The Health Benefits of Medicinal Leech Therapy

Therapy based on leech activity has been used as an efficient treatment for a variety of disorders and diseases for hundreds of years now.  Today, leech therapy also known as hirudotherapy is making a comeback in conventional medicine.

However, this specific therapy is applied only for specific health issues where it was scientifically proven that the therapy can help. It’s been 12 years since the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of leeches for healing and prevention.

The Health Benefits of Leech Therapy

According to historical records, leech therapy was especially popular 3500 years ago. At this time, the therapy became popular worldwide. This trend continued and reached the highest level in the beginning of the 19th century when leeches were labeled as endangered species due to their use for medicinal purposes.

In the beginning of the 20th century the popularity dropped all of a sudden because it didn’t match the requirements of modern medicine.

However in the 1960s, leech therapy found its way back and many doctors started using it during surgical procedures and in cases of arthritis, migraines and vascular diseases. Medicinal leeches or Hirudo medicinalis are the leeches that are part of this therapy today.

This specific type of leeches has the ability to produce saliva that comes with more than 55 different types of proteins. Thanks to this process, the leeches are able to maintain the best liquidity of human blood and boost blood circulation in the area where they are used.

We have made a short list of cases where leech therapy is applied today.

1. Cardiovascular Diseases
This term refers to a group of disorders that have impact on the work of the cardiovascular system especially on the arteries, veins and heart.

Hirudotherapy or medical leech therapy is often applied as an additional treatment or replacement for cardiovascular problems because the leeches’ saliva should be able to boost blood circulation and enhance hyperalgesia or improved pain sensitivity in connective tissues.

A scientific study conducted 5 years ago and revealed in the popular Alternative Medicine Review has shown that external leeching enhanced walking ability, eased pain and swelling and eliminated the discoloration in phlebitis patients (a health problem in which blood clotting occurs in the deep vein located on the legs). Researchers have used between four and six leeches directly to the affected area.

The saliva produced by leeches is very efficient in treating cardiovascular diseases and disorders because it comes with natural blood thinners and these thinners can prevent and heal blood clotting.

2. Reconstructive Surgical Procedures and Microsurgery
Not every surgery is finished without side effects. In some cases people may experience bleeding that comes from small blood vessels. In case this is occurrence is not handled properly, tissue cells may die.

According to a huge number of physicians medicinal leech therapy is able to keep the tissues healthy during and after surgery.

When the surgical procedure begins, leech therapy acts by letting leeches absorb the drainage of blood that appears as a result of the work of surgeons.  The saliva provides blood thinning effects which lower the chances of developing venous congestion a frequent problem related to reconstructive surgery and traumatic injuries that lead to cellular death, slowed down blood flow and edema.

The majority of people are worried about possible wounds that come in the form of letter Y caused by leech bite. However, doctors claim that even though these wounds appear in almost every case, they will eventually heal and won’t leave any mark to the skin.

Finally, leeches should be able to boost blood circulation after surgery. A scientific study revealed in the Journal of Plastic Surgery has confirmed that leeches can help with this task after surgery.

3. Cancer
Eight years ago, More than 13% of deaths in the world were contributed to cancer. This is definitely shocking information, but what is even worse is that these figures are constantly growing each year.

Scientists believe that the mixture of numerous protease inhibitors, anticoagulants and other elements found in leech saliva should be able to replace cancer drugs.

A study has found that their saliva contains a compound called ghilanten which may prevent the emergence of prostate cancer, lung cancer, melanoma and breast cancer.

The salivary glands of leeches used for medicinal purposes also come with a peptide known as hirudin. This peptide provides great blood anticoagulant effects and may have anti-cancer properties too.

A scientific research revealed in the famous European Patent has shown that a synthetically-made hirudin injection has the ability to block the emergence of different tumor cells like those found in leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoma, pulmonary carcinoma, colorectal cancer and bladder cancer.

In addition, a study conducted 12 years ago has confirmed that thanks to hirudin leeches can block the growth of tumor and its spreading in the organs and blood.

4. Diabetes Issues
Diabetes is another serious medical condition that affects millions of people around the world. The number of people dealing with this disease is growing year by year and it is believed that it will reach 370 million patients 15 years from today.

We must point out that there are no studies focused on the effects of leech therapy in treating diabetes patients. However, this therapy may be very effective in dealing with diabetes issues and complications like high levels of blood lipids, coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperglycemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, adhesion disorders and coagulation components.

