with certain autoimmune conditions such as type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Crohn's disease isn't known.
Cat's claw shouldn't be taken within two weeks before or after surgical procedures or by people who have bleeding disorders.
Pregnant or nursing women or children should avoid cat's claw.
Cat's claw shouldn't be confused with another herb called cat's claw acacia, catclaw acacia or Acacia gregii which is believed to contain a compound related to cyanide and should not be taken orally.
Possible Interactions
Cat's claw may decrease the effectiveness of drugs that suppress the immune system such as Imuran (azathioprine), CellCept, Neoral, Sandimmune (cyclosporine), Prograf, Rapamune and Zenapak.
Cat's claw is thought to be broken down by the liver, so it could theoretically interfere with the effectiveness of medications that are broken down by the same liver enzymes such as:
* oral contraceptives
* allergy medication such as fexofenadine
* cholesterol medication such as lovastatin
* antifungals such as ketoconazole
* cancer medications such as paclitaxel or vinblastine
MY THOUGHTS
i'd be scared to try cat's claw. good thing i don't need it. and what happensif you get the acacia kind?
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tea as an Alternative to Medicine
Have Another Cuppa Tea
By Aine McAteer
Original Content | March 26, 2010
Tea in the morning, tea in the evening,
tea at supper time,
You get tea when it's raining,
tea when it's snowing
tea when the weather's fine,
You get tea as a mid-day stimulant,
You get tea with your afternoon tea
For any old ailment or disease
For Christ sake have a cuppa tea
— The Kinks
On a recent visit to London, I took my Irish friend, Eileen, to one of my favorite London haunts: the Tea Palace on Westbourne Grove. With more than 100 different teas to choose from, the Tea Palace is heaven for an Irishwoman! However, after perusing the extensive tea menu, Eileen looked at me a little confused and asked, "Do you think they have ordinary tea?" What the heck was I thinking—that an Irishwoman was going to stray from tradition?
As someone who grew up in Ireland, I know just how much the teapot is a big part of our daily lives. As a child, I'd knit tea cozies to keep the brew warm, and on a winter's evening, my family would sit around the fire and drink tea. There was no such thing as what kind of tea—there was simply tea. Fortunately for Eileen, the Tea Palace was able to satisfy with a nice black tea with milk and sugar.
These days, there's a vast range of teas to choose from, and every time I go shopping, there seems to be even more. I confess to having strayed from the purity of my Irish roots and embracing a whole new world of teas. I've even tainted my mother, who never starts her day without her two cups of green tea and swears it's the fountain of youth.
I like to jump-start my day with a tea that has a little caffeine, like a white, green or jasmine tea. White tea has about 2 percent caffeine, while green and jasmine teas contain 5 percent. Since anything more than that (like black tea, which has between 10 and 20 percent caffeine) makes me a little overexcited, I tend to stick to those three. I also always have a bag of dried rosebuds among my tea collection, as it adds a lovely flavor and aroma when combined with white or green tea.
While teas do have distinct differences, black, white, green and oolong teas all come from a warm-weather evergreen tree called Camellia sinensis. The difference comes from the processing. As tea leaves are processed, they become darker, which means that white and green teas are less processed and therefore have lower levels of caffeine. Darker teas, by contrast, are dried, crushed and fermented.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is a powdered green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is also used as an ingredient to flavor certain foods, like green tea ice cream or mochi, which is a traditional Japanese dish made from sticky rice. Matcha has become a popular drink because of its nutritional benefits—it is said to be high in a class of antioxidants known as cathechins, which are only found in green tea, and it is also a good source of chlorophyll as well as a natural mood enhancer.
Indian Chai
These days, I occasionally start my day with a cup of Indian chai made from black tea, along with a squirt of a wonderful liquid chai spice mix that I found recently, a spoonful of honey or maple syrup and some warmed hemp milk or soy silk creamer (the hazelnut or vanilla Silk creamer is quite a delicious treat in tea).
