WHAT YOUR URINE COLOUR SAYS

Urine is a waste product made in the kidney as a means of removing unwanted substances from the body. Numerous factors affect the colour of urine, what we eat and drink goes a long way to affect our urine colour. A person that fasts from food and water on a sunny day will have dark yellow urine due to dehydration. The myth that when the urine is yellow indicates malaria is very wrong, the standard colour of urine ranges from colourless to amber to light yellow depending on various factors. Alcohol in the system and when over hydrated especially in cool environments can lead to a very clear urine with high volume. Vegetables can change urine colour. Drugs can change urine colour and odour e.g.Rifampicin can make the urine colour orange in colour. Below are urine colours and what they stand for:

·         Yellow/light orange may be caused by removal of excess B vitamins from the blood

·         Bloody urine is a symptom of wide variety of medical conditions

·         Dark orange to brown urine can be a symptom of jaundice, rhabdomyolysis or Gilbert’s syndrome

·         Black or dark coloured urine may be caused by melanoma

·         Pinkish urine can result from the consumption of beets

·         Greenish urine can result from the consumption of asparagus

·         Reddish or brown urine may be caused by porphyria

·         Blue urine may be caused by the ingestion of methylene blue e.g. in medications

·         Blue urine stains can be caused by blue diaper syndrome

·         Purple urine may be due to purple urine bag syndrome

The odour of normal urine can reflect what has been consumed or specific diseases. Sweet smell is sugar in urine which indicates diabetes. Asparagus, onions, saffron, tuna fish, alcohol, coffee can affect the scent of urine.

The normal urine volume is 1-2 litres per day but this can be affected by some factors. In very hot conditions, the body tends to save more water especially when a lot is lost sweating. If you feel the urge to ease yourself and you engage in an activity that increases sweating without drinking any fluid to replenish that urge will suddenly disappear because the body will make use of all water in the body when necessary. Expect much urine when you take alcohol, in cold weather, in air conditioned vehicles etc. Expect low urine volume in hot weather, when engaging in activities that make you sweat.

Drinking of urine is very wrong even in survival conditions it only makes thirst worse, rather soak a cloth in urine and place it on the head. 

ALCOHOL COULD MAKE YOU LIVE LONGER

Beer, wine, brandy, whisky, and schnapps are all alcoholic drinks or else otherwise stated. Alcohol is a substance that can excite a person or otherwise depending on the quantity consumed. A little quantity can be sexually stimulating and tremendously boost sexual prowess. Excessive intake can cause hangover and mess up the liver.

Researchers have suggested after data analysis that occasional moderate drinking of alcohol could elongate life span. How this happens has not been confirmed but a study of old folks show that, the healthiest set of them consume alcohol.

I have a theory which I came up with while working at the HIV clinic. I realised that almost 75% of our HIV positive clients above 40 years were free from the pangs of diabetes and or hypertension and generally heart diseases. Our counselling pathway was fantastic so the patients always felt at peace. I deduced that because the patients had accepted their condition, their worry tendency chart was close to zero. I also want to apply this to the occasional taking of alcohol which is medically indicated to reduce anxiety.

Occasional drinking at home is the best way to start consuming alcohol, and then let your body teach you how best it can welcome alcohol.

ITS WORSE THAN WEED BUT LEGAL

Devil’s trumpet, that’s the name some people call this plant, some also call it Indian thorn apple. Its scientific name is Datura metel. In my neighbourhood we call it gegemu. This plant is highly intoxicating. It grows freely especially in neighbourhoods with bad drainage system.

Datura is found in Asia, Africa, south and Central America and also in the Caribbean. Many cultures attach this plant to worship of deity. In northern India, smoking this plant is considered pleasurable but eating or drinking its extract is considered dangerous. Yogis and Sadhus smoke this plant in combination with weed, imagine. In the Philippines, the leaves are boiled to make an inebriating soup to be eaten in a communal circle, community highness. In Africa, the seeds are added to locally brewed beer; it is also used to commit crime by poisoning the victim.

