Posts Tagged ‘Potassium’

What are different health benefits of Dandelions?

Dandelions are also known as Taraxacum Officinale. The meaning of the name is that it is the Official Remedy for Disorders. Dandelion is commonly known as a flower which is used in decorations but its medicinal values and health benefits are unknown. Although there are many varieties of dandelion present but the one which is most commonly used is the Taraxacum Officinale. Dandelions originate from Greece and since ancient times it is used as a very useful herb for curing many purposes. Dandelions contain components like beta carotene a great source of Vitamin A, iron, calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, Vitamin B, phosphorus, riboflavin, thiamine and proteins. Following are some useful health benefits and medicinal properties of dandelion:

- Dandelions are very nutritious and help in maintain a very good health. Dandelions contain sodium in a rich amount and therefore it is beneficial for liver problems especially the liver inflammations. There have been researches done, which indicate that the nutrition content of dandelion is excellent and is very beneficial for the human organism. The content of vitamin C and Luteolin in dandelion is good for the proper functioning of the liver and prevents liver from suffering from hemorrhage.

- Dandelions are great supplements for maintaining a healthy skin. They are used to treat many skin problems like rashes on skin, eczema, ringworms and acne. For treating these skin problems, the milk of the dandelion is used. The milk of the dandelion is alkaline in nature and has properties of an anti fungal, anti germicide and anti insecticide agent. For treating acne dandelion juice is used.

- The juice of dandelion contains properties to act like a diuretic, anti oxidant, stimulant and also a detoxifier, therefore applying the dandelion juice or the sap on the acne affected skin can cure it very effectively and quickly.

- Dandelion can be used for the treatment of cataract. For this treatment a mixture of the leaves, flowers, roots and stalks of the dandelion plant is boiled in some water for about 20 to 25 minutes and then with this water after being cooled down, wash the area surrounding your eyes. This can be done for about 5 times in a day.

- The tonic extracted from dandelions can be of great help for health. Dandelion is also helpful in increasing your appetite as it helps to stimulate your hunger and it also acts as a good remedy for the patients suffering from dyspeptic problems.

- Dandelion is very helpful in weight loss management. Dandelion helps us to excrete the extra fats stored in our urine through urination. It stimulates the urination process and therefore makes us frequently urinate and as a result all the fats stored in our urine are thrown out of the body. When the fats are removed from the body then automatically the body will lose weight. Hence dandelion is a great source of weight loss.

- Dandelion is very rich in fibers. Fibers are very essential for maintaining the cholesterol level in your body. It helps lower the cholesterol level and also helps in treating diabetes. The juice extracted from dandelion is very good for diabetic patients and it lowers the blood sugar level in a diabetic patient by maintaining a balance in insulin production. As a diuretic agent, dandelion makes the diabetic patient urinate frequently which results in the excretion of extra sugars from the body.

- Dandelions are very good for treating many heart diseases and also different types of cancers. The high content anti oxidants in dandelion help the body reduce the free radicals which cause cancer in a person.

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Acute Renal or Kidney Failure – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

When the kidney is not able to function properly, it is called acute renal or kidney failure or ARF. In acute renal failure, the kidney can stop functioning for few hours, days, weeks. The main function of kidneys is to filter and maintain electrolyte balance. When kidneys do not perform properly, the waste products are accumulated and the balance gets disturbed. Kidneys are responsible to excrete compounds with water to make urine. Kidneys help in regulating the blood pressure.

Acute renal failure is the result of body experiencing untoward like blood loss during surgery, injury or medicine overdose.
Chronic renal failure is due to long illness which affect the kidneys in long run.

CAUSES OF ACUTE KIDNEY OR RENAL FAILURE
Acute renal failure occurs when the kidney fails to push out these wastes or the everyday toxins out of the body in the form of urine.
It is caused by low blood, excess waste and enlargement pf prostrate.
- Some kidney disease.
- If the blood flow is decreased because of some kind of injury, dehydration, surgery, some illness.
- Disorder that can caused clotting in kidneys.
- Any kind of infection or injuries to kidneys.
- Any disorder of urinal tract.
- Pregnancy disorders.
- Disruption of blood flow to kidneys because of heart or liver failure, blockage of blood vessel.

SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE KIDNEY OR RENAL FAILURE
- Problem in urination.
- Tiredness.
- Weakness.
- Nausea
- Swelling in legs and feet.
- Back pain.
- Confused state of mind.
- Shortness of breath.
- Affect oxygen metabolism causing organ failure.
- Potassium levels increase because of the incapability to excrete potassium.
- Urea levels increase in blood.
- Rapid breathing.

DIAGNOSIS OF ACUTE RENAL OR KIDNEY FAILURE
- Blood tests like BUN, creatinine, and GFR are done to measure the buildup of waste products in the blood.
- Screening is done to measure electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and calcium.
- Kidney or abdominal ultrasound.
- Abdominal X-rays, abdominal CT scan, or abdominal MRI.

TREATMENT OF ACUTE RENAL OR KIDNEY FAILURE
- Prevent fluid and toxins to build up in the body.
- Follow the diet given by the doctor.
- Diet should be high in carbohydrates and low in protein, salt, and potassium.
- Dialysis may be needed if potassium levels increase.

What are different health benefits of whole peppercorns ?

Peppercorns, scientifically known as Piper nigrum, is a very popular seasoning used throughout the world. It is indispensable from our kitchen and the dinning table. Since ancient times, pepper has been used to add that extra bit of taste to food not just because of its taste but also because of it innumerable health benefits.

Peppercorn is rich in proteins and minerals like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc. Pepper is also rich in Vitamin A, B, C, E and K. Pepper also contains some amount of fats and dietary fiber. All of these components of pepper make it invaluable for maintaining good health. Some of the important reasons why pepper is a must in our diets are discussed below.

Anti inflammatory
Peppercorns have been used since ages as anti inflammatory agent. One of the commonly known health benefit of whole peppercorns is that it helps in reducing pains and is a popular medication given to cure throat infection and cough. Due to its strong and spicy taste it helps immensely in treating colds and flu.

Digestion
The presence of pepper in the food allows easy digestion and absorption of nutrients. It has been observed that pepper increases the absorption of selenium and Vitamin B and Vitamin A from food, these are essential nutrients required by the body. Moreover, easy absorption of food allows easy motility in the gastro intestinal tract. Pepper is also know for its carminative property and helps in avoiding gas or flatulence.

Cardiovascular heath
Pepper is rich in potassium, one of the various minerals found in pepper. Potassium is an essential mineral required by the body to maintain the fluid levels. Potassium helps in maintaining blood pressure and also helps in controlling the heart rate.

Blood
Pepper is also a rich source of iron which is an important mineral required to maintain hemoglobin level in blood. Deficiency of iron may lead to anemia causing breathlessness and weakness. Hemoglobin is that part of the blood which carries oxygen to different parts in the body.

Antioxidant
Pepper is a rich source of Manganese. Manganese is an essential cofactor required by the enzyme superoxide dimutase which helps in removing free radicals. Apart from manganese, peppercorns are also rich source of vitamin A and C which are again active antioxidants which in getting rid of the harmful free radicals from the body which may otherwise lead to the formation of cancer cells in the body.

Anti microbial
The pepper corns are popularly used for their antimicrobial properties. They are anti bacterial in nature which helps in getting rid of any bacterial infection in the body .Pepper also helps in removing intestinal parasites. Due to the anti inflammatory and antiseptic nature of pepper corns it is also used in dental treatment for tooth decay and gum swellings or ulcers.

Sinusitis
Pepper corns are also used in the relieving sinusitis. Peppercorns help by drying the mucus membranes and stopping the further build up of mucus thus reliving of blocked sinuses.

There are various other heath benefits of whole peppercorns which through the ages have helped in keeping health disorders at bay. Although research is being conducted to understand it further, many health claims are baser on clinical experiences rather than scientific data.