Rooibos Tea
If I'm having my chai later in the day, in order to avoid the 10 to 20 percent caffeine found in black tea, I'll use a Rooibos tea instead. Rooibos, also known as African Redbush tea, has become very popular recently. It was traditionally used in Africa to treat various health problems, including infant colic, digestive problems, asthma and allergies. It is also said to be high in antioxidants, and it is completely caffeine-free, so it can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba Mate, a tea native to the rainforests of Brazil and Argentina, is another tea that has gained popularity recently, again because of its high antioxidant properties and other nutritional benefits. I enjoy its smoky flavor and find it a wonderful tea to offer people who want to cut back on drinking coffee, as Yerba Mate has a stimulating effect from its naturally occurring caffeine, but without irritating the nervous system as coffee can.
Kukicha Tea
Kukicha tea, also known as Bancha tea, is a staple in the macrobiotic diet. It is often referred to as "three-year tea" because it is made from the tea tree's twigs, stems and coarse leaves that have matured for up to three years in paper bags. Kukicha tea is said to be highly alkalizing, which is beneficial, as the majority of people tend to consume a diet rich in acid-forming foods such as meat, sugar, dairy products and refined carbohydrates. It is also a good source of calcium, zinc, selenium, copper and magnesium and is high in antioxidants.
Throughout my day, I enjoy a range of teas for their therapeutic benefits. These days, I'm drinking an Ayurvedic concoction made from a range of spices, to which I add fresh ginger. In Ayurveda, herbal blends are used therapeutically to balance the constitution and treat various conditions.
Learn which healing herbs and spices help treat health conditions
Benefits of Tea
Studies have shown that teas are high in the antioxidant Polyphenols, which have anti-carcinogenic properties among other health benefits such as lowered cholesterol levels.
Healing Herbs and Spices
Fresh or dried herbs and spices can be brewed into a soothing tea to treat various health conditions.
•Nettles help build blood and are also beneficial to treating urinary tract infections.
•Ginger and mint are helpful for digestion and upset stomachs.
•Rosemary is good for treating headaches.
•Dandelion leaf and root are excellent liver tonics and help clear toxins from the body.
•Chamomile and valerian are relaxants and promote sound sleep.
•Lavender is soothing to the nervous system and relieves stress.
•Wild rose hips are high in vitamin C and good for treating cold and flu.
•Sage tea is excellent for treating infection and inflammation. It is also said to be calming to the nervous system and to help control night sweats during menopause.
•Raspberry leaf supports the female hormonal system. It promotes healthy menstruation and is recommended to strengthen and tone the uterus in preparation for pregnancy.
•Fennel seeds are very effective for digestive problems such as gas, cramping and acid indigestion.
•Dried lotus root powder helps dissolve and clear mucus congestion from the lungs and bronchial tubes. Its action is enhanced with the addition of a few drops of fresh ginger juice.
•Lemongrass is commonly brewed up as a tea in Thailand. It is a diuretic and is said to have antifungal properties and benefit the digestive system, reducing gas and bloating.
•Cornsilk is a well-known tonic for bladder and urinary tract infections. It is also diuretic and helps clear toxins from the body.
Brewing Tea
When making white or green tea, it's important not to add boiling water, as it will make the tea bitter. You can bring the water to a boil and let it sit for about a minute before adding it to the tea leaves. Alternatively, you can add a little cold water and top up with boiling water.
Herbal teas can be soaked for anywhere from three to 10 minutes. For more therapeutic benefits, I like to soak them for longer or simmer them lightly. I also like to use a glass pot for brewing my tea, as I love to see the color of the tea as it brews!
In general, I prefer to use loose-leaf tea and truly enjoy when I can pick fresh herbs and flowers from the garden to whip up a magical brew. Tea to me is alchemy—a way to transform my moods, lift my spirits and share with friends. For a special treat, accompany your afternoon tea with a slice of my Fruity Spiced Tea Cake, which as been created especially for my readers on Oprah.com.
Oh, and in case you were wondering —my favorite tea-and-herb combination? Silver needle white tea with rosebuds.
Enjoy!
Aine
MY THOUGHTS
tea -love it. got into the habit of drinking tea when i went to sri lanka. they have all kinds and one of the best.