Well enough stories, in my psychiatric posting gegemu was tagged “deadly”. To tell you how dangerous it is, when this plant in soaked in a cup and that cup is rinsed off with only water, and then used to take a drink, the person will still experience grave symptoms. Goats or their relatives don’t eat this plant, infact, it has no pest, no insect or consumer. It is not even used on large animals like horses or buffaloes. Please weed this plant away if in your neighbourhood and discard it. Burning could get your community high so don’t do that please. 

THAT NIGERIAN WEED

Cannabis Sativa is the specie of the Nigerian marijuana. It is one of the most euphoric specie of weed. The ability to attain highness with this specie is very high. There is a gist that even the Jamaicans that came to Nigeria, smoked and endorsed it for this high ability. dailysmoker.com described thus “Nigerian’s high is very powerful cerebral, taking you to the land of dreams and illusions. Make sure you have a day off to fully enjoy the pleasure from this dark African lady”.

As much as weed is smoked to get high, it has been found out that it can boost the immune system i.e. protect us from disease but the only way to get this benefit is by smoking. Weed also increases appetite and weight gain.

During my psychiatric posting, I found out that many young men in the wards were weed smokers. If you smoke weed in the countries where it is legal just be careful when you get the Nigerian specie, it could be your last.

6 THINGS YOU DIDNT KNOW ABOUT HONEY

According to national Honey Board “It takes about 60,000 bees, collectively travelling up to 55,000 miles and visiting more than 2 million flowers, to gather enough nectar to make one pound of honey”. Bears and badgers will raid honeycomb not minding the sting from the bee just for a taste of honey. If these lower animals know the value of honey to the extent of going through such pain shouldn’t we be curious? Well I bet you didn’t know these 6 things about honey:

1.       Honey makes excellent cough medicine

2.       Honey can be used to treat wounds (Manuka honey especially, it is used clinically)

3.       Honey diluted with warm water can be applied to the scalp to reduce itching and dandruff

4.       Honey can help boost energy especially sustained energy

5.       Honey can help reduce allergy e.g. cold and catarrh

6.       Honey and any other sweetener should not consumed by diabetic or pre-diabetic folk.

There are various honey products in the market, I cannot “categorically” tell you which is best for what but locally made honey is best. Honey made from domestic flowers is usually lighter but not as nourishing as the dark honey made from wild flowers.

GRIEF OR SADNESS CAN SHUT DOWN YOUR IMMUNITY

There is a new research proving that grief can be a big danger signal for the senior citizens. There is an imbalance in the body which leads to a fall in the immune system. Research has showed that old people experiencing grief have a 21 fold higher chance of a heart attack. The summary is that the immune system weakens and this leads to an array of disease if not checked.

Whatever means should be employed to help keep these oldies from a sedentary life style. Force them to church/mosque and community programs. Let them mix with their peers if they are still alive. Enough of television and radio. Get them into physical activities like laundry and strolling. Engage in outdoor activity instead of getting antidepressants.

EXERCISE WORSENS ORAL HEALTH

You may not believe it but exercise may worsen your oral health. Very active athletes breathe with their mouth which should be okay except that this leads to a dry mouth which allows bacteria thrive. To add to this, drinking of energy drinks which load the mouth with sugar worsens it all and aggravates dental caries.

My advice is that, breathing through the nose is best but it can be pretty difficult, so breath through the mouth but quench your thirst with just water. Dr Mercola recommends coconut water in place of energy drinks; I think athletes should note this.

THAT DRY SEASON

You may not believe but cough and catarrh are actually a way our body protects us from been killed by all the rubbish in the air but like some human beings do ITK (I too know) so does the immune system.

We are gently moving into the allergy season, dry and dusty air all over. Get anti allergy drugs early to tackle flu, cough and catarrh. Those with kids should increase the intake of vitamins in their kid’s diet through fruits and also have their medications readily available.

If you are asthmatic or have a personal or family history of asthma please be watchful and cautious. The moment you notice that your body temperature or that of your ward drops at night with persistent cough, see your physician asap.

Antiallergy drugs are piriton which can make you drowsy, loratadine which won’t make you drowsy, used once daily in an empty stomach i.e. at least 30 minutes before breakfast. There are more antiallergy drugs which can either be combined or alone, consult your Pharmacist. Some antiallergy drugs are combined with paracetamol, please confirm on purchase especially if you are taking other painkillers.

