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Treating Reflux in Babies with Homeopathy

Reflux in babies is the process of backing up of the stomach contents into the esophagus or food pipe (a tube that carries food from throat to stomach). All babies have some level of reflux. For some babies, the reflux may be more severe, or they may be more sensitive to the effects of reflux. Infants are more prone to reflux due to physical factors. Aethusa Cynapium, Chamomilla, and Natrum Phos are the top homeopathic remedies for reflux in babies.

homeopathy reflux in babies

Homeopathic treatment for reflux in babies.

Homeopathic Treatment of Reflux in Babies

Homeopathy helps in treating acid reflux in babies in a safe, gentle manner. Medicines for reflux in babies prescribed in homeopathy are all of natural origin and babies tend to tolerate them well. These can help resolve the condition in a very mild and gentle manner without causing any side effects, which is often a point of concern when it comes to medicines for babies.
The top grade homeopathic medicines used to treat reflux in babies include the following:

Aethusa Cynapium – Homeopathic Medicine for Reflux in Infants who Vomit After Intake of Milk

Aethusa Cynapium works very well to treat reflux in babies. It is prepared from a plant commonly named ‘Fool’s Parsley’ belonging to the natural order Umbelliferae. Aethusa Cynapium is useful for treating vomiting in babies soon after taking milk. The child tends to throw up all the milk immediately after its intake forcibly. The character of vomiting is like curdled milk or cheesy matter, but may also look like frothy white matter. The child may get drowsy after vomiting. Another attending symptom is repeated hiccoughing.

Chamomilla – Natural Medicine for Reflux in Irritable and Restless Infants

Chamomilla is a natural homeopathic remedy prepared from the plant Matricaria Chamomilla. The natural order of this plant is Compositae. The child who needs Chamomilla has wind colic and regurgitation of food. Colic in babies causes pain in the stomach due to obstruction of wind in the intestines. The baby tends to vomit out whatever has been drunk or eaten, and this vomit is usually slimy and sour smelling. The abdomen is distended, full and tensed.
Along with these symptoms, hiccough and foul smelling belches may be present. The child becomes very irritable and restless and may be experiencing stomach problems. The child cries, screams, groans and asks to be carried around.

Natrum Phos – Homeopathic Remedy for Acid Reflux in Babies with Vomiting and Colic Abdomen

Homeopathic formulation Natrum Phos is highly beneficial for acid reflux in babies. This remedy works by neutralizing the stomach acid and promotes healthy digestion. It is indicated for children who vomit out curdled milk or cheesy masses. They may also experience abdominal colic. The child may experience several attacks of acid reflux during the day, along with vomiting. The abdominal colic is usually very intense and can lead to restless sleep. A characteristic yellow, creamy coating on the back of the roof of mouth and tongue usually indicates the need for this medicine.

Robinia – Homeopathic Treatment for Reflux in Babies that is Worse at Night

Robinia is prepared from a plant named Robinia Pseudacacia. This plant belongs to family Leguminosae. It is very helpful in treating acidity in babies. It is used for acid reflux in babies when there is a regurgitation of stomach acid with sour vomiting. The child tends to have a rancid odor all over the body. The symptoms get worse during the night time and disturb the child’s sleep. Abdominal distension is well noted, and burps may be present. Burping can bring temporary relief, but the child may cry with colic after eating.

Calcarea Carb – Natural Treatment for Gastric Reflux in Babies with Sour Smelling Vomiting

Calcarea Carb is used to treat reflux in babies. The key indication for the use of this remedy is sour smelling vomit. Whatever has been eaten gets vomited, and in some cases, curdled milk or milk in the form of cheese may also be vomited. Stomach cramps may appear along with vomiting. The abdomen is hard and tense, and there are frequent hiccoughs and belching. Calcarea Carb is also indicated for vomiting in infants during the teething period.

Carbo Veg – Natural Cure for Acid Reflux in Babies with Excessive Burping

Carbo Veg is indicated for acid reflux in babies with excessive burping. Violent belchings that are foul-smelling are a common symptom that indicates the need for this medicine. These offensive belchings occur after eating or drinking, along with gagging and vomiting. The child feels very uncomfortable after eating even the smallest amount of food. Pain in the abdomen may arise with much flatus. The stomach is distended and seems full to bursting with trapped wind. The release of gas brings comfort to the baby.

Sanicula Aqua – Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Reflux with Vomiting of Food or Milk Soon After Consumption

Sanicula Aqua works wonders in cases where the child vomits food or milk soon after its consumption. Vomiting of food arises shortly after eating. All the food comes up with a gush immediately after eating. The child usually tends to fall asleep after this. It is prominently indicated for vomiting of milk soon after nursing. The vomiting looks like large and tough curds. Abdominal bloatedness may be present with gurgling sounds.

Symptoms of Reflux in Babies

The most common symptoms of reflux in babies include:

-Spitting up or Throwing up / Vomiting.
– Refusal to take feed or eat anything.
– Difficulty swallowing with gagging or choking during feeding.
– Crying, irritability, fussiness or being uncomfortable soon after eating.
– Arching back after eating.
– Gas and colicky abdominal pains.
– Sour breath, burps, and hiccups.
– A frequent cough, breathing difficulties and wheezing.
– Poor or disturbed sleep.

Causes of Reflux in Infants

Infants are more prone to reflux. There are various contributing factors for reflux of stomach contents in babies as given below:

Underdeveloped lower esophageal sphincter ( LES )

LES is a muscular ring at the junction of the lower end of esophagus and stomach. It opens when food has to enter the stomach from the throat. It remains closed at all other times to prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the food pipe. In babies, this LES is not entirely developed and can lead to a frequent backflow of stomach contents.

– A baby lying in a horizontal position during feeding or when placed horizontally soon after feeding is more prone to reflux since the muscles relax and make it easy for the contents in the stomach to reflux into the esophagus.

– Short Length of the Esophagus: Infants, being small, have a very short esophagus.

Congenital Hiatal Hernia: a Hiatal hernia present at birth can cause gastric acid to reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. In a hiatal hernia, the upper part of the stomach bulges into the chest through the hiatus opening in the diaphragm.

Overfeeding: Feeding the baby too much food in one go puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.

Certain foods including citrus fruits, tomato, fatty food may contribute to acid reflux

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Treat Progressive Myopia with Natural Homeopathic Remedies

Myopia or short-sightedness is a visual disorder that results in poor distance vision. Also known as nearsightedness, a person who has myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but the objects farther away appear blurry. In this condition, the light rays focus in front of the retina instead of focusing on the retina. Homeopathy for myopia aims to slow down the rate of progression of the problem. Physostigma Venenosum, Phosphorous and Ruta Graveolens are the top homeopathic medicines for progressive myopia.

homeopathic medicines degenerative myopia

Homeopathic medicines for progressive myopia.,

About Progressive Myopia

Progressive myopia is one of the various clinical varieties of myopia. It is different from simple myopia (which is the most common variety not associated with any disease of the eye).
Progressive myopia is a severe condition that results in high myopia and degenerative changes in the eye which may result in vision loss. It is also known by some other terms, like pathological myopia and degenerative myopia.
In progressive myopia, there is a rapid axial elongation of the eyeball, stretching of the sclera and degeneration of the choroid, retina and the vitreous. It results in a rapid and quick progression of nearsightedness to an extremely high degree which may result in vision loss. It begins in early childhood between the ages of 5 – 10 yrs and results in high myopia during adolescence and adulthood.

What is the Reason for Progressive Myopia?

Progressive myopia is believed to be hereditary. It runs in families that have a genetic history of the disorder. Progressive myopia is common among certain races including Japanese, Jews, Arabs, and Chinese.
Further, there are some systemic diseases and eye diseases that are linked with progressive myopia. These conditions include Down’s syndrome, Marfan’s syndrome, Ehler’s -Danlos syndrome, ocular albinism, and infantile Glaucoma. A person having any of these conditions is at risk to suffer from progressive myopia.

Symptoms of Progressive Myopia

– Rapidly increasing high myopia (nearsightedness).

Floating black opacities, spots (muscae volitantes) before the eyes that arise due to degenerated liquefied vitreous.

Night blindness when marked degenerative changes occur.

– Prominent eyeballs.

– Progressive and irreversible vision loss.

Complications of Progressive Myopia

There are many ocular complications in progressive myopia. People who have progressive myopia are at risk of suffering from loss of vision, retinal detachment, complicated cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, vitreous hemorrhage, choroidal hemorrhage, bleeding in the eye from abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) and strabismus fixus convergence (a type of squint).

Homeopathic Treatment for Progressive Myopia

Various natural homeopathic medicines are well indicated for progressive myopia. These homeopathic medicines aim at slowing the rate of progression of myopia. The use of homeopathic medicines for progressive myopia is recommended along with the conventional treatment, and these should be used under the supervision of a homeopathic physician. Self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic Medicines for Progressive Myopia

Physostigma Venenosum – Top Homeopathic Medicine for Progressive Myopia

Physostigma Venenosum is prepared from a plant named Calabar bean. The natural order of this plant is Leguminosae. Physostigma is a highly beneficial homeopathic medicine where a person has a complaint of increasing myopia. The person is unable to see objects clearly at a distance, and the objects seem mixed. The distant objects can seem dim, hazy, misty and severely blurred as a result of this condition. There may be a pressure felt in the eye. A continued drawing sensation in the eyes may be present.
Pain in the eyes, the presence of spots (muscae volitantes) and partial blindness may be present. This medicine is also indicated for associated night blindness and glaucoma with progressive myopia.

Phosphorus – For Progressive, Rapidly Increasing Myopia

Phosphorus is used to treat cases of myopia where there is rapidly increasing myopia. The person requiring this medicine cannot clearly see objects at distance. The distant objects seem enveloped in a smoke or mist. This condition tends to worsen rapidly. In most cases, the eyes may be very sensitive to light, and there may be a burning sensation. A feeling of grittiness, like there is sand present in the eyes, may also be felt. Another primary symptom that indicates the need for this medicine is seeing spots before the eyes, i.e., muscae volitantes. The patient sees black points floating before eyes or sparks or flashes of light before the eyes. Occasional night blindness may be present. Marked degenerative changes in the retina are also present. Homeopathic medicine Phosphorus is also indicated when glaucoma or cataract is present in cases of progressive myopia.

Ruta Graveolens – For Progressive Myopia with Aching Eyes

Ruta Graveolens is prepared from a plant commonly named garden rue. This plant belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is used to treat cases of shortsightedness where the eyes ache. It is frequently indicated when the vision is very weak and there is high obscuration of objects at a distance. The distant objects seem blurred and extremely dim. Aching in eyes is experienced after using the eyes and straining them at fine work like sewing, or while reading a small print. A pressure in the eye orbits and a feeling of heat in the eyes may also be felt. Weak vision brought by overstraining eyes is a prominent feature to use this medicine.

Natrum Mur – For Progressive Myopia with Pressure in Eyes

Natrum Mur is used to treat conditions of progressive myopia where a person feels pressure in eyes along with nearsightedness. When looking at an object very intently, a pressure in the eyes may be felt. A headache may occur along with eye-strain. The person may see black specks before the eyes. Itching and watering from eyes may also be present.

Gelsemium Sempervirens – Effective Homeopathic Medicine for Progressive Myopia

Gelsemium Sempervirens is an excellent homeopathic remedy for treating progressive myopia. It is prepared from the plant named Yellow Jasmine that belongs to the natural order Loganiaceae.
The characteristic features to use this remedy include dim and blurry vision. Distant objects seem indistinct. A feeling of fullness and aching in the eye orbit may be present. Dizziness and vertigo, an aversion to light and presence of black specks before the eyes are other symptoms.

Jaborandi – For Progressive Myopia where the Eyes Tire Easily

Homeopathic medicine Jaborandi is prepared from fresh leaves of the plant Pilocarpus Jaborandi. The natural order of this plant is Rutaceae. Jaborandi is indicated when eyes get tired quickly from the slightest use. There is a dim vision, and everything at a distance appears hazy. Pain and nausea may arise when looking steadily at a distance, and vertigo may also appear. Spots before vision, headache, aching of eyes upon using eyes and a convergent squint are other symptoms indicating the need for Jaborandi.

