Some natural remedies help reduce cold sore symptoms, such as pain and inflammation, even faster than more well-known drugs.
What is cold sores?
Is removing cold sores overnight possible?
67% of those under 50 worldwide have the herpes simplex virus 1 (which causes cold sores), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This means that a large part of the population has experienced the annoying blisters and stinging on the lips that it causes. Many people wonder if removing cold sores overnight is possible. And, although it usually resolves on its own in about a week, there are natural remedies that can help cold sores disappear (if not overnight) in no time.
WHAT IS COLD SORES?
Cold sores are a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) that affects the lips and surrounding areas. This virus is spread by contact with an infected person, through kissing or by sharing utensils (such as towels or lipstick).
Once the virus enters the body it remains in it and outbreaks of cold sores can appear at any time, although some people never develop symptoms of cold sores or these are so mild that they go unnoticed and in others the virus remains inactive for long periods of time.
Once the virus enters the body it remains in it and outbreaks of cold sores can appear at any time, although some people never develop symptoms of cold sores or these are so mild that they go unnoticed and in others the virus remains inactive for long periods of time.
IS REMOVING COLD SORES OVERNIGHT POSSIBLE?
Although removing cold sores overnight is not possible, in many cases it is possible to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms without resorting to antiviral drugs. These natural remedies can help you:
Garlic has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation and reduce the spread of the virus. Some studies indicate that the components of garlic, in particular thiosulfinate, have antiviral potential against the herpes simplex virus. You can apply a piece of garlic on top of the herpes for a few minutes several times a day.
Tea tree essential oil possesses antiherpetic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, in addition to speeding up the healing process of cold sores, according to some studies. To use it in case of cold sores, mix a drop of essential oil with a drop of calendula or coconut vegetable oil and apply it to the affected area several times a day.
Propolis, a substance bees use to seal cracks in their hive and protect it from bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, has antibiotic and antiviral properties and can reduce cold sore symptoms faster than one of the most commonly used drugs for this purpose, acyclovir, according to a Slovak study.
On the other hand, it’s important that you avoid touching cold sores and wash your hands frequently to prevent the virus from spreading.
To avoid the appearance of new outbreaks of cold sores, it is advisable to avoid the factors that favor them, that is, stress, exposure to the sun’s rays or fatigue.
If cold sores are very recurrent or if the symptoms are very intense, the dermatologist will tell you which is the most effective solution for you.
Vomiting blood usually implies that there is bleeding somewhere in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The causes can be diverse, but you have to consult the doctor immediately.
What is hematemesis (vomiting blood)?
What causes hematemesis (vomiting blood)?
When should you go to the doctor if you vomit blood?
Vomiting blood is very alarming, although it does not always indicate serious illness. Several causes can cause you to expel some blood through your mouth, from a gastric ulcer to an irritation in your stomach.
The color and amount of blood can give clues about the origin of the problem, but in any case, you have to go immediately to the doctor to assess it.
WHAT IS HEMATEMESIS (VOMITING BLOOD)?
The word hematemesis is formed by the prefix heat-, from the Greek haimato (blood) and the Greek word emesis (vomit), so it literally means “vomiting blood“.
Hematemesis means, therefore, vomiting blood and can be along with the contents of the stomach or blood alone. The blood can be bright red, when fresh, or brown like brown, if it has already been digested.
Hematemesis is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that there is (or has been) bleeding somewhere in the upper part of the digestive system: the esophagus, the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).
WHAT CAUSES HEMATEMESIS (VOMITING BLOOD)?
Vomiting blood can be due to several factors or diseases:
Peptic ulcer (bleeding): These are wounds (open sores) in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by an infection or continued use of certain medications, such as aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Esophagitis or gastritis: Inflammation of the lining of the esophagus or stomach can cause bleeding from the arteries below. It can occur from chronic acid reflux, excessive alcohol consumption, or continued use of medications such as aspirin and NSAIDs.
Esophageal varices: These are dilated veins in the esophagus that can bleed and cause hematemesis, especially in those who have liver diseases such as cirrhosis.
Tumors in the stomach or esophagus: Tumors (both benign and malignant) can bleed and cause hematemesis.
Liver disease: People with liver disease may have clotting disorders, which increases the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
Mallory-Weiss syndrome. It is a tear in the lining of the esophagus caused by violent vomiting, usually after drinking too much alcohol.