By Aine McAteer
Original Content | March 26, 2010
Tea in the morning, tea in the evening,
tea at supper time,
You get tea when it's raining,
tea when it's snowing
tea when the weather's fine,
You get tea as a mid-day stimulant,
You get tea with your afternoon tea
For any old ailment or disease
For Christ sake have a cuppa tea
— The Kinks
On a recent visit to London, I took my Irish friend, Eileen, to one of my favorite London haunts: the Tea Palace on Westbourne Grove. With more than 100 different teas to choose from, the Tea Palace is heaven for an Irishwoman! However, after perusing the extensive tea menu, Eileen looked at me a little confused and asked, "Do you think they have ordinary tea?" What the heck was I thinking—that an Irishwoman was going to stray from tradition?
As someone who grew up in Ireland, I know just how much the teapot is a big part of our daily lives. As a child, I'd knit tea cozies to keep the brew warm, and on a winter's evening, my family would sit around the fire and drink tea. There was no such thing as what kind of tea—there was simply tea. Fortunately for Eileen, the Tea Palace was able to satisfy with a nice black tea with milk and sugar.
These days, there's a vast range of teas to choose from, and every time I go shopping, there seems to be even more. I confess to having strayed from the purity of my Irish roots and embracing a whole new world of teas. I've even tainted my mother, who never starts her day without her two cups of green tea and swears it's the fountain of youth.
I like to jump-start my day with a tea that has a little caffeine, like a white, green or jasmine tea. White tea has about 2 percent caffeine, while green and jasmine teas contain 5 percent. Since anything more than that (like black tea, which has between 10 and 20 percent caffeine) makes me a little overexcited, I tend to stick to those three. I also always have a bag of dried rosebuds among my tea collection, as it adds a lovely flavor and aroma when combined with white or green tea.
While teas do have distinct differences, black, white, green and oolong teas all come from a warm-weather evergreen tree called Camellia sinensis. The difference comes from the processing. As tea leaves are processed, they become darker, which means that white and green teas are less processed and therefore have lower levels of caffeine. Darker teas, by contrast, are dried, crushed and fermented.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is a powdered green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is also used as an ingredient to flavor certain foods, like green tea ice cream or mochi, which is a traditional Japanese dish made from sticky rice. Matcha has become a popular drink because of its nutritional benefits—it is said to be high in a class of antioxidants known as cathechins, which are only found in green tea, and it is also a good source of chlorophyll as well as a natural mood enhancer.
Indian Chai
These days, I occasionally start my day with a cup of Indian chai made from black tea, along with a squirt of a wonderful liquid chai spice mix that I found recently, a spoonful of honey or maple syrup and some warmed hemp milk or soy silk creamer (the hazelnut or vanilla Silk creamer is quite a delicious treat in tea).
Rooibos Tea
If I'm having my chai later in the day, in order to avoid the 10 to 20 percent caffeine found in black tea, I'll use a Rooibos tea instead. Rooibos, also known as African Redbush tea, has become very popular recently. It was traditionally used in Africa to treat various health problems, including infant colic, digestive problems, asthma and allergies. It is also said to be high in antioxidants, and it is completely caffeine-free, so it can be enjoyed at any time of day.
Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba Mate, a tea native to the rainforests of Brazil and Argentina, is another tea that has gained popularity recently, again because of its high antioxidant properties and other nutritional benefits. I enjoy its smoky flavor and find it a wonderful tea to offer people who want to cut back on drinking coffee, as Yerba Mate has a stimulating effect from its naturally occurring caffeine, but without irritating the nervous system as coffee can.
Kukicha Tea
Kukicha tea, also known as Bancha tea, is a staple in the macrobiotic diet. It is often referred to as "three-year tea" because it is made from the tea tree's twigs, stems and coarse leaves that have matured for up to three years in paper bags. Kukicha tea is said to be highly alkalizing, which is beneficial, as the majority of people tend to consume a diet rich in acid-forming foods such as meat, sugar, dairy products and refined carbohydrates. It is also a good source of calcium, zinc, selenium, copper and magnesium and is high in antioxidants.
Throughout my day, I enjoy a range of teas for their therapeutic benefits. These days, I'm drinking an Ayurvedic concoction made from a range of spices, to which I add fresh ginger. In Ayurveda, herbal blends are used therapeutically to balance the constitution and treat various conditions.
Learn which healing herbs and spices help treat health conditions
Benefits of Tea
Studies have shown that teas are high in the antioxidant Polyphenols, which have anti-carcinogenic properties among other health benefits such as lowered cholesterol levels.
