Sleep Paralysis : Causes , Symptoms & Cure

Have you ever felt like you were awake but unable to move? You might have even felt afraid but could not call for help? This condition is called sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis may leave you feeling frightened, especially if you also see or hear things that aren’t really there. Sleep paralysis may happen only once, or you may have it frequently — even several times a night.

The good news: sleep paralysis is not considered a dangerous health problem. Read on to find out more about sleep paralysis, its possible causes, and its treatment.

 Is Sleep Paralysis a Symptom of a Serious Problem?

Sleep researchers conclude that, in most cases, sleep paralysis is simply a sign that your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. Rarely is sleep paralysis linked to deep underlying psychiatric problems.

Over the centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have been described in many ways and often attributed to an “evil” presence: unseen night demons in ancient times, the old hag in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and alien abductors. Almost every culture throughout history has had stories of shadowy evil creatures that terrify helpless humans at night. People have long sought explanations for this mysterious sleep-time paralysis and the accompanying feelings of terror.

What Is Sleep Paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It occurs when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During these transitions, you may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking. Sleep paralysis may accompany other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is an overpowering need to sleep caused by a problem with the brain’s ability to regulate sleep.

When Does Sleep Paralysis Usually Occur?

Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times. If it occurs while you are

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falling asleep, it’s called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it’s called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis.

What Happens With Hypnagogic Sleep Paralysis?

As you fall asleep, your body slowly relaxes. Usually you become less aware, so you do not notice the change. However, if you remain or become aware while falling asleep, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.

What Happens With Hypnopompic Sleep Paralysis?

During sleep, your body alternates between REM (rapid eye movement) and

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NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep. One cycle of REM and NREM sleep lasts about 90 minutes. NREM sleep occurs first and takes up to 75% of your overall sleep time. During NREM sleep, your body relaxes and restores itself. At the end of NREM, your sleep shifts to REM. Your eyes move quickly and dreams occur, but the rest of your body remains very relaxed. Your muscles are “turned off” during REM sleep. If you become aware before the REM cycle has finished, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.

Who Develops Sleep Paralysis?

Up to as many as four out of every 10 people may have sleep paralysis. This common condition is often first noticed in the teen years. But men and women of any age can have it. Sleep paralysis may run in families. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include:

• a lack of sleep
• a sleep schedule that changes
• mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder
• sleeping on the back
• other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps
• use of certain medications
• substance abuse

How Is Sleep Paralysis Diagnosed?

If you find yourself unable to move or speak for a few seconds or minutes when falling asleep or waking up, then it is likely you have isolated recurrent sleep paralysis. Often there is no need to treat this condition. However, check with your doctor if you have any of these concerns:

• you feel anxious about your symptoms
• your symptoms leave you very tired during the day
• your symptoms keep you up during the night

Your doctor may want to gather more information about your sleep health by doing any of these things:

• ask you to describe your symptoms and keep a sleep diary for a few weeks
• discuss your health history, including any known sleep disorders or any family history of sleep disorders
• refer you to a sleep specialist for further evaluation
• conduct overnight sleep studies or daytime nap studies to make sure you do not have another sleep disorder

How Is Sleep Paralysis Treated?

Most people need no treatment for sleep paralysis. Treating any underlying conditions such as narcolepsy may help if you are anxious or unable to sleep well. These treatments may include the following:

• improving sleep habits — such as making sure you get six to eight hours of sleep each night
• using antidepressant medication to help regulate sleep cycles
• treating any mental health problems that may contribute to sleep paralysis
• treating any other sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or leg cramps

What Can I Do About Sleep Paralysis?

There’s no need to fear nighttime demons or alien abductors. If you have occasional sleep paralysis, you can take steps at home to control this disorder. Start by making sure you get enough sleep. Do what you can to relieve stress in your life — especially just before bedtime. Try new sleeping positions if you sleep on your back. And be sure to see your doctor if sleep paralysis routinely prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.

Article extracted from : http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/sleep-paralysis?page=2

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How To Calm Hyperactive Children And Handle Meltdowns Like A Pro!

Mother trying to calm her hyperactive son

As a doctor who treats Attention Deficit Disorder, I am often asked about ways to calm hyperactive children. As the mother of a son with ADHD, I understand how challenging and nerve-wracking it can be for families struggling with the condition.

During the course of my personal and clinical experience, I have learned various methods and techniques to calm hyperactive children. The key is consistency. Give these a try and see what works for your child.