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Hot Flashes During Menopause – Homeopathy Can Work Wonders

homeopathic medicines for hot flashes

A hot flash is a sudden and intense feeling of heat that is felt in the upper part of the body, like the face, chest, and neck. An episode of a hot flash can last for between one to five minutes, or occur multiple times in an hour. In some cases, it occurs less frequently, (like a few times a week or month) while some experience it daily. Heated sensation may be accompanied by redness of the face, night sweats, increased heartbeat and, sometimes, a tingling sensation in the fingers. These symptoms are very commonly noted in menopausal and peri-menopausal women, however hot flashes may occur from several other causes as well. Hot flashes usually occur in women between the age group of 40-55 years. Some females also experience these during their regular cycles. They tend to occur more during night and tend to affect sleep.

Homeopathy works magnificently in managing various complaints occurring during menopause. It offers a natural solution for hot flashes. With the help of natural homeopathic medicines, hot flashes can be reduced remarkably, thereby improving the quality of life. Homeopathic medicines gradually reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes by balancing the hormones in the body. Conventional mode recommends hormone therapy, anti-depressants and anti-seizure medicines to treat hot flashes, which have side effects. It is a well-known fact that homeopathy has zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines can only help cases of heat flashes and can never harm.

Besides, heat flashes homeopathy offers a great help in managing other associated complaints of menopause. Homeopathy helps to manage problems of menopause both on physical and emotional levels. Homeopathy can wonderfully address issues like headache, weight gain, hair fall, depression, facial hair, low mood, vaginal dryness during menopause.

Homeopathy is a symptom-based healing science whereby medicines are prescribed individually for every case as per the characteristic symptoms. So, guidance from an expert homeopath is required and self-medication should be avoided as the recommendation of medicine differs from case to case. Homeopathic treatment followed under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor for the recommended period can yield excellent results.

Homeopathy is a great choice of treatment method for managing heat flashes during menopause safely. Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine in which homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances hence are totally safe to use. Homeopathic remedies are devoid of any chemicals.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines for Hot flashes

The most prominently indicated homeopathic medicines for hot flashes during menopause include medicines like Sepia, Amylenum Nitrosum, Lachesis, Sulphur, Glonoine, Sulphuric Acid and Pulsatilla.

1. Sepia – For Hot Flashes With Weakness

Sepia is a medicine indicated for hot flashes in a female during the menopausal period. Sweat accompanies the episodes of hot flashes. Another fundamental indicative feature of Sepia is that there is marked weakness with a tendency to faint (along with hot flashes). There is a lack of energy with a feeling of fatigue. It is very helpful for several ailments arising during climacteric/menopausal period and is suitable for females who are emotionally very sensitive and can become easily nervous.

When to use Sepia?

Sepia is a wonderful medicine to manage hot flashes during menopause attended with excessive weakness.

How to use Sepia?

It is usually used in 30C potency and initially it can be taken once a day.

2. Amylenum Nitrosum – For Hot flashes With Excessive Sweat

Amylenum Nitrosum is a remedy for hot flashes where there is sweating with hot flashes. Its sphere of action is on the vasomotor nerves which affect the arteries and capillaries (causing their dilatation). Therefore, it is one of the top remedies for hot flashes. Hot flashes which are followed by an episode of drenching sweats are a marked feature of this remedy. One may also experience headaches along with hot flashes. There is a prominent flushing of the face. Episodes of hot flashes are usually followed by a period of coldness and pallor (paleness). There can be a throbbing sensation in the whole body during the hot flashes.

When to use Amylenum Nitrosum?

This medicine can be considered when heat flashes are accompanied with intense sweating and flushing of face.

How to use Amylenum Nitrosum?

It works most wonderfully in 30C potency that can be taken once a day.

3. Lachesis – For Hot Flashes With Palpitation And Headache  

Lachesis is well suited to females during or around the menopause phase. It is helpful for hot flashes which are accompanied by palpitation, headaches, and a feeling of fainting. One may also have hot perspiration along with the hot flashes. Hot flashes are also felt at the top of the head (vertex area). The flashes usually occur on falling asleep or on waking up but generally occur at night. There is an overall feeling of congestion in the head causing congestive headaches. The palpitations get worse in a warm room or during the morning hours after waking up. One cannot tolerate tight clothing, especially around the waist area.

When to use Lachesis?

This medicine is suggested for heat flashes attended with palpitations, headaches and intolerance to tight clothing mainly around the waist.

How to use Lachesis?

Its use is mainly recommended in 30 C potency in infrequent doses. One dose of Lachesis 30C can be used once a week or once fortnightly as per the intensity of the symptoms.

4. Sulphur – For Hot Flashes With Heat Sensation In Whole Body

Sulphur is a remedy for frequent episodes of hot flashes with a sensation of heat in the entire body. One may also experience a sensation of emptiness in the stomach during an episode. Another indicative feature to use sulphur is profuse sweats at night, especially in the neck area and the back of the head (occipital area).

When to use Sulphur?

This medicine is well indicated to manage hot flashes with heated sensation in the entire body. Excessive sweating at night also accompanies it.

How to use Sulphur?

It can be used in different potencies from low to high as per severity of the complaint. Initially it is advised to use Sulphur in 30 C potency once a day.

5. Glonoine – For Hot Flashes That Are Frequent And Sudden

Glonoine is also among the important remedies for hot flashes during menopause. It is indicated for sudden onset of hot flashes. This is accompanied with pressure in the head, nausea and vertigo. One feels loss of senses, dizzy and light headed. It is also indicated in cases where there is a flushing of heat in the head. The hot flashes occur daily, and there are frequent episodes during a day. Complaints are worse after sun exposure.

When to use Glonoine?

It is the best choice of medicine to manage hot flashes that begin suddenly along with pressure in the head, nausea and vertigo. There is worsening of complaints from exposure to sun.

How to use Glonoine?

It is advised to take Glonoine 30C once or twice a day depending on the severity of the symptoms.

6. Sulphuric Acid – For Hot Flashes With Trembling

Sulphuric Acid is indicated for hot flashes during climacteric (menopausal) period with feeling of tremors all over the body. There is marked weakness and debility during menopause. There is a lot of restlessness with a sense of wanting to do everything hurriedly. There are palpitations without any anxiety or fear.

When to use Sulphuric Acid?

This medicine can be selected to manage heat flashes during menopause when trembling occurs all over the body.

How to use Sulphuric Acid?

This medicine can be used once a day in 30C potency.

7. Pulsatilla – For Hot Flashes Followed By Chilliness

Pulsatilla is of great use for cases of hot flashes where the person experiences a spell of chilliness following a hot flash. Hot flashes are worse in a closed room. Profuse sweating on the face and scalp especially at night, flushes of heat with redness of the face, hot flashes with mood swings and depression during menopause are other associated symptoms. The person is very irritable and tends to weep. She may also be very sensitive and cry easily. Generally, the woman tends to overall feel better in the open air.

When to use Pulsatilla?

Pulsatilla is a natural medicine to help cases of hot flashes during menopause where a chill is felt after an episode of hot flash.

How to use Pulsatilla?

In the beginning, it is suggested to use it in 30C potency once to thrice a day, but for high potencies like 200 C or more, consultation with a homeopathic physician is advised.

Causes of Hot Flashes

There is no specific cause given as to why hot flashes occur, but there are various theories which explain their occurrence. About 60-70% of all women experience it during their menopause. However, it is not mandatory that every female will have it during menopause. Given below are the various factors which are related to cause hot flashes:

A Drop in the Estrogen Levels

Before menopause, the hormone estrogen is present in the body in the form of estradiol (released by the ovaries). During and after menopause there is a drop in the estrogen levels. This decrease in the levels affects the hypothalamus (thermostat of the body), which regulates the body’s temperature. Reducing one’s ability to tolerate heat makes her more vulnerable to experiencing hot flashes.

An increase of Thyroid Hormone (Hyperthyroidism)

An increase in thyroid levels increases the metabolic rate of the body. This increase in metabolism leads to hot flashes and excessive sweating.

Anti-depressants and Other Medications

Certain drugs like anti-depressants and anti-hypertensive medications also cause hot flashes in many cases. The onset of hot flashes is noted after the use of either of the drugs. In these cases, substituting the medicine or reducing the dosage can help reduce hot flashes.

Stress, Anxiety, and the Production of Adrenaline

During stress or anxiety, the body increases the production of adrenaline. This excess of adrenaline can cause hot flashes or a general increase in body temperature. The body feels hot, and this can be associated with the symptoms of palpitations and increased sweating.

The factors that can trigger hot flashes during menopause include smoking, obesity, alcohol, exposure to hot temperature, wearing tight clothes, stress, anxiety and excessive intake of caffeine.

 

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Homeopathic Treatment for Chronic Lyme Disease

Lyme disease, also known as ‘Lyme borreliosis’ is a tick-borne, infectious disease which is caused by a bacteria. It spreads from the bite from ticks infected by the bacterium. It is caused by the bacteria (of the type borrelia) known as Borrelia burgdoferi. The bacteria travel through the infected site to the central bloodstream and settle into various body tissues, causing different symptoms within the body. A person can also experience autoimmune activity triggered by this bacterium if Lyme disease is not treated correctly, and it can lead to chronic lifelong symptoms. Homeopathic treatment for Lyme disease helps moderate the immune system and helps reduce the severity of the symptoms caused by the bacteria.

Lyme Disease: Symptoms

Medically, Lyme disease in a person develops in three phases:

First Stage

Early Localized Infection – It occurs within three to 30 days after the bite of an infected tick that transmits the infection. In this stage the, the infection is limited to the area of tick bite on the skin, and it does not spread in the body.

Erythema Chronicum Migrans (EM): It refers to outwardly expanding rash which occurs at the site of the bite of a tick. The rash is red and painless. The rash appears like a bull’s eye which is characterized as the innermost portion which remains dark red and indurated (firmer and thicker), the outer portion remains red, and the area in between both portions is clear. 70 – 80 % of the infected people represent with EM in early infection. 20 – 30 % of people can have Lyme disease without the EM rash.
EM is the hallmark of Lyme disease.

Flu-like Symptoms: The rash is often accompanied by fever, malaise, headache, muscular soreness and swollen lymph nodes.

Second Stage

Early Disseminated Infection – After the onset of local infection, within a span of days to weeks, the bacteria (Borrelia) begin to travel through the bloodstream.
EM rash may start to develop at various other sites of the body (apart from the original tick bite site).

Borrelia lymphocytoma: It is a purple colored lump that develops on the earlobe, nipple or scrotum. This skin condition is found in Lyme disease sufferers of Europe but is absent in North American patients.

Neuroborreliosis: It refers to acute neurological issues that appear in approximately 10-15 % of untreated people. The symptoms include facial palsy (loss of muscle tone of one or both sides of the face), meningitis which can cause severe headaches, a stiffness of neck and sensitivity to light, inflammation of nerve roots of the spinal cord, mild encephalitis which can lead to disturbance in sleep, mood changes or memory loss.

The adverse impact of this disease is the disturbance of the electrical conduction system of the heart leading to an abnormality of heart rhythms such as Atrioventricular block (AV block).

Third Stage

Late disseminated infection – Also termed as chronic Lyme disease or post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), t includes symptoms of Lyme disease as a result of the immune response of the affected tissues of the body towards borrelia bacteria. In this stage, the infection spreads entirely throughout the body.
Untreated or inadequately treated Lyme disease patients can develop chronic or severe symptoms after several months of onset of this disease. These symptoms involve many parts of the body including the brain, joints, eyes, nerves, and heart.

Late disseminated infection includes:

Fatigue: The hallmark of chronic Lyme disease is a feeling of tiredness. Muscle aches and constant severe headache often accompany the fatigue. The fatigue can linger for many years. The symptoms can mimic chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia. (1)

Polyneuropathy: Patients experience shooting pains, numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet.

