MEDICAL SOLUTIONS ZONE

Stay away from some common health problems

Headache:

Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much work in one day, lack of sleep, hunger. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe.

Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganize your schedule so as to have adequate sleep.

Low Blood Sugar

Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.

Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates. The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.

Remedy: Limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.

Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication; consult your doctor.

Lethargy ('low blood pressure')

Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.

Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.

Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.

Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present.

Muscle Cramps:

Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.

Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.

Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.

Peptic ulcers, Heart burn, Gastritis and Hiatus hernia:

Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat.

Causes: Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions.

Remedy: Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor.

Joint Pains :

Causes: When extra pressure is performed on the knee joints. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.

Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Be physically fit which will allow you greater fulfillment.

Constipation:

Constipation can cause piles (hemorrhoids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.

Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fiber in the diet.

Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making bread.

Indigestion and Wind

Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.

Remedy: Do not over-eat; drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Try to avoid fried foods.

Kidney stones :

Causes: Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquid to drink.

Remedy: It is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.