Medicinal leech saliva may prevent blood clotting associated with diabetes due to its ability to bind thrombin, an enzyme in the plasma that causes the clotting of blood. Additionally, leeches have other coagulation factors that may interfere with proteins and peptides, which could be of therapeutic use to those with diabetes 1.

The International Wound Journal has released a research that suggests that leech therapy was able to protect the foot of a woman suffering from diabetes. If it wasn’t for this therapy, the leg would have been removed.

People suffering from diabetes may experience improper blood flow to their legs and arms due to gangrene. Gangrene must be managed by boosting blood circulation and reducing the levels of lipids in the blood and controlling blood pressure.

Numerous therapies used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine are based on leeches as a way to boost blood flow throughout the body in order to ease coagulation issues.

5. Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, infectious diseases are on the rise too and this is the reason why the sale of antibiotics is going up every year. Even though these drugs can be effective, they also come with certain disadvantages. Namely, they have made many people resistant to antimicrobial agents. This is where leeches come into play because they can treat such infections.

The Chemotherapy magazine has revealed a scientific research which showed that leeches have extract that comes with destabilize, a protein believed to provide strong antibacterial effects that combat bacterial strains.

Thanks to these antibacterial effects, people are able to eliminate the cellular elements of these strains found in bacterial infections.

A scientific study conducted 13 years ago has indicated that leeches include antimicrobial and neuro-signaling peptides that block and ease infections caused by bacteria and enhance the response of endangered cells.

6. Osteoarthritis
Individuals dealing with osteoarthritis concentrated in the knees have confirmed that they felt much better one day after using leech therapy.  Their testimonies were part of a study revealed in the popular Journal of Research in Ayurveda.

The study lasted for a few weeks and during this period; scientists have concluded that the stiffness and pain related to osteoarthritis was reducing with each leech therapy.

The scientists were convinced that leech therapy can serve as an efficient treatment for the symptoms of osteoarthritis that appears in the knees.

7. Ear Issues
Leeches were already used for tinnitus treatments, chronic and acute otitis (ear inflammation) and rapid hearing loss with great success. In cases like this, healers usually use two leeches put right behind the ear and on the jaw next to the ear.  The entire treatment lasts for 4 days and requires three treatments a day.

8. Oral Health
There are some people who claim that by applying leeches on the tongue people can reduce swelling of the tongue related to some serious health complications like airway blockage. Leeches have also been used in cases of abscess inflammation and gum diseases.

Leech Therapy – Safety Measures
Even though leech therapy has proven to be very efficient in many different cases, we should always be cautious. Many doctors warn their patients that leech therapy can actually lead to infections although the number of such side effects is very low.

On the other hand, there are no documented cases of diseases spread through leech therapy, but there are certain strains that are resistant to specific kinds of antibiotics like penicillin and they can significantly increase the chances of experiencing an infection.

Tissue damages, blisters and itching are some other symptoms linked to leech therapy. Even though the bites by leeches tend to heal the area fast, there are cases when they leave marks on the skin. Make sure to consult your doctor before conducting leech therapy and always use professional help during this procedure

source

Read More »

What Exercise Actually Does to Your Body

You know a sweat session has major health and stress-relief benefits.  But what is happening head to toe? Here’s exactly what a workout does for you.

1. You burn calories.
When your body breaks down energy-dense foods, like carbs and fats, it turns them into the molecule ATP (adenosine triphosphate).  Then, when the body converts ATP into ADP (adenosine diphosphate), it gives off energy and allows muscles to contract and move. It’s what we mean when we say we’re “burning calories,” says Joseph E. Herrera, DO, chair of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine for the Mount Sinai Health System.

2. You heat up. 
As your body burns calories, its temperature rises, and you sweat. “Sweat wicks away heat, which allows your body to keep working out without overheating,” says Herrera.

3. Your heart beats faster.
Exercising raises your heart rate in order to quickly push blood and oxygen to the muscles. If you train for endurance events often, your resting heart rate may get lower, says Herrera, as your heart becomes more efficient at supplying blood to your organs and muscles.

4. Digestion can turn wonky.
Ever felt like you suddenly had to go to the bathroom after starting a run? Blood flow is directed away from your core and intestines to your large working muscles, which can lead to diarrhea. Tip: Avoid food an hour before exercise.

5. Happy hormones flow. 
At the start of a tough workout, you get a spike in adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol.  Your body senses you’re in “flight” mode (i.e., trying to escape a threat). Next, endorphins help cut muscle pain and improve mood. Other compounds, called endocannabinoids, may also be partly responsible for that “runner’s high,” according to animal research.

