Common Treatments for Mild Sun-Damaged Skin

As children, we embraced the glorious energy and delightful pleasures the rays of the sun had to offer us. Remember those times we used to spend on the beach with our families? We bathed in the salty seawater and frolicked in the sand until our skin turned red and raw from too much sun exposure. Back then, we were way too young to worry about sun damage, and even if we had to suffer from the stinging pain of our sun-burned skin, the thought of the seriousness of the condition did not cross our minds at all. To us, it seemed to a be a minor (and temporarily unsightly) inconvenience.

However, with the extensive studies done by scientists came the realization that prolonged and frequent sun exposure would be detrimental to our skin. None of us thought of the possibility of acquiring skin illnesses like skin cancer, which is caused by sun damage.

Generally, curing sun damage requires a lengthy treatment process. However, it can be reversed totally given that correct treatment is utilized. As always, prevention is far better than any cure. Protection from the sun is still our best bet in staving off skin related conditions borne of the damaging effects of the sun. But if the damage is already present, seeking treatment by consulting a dermatologist is our best option.

Luckily, there are now effective treatments available that could prevent skin conditions due to sun damage from getting worse. In the case of mild sun damage, treatments are already widely available. We could also ask our dermatologist for sun exposed skin care intended for alleviating our condition.
Here are some of the common treatments used for mild sun damage. Let us get to know a little about their properties.

• Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha Hydroxy Acids help us shed dead skin cells, which in turn would be replaced by new ones. Shedding off dead skin cells promotes improved moisture levels and a more improved skin tone.

• Soybeans

Soybeans are proven to be both mild yet effective enough to alleviate or even treat a number of skin conditions. Aside from its soothing properties, these are known to help provide moisture to the skin. Also, it slows down the resurfacing of hair growth.

• Vitamins C and E

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants. Although they are popular for their ability to ease damage due to the sun, they can only deal with mild cases. However, when they are applied to the skin directly, they are known to help in diminishing skin discoloration as well as the appearance of fine line and wrinkles.

• Retinol

Capable of promoting and keeping our skin healthy, Retinol is a pure form of Vitamin A. It helps in promoting a more effective production of skin cells and Keratinocytes—cells that combine Keratin, a kind of protein that comprises the skin, hair, and nails. Retinol is also popular in promoting softer skin as well as a marked reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.


Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Not All Fat is Bad

When people say fat, they usually start thinking of oily, greasy foods. But not all fat is bad for the body. True that it may not be the safest of food choices, but foods rich in unsaturated fat like avocados, olive oil, and nuts have been found to play and important part in sending a vital message to your brain – “you're full, stop eating.”

A recent study suggests that the above-mentioned healthy oils trigger the production chemical compounds in the small intestine that helps curb hunger pang. According to researchers, this new discovery could well point the way towards new approaches in treating obesity as well as other eating disorders.

Daniele Piomelli, chairperson in Neurosciences for Louise Turner Arnold, and his colleagues observed how oleoylethanolamide (OEA) controls hunger and body weight. In the same study, the group found out that an unsaturated fatty acid called oleic acid triggers OEA production that helps decrease appetite.

Oleic acid is converted into OE by cells in the upper portion of the small intestines. OEA then stimulates nerve endings specifically designed to send hunger-curbing messages to the brain. From there, it triggers a brain circuit that creates a feeling of fullness. Aside from these findings, previous studies have also shown that increasing OEA levels can reduce appetite, aid in weight loss, and lower blood cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.

Piomelli is hopeful that OEA could soon be used in a variety of medications because it will serve as a key to unlocking how the body naturally processes fatty foods and how it regulates eating and body weight.

The study group excitedly explains that OEA activates cell receptors that have already been the subject of a lot of successful drug development. According to Piomelli, this new discovery is enough to spark hope for a new class of anti-obesity medications which will be based on the use of natural substances and mechanisms to control our appetite.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, a big chunk of the United States, 30 percent to be more accurate, is obese. And if you look through the steady climb of the country's obesity rate, you'll find that the occurrence of obesity has increased by roughly 60 percent since 1991. It continues to greatly increase the risks of premature deaths, diabetes, heart ailments, stroke, and certain types of cancer. This new information will be quite helpful for obese individuals who wish to turn over a new leaf and start losing weight.