Gastrointestinal tract injuries: Any type of wound in the gastrointestinal tract, such as swallowing an object, suffering a blow, or even an injury after a medical procedure.
Nosebleeds or mouth bleeds: In some cases, hematemesis is not due to bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, but is due to the person swallowing blood from a nosebleed or buccal bleed.
WHEN SHOULD YOU GO TO THE DOCTOR IF YOU VOMIT BLOOD?
Vomiting blood is never normal and as we have explained, some of the causes can be serious, so it is important to go to the doctor as soon as possible to identify the origin of the blood and apply the appropriate treatment.
It is important to pay attention to the amount and color of blood in the vomit so that you can explain it well to the doctor, as it will give you clues about the origin:
When the blood is abundant and bright red in color it may indicate active internal bleeding that needs immediate attention.
If the blood is dark brown or black, it indicates that it has already been digested, so the bleeding is earlier. This may indicate that the bleeding is slower or has already stopped.
In some mild cases, in which hematemesis is caused by irritation in the stomach, it will be something punctual that will be solved only without the need for treatment. In others, however, vomiting blood must be treated immediately to avoid complications such as a decrease in the volume of blood circulating in the body (hypovolemia) or hypovolemic shock, which could be fatal.
They are called PFAS and are found around you in all kinds of household and consumer items. Children would be the most harmed.
A new study has highlighted that toilet paper may contain PFAS or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are potentially carcinogenic toxic (linked to testicular and kidney cancer). Researchers at the University of Florida say these substances would be present in toilet paper rolls from North, South and Central America, Africa and Western Europe.
Another Duke University study, published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, recently warned that PFAS are found in a variety of consumer items and in the home and are capable of damaging the kidneys, especially in children.
WHAT ARE PFAS AND HOW THEY AFFECT HEALTH
PFAS are endocrine disruptors and exposure to some of them, particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), is associated with impaired immunity, cancer, thyroid disease and other health problems. Mothers and young children may be especially vulnerable to these chemicals, which can affect reproductive and developmental health.
PFAS are not biodegradable and tend to accumulate in the human body (also in fish and land animals). According to the latest research, these PFAS are already present in U.S. wastewater and have arrived there directly from cosmetics, textiles, food packaging, and other sources.
Once inside the body, they arrive with the blood to the kidneys, purifying organs very sensitive to toxic compounds. “It’s critical to understand how these substances might contribute to kidney disease,” said Stanifer, an author of the Duke University study.
Stanifer’s team reviewed 74 studies on PFAS and determined that they were associated with worsening kidney function. They found that there are several ways in which these substances can harm them.
WHERE ARE THE PFAS
The man-made substances and pollutants that have set off alarms are called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). These toxic compounds are ubiquitous around us:
They are found in the air we breathe
In purified water
In food wrappers (such as microwave popcorn bags)
In personal hygiene products such as shampoos, dental floss, nail polish or makeup
In fabrics with anti-stain or water-repellent treatments (such as Gore-Tex and other waterproof fabrics)
In nonstick pans and pots (such as Teflon)
In polishers, waxes, paints, household cleaning products and fire extinguishers.
On toilet paper, according to the latest research.
HOW TO AVOID PFAS
To avoid all these substances, you can:
Choose cosmetics and household hygiene products with organic certification
Give up processed foods that come in plastic wrappers.
Wear garments made of natural materials, preferably with the GOTS seal (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Use iron or steel kitchen utensils without non-stick coverings.
TEFLON’S PFOA ALTERNATIVE, GENX, IS ALSO HARMFUL
Researchers wanted to draw special attention to one of these harmful compounds whose use is multiplying, GenX.
This component has been developed by Chemours, a subsidiary of DuPont, to replace PFOA – a PFAS invented 50 years ago by DuPont – in the manufacture of nonstick surfaces similar to Teflon.
Research on the negative effects of PFOA was piling up and with it its image worsened. But the alternative, GenX, isn’t safe either.
There is a cordyceps that can zombify ants to reach its goal. But there are also other species of cordyceps with medicinal properties that can be found in herbalists.
Cordyceps fungus: what it is and how it creates zombie ants
Cordyceps fungus: what it is used for in medicine
In the series The Last of Us, which airs on the HBO platform, a contagious fungus penetrates people’s bodies and takes over their will, turning them into cannibalistic creatures.