6. Your brain gets a boost. 
Aerobic activity improves our thinking skills and memory, possibly because there’s increased blood flow to the brain during exercise. Getting active may also promote brain growth.

7. Muscles get stressed (in a good way). 
Each time a muscle is challenged, micro tears occur, says Herrera, but they aren’t harmful; they contribute to muscle growth over time.

source

Read More »

3 Things You Should Avoid To Have A Healthy Menstrual Cycle

A woman’s period is accompanied by many undesired things aside from menstrual cramps. It’s the mood shifts, over-sensitivity and other hormonal changes, something that all women have to put up with on a daily basis when on their period.

This time of the month can be quite difficult and uncomfortable for the majority of women and if there is a way you can make these 5-7 days easier you’d probably want to know. Here are a few mistakes that most women make during their period but should be avoided at all costs if they want to feel better and more comfortable:

1. Avoid depressing movies
The emotional state you’re in before and during your period is the key to promoting the secretion of hormones and emotions like sadness and depression keep us down. During this time we’re predisposed to feel a bit down, angry, sad or irritated and watching a sad and depressive movie can only make matters worse.  This kind of movies will cause additional emotional stress, something we don’t need at all. That’s why it’s best if you steer clear of sad, depressive and scary movies if you want to avoid making things worse. Stick to comedies and you’ll feel much better.

2. Forget you have a period
Sometimes it’s best not to pay much attention to things and try to forget about the stuff that makes you feel worse. If you just lay in your bed and act as if you’re sick you’ll feel sick no doubt. That’s why you should get up, suck it up and say I’m fine! Periods haven’t killed anyone thus far so you’re probably aren’t going to be the first one. When you forget what you are suffering from and be happy- your brain will stop concentrating on it and everything will run smoothly. Forget you have a period and you’ll feel better for sure.

3. Avoid dairy products
Dairy products contain arachidonic acids which could lead to cramps which is why they should be avoided so that your periods are less painful. Try to limit your consumption to ass little possible or even none at all during these days.  Try coconut milk instead to get the required amount of calcium which will ease the pain and make you feel better.

Read More »

7 Reasons To Stop Eating This Highly Processed Seafood

There are several reasons why surimi – the imitation crab sticks wrapped in plastic packages are many people’s favorite appetizer. For one thing, they look like crab, even taste like crab, but, more importantly, they are more available and cheaper than crab.

However, this imitation food is far from the real thing in terms of content , nutritional value and health benefits.

What Is Imitation Crab Meat Made Of
Surimi” is “ground meat” in Japanese. Surimi sticks are made by combing white meat fish, such as Pollock (this gives the food thick consistency), and a range of other ingredients that improve its taste and make it resemble crab.

The list of ingredients for one brand of imitation crab includes the following:
Alaska Pollock, Water, Egg Whites, Wheat Starch, Sugar, Corn Starch, Sorbitol, King Crab Meat, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Extracts of Crab, Oyster, Scallop, Lobster and Fish (Salmon, Anchovy, Bonito, Cutlassfish), Refined Fish Oil (Adds a Trivial Amount of Fat) (Anchovy, Sardine), Rice Wine (Rice, Water, Koji, Yeast, Salt), Sea Salt, Modified Tapioca Starch, Carrageenan, Yam Flour, Hydrolyzed Soy, Corn, and Wheat Proteins, Potassium Chloride, Disodium Inosinate and Guanylate, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Carmine, Paprika.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most questionable ingredients:

1. Potassium Chloride
This substance is a salt substitute linked to cardiovascular distress, muscular weakness and paralysis, and gastrointestinal effects of nausea and vomiting when taken in large doses.

2. Disodium Inosinate and Guanylate
These are flavor enhancers used together with monosodium glutamate (MSG). Manufacturers often use different forms of similar chemicals so they don’t have to list MSG on the label as many people try to avoid it.

3. Sodium Pyrophosphate
This is a crystalline food additive used to maintain acidity level and bind the other ingredients. As cited on one food site: “Reports have shown that (tetra)sodium pyrophosphate is twice as toxic as table salt when ingested orally. It is a source of phosphorous as a nutrient. Because its production methods and side effects are relatively unknown, consumption should be avoided. Some individuals may experience stomach cramps and discomfort.”

4.  Carmine
Carmine is made from crushed cochineal beetles which are red. This substance is used to make surimi look red like crab on the outside. However, carmine has also been linked to allergies and a number of dietary issues.