How To Calm Hyperactive Children

* Speak in a calming voice without frustration or yelling. Be the role model: If you want your child to be calm, remain calm yourself.

* Healthy diet. Eat fresh foods, fruits, and vegetables. Choose foods that have not been sprayed with harmful pesticides, or pumped with growth hormones, steroids, and antibiotics.

* Eliminate foods and drinks that contain added preservatives, coloring and sugar. Check labels for anything that contains high fructose corn syrup as it has been implicated in harming brain functioning, and causing obesity, and diabetes. You will be shocked to see that it is contained in many foods you consume.

* Maintain firm, but kind, boundaries. Negotiate for good behavior.

* Regular physical activity and exercise. Structured and focused activities help redirect all of that unfocused hyper energy. Studies show that performing vigorous activity can calm hyperactive children.

* Remove the child from the situation in which they are exhibiting hyperactivity such as a birthday party, store, etc. In other words, change the triggering environment.

* Engaging in creative activities can help calm hyperactive children. This enables them to develop their creativity and release emotional energy.

* Massage. Try massaging temples, rubbing shoulders, massaging the scalp, or lightly running fingers through hair to calm a hyperactive child.

* Breathing and relaxation. Most children and adults do not know how to calm down. Encourage children to monitor their breathing when they get overly stimulated and teach them to take deep breaths by slowly inhaling through the nose for 3-5 counts and exhaling through the mouth for 3-5 counts. Increase these amounts over time. Teach them to focus on their body and recognize any physical tension. Teach them to let go and release any body tension upon exhalation like a deflating balloon.

* Consistency. Stick to routines. Make certain children know what is expected of them and the consequences for not abiding. Prepare children for any unusual or non-routine activities by explaining what is going to happen, and discuss ways they can keep calm even with the excitement brought on by the different activities. Follow through consistently.

* Try creating a “Quiet Box”, “Boredom Box” or “Quiet Room” that provides creative outlets for a hyperactive child. Provide a quiet room or space with quiet toys and activities such as puzzles, book, jewelry making, drawing, etc. This room should have soothing lighting and paint. Learn how to create a quiet home here.

* Learn how to create a calm home that fosters quiet, relaxation, and productivity.

* Learn about ADHD behavior modification, ADHD diets, ADD natural remedies, neurofeedback for ADHD, and natural calming remedies.

* Try the Total Focus Program which is, in my clinical opinion, the best ADHD treatment resource for struggling families.

* Try some soothing aromatherapy scents.

* Expose them to the beauty of nature. A quiet walk in the park, camping, admiring the serenity of a gentle stream, or simply relaxing in the backyard while gazing at the stars is a great way to teach kids (and parents) how to slow down.

* Use soothing music or sounds to calm hyperactive children.

* Calmly explain why your child needs to settle down such as “If you jump off the bed you can hurt yourself.” It is not a debate, state it simply and do not get into a challenging debate.

* Divide tasks into smaller components and calmly repeat instructions.

* Avoid whatever may trigger their hyperactivity.

* You set the tone, so try to remain positive. Children sense negative thoughts and will react to them; the converse is also true. Reassure them that you still love them even when they are behaving in a “highly spirited” fashion.

* Put a positive spin on time out by using it as an opportunity to calm down and remove the child from a trigger situation.

* Get enough sleep. Children 1 to 3 years old typically require 12 to 14 hours of sleep, 3 to 6 year old kids should get 10 3/4 to 12 hours of sleep, children 7 to 12 years of age need 10 to 11 hours, and 12 to 18 year old kids need 8 ¼ to 9 ½ hours of sleep daily.

* Engage in self care. Monitor your own your own frustration. Your projected energy has a direct effect on your children and environment, so you must take care of yourself before caring for others.

Conclusion

If you follow these suggestions exactly and retain some patience, I guarantee that you will see progress in your child.

You will witness fewer challenging behaviors, and your home life will become more peaceful.

These techniques not only calm hyperactive children but they benefit both parents and children by bringing them closer together.

As a result, they aid in forming healthy bonds among all family members. This helps children succeed and strengthens the whole family unit.