Nature’s pharmacy has given us garlic, ginger, onion, honey and lemon to handle this season so add them to your diet. Garlic should be chopped and left for about 20 minutes before consumption. Onions can be eaten raw, Ginger added to meals, honey and lemon in tea. I have seen a German tea which contained a combination of all these including orange and excluding honey which worked excellently for those that used it.

SHOULD WE USE TOOTHPASTE?

My great grandma ate local fowl and crushed its bones when she was alive. A woman that was over 100 years old as at that time. I encountered a local chicken meal of late and my brother, it was an experience. Long story cut short I couldn't crush the bone of this local chicken.

This idea that our teeth should be washed twice with fluoride toothpaste has really done well to whiten our teeth but I doubt the strength. My great grandma chewed guava tree throughout the times I knew her and there is research proving it protects the dentals.

So I have made up my mind to chew guava tree when I can and use a non-fluoride containing toothpaste instead either Euthymol or Dabur to wash my teeth.

I have a complaint, toothpaste was cheap until sensodyne and oral B decided to make toothpaste a thing of luxury so they should review their prices.

QUICK FIX TO APOLLO

I woke up with itchy eyes, I kept scratching and scratching, it was sweet at first then sweeter and I paused, found my way to the bathroom and checked the mirror. The eyes were mildly red; I thought to myself, it must have been the dust. But throughout the day I couldn't resist scratching. The next morning, I had aches and it crossed my mind, Apollo season is here. There is an old trick that has always worked for me; I got salt and fresh water mixed in a cup, soaked my eye in it for about 15 seconds. Did this about 4 times then rinsed off with fresh water. I repeated the same thing at night and now my eyes are all better.

Infectious conjunctivitis is Apollo and can be mistaken for allergic conjunctivitis which also comes more during this season. The major difference is that Apollo comes with eye discharge.

My salt and water method may not be approved by my fellow health professionals because of isotonic state of the eye, well it works well for me. So my professional advice is that you can do this but make sure you rinse off with fresh water. If you decide to get an antibacterial eye drop, first wash off with little salt and water solution to reduce bacteria load. This is very important in children especially when they wake up in the morning. The eye drop should be used by one person and shouldn't be used for more than 2 weeks after opening unless otherwise stated by eye drop manufacturer.

For those in corporate setting, Apollo can earn you easy sick leave. For workaholics who are too busy to get to a pharmacy, try the method above it will help. For those with kids and those handling children get either chloramphenicol or gentamicin eyedrop in your drug box. The earlier the treatment is commenced the faster the recovery.

END THAT GASTRIC ULCER PAIN

The myth that gastric ulcer has no cure has imprisoned many people with this disease. Gastric ulcer is treatable and curable.

There are drug combinations that have been established to cure gastric ulcer; your physician could help you with further information.

Let’s quickly tackle some causes of gastric ulcer. Experience has showed me that more women have gastric ulcer than men. It is already established that girls are more exposed to analgesics than boys because of menstrual cramps. These analgesics have been found to have serious gastric irritations. A particular drug that is highly abused and could be a leading cause of gastric ulcer is Piroxicam (branded; felvin, feldene etc).

To completely tackle gastric ulcer, the following tips are important:

·         Never let stomach be empty.

·         Stay away from spicy meals especially those containing pepper and/or ginger.

·         Do not fast for any reason whatsoever

·         Eat snacks in between meals e.g. groundnut, fruits, cashewnuts, walnut, coconut, corn etc

·         Stay on a 3 weeks diet of cabbage. This has been proven from the European Herbal Encyclopaedia to completely heal gastric ulcer.

Do all these and be free from gastric ulcer pains

MR RANDY'S SECRET TO SEXUAL HEALTH

I visited Osun state, specifically Ilesha, I met a man in his late 40s. He had been tagged “RANDY Orton”; a sex champion. People advised young girls to stay clear of him.

I realised that at his age many men are not that sexually active so I made friends with him, aiming to know his secret. These are my discoveries;

1.      Unripe plantain is always in his diet especially in the roasted form.

2.      He never ate food late at night.

3.      He takes evening stroll often.

4.      He loves eating banana.

5.      Walnut was highly consumed in season.

6.      He doesn’t eat bulk meals but in bits

7.      He loves eating vegetable and smoked fish

8.      He would combine his roasted unripe plantain with fresh smoked fish sauce

9.      He ate much of grain and cereal in place of heavy swallow

10.  He loves beans in all preparations

I have not established his diet as a standard but I feel it can help as a guide to improve sexual health.