5.  Other Ingredients
Other disputed ingredients in surimi include sorbitol, which is a form of sugar (it’s not specified on the label whether it’s naturally-occurring or synthetic—it could be either and is in addition to the Sugar also on the label); carrageenan, which is a seaweed extract that although a natural product, still causes inflammation and gastrointestinal problems; hydrolyzed soy or MSG, etc.

“Hydrolysis is a method of extraction that boils the soy protein in a vat of sulfuric acid.  Manufacturers mix the resulting acidic substance with caustic soda to neutralize the acid content.  While hydrolyzed soy protein contains most of the nutrients and health benefits of soy, when you consume this type of soy you also consume the unhealthy chemical byproducts of the manufacturing process… such as monosodium glutamate that can lead to health problems. According to “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills,” the Food and Drug Administration [FDA] requires food manufacturers to list MSG as an ingredient when used in the preparation of packaged food.  However, FDA regulations do not require the same labeling when a food contains hydrolyzed soy protein, despite the fact that this type of soy contains large quantities of MSG.  In fact, some food manufacturers use hydrolyzed soy protein as a flavor enhancer to work around the FDA’s MSG labeling requirement.”

6. High Sodium Content
Surimi may be low in fat, but they are high in sodium —only 2 pieces contain 20% of the recommended daily value for sodium.

7.  Not Your Best Protein Source
Surimi is mostly fish, which means it provides a lot of protein, but, lentils have 3 times more protein by weight; cheese and tuna 5 times more. In other words, surimi packs lower nutritional value.

source

Read More »

The Amazing Health Benefits Of Sugarcane Juice

Both delicious and healthy, sugarcane juice packs a number of health benefits that you wouldn’t want to miss out. Health. Read on and find out how to improve your overall health with a single glass of this highly nutritious beverage.

#1 Simple Sugar
To start with, the fibrous stalk of the sugarcane plant is high in sucrose, which is a simple form of sugar. The high sucrose content makes this juice easily absorbed in the body, which gives you an instant energy boost and deep hydration. Aside from the juice, which is usually freshly pressed in small hand mills, sugarcane is also used for many food items including molasses and jaggery.

#2 Super Antioxidant
Sugarcane juice is an amazing refreshing drink. Moreover, it packs numerous antioxidants including phenols and flavanols, which make it the perfect tool for fighting free radicals and preventing lipid peroxidation. Research has found that these properties make this juice extremely effective in fighting jaundice and liver disorders and protecting against radiation-caused DNA damaged. Health.

#3 Slowing Down Cancer
Sugarcane juice acts as an antiproliferative agent meaning it prevents malignant cell growth into surrounding tissues. The thing is, this juice has a flavonoid (tricin-7-O-β-(6″-methoxycinnamic)-glucoside) that slows down the spread of malignant cells and fights several cancer cell lines.

#4 Juice for Anemia
Another important thing about sugarcane juice is its high iron-rich sugar content. It can be used as a sweet substitute that improves iron levels, especially among children. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional and health issues all over the world. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), more than 750 million of the 2 billion affected are children. Health. Studies conducted in tropical countries like Brazil and India, which have with plenty of access to sugarcane juice, have shown that regular use of sugarcane juice as a sweetener results in considerable improvements in hemoglobin levels in children.

#5 Sports Drink Substitute
Sugarcane juice can quickly replenish energy and sugar levels during strenuous workout. For one thing, sugarcane juice is abundant in CHOs and electrolytes such as magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and calcium, which makes it a healthier natural alternative to commercial sports drinks. It also improves performance and postpones the onset of fatigue.

A number of studies also confirm that sugarcane juice improves muscle glycogen resynthesis after a rigorous workout making it a better rehydration drink than plain water and sports drinks.

#6 Sweet Tooth Fix
Although many people automatically link sugar to dental cavities, not all sugars are to blame. Sucrose sugars, for instance, are ranked lowest in the list of cavity culprits. A number of Columbian studies have found that consumption of crystallized sugarcane juice actually reduced the incidence of dental caries. Health.

And, that’s not all. The sucrose sugar component gives sugarcane juice a low glycemic index, meaning it’s also safe for diabetics.

#7 Natural Choice
Sugarcane juice is abundant in carbohydrates and iron, both beneficial for providing energy and fighting anemia. Many Ayurvedic treatments use sugarcane juice to address a wide range of health issues including ulcers, fevers, kidney function, eye disorders, and weight gain. Health.