Resource Box : The writer, Abbey Grace Yap, is an active advocate for health consciousness and disease awareness. She possesses a deep passion in discovering new health-related information and sharing it to her readers.

Medical Treatments for Sun-Damaged Skin

We owe so much to modern medical research and advancement. If not for them, many people would have perished from a variety of illnesses, which were once deemed incurable. These days, detection and prevention of even life-threatening ailments are very plausible given that the individual concerned seeks medical help immediately. Among those ailments blessed to have modern cures capable of reversing the damaging or destructive effects is sun damage wrought on our skin.

Current medical practices now involve the use of high-technology skin care equipment and advanced forms of treatments in reversing the signs of sun damage. Included therein are over-the-counter remedies, prescribed medications, and medicinal healing processes.

Below are the varied medical treatments used for treating sun damaged skin:

Tazarotene

The latest product used for the reversal of sun damage on the skin is Tazarotene. Formerly used for treating psoriasis, it is a retinoid or Vitamin A derivative. Also used for acne treatment, it has been proven effective in curing photoaging.

Tretinoin

Used in the forms of either creams or gels, Tretinoin has been recorded capable of reversing the damaging effects of the sun on our skin. It can smoothen the skin given a certain number of weeks. However, it results to a thickening of both the dermis and the epidermis. It can decrease skin pigmentation by suppressing the melanin content of the epidermis. If continuously used over a long period of time, fine lines and wrinkles are most likely to diminish.

Laser Surgery

For the past decade, laserbrasion has been used and has yielded favorable outcomes. It works by vaporizing very thin layers of the skin. The Erbium laser is more popularly used these days because it yields diminished heat damage to the skin, resulting to more damage to the surface layer and quicker recovery.
The long time allotted for healing serves as the liability of the use of this method. The noticeable redness occurring right after treatment and lasting up to 10 days would require some patients to have a prolonged leave of absence from their work. On the other hand, for some individuals, prolonged redness of the skin leads to its whitening.

Botox

The use of botox is especially advisable to people with wrinkled foreheads or glabella. It works through the inactivation of the muscles found beneath the skin, which is responsible for creating wrinkles and lines. However, these wrinkles are not borne of sun damage. Thus, the quality of the sun-damaged skin is neither removed nor alleviated.

Skin Fillers

Using skin fillers is more advisable for people with deep lines and wrinkles. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are used for this method. Although this form of treatment is tolerable, stinging and burning are common complaints. After treatment, the patient is most likely to experience redness and swelling. Nevertheless, prolonged or continuous redness is few and far between. Prior to subjecting the patient to this process, a minute amount is injected into the test area weeks before, to make sure that the former has no allergic reactions to it.

Resource Box:

Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Tips on Migraine-Proofing Your Home

Migraine, contrary to popular belief, is not just a severe headache. It is a neurological disease that is debilitating, disabling, and disruptive. Aside from the severely painful headache, migraine attacks are often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision. It is bad enough for people who are suffering migraine to try and manage their symptoms in environments for which they have limited control over like their workplace or other public domains. As such, their homes remain to be their number one refuge when migraines attack.


If you suffer from migraine, there are ways that can help you keep your home family-friendly but migraine-proof as well. Live a comfortable and happy family life despite the migraine by following these tips:


1. Identify potential triggers in your home and keep them out.

Some of the most common migraine triggers are in abundance at home like fragrance, noise, stress, bright lights, and particular foods. While these are common triggers, not all are applicable to every migraine sufferer. Some people experience excruciating headaches when they smell strong fragrance while others do not. Other migraine sufferers might react strongly to noise while some may find bright lights more irritating. Identify the things and situations that trigger your migraine by recording attacks in a journal. This will help you spot patterns and keep the triggers out of your home.


2. Set aside a room to serve a migraine refuge.

This can easily be your bedroom or a small corner in a low-traffic area in your house. Put up dark curtains or blinds to keep the room darkened but install a small lamp for subdued lighting. A comfortable bed or chair can serve as a place to rest and lie down during an attack. If you are easily troubled by noise, you can put in a CD player with soft music or a relaxation CD. Put anything else that makes you more comfortable inside the room but remember to avoid clutter as this can cause stress.


3. Keep a private medicine cabinet.

Migraine pain medications are strong and can cause severe side effects on people who do not need them. As such, it is important to keep your migraine drugs out of the way and in a safe place. The drawer in your nightstand is a good storage space especially if you can lock it. Keep your medicine drawer stocked by learning a safe way to purchase from an online pharmacy that can sell you pain medications at affordable prices.