THAT FRUIT COULD BE KILLING YOU

The demand for fruits especially in quantity and quality has pushed our farmers into the use of pesticides. Their intentions are good but these pesticides can do harm to our health. Thorough washing with water doesn't remove these pesticides; some fruits are waxed before they are exported to make sure these pesticides stay till it is consumed.

Some fruits contain as many as 30 different pesticides. Apples in the US market contain about 42 different pesticides while potatoes contain 37.

My advice is that you peel off the skin of these fruits especially those imported into your country to reduce the pesticide load. The best options are home grown fruits or local farm fruits which come in seasons. These fruits should make 90% of our fruit diet.

Our exposure to chemicals is in tremendous levels, a little reduction here and there should help stay healthier.

THE SECRETS YOUR PILLOW HAS BEEN HIDING

How long have you been using your pillow? 15 years? Since you were born? Since you moved into your house? Common, get rid of that please. The UK Sleep council recommends 2 years use per pillow.

Ideally, a pillow is supposed to fill the space between your head and shoulder when you lie down but overuse of pillows makes them flat, so that this gap is not filled, leading to neck pain and restless night according to preventdisease.com.

Keeping a pillow for too long can also lead to dust-mite infestation. Dust-mite are microscopic bugs that feed on dead hair cells, they don’t bite and don’t spread diseases but are common allergen found in household dust according To Dr Mercola.

After about a year 10% of the weight of your pillow could be due to dust-mite waste. If your allergies, like asthma is related to going to bed or worsens in the morning it could be due to dust-mite waste. Wash pillow with hot water or freeze pillow to kill dust-mites.

Researchers have discovered a huge quantity of fungal spores in pillows used between 2 to 20 years. It was as high as 1million per pillow with some dangerous species of fungi. They also discovered that dust-mite feeds on fungal spores but the waste of dust-mite also provides a good environment for fungal spores which makes researchers conclude that pillows could be a mini ecosystem. Pillows made from synthetic material tend to contain more than those made from natural wool. Researchers believe this finding has a great implication on those with respiratory diseases like asthma or sinusitis.

Researchers also discovered that many pillows come with flame retardant chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl esters (PBDEs). PBDEs are structurally related to PCBs which have been linked to cancer, reproductive problems and impaired fetal brain development (i.e abnormal infant brain development).

Certain PBDEs have been banned in some US states and European Union. High exposures to PBDEs have been linked with reduced fertility. So protect yourself, your unborn child and kids. Pillow types that are high offenders include:

·         Polyurethane foam pillows (3,646 parts per million)

·         Polyester fibre pillows (107 parts per million)

·         Feather pillows (6 parts per million)

High quality wool pillows, beddings and mattresses are naturally flame resistant hence no flame retardants are used according to Dr Mercola. So now you know what your pillow can do to you.

CAN’T SLEEP?

 Rest is a very important part of human activity. For the brain, that’s when toxins are removed. For the muscles, that’s a time to relax. For the organs that’s a time to work better, for the mind that’s a time to revitalise. For the whole being, that’s a time for renewal.

Lack of sleep (insomnia) is gently creeping into the lives of the work force of the economy. There are so many causes of insomnia. Let’s start like this; there is a process in the brain called the circadian cycle which is responsible for our sleep and wake pattern. Insomnia can begin when we upset this cycle. For instance, not sleeping at night will lead to sleeping during the day. Trying to cheat the body by denying yourself of rest both day and night will only make the body switch on what we call “negative feedback mechanism” which could come in different forms, like; not been able to sleep naturally, gaining weight, weight loss, memory loss, lack of mental focus etc.

There is a theory I came up with after reading a research that proves that sleeping before midnight is far healthier than after midnight. The theory is based on the quest for the natural sleep order. I took a deep look at the life we lived before the invention of electricity and discovered some basic activities. We ate dinner early probably around 5:30pm (which Nutritionists are advising us to go back to), children played, adults talked, then probably a story with lessons before going to bed (or mat as at then). But my point is they slept as early as 7:30pm. I can bet that some people have never slept that early since they stopped been children. The result of this early sleeping made them wake up so early for farm work and other occupations. To be pragmatic, that couldn’t work now, but the message is to reinforce the research that healthy sleep is better before midnight.

