Gingivitis is the most common and mildest form of oral/dental disease. According to the Food and Drug Administration, approximately 15 percent of adults between 21 and 50 years old, and 30 percent of adults over 50, have gum disease (FDA 2002). Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Because gingivitis is rarely painful in its early stages, it often goes unnoticed until severe irritation or receding gums occur.
The main cause of gingivitis is plaque (or biofilm), a soft, sticky film that forms on the teeth when starches and sugars react with bacteria that is naturally present in the mouth. Plaque buildup occurs between the teeth and gums, in faulty fillings, and near poorly cleaned partial dentures, bridges, and braces. If not removed within 72 hours, plaque will harden into tartar that cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.
If left untreated, gingivitis may lead to a more serious condition called periodontitis, in which the inner gum and bone pull away from teeth and form pockets. These pockets can collect bacteria and debris, and become infected or abscessed.
In addition to brushing with a good toothpaste and making regular visits to the dentist, a number of nutrients have been shown to improve gum health. These include Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Calcium, Folic Acid, Green Tea, Viamin C and a range of herbal preparations including Tea Tree Oil (used as an oral rinse).
Gout is a painful condition characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints, which causes episodes of joint inflammation.
Uric acid is created as a byproduct of purine metabolism. If too much uric acid is created through increased cell destruction, or if the body’s system for clearing uric acid is compromised (usually by defects in the kidneys' ability to clear uric acid), gout may result.
Gout causes acute attacks of inflamed, painful joints that subside gradually, though it can progress to a chronic condition if untreated. It often affects a joint in the first toe, but may occur in the ankles and knees as well.
In addition to lifestyle changes, a number of supplements have been studied for their ability to inhibit the formation of uric acid. These include: Cherries and cherry extract, Chinese Herbs, Vitamin C, Grape seed extract.
Good, refreshing sleep is essential for health. There is no doubt that chronic insomnia is frustrating, but there is also evidence that insomnia is linked to early death and serious declines in quality of life.
Even with adequate sleep hygiene, many people—especially elderly people—still have trouble sleeping. While some of the newer generation of “sleeping pills” may be safer and less habit forming than older medications, natural remedies are a better first-line therapy.
You could try Valerian, L-Tryptophan, Melatonin or Lemon Balm.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the United States. People suffering from IBS experience altered bowel habits, frequently suffering from constipation, diarrhea, or alternating episodes of both. However, their intestines contain no structural or pathologic abnormalities. Although IBS is extremely common, it is poorly understood.
IBS flare-ups can be triggered by a number of factors, including specific foods, allergies, diet, and stress.
The gradual introduction of soluble fibre into the diet can help to relieve diarrhea and constipation. Other natural options include Peppermint and caraway oil, digestive enzymes, L-glutamine, Artichoke leaf, Ginger and Bromelain. Prebiotics and Probiotics may also help to restore bowel health.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition characterized by the deterioration of the macula portion of the eye. The macula is the central and most vital area of the retina, providing the clearest, most distinct vision needed in reading, driving, seeing fine detail, and recognizing facial features, for example. There are two forms of macular degeneration: atrophic (dry) and neovascular (wet). Both forms of the disease may affect both eyes simultaneously.
Deficiencies in the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin are linked to AMD. High intake of specific types of fat may be associated with greater risk of AMD.
Migraine headaches are usually classified as either common migraine or classic migraine. A classic migraine is preceded by an aura with characteristic visual, sensory, or motor symptoms. Aura usually includes visual abnormalities (e.g., flashes, shimmering, and other hallucinations that seem to migrate through the visual field) and neurological abnormalities such as tingling sensations
Migraines are about three times as common in women as in men and they typically begin between the ages of 10 and 40. The frequency of migraine headaches appears to increase with age, with peak frequency in women during their 30s and 40s and in men during their 30s, and then seems to decrease. Among some women, migraines decrease in severity or disappear entirely during menopause. Clearly, migraine's close correlation with sexual maturity and menopause in women suggests that steroid hormones are involved in the disease.
Research suggests that it is not the absolute levels of estrogen that are associated with migraine among women but rather an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Thus, to help balance progesterone and estrogen levels comprehensive hormone testing may be of benefite and, if necessary, hormone restoration with bioidentical hormones that mimic a woman's natural balance of the various estrogens.
There is a scientific explanation for the tendency toward abdominal obesity among middle-aged men. As men age, their levels of free testosterone decline, and levels of estrogen and insulin increase. This is partly because aging men convert much of their testosterone into estradiol, a form of estrogen. Of the remaining testosterone, much is bound to sex hormone–binding globulin, a protein in the blood, and is not biologically active. Studies have shown that men with low free testosterone have higher rates of coronary artery disease, mental depression, and dementia.
In women, the relationship between excess body fat, testosterone, estrogens, and progesterone is somewhat more complicated.
It is believed that estrogen reduces lipid oxidation at puberty and in early pregnancy to facilitate efficient fat storage in preparation for fertility, birth and lactation. This modification in lipid oxidation enables fat storage without significant changes in dietary fat and caloric intake.
Testosterone and estrogen are not the only hormones implicated in weight gain. Low levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a steroid hormone, have also been linked to increased weight gain. Virtually everyone over age 35 experiences a significant reduction in DHEA. Studies suggest that supplementing with DHEA produces beneficial body composition changes.
When it comes to weight loss, fiber has not received the attention it deserves. Consuming fiber before meals can reduce the rapid absorption of simple carbohydrates (such as refined sugar) and modulate blood sugar levels.
It is common knowledge that calcium and vitamin D work together to help prevent osteoporosis. Maintaining healthy bones goes far beyond calcium and vitamin D, although these are vital. A healthy bone matrix also relies on vitamins and minerals that are rarely mentioned in the context of osteoporosis, including zinc, boron, copper, magnesium, vitamin K, silicon, folic acid, and others.
Vitamins D, C, E, B12, K, Bioflavonoids, Calcium, Magnesium and phosphorous are all vitally important for health bones.
Skin is the largest organ of the human body, weighing approximately 10 pounds and covering an area of about 16 square feet. We generally take skin for granted and tend not to take very good care of it. Although there are many diseases that can affect the skin, the most common problems that we all have are the effects of our exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun over time.
There are many causes for the accumulated cellular damage in the skin that we call aging. Among these are the oxidative processes and related free radical damage that result from UV sunlight, smog, toxins, cigarette smoke, X-rays, drugs, and other stressors. Young skin is also exposed to these potentially damaging changes, but when we are young, there is sufficient cellular energy (ATP) for DNA repair and cell renewal. Enzymes that provide antioxidant activity such as SOD and catalase are readily available. As we age, there is increased wear and tear, while at the same time the energy for cell repair and renewal is diminished and the antioxidant enzymes are less available.
Vitamin C ester is vitamin C with a fatty acid attached to it. It is fat-soluble and rapidly penetrates the skin, being much better absorbed than vitamin C alone. Products containing vitamin C ester, such as ascorbyl palmitate, will be helpful in reducing and preventing skin damage.