The idea was already in the video game created by the company Naughty Dog for the PlayStation console in 2013, on which the HBO series is based. Writer and screenwriter Neil Druckman came up with the idea that the fungus was a strain of cordyceps, a genus that actually exists.
In fiction, cordyceps can infect humans and turn them into zombies. In reality, most cordyceps infect and parasitize insects and arthropods but not humans. Some are parasites of other fungi.
CORDYCEPS FUNGUS:Â WHAT IT IS AND HOW IT CREATES ZOMBIE ANTS
Most cordyceps strains do nothing but infect insects and arthropods, feeding on their tissues until they kill them. But one strain in particular, Cordyceps unilateralis (also called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis) was the one that inspired Druckman for its amazing life cycle: this fungus penetrates the ant Camponotus leonardi, which inhabits the treetops of the rainforest and somehow manages to control its nervous system.
First it causes convulsions, so that the ant falls from the tree to the ground. A few days later, at noon, he makes it climb to the highest part of a plant (up to about 25 cm in height, optimal for the objective of the fungus), where it bites with an abnormal force the ribbing of a leaf and dies. Then the fungus continues to develop, strengthens the exoskeleton of the ant to protect itself, until a few days later it comes out of the head to release its spores and reach as far as possible … The process takes 4 to 10 days and occurs in habitats in Thailand, Southeast Asian islands, Brazil, Japan, and the states of South Carolina and Florida in the United States.
How the fungus manages to control the behavior of the ant with absolute precision is a mystery, but it is believed that two substances secreted by cordyceps, sphingosine or guanidinobutyric acid, and hypoxanthine are involved.
Fortunately, it is not possible for Cordyceps unilateralis to infect a mammal, thanks to our body temperature, among other things. But in the first chapter of The Last of Us, a scientist explains that climate change can cause adaptive mutations in fungi. This is true, but at the moment, no real scientist is very concerned about that possibility.
CORDYCEPS FUNGUS: WHAT IT IS USED FOR IN MEDICINE
The truth is that there are other species of cordyceps much more benevolent. Not with insects, because they also parasitize them without controlling their behavior, but they have properties that have made them natural medicines, which can be found in any herbalist.
Traditional medicines in China and Tibet use Cordyceps sinensis (also called Ophiocordyceps sinensis or Sphaeria sinensis). This fungus is found in the mountainous regions of Tibet and Nepal. It parasitizes larvae of the moth Hepialus armoricanus Oberthuer, in whose bosom it produces the fruiting body, a dark brown stem of a few centimeters, which comes out of the earth in an upright position.
The body of the caterpillar fungus is collected by hand in the forests and is highly valued as medicine and as an aphrodisiac. Demand makes the product scarce, but there are lab-grown cordyceps (Cordyceps militaries), which are used to make commercial supplements.
Laboratory studies show that cordyceps is able to stimulate the number and activity of immune cells. It could also stimulate the production of progesterone and protect the kidneys from the toxic effects of cyclosporine (an immunosuppressive drug), among other properties.
In article 8 beneficial properties for the health of the cordyceps fungus we explain in more detail the indications and how this natural remedy is consumed.
When opting for one or another natural therapy, many people do not know what to do, because the information about them is usually confusing and limited.
Main natural medicines and alternative therapies
How to choose the specialist that suits us
Test to choose the right therapy
How to choose the most suitable specialist
What if the therapy I choose doesn’t work?
Official medicine proposes to go to the family doctor before any relevant symptom to attend to the patient or refer him to a specialist. Treatment may vary depending on the doctor’s knowledge and experience. However, many times the patient decides to complement this treatment with a natural therapy.
It is convenient in that case to know how to choose well the therapy that can best help you. The mere act of choosing implies that you are participating in your own healing and also means that if one treatment does not work it is possible that another will be effective.
But when you can choose there is a risk of not getting it right, and natural therapies, many of which are not officially recognized in our country, can lead to confusion. We tell you what types of natural therapy exist and when they are convenient.
MAIN NATURAL MEDICINES AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Often the patient already has a diagnosis and wishes to receive one of the many natural treatments available. So, it is normal to ask which is the most effective, but the truth is relative: often the same therapy that helps a person does not achieve anything with another who suffers from a similar problem. It is necessary to assume that the decision is personal and that there are no guarantees.
