Most women around the world experience menstrual cramps from time to time. However, women experiencing frequent and severe cramps during the first days of their monthly cycle may be suffering from a condition called primary dysmenorrhea.

You’ve probably heard of menstrual cramping, but may not have heard of it called by its scientific name – dysmenorrhea. In the simplest terms, dysmenorrhea is a condition whereby a woman experiences severe and painful menstrual cramps and other pain associated with having a period. Dysmenorrhea falls into two categories: primary and secondary.

Primary dysmenorrhea often begins a couple of years after a young woman starts having a menstrual cycle and usually lasts her entire lifetime and has no obvious physical cause. The pain is severe and often happens frequently during a cycle. Doctors agree the severe pain is caused by abnormal contractions of the uterus and believe up to 90% of all women experience this condition at some point.

Why would the uterus have such abnormal contractions? Doctors believe they’re caused by a chemical imbalance. The chemicals in question – prostaglandin and arachidonic acid – actually control uterine contractions to expel the lining of the uterus during menstruation.

You may be faced with frequent severe cramping in the lower abdomen during your monthly cycle. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, lightheadedness, or headaches. Expect pains to begin as soon as menstruation begins, become worse as flow is the heaviest (first two days of the cycle), and then ease off.

If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with your gynecologist. They will be able to diagnose primary dysmenorrhea but will want to rule out other medical conditions. You can expect a pelvic exam, possibly an ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laparoscopy, or a hysteroscopy to make a proper diagnosis.

Treatment will be based on your age, overall health, and medical history. They’ll also base it on the extent of your condition, how well you tolerate medication, and how they expect the condition to progress. They will also take your preferences into consideration since you’re the one who is experiencing the problem.

They may suggest taking a prostaglandin inhibitor to help reduce pain, an oral contraceptive so you don’t ovulate, progesterone (which is a hormonal treatment), or may make recommendations to change your diet.

Women who experience primary dysmenorrhea can be in so much pain that they have to miss school or work. They are also limited to the activities they can participate in.

Primary dysmenorrhea interrupts womens’ lives more often than many women will admit. If you’re in that group and taking over-the-counter pain relievers doesn’t help, you may want to see your gynecologist. They will be able to determine the best course of treatment to ease the pain and help you experience the freedom of life without the painful symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea.

* You can also use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises when dealing with PMS. If you’re more relaxed your body will produce less cortisol – a stress hormone which may cause you to retain excess weight.

* Try acupressure to relieve headaches, bloating, and menstrual cramps. By using pressure points along the neck, abdomen, and foot you can reduce the symptoms of PMS. You can learn more about acupressure by researching it on the internet or finding someone who performs acupressure.

* Limit or eliminate alcohol. Alcohol has been shown to affect the liver, which is the body’s first line of defense in fighting viruses and bacteria. A strong liver will also allow the production of estrogen to increase, which results in premenstrual syndrome. The liver is also partially responsible for the production of prostaglandins which regulate contractions of the uterus leading to cramping.

· Herbal teas. Certain over the counter teas, such as the Yogi brand of tea, contain herbs and vitamins that can help relieve PMS.
It seems everything you do from diet and exercise to how you relax can affect your hormones. When your hormones are out of balance you may notice more symptoms associated with PMS. By improving hormonal harmony during PMS you can reduce the symptoms and feel better.

All women will have a menstrual cycle from their teen years into their 40s and later. The vast majority of women also experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Simply put, their hormones are fluctuating all over the place.

Many women want to know how to improve hormone harmony naturally during PMS. Some men may want to know, too, so they can help the women in their lives to get over this distressing and often debilitating condition.

There are several things you can do to balance your hormones naturally to avoid, or lessen the symptoms of PMS:

* Start with a low-fat, high fiber diet. Beans and lentils are great choices to add during your monthly cycle. They are rich in B vitamins, high in fiber, and provide a number of minerals your body needs.
Some people also believe they increase the level of serotonin which calms the brain. If you’re eating lower fat foods, you’re also helping your body produce less estrogen which may ease some of PMS’s symptoms – including anxiety and irritability.

* Reduce sodium in your diet, particularly if you tend to retain water. The problem is many of the foods women crave leading up to their periods are chock full of sodium. Many experts recommend limiting your sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day. Too much sodium in the diet can lead to water retention, abdominal bloating, and breast tenderness, which most women would like to avoid during this time of the month.

Onions, mushrooms, and grapefruit are all good examples of foods which can reduce water retention in the body naturally, for added comfort, less water weight gain, and less of a bloated and cramped sensation.

* Get plenty of exercise. Exercise does more than improve your general overall health. Spending 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week in an aerobic exercise increases the endorphins in your system, and this helps improve your mood.

* Take time to meditate. Meditation can help reduce tension headaches and reduce other physical complaints women generally have during PMS. If you meditate consistently you may notice a reduction in the discomfort generally felt during the time leading to menstruation.

e

Sambucus Immune System Formula is a special immune-enhancing syrup developed by well-known virologist, Dr Madeleine Mumcuoglu. The active ingredients are: Echinacea Angustifolia Root, Echinacea Purpurea, Sambucus (patented black elderberry extract), Propolis, Vitamin C and Zinc. It is produced in Israel and comes with a Kosher certification.

Sambucus Immune System Formula is a great way to support your immune system and increase your natural defenses against colds and flu especially during the winter.