Healing Herbs and Spices
Fresh or dried herbs and spices can be brewed into a soothing tea to treat various health conditions.
•Nettles help build blood and are also beneficial to treating urinary tract infections.
•Ginger and mint are helpful for digestion and upset stomachs.
•Rosemary is good for treating headaches.
•Dandelion leaf and root are excellent liver tonics and help clear toxins from the body.
•Chamomile and valerian are relaxants and promote sound sleep.
•Lavender is soothing to the nervous system and relieves stress.
•Wild rose hips are high in vitamin C and good for treating cold and flu.
•Sage tea is excellent for treating infection and inflammation. It is also said to be calming to the nervous system and to help control night sweats during menopause.
•Raspberry leaf supports the female hormonal system. It promotes healthy menstruation and is recommended to strengthen and tone the uterus in preparation for pregnancy.
•Fennel seeds are very effective for digestive problems such as gas, cramping and acid indigestion.
•Dried lotus root powder helps dissolve and clear mucus congestion from the lungs and bronchial tubes. Its action is enhanced with the addition of a few drops of fresh ginger juice.
•Lemongrass is commonly brewed up as a tea in Thailand. It is a diuretic and is said to have antifungal properties and benefit the digestive system, reducing gas and bloating.
•Cornsilk is a well-known tonic for bladder and urinary tract infections. It is also diuretic and helps clear toxins from the body.
Brewing Tea
When making white or green tea, it's important not to add boiling water, as it will make the tea bitter. You can bring the water to a boil and let it sit for about a minute before adding it to the tea leaves. Alternatively, you can add a little cold water and top up with boiling water.
Herbal teas can be soaked for anywhere from three to 10 minutes. For more therapeutic benefits, I like to soak them for longer or simmer them lightly. I also like to use a glass pot for brewing my tea, as I love to see the color of the tea as it brews!
In general, I prefer to use loose-leaf tea and truly enjoy when I can pick fresh herbs and flowers from the garden to whip up a magical brew. Tea to me is alchemy—a way to transform my moods, lift my spirits and share with friends. For a special treat, accompany your afternoon tea with a slice of my Fruity Spiced Tea Cake, which as been created especially for my readers on Oprah.com.
Oh, and in case you were wondering —my favorite tea-and-herb combination? Silver needle white tea with rosebuds.
Enjoy!
Aine
MY THOUGHTS
tea -love it. got into the habit of drinking tea when i went to sri lanka. they have all kinds and one of the best.
painkillers linked to reproductive disorders
Study links painkillers to reproductive disorders
SOURCE: http://link.reuters.com/jyh44q Human Reproduction, November 8, 2010.
Published November 08, 2010
LONDON (Reuters) - Use of mild painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen during pregnancy may partly account for a sharp increase in male reproductive disorders in recent decades, according to a study published on Monday.
The research found that women who took a combination of more than one mild analgesic during pregnancy had an increased risk of giving birth to sons with undescended testicles.
This condition, called cryptorchidism, is known to be a risk factor for poor semen quality and a greater risk of testicular cancer. Cryptorchidism has been found to affect as many as 1 in 11 Scandinavian boys, although rates vary from 2 to 9 percent in various Scandinavian countries.
The study found that the risk of cryptorchidism was especially increased during the second trimester, the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy.
The researchers from Finland, Denmark and France, whose work was published in the Human Reproduction journal, said more studies were urgently needed and advice to pregnant women on use of painkillers should be reconsidered.
"Women may want to try to reduce their analgesic use during pregnancy," said Henrik Leffers of Copenhagen's Rigshospitalet, who led the research. "However, as biologists this is not something we can advise women about. So we recommend that pregnant women seek advice from their physician."
According to the Leffers team, more than half of pregnant women in Western countries report taking mild analgesics.
Doctors in most countries generally say women should avoid taking medicines while pregnant, but that paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen and aspirin are considered safe in some conditions and at certain times.
Research in developed nations has shown that sperm counts have fallen by about 50 percent in the past half century.
This study looked at two groups of women, 834 in Denmark and 1,463 in Finland, who were questioned about their use of medication during pregnancy.
Their male babies were examined at birth for any signs of cryptorchidism, ranging from a mild form of the condition in which the testis is located high in the scrotum to the more severe form, in which the testis is high up in the abdomen.