To get it right, it is advisable to gather as much information as possible about the disease and about the therapies that are of interest. Family, friends, patient associations, books and the internet help in the search.
The important thing not to get lost is not to follow a single clue no matter how well-intentioned or reliable it may seem. You have to look for different, even contradictory, opinions to finally form a personal criterion.
Hopefully we will conclude that for our health problem there are one, two or three therapies that have been shown to be effective with quite a few patients. It may even be appropriate to perform a combined treatment of several therapies.
Personal inclinations also play a role. To treat the same health problem, some people rely on improving nutrition or physical manipulations, others on psychological work and others on harmonizing the different energy levels (acupuncture, reiki …).
It is advisable to be informed about the theoretical basis of therapies, even if it implies an effort of understanding. It is important to be open to other points of view and above all to take into account the results.
Currently we speak of “evidence medicine”: a treatment is valid if it is effective, regardless of whether or not its mechanisms of action are understood, something frequent for example in the case of homeopathy.
Not surprisingly, a patient receives diagnoses in different “languages”: hypothyroidism, stagnant chime in the spleen, or excess hapha may be describing the same problem, in the words of an endocrinologist, acupuncturist, or Ayurveda expert respectively.
Although every therapy is prepared to deal with a wide variety of disorders, it is logical that each one achieves more success with specific problems. The combination of personal preferences and efficacy data is the key to making a good choice.
As a general rule, if you believe that a problem may have an emotional or nervous origin, you can find effective help with homeopathy, different psychotherapies or even Bach flowers.
If, on the other hand, the problem seems essentially physical, you can go to osteopathy, chiropractic or oriental massages.
After trying a first option, the therapist may indicate another therapy that could help complete the treatment.
But when you can choose there is a risk of not getting it right, and natural therapies, many of which are not officially recognized in our country, can lead to confusion. We tell you what types of natural therapy exist and when they are convenient.
MAIN NATURAL MEDICINES AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
Often the patient already has a diagnosis and wishes to receive one of the many natural treatments available. So, it is normal to ask which is the most effective, but the truth is relative: often the same therapy that helps a person does not achieve anything with another who suffers from a similar problem. It is necessary to assume that the decision is personal and that there are no guarantees.
To get it right, it is advisable to gather as much information as possible about the disease and about the therapies that are of interest. Family, friends, patient associations, books and the internet help in the search.
The important thing not to get lost is not to follow a single clue no matter how well-intentioned or reliable it may seem. You have to look for different, even contradictory, opinions to finally form a personal criterion.
Hopefully we will conclude that for our health problem there are one, two or three therapies that have been shown to be effective with quite a few patients. It may even be appropriate to perform a combined treatment of several therapies.
Personal inclinations also play a role. To treat the same health problem, some people rely on improving nutrition or physical manipulations, others on psychological work and others on harmonizing the different energy levels (acupuncture, reiki …).
It is advisable to be informed about the theoretical basis of therapies, even if it implies an effort of understanding. It is important to be open to other points of view and above all to take into account the results.
Currently we speak of “evidence medicine”: a treatment is valid if it is effective, regardless of whether or not its mechanisms of action are understood, something frequent for example in the case of homeopathy.
Not surprisingly, a patient receives diagnoses in different “languages”: hypothyroidism, stagnant chime in the spleen, or excess hapha may be describing the same problem, in the words of an endocrinologist, acupuncturist, or Ayurveda expert respectively.
Although every therapy is prepared to deal with a wide variety of disorders, it is logical that each one achieves more success with specific problems. The combination of personal preferences and efficacy data is the key to making a good choice.
As a general rule, if you believe that a problem may have an emotional or nervous origin, you can find effective help with homeopathy, different psychotherapies or even Bach flowers.
If, on the other hand, the problem seems essentially physical, you can go to osteopathy, chiropractic or oriental massages.
After trying a first option, the therapist may indicate another therapy that could help complete the treatment.
DIET THERAPY AND ORTHOMOLECULAR NUTRITION
WHAT IS DIET THERAPY
Diet is one of the most important factors in maintaining psychophysical balance. Nutrients and foods (vitamins, minerals, fatty acids…) can be used to cure.
SESSIONS
The duration of treatment depends closely on the problem and the patient: between a few days and a lifetime.
The treatment of homeopathy takes into account individual characteristics including fears and mood conflicts that favor the disease. The goal is to stimulate the healing power of the body.