Stimulant substances like caffeine (found in coffee, analgesics and bitter kola), cocoa, and sugar can make natural sleep difficult to achieve. Some lager beer contain hops which is good in helping to relax and achieve natural sleep but alcohol causes increased urination which could lead to continuous break of a normal sleep.

Having a television in the bedroom could compound sleeping issues. I prefer a radio or a music player. The kind of mattress can also make sleep un-revitalizing. The bulb in the room can be helpful too.

If you wake you at night and find it difficult to sleep back, I advice you to try reading something boring, it could be helpful. There are some genres of music that can be helpful to induce sleep e.g. jazz, slows, old school, instrumentals, classical etc.

I prefer if we try as much as possible to get natural sleep before going to drugs for solace. There are situations when medications are necessary, see your physician to confirm.

The natural products that help maintain a good sleep pattern are whole grain oats, hops and valerian (both hops and valerian are available as combination in drug form called “Kalms”)

Some tips to help sleep by Dr Mercola:

·         Sleep in complete darkness

·         Keep your bedroom at room temperature (25 degrees centigrade)

·         Move alarms and other electronic devices away from your bed

·         Avoid using loud alarms

·         Reserve your bed for sleeping

·         Get to bed as early as possible

·         Establish a bed time routine

·         Don’t drink any fluid within 2 hours of going to bed

DANGEROUS BEAUTY TIPS YOU MIGHT BE DOING

There is a craze mostly among ladies to look fresh and plump and this has gone as far as using medications. The funny part about this is that we advice them that it is dangerous for their health but they don’t mind.

These medications are steroids and sincerely I disliked these drugs right from school because their list of side effects is like a list of rugby players.

Now you wanna get plump and look well fed by resorting to medications that can harm you. Let’s be realistic, women need to look beautiful that is why I wrote the last article on beauty. The funny part of this issue is that the freshness it gives to people is a side effect of the medication.

So if you voluntarily take prednisolone (Yodi etc) or dexamethasone (Dexacortin) with the hope of looking fresh, please for the sake of our over-burdened healthcare system stop and try to comply with the earlier article I wrote about beauty. If you have eaten disorder or appetite issues then see a physician to solve this for you. You deserve to be well informed.

SECRETS FOR A FRESH AND BEAUTIFUL SKIN

The beauty of the skin reflects what goes on the inside and outside i.e. what you eat and what you apply on. There are different skin types, so what works for A may not work for B.

If you have an oily skin, I advice you use more of creams than lotions (more oily). If your skin tends to be dry, lotion will do you good. Due to the variety of skin types these two extremes should as a guide to choosing what to apply. Do yourself a favour by discovering your skin and selecting the right type of cosmetic.

The health of the skin is complemented by a healthy feeding from inside out. This is where the glow comes from without much make up. Vitamin E is the main ingredient that makes the skin glow. It can be gotten at Pharmacies but nature also has an abundant combination of natural ingredients that makes the skin wow.

Avocado pear, cabbage, tomatoes, evening primerose, apples, onions and carrot are the Nature’s cosmetic for a great skin. Sincerely since I added these to my diet it’s been different. My skin, hair and nails are much better. Avocado pear could be eaten and the oil can be extracted by boiling the over-ripe fruit whole, then lift the oil from the water with a spoon. This is then applied on the skin all over for about 30 minutes, then wash off. Cabbage should be eaten and whenever there is any skin cut, the green leaf can be warmed by wrapping in a paper and pressed with a pressing iron then applied to the skin. Tomatoes should be eaten raw but I couldn’t eat it so I resolved to applying minimal heat. I make sauce using mildly blended tomatoes and pepper, a lot of onions and smoked fish. Evening primrose, I think is more of a European plant but it has its capsule/ gel form for swallowing. Some people add it to their cream (by separating a quantity for about 3 days) while some use it like a drug. It works well in both ways. It can also be used like the avocado oil. Apples, carrot and onions should be eaten. Onion is best eaten raw or mildly boiled.