The study was backed by work by scientists in Denmark and France who studied rats and found that analgesics led to insufficient supplies of the male hormone testosterone during a crucial period of gestation when the male organs are forming.
These researchers said the effect of analgesics on rats was comparable with that caused by similar doses of known hormone, or endocrine, disrupters such as phthalates - a family of chemical compounds used in the manufacture of plastics such as PVC.
The results of the human study showed that women who used more than one painkiller simultaneously had a seven-fold increased risk of giving birth to sons with some form of cryptorchidism compared with women who took nothing.
The second trimester appeared to be a particularly sensitive time, with simultaneous use of more than one painkiller during this period linked to a 16-fold increase in risk.
"Although we should be cautious ... the use of mild analgesics constitutes by far the largest exposure to endocrine disruptors among pregnant women, and use of these compounds is at present the best suggestion for an exposure that can affect a large proportion of the human population," Leffers said.
Commenting on the findings, Allan Pacey of Britain's Sheffield University said they were "somewhat alarming".
"It is worth noting the researchers found a significant difference when women had used painkillers for two weeks or more and that the impact was greatest when taking them during their second trimester. Clearly further research is needed as a matter of priority," he said in an emailed comment.
SOURCE: http://link.reuters.com/jyh44q Human Reproduction, November 8, 2010.
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/
MY THOUGHTS
there's no harm in being careful. go for alternative medicine. or natural remedies.
SOURCE: http://link.reuters.com/jyh44q Human Reproduction, November 8, 2010.
Published November 08, 2010
LONDON (Reuters) - Use of mild painkillers such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen during pregnancy may partly account for a sharp increase in male reproductive disorders in recent decades, according to a study published on Monday.
The research found that women who took a combination of more than one mild analgesic during pregnancy had an increased risk of giving birth to sons with undescended testicles.
This condition, called cryptorchidism, is known to be a risk factor for poor semen quality and a greater risk of testicular cancer. Cryptorchidism has been found to affect as many as 1 in 11 Scandinavian boys, although rates vary from 2 to 9 percent in various Scandinavian countries.
The study found that the risk of cryptorchidism was especially increased during the second trimester, the fourth to sixth months of pregnancy.
The researchers from Finland, Denmark and France, whose work was published in the Human Reproduction journal, said more studies were urgently needed and advice to pregnant women on use of painkillers should be reconsidered.
"Women may want to try to reduce their analgesic use during pregnancy," said Henrik Leffers of Copenhagen's Rigshospitalet, who led the research. "However, as biologists this is not something we can advise women about. So we recommend that pregnant women seek advice from their physician."
According to the Leffers team, more than half of pregnant women in Western countries report taking mild analgesics.
Doctors in most countries generally say women should avoid taking medicines while pregnant, but that paracetamol (acetaminophen), ibuprofen and aspirin are considered safe in some conditions and at certain times.
Research in developed nations has shown that sperm counts have fallen by about 50 percent in the past half century.
This study looked at two groups of women, 834 in Denmark and 1,463 in Finland, who were questioned about their use of medication during pregnancy.
Their male babies were examined at birth for any signs of cryptorchidism, ranging from a mild form of the condition in which the testis is located high in the scrotum to the more severe form, in which the testis is high up in the abdomen.
The study was backed by work by scientists in Denmark and France who studied rats and found that analgesics led to insufficient supplies of the male hormone testosterone during a crucial period of gestation when the male organs are forming.
These researchers said the effect of analgesics on rats was comparable with that caused by similar doses of known hormone, or endocrine, disrupters such as phthalates - a family of chemical compounds used in the manufacture of plastics such as PVC.
The results of the human study showed that women who used more than one painkiller simultaneously had a seven-fold increased risk of giving birth to sons with some form of cryptorchidism compared with women who took nothing.
The second trimester appeared to be a particularly sensitive time, with simultaneous use of more than one painkiller during this period linked to a 16-fold increase in risk.
"Although we should be cautious ... the use of mild analgesics constitutes by far the largest exposure to endocrine disruptors among pregnant women, and use of these compounds is at present the best suggestion for an exposure that can affect a large proportion of the human population," Leffers said.
Commenting on the findings, Allan Pacey of Britain's Sheffield University said they were "somewhat alarming".