Please go to www.herbalremedies.com for usage information. It is recommended after taking the product for a period of 6 to 8 weeks to take a two week break. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to talk to your doctor before using any medication, especially if you are pregnant or administering medication to your children.
Sambucol Immune System

In difficult times, more and more people are seeking calm and peace through alternative methods such as meditation. Meditation is a learning process that helps us to focus our minds and listen to our inner self.
The Rattan Meditation Chair provides maximum support during meditation. It comes with a back tall enough to sit comfortably for a long period and meditate. The chair comes with a good-size seat and thick cushion. It is made from eco-friendly rattan, with a natural cotton-covered cushion with sustainable kapok fill. The cushion is machine washable.

The chair comes in Espresso color and measures 34”W x 25.5”D x 19.5”H. The seat height is 8”.

For more information on this mediation product, go to Rattan Meditation Chair, Espresso

If you are interested in Pilates, but are not sure where to start, why not consider the Stott Pilates DVD series.

This great series has full workouts, and ones which concentrate specifically on problem areas, like your core.

They are clear and easy to follow at home, and don’t require a ton of equipment to get the most of your workout.
To see a selection of top selling Stott Pilates DVDs, click here:
Stott Pilates DVDs

The Body Purifying Food Pads are a product that stimulates circulation and is said to remove toxins existent in our bodies, such as mercury, arsenic and nickel. The pads are placed on the arch of the foot overnight for a period of initially about 30 days. After that, once every two or three weeks is enough for maintenance.

The pads contain detoxifying natural herbs including bamboo vinegar extract, Houttuynia Cordata extract (a plant that has been found to have absorption properties), Loquat Leaf extract (which promotes the secretion of body fluids), Tourmaline, Citronella, and others. All ingredients are safe to use, but it is nevertheless always advisable to speak to your doctor before using any homeopathic products.

The Body Purifying Foot Pads box includes 10 3”length x 2”wide disposable pads and adhesive sheets.
If you are curious about this product and want to find out more, go to BodyPure Detox Foot Pads – 10 Pack
—-

Ingredients:
½ medium (about 12 oz) green cabbage
1 ½ oz butter
2 leeks, chopped
1 potato, peeled and sliced
30 fl oz vegetarian stock (chicken or beef stock if preferred)
10 fl oz milk
1 ½ tbsp chopped oregano (or 1 – ¼ tsp dry oregano)
Salt and black pepper

Instructions:
Cut the half of the cabbage in two pieces and remove the core. Then cut into thick slices.

In a heavy saucepan, bring about 2 inches of lightly salted water to a boil and add the cabbage slices, cover and cook for about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

In a heavy skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped leeks gently for about 6 to 8 minutes, or until tender. Add the sliced potato and cook for another few minutes. Pour in the stock, bring to a boil and simmer for ½ hour.

Drain the cabbage, but reserve the liquid. Chop the cabbage by hand and add it with the reserved liquid to the potato and leek mixture. Cook everything for another 5 minutes and season. Remove pan from heat and add the milk and chopped oregano. Stir well, cover and set aside for about 15 minutes. Blend half of the soup in a blender and return it to the pan with the rest of the soup. Heat gently, add more seasoning if necessary and enjoy with thick slices of delicious bread.

Alternative Cures is a compilation of experience and knowledge from over 300 of America’s top doctors, herbalists, nutritionists, homeopaths and naturopaths. It is an A-Z of conditions and cures using the most effective natural home remedies.

Whether you are suffering from sinusitis, warts, acne, chronic fatigue, flu, shyness, heart disease, chapped lips or age spots, the book offers more than a 1,000 remedies to help you to combat symptoms.

The book also informs you about the benefits of alternative healing including acupressure, acupuncture, herbal therapy, flower essences, traditional Chinese medicine, breath therapy, music therapy and others. The book includes an illustrated guide to acupressure points and guidelines for safe use of remedies described in the book.
Alternative Cures: More than 1,000 of the Most Effective Natural Home Remedies

–

Septicemia

Septicemia, or bacteremia, is another illness parents will want to learn to recognize the symptoms of. It is associated with the gram-negative bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci. Symptoms include fever, chills, a rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing.

Septicemia, left untreated, may lead to organ failure or septic shock which has a mortality rate of as much as 60% among people having autoimmune problems. Patients without an autoimmune problem have a mortality rate closer to 5%.

The body has a variety of bacteria within the intestinal tract which pose no threat. However, once they enter the bloodstream, they can wreak havoc by developing into an overwhelming infection. The most common causes of septicemia include having a surgical procedure, urinary catheters, knife or bullet wound, or getting infected fecal matter into a wound.

Diagnosis of septicemia will come through a visit to the doctor where they’ll take your medical history, a physical examination, and blood tests to determine the offending infectious agent.

Treatment is normally aggressive and may vary depending upon the underlying infection, how far the septicemia has progressed, the overall health of the person, and any other disease present. Normally treatment will include antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and blood pressure medications depending upon whether low blood pressure or shock develops.

No parent wants to see their child affected by serious health conditions such as bacterial meningitis or septicemia. Unfortunately, children of all ages are affected by both of these conditions each year. Learning to recognize the symptoms of meningitis and septicemia in children will enable you to get medical treatment as soon as possible so treatment can begin and your child can begin their road to recovery.