4. Simplify household chores.

There are a lot of household chores and doing them all on the same day will only mean that you have to do some of them again the next day. Simplify matters by making lists of tasks that need to be done on a daily basis and tasks that need to be done on particular days. You can do this on a computer so you can change the tasks accordingly. Instead of shouldering everything, assign tasks to the members of the family and put this list where people can easily see it. This way, your home can still run smoothly and remain friendly to you instead of becoming a cause of stress when you're unable to do or oversee chores due to migraine attacks.


5. Stock up on anti-migraine foods and fluids.

When migraine attacks, you are less likely to have the appetite to eat a full meal, much more prepare something healthy. Stock your kitchen and pantry with small but healthy snacks like fruits and precut vegetable sticks so you can grab one easily for nourishment. If you have difficulty eating during migraine attacks, stock up on natural fruit juices and low sodium and low fat canned soups and stocks so you can still get adequate nourishment. Keep in mind also to drink plenty of water as hydration is necessary to prevent migraines.



Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Exercise for Less

Exercising in a gym can be a very motivational fitness move for a couple of reasons: First, gym memberships are usually so expensive – that's why you will be making time for it regardless of how busy you are. And second, going to the gym makes the whole exercise for fitness thing seem more real and gives you the feeling that you are actually exercising. However, if the steep gym fees are what's keeping you from exercising, here are some tips that can help you remedy the problem:


1. Be resourceful.

Everyday activities can be a good source of exercising opportunities. While exercise equipment do contribute to the whole fitness experience, they are not necessary. With a little foresight, activities you may take for granted can become part of your exercise routine. Walking to errands, taking the farthest parking space, or climbing the stairs are excellent opportunities to sneak in some exercise in your daily routine. Household chores, especially those the require movement like vacuuming, scrubbing the floors, raking leaves, or shoveling snow, are also great in providing you with chances to exercise. If all else fails, playing and running after your children should do the trick.


2. Invest in your own equipment.

If you are really in the mood for some exercise equipment, you can invest in your own instead of sharing with other sweaty gym members. And more importantly, you do not have to pay huge monthly fees to get to use them. You do not even have to go for those bulky exercise machines since there are inexpensive exercise equipment that can give you the same benefits without breaking the bank. Dumbbells, for one, are small, hand-held weights that you can use to strengthen your upper body. You can also use resistance tubings to build strength in your arms and other muscles. You can even customize each according to your fitness levels. Jump ropes and exercise videos are also good and cheap exercise equipment.


3. Practice smart shopping.

While window shopping can be great exercise, it does not really do much for the fitness department except make your calves look unbelievably solid. If you're interested in a specific exercise class or piece of equipment, shop around. If you live near a high school or college with a fitness center, ask if the facility is available to community members. Some sporting goods stores specialize in used equipment, or you can check out listings for exercise equipment in the local newspaper. Just make sure that the shipping fees are reasonable and will not put you over your budget.


When it comes to fitness and exercising, don't buy herbal supplements or other products that claim fitness benefits overnight or promise to melt away pounds without diet and exercise. Also avoid exercise products that focus on one body part such as abs or thighs. There's no such thing as spot reducing. What will serve you well is stocking up on muscle relaxants since muscles have the tendency to hurt and seize up after exercising.



Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Mitigating Migraine Attacks

A home is supposed to be a haven of comfort, but when migraines attack, it can be hard to imagine why. Make your home into a safe and migraine-free zone by practicing the following tips:


1. Keep potential migraine triggers out of your home.


Some of the most common migraine triggers are in abundance at home like fragrance, noise, stress, bright lights, and particular foods. While these are common triggers, not all are applicable to every migraine sufferer. Some people experience excruciating headaches when they smell strong fragrance while others do not. Other migraine sufferers might react strongly to noise while some may find bright lights more irritating. Identify the things and situations that trigger your migraine by recording attacks in a journal. This will help you spot patterns and keep the triggers out of your home.


2. Indulge in a migraine refuge.


This can easily be your bedroom or a small corner in a low-traffic area in your house. Put up dark curtains or blinds to keep the room darkened, but install a small lamp for subdued lighting. A comfortable bed or chair can serve as a place to rest and lie down during an attack. If you are easily troubled by noise, you can put in a CD player with soft music or relaxation CD. Put anything else that makes you more comfortable inside the room, but remember to avoid clutter as this can cause stress.