"It is worth noting the researchers found a significant difference when women had used painkillers for two weeks or more and that the impact was greatest when taking them during their second trimester. Clearly further research is needed as a matter of priority," he said in an emailed comment.
SOURCE: http://link.reuters.com/jyh44q Human Reproduction, November 8, 2010.
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/
MY THOUGHTS
there's no harm in being careful. go for alternative medicine. or natural remedies.
Monday, December 20, 2010
eat your hair healthy, part 1
Eat Your Way to Healthy, Radiant Hair
By Aine McAteer
Original Content | March 19, 2010
There was a time in my early teenage years where I was nicknamed "Wiry." It wasn't because I was strong and slim, as the phrase might imply; rather, it was because my hair looked like wire that had rusted and could be used to scrub pots clean! To add to my dilemma, my grandmother, although endowed with many skills for which I'm more than willing to give her credit, considered herself a hairdresser—and my hairstyles from my youth are sufficient testimony to prove that she was anything but.
I was obsessed with hair as a child, and perhaps this was in some way related to the sad state of affairs on my own head. All my dolls were endowed with long, luscious locks that I would spend hours brushing and styling. I was severely envious of any of my friends who had long hair or were taken to a proper hairdresser who gave them some semblance of a hairstyle.
In those days, it never dawned on me that what was sprouting out of my head had any connection with what was entering my mouth. It was years later, when I was put on medication to treat my underactive thyroid and opted instead to change my diet, that I started to notice some gradual and subtle changes that delighted me. In addition to having so much more energy and vitality, my locks not only started to grow faster, but also developed a softness and sheen that was quite uncharacteristic. Instead of the frizz that had earned me my nickname, I was developing a lovely curl, and slowly but surely, I started to get compliments for my long and beautiful locks.
•Try Aine's Golden Hiziki Tarts to help with hair health
I will confess that my commitment to adhering to a healthy diet and lifestyle has much to do with the fact that I want to grow old gracefully and beautifully with as little cosmetic intervention as possible. One's hair, or lack thereof, is a great indicator of a person's overall state of health—in fact, there is a diagnostic therapy often used in alternative medical practices that analyzes the hair to get an overall reading of a person's nutritional history and health condition.
True beauty is something that emanates from the inside out, and a diet of nutrient-rich food is a major consideration in overall health and the health of our hair. There are many factors that influence hair health and also many ways that you can ensure healthy, glossy locks right into old age. I'll tell you how.
Learn what factors influence your hair
Diet: I think I've given sufficient testimony that diet plays a major role in the health and beauty of our hair. Before I changed to a more balanced diet, I could sit for hours in the classroom picking at my split ends. Now, I can search my entire head and there's not one to be found! One of the main factors influencing hair health is a deficiency of good-quality protein and iron. Protein is essential for cell growth and repair, while iron produces hemoglobin in the blood, which carries oxygen for growth and repair of all body cells. Excess sugar in the diet robs the body of minerals vital to hair health.
Hormones: As women go through hormonal changes during and after menopause, or after pregnancy, they often experience hair loss. Once hormonal levels become balanced, this loss will be halted. One of the most common causes of hair loss is low thyroid function, so if you're experiencing hair loss, it's a good idea to have your thyroid levels checked by an endocrinologist.
Smoking: Smoking destroys vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for nourishing hair follicles and clearing toxins from the body. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for nutrients to reach the skin and hair and for waste to be eliminated.
Genetic factors: Male pattern baldness can be passed on genetically, as well as other predispositions that can affect overall health and the health of the hair.
Medications: Drugs such as those used in cancer treatment (chemotherapy), anesthetics, anticoagulants (used to thin the blood) and oral contraceptives can cause temporary hair loss. It's important to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your prescribed medications. Dietary changes and properly prescribed natural supplements can greatly improve hair and scalp conditions.
Products: Many of the haircare products on the market contain toxic chemicals and dyes that can cause inflammation, dry the scalp and damage the hair follicles. Chemicals can enter the body through the skin and scalp and can be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can build up and result in other health problems.
Environment: Environmental factors such as air conditioning and indoor heating can dry out the hair and leave it lackluster. Treated water in swimming pools can also dry the hair and irritate the scalp, as can overexposure to sun. So, if you're in a hot climate, it's a good idea to keep your hair covered if you're outdoors a lot.