Article extracted from : http://www.add-treatment.com/calm-hyperactive-children.html

FATIGUE FIGHTING VITAMINS AND HERBS

 

Fatigue is mental and physical tiredness where the person has no energy or enthusiasm to do anything. Fatigue is often the result of continual illness, stress, overworking, worry or periods of emotional upheaval. It can be the symptom of many illnesses, including anaemia and infections. Chronic fatigue can be greatly improved by eating foods that increase the energy level and support the immune system. Removing the buildup of toxins from the body will reduce the energy drain and stress reduction methods may ease the symptoms. Gentle exercise will strengthen the muscles and stimulate the circulation and the production of antibodies to increase resistance to infection.

What to do about fatigue

As tempting as it is to do nothing when you feel very tired or exhausted, it is important to take action. Here is a simple list of things you can use to help relieve and reverse your fatigue.

Vitamins

The vitamins and minerals outlined below can be obtained as a part of a quality, balanced vitamin and mineral supplement. The balance of these vitamins and minerals is important as an overabundance of one can inhibit the absorption or utilisation by the body of another – thus causing a deficiency.

• Vitamin A strengthens the immune system and helps to fight
  

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  infections. It also plays an important role in general healing.

• Vitamin B1 improves the nervous system function and boosts energy. It is essential for converting food into energy and for the transmission of electrical impulses in the nerves and muscles. It can have a powerful effect on your mood and alertness.
• Vitamin B6 increases energy levels. It is essential for the breakdown of food and the production of energy in the body. It is also necessary for the formation of antibodies.
• Pantothenic acid reduces fatigue and relieves stress. It is essential for the conversion of food into energy and for the breakdown of fats.
• Folic acid is needed to form healthy red blood cells which are vital for energy as they carry oxygen to the muscles. It is essential for the metabolism of proteins and sugars.
• Vitamin C detoxifies the body and in the process makes energy more available. It helps the body absorb iron and folic acid effectively and turn food into energy.
• Vitamin E supports the immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant and is important for the production of energy from food.

Minerals

               Calcium is needed for the muscles and nerves and improves sleep.

• Iron relieves fatigue that is associated with insufficient red blood cells. It is needed to release the energy in your body. It is also essential in maintaining a healthy immune system.
• Magnesium reduces weakness and tiredness. It is essential for turning food into energy. The nervous system relies on magnesium to work properly and it is valued for its stress relieving properties.
• Selenium is an anti-oxidant that reduces the energy drain caused by free radicals. It is essential in preventing a wide range of diseases. It is needed for healthy muscles including those of the heart. It boosts the immune system, increasing your ability to fight infection.
• Zinc assists in the detoxification of the body and also boosts the immune system. It is important for the brain and nervous system and mental alertness.

Other nutrients and herbs

• Omega 3 fatty acids boost energy.
  

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• Acidophilus and other friendly bacteria help to create a normal intestinal balance. This is important for improving energy if an overgrowth of Candida is thought to be a problem.
• Bioflavonoids enhance the action of vitamin C.
• Co-enzyme Q10 increases oxygen uptake in the cells and this can help to increase energy.
• Ginger and Siberian ginseng are herbs that if taken internally will increase your energy and balance digestive and hormonal systems.
• Ginger, red ginseng root, cardamom seed, artichoke leaf and gentian root are herbs for the digestive system. Digestive strengthening herbs increase your ability to digest food to release the energy from the food that you eat.
• Mate and green tea can give a temporary boost in energy.
• Rosemary essential oil (3-4 drops) added to a bath is a good pick-me-up.

Foods to eatThe following foods will help you get a boost of energy that is achieved in a sustained way and not just the short term fix that is provided by sugar and caffeine which make you feel worse later. Try not to overeat.

• Plenty of fresh fruit and green, leafy vegetables.
• Whole grains, nuts and seeds.
• Chicken and tuna.

You need to avoid any sources of food allergies from your diet, particularly wheat and dairy products. You also need to avoid alcohol, smoking, refined foods and sugars and caffeine. All of these foods deplete your energy levels. Remember, cakes, pastries, bread, indeed anything made from flour, are all refined foods. Eating the right foods will reduce the toxins that are put into your body, however, it is probable that your body is already overloaded and you need to cleanse your colon so that you are able to rid the body of its toxic load. Toxins are one of the main reasons for a reduction in energy. This is because the body’s resources have to be diverted into dealing with the unwanted material. To discover more about how you can deal with toxins, cleanse your colon safely and benefit from the increase in energy go to safecoloncleansing.comWhile you are cleansing you also need to drink plenty of filtered water – so that the body is able to flush out the toxins.