SESSIONS
The first visit can last more than an hour. Depending on the results, the treatment is adjusted, whose duration is very variable depending on the person and their ailment.
MAIN INDICATIONS
All kinds of diseases, including psychosomatic: digestive, allergies, asthma, anxiety…
ACUPUNCTURE
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture consists of inserting very fine needles at exact points to restore the correct flow of vital energy in the different organs and body meridians.
SESSIONS
A session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. From 3 to 20 sessions are necessary. The improvement is usually noticed in a few sessions.
MAIN INDICATIONS
All kinds of ailments (digestive, nervous …); Pain from any cause.
CHINESE PHYTOTHERAPY
WHAT IS PHYTOTHERAPY?
Phytotherapy: the combinations of Chinese plants regulate the yin and yang of the various organs and together with the diet reinforce the effect of acupuncture.
SESSIONS
As prescribed by the expert in traditional Chinese medicine. Compound formulas are more common than simple plants.
MAIN INDICATIONS
All kinds of ailments: digestive, nervous …, migraines, ringing in the ears.
AYURVEDA
WHAT IS AYURVEDA
Ayurveda: Personalized medicine based on the predominance of one of the three humors (doshas), including diet, massages and psychophysical exercises.
SESSIONS
They vary greatly depending on the complexity of the problem. In a few weeks improvement should be observed.
Reflex therapy: The sole of the foot can act as a mirror of the whole organism. Pressing specific points can affect internal organs.
Sessions
The sessions last between half an hour and an hour and the effects can be seen immediately.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Painful disorders and alterations in muscle tone (constipation, asthma…)
OSTEOPATHY
WHAT IS OSTEOPATHY
Osteopathy: The manipulation of bones, muscles and connective tissue serves to restore harmony between the various organs and systems of the body.
SESSIONS
The session lasts 45 minutes and is done at 14-day intervals. In very few sessions the improvement is usually appreciated.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Post-traumatic pain, back pain, joint problems, migraines, asthma.
CHIROPRACTIC
WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic: Precise manipulations of the spine free the nervous system and thereby promote overall health.
SESSIONS
The sessions last 45 minutes. An average of six sessions are performed. although they may vary depending on the problem.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Back pain, dizziness, digestive and menstrual problems, allergies.
RPG OR GLOBAL POSTURAL RE-EDUCATION
WHAT IS GLOBAL POSTURAL RE-EDUCATION OR RPG
RPG: After analyzing the patient’s body posture and movements, the pathological compensations in the muscle chains that are at the origin of the symptoms are corrected.
SESSIONS
There are weekly sessions of one hour (between 6 and 10 sessions for a general restructuring), plus personalized exercises at home.
Cranio-sacral therapy: Gentle manipulation of the skull and sacrum to restore the correct rhythmic impulse of the cerebrospinal fluid.
SESSIONS
The session lasts about an hour. In two sessions many problems are solved.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Back or joint pain, anxiety, stress, osteoarthritis, blows, falls.
SHIATSU
WHAT IS SHIATSU
Shiatsu: It means finger pressure. It is a massage that stimulates key points from which you can influence the flow of energy and energetically affect the various organs.
SESSIONS
If chronic, sessions take place once a week for a season. If it is acute, every other day. The effect is noticeable in very few sessions.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Back, muscle, or headache pain. Digestive and liver problems. Stress and nervousness.
CONVENTIONAL MASSAGE
WHAT IS CONVENTIONAL MASSAGE?
The hydromassage, gentle or deep, of the muscles strengthens all the systems of the organism and relieves specific problems.
SESSIONS
The duration of treatment depends on the problem, but the effects begin to be noticed after the first session.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Muscle pain, stress, functional recovery.
YOGA
WHAT IS YOGA
Yoga: Millennial discipline that combines static postures, diet, breathing techniques and meditation to achieve physical and mental well-being.
SESSIONS
Although yoga can be learned by oneself, at first it is advisable to follow the teachings of a teacher. Classes last approximately one hour.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Lack of vitality. back problems, stress, lack of concentration, poor flexibility.
RELAXATION
WHAT ARE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Relaxation techniques (sophrology, autogenic training) reverse the processes triggered by stress and bring peace of mind.
SESSIONS
It is part of the treatments prescribed by naturopaths and psychotherapists, but also by conventional medicine.