Processing: Excess blow-drying, straightening, curling, perming, bleaching and dyeing can give you instant gratification, but over a period of time, it also dries out and damages the hair.
Stress: When you're under stress, it's easy to let basic health habits go. Unfortunately, this results in poor health, which is reflected in the health of the hair. Tension in the scalp restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
What to feed your hair to make it healthy
MY THOUGHTS
we cannot just blame genetics. maybe when we were younger we can make an excuse out of it. but there are ways to beautiful hair even if your grandmother was ms. wiry. i know. i know. i need to stop.
By Aine McAteer
Original Content | March 19, 2010
There was a time in my early teenage years where I was nicknamed "Wiry." It wasn't because I was strong and slim, as the phrase might imply; rather, it was because my hair looked like wire that had rusted and could be used to scrub pots clean! To add to my dilemma, my grandmother, although endowed with many skills for which I'm more than willing to give her credit, considered herself a hairdresser—and my hairstyles from my youth are sufficient testimony to prove that she was anything but.
I was obsessed with hair as a child, and perhaps this was in some way related to the sad state of affairs on my own head. All my dolls were endowed with long, luscious locks that I would spend hours brushing and styling. I was severely envious of any of my friends who had long hair or were taken to a proper hairdresser who gave them some semblance of a hairstyle.
In those days, it never dawned on me that what was sprouting out of my head had any connection with what was entering my mouth. It was years later, when I was put on medication to treat my underactive thyroid and opted instead to change my diet, that I started to notice some gradual and subtle changes that delighted me. In addition to having so much more energy and vitality, my locks not only started to grow faster, but also developed a softness and sheen that was quite uncharacteristic. Instead of the frizz that had earned me my nickname, I was developing a lovely curl, and slowly but surely, I started to get compliments for my long and beautiful locks.
•Try Aine's Golden Hiziki Tarts to help with hair health
I will confess that my commitment to adhering to a healthy diet and lifestyle has much to do with the fact that I want to grow old gracefully and beautifully with as little cosmetic intervention as possible. One's hair, or lack thereof, is a great indicator of a person's overall state of health—in fact, there is a diagnostic therapy often used in alternative medical practices that analyzes the hair to get an overall reading of a person's nutritional history and health condition.
True beauty is something that emanates from the inside out, and a diet of nutrient-rich food is a major consideration in overall health and the health of our hair. There are many factors that influence hair health and also many ways that you can ensure healthy, glossy locks right into old age. I'll tell you how.
Learn what factors influence your hair
Diet: I think I've given sufficient testimony that diet plays a major role in the health and beauty of our hair. Before I changed to a more balanced diet, I could sit for hours in the classroom picking at my split ends. Now, I can search my entire head and there's not one to be found! One of the main factors influencing hair health is a deficiency of good-quality protein and iron. Protein is essential for cell growth and repair, while iron produces hemoglobin in the blood, which carries oxygen for growth and repair of all body cells. Excess sugar in the diet robs the body of minerals vital to hair health.
Hormones: As women go through hormonal changes during and after menopause, or after pregnancy, they often experience hair loss. Once hormonal levels become balanced, this loss will be halted. One of the most common causes of hair loss is low thyroid function, so if you're experiencing hair loss, it's a good idea to have your thyroid levels checked by an endocrinologist.
Smoking: Smoking destroys vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for nourishing hair follicles and clearing toxins from the body. Nicotine causes blood vessels to constrict, making it harder for nutrients to reach the skin and hair and for waste to be eliminated.
Genetic factors: Male pattern baldness can be passed on genetically, as well as other predispositions that can affect overall health and the health of the hair.
Medications: Drugs such as those used in cancer treatment (chemotherapy), anesthetics, anticoagulants (used to thin the blood) and oral contraceptives can cause temporary hair loss. It's important to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your prescribed medications. Dietary changes and properly prescribed natural supplements can greatly improve hair and scalp conditions.
Products: Many of the haircare products on the market contain toxic chemicals and dyes that can cause inflammation, dry the scalp and damage the hair follicles. Chemicals can enter the body through the skin and scalp and can be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they can build up and result in other health problems.