Herbal remedies

There are two herbal remedies that can give you a more natural deep energy. You can easily make these herbal medicines yourself if you have the ingredients.

For the first, use 1 to 2 teaspoonsful of the following blend.

1 part asparagus root

1 part ginger rhizome

1 part red ginseng root

1 cup water

For the second, add the herbs according to the following.

1 part ginger rhizome

1 part cardamon seeds

1 part artichoke leaves

1/2 part genetian root

1 cup water

For each of them, place the water into an appropriately sized saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the herbs to the boiling water, turn off the heat and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes then strain the mixture.

Drink a cup of the mixture up to three times per day.

Exercise

Even if you feel tired, try to at least take short walks in the fresh air and practice breathing deep down into your lungs as you walk. Walk at least 20 – 30 minutes per day, but do start with shorter periods if you need to. The important thing is to start getting exercise. Gradually work up to longer and more frequent exercise, if possible including 20 minutes of aerobic exercise every other day.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke you need to stop. Smoking is a major drain on your health and energy and can undermine all your efforts in other areas. The Growerz.com quit smoking program can assist you to become smoke free.

Try to incorporate as many of these things into your lifestyle as you are able. Work out a plan for yourself about how you will manage your day and what you will achieve in it. While the above details are intended to be generally helpful and educational they should not be construed as a replacement for individual advice from a health professional. You should seek professional assistance if your fatigue is sudden, extreme, long-lasting or you fail to improve.

Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body, taking essential, non contaminated vitamin and mineral supplements (from healthproductssite.com) and many other methods, including herbal remedies. She also owns Healthy Living blog. Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fatigue-Fighting-Vitamins-and-Herbs&id=667343

Treating diabetes with dietary changes

I stumbled on this interesting video on youtube. It’s about reversing/treating diabetes through adopting a strict vegan diet.

 

Fibroid – Cause and Remedy

FIBROIDS

article by Claudette Wadsworth

What are Fibroides?

Fibroid tumour in the Uterus

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumours of the uterus. They grow in various locations on and within the muscular wall of the uterus or inside the uterine cavity. Their structure is encapsulated connective tissue that can be single or multiple. They vary in size from a few millimetres to very large, for example, the size of a football, and they affect 20 – 25% of women past the age of 35. Fibroids rarely occur before adolescence and shrink after menopause. They can run in families, although environmental factors play a huge role in whether a disease is ever expressed.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Most commonly there is heavy, clotty and prolonged bleeding which can lead to anaemia and fatigue as well as painful periods, backache and swelling. Some women will have no symptoms, and symptoms are rare before 30 years of age. Larger fibroids will start to put pressure on adjacent abdominal organs causing increased urinary frequency, feelings of heaviness and congestion in the lower abdomen and abdominal enlargement. Depending on the location of the fibroid, it may cause miscarriage or infertility.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is made by pelvic ultrasound, pelvic examination and palpation, and laparoscopy.

Fibroids that are not interfering with fertility or causing unwanted symptoms are often simply left as they are, and require no surgery or drugs to shrink or remove them. Monitoring every six months and employing alternative therapies to moderate their growth and to rebalance the underlying hormones is advisable. In rare cases, they can undergo malignant change and develop into sarcoma.

COMMON THEORIES OF CAUSATION

Oestrogen. It is unknown why the uterine muscle begins to rearrange itself, but it is known that its growth is stimulated by oestrogen. This is illustrated by the facts that pregnancy reduces the risk of developing fibroids and that a fibroid will shrink after menopause. Obesity, however, is related to an increased risk as there is increased production of oestrogen in fatty tissue. One study found that there are more oestrogen and progesterone receptors in fibroid tissue than in a normal uterus.

Xenoestrogens are synthetic environmental oestrogens or chemicals that mimic oestrogen, to which we are increasingly exposed. Xenoestrogens include:

many pesticides, herbicides, dioxin; growth hormones stored in animal fat;

PCBs in plastics which are released when the plastic is heated or used for hot food or drinks; oestrogen in waterways due to the urine of women taking birth control pills containing synthetic oestrogen; nonylphenols that are breakdown products of surfactants used in detergents, cosmetics and other toiletries;

spermicides used in diaphragm jellies, condoms and vaginal gels.

