MANAGING HIGH CHOLESTEROL WITH HOMOEOPATHY

Cholesterol plays a vital role in getting cardiac diseases with more prevalence. Maintaining healthy Cardio vascular system is a significant part of maintaining good quality of life. Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that the body needs to function normally. Cholesterol is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. The body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat. Our body takes only a small amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet these needs. If a person has too much cholesterol in the bloodstream, the excess may be deposited in arteries especially the coronary arteries of the heart.

Cholesterol deposits are a component of the plaques that cause narrowing and blockage of the coronary arteries, producing ischemic heart disorders. Cholesterol plaques can rupture, resulting in a blood clot formation that completely blocks the artery, stopping all blood flow and causing a heart attack, in which heart muscle cells die from lack of oxygen and nutrients. Being insoluble in blood, Cholesterol is carried in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins. A lipoprotein is any complex or compound containing both lipid (fat) and protein. The three main types are:

·        LDL (low density lipoprotein) – also named as bad cholesterol, because of its bad effect on the heart. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to cells. If too much is carried, too much for the cells to use, there can be a harmful rise of LDL. This lipoprotein can increase the risk of arterial disease by getting deposited on the walls of the arteries and makes blood vessels hard and narrow, if levels rise too high.

·        HDL (high density lipoprotein) – also known as good cholesterol, because of its good effect on the heart. Experts say HDL prevents arterial disease. HDL does the opposite of LDL - HDL takes the cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. In the liver it is either broken down or expelled from the body as waste.

·        VLDL cholesterol (very low density lipoprotein) is the highest amount of triglycerides and is the smallest mass of lipoproteins produced by the liver from carbohydrates. Then it is carried to other tissues for storage.

·        Triglycerides - these are the chemical forms in which most fat exists in the body, as well as in food. They are present in blood plasma. Triglycerides, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids (blood fat). Triglycerides in plasma originate either from fats in our food, or are made in the body from other energy sources, such as carbohydrates. Calories we consume but are not used immediately by our tissues are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. When your body needs energy and there is no food as an energy source, triglycerides will be released from fat cells and used as energy - hormones control this process.

·        Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL + HDL + VLDL.

High cholesterol Causes:

·        High cholesterol is typically due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

·        High cholesterol is often found to run in families. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited form of high cholesterol that may lead to early heart disease.

·        Environmental factors include: Obesity and dietary choices.

·        Smoking and sedentary lifestyle can also raise cholesterol levels.

·        Diet has an important effect on blood cholesterol but the size of this effect varies substantially between individuals. Food rich in saturated fats like meat, chicken, eggs, oil, etc. will raise LDL cholesterol levels.

·        Secondary causes includes Diabetes mellitus type 2, obesity, nephrotic syndrome, obstructive jaundice, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, anorexia nervosa etc..

·        Altered Oestrogen levels may increase LDL Cholesterol levels in women during Pregnancy and Post-menopausal.

·        Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle, lead to high blood pressure, and raise triglyceride levels.

·        Several studies have shown that mental stress raises blood cholesterol levels over the long term.

·        Medications like thiazide diuretics, ciclosporin, glucocorticoids, beta blockers, retinoic acid

Symptoms:

High cholesterol is a risk factor for other illnesses and by itself does not cause symptoms. Routine screening blood tests may reveal elevate cholesterol levels in the blood. The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines suggest that everyone aged 20 years and older should have their blood cholesterol level measured at least once every 5 years. It is best to have a blood test called a lipid profile to find out cholesterol numbers.

Blood test interpretation

·        Total cholesterol levels: Desirable - Less than 200 mg/dL, Borderline high risk - 200-239 mg/dL, High risk - 240 and over.

·        HDL levels: High risk - Less than 40 mg/dL in male, less than 50 mg/dL in female.

·        LDL levels: Optimal - Less than 100 mg/dL, Near optimal/above optimal - 100-129 mg/dL, Borderline high risk - 130-159 mg/dL, High risk -  160- 189 mg/dL, Very high risk - 190 mg/dL and above.

·         Triglycerides levels: Normal - Less than 150 mg/dL, Borderline to high - 150-199 mg/dL, High - 200-499mg/dL. Very high - Above 500 mg/dL

MANAGEMENT

Dietary Recommendations

Ø  Eat a diet low in fat – Reduce fat intake to not more than 30 percent of total calories a day. Reduce intake of saturated fatty acids it boosts blood cholesterol levels more than anything else we consumes. Reduce the amount of salt fats intake to less than 10 percent of total daily calories

Ø  Reduce high cholesterol foods like meat, cakes, pastries, cookies, nuts, milk products, butter, ghee, sugary and fried foods. Take less than 7% of daily caloric intake

Ø  Low sodium diet – Healthy normal adults are advised to consume not m ore than 2,400 mg of sodium daily.