Lyme Encephalopathy: This includes neurologic symptoms. 5 % of untreated patients experience neurologic symptoms that involve insomnia (lack of sleep), cognitive difficulties, personality changes and a general feeling of being unwell, chronic fatigue and lethargy.

Chronic encephalomyelitis: It can be a progressive issue and affected person deal with:

  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Migraines
  • Brain fog
  • Issues in balancing
  • Weakness of legs
  • Bladder issues
  • Vertigo
  • Pain in back

Psychosis: A rare occurrence in untreated Lyme disease cases, it refers to an abnormal condition of mind in which a person has false beliefs and sees or hears things that others do not see.
The patient can also experience anxiety and panic attacks along with delusional behavior accompanied by derealisation or depersonalization syndrome (the person feels being detached from oneself or reality).

Acrodermatitis Chronic Atrophicans (ACA): ACA is a chronic skin condition and has been noticed in elderly people in Europe. ACA starts as a reddish-blue patch of discolored skin, mainly on the back of feet or hands. The lesion starts becoming thin and wrinkled over several weeks or months. If not treated properly, it can become hairless and dry.

Lyme Arthritis: Arthritis in Lyme disease mainly affects the knees. In some people, it can involve other joints like elbows, wrists, hips, ankles, and shoulders. There is swelling of the affected joint with pain which is mild to moderate in intensity. There are chances of formation of Baker’s cyst (fluid-filled cyst behind the knee) which can rupture. Joint erosions are also seen in some cases.

Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease

Homeopathic medicines for Lyme disease are selected according to the most prominent symptoms of the disease. These medicines help moderate the immune system and offer a natural treatment for Lyme Disease. There are no side effects of homeopathic treatment and it is safe for use in people of all ages.
The most commonly indicated medicines for Lyme disease in the conventional system of treatment are antibiotics- oral or intravenous, which are often prescribed for several weeks. Side effects related to intravenous antibiotics include lowering of white blood cells and mild to severe diarrhea.
Although some patients may require corticosteroids, painkillers, NSAIDs, and muscle relaxants in acute cases, these medications do not work long-term.
In cases of chronic Lyme disease, continued use of these medicines can give rise to side effects like loss of appetite and digestion issues, lowering of blood pressure, mental symptoms such as poor memory and mental fogginess, body pain and numbness.

Homeopathic Medicines for Lyme Disease

Arsenicum Album – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Chronic Fatigue

The homeopathic medicine Arsenicum album is a metal-based remedy which is prepared from Arsenic. Arsenicum album is prepared by isolating arsenic from various metals, such as cobalt, nickel, and iron. Highly diluted arsenic preparations are used to make of Arsenicum album. It is a well-indicated remedy for weakness and body fatigue in Lyme disease. Characteristic of this remedy includes a marked weakness and extreme restlessness. It is also indicated in cases of Lyme disease when there are tearing pains in the limbs, which gets worse during the night and while the person is at rest after exertion. There is a sudden decrease in strength during the second stage of Lyme disease, which is well indicative of this remedy.

Key indications for using Arsenicum Album for Lyme Disease:

– Fatigue
– Extreme Restlessness
– Tearing Pains

Ledum Palustre – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Skin Rash

The homeopathic medicine Ledum palustre is prepared from Ledum, also known as marsh tea. Ledum or wild rosemary is a herb which is found in the marshlands all over the United States, Canada, and northern Europe. The fresh herb is dried and then powdered to prepare this remedy. Ledum belongs to the family Ericaceae.
Ledum is known for its antiseptic properties and is useful in preventing infections. Ledum palustre is a well-indicated remedy for insect stings, including tick bites. It is also indicated for a twitching sensation around skin rash. The area of the tick bite is cold to the touch.

Key indications for using Ledum Palustre for Lyme Disease:

– Tick Bite
-Twitching Sensation around the rash

Rhus Toxicodendron – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme disease with Arthritis

The homeopathic medicine Rhus tox is prepared from poison ivy- a vine-like shrub. This shrub is found naturally all over North America and belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. The leaves and stalks of this shrub are collected at night to prepare Rhus Toxicodendron. Rhus tox has given tremendous results in arthritis, especially of knee joints in Lyme disease patients. There is stiffness and painful swelling of the knee joint which becomes better by warmth. It is also indicated for joint problems in the elbows and ankles in some instances of Lyme disease. A tingling sensation in feet and other places of the body is also treated with this remedy.

Key Indications for using Rhus Tox for Lyme Disease

– Knee Joint Arthritis
– Tingling Sensation

Belladonna – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme disease with Constant Headache

The homeopathic medicine Belladonna is prepared from the Belladonna plant. Belladonna plant is also known by other names such as nightshade, devil’s cherry, and Atropa belladonna. It is a herbaceous plant, and it belongs to the Solanaceae family. Belladonna is a perennial plant and is found in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The entire belladonna plant is used to prepare the belladonna medicine. Belladonna is a top graded medicine for migraine in patients of chronic Lyme disease. The headache is pulsating and throbbing in character. There is a feeling of extreme fullness in the head. Noise and light seem to worsen the headache of Lyme disease patients. Cold air, head bath with cold water acts as aggravating (increasing) factor for the migraine. Applying hard pressure on the head helps relieve the pain.

Kali Phosphoricum – Homeopathic medicine for Brain fog in chronic Lyme Disease

Kali phosphoricum is a well-indicated remedy for patients of Lyme disease where there is mental fatigue from overwork. There is dullness of mind, loss of memory, a lack of interest in talking and the person suffers from forgetfulness. The characteristic symptom of using this remedy is a low, nervous condition with sensitivity. The person is easily fatigued.

Aconitum Napellus – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Anxiety and Palpitations

The homeopathic medicine Aconitum napellus is prepared from the herb called aconite, also known as Monkshood. The aconite herb belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The whole plant, leaving the root. is used to prepare Aconitum. This herb is indigenous to the region from the Himalayas to Europe. As a remedy, Aconite is recommended for Lyme disease patients when they suffer from anxiety as a result of chronic effects of this disease. Patients go into a state of mental and emotional shock and experience a fear of death. Panic attacks and shock, restlessness and inconsolable anxiety, tachycardia (heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate) with palpitations, fainting palpitations with tingling in fingers and palpitations from motion and pulse are other symptoms that call for this remedy.

Conium – Homeopathic Treatment for Lyme Disease with Vertigo

The homeopathic medicine Conium is prepared from the hemlock plant. This plant is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant and belongs to the Apiaceae family. The plant originally belongs to Europe, particularly Britain, Africa and different regions of Asia. The leaves, roots and flowering stems of the hemlock plant are used to prepare Conium. The curative effects of Conium are seen in cases of Vertigo especially in Lyme disease (in the later stages of the disease).
Vertigo appears as a sensation where the person looking steadily at an object feels like the object is spinning.
Vertigo upon rising, or going down the stairs may be present, along with weakness and an inclination to sleep. There is numb feeling in the brain as if stupefied, which gets worse upon turning over in bed.

Thuja – Homeopathic Treatment for Delusions as a result of Lyme Disease

The homeopathic medicine Thuja is prepared by using the leaves and twigs of the thuja plant. Thuja tree belongs to the Cupressaceae family. Out of five, two species of Thuja trees are found in North America and the remaining three species are found growing in eastern regions of Asia. Thuja is a well-indicated remedy for delusions and has given good results in Lyme disease patients who have fixed ideas and delusions in later part of the disease. Delusions as if a strange person is by the side and delusions as if the body were fragile are present. There is dullness of mind with sadness. The person feels depressed, isolated and alone.

How to Distinguish Lyme Disease from Fibromyalgia?

Both fibromyalgia and Lyme disease can cause fatigue and pain, but there are many differences between them
The cause for fibromyalgia is not clear, but it is related to genetic factors, often triggered by stress (physical or emotional stress), and associated conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Ankylosing spondylitis. Fibromyalgia gives rise to widespread pain and tender points, body fatigue, depression, headache, pain, and cramping in the lower abdominal region.

Lyme disease, on the other hand, is an infectious tick-borne disease caused by the bacteria of borrelia type. After the bite of the tick, the bacteria penetrate into the bloodstream and trigger symptoms inside the body. Symptoms of Lyme disease include a headache, chill, fever, swelling of lymph nodes and a rash called Erythema migrans. As the condition takes the chronic form, there are chances of developing arthritis, nerve involvement leading to numbness or tingling sensation, depression, anxiety, palpitations and short-term memory loss.

Although symptoms overlap between Fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, these diseases are distinguished by the presence of a rash which is a hallmark of Lyme disease (called Erythema Migrans). There is no such rash in fibromyalgia.

Chronic Lyme Disease: Causes and Transmission

The causative agent of Lyme disease is bacteria. The main type of bacteria causing Lyme disease in the United States are Borrelia burgdoferi and Borrelia mayonii. In Europe and Asia, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii are the causative bacteria. The primary vector for transmitting the bacteria to humans in Lyme disease is an infected black-legged or deer tick. Ticks which are frequently found on deer carry the bacterium in their stomach and transmit it to humans when they bite. People working in grassy and heavily wooded areas are more prone to get Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is not contagious.

Ticks crawl over your clothes or body for many hours before they get attached to your skin. Ticks are usually found in the scalp, groin or armpits, but they can attach to any part of your body. It takes at least 36 to 48 hours for an infected tick to pass bacteria to the body once it is attached to the skin. Most ticks cause infection in the nymphal stage (immature form of ticks, before larval stage) since they are very small in this stage and feed for a longer duration of time before they are detected.

Lyme Disease: Risk Factors

Exposure to wooded or grassy areas: Deer ticks thrive in wooded areas of Midwest and the northeastern region of the United States. Children and Adults with outdoor occupation working in these areas are at a high risk of contracting Lyme disease.

Not removing ticks properly after exposure: For transmission of bacteria from an infected tick to the human body, the tick needs to be attached to the body for at least 36 to 48 hours. The chances of developing Lyme disease grow low if the tick is removed within two days of exposure.

Lyme Disease: Complications

Lyme disease can cause permanent damage to the joints, brain, nervous system and heart. Significant complications of Lyme disease include increased risk of developing an autoimmune form of arthritis, as a result of chronic Lyme disease (even after the treatment) which includes:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Peripheral spondyloarthritis

Lyme Disease: Management

Prevention is the most important step when it comes to Lyme Disease. Some preventive measures include:

  • Use insect repellent and bug sprays.
  • Use tweezers to remove ticks even if your body is exposed to ticks.

Dealing with Lyme Disease:

Since in the later stages Lyme disease takes the autoimmune form, the best way to manage chronic Lyme disease is by boosting your immune system.

Sleep and Management of Emotional Stress:

Stress triggers inflammation and disturbs the hormonal balance of the body. One should get enough sleep (at least 6 to 8 hours per day) and avoid stress to improve body functioning.

Foods to Eat

Consume anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and antioxidant-rich foods like green leafy vegetables and berries.
Foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt) help to reduce the progression of Lyme disease.

Supplements
Supplements to improve cell functioning include:

Vitamin D3 – It helps to boost the immunity, and so supplements rich in vitamin D3 should be a part of the daily diet.

Omega -3 Fatty Acids – These fatty acids play an anti-inflammatory role and improve cognitive functions. Fish-oil supplements should be taken daily.

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Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning

What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is a common foodborne illness. A person gets food poisoning as a result of consuming contaminated food or drinks. Anyone can get food poisoning, and it is estimated that about 600 million people around the world tend to fall ill from food poisoning every year. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In most cases, it is mild and short-lived that resolves quickly in a day or two. However, in some cases, severe symptoms may arise that need urgent immediate help. Homeopathic medicine for food poisoning helps control the symptoms of food poisoning and speed up the recovery process.