Toxicity. The liver and bowel are particularly important, as the liver breaks down oestrogen to be detoxified and carried out of the body in the faeces. If the liver is functioning poorly and/or there is constipation, there will be a consequent build up of excess oestrogens in the blood. In today’s modern world of high pollution, chemicals and highly refined Western diets, often both the liver and digestion are compromised.

Insulin. High insulin levels, that control blood sugar, stimulate the release of growth hormone that in turn increases the growth of fibroids.

Stress. Stress lowers the hormone, melatonin , causing increased growth hormone that stimulates fibroid growth. Stress also raises levels of the hormone, prolactin, that inhibits progesterone, causing a relative excess of oestrogen (‘oestrogen dominance’).

Nutrition. As illustrated above, highly refined carbohydrates, especially sugar, cause insulin resistance and consequent fibroid growth. Growth hormone is also increased by low concentrations of essential fatty acids in the blood. A highly processed diet lacks fibre and causes constipation, which can increase oestrogen levels as explained above. Coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and other recreational drugs are all liver toxins and exacerbate insulin resistance.

NATUROPATHIC TREATMENTS FOR FIBROIDS

Naturopathic treatments can be useful, especially to improve the symptom of

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heavy bleeding and to control the underlying hormonal imbalance that is fuelling the growth of the fibroid. However, it is rare that these treatments will shrink the tumour.

A reduction in symptoms does not correlate with the size or growth rate of the tumour.

The naturopathic approach is based on self-healing, the key aspects being as follows.

Diet

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•  Eat regularly: 3 main meals and 2 snacks daily that stimulate your metabolism. If you skip meals, it slows your metabolism down and your blood sugar levels drop, so that you crave sugar or a stimulant to bring them back up again quickly.

•  Protein. Having protein in all your meals controls your blood sugars by slowing down the absorption of sugars, stimulating your metabolism, and decreasing hunger and sugar cravings, as well as being important for liver

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detoxification of the hormones. Vegetarian protein foods are dairy, eggs, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.

•  Preventing anaemia (low iron levels from excessive blood loss) is important. This should be checked by a blood test with your doctor – check ferritin (iron stores) as well as haemoglobin (iron in red blood cells). Increase iron-rich foods: red meat, whole grains, spinach, dried apricots, peaches and figs, almonds, molasses, parsley, prunes and others. Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C: squeeze lemon juice onto food or use in salad dressings, include berries, tomato, capsicum, broccoli and cabbage with your meals. Iron absorption is inhibited by the following: phytates that occur in whole grains, beans and legumes, but vitamin C, soaking and slow cooking counteract their effects; polyphenols found in black tea, coffee and cola drinks; calcium – take calcium supplements at different times from iron supplements or meals.

•  Eliminate all sugar - sweets, chocolate, soft drinks, fruit juices (eat fruit maximum about 3 pieces/day), cordials, alcohol, anything with added sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners including Splenda and aspartame (Nutrasweet or Equal).

•  Decrease intake of all refined carbohydrates : white-flour products such as white bread, white rice (Basmati or Doongara are acceptable as low glycaemic), noodles, pasta, packet biscuits, cakes and pastries. Dense seeded breads and whole grains, such as rolled oats and wholemeal pasta, are fine.

•  Avoid all junk foods , processed foods and deep-fried foods: anything battered, hot chips, packet chips, doughnuts, packet cereals, packet biscuits, etc.

•  What can I eat for breakfast? Plain rolled oat porridge or natural muesli with plain natural cultured yoghurt, fruit, nuts and seeds or eggs or baked beans with wholegrain toast.
[A fruit-only breakfast may suit some people - Editor.]

•  Avoid coffee, alcohol, cigarette smoking or drugs as they all stimulate the stress hormones that exacerbate insulin resistance as well as providing numerous toxic chemicals!

•  Eat more phytoestrogens because these help buffer against xenoestrogens and the stronger oestrogens produced in the body. Phytoestrogens may be obtained from 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds/linseed daily on your breakfast, ¼ cup of alfalfa or sprouts, use beans and legumes instead of grains, sunflower seeds and non-genetically-modified soy products such as tofu, tempeh and miso. However, I do not advocate other Western invented soy products such as soy sausages, soy protein powders, soy cheeses, etc.

•  Omega-3 oils are anti-inflammatory and reduce the release of growth hormone. Consume daily: flaxseeds, avocado, walnuts and, if you are not eating vegetarian, cold-water oily fish such as salmon, trout, cod, sardines.