African pear, some call it ube others Eben is also great for the skin when eaten and contains good nutrients.

The soap used to bath also contributes to skin glow. I have a combination technique for this; if you must use an antiseptic or medicated soap, then it should be a after a stressful day otherwise get yourself a good toilet soap with vitamin E or other natural extracts to enhance your skin glow.

THE MIACLE FOOD YOU HAVENT ADDED TO YOUR DIET

The most amazing function of this food is its wowing effect on the brain and nerves. It gently and effectively regenerates and revitalizes the brain. Are you or is someone you know struggling with optimal brain function especially in school, please include this in their diet. It is especially good for students during exam periods.

Are struggling with sleep problems; inability to have a revitalising sleep, lack of deep sleep, no sleep at all etc, you need to include this in your diet especially in the evenings.

Are you struggling with drug addiction especially sleeping pills, this food can help overcome your addiction easier than you thought.

Are you always anxious or do you wake up with palpitations (noticeable heart beats)? Do you find it difficult to relax and stay calm? You need to add this food to your diet especially at night.

Are you depressed or struggling with depression? Is sexual impotence your problem? You need this food in your diet twice daily.

Are you struggling with nerve pain (tingling sensation under your feet and/or palm?). This food is a miracle cure.

Are you struggling with cholesterol or having indigestion as a major challenge? Add this food to your meals.

It can be eaten by anyone; pregnant, child, adult, diabetic, hypertensive etc. it is a wonderful food especially for diabetics to prevent the foot pain.

Whole grain Oat is the miracle food. It can be prepared alone or with milk or broth. Make sure its WHOLE GRAIN especially for cholesterol.

DO YOU FORGET THINGS?

Have you ever entered a room and forgot why you came into the room? Well don’t worry so much it’s not just you. I used to be a victim too until I enlightened myself. The notion that forgetfulness goes along with aging has made people allow their brain to function below capacity. First, that notion is wrong. The information we want is present but because the brain shrinks as we age it becomes more difficult to assess information.

Stress, poor sleep, lack of exercise and sugar can cause brain shrinkage and degeneration. Research showed that make up sleep during the weekends does not replace the minimum 6-7 hours daily sleep. When we sleep the brain remove toxins and cleans up. A research showed that people that exercise often have a lesser shrunk brain that those that don’t. Sugar was believed to be the best energy source for the brain but Dr Mercola says ketone is better which also aids the brain to regenerate.

For an optimal brain function:

·         Add vegetables to your diet with sea animals especially smoked fish.

·         Eat fruits that are in season, especially in your local area, they contain less or no pesticide too.

·         Coconut oil and omega-3 fat are wonderful food for the brain

·         Keep the mind challenged constantly. Learn something new, it could be a new language, musical instrument, sport etc. Try a new post graduate program, play chess, Sudoku, scrabble etc. Personally I have noticed that academicians tend to have longer life span and sharper minds than average government employee. So don’t get lazy, write a book, compile your poems, push yourself a little more and you will realise how much less you will forget things. It’s not all boring there certain games and applications that help your brain too e.g. Luminosity, Brain Trainer Special, Cognifit Brain Fitness, Happify, Personal Zen, Fit Brain Trainer, Eidetic etc

THAT DRY VAGINA

The burden of a dry vagina has been carried by menopausal women to the extent of making sexual intercourse painful. Younger, non menopausal women have also been reporting this challenge. A young lady complained to me a while ago about this challenge. She couldn't bring herself to get wet in anticipation for sex; foreplay didn't make it better either. After due investigation I realised she was on some medications which on withdrawal changed the situation for better even if it was gradual and with some extra help.

Antihistamines; medications for cold, catarrh, allergy e.t.c could be the culprit causing your vagina dryness. Tricyclic antidepressants, used to manage depression can also cause vaginal dryness. The medications women find most difficult to believe can cause vaginal dryness are birth control pills. If you have this challenge and on any of these medications, please discuss with your Physician or Health professional.

Anxiety and stress are also major culprits in the cause of dry vagina.

The quick fix for vaginal dryness is a lubricant, easily found at any shopping mall, supermarket, or pharmacy. Brand names include AstroGlide, K-Y, LifeStyles, Replens, Zestra and Vibrel.