Homeopathy for Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can be effectively managed with homeopathic medicines. These medicines help in boosting the self-healing mechanism of the body and fight the infection. They help control the symptoms of food poisoning and speeding up the recovery process. Homeopathic medicine Arsenic Album is the first aid medicine used in food poisoning cases. It can be taken in 30 C potency three to four times a day, depending upon the severity of symptoms. It helps control symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Homeopathic medicine for food poisoning helps control the symptoms of food poisoning and speeding up the recovery process.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Food Poisoning

Arsenic Album – First line of Treatment for Food Poisoning

Arsenic Album is a highly recommended homeopathic medicine for food poisoning, also known as the ‘homeopathic first aid’ for food poisoning. Food poisoning with diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting is indicative of using this medicine. Vomiting may contain clear water or thick glairy mucus. If the person eats anything, it is vomited out quickly. The stool is loose, foul smelling, and is attended with weakness. Burning pain in the abdomen may be present. Frequent thirst for water at short intervals is usually present.

Veratrum Album – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Copious Vomiting

Veratrum Album is a homeopathic medicine prepared from a plant named ‘white hellebore.’ It belongs to the family Liliaceae. Veratrum Album is a beneficial homeopathic medicine for food poisoning where there is copious vomiting. Even the smallest amount of water gets vomited, and excessive weakness follows the vomiting. Along with this, nausea and copious loose stool may be present. The body may feel cold, apart from the above symptoms.

Aloe – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Diarrhea

Aloe is a natural homeopathic medicine prepared from plant Aloe Socotrina. The natural order of this plant is Liliaceae. It is indicated in cases of food poisoning with marked diarrhea. The stool is watery, and there is an urgent need to pass it. Rumbling and gurgling in the rectum is present, and a constant bearing down is felt in the rectum.

Colocynthis – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Abdomen Cramps

Colocynthis is a homeopathic medicine prepared from a plant called ‘bitter cucumber.’ It belongs to the plant family Cucurbitaceae. Colocynthis is considered for food poisoning when marked abdominal cramps are present. Apart from cramping, the medicine is also indicated when cutting, colicky pains in the abdomen are present. Bending double or pressing the stomach helps relieve the pain. The pain tends to worsen from slight eating or drinking. Along with this loose stool, vomiting and nausea are also present.

Other Important Homeopathic Medicines for Food Poisoning

China Officinalis – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Diarrhea and Extreme Weakness

Homeopathic medicine China Officinalis is prepared from the Peruvian bark or the Cinchona tree that belongs to the natural order Rubiaceae. It is a well-indicated homeopathic medicine for food poisoning with diarrhea and extreme weakness. The stool is watery, foul, and painless with marked exhaustion and debility. Excessive flatulence may be present, and the abdomen may be bloated. China is also a well-indicated medicine for food poisoning that occurs from the consumption of bad meat, unripe fruit, and bad water. It is also indicated for traveler’s diarrhea.

Nux Vomica – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Excessive Retching

Nux Vomica is a prominent homeopathic medicine for food poisoning with excessive retching (efforts to vomit). The person in such a case wants to vomit but cannot. A frequent ineffectual urge to pass the stool is present. The person may attempt to pass stool frequently but is only able to expel small quantities. Loud, rumbling, gurgling sounds in the abdomen may be present along with the above symptoms.

Ipecac – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Nausea and Vomiting

Homeopathic medicine Ipecac is prepared from the ipecac root, which belongs to the natural order Rubiaceae. Ipecac is used to treat food poisoning accompanied by intense nausea and vomiting. The nausea is present all the time. Vomiting appears, but it does not relieve nausea. Vomiting of watery fluids, green mucus, or blackish matter may be present. A frothy stool and pain around navel are often noted with the above symptoms.

Croton Tig – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Gushing Stool

Croton Tig is a significant homeopathic medicine for food poisoning. Its chief indicating features are copious, watery, and gushing stool. The urge to pass stool is constant, and stool is passed suddenly with great force in one gush. Colic before passing stool is also present.

Podophyllum Peltatum – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Profuse and Offensive Stool

Homeopathic medicine Podophyllum Peltatum is a plant-based medicine prepared from Mayapple (Podophyllum). The plant belongs to family Berberidaceae. The characteristic features to use this medicine are a profuse, offensive, yellowish or greenish stool. Fetid flatus, mucus in the stool, and vomiting of hot, frothy mucus may also be present.

Elaterium Officinarum – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning with Vomiting and Diarrhea

Elaterium Officinarum is a natural medicine prepared from a plant commonly named as the Squirting Cucumber. It belongs to the natural order Cucurbitaceae. Elaterium Officinarum is a valuable homeopathic medicine for food poisoning with violent vomiting and diarrhea. The stool is copious, watery, forceful, greenish, and frothy. Cutting pain in the abdomen may be present.

Zingiber Officinale – Homeopathic Medicine for Food Poisoning by Drinking Impure Water

Zingiber Officinale is prepared from the dried root of ginger, which belongs to the natural order Zingiberaceae. It is a prominently indicated homeopathic medicine for food poisoning contracted by drinking impure water. Diarrhea with excessive flatulence and colic, heaviness and rumbling in the stomach, and belching are the primary symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine. It is also suited for diarrhea that results from eating melons.

Food Poisoning: Causes

The main cause of food poisoning is the consumption of food or drinks that have been contaminated by infectious agents. The infectious agents can be bacterial, parasitic or viral. Among them, food poisoning from bacterial agents is the most common.

Bacterial Causes of Food Poisoning

Bacterial agents linked with food poisoning include Campylobacter jejuni, salmonella, E.coli, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium botulinum, and listeria.

Campylobacter Jejuni

It is one of the most common bacteria that cause food poisoning. The incubation period is 3 to 5 days. It can be transmitted through consumption of undercooked meat and poultry or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms that arise as a result of poisoning by this bacteria include fever, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The symptoms last less than a week.

Salmonella

Salmonella is another common bacteria that cause food poisoning. Its incubation period is 1 to 3 days. The infection may arise from consuming raw/undercooked meat, eggs, milk and other dairy products. The symptoms of its infection include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal cramps, fever. It lasts from 3 to 7 days, but in some cases, diarrhea may last up for to 10 to 14 days.

Escherichia coli (E.Coli)

E. Coli is a widespread cause of food poisoning and traveler’s diarrhea. It spreads through consumption of undercooked beef, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. The symptoms include diarrhea (it can be bloody), abdominal cramps, and vomiting. The incubation period of this bacteria is 1 to 8 days, and the infection usually gets better in a week.
E. Coli also carries a risk of a rare and serious complication known as the hemolytic uremic syndrome. Older people and children are at a higher risk of developing this complication.

Shigella

The bacterium Shigella has an incubation period 1 to 2 days, and it spreads from consumption of food washed with contaminated water, drinking contaminated water, engulfing contaminated water while swimming, or via an infected person handling the food. The main symptoms of a Shigella infection include diarrhea with blood and mucus (dysentery), abdominal cramps, tenesmus, and fever. The infection usually lasts for a week, but it can take months for the bowel movements to normalize.
Shigella carries a risk of leading to complications like seizures, post infectious arthritis (reactive arthritis), and hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Staphylococcus Aureus

The symptoms of a Staphylococcus Aureus appear within 30 minutes to 6 hours after consuming contaminated food. Food poisoning from staphylococcal aureus may arise from eating contaminated, cream-filled pastries, sandwiches, cold salads, meat, milk, fish, cream sauces, and custard. Symptoms of the infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. It is, and the person usually recovers within a day or two.

Clostridium Botulinum

Clostridium Botulinum causes a severe infection, the symptoms of which arise within 12 to 36 hours. The source of infection includes canned food, smoked, salted fish, and improperly processed canned, commercial food. The symptoms of the infection include facial weakness, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, double vision, drooping eyelids, difficulty with swallowing, difficult speech, nausea, vomiting, and paralysis.

Listeria

Listeria causes a severe infection, and it may be present in ready-to-eat food like sandwiches, hot dogs, soft cheese, unpasteurized milk, and luncheon meats. The incubation period for Listeria can vary from a few days to several weeks. The symptoms include loose stool, fever, and body aches. The nervous system may also get infected, with symptoms like confusion, loss of balance, headache, stiff neck and convulsions. If the infection is contracted during pregnancy, it carries a risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, and life-threatening infection in the newborn.
Two deadly outbreaks of listeria infection had been reported to date in the USA.

Parasites Linked with Food Poisoning

The most common parasites linked with food poisoning include Toxoplasma, Giardia lamblia, and Entamoeba histolytica.

Toxoplasma

A Toxoplasma infection can occur due to consumption of poorly cooked food, contaminated meat, and from exposure to cat feces. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy is also noted in some cases. Flu-like symptoms including body aches, fever, weakness, headache, and swollen lymph nodes are typical of this infection. Mother to child transmission during pregnancy can cause stillbirth, miscarriage, and severe complications in the child, like seizures, eye infections, jaundice, and enlarged liver/spleen.

Giardia Lamblia

Giardia Lamblia has an incubation period of 1 to 2 weeks, and it is contracted through water and food contaminated by the excreta of humans or animals. Diarrhea, abdomen cramps, gas, bloating, weight loss, and low appetite are the most common symptoms of this infection. It is a mild infection, but the symptoms can linger on for 2 to 6 weeks.

Entamoeba Histolytica

Entamoeba Histolytica causes amoebiasis, which is a contagious disease. A person contracts it through the consumption of contaminated food or water, and the incubation period varies from a few weeks to months. The symptoms include loose stool, bloody stools (dysentery), severe abdominal cramps, appetite loss, and fatigue. The infection can spread to the liver, lungs, heart, and brain. It can lead to an abscess in internal organs, severe illness and may even cause death.

Virus Linked with Food Poisoning

Norovirus and Rotavirus are the two viruses that cause food poisoning.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The incubation period for this virus varies between12 to 48 hours. Symptoms of infection include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Complete recovery from the infection taken about 2 to 3 days.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly affects children who are less than five years of age. The symptoms of infection appear within one to two days. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdomen pain, stool containing pus/blood, black/tarry stool, and irritability. Children who contract the infection are at risk of developing dehydration.

Food Poisoning: Symptoms

The symptoms of food poisoning can appear within hours of eating contaminated food, or they may develop after a few days or weeks. The incubation period of the infectious agents varies, which decides when the symptoms will appear (following the consumption of contaminated food). The typical symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea (loose stool), abdominal cramps, mild fever, and weakness.

How Does Food Get Contaminated?

Food can become contaminated by any of the following means:

  • Washing fruits or vegetables with water contaminated by human sewage.
  • Not cooking food thoroughly.
  • Not heating the previously prepared food enough.
  • Improper storing of the food.
  • Contamination of meat and poultry during slaughter.
  • Handling of food by a person having an infectious disease without thorough washing of the hands.
  • Transfer of infectious agent to food from using kitchen tools like a knife, cutting board or any utensil that is already contaminated.

Common foods that can cause food poisoning include:

  • Raw or undercooked meat and poultry
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Unpasteurized milk
  • Ice cream
  • Leafy green like spinach, cabbage, and lettuce
  • Cheese
  • Deli meat
  • Fruits such as melons, berries
  • Raw sprouts

When to See a Doctor

In case of severe food poisoning, it is essential to get conventional treatment. The symptoms of acute food poisoning that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Blood in stool or vomiting
  • High fever (more than 101 F)
  • Severe dehydration
  • Loose stool lasting for more than three days
  • Blurred vision
  • Tingling in arms
  • Confusion

How to Prevent Food Poisoning – Safety Measures

With a bit of precaution, food poisoning can be prevented in most cases. Some of the measures that can be taken to minimize the risk of food poisoning include:

Hygiene

Wash hands before and after every meal or snack, since germs tend to survive in places like utensils, around the kitchen, cutlery or even your hands.
Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before consuming them.

Separation

Cross-contamination is a very common cause of food poisoning. Foods like eggs, raw meat, seafood, etc. can spread germs too, even when handled with clean hands. Keeping such food items separate from ready-to-eat food items is essential.

Temperature

Foods need to be cooked thoroughly to a safe temperature which ensures that all disease-causing pathogens have been eliminated. Raw foods and meats especially need to be adequately prepared.

Foods should be refrigerated below temperatures of 40 F since pathogens start growing within 2 hours in food left at room temperature. In summers, this process can begin in half an hour, and so food should ideally not be left outside.