3. Keep a private medicine cabinet.


Migraine pain medications are strong and can cause severe side effects on people who do not need them. As such, it is important to keep your migraine drugs out of the way and in a safe place. The drawer in your nightstand is a good storage space especially if you can lock it. Keep your medicine drawer stocked by learning a safe way to purchase from an online pharmacy that can sell you pain medications at affordable prices.


4. Simplify household chores.


There are a lot of household chores and doing them all on the same day will only mean that you have to do some of them again the next day. Simplify matters by making lists of tasks that need to be done on a daily basis and tasks that need to be done on particular days. You can do this on a computer so you can change the tasks accordingly. Instead of shouldering everything, assign tasks to the members of the family and put this list where people can easily see it. This way, your home can still run smoothly and remain friendly to you instead of becoming a cause of stress when you're unable to do or oversee chores due to migraine attacks.


5.Stock up on anti-migraine foods and fluids.


When migraine attacks, you are less likely to have the appetite to eat a full meal, much more prepare something healthy. Stock your kitchen and pantry with small but healthy snacks like fruits and pre-cut vegetable sticks so you can grab one easily for nourishment. If you have difficulty eating during migraine attacks, stock up on natural fruit juices and low sodium and low fat canned soups and stocks so you can still get adequate nourishment. Keep in mind also to drink plenty of water as hydration is necessary to prevent migraines.



Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

How to Go to Sleep Without the Aid of Sleeping Drugs

Millions of people find it hard to go to sleep every night. This condition is often diagnosed as insomnia, wherein it takes a lot of effort for a person to fall asleep.

Generally, doctors prescribe sleeping aid medications to patients who experience difficulty in sleeping. Although sleeping aid drugs can be quite effective in helping one have a good night sleep, these drugs can become addictive.

To avoid becoming dependent on prescription sleeping aids, people who find it difficult to go to sleep at night are advised to opt for alternative and non-drug sleeping aid methods and practices. Below are some of the most commonly recommended ways on treating insomnia:

1. Try to do simple chores or other tasks that can keep your mind and body busy.

If you can't go to sleep, try to perform simple or light chores or activities until you feel sleepy. Once you feel tired and sleepy, that is the best time then to go back to bed and sleep.

2. Try to listen to soft music or melody while lying on the bed.

Most people find soft music very relaxing, especially during the time you are about to hit the sheets. Hence, ready your favorite soft tunes before you go to bed, as this can help you find sleep easily.

3. Try to do relaxation techniques.

If you feel agitated or stressed, better practice some relaxation techniques such as gentle stretching and yoga.

4. Try to take a hot bath before going to bed.

Sometimes, difficulty in sleeping only takes having a hot and relaxing bath before hitting the sheets. Put some aromatherapy bubble bath liquid in the hot water, dive in, and enjoy!

5. Try to keep your room lights dim as you sleep.

Some people claim that it is hard to fall asleep in a well-lighted room or place. That is why it is best to keep your room lights dim, for bright lights can make you less sleepy and alert.

6. Try a herbal sleeping aid instead of prescription medications.

Instead of taking prescription drugs as sleeping aids, better take herbal alternatives instead. Some herbal sleeping remedies are proven to induce relaxation and sleep. These herbal sleeping remedies include chamomile, lavender, lime flower, catnip, as well as valerian.

7. Try to take in light snacks if you find it hard to sleep.

If sleep won't come, chow on foods that are high in trytophan amino acid, a perfect sleep inducer. These foods are tuna, turkey, bananas, and figs.

8. Try to make use of essential oils.

To help you relax, essential oils can definitely do the trick. Put them on your hot bath or slather them on your pillows and bed.

9. Try to drink milk before going to sleep.

For a faster trip to dreamland, try to drink one glass of milk before you go to bed. This is not just a healthy daily ritual to practice, but this also helps you sleep faster.

10. Try to establish a regular sleeping routine.

To effectively manage your sleeping problem, try to go to bed and wake up at about the same time everyday. A regular sleeping routine can surely help you not to experience difficulties in sleeping.



Resource Box:

Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

How to Go to Sleep Without the Aid of Sleeping Drugs

Millions of people find it hard to go to sleep every night. This condition is often diagnosed as insomnia, wherein it takes a lot of effort for a person to fall asleep.