Ø  Eat more fiber, fruits and vegetables- Oatmeal, oat bran, rice, wheat bran and beans may help lower blood cholesterol levels. Fiber rich food may help to take cholesterol away before it can be absorbed into blood stream. Fruits and vegetables like oranges, bananas, potatoes and tomatoes supply a lot of potassium which may elp control blood pressure.

Ø  Choose good fats such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Ø  Fenugreek seeds can decrease LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and increase HDL cholesterol levels. This is due to the high fiber content of the seed and its effect on reducing intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Using garlic in food is considered as traditional medicine for controlling cholesterol.

Ø  People with higher triglycerides may benefit from a diet that is higher in monounsaturated fat and lower in carbohydrates, particularly simple sugars. A common source of monounsaturated fat is olive oil.

Ø  Although exercise has little effect on LDL, aerobic exercise may improve insulin sensitivity, HDL, and triglyceride levels and may thus reduce the risk of heart disease. People who exercise and control their diet appear to be more successful with long-term lifestyle modifications that improve their heart risk profile

Ø  Moderate (1-2 drinks daily) alcohol intake increases HDL (good) cholesterol but does not lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver and heart muscle, lead to high blood pressure, and raise triglyceride levels. Because of the risks, alcoholic beverages should not be used as a way to prevent heart disease.

Ø  Quit Smoking – Smoking may lower HDL cholesterol and seems to increase blood pressure level soon

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

In Homoeopathy, medicines are highly individualized to the patient and this will help a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which a patient is suffering. High blood cholesterol is supposed to be a constitutional disease, so treatment also should be constitutional. Normal levels can be absolutely attained and maintained if Homoeopathic treatment is started earlier. . In Homoeopathy, medicines are highly individualized to the patient and this will help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise HDL cholesterol, inhibit the formation of plaque, lower high blood pressure, detoxify the body and also enhance immunity system. Homoeopathic remedies can help maintain cardiovascular function and a healthier circulatory system.

Following remedies are quite helpful to treat the symptoms and condition related to abnormal cholesterol level: Baryta Mur, Aurum Mur, Plumbum Iod, Baryta Iod, Crataegus, Thiosinaminum, Natrum Iod, Strontium Carb, Vanadium, Aurum Met, Aurum Iod and many other medicines. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person.

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Fel tauri	It is an effective remedy in the treatment of high blood cholesterol. It treats a sluggish liver. It eliminates fat.
Nux vomica	It removes liver toxicity. It treats indigestion caused by alcohol or food abuse. The patient awakes at 3 a.m.
Berberis vul	It is an excellent stimulant and drainer for the kidneys. The patient leads a sedentary lifestyle and has a big appetite.
Chelidonium	treats hepatic disorders. Recommended for fatty liver degeneration.
Veratum album	treats hypercholesterolemia.
Cholesterinum	stops the degeneration of arterial walls. It treats an enlarged liver and gallstone colic.
Curcuma	drains the liver and cholesterol deposits
Arsenicum album	is indicated for insomnia after a big meal. The person wakes up between 3 and 5 a.m., feels drowsy during the day.
Uranium nitricum	treats high cholesterol with diabetes.
Romarinus officinalis	indicated for high triglycerides.
Prunus amygdalus	indicated for high triglycerides.
Psorinum	is a constitutional remedy. It detoxifies toxins in a weak individual who eliminates toxins poorly.
Adonis Vernalis	Indicated if the muscles of the heart are in the stage of fatty degeneration, regulates the pulse and increase the power of contractions of the heart, with increase urinary secretions. Weak heart, slow/weak pulses and low vitality.

Hence to have a low risk of heart disease, by maintaining normal cholesterol levels, good cardiovascular function and a healthy circulatory system consider Constitutional Homoeopathic treatment along with certain lifestyle changes.

PREMATURE GREYING OF HAIR

FEED YOUR HAIR AND LOOK GORGEOUS -

HAIR CARE MANAGEMENT FOR PREMATURE GREYING OF HAIR 

                                                                            

Homoeopathy is considered as one of the very best alternative system for treating premature grey hair. Premature greying of hair, also known as canities, can have a negative effects on appearance, confidence, self-esteem, and social acceptance of the affected individual. Grey hair is becoming common nowadays and no one are able to get rid of this. Through the natural process of greying of hair is observed for long, however, these days this phenomenon is becoming more common in earlier ages and even in teenagers its frequency is increasing at an alarming rate. Premature greying of hair is characterized by circumscribed or general lack or loss of normal pigment. It is also called as blanching of hair, grey hair, poliosis and whiteness of the hair Greying of hair is due to the gradual loss of the melanocytes pigment – melanin. In white hairs the melanocytes are absent. This is largely determined by heredity factors, hyperthyroidism and some autoimmune diseases. It affects all populations indiscriminately and almost all age groups and gender, men, women, teenagers and even children too.