Bach flowers: The elixirs obtained from certain flowers attenuate fears and improve emotional balance, which indirectly affects health.
SESSIONS
At first it is preferable to follow the recipe of a floral therapist. Then it is possible to experiment for oneself.
MAIN INDICATIONS
Fears and insecurities, emotional problems.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE SPECIALIST THAT SUITS US
For the choice of “general practitioner” it is necessary to take into account what it offers and if it adapts to the tastes and preferences of the patient.
A conventional doctor has at his disposal a large number of objective and technology-based diagnostic methods, from blood and urine tests to x-rays, biopsies or MRIs.
In addition, their decisions are usually based on protocols that have the support of the scientific community.
As for treatment, it is usually focused on the suppression of symptoms and for this it uses medications that may present undesirable side effects.
However, conventional solutions are often the best, especially in severe cases requiring surgical or technological interventions.
The naturopathic doctor has at his disposal the same means for diagnosis, in addition to others such as iridology, kinesiology or bio resonance, but gives more importance to the patient’s lifestyle.
If the doctor is homeopathic, he is especially interested in his type of psychophysical constitution and to define it he performs an extensive questionnaire that goes far beyond the symptoms presented by the patient, looking for the factors that most destabilize him, whether emotional or coming from the environment.
The traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic or Tibetan doctor observes the state of the energies that govern the body and mind of his patient. To do this, he resorts to the interview, to the observation of the general appearance and of certain areas of the body or to the subtle taking of the pulses.
The therapist may use one or more of the therapies that constitute traditional Chinese medicine, such as phytotherapy, acupuncture or tuna massage.
Schematizing, it can be said that the naturist, the homeopath and the traditional oriental doctor observe the sick person globally and that the conventional doctor diagnoses the disease.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE MOST SUITABLE SPECIALIST
Most of the keys to a good choice have to do with the patient.
In the first place, you may have more or less information about what happens to you and this conditions which should be the professional to whom you should go.
For example, if you are in the phase where you have noticed discomfort that you had not experienced before and do not suspect what its origin may be, it is best to go to a professional with very extensive knowledge and who is trained to make a reliable diagnosis. It is highly recommended that you have a university degree and that you are collegiate.
You can practice one of the great medical systems, that is, you can be a conventional doctor, a naturopathic doctor, a homeopathic doctor or an expert in Chinese medicine.
These are the great global conceptions, although there are therapists with other types of training who also consider themselves capable of making a diagnosis.
Once the therapy is chosen, the selection of the professional is a crucial step because it is often more decisive for the healing of the therapist than the therapy, and this is true for both natural and conventional medicine.
Ideally, it should be a person with academic training, who if he presents himself as a doctor must be a university student. The names of well-known educational establishments give more confidence than foreigners with a bombastic name.
It is not uncommon to find naturopaths who do not master English but who exhibit degrees from British or American centers; However, some foreign diplomas endorse a serious training that cannot or could not be found in our country, frequent case in osteopathy, chiropractic or RPG.
The recommendation of a relative, a friend, a person related to the health world or, better yet, people who have been treated by the therapist, may be the best guarantee.
Humility, ability to listen, tolerance towards the patient’s opinions and towards other therapeutic options are positive traits in a healthcare professional.
On the other hand, the absence of reliable titration, the scarce variety in treatments or announcing the cure, sometimes without even having examined the sick or when others have failed, are precautionary reasons.
The first visit is the key moment. Do not hesitate to ask all the precise questions about the diagnosis, the justification of the treatment, its duration and cost.
Trust in the therapist and his methods is an important factor. Before that person you have to feel safe and cared for enough to entrust him with painful and intimate aspects, often related to the disease.
According to a study conducted by Truax and Car huff, the most effective therapist is the one who establishes a relationship with his patient based on empathy and respect. It is only justified for the patient to leave the consultation troubled when the therapist is forced to address an inner conflict that he is avoiding and that may be the cause of his ills.
Anyway, a good therapist should never cause guilt. On the other hand, it must reinforce the responsibility of the patient, decisive when it comes to healing or, at least, living constructively with the disease.
WHAT IF THE THERAPY I CHOOSE DOESN’T WORK?
It is possible that the first choice of doctor is the definitive one because the chosen one initiates a satisfactory treatment or that it becomes a guide to other therapies.