When traveling in developing foreign countries, it is necessary to wash vegetables and fruits before consumption and to drink from sealed bottles only. Ice should be avoided.

Managing Food Poisoning

Food poisoning usually gets better without any treatment within 48 hours. Management involves being comfortable and preventing dehydration during recovery. Some measures that can be taken are:

  • Do not drink or eat anything for a few hours and allow the stomach to settle.
  • Keep taking small sips of water or suck on ice-chips to stay hydrated. Clear broth and non-caffeinated drinks can also be taken in small quantities.
  • Start by eating easy-to-digest, bland foods like rice and curd, plain crackers, toast, bananas, etc.
  • Avoid foods containing caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, dairy products, and fatty foods until complete recovery. Greasy, spicy, fried, and sugary foods are hard to digest and should be avoided.
  • Get adequate rest and keep physical activity to a minimum.

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The wonder Of Homeopathic Medicine Arnica In Treating Injuries

Arnica Montana, commonly known as leopard’s bane, is a plant indigenous to Europe. It is mainly cultivated in North America. The word ‘Arnica’ has been derived from Latin meaning ‘Lambskin’, because of the wooly textured leaves. However, the word ‘Montana’ depicts mountains, i.e., where the plant grows. The drug Arnica Montana is prepared from the roots of its plant.
Back in those days, when it was not yet scientifically proven to have medicinal properties, the locals used to pop it into their mouth in cases of falls, injuries, and pains. Little was it known that this plant would have intrinsic medicinal properties that could replace a surgeon’s knife in some cases.

Arnica has been used in homeopathy to treat a variety of injuries, both fresh and old. It can be used to treat both the acute and chronic effects of injuries. These injuries leave a sore, bruised feeling all over the body. The patient feels restless and cannot find a comfortable spot to rest at. In the olden times, it was also used as a topical treatment.

Arnica has an important role to play in many conditions, but it is a renowned drug for its action on the injuries. It can be given for major as well as minor injuries, where the bleeding is concealed and the skin stays intact. Arnica is known to have antibiotic and muscle relaxing properties as well.
The efficacy of Arnica in healing injured tissues is testified from the fact that many surgeons around the world use this homeopathic medicine to promote healing and minimizing postoperative infections.

The ‘Arnica’ Constitution

Arnica tends to suit ‘Plethoric’ constitutions, meaning those who have an abounding quantity of blood, with a red face and lively expressions. Constitutionally, the patients are predisposed to congestions of the parts like the head and limbs.

Arnica: Drug Action

The chief action of arnica is on the blood and blood vessel particularly on the capillaries (small blood vessels). It is known to possess a quality of absorbing blood. It also has antibiotic properties, hence preventing septic conditions. On the muscles, it acts as a muscle relaxant and relieves the tension of the stressed parts.

The scope of Arnica in Treating Injuries

Arnica for Bruises

A bruise is a bluish black discoloration that forms under the skin, sometimes may look like a blood clot.
Arnica is an infallible remedy for such complaints. The bruises could be due to any reason, be it a mechanical trauma or due to weak capillaries. It has been clinically seen that sometimes people tend to have a random bruise here and other and the patient himself is not aware of any trauma at the site. Such bruises can arise as a result of extravasation(outflow) of blood from the small vessels owing to the weak capillary walls. This is how Arnica can do wonders in such cases; it affects the weak capillary walls and strengthens them and also causes constriction of the dilated small vessel, stopping the flow of blood. It can affect these vessels and increases their power to retain the blood. It is a wonderful remedy in the first stage of injury, where much bruising has been done and the pain is intense but diffused.
It can also be given for bruises that arise as a result of a blow to the stomach or other organs. Not to forget its impeccable role in treating ‘Black Eye’, i.e.the bluish black discoloration surrounding the eye which is generally because of a strong blow to the part.
The parts that are bruised are very sore; the soreness being much greater than the size of the bruise. The patient can barely afford to move or let alone touch the affected part. Arnica can help in dealing with the soreness and tenderness in such cases, along with healing the bruise.

Arnica Montana for Haemorrhages

Arnica has a wonderful capability of reabsorption of blood. It can be given for hematomas (collection of blood under superficial layers), for conditions where there is concealed bleeding, the blood has escaped out of the capillaries but the skin remains intact. Such conditions when there is no sufficient tone in the fibers of the vessel to hold the blood. The vessel walls then ooze out blood. These hemorrhages are a result of mechanical traumas, which are blunt without causing any open wounds. An important thing to note in cases of injuries where there has been bleeding is that Arnica should only be used once the bleeding has stopped (either by suturing or once the wound has gone through the stage of initial clot formation). It is a well-indicated remedy for cases of retinal hemorrhages and helps in the easy resolving of the condition. It can also be given in cases of epistaxis ( bleeding from the nose) especially after an episode of injury to the nasal area. Here, Arnica helps in vasoconstriction of the vessels and helps in stopping the bleeding.
It also very effectively dissolves the petechial hemorrhages (small pinpointed bleeding spots under the skin), owing again to the re-absorption capability of the medicine.

Arnica for Suppuration

Arnica has often proved to be beneficial for cases where the wounds have a tendency for pus formation that could be avoided with its use. It can be given in cases of pyaemia and septicaemia, as a result of a trauma. It often happens that after a blow or contusion, the patient gets restless, has a lame sore feeling all over the body, tosses and turns on lying down, cannot find a spot soft enough to make him feel relaxed. This could or could not be attended with fever. In such cases, Arnica has proven to be a great remedy. It can remove the bacterial infections in the background owing to its antibiotic properties, along with healing the concealed bleeding under the skin and other consequences of an injury. Many surgeons use Arnica in order to prevent postoperative infections in their patients.

Arnica for Sprains

A very common type of injury that almost everyone has faced one time or the other is a sprain due to a misstep. An injury of the ligaments is known as a sprain. It can be caused due to twisting of the foot in an undesired manner. It is a very common type of injury seen in sportsmen or in women who wear high heels. Such cases of sprains where even wearing the shoe could seem like a task can be marvelously healed with Arnica. Arnica relaxes the tension of the twisted ligament and helps in managing the pain, soreness and the lameness of the part affected. The black and blue appearance of the sprained part goes away in a surprisingly short time, and one can manipulate the part with much ease.

Arnica for Fractures

Arnica is especially given in fractures of the head or spine, with the compression of the brain. It very well manages those cases where the patient goes into a coma (unconscious state) after an accident, where there is head injury or the spinal cord may be involved. It can minimize the post-injury effects and works well for people who go into a coma following the injury. Its effective role in helping a patient come out of coma post the injury puts Arnica under the special category of treating head injuries.

Conditions that arise after a head injury (whether recent or remote), can be effectively treated with the remedy. For example, epilepsy following an injury to the head, loss of memory, speech problems following an injury etc. are also effectively cured with Arnica.

Fractures of the bone may call for the use of Arnica, both externally and internally, to relieve the swelling of the limb. Many times, people develop localized muscle twitching after a fracture, which is nothing but a reflex of the fracture. They feel significantly better with respect to the pain, swelling, and tenderness when treated with Arnica. Arnica helps in speeding the process of healing and preventing the infection and deterioration of the bone.

Arnica for Myalgia

A very common phenomenon that has been clinically seen is that once a disease has taken its course and resolved, it leaves a trail of unrelated complaints behind. For instance, after an episode of flu, patients complain of muscular pains all over. They cannot relate it to any other event but to the illness that they have suffered in the past. Such pains (though have no direct relation to the illness they have suffered from), cannot be ignored. This is where Arnica can prove to be beneficial. It is an underestimated remedy in such cases of myalgia (muscle pains), where the muscle pains have started as a consequence of a disease. It can also be given for cases where the muscles are sore and tender as a result of over-straining, be it at the gym or laborious working at a workplace.
It works brilliantly in myalgia of the intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs) after exertion, where the person feels as if his ribs are bruised, and even breathing becomes difficult for him.

Other Clinical Conditions Treated with Arnica:

  • Concealed Injuries
  • Typhoid fevers
  • Gout
  • Black eye
  • Fractures
  • Sprains and Strains
  • Meningitis
  • Mechanical Otitis
  • Epistaxis
  • Myalgia
  • Haematuria
  • Hydrocele
  • Uterine Prolapse
  • Metrorrhagia
  • Boils
  • Septicemia
  • Appendicitis
  • Postpartum Haemorrhages
  • Bed Sores
  • Headache
  • Bronchitis
  • Diarrhea
  • Dysentery
  • Haematuria

Dosage

Homeopathic medicine Arnica is recommended in the potency of 30C. In recent, fresh injuries it can be repeated frequently. In cases of remote injuries, it can be used in high potencies but with infrequent repetitions.
It can also be applied locally in the form of tincture, but not on abraded (broken) skin.
Caution: Although homeopathic medicine Arnica is a safe remedy to use, a homeopathic physician must be consulted prior to its use.

Arnica and Other Homeopathic Remedies

Arnica follows well after Aconite, Apis, Ham, Ipecacuanha and Veratrum album.

  • It is complementary to Aconite, Hypericum and Rhus tox.
  • It antidotes the effect of Camphor.
  • It is followed well by Acid sulph.

How to use Arnica

Mild-to-moderate injuries can be effectively treated at home using Arnica. It is also sold by the name of Arnica Montana. 30 c potency of Arnica can be taken internally 4- 5 times a day. Its use should be discontinued once the desirable relief has been achieved. In cases where the injury is severe and blood loss is uncontrollable, one should immediately contact the local hospital

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Top 7 Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Ovarian Cysts

What are Ovarian Cysts?

Sacs of fluid that form within a woman’s ovaries are known as ovarian cysts. A woman may develop a cyst in one ovary or both the ovaries at the same time. Ovarian cysts occur very commonly in women of childbearing age, and are less common in females after menopause. Homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts works to treat the symptoms and also dissolve the cysts safely with time.

Ovaries and Their Function

Homeopathic Remedies for Ovarian Cyst

Homeopathic Remedies for Ovarian Cyst

Ovaries are two oval-shaped gonads which make up an important part of the female reproductive system. The ovaries are found on either side of the uterus and have two major functions – production of egg (ovum) for fertilization, and the production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Every month, an ovum (egg) is released from the mature follicle. If the ovum is fertilized by a sperm, it leads to pregnancy. If the ovum doesn’t get fertilized, then it breaks down and is shed along with the lining of the uterus in the form of menstrual bleeding.

Causes and Types of Ovarian Cysts

The cause behind an ovarian cyst depends upon the type of cyst. Ovarian cysts are of different kinds, the most common being functional cysts, dermoid cysts, endometriomas, and cystadenomas. Another condition, known as Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) also leads to the formation of cysts on the ovaries.

Functional Ovarian Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common and harmless ovarian cysts that tend to disappear on their own within two to three menstrual cycles. Functional cysts are linked to the menstrual cycle.
Functional cysts are further divided into two types – follicular cyst and corpus luteum cyst.

a) Follicular Cyst: In a menstruating female, every month a follicle in the ovary matures, and it contains an egg. This follicle ruptures to release the egg (a process known as ovulation). If for any reason the follicle does not rupture and release the egg, then it swells up into a fluid-filled follicular cyst.

b) Corpus Luteum Cyst: During the menstrual cycle, the ovum (egg) is released from the follicle during ovulation. The follicle then gets converted to a mass known as ‘corpus luteum’ that secretes the hormone progesterone.
If the ovum gets fertilized with sperm (that is, a pregnancy occurs), then the corpus luteum keeps secreting progesterone to maintain the pregnancy in the early stages. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, then this corpus luteum stops secreting progesterone and disappears. In some cases, the corpus luteum doesn’t disappear even in the absence of a pregnancy. It then gets filled with fluid or blood and persists in the ovary in the form of a corpus luteum cyst.

Dermoid Cyst

A dermoid cyst is a benign cyst that contains some tissues like hair, skin, fat, teeth, thyroid tissue, nails, bone, etc. These cysts are also known as ovarian teratomas.
These cysts are seen in women during the reproductive years. Women usually below the age of 30 years tend to develop these cysts. Although not a serious problem, dermoid cysts cause a problem if they rupture. They can then cause infection or ovarian torsion, both of which require medical attention.