Last, but not least, sugarcane juice is a powerful diuretic and laxative.

source

Read More »

7 Foods That Contain More Calcium Than Milk

Lactose intolerance has become a major health issue in the 21st century. In fact, dairy consumption has been linked to a range of health problems including allergies. While cutting milk out of your diet may not be a problem, it’s still important to ensure proper calcium intake.

Aside from milk, there’s a long list of foods that pack high or even higher calcium content than milk.
1. Cheese
Different types of cheeses contain different calcium amounts. Cheddar cheese, one of the most populkar types, is quite high in calcium – it provides 721mg per 100gr. Other varieties of cheese also pack around 500mg-1000mg calcium per 100g.

2. Collard Greens
The best way to eat Collard greens is stir-fried or steamed. Except for calcium, this health-boosting vegetable is also abundant in phenolic compounds that fight cancer and heart disease.

3. Kale
No matter whether used in a morning smoothie or eaten as chips, kale is one of the most beneficial green vegetable you can add to your diet. For one thing, it’s rich in calcium and vitamin K. Plus, it has potent antioxidant properties that protect against prostate and colon cancers.

4. Organic Yogurt
Although a dairy product itself, yogurt is a better dietary option than ultra-processed milk. The best form of calcium from dairy products is obtained from organic yogurt because of the natural fermentation process and the probiotics.

5. Sesame Seeds
A typical addition to Chinese dishes, sesame seeds provide high calcium content. In addition, they’re also a rich source of healthy fats and dietary fiber.

6. Spinach
Apart from providing high calcium content, spinach is a great natural tool for boosting cardiovascular system function and reducing hypertension by improving arterial stiffness owing to its nitrate content. You can add it to your smoothies and salads or simply steam it.

7. Tofu
Low in calories, but high in protein, tofu is also rich in iron, and depending on how it’s manufactured, calcium and magnesium.

source

Read More »

This Is What Your Hair Has To Say About Your Health

Your hair is not just there to make you look fabulous, it can serve a much more important purpose, like your overall health and any possible conditions you might not be aware of. Your hair can say reveal a lot of issues inside your body, you just need to know what to look out for. Below you can find 4 common hair troubles and their interpretation. Read the text and watch out for the symptoms, if you have any of them you should do something about it!

Thinning – Stress
It’s normal for your hair to fall out and this usually starts happening long after it stopped growing. However, in some people hair starts thinning in the same time while it’s growing and this is mainly due to stress. Stress disrupts this normal process and you end up with bald spots and patches.

The thinning may need between three and six weeks to appear. If you notice your hair has begun to thin, try to remember any stressful situation that happened not long ago. Once you’ve determined the root cause, try to find a way to deal with stress better in the future and avoid similar situations. Remember that stress can lead to much more serious complications!

Dull, Brittle Hair – Nutrition Problems
Nutrition expert Wendy Bazilian says that “If you’re eating a highly processed diet, any nutrients you do get are shuttled to your body’s crucial operations, like your heart and other organs.” This means that all those nutrients which your hair needs to stay healthy won’t get there and this leads to dull, brittle hair. It’s not like one hamburger and a soda can lead to this, but if you eat junk food habitually it will inevitably happen. Wendy adds that a dietary fat deficiency can actually prevent your hair from absorbing nutrients like vitamin D. Consume plenty of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids and mono-saturated fats. Pay attention to your water intake as well because dehydration can lead to hair loss. Your hair is made of ¼ water and is the primary energy source for hair cells.

If you want to have healthy, long hair you need to eat healthy and drink plenty of water.

Crown Hair Loss – Too Much Dihydrotestosterone
A combination of symptoms like losing patches of hair around your crown and gaining fat around your stomach, are a strong indicator of abnormally high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

An enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase turns testosterone into DHT in men. Even though this is a normal process, some men are especially sensitive to this hormone and can attack their hair follicles, resulting in crown hair loss. The same effect in women happens as a result of a hormone called DHEA, converting testosterone into DHT.

You can find your solution in a number of foods which are natural DHT inhibitors:

• Green tea
• Saw palmetto
• Giant dodder
• Pumpkin seed

Random Bald Patches: Trichotillomania
Trichotillomania is a condition where a person is compelled to pull their hair out. It’s an impulse control disorder that usually flares up during times of stress or failure.

Some people who suffer from this condition don’t even realize that they’re doing it, it happens unintentionally. If you see random bald patches on your hair make sure you watch your hands in times of stress, you might be surprised!


source

Read More »