Hair is almost like a social status for both men and women, and also children. It is society’s expectation that you will have a head of hair! Hair states ones personality and adds additional beauty t is a statement about yourself, how you have your hair. Women who desire to be beautiful almost always start with their hair. There’s nothing more stunning than long, shiny, healthy hair! Elegant and versatile, long hair gives women many options when it comes to styling and creating new looks. Even though the hair is a dead tissue, it suffers from numerous hazards mirroring hair problems. Everyone who desire to be beautiful and takes hair care should understand the basics of hair.

Causes

The causes of grey hair is still a debate and new research insights are being harvested to reach a final conclusion to find proper cause of this condition. Genetics, vitamins, habits of smoking and lack of proper diet are responsible for grey hair causes.

A 2016 study reported in the International Journal of Trichology looked to factors related to premature greying in young Indians under 25 years of age. It found low levels of serum ferritin, which stores iron in the body, vitamin B- 12, and the good cholesterol HDL-C were common in participants with premature hair greying.

Heredity play’s an important role - Genetic history is the main contributing factor the offspring is more prone to have grey hair earlier in life if its parent has the grey hair at early ages. Only not that the scientists discovered that our hair turns grey if the overload of melanin and hydrogen peroxide is found in the body genetically.

Mental Stress and anxiety may also lead to premature greying - If a person is exposed to mental tension and stress constantly for long time, it disturb the supply of vital nutrition to scalp, which play a vital role for healthy scalp and hairs. Chronic sinusitis, cold and cough can lead’s to premature greying of hair. One study from New York University, reported in Nature Medicine, finds that the cells responsible for hair colour can be depleted when the body is under stress.

Unhealthy diet which lacks important vitamins and nutrients will leads to premature greying of hair and also hair loss. Vitamin and minerals, especially vitamin B12, zinc and copper are responsible for the proper nourishment of the hair that assists metabolic processes involved in giving hair its natural colour and deficiency of these vitamins and minerals affects the hair colour. If the body is suffering from the lacks of vitamin C and E, then the hair turns into grey very normally. Diet especially junk foods or processed food accelerate aging by increasing the oxidative stress and deposition of Advanced Glycation End products which accelerates aging and results in loss of hair colours.

Exposure to harsh chemicals and use of electric dryers and hair dyes.

Smoking is also one of the factors which is responsible for premature greying of hair. A study from 2013 reported in the Italian Dermatology Online Journal, shows that smokers are 2 1/2 times more likely to start greying before age 30 as non-smokers. A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology also demonstrated that smoking is linked to premature white hair in young men.

Few patient complains of premature greying of hair along with thinning during or after pregnancy.

Some medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, may increase a person's risk for greying early. In fact, research published in 2008 showed a connection between hair abnormalities and thyroid dysfunction. White hair is also common in alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin condition that causes hair loss on the scalp, face and other parts of the body. When the hair grows back, it tends to be white due to melanin deficiency.

MANAGEMENT

These are some tips to Prevention and reversing premature white hair:

If genetics or aging is the cause for grey hair then we have very limited source can prevent or reverse the process. However, treating greying hair could allow colour pigmentation to return if the loss is due to a medical condition.

When diet and vitamin deficiencies are the cause of prematurely white hair, correcting these may reverse the problem or stop it from worsening.

·         Eating more antioxidants - A person's diet plays a part in preventing white hair. A diet rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress. Antioxidant-rich foods include: fresh fruits and vegetables, green tea, olive oil & fish

·         Correcting deficiencies – If white hair resulting from a vitamin deficiency then should consume more foods loaded with those vitamins. For example, seafood, eggs, and meats are good sources of vitamin B-12, and milk, salmon, and cheese are excellent sources of vitamin D. Vitamin supplements that are available over the counter can also correct deficiencies.

·         Quit Smoking - it has adverse effects on the body and contributes to white hair. And researchers have found a link between the habit and loss of hair pigmentation.

Home remedies

There are plenty of hair dyes on the market that cover white hair, but many of these contribute to premature greying and may cause allergic and adverse reactions. Natural remedies offer an alternative to slow down hair-whitening without harming the body or causing further hair pigment damage.