•  Herbal teas: roasted dandelion root (a great coffee alternative) and green tea support liver detoxification, while a mix of nettle leaf, red clover and calendula is excellent for the reproductive system. Drink 2 – 3 cups daily.

•  If you suffer constipation: increase your water intake to 2 litres daily; eat more fibrous fruits and salad vegetables such as celery, carrot, beetroot; add a couple of stewed prunes to your breakfast each morning; drink 1 teaspoon psyllium husks in a glass of warm water each morning upon rising; and add 30 ml of chlorophyll to your drinking water. If you have a history of constipation, perhaps try a colonic irrigation to rehydrate the bowel.

Lifestyle

•  Have regular moderate exercise. A minimum of 4 times a week of 45 minutes with stretching or yoga is essential to control insulin levels, increase the circulation through the pelvis, manage weight and reduce stress. Hip circling, pelvic thrusts and hip stretches are very beneficial – if done for 10 minutes every day – to increase circulation through the pelvis and uterus and free the blocked energy and blood flow in these areas.

•  Castor oil applied to the lower abdomen with a hot water bottle on top is very anti-inflammatory: apply for ½ hour three times a week and pay attention to all thoughts, feelings and emotions that arise. Try to source an organic or pesticide-free castor oil.

•  Caroline Myss, the author of Anatomy of the Spirit , teaches that, in energy terms, fibroids represent creativity that has never been expressed. Make time for some creative outlet for yourself, something you love doing or are passionate about so as to start to move the energies in the body – for example, singing, dancing, gardening, art, woodwork or cooking. Perhaps try journalising everything you would like to create, then letting your imagination and enthusiasm run with it. Our internal lives are very much reflected by our external lives and vice versa. Certainly, the uterus is the vessel of creativity through pregnancy, whether or not it is being used for that. Therefore, it is important to look at “where in my life am I being/expressing my creativity?”

•  Myss extends the idea of blocked creativity into the concept of life energy that is stagnating into dead ends such as jobs or relationships that have been outgrown. Perhaps there is a need to re-evaluate your relationships with other people and make changes if you feel they are unsupportive of you. Physical therapies such as massage, acupuncture, belly dancing, yoga and tai chi and meditation also encourage the idea of “freeing blocked energy” in the pelvis.

•  Christiane Northrup, a gynaecologist in the USA who wrote the book, Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom, acknowledges that surgery alone will not change the fundamental pattern in the woman’s body that encouraged the fibroid to grow in the first place. “It is vital to listen to what our bodies are trying to teach us. … Fibroids, like other disorders, don’t just come out of nowhere and land on your uterus. When you become willing to be in a relationship with your uterus by letting its messages speak to you, you have taken the first steps toward healing, instead of just masking or eliminating symptoms. After you get in touch with the messages from your uterus, you can choose a treatment that works best for you, whether it’s surgery or brown rice or both.”

Supplements

There is no single remedy that will shrink fibroids. For any remedies, the dosage will vary according to the potency and quality of the product, the size of the tumour and the severity of the symptoms. It is recommended that you see a practitioner experienced in treating fibroids to prescribe herbal medicines and nutritional supplements. Some supplements are contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding and with some medications.

Appropriate nutrients include:

•  Iron: for anaemia, excessive blood loss;

•  Essential fatty acids: anti-inflammatory, prostaglandin regulation of hormone synthesis. Fish oils or evening primrose oil;

•  Vitamin E: oestrogen balancing, repair of endometrial tissue, antioxidant, inhibits lipoxygenase pathway;

•  Magnesium: relaxes painful muscular contractions, insulin resistance;

•  Multivitamin containing all B vitamins: breakdown of oestrogens by liver, helps with stress, reduces the levels of homocysteine that causes inflammation of the uterus.

Appropriate herbs include:

•  Hormone regulating herbs: chaste tree, peony, dong quai;

•  Uterine toners: dong quai, ladies’ mantle, blue cohosh;

•  Astringents to reduce bleeding: shepherd’s purse, tienchi ginseng, yarrow;

•  Circulatory stimulants for pelvis: ginger, ginkgo, cinnamon;

•  Liver herbs: schisandra, St Mary’s thistle, rosemary;

•  Lymphatics and alteratives: thuja, calendula, e chinacea, poke root

Article provided by:

Claudette Wadsworth
BA, BHlthSc, AdvND, DN, DRM, AdvNFM, MATMS 

Article extracted from : http://www.usenature.com/article_fibroids.htm