Generally, doctors prescribe sleeping aid medications to patients who experience difficulty in sleeping. Although sleeping aid drugs can be quite effective in helping one have a good night sleep, these drugs can become addictive.

To avoid becoming dependent on prescription sleeping aids, people who find it difficult to go to sleep at night are advised to opt for alternative and non-drug sleeping aid methods and practices. Below are some of the most commonly recommended ways on treating insomnia:

1. Try to do simple chores or other tasks that can keep your mind and body busy.

If you can't go to sleep, try to perform simple or light chores or activities until you feel sleepy. Once you feel tired and sleepy, that is the best time then to go back to bed and sleep.

2. Try to listen to soft music or melody while lying on the bed.

Most people find soft music very relaxing, especially during the time you are about to hit the sheets. Hence, ready your favorite soft tunes before you go to bed, as this can help you find sleep easily.

3. Try to do relaxation techniques.

If you feel agitated or stressed, better practice some relaxation techniques such as gentle stretching and yoga.

4. Try to take a hot bath before going to bed.

Sometimes, difficulty in sleeping only takes having a hot and relaxing bath before hitting the sheets. Put some aromatherapy bubble bath liquid in the hot water, dive in, and enjoy!

5. Try to keep your room lights dim as you sleep.

Some people claim that it is hard to fall asleep in a well-lighted room or place. That is why it is best to keep your room lights dim, for bright lights can make you less sleepy and alert.

6. Try a herbal sleeping aid instead of prescription medications.

Instead of taking prescription drugs as sleeping aids, better take herbal alternatives instead. Some herbal sleeping remedies are proven to induce relaxation and sleep. These herbal sleeping remedies include chamomile, lavender, lime flower, catnip, as well as valerian.

7. Try to take in light snacks if you find it hard to sleep.

If sleep won't come, chow on foods that are high in trytophan amino acid, a perfect sleep inducer. These foods are tuna, turkey, bananas, and figs.

8. Try to make use of essential oils.

To help you relax, essential oils can definitely do the trick. Put them on your hot bath or slather them on your pillows and bed.

9. Try to drink milk before going to sleep.

For a faster trip to dreamland, try to drink one glass of milk before you go to bed. This is not just a healthy daily ritual to practice, but this also helps you sleep faster.

10. Try to establish a regular sleeping routine.

To effectively manage your sleeping problem, try to go to bed and wake up at about the same time everyday. A regular sleeping routine can surely help you not to experience difficulties in sleeping.



Keyword:

Sleeping aids



Resource Box:

Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

The Wonders of Using Avocado Oil in Natural Advantage Skin Care

With an astounding 731 calories and 30 grams of fat per piece, it comes as no surprise that the avocado fruit has been tagged as a “No-No” for those among us aspiring to lose weight. However, despite its heftiness in the calorie scale, nutritionists still advise us to include moderate portions of it in our daily diet, for the nutritional benefits we can obtain from it still outranks its heavy calorie and fat content.

The avocado oil in particular is very useful both as a food and as a natural advantage skin care emollient. On one hand, it is used as an ingredient for certain dishes. It can also be used for cooking in replacement or as a substitute for standard cooking oils. It is touted to be as good and flavorful as olive oil.

On the other hand, the avocado oil has been used since time immemorial as a lubricant. It is one of the most popular ingredients in beauty products. Its inherent rich moisturizing and regenerative components are perfectly beneficial to our skin and hair. Aside from this, its high content of important fatty acids make it ideal for not only preventing dry skin, but also for keeping it firm and supple. But there is more to the avocado oil when it comes to beauty benefits apart from these. To learn more about the wonderful benefits of the avocado oil in natural advantage skin care, read on.

* Avocado Oil has better skin penetrating properties than other natural oils. Thus, it is more suitable for use in making transdermal treatments. In addition, its capability to permeate even very deep target areas make it effective in transporting other additional supplements.

* Avocado oil can restructure connective tissue and retard or stop the growth of unwanted bacteria.

* It is also used for wounds because it can speed up the healing process. Moreover, it is used to keep post-operative dressing from sticking to wounds and burns.

* Famous for its anti-wrinkle properties, it raises the amount of soluble collagen in the dermis. It also benefits the skin by softening it and slowing down the aging process.