·         Curry leaves. The medicinal use of curry leaves goes back centuries. When combined with hair oil and applied to the scalp, curry leaves can slow premature greying. One report in the International Journal of PharmTech Research highlights the traditional use of curry leaves to retain black hair colour and even prevent premature greying. Curry leaves can be purchased at Indian supermarkets, as well as traditional grocery stores.

·         Indian gooseberry. Also called amla, this is an herbal supplement recognized for reversing premature greying by promoting pigmentation. Its effectiveness is believed to be because the gooseberry is rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties.

·         Amla is available as a fruit in Indian grocery stores. It can also be found, as a powder or supplement, available online or in a traditional health food store, or to purchase online. The powder can be mixed with coconut oil and applied directly to the scalp.

·         Black tea. Black tea can make hair darker, shinier and softer. It can be used by steeping 3 to 5 tea bags in 2 cups of boiling water, cooling and adding to clean, wet hair. Tea can also be mixed with conditioner, left in the hair for 1 hour, and then rinsed out.

·         Copper. Low copper levels can lead to premature greying, according to one 2012 study. Good food sources of copper are beef liver, lentils, almonds, dark chocolate, and asparagus.

·         Ridge gourd. The ridge gourd is known for restoring hair pigment and stimulating the roots of the hair. Regular massaging of ridge gourd oil can prevent hair from turning white.

·         Combination of sesame oil, carrot juice and fenugreek seeds is used as the remedy against grey hair. Use sesame oil and carrot juice in same ratio, e.g. one cup sesame oil one cup carrot juice and half the amount of fenugreek seed powder i.e. half cup.

·         Mix all of these in a clear bottle and keep in the sunlight for 21days. Apply this mixture for 3 months to your hair and it will help you to avoid premature graying of hair.

·         Regular use of natural remedies may slow down and possibly reverse white hair. But everyone's hair eventually starts to turn white, and the individual has to decide whether they are comfortable with the white or if they prefer to try and hold back what is a natural aging process.

HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT

            Homoeopathic mode of treatment has good scope in preventing and reversing premature white hair. When we talk about homeopathy we say that it treats the cause rather than treating the illness and it's true in every sense. Homoeopathic medicines stimulate the hair roots to promote regrowth. The medicines used in Homoeopathy to reversing premature white hair are all of natural origin and therefore, safe for use among persons of all age groups. These remedies will work in the most gentle and natural way in order to pause the process of greying of hair. The main advantage of opting for Homoeopathic medicines is the absence of any related toxic side effects. Premature white hair is again just an indicator that there is something not well in our body. The treatment also varies accordingly to their cause and individual nature. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. The following homoeopathic medicines are often found indicated in cases of premature white hair:

Indicated Remedies	Indications
Sulphur	It is generally recommended in the case of dry scalp and acute hair fall. Patients who have the symptoms such as pain in the hair roots and itchy scalp, for them this homeopathic remedy is generally recommended.
Pilocarpus	Patient complains of premature greying of hairs due to extreme dryness of the scalp, this medicine helps to prevent further greying of hairs and moist the scalp with natural secretion.
Phosphorus:	It is a great remedy for treating the grey hair problem. It also acts wonderfully in order to prevent the further greying of hair. The greying of hair may be followed by hair fall or dandruff. The scalp is itchy. Peculiar desires in eating such as cold drinks, juice and ice creams standout for using this Homeopathic remedy.
Natrum Mur:	It is perfect in curing of grey hair mainly in those persons who are weak and anaemic (deficient blood). It also helps in improving the general health of the patient and raises the immunity to encounter the greying of hair.
Vinca Minor:	It is best for halting the greying of hair. This Homeopathic remedy is effective when hair has fallen in spots and it has been replaced by grey hair. It works naturally in pigmenting such hair without causing any side effects. Moreover it is also used for the treatment of burst on scalp with discharges that results in sticking of hair together.
Phosphoric Acid	It is one of the best remedies for curing the premature greying of hair that results from grief and depression which may lead to thinning or falling out of hair. The patient may also feel very hopeless, sad and becomes indifferent to all affairs of life. This homeopathic remedy will help the patient to come out from the grief and restoring the pigmentation of hair that has been destroyed because of the effects of grief.
Lycopodium:	It’s for slowing down the process of greying of hair when the depigmentation of hair generally occurs in spots. It also works in the most natural and without any side effect to halt the greying of hair. Most of the patient may also show an excessive craving for sweets and hot drinks. This remedy is also good for those patients who are suffering from the gastric troubles i.e. constipation and gas in abdomen.
Silicea:	It is effective remedy for curing the grey hair problem which occurs due to the digestive power, mainly absorption power of intestines and is improper and weak.
Thyroidinum	Patient complains of premature greying of hair with thyroid ailment. It role is very remarkable in treating premature grey hairs and in restoring its natural black colour.