Endometriomas

Endometriomas are ovarian cysts that contain a brown, tar-like thick fluid and are also known as chocolate cysts. These cysts develop when the endometrial tissue that lines the uterus gets attached to the ovary and produces a growth there to form a cystic mass.

Cystadenomas

Cysts that develop from cells covering the outer layer of the ovary are called cystadenomas. These cysts do not grow inside the ovary; instead, they develop on the surface of the ovary. These cysts can contain watery fluid or thick mucus-like substance.
Those filled with watery fluid are known as serous cystadenomas, and those filled with thick mucus-like substance are known as mucinous cystadenomas.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)

PCOS is a very common metabolic disorder that arises as a result of hormonal imbalance in females. In PCOS, multiple follicles (fluid-filled sacs) grow inside ovaries that contain immature eggs. These eggs then may not reach maturity and ovulate.

Homeopathic Remedies for Cysts

The conventional mode of treatment usually prescribes oral contraceptives or birth control pills in most cases of ovarian cysts. These pills don’t treat the root cause of ovarian cysts; they mask the symptoms by regularising the menstrual cycle without treating the cysts. They may also suppress ovulation to prevent the formation of more cysts.
These pills do not dissolve the existing ovarian cysts, and discontinuing their use can lead to the formation of new cysts. In addition to this, there are some side effects of these pills like nausea, breast tenderness, vaginal discharge, decreased libido, mood changes, weight gain, and migraine.

Ovarian cyst treatment with homeopathic medicine is a holistic approach that treats the main cause behind the problem. Homeopathic medicines are very safe to use among women of all age groups, and these treat ovarian cysts gently without any side effects.
Homeopathic medicine for ovarian cyst can help dissolve the cysts already present and also reduce the tendency to develop more cysts.
These medicines help in correcting menstrual irregularities linked with ovarian cysts and the associated symptoms like bloating, back pain, dyspareunia, etc. Correct and timely use of ovarian cysts can also help prevent surgery in a lot of cases.

Some of the most important homeopathic medicines that are used for treating ovarian cysts are – Lachesis Muta, Lycopodium Clavatum, Colocynthis, Apis Mellifica, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Sabina Officinalis and Sepia Succus. Each of these homeopathic medicines has their characteristic indications to use them.

Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts

Lachesis Muta – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts on Left Side

Lachesis Muta is a homeopathic medicine for left ovarian cysts. Swelling and pain in the left ovary that gets better during menses, short and scanty menses, and menstrual bleeding that is blackish in color are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Lycopodium Clavatum – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts on Right Side

Lycopodium Clavatum is a homeopathic medicine for right ovarian cysts. Burning or boring pains may be felt in the ovary. Irregular periods, profuse or prolonged periods, pain during intercourse and abdominal bloating are the main symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Colocynthis – Homeopathic Medicine for Painful Ovarian Cysts

Colocynthis is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts that are painful. The pain varies in character, ranging from cramping, stitching to tensive. Burning sensation in the ovaries that gets better upon bending over double and a sensitive ovarian region that seems hard and swollen are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Apis Mellifica – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts that cause Pain during Intercourse

Apis Mellifica is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts that cause pain during intercourse. A stinging, sharp, cutting pain from the ovary radiating down the thigh, soreness and tenderness over the ovarian region, heaviness in the ovarian region and pain in the ovaries during menstruation are the symptoms indicative of Apis Mellifica.

Pulsatilla Nigricans – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts with Scanty Menstruation

Pulsatilla Nigricans is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts with scanty menstrual bleeding. A tendency of delayed menstruation, menstrual colic, chilliness, vomiting, heavy pressure in the abdomen and lower back, a pressure in the bladder and rectum are the symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine.

Sabina Officinalis – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Sabina Officinalis is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts with heavy menstrual bleeding. The menstrual bleeding is usually bright red, and copious, with the presence of dark clots. Movement tends to worsen the bleeding, and pelvic pain that extends down to the thighs is present. Dragging pain in the back and lower limbs, and bloating and distension in the pelvic region are the symptoms that indicate the need for Sabina Officinalis.

Sepia Succus – Homeopathic Medicine for Ovarian Cysts with Irregular Menstruation

Sepia Succus is a homeopathic medicine for ovarian cysts with irregular menstruation. The periods may be early or late, scanty or profuse, or of long or short duration. A bearing down sensation in the pelvis, soreness, fullness, pressure, distension, and pain in the pelvic region with a frequent urge to urinate are the symptoms that indicate the need for this remedy.

Ovarian Cyst: Contributing Factors

The contributing factors that lead to ovarian cysts include:

  • hormonal imbalance
  • pelvic infections
  • a family history of ovarian cysts
  • obesity or gaining weight rapidly

Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms

In many cases, ovarian cysts don’t lead to any symptoms and are diagnosed during a regular ultrasound. In other cases, some symptoms that may appear in case of ovarian cysts include:

  • Pain in the lower abdomen (pelvis on the side of ovarian cyst). The pain may be sudden, severe or may be dull.
  • Bloating, heaviness, fullness in the abdomen
  • Irregular periods, heavy/scanty periods
  • Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
  • Frequent urination
  • Painful bowel movements
  • Lower back pain or thigh pain
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Infertility
  • In cases of PCOS, menstrual irregularities may be accompanied by other features like acne, hirsutism, obesity, hair fall.

Frequently Asked Questions on Ovarian Cysts

What are the complications of ovarian cysts?

Ovarian torsion and rupture are two main complications of ovarian cysts. Sudden severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, fever dizziness, and fast breathing are some of the symptoms that appear as a result of these complications. These need immediate medical emergency attention.

Are Ovarian Cysts Cancerous?

Most of the times, ovarian cysts are non-cancerous.
A very small percentage of ovarian cysts can be cancerous, and these usually tend to occur after menopause in women.

Can Ovarian Cysts lead to Infertility?

Ovarian cysts are of different types, and while some cysts can cause infertility, most of them are not linked with infertility.

  • Cysts that can lead to infertility are ovarian cysts that develop as a result of polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriomas.
  • Cysts not linked with infertility are functional cysts, dermoid cysts, and cystadenomas.

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Homeopathy for Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a very common psychological health condition characterized by the persistence of severe sadness, unhappiness, low mood, lack of a feeling of well-being, and an aversion towards doing any work.
In some cases, the person suffering from depression may cut off from the society, and isolate themselves completely.
In severe cases, suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide are also noted. Homeopathy for depression works at a subconscious level to remove the imprints of grief and sadness, and bring about recovery.
Depression is a common, but serious problem that is often dismissed as something temporary or situational. It is essential to talk about it and seek professional help if there is a doubt about a person being depressed. With the right therapies and homeopathic medicine for depression, it can be treated and managed, enabling the person to lead a healthy life.

Does Homeopathy work for depression?

Yes, homeopathy can help treat depression. The homeopathic system of medicine carries an excellent scope to treat depression in a very safe, gentle and effective manner. Made of natural substances, homeopathic remedies are deep acting medicines that work at the psychological level to bring about recovery from depression.
Another benefit of using homeopathy for depression is that none of the homeopathic remedies are habit-forming, or cause dependency. Once the problem is fixed, the person can gradually discontinue the medication, or take it sporadically as suggested by a homeopathic physician. Since conventional antidepressants affect different chemicals in the brain (like serotonin and dopamine), there are chances of drug-dependency. Unlike homeopathy, these medicines also tend to cause side effects like weight gain, nausea, loss of sexual desire, irritability, insomnia and more.

Causes of Depression

Depression is a multi-layered problem, and the exact reason for it not known. The strongest correlation to clinical depression is heredity and environmental factors. The leading causes that play a significant role in causing depression are:

  • a family history of depression
  • stressful events or abuse experienced during childhood
  • grief, like the death of a loved one, or a failed relationship
  • substance abuse (drugs, alcohol)
  • hormonal changes in women (during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause)
  • thyroid problems
  • Serious disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, arthritis, dementia also put a person at risk of developing depression.

Symptoms of Depression

One of the most important things is to look out for the classic signs and symptoms of depression. Timely treatment is the most effective way of treating depression once it has been diagnosed.

The common depressive symptoms include:

  • persistent sadness
  • low self-esteem
  • a sense of hopelessness
  • a feeling of being worthless
  • weeping
  • avoiding company of people
  • aversion to talking and socializing
  • loss of interest in hobbies
  • changes in appetite and weight
  • excessive sleeping or less sleeping
  • perpetual anxiety
  • restlessness
  • constant fatigue
  • sexual dysfunction
  • unexplained headaches or pains
  • difficulty in concentration
  • suicidal thoughts

What is the difference between stress and depression?

Everybody tends to get sad and feel low at some point, and that is a temporary phase that tends to come and go. But when sadness and feelings of hopelessness persist for a long time and start affecting one’s personal and professional life, then it is more than sorrow and stress.
The main difference between stress and depression is that the latter is a more severe and long-lasting condition that requires professional help. The symptoms of depression are much more intense than stress or sadness. It can cause powerful mood changes (extreme despair and sadness), exhaustion and an inability act. Stress, on the other hand, is short-lived, and once the factor causing stress is dealt with, the person tends to get better. Some people even do well under stress, when it acts as a motivating factor.

Homeopathy for Depression

Ignatia Amara – Homeopathic Remedy for Depression with Extreme Sadness

Ignatia Amara is an excellent homeopathic medicine for treating depression with extreme sadness and weeping. The person needing Ignatia shows an aversion to talking and meeting people. Sudden mood changes, sighing, hopelessness, brooding, irritability, heaviness of head, weak memory, mental dullness, sensitive mood, and palpitations are some symptoms that indicate the need for this homeopathic medicine for depression. Ignatia Amara is top grade homeopathy for depression developed after acute grief.

Natrum Mur – The Homeopathic Antidepressant

Natrum Mur is a homeopathic medicine used for treating chronic depression. The symptoms indicating the use of Natrum Mur include dwelling on past unpleasant memories, sadness, aversion to consolation, weeping, high sensitivity, despair about future, a reluctance to do work, sleeplessness, getting offended easily, and the fear of something terrible happening. Natrum Mur is the recommended homeopathy for depression that develops after the death of loved ones or broken relationships.

Aurum Met – Homeopathic Medicine for Depression with Suicidal Thoughts

Aurum Met is a homeopathic remedy for depression where the person suffers from predominating suicidal thoughts. Along with this, a constant sensation that life is a burden persists. People needing this medicine tend to look at the dark side of life, feel unhappy and wish to stop living. An oversensitive nature to contradiction is also present, along with symptoms like guilt, worthlessness, moroseness and changing moods.

Cimicifuga Racemosa – Homeopathy for Post Partum Depression

Cimicifuga Racemosa is an excellent homeopathic medicine used to treat postpartum depression. The symptoms that are indicative of this medicine include sadness, gloominess, fear of death, a specific sensation of having a black cloud over the present (mostly in women), a fear of going mad, talking excessively with frequent changes of subjects, and pain at the top of the head.

Kali Phos – Homeopathic Medicine for Depression and Insomnia

Kali Phos is considered to be top-grade homeopathy for depression and insomnia with symptoms like sleeplessness, gloominess, anxiety, worries, continual weeping, negative thinking, mental fatigue, dullness of mind, fear of death and sensitivity to light and noise.

Phosphoric Acid – Homeopathy for Depression with Weakness

Phosphoric Acid is a homeopathic medicine for depression where the person experiences excessive weakness, along with symptoms like an indifferent behavior to everything, slowness of mind, aversion to talking, a dread of the future, loss of weight and malnutrition.

Sepia Succus – Homeopathic Medicine for Depression during Menopause

Sepia for depression has been successfully used in clinical practice in cases where a woman experiences depression during menopause. The symptoms that indicate the need for this medicine include sadness, gloominess, unhappiness, indifferent behavior towards family and life, aversion towards family members, aversion to doing any mental or physical work, anxiety over trifles, and a sense of helplessness. There is also a tendency to weep that worsens upon consolation. Women needing this medicine may experience all of the above symptoms along with hot flushes and a bearing down sensation in the pelvis.