* Avocado oil is widely used for various hair products because it works well on damaged hair aside from acting as a natural stimulant for its good health and growth.

* The powerful UV-absorption components of avocado oil makes it an excellent supplement in reinforcing the effects of UV-A and UV-B absorbers. Using avocado oil as an ingredient for these products makes it more effective in the sense that it diminishes the sunscreen concentration, thus, decreasing the possibility of skin irritation for some people. Based on a comparative study of eight plant oils, the avocado oil proved to be the best sunscreen of them all.

* It is a high quality base oil that can be used for making massage oils and other skin and facial oils.

* Avocado oil has been proven safe and effective for use in making cosmetics because it does not generate problems related to the following: photo-toxicity, sensitization potential, comedogenicity, and formation of free radicals.

* Large amounts of avocado oil is not necessitated to produce optimum results as compared to other natural oils.


Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Methods of Treatment for Depression

In selecting the best antidepressant to address your symptoms, your doctor/psychiatrist takes into consideration several factors. Included therein are your family history and other health conditions you may possibly have. It may take several attempts before you would determine the one that works best for you, addressing your symptoms head on without inflicting very serious side effects.

On the whole, majority of antidepressants available in pharmacies are efficacious. However, some of them could increase your chances of suffering from intolerable side effects. Generally speaking, no antidepressant drug is without any side effects. Yet, the manner in which each one of them affects patients differs on a case to case basis. In most people's cases, however, the best treatment comes through a combination of taking the best medication and psychotherapy.

Certain cases of depression can be treated by your regular doctor. Nevertheless, in most cases, a certified psychiatrist is consulted for such illnesses related to emotional and psychological well-being. The variegated forms of treatment conventionally used for addressing depression are the following: prescribed drugs, psychotherapy, and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). As previously mentioned, the prescribed drugs used to alleviate this kind of condition are usually effective. Prior to prescribing them to patients, psychiatrists/doctors have a systematic way of assessing them. Here is how they do it:

* Initial Options

At the beginning of the treatment, most doctors/psychiatrists would prescribe an SSRI. An acronym and common term for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, SSRI is the typical first choice for two important reasons: It is effective and has bearable side effects as compared to other antidepressants. Fluoxetine, paroxetine, setraline, citalopram, and escitalopram are all classifed as SSRIs. Aside from SSRIs, the other typical first options would include any of the following other antidepressants: serotonin and noropinephrine reuptake inhibitors(SNRIs), noropinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors(NDRIs), tetracyclic antidepressants, and a combination of reuptake inhibitors and receptor blockers.

* Second Options

Although tricyclic antidepressants(TCAs) have been in existence prior to the introduction of SSRIs, the latter is considered as the most popular first choice. The main reason explaining this is the fact that the aforementioned possess a greater number of more intense side effects over that of SSRIs. Despite this, it does not discount the effectiveness of tricyclic antidepressants. For most cases, they are only prescribed if SSRIs fail to address the patient's symptoms.

* Last Options

When neither SSRIs nor TCAs would not work, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MNRIs) are prescribed by doctors/psychiatrists. Although MAOIs are efficacious on the whole, they possess more severe side effects in comparison to SSRIs and TCAs. At times, these side effects can even be injurious to the patient. Moreover, in using MAOIs, doctors/psychiatrists may advise skipping certain foods, for they may pose dangerous negative effects that can even be life-threatening.

* Other Methods

Certain instances may prompt your doctor/psychiatrist to use augmentation, a process of using two or more antidepressants and other medicines to obtain the maximum benefits. Included among these other choices are the following: mood stabilizing drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, and anti-psychotic drugs.



Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Honey Cures and Benefits

Probably, when man first started hunting for honey approximately 10,000 years ago, he was unaware that it had more uses beyond the realms of the kitchen. A thick golden liquid with a distinctively sweet taste and aroma, honey as we all know is a product derived from flower nectar. Its characteristically sweet taste, which is similar to that of granulated sugar, is obtained from the monosaccharides, fructose and glucose. It possesses distinctive chemical components which make it ideal for baking purposes. However, it wasn't until 2,700 years ago that the medicinal properties of honey were placed under the spotlight courtesy of the Egyptians.

At present, it is being used for a variety of medicinal purposes. It is also regarded as one of the natural materials used for safe pain relief. Apart from these, it has chemical properties that make it beneficial for health and beauty purposes. Let us get to know more about the different ways in which honey can be used. Here they are.