The experience of many patients shows that conventional doctors do not usually show understanding towards treatments with natural therapies. However, every day there are more doctors with an open mind.
On the other hand, naturopathic doctors and homeopaths usually know the different natural treatments and may recommend consultation with another therapist.
In the event of back pain, for example, they will prescribe their remedies and may also suggest that you visit an osteopath, a chiropractor or a specialist in relaxation techniques.
It is easier for this to happen when several professionals work in the same health center. It is also your obligation to direct your patient to conventional medicine when this is the best option.
pH balance plays an important role in the functioning of our body. Find out what the optimal levels are and why they may be altered.
What is pH
Acidic pH, neutral pH, or alkaline pH
What is water pH?
What is pH in the human body?
What is skin pH?
What is vaginal pH?
You may remember the concept of pH from high school biology classes or have heard it countless times in cosmetic advertising, but do you really know what pH is and why keeping it at proper levels is so important for health?
WHAT IS PH
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is.
The acronym pH stands for hydrogen potential or weight and indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions: the more hydrogen ion activity there is, the more acidity there will be.
ACIDIC PH, NEUTRAL PH, OR ALKALINE PH
The pH is expressed in a range from 0 to 14:
A pH of 7 is considered neutral. That is, neither acidic nor alkaline.
A pH below 7 indicates that there is acidity.
A pH higher than 7 indicates alkalinity.
pH is a logarithmic factor and each figure indicates a 10-fold difference in the acidity or alkalinity of the substance. Thus, a pH of 5 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 6.
WHAT IS WATER PH?
Pure water is neutral (i.e., it is neither acidic nor alkaline), which corresponds to a pH of 7. However, a pH of between 6.5 and 8.5 is usually considered acceptable for drinking water.
pH is an important parameter for assessing water quality: water that is too acidic, when ingested, can adversely affect health.
WHAT IS PH IN THE HUMAN BODY?
The human body does not have a single pH, but varies greatly between different organs and fluids so that each can fulfill its function. For example:
The pH of the blood (which is what is usually considered when talking about the pH of the body) is between 7.35 and 7.45, slightly alkaline. This level is ideal for many biological processes, such as blood oxygenation.
The pH of the stomach is between 1.35 and 3.5. It is very acidic so that it can digest food and eliminate any germs that enter the stomach. In this video you can see a trick to check the acidity of your stomach.
The pH of urine can range from 4.6 to 8.
The pH of saliva is between 6.5 and 7.5.
Maintaining the proper pH in each of the organs and fluids is important for the body to function well and our body has systems to regulate pH levels through the kidneys, lungs, certain molecules, etc.
Abnormalities in the pH of the blood can be a sign of various diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart, lung or kidney problems, infections or poisoning. They can be of two types:
Acidosis occurs when the pH of the blood is below 7.35 (too acidic)
Alkalosis, on the other hand, is when the pH of the blood is higher than 7.45 (too alkaline).
WHAT IS SKIN PH?
Maintaining an adequate skin pH protects the skin from infections and external aggressions. The advertising of many gels and cosmetics speaks of a neutral pH as the most suitable for the skin, but this is far from true.
As we have said, the neutral pH is 7, but our skin is more acidic: it has a pH of 4.7.
This is because the skin is covered with an acid mantle (mixture of water and lipids), which gives it the necessary acidity so that it can exercise its barrier function against infections and external aggressors. Using products with a pH higher than 4.7 can alter the skin’s microbiome and affect its protective function.
It should also be borne in mind that external factors such as pollution or water increase the pH of the skin.
WHAT IS VAGINAL PH?
Normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 5.0, which means it is acidic. However, it depends on age: while in women of childbearing age the pH ranges between 4 and 4.5, this value can be higher than 4.5 before puberty and after menopause.
When we have the period, the acidity of the vaginal pH decreases, which can be between 6.8 and 7.2.
The vaginal microbiota is made up of different types of healthy bacteria that produce acid. In addition, vaginal fluid, which prevents dryness and maintains the chemical balance of the vagina, also contains acids.
Vaginal pH has many implications for women’s health and can be a useful tool for diagnosing and preventing disease. In addition, maintaining vaginal pH balance is important for healthy pregnancies.
There are many factors that can cause changes or imbalances in vaginal pH, such as infections, vaginal hydration level, sexual activity, or douching.