Homeopathy for Depression: Frequently Asked Questions

Are any investigations recommended in cases of depression?

Depression is a psychological complaint and is diagnosed after evaluating the symptoms. However, certain tests including thyroid profile and vitamin B12 are recommended in suspected cases of depression to rule hormonal problems or deficiencies.

Can any medicines lead to depression?

Yes, certain medicines can lead to depression. Examples of drugs that predispose a person to depression include steroids, blood pressure medicines, and sleeping pills.

What are the effects of depression?

Depression has many effects that include loss of appetite or overeating, loss of weight or gaining weight, sleeplessness, feeling fatigued and lethargic. Certain complications like the use of alcohol, drug dependency, developing anxiety disorders, panic disorders and in the most severe cases, suicidal tendencies may develop.

I am a male aged 25 years with a family history of depression; will I also develop the same?

Having a family history of depression is one of the risk factors that predispose a person towards the same. But it doesn’t mean that you will develop depression.

Can depression be cured forever with homeopathy?

The effectiveness of homeopathy in depression in a majority of the cases depends on the severity of the problem. Depression of mild to moderate intensity has better chances of being treated to a great extent with homeopathy. Homeopathy for depression helps reduce the severity and occurrence of depressive episodes while addressing the imprints of sadness from the subconscious mind.
In cases of severe depression, homeopathy can help manage the symptoms, but complete recovery is not expected in all the cases.

I have been taking antidepressants for ten years; can homeopathy help me stop that medicine?

Yes, homeopathy can help you gradually stop taking antidepressants, no matter how long you’ve been using them. However, it is a gradual process, and it is not advisable to stop the antidepressants all of sudden since that can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Initially, when you start with homeopathic medicines for your depression, you will have to continue taking the antidepressants side by side for some time. Once your body starts responding to the homeopathic medicines, a gradual decrease of the dose of the antidepressants is recommended until you can stop taking them entirely.

If I start homeopathic medicines for my depression, will I have to continue taking it for my lifetime?

No, you will not have to continue taking homeopathy for depression for a lifetime. Once satisfactory results with homeopathic medicines have been achieved, you may stop taking them.

For how long does a person need to take homeopathy for depression for complete recovery?

The exact time for complete recovery from depression with use of homeopathic medicines varies from case to case. Most cases of depression tend to show some improvement in the initial period of homeopathic treatment. The duration of depression and the intensity of its symptoms decide the time for which one has to continue taking homeopathic medicines for complete recovery. In addition to this, a person’s response to the homeopathic medication is also an important deciding factor.

Are there any supplements that can help to manage depression?

Yes, certain supplements can help manage depression. The most important ones among them include vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega -3 fatty acids.

I have been suffering from depression from the last 4 years since the death of my mother. Can homeopathy help?

The loss of a loved one and long-standing grief that can translate into depressive symptoms. You may take homeopathic medicine Natrum Mur, a well-indicated remedy in homeopathy for depression that has become chronic.

I am a 48-year old female suffering from depression for two years. Which homeopathic medicine can help?

You are suffering from depression around your menopausal age. Sepia Succus is a well-indicated remedy in homeopathy for depression that develops during the menopausal age.

Managing Depression

Certain lifestyle measures can help manage depression. These include:

– Ensuring enough sleep
– Practicing meditation and yoga
– Doing regular exercise
– Discussing your concerns with friends and family members, who can understand you and provide support during depressive episodes
– Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs
– Avoiding isolation and developing healthy social habits
– Keeping yourself busy
– Joining a depression support group
– Studying self-help books for positive inspiration

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Top 5 Homeopathic Medicine for Elbow Pain

Homeopathic Medicine for Elbow PainElbow pain is a surprisingly common problem that affects the elbow joint. The elbow joint is a hinge joint formed by three bones (humerus, radius, and ulna) and the various muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support the joint. Pain in the elbow joint or any structures surrounding is called elbow pain. Pain in the elbow can be one-sided (unilateral) or may occur on both sides (bilateral). The nature of elbow pain varies from person to person and majorly depends on the cause; it can be sharp, dull, burning, tearing or shooting in nature.

Homeopathy offers wonderful treatment for cases of elbow pain. Homeopathic medicines for elbow pain work by stimulating the body’s natural restorative processes for a speedy recovery. These medicines along with elbow pain also help to manage attending symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and tenderness of elbow joint. In the conventional system of medicine, elbow pain is usually treated with the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, antirheumatic drugs (for example, methotrexate, cytokine blockers, JAK inhibitors), or even surgery. These drugs help in reducing the inflammation by decreasing the production of prostaglandins (chemicals that are responsible for causing pain, fever, and inflammation). But these drugs can also cause some serious side effects like stomach pain, heartburn, stomach ulcers, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, an allergic reaction such as wheezing, rashes, liver and kidney problems. Homeopathy for elbow pain, on the other hand, shows no side effects and promotes natural healing by stimulating the body’s self-healing mechanism.

Homeopathy focuses to treat underlying cause

As there are several causes behind elbow pain like arthritis, gout, injury, overstrained elbow joint, inflamed tendons, and trapped nerves, so for long-term relief, this cause needs to be addressed. Homeopathy focuses on treating these causes as may be the case. It leads to long term relief and effective cures.

Safe, natural medicines

Homeopathic medicines are made of natural substances so do not cause any sort of side effects. It can only help, never harm. Homeopathic medicines are suitable for treating elbow pain in persons of all age groups for acute as well as chronic pain relief.

Individualized treatment

In homeopathic treatment of elbow pain, the prescription, its dosage, potency, repetition are decided individually in every case. Hence, guidance from a homeopathic doctor is required and self-medication might not help. Homeopathic treatment if taken as per guidelines and recommended time period suggested by a homeopathic physician leads to great cures in elbow pain cases.

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicine for Elbow Pain

The well indicated homeopathic medicines for treating elbow pain includes medicines Rhus Tox, Ruta Graveolens, Bryonia Alba, Colchicum Autumnale and Argentum Met.

1. Rhus Tox – For Elbow Pain from arthritis, Over-Straining of Elbow Joint

Rhus Tox is the top most medicine indicated for the treatment of elbow joint pain from arthritis, over-straining/overuse of elbow joint accompanied with a stiffness of joint. The elbow joint feels hot, painful, and swollen and one feels better by warmth, motion and massage. Rhus Tox is usually indicated for tearing pain in the elbow joint.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine is suggested to help cases of elbow pain from arthritis, overstraining or overuse of elbow joint with marked stiffness of elbow joint. There is relief in pain by warmth, motion and massage.

How to use Rhus Tox?

It can be used in different potencies from low to high like 30C, 200C, 1M. Most commonly it is used in 30C potency two to three times a day. To use high potencies, kindly consult a homeopathic physician

2. Ruta Graveolens – Elbow Pain due to Tendinitis and Bursitis

Ruta Graveolens is the foremost medicine for managing pain that occurs due to inflamed tendons and bursae. When elbow pains are sore, aching and accompanied with restlessness, and weariness, Ruta Graveolens works well. It is the best medicine to treat cases of tennis elbow.

When to use Ruta Graveolens?

It is the most suitable medicine for managing sore, aching pains from inflammation of tendons and bursa. It is the best choice of medicine for tennis elbow cases.

How to use Ruta Graveolens?

It can be taken in 30 C potency once or twice a day. For using its high potencies like 200C one needs to consult a homeopathic physician.

3. Bryonia Alba – Elbow Pain that Worsens with Movement

Bryonia Alba is a wonderful medicine for elbow pain that worsens with movement and is tender to touch. Elbow joints are usually red, swollen and hot. The pain of elbow joints is generally sharp and tearing.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

This medicine should be considered when there is pain in the elbow along with redness, swelling, tenderness and heat with pain worsening from movement.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

It is advised to take Bryonia Alba 30C twice or thrice a day as per severity of complaint.

4. Colchicum Autumnale – Elbow Pain due to Gout

Colchicum Autumnale is an excellent medicine indicated for elbow pain that arises due to the condition of gout. Colchicum Autumnale is best suited when the elbow joint is stiff and hot. The pain worsens at night, from touch, and warm weather. This medicine is used for elbow pain treatment when the pain is tearing, with a piercing pin and needle sensation in the hand and wrist. A sharp pain in the elbow may also be felt.

When to use Colchicum Autumnale?

This medicine is highly recommended for managing elbow pain resulting from gout (high uric acid) with worsening of pain from touching the elbow and at night time.

How to use Colchicum Autumnale?

Colchicum Autumnale can be used in 30C power once or twice a day.

5. Argentum Met – For Rheumatic Elbow Pain with tenderness

Argentum Met is the medicine indicated for the treatment of rheumatic  (related to inflamed joint) elbow pain accompanied by tenderness. Weakness in the arm also occurs. The elbow pain gradually increases, suddenly becomes severe, and then ceases. The pain feels like an electric shock.

When to use Argentum Met?

This medicine is indicated when elbow pain from joint inflammation is attended with tenderness in elbow and weakness in arm.

How to use Argentum Met?

This medicine can be taken one or two times a day in 30C potency.

Causes of Elbow Pain

The causes of elbow pain are usually overuse or strain due to work, sports, hobbies, or accidents. Elbow pain happens to be the most common symptom of elbow-related disorders.
Some reasons for elbow pain are as follows –

Sprains and Strains: Sprains are the stretching or tearing of ligaments that connect two bones. A strain on the other hand is a stretching or tearing of the tendon or muscle.

Tendinitis: Fibrous tissues that attach muscles to bones in the elbow when overused, may cause inflammation and irritation of the tendons. This condition is known as Tendinitis.

Bursitis: Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions to the bones in the elbow. Any inflammation or injury caused to the part can lead to Bursitis.

Tennis Elbow: Tennis elbow develops as a result of inflammation of the tendons in the muscles of the forearm, at the point where they attach to the outer elbow joint. This is also known as Lateral Epicondylitis.

Golfer’s Elbow: Golfer’s elbow refers to an inflammation in the tendons at the point where the tendons attach the muscles of the forearm to the bony part on the inner elbow. Medically this condition is known as epicondylitis.

Throwing Injuries: Also called “baseball pitcher’s elbow,” these injuries occur due to overuse of the elbow when a ball is thrown. Other sports involving similar mechanisms tend to produce similar injuries. These involve elbow structures like tendon detachments.

Radial Nerve Compression: This is a condition in which the radial nerve that passes through the elbow joint gets compressed or pinched.

Ulnar Nerve Compression (or entrapment): Pinching or compression of the nerve by swelling or displacement.

Ligament Tears: Elbow ligaments torn due to excessive force on the elbow joint can cause elbow pain.

Injuries to any Elbow Component: Trauma and pain to any component of the elbow joint or adjacent structures that work with the elbow joint (forearm structures like the upper arm and shoulders) can cause elbow pain.

Broken Arm: Fracture in the parts of the arm bones (including the humerus, radius, and ulna) cause extreme elbow pain.

Stress Fractures: Any non-displaced fracture of the bones that form the elbow joint can cause elbow pain.

Dislocation of an Elbow Component: Dislocation of any bones or other structures such as tendons or nerves that form or pass through the elbow joint can lead to elbow pain.

Carpal tunnel Syndrome: Carpal tunnel is a condition that causes numbness, pain and tingling in the arm and hand. It happens when one of the major nerves of the hand (known as the median nerve) gets squeezed or compressed as it goes through the wrist.

Elbow Fractures: Any fracture of the bones that form the elbow joint (humerus, radius, ulna) cause extreme pain.

Osteoarthritis: It is a condition wherein there is a loss of cartilage at the end of the bones in the elbow. This can lead to elbow pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation. When this condition develops in the elbow, it can cause chronic pain.

Osteochondritis Dissecans: This is a condition wherein the blood supply is cut or decreased in the elbow.

Olecranon Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (present on the tip of the elbow) is known as olecranon bursitis. The inflammation causes pain.

Infections of the elbow joint: Infections in the elbow joint can include cellulitis, abscess formation, septic arthritis, or infections in the other structures that can cause elbow pain.