THAT PRICKLING SENSATION UNDER YOUR FEET

Pain is the way our body tells us something is not right. There are different kinds of pain but the most stubborn of them all to manage is nerve pain. Tingling sensation felt at extremities of the body, like under the foot and on the palm is an example of nerve pain.

Nerve pain also occurs when there’s pressure on the nerves like in a bad sitting position, bad posture etc. Nerves are responsible for sensation and movement in the body. They pass information to and from the brain and spinal cord.

A lot of people are victims of nerve pain, many of whom have used medications of all sort. Neurovite forte, Dolometa B, Doloneurodion, Lyrica etc. For some, one or more of these medications may be effective. I will like to focus my attention on preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of nerve pain.

According to researchers, red wine mops up vitamin B12 which is necessary in the body to prevent nerve pain. Some antidiabetic drugs have been described by Susan Cohen a Pharmacist as mugger of Vitamin B12. Simply put, they reduce the quantity of vitamin B12 available for use by the body. People on antidiabetic medications may notice tingling sensation often, especially under their feet. Vegetarians have also been noticed to lack vitamin B complex due to their diet and this can dispose them to nerve pain. Many medications can reduce vitamin B in the body; find out from your health professional if you are on medications.

About 2 years ago, I had a client that was battling nerve pain. He had exhausted all the medications we could muster. I had to resort to natural measure, so I went to consult the European natural archive and discovered an old cure that is also present in the market. I advised him to get it and stop all other medications. I saw him after a year and he was so happy, my advice had worked like a miracle. This motivated me to advice many other clients and the response was fantastic.

Whole grain oat is the miracle cure to nerve pain. It also has so many benefits to the body. It can be eaten by anyone; child, adult, pregnant, diabetic, hypertensive etc. So add it to your diet today and thank me latter.

THE EXERCISE YOU SHOULDN'T DO

There is a general notion that every man should be physically active which in some ways boosts his ego. There are certain signs the body sends out to tell you “that’s enough”. If you feel pain while exercising on any part of your body, I suggest you stop immediately. If you indulge in physical activity or sports this advice also goes for you.

Not everyone has a strong heart. I met a man once who had this challenge, his friends made jest of him, called him a weak man. After our interaction, I had to convince him that he couldn’t afford to take any risk or do anything physically challenging, because he had a condition called Angina pectoris.

Angina pectoris is not having enough blood supply to the muscles of the heart. It usually expresses itself as discomfort in the chest with mild to moderate exertion. The concept of referred pain, in which pain occurs at point A but is felt at point B, is also a major sign of Angina Pectoris. In this case, pain is radiated to the jaw, inner left arm, shoulder and neck. Pain can be accompanied by breathlessness, nausea and sweating in some cases. It’s usually induced by mild to moderate exertion or emotions.

Referred pain often occurs in gastric ulcer (stomach and intestinal ulcer) too but the major difference is that this occurs in the stomach, and the referred pain is most often at the back. Also exertion or physical activity does not aggravate the symptoms of gastric ulcer instead the pain is affected by food.

Major risk factors for angina include cigarette smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, sedentary life style and family history of premature heart disease.

If you feel any of the above symptoms, please consult our physician.

YORGURT AND THE VAGINA

The vagina is acidic and contains its own protective microorganisms. Anything that upsets this balance can lead to infection. There is a long list of things that upset this balance including drugs (antibiotics), sugar and even fruits.

One the most beneficial product to the vagina even when infected is yorgurt. Yorgurt, is a product of fermentation of milk by bacteria. It helps maintain the acidity hence promoting the growth of the protective microorganisms. Some female health professional prefer to go on a yorgurt diet when they notice itching or discharge from their vagina.

You could be allergic to yorgurt if you are to milk. If you have a sensitive stomach, you should tread with caution when trying to include yorgurt in your diet. Try a little quantity before you go major.

Yorgurt does not only do wonderfully for women or the vagina alone, it has tremendous benefit in other areas of the body. It is loaded with bone healthy calcium which maintains strong bone and teeth. It provides protection for the stomach and intestine against constipation. It protects the intestine against diarrhoea causing bacteria. It protects the intestines against colon cancer. It is of benefit against stomach and intestine ulcer causing bacteria. It is of benefit in lactose intolerance. It helps feel fuller which is of great benefit in obesity.

