Obesity Increases The Risk of Migraine

obesity increases the risk of migraine

Body weight and chronic headache and also migraine are closely related, according to the research of Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA. "If you can reduce your weight, it will help you lower the risk of migraine", Dr. Lee Peterlin said.

Dr. Lee Peterlin has observed a population consists of overweight people age 20-55. Their Body Mass Index (BMI) are measured. 37% women with obesity have experienced many complaints related to headache, compared to 29% women with normal BMI. For men, 20% with obesity have experienced migraine compared with 16% who have normal BMI. Overall, this research consists of 22,000 subjects.

"We know that exercise and physical activity can reduce the risk of migraine, which directly can reduce the pain", Peterlin explained. The complete explanation will be published in annual meeting of The American Academy of Neurology in Seattle. As we know, migraine is a form of headache, accompanied by some symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, aura, and increased sensitivity to sound and light. The study also conclude that people age 55 and older are the highest risk to have migraine.

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What Are Colon Cancer Symptoms

what are colon cancer symptoms

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in US men, after lung and prostate cancer, according to National Cancer Institute's reports. In women, it is the second most common cancer, after breast cancer. Overall, 1 in 17 people will develop colon cancer, or known as colorectal cancer. 

The spreading of colon cancer starts locally, so the symptoms are also local. What are colon cancer symptoms?

• Intermitten diarrhea or constipation
• Red blood spot in the stools or rectal bleeding, similar to hemorrhoids.
• "Pencil stools": stools that are thinner than normal
• Feel of uncomplete bowel
• Abdominal discomfort, bloating, cramp, frequent gas pain.
• Fatigue and pale skin

colon cancer symptoms 

If the tumor is getting larger, the colon cancer symptoms are systemic, such as:

• Unexplained weight loss which is losing weight when not dieting
• Extreme tiredness, easy to be tired
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia and jaundice

If you experience the colon cancer symptoms above, first thing to do is going to the doctor to get some diagnostic examinations of colon cancer. The doctor (usually a digestive surgeon) will perform a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to exam to condition of colon mucosa.

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Dandruff Natural Treatment

dandruff natural treatment

Dandruff is a common hair problem, marked by white and itchy flake of the skin scalp. It is not contagious but sometimes can be embarrassing and not easy to treat. Dandruff is caused by a yeast-like fungus, named pityrosporum or malassezia. Actually the microorganisms are normally found in the scalp, but in certain conditions such as: stress, immunosuppression, hormonal imbalances, infrequent shampooing, illness, or increased oil production, there will be an inflammation on the scalp and then increase the dead skin cells production. The dead cells will appear as white flake called dandruff.

The good news about dandruff, now the experts have found dandruff natural treatment. What are they?

Biotin

It is a water-soluble vitamin B substance. The function is to help breakdown fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. There are biotin supplements in the market, and also found naturally in some foods, such as: egg yolk, liver, milk, barley, royal jelly, soy, and brewer's yeast. Biotin is also naturally produced by the microorganisms in the intestines. There are some conditions that cause biotin deficiency such as: long term use of antibiotics and raw egg whites eating habit.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Make a mix of 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup of water. Pour it into a spray bottle and spritz it on your hair until reach the scalp. After that, wrap you hair with warm towel for about 15 minutes. Do it regularly twice a week.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil contains antibacterial and antifungal substances. A study has concluded that 5% of tea tree oil used as shampoo solution can significantly reduce dandruff. Now there are many shampoos contain tea tree oil in the drug store and supermarket.

Tar Shampoo
Tar shampoos have been proven as dandruff natural treatment for hundred years. The tar works to decrease cell turnover effectively. It has a strong odor, may stain the shaft or lighter-colored hair but the staining is not permanent. For sensitive skin, it can cause irritation.

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How To Increase HDL Levels

how to increase HDL levels

HDL cholesterol is a protective risk factor for cardiovascular disease, such as stroke, heart attack, and peripheral arterial disease. The higher HDL levels, the lower risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL levels below 40 mg/dl is considered an increased risk of coronary artery disease EVEN those people have normal total cholesterol level and LDL cholesterol level.

These are some steps about how to increase HDL levels:

1. Stop smoking. Cigarettes consist of many oxidants and harmful substances. Besides that, smoking alone is a major risk factor of cardiovascular disease.
2. More exercise. It is very hard to do, but still the best way to gain more HDL level. Exercise, especially the aerobic ones such as rapid walking, jogging, bike riding, for approximately 20-30 minutes per day can be an effective way to raise HDL levels. Duration of exercise is the more important factor than the intensity.
3. Gain normal weight. Obesity is a minor risk factor for cardiovascular disease because it tends to raise LDL levels and reduce HDL levels. Reducing weight can increase HDL levels for you who are in obesity. Important to know that if you have an excess weight especially in abdominal area, you have to pay attention to that. Calculate your waist to hip ratio is important when determining whether you want to concentrate on weight loss.
4. Alcohol. One or two drinks per day, especially red wines, can significantly raise HDL levels. Some studies conclude that red wine gives many advantages such as reduction in triglyceride levels and increase HDL levels, in people with normal body mass index (BMI). So you must keep in mind that you should in a normal BMI first before you can gain benefits from red wine consumption.
5. No more trans fatty acids. Gradually eliminate the consumption of trans fatty acids from your diet because it can increase you LDL levels and reduce HDL levels.
6. Eat more monounsaturated fats, such as avocado, canola oil, olive oil, peanut butter because it can increase your HDL levels without increasing total cholesterol levels.
7. Eat this food to gain more HDL levels:
• Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, salmon, etc
• Calcium supplementation
• Cranberry juice
• Tomato juice
8. More fibers to your diet, such as oatmeal, vegetables, fruits, legumes, at least two servings per day. 

Drugs for raising HDL

• Statins (simvastatin, rosuvastatin) is not effective to raise HDL. It is effective to reduce LDL levels.
• Fibrates (gemfibrozil, fenofibrates) is also not effective to raise HDL. It is effective to reduce triglyceride levels.
• Nicotinic acid (niacin) seems to be the most effective in raising HDL levels. Niacin is a one of vitamin B. This drug has side effects such as flushing, itching, and flushes. Because of that, taking niacin must be supervision of a doctor.

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