Tumors: Any cancers or masses that develop in the joint structures in the elbow, such as bone tumors, can cause pain.

Gout: Gout is a very common but complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints.

Sometimes, a pain in the elbow may occur due to an injury to the vertebra. This injury may irritate the nerves that service the upper arm. Such pain, the source of which is not at the elbow, is known as referred pain.

Contributing Factors For Elbow Pain

Some of the main risk factors that can cause elbow pain include:

1. Trauma to the arm and elbow may result in vascular compromise (inflammation of the blood vessels due to an injury). Trauma and repetitive stress may also result in swelling and nerve compression or entrapment. Even sleeping on one’s side with the elbow bearing chest weight may result in daytime elbow pains.

2. Overuse of the joint and too much stress at a given point on the elbow joint. Overuse is noted in people who have an excessive amount of elbow movements during work, sports, or other similar activities. For example, individuals who work with repetitive motions of the elbow during, say, a product assembly line may develop some types of elbow pain (bursitis, tendinitis).

3. Not warming up before strenuous activity may cause pain in the elbow joint. Muscles and tendons are more flexible and therefore less prone to tearing when athletes warm up before engaging in an intense sports activity. Not doing so can increase the risk of tissue damage. Such damage often leads to a painful condition known as tennis elbow.
Sports like tennis and gym exercises (like weight-lifting) that require repetitive actions can also cause elbow pain.

4. A ligament or tendon tear or even dislocation or fracture of one of the bones in the elbow joint, work accidents, contact sports such as football, and auto accidents can lead to irritation, and occasionally to a severe elbow injury.

5. Improper use of sports equipment, such as a tennis racket that is too small or too large for the athlete, or a racket that is not appropriately strung (for example, the head surface is too tight or too loose, or the racket is too heavy for the user).

6. Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases can cause joint pain, putting people with problems like rheumatoid arthritis at risk.

7. Working in physically repetitive occupations, such as carpentry, bricklaying, instrumental music, clothing construction, plumbing, assembly-line production, or intensive computer work.

8. Infections of the elbow structures increase the risk of elbow pain. Also, direct trauma to the elbow, such as colliding with another player or falling onto the elbow can cause pain.

Symptoms accompanying Elbow Pain

1. Stiffness, swelling, and soreness of elbow joint

2. Tenderness of the elbow joint

3. Difficulty in grasping and lifting objects

4. Pain that radiates either upwards or downwards from the elbow

5. Impeded movement of the elbow joint i.e. inability to straighten or bend the elbow

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Natural Homeopathic Medicines For Crohn’s Disease

Excessive diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and persistent abdominal pain that does not go away with regular medication point towards a disease of the gastrointestinal tract known as Crohn’s disease. This disease can affect everyday life and can progress into a painful, debilitating condition. It is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It is one of the two conditions included under inflammatory bowel diseases. It can affect any part of the digestive system starting from mouth till the anus. This disease primarily causes ulceration of small & large intestine. Homeopathic medicines for Crohn’s disease provide long-term management by balancing the overactive immune system and helps heal the disease naturally. homeopathic medicines for Crohn's

Homeopathic Medicines for Crohn’s Disease

Homeopathy offers a significant supportive role in the symptomatic management of Crohn’s disease. These medicines help in reducing the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. They also help manage the symptoms by moderating the immune system. The use of homeopathy for Crohn’s disease helps reduce the recurrence of the symptoms as well as their severity.

1. For Diarrhoea

Aloe Socotrina is a treatment for Crohn’s disease with diarrhea. Associated symptoms include loose stools, a feeling of constant bearing down in the rectum, and an urge to pass stool immediately after drinking or eating. Rumbling and gurgling in the rectum, yellowish, brownish, lumpy with excess water stools are other symptoms. An involuntary passing of stools while passing flatus and development of anal fistula is also noted in some cases.

2. For Loose Stool

Merc Cor is a treatment for Crohn’s disease where the person suffers from a loose stool with mucus. Mercurius corrosivus is chemically prepared with mercuric chloride.
The stools have a foul-smell, and the person may feel a constant ineffectual urge to pass stool despite having cleared the bowels repeatedly. Colic below the navel and a distended, sore abdomen are other symptoms.

3. For Weight Loss

China Officinalis is a treatment for Crohn’s disease with weight loss. It is used to treat Crohn’s disease in cases where there is weight loss along with diarrhea. Symptoms include loose stools, undigested food particles in feces, flatulence during excretion, weakness, bloated abdomen, weakness and frailty.

4. For Weakness

Arsenic Album is a treatment for Crohn’s disease with Weakness. It is used to treat Crohn’s disease where excessive weakness along with diarrhea is present. Foul smelling, profuse watery stools along with other symptoms like vomiting, nausea and a burning sensation in the abdomen, sores or ulcers in the mouth may be present.

5. For Abdominal Cramps

Colocynthis is a medicine used to treat Crohn’s disease when there are predominant, intense colicky abdominal pain/cramps. The abdominal pains tend to get worse from slight eating or drinking. In most cases, bending-over double or putting hard pressure provides relief. Other symptoms include a watery, sour-smelling, yellowish-greenish stool with vomiting of bitter fluid.

6. For Mouth Ulcers

Nitric acid is a medicine used to treat ulcers in the soft palate with sharp, splinter-like pains. It is also indicated for slimy, offensive diarrhea. Irritability and exhaustion may follow after stools. Bleeding from the bowels is profuse and bright red.

7. For Sharp Abdominal Pain

Phosphorus is a medicine indicated for sharp cutting pains in the Abdomen. There is very weak, empty, all gone sensation felt in the entire abdominal cavity. Diarrhea in the morning and discharge of blood from rectum while passing stool are other symptoms.

Crohn’s Disease: Types

1. The first type of Crohn’s disease is inflammatory and can cause simple erosions in the bowel walls.
2. The second type of Crohn’s disease leads to the formation of scar tissue within the walls of the bowel. The inflammation gets healed by the body, but scarring leads to obstructive symptoms and bowels are unable to move properly.
3. The third type of Crohn’s disease is penetrating in nature, under which the inflammation travels through the bowel walls and forms connections with adjacent organs.

Based on the involvement of the part of the alimentary canal, Crohn’s disease presents itself in many forms:

1. Crohn’s Colitis refers to the involvement of the large intestine.
2. When only the small intestine is involved, it is referred to as Crohn’s Enteritis.
3. Active disease of the Ileum (last portion of the small intestine) is known as Crohn’s Ileitis.
4. When the disease affects both small and large intestine, it is referred to as Crohn’s Enterocolitis or Ileocolitis.

Treatment with Homeopathy

A fairly common disorder, Crohn’s disease has no cure, and conventional medications (like steroids and immunosuppressants) are used to hinder the progression of the disease. Corticosteroid drugs are used to reduce inflammation that occurs in the active stage of disease, but prolonged use of these drugs can lead to ulceration of the stomach, making the person more prone to infections.
Another treatment option is to suppress the immune system with the help of immunosuppressive drugs, which tend to cause side effects like diarrhea, loose motions, and vomiting.
Remedies for intestinal inflammation can gradually reduce the inflammation of bowels and provide symptomatic relief. These work in the form of highly diluted chemicals that are charged to act as messages to stimulate the body’s restorative processes.

They are Safe

The medicines for colon diseases are taken in small doses over a continuous period, which helps improve the efficacy of the natural substances that m. This slow-healing action helps treat the problem on a long-term basis while also reducing the symptoms.

A Holistic Approach

Crohn’s disease is often an autoimmune disease, and homeopathy aims to treat the problem by moderating the immune system. With homeopathy the symptoms are not suppressed; instead, the cause is identified through the presentation of symptoms. Colitis treatment associated with Crohn’s disease involves moderating the over-active immune system that prevents further aggravation of the inflammation. Steroids used in conventional treatment tend to suppress the symptoms of inflammation, and do not help resolve the underlying problem.

Natural Remedies

An ancient 200-year-old medical science, homeopathy uses cures found in nature to help restore the natural healing processes of the human body. Remedies for intestinal inflammation are made of natural substances. Unlike conventional treatment where immunosuppressants are used to manage the symptoms, homeopathy focuses on long-term, natural treatment of the same.

Individual Treatment

Every individual who turns to homeopathy is treated according to their specific symptoms. Homeopathy works in synchrony with the body’s natural restorative processes to treat a disease.
For example, a person who develops a risk towards Crohn’s disease as a result of smoking needs to quit smoking while taking treatment for Crohn’s disease, while a person genetically predisposed to develop the condition may require a separate set of medicines along with adequate lifestyle changes.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is not clearly understood, though the following factors are said to contribute to the manifestation of the disease:

Autoimmune origin: In cases of autoimmune diseases, the immune system misdirects a response, causing the cells to destroy healthy body tissues. In Crohn’s disease, the body’s immune cells begin to damage the GIT (gastrointestinal tract) that results in inflammation and ulcers.

Heredity: Crohn’s disease has a tendency to run in families through hereditary factors. Therefore chances of developing Crohn’s disease increases if there is a family history of Crohn’s disease.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as pollution and an inadequate diet (lacking in nutrition) plays a significant role in the development of Crohn’s disease. The disease is more common among people residing in urban areas.

Smoking: A family history of Crohn’s disease coupled with smoking habits puts a person at an increased risk to develop the disease. Research suggests that Crohn’s disease develops more commonly in smokers as compared to non-smokers. Stress & infections tend to worsen the condition.

Age: People between 15-30 years of age are more susceptible to developing the disease.

Crohn’s: Signs and Symptoms

Crohn’s is a chronic disease, so a person may experience symptoms during the active phase of the disease, and no symptoms at all when the condition is in remission phase.
The main symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

Persistent diarrhea as a result of the disease varies from mild to severe level. The person may have mucus discharge or blood in the stool.

Abdominal pain due to Crohn’s disease varies from person to person. The pain is felt in the lower right side of the abdomen.

Anemia: Since the disease causes loss of blood through stools, it can lead to anemia.

Loss of appetite: An unexplained loss of appetite can be a result of Crohn’s disease. Similarly, weight loss becomes a symptom resulting from loss of appetite.

Ulcers: The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease leads to the formation of ulcers in the gut. These may bleed, and the blood shows up in the stools.

Arthritis: Research shows that chronic inflammation in the intestines or colon (main characteristic of Crohn’s disease) can trigger the body’s immune system to start an inflammatory process in the joints or tendons.

Other symptoms include:

  • mouth sores
  • inflammation of eyes (uveitis) and skin
  • fever and fatigue

Complications of Crohn’s Disease

Certain complications linked with Crohn’s disease include:

  • Inflammation of the eyes
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anal fistula
  • Anal fissures
  • Arthritis
  • Pyoderma gangrenosum
  • Osteoporosis
  • Intestinal stricture
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Colon cancer

Management of Crohn’s Disease

No substantial evidence identifies the food products that cause inflammatory bowel diseases, but avoiding certain foods and beverages can help manage the symptoms and overall health during the active stage of the disease.

  • Eating periodic small meals rather than big meals is highly recommended for people who have Crohn’s disease.
  • Fluid intake, especially water, should be increased.
  • Multivitamins and nutritional supplements can also be added to a doctor’s recommendation.

Foods to Avoid with Crohn’s Disease

Fatty Foods: During the active stage of the disease, the intestines are unable to absorb fat. Consuming fatty food during the active phase of the illness can diarrhea, and so a low-fat diet should b maintained.

Dairy Products: Since Crohn’s disease damages the digestive tract, it can lead to lactose intolerance. People who develop lactose intolerance are not able to digest lactose (milk sugar) found in dairy products. A treatment diet for Crohn’s disease involves increased fluid intake and a decrease in specific food groups.

Alcohol: Alcohol is not safe for anyone with inflammatory bowel disease as it can cause further complications.

Spicy foods and caffeine should be avoided as they can trigger gastric symptoms like pain, bloating and gas.

Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains that have high fiber content should be avoided as they are difficult to digest when the gastrointestinal tract is inflamed.

 

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