Q&A: CAN A BABY’S SUCKLE CAUSE ORGASM?

This question is from a young concerned mother who feels she’s been getting orgasms from her baby’s suckling.

Well, the same set of hormones secreted during sex, providing a feeling of safety, joy, trust and promoting bonding are also released when a child is born to help the woman bond to her baby.

Orgasm in itself is a nervous reaction and occurs in the spinal cord. There are women who attain orgasm from stimulation of their breasts, nipples and areola. With all this in mind there could be a window of possibility for this to occur.

Since you are or think you are experiencing this, it could make you hesitate in breastfeeding your baby especially in public. There is a solution which has to do with your mind power. The mind has powerful effect on the human body. Whenever you breastfeed your baby I suggest you get absent minded or think of chores or challenges. It could also help if you discuss with your partner to stop caressing or sucking your breast until the baby stops breastfeeding. I wish you luck

DAZZLING NIPPLES

The nipples and areola are the focal point of every breast and serve to breast feed your baby and pleasure your partner. The nipple health is not in public discussions but it gives me concern that the beautiful crown of the golden princess has been neglected for too long.

Ancient practise suggests the use of cocoa butter on the areola and nipple to improve its outlook. Eating of nuts like; walnut, boiled groundnut, coconut, cashewnut etc can also help improve the radiance of this diadem of the breast.

Discharge from the nipple can be caused by birth control pills, medications like sedatives, or infection. It is your duty to affirm which, if you have discharge. While breastfeeding a duct (partway for the milk) might become clogged, infection sets in because of the milk, leading to swelling, tenderness and sometimes pus. Please see your Physician immediately.

Nipples can be erect, inverted or retracted. So don’t get shy or ashamed about your nipple because it is different. Search for more information about it. You certainly aren't the only one involved.

Nipple changes can occur in response to a lover’s caress, baby’s cry, during breastfeeding, or sometimes from a medical condition. During pregnancy and breastfeeding the nipple and areola can change to prepare for nursing. Nipples are unique to each woman through size, shape and colouration, so resist comparison.

Check out your cosmetics, making sure they don’t contain aluminium or parabens which could be culprits in breast cancer.

THE SCARY TRUTH ABOUT YOUR BODY CREAM AND ROLL-ON

Would you believe me if I told you your lovely body cream could be doing you more harm than good. Well brace yourself for a shocker. If you are a lady this concerns you more because statistics show that a lot of men don’t apply body cream.

Paraben esters found in creams, deodorants (roll-on) and other cosmetics as a preservative has been discovered to come in high concentrations in cancerous cells of the breast according to the Journal of Applied Toxicology. The high occurrences of tumours and lumps have been discovered to be higher in the upper parts of the breast and the axillary area (towards the armpit).

Paraben esters are as follows:

·         Propylparabens

·         Methylparabens

·         Buthylparabens

·         Ethylparabens

·         Isobuthylparabens

This new research indicates that parabens could be a culprit in the high rate of breast cancer. The actual use of parabens in cosmetics was based on a rat study in 1956 which means that lots of research are still necessary to establish its safety in human beings.

Another substance found in deodorants which researchers have made scary remarks is aluminium. Whether roll on or spray, aluminium makes up about 25% of these deodorants. It functions by clogging, closing or blocking the sweat pores under the armpit. What borders researchers is where this aluminium go when absorbed into the body; which is the breast tissue. Researchers claim that, aluminium content in the breast could be a way to estimate the risk level of a woman to having breast cancer.

Chemical-free, aluminium-free deodorants have been introduced into the market. These deodorants are termed natural deodorants and contain alum; either as potassium alum or ammonium alum. These substances are too large for the body to absorb, thereby forming a layer that protects against odour causing bacteria. Many cancer centres recommend these natural deodorants.

Some researchers still believe it is better to go completely free from deodorants but how can we do that in these humid region? This is my take on this:

·         Moderation of cosmetic use

·         A vigilant check of constituents of cosmetics

·         Powder can be applied under the armpit

·         A good perfume can cover up any odour

·         Fresh underwear are very important

·         And for those that sweat a lot, wear original cotton underwear which can help absorb the sweat.