• Honey is used as treatment for some digestive disorders. It is known to be easily processed and imbibed into the stomach. It benefits our intestines by making it more active. Also, it does not irritate the digestive channel walls, which makes it ideal for patients with digestive problems. In line with this, it is known to boost metabolism and aids in comfortable bowel movement.

• Honey can be effectively used to prevent ulcer formations in the stomach because it has the capacity to block the intensity of raised acidity in the digestive system.

• It is also used as an effective treatment for poisoning.

• Honey is particularly helpful in obliterating pain. It possesses helpful antifungal and antibacterial components for healing tissues associated with all kinds of injuries.

• It is also known for its beneficial uses in curing and preventing various skin ailments and infections.

• For our skin, it works as an excellent moisturizer. It contains both rejuvenating and moisturizing properties. It is particularly effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

• In the case of skin burns, honey does not only cool the affected area, but it also relieves pain. It can heal the burn without scarring.

• For sleep disorders, honey aids in promoting a peaceful sleep. In line with this, it is also known to help us fall asleep more quickly.

• The calcium and phosphorus content of honey makes it ideal for promoting the healthy growth of our bones and teeth. It can be helpful in preventing children from contracting rickets.

• Aside from those mentioned previously, honey works well in healing infections caused by athritits and rheumatism.

• The antibiotic properties of honey aids in soothing throat and tonsil infection. It also alleviates coughing.

• Science has proven the effectiveness of honey in weight reduction. It stimulates the production of hormones that are known to fight obesity.

• Mixed with milk, honey can raise a man's sperm production.

• For nursing mothers, honey can be taken to replace the vitamins and minerals she has lost while breast feeding.

• As a pain reliever, honey can help diminish menstrual pain. It is also touted as an effective means for healing breast cancer.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Facing Side Effects of Birth Control Pills

Loosely defined, birth control pills are female hormones in capsule or tablet form. The hormones in birth control pills or BCP control the functions of the ovaries and in general, the whole female reproductive system. They can alter and cause changes in a woman's regular hormonal cycle which will in turn prevent a pregnancy from occurring.

By releasing additional female hormones in the body, birth control pills or oral contraceptives, as they are commonly called, prevent ovulation. The process of ovulation pertains to the development of a young egg cell or ovum into maturity which makes it ready for fertilization. Aside from preventing ovulation, birth control pills can also cause the thickening of cervical mucus which will make it difficult for sperm to pass through. Another function of the pill is to thin out the uterine lining which will make it next to impossible for the mature ovum to attach itself and be fertilized. Its benefits notwithstanding, birth control pills or BCPs also cause some side effects:

Light bleeding in-between periods
Some women may experience bleeding in-between periods when they first start using oral contraceptives. While uncomfortable, this side effect is only a sign that the body is adjusting to the introduction of additional hormones. This side effect may last for up to three months but will eventually pass. Using low-absorbency tampons, sanitary pads, and pantyliners can make in-between period bleeding more manageable. It is also generally advised that women who experience this side effect should take iron supplements to combat anemia.

Missed periods
Alternatively, the body may skip periods in the course of adjusting to oral contraceptive use. While this is relatively better than bleeding, skipped periods can leave a woman feeling bloated. Decreasing sodium intake can minimize water retention and the bloated sensation. However, if pill use is inconsistent or there are times of missed pill intakes, medical attention should be sought especially if a woman engaged in unprotected sex for possible pregnancy.

Nausea or dizziness
Due to increased hormones in the body, a woman may feel dizzy and nauseous when taking oral contraceptives. The best way to manage this is to chart when the dizzy spells come or what triggers the nausea. For example, if dizzy spells are experienced an hour or two after taking the pill, a woman should consider changing the schedule of her pill intake to a comfortable time like before bedtime. Carrying smelling salts or soothing aromatherapy oils can make passing dizzy spells easier.

Weight change
Although some women lose weight when taking oral contraceptives, a larger number reports experiencing weight gain when taking birth control pills. While studies show that there is no causal relationship between weight gain and oral contraception, they indicate that a large percentage of the reported increase in weight of pill users are based on how women react to the mood swings and other side effects of pill use. Women can manage their weight when taking oral contraceptives by exercising portion control, staying active, and maintaining a healthy diet.



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Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.