Environment: Environmental factors such as air conditioning and indoor heating can dry out the hair and leave it lackluster. Treated water in swimming pools can also dry the hair and irritate the scalp, as can overexposure to sun. So, if you're in a hot climate, it's a good idea to keep your hair covered if you're outdoors a lot.
Processing: Excess blow-drying, straightening, curling, perming, bleaching and dyeing can give you instant gratification, but over a period of time, it also dries out and damages the hair.
Stress: When you're under stress, it's easy to let basic health habits go. Unfortunately, this results in poor health, which is reflected in the health of the hair. Tension in the scalp restricts the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
What to feed your hair to make it healthy
MY THOUGHTS
we cannot just blame genetics. maybe when we were younger we can make an excuse out of it. but there are ways to beautiful hair even if your grandmother was ms. wiry. i know. i know. i need to stop.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Is Water Good or Bad for Dry Skin?
Is Water Good or Bad for Dry Skin?
From Heather Brannon, MD, former About.com Guide
Updated January 22, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Question: Is Water Good or Bad for Dry Skin?
You would think that putting water on the skin would moisturize it more, but the opposite is true. Plain water that comes in contact with skin evaporates and takes with it many of the skin's natural oils called natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The more frequently that skin comes into contact with water, the drier it gets -- unless those natural oils are replaced. Since you have to use water for bathing, how do you do so without drying out the skin?
Answer:
The following are some guidelines to follow when it comes to water and dry skin:
•Water temperature should be tepid -- hot water takes more oils away than cool water.
•The length of water contact should be short -- no long, hot showers if your skin is dry.
•Unless you have mud and grime on you, you really don't have to use soap everywhere on your body. It's OK to just use soap in "pits and parts" -- in areas where you sweat, like armpits and the genital area (private parts).
•If you need soap, use one of the recommended soaps for dry skin that contain emollients and actually replace the skin's natural oils.
•Using antibacterial gels for hand-washing does not cause the skin to dry out because the alcohol does not bind to the skin's oils.
•When drying off, pat the skin dry with a towel until the skin is not dripping - do not rub the skin vigorously.
•Use a good moisturizer on the skin immediately after any contact with water.
Sources:
Coderch L, et al. "Efficacy of stratum corneum lipid supplementation on human skin." Contact Dermatitis. 3(2002):139-46.
Johnson, Anthony. "Overview: fundamental skin care - protecting the barrier." Dermatologic Therapy. 17(2004):1-5.
MY THOUGHTS
dry skin is not so terrible. there are so many lotions out there. it's the combination skin that requires more care. but this is an interesting article about water. it makes sense though.
From Heather Brannon, MD, former About.com Guide
Updated January 22, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Question: Is Water Good or Bad for Dry Skin?
You would think that putting water on the skin would moisturize it more, but the opposite is true. Plain water that comes in contact with skin evaporates and takes with it many of the skin's natural oils called natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The more frequently that skin comes into contact with water, the drier it gets -- unless those natural oils are replaced. Since you have to use water for bathing, how do you do so without drying out the skin?
Answer:
The following are some guidelines to follow when it comes to water and dry skin:
•Water temperature should be tepid -- hot water takes more oils away than cool water.
•The length of water contact should be short -- no long, hot showers if your skin is dry.
•Unless you have mud and grime on you, you really don't have to use soap everywhere on your body. It's OK to just use soap in "pits and parts" -- in areas where you sweat, like armpits and the genital area (private parts).
•If you need soap, use one of the recommended soaps for dry skin that contain emollients and actually replace the skin's natural oils.
•Using antibacterial gels for hand-washing does not cause the skin to dry out because the alcohol does not bind to the skin's oils.
•When drying off, pat the skin dry with a towel until the skin is not dripping - do not rub the skin vigorously.
•Use a good moisturizer on the skin immediately after any contact with water.
Sources:
Coderch L, et al. "Efficacy of stratum corneum lipid supplementation on human skin." Contact Dermatitis. 3(2002):139-46.
Johnson, Anthony. "Overview: fundamental skin care - protecting the barrier." Dermatologic Therapy. 17(2004):1-5.
MY THOUGHTS
dry skin is not so terrible. there are so many lotions out there. it's the combination skin that requires more care. but this is an interesting article about water. it makes sense though.
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