VitaminDepotOnline.com Blog

Beta-glucan & the Immune System

2006-11-15T15:40:00.000-05:00

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide that is found in baker's yeast in the highest concentrations. It can also be obtained from a variety of mushrooms, oats, barley, or grains. A polysaccharide is a type of carbohydrate structure that contains chemically linked sugar molecules. Beta-glucan is currently being studied for its properties as an immuno -stimulant. An immuno-stimulant is any substance that increases the ability of the body's immune system to fight infection and disease. This strengthening of the immune system enables it to be more effective in killing bacteria, viruses, or even cancer cells.

Beta-glucan actually stimulates the body's macrophages (white blood cells). Macrophages are what make the immune system work. They are created by the stem cells in your bone marrow and circulate through your bloodstream. They are basically cells that search for and destroy unknown partials and tissues in the body. They also settle in tissues, like the liver, and act as filter for the blood. Beta-glucan agitates macrophages and gets them to do their job better. Paractin® is a compound that was specifically designed to relive pain from and reduce inflammation. Used in low doses, Paractin® can stimulate responses from the immune system as well.

Paractin® reduces the production of the inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are chemical messenger proteins created by white blood cells, but they need to be kept in balance. If this balance is thrown off (too many or too few of them) then viruses in the body have a higher potential to spread. Camu camu is a fruit that has come to be known for its extremely high Vitamin C content. One camu camu fruit contains about thirty times as much Vitamin C as an orange. Vitamin C boosts the power of Beta-glucan, so most supplements that contain Beta-glucan also include some source of Vitamin C.

Vitamin Depot Online.com now offers Immune Protect With Paractin®, which is a vegetarian capsule that contains Beta-Glucan and Paractin®, both of which have been proven to enhance the body's immune system which helps it fight off unknown substances in the body more efficiently. Immune Protect also contains Vitamin C from the fruit of the camu camu plant.

Benefits of Rosemary

2006-11-15T14:36:00.001-05:00

Rosemary is a plant that has been used for many different things for centuries. It is most commonly used as a cooking herb, in which when burned gives off a mustard-like aroma. In cooking, rosemary also has properties that make it a good food preservative. In the realm of medicinal use, it is usually used as a natural stimulant. Rosemary has always had the reputation of being a memory enhancer. Modern medical science has proven this belief. In recent testing it has been shown that rosemary contains substances that help prevent the destruction of the brain's neurotransmitters.

Rosemary has been proven to increase blood flow under the scalp (the top of your head). This stimulates hair follicles, which makes rosemary an effective tool for preventing hair loss. This also makes it an effective way to prevent dandruff. This is the reason rosemary has been incorporated into many shampoos. Rosemary has mild pain reducing properties, which has enabled it to be used in treating many types of headaches, rheumatisms, and fever reduction.

Rosemary has been used as a natural disinfectant and has been put it certain brands of mouthwash. In Hungary, rosemary flower tops are mixed with distilled wine to make a remedy for gout. Gout is a form of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in the toe and foot joints. The pain is caused by the formation of crystal structures in these joints. Rosemary also contains carnosol and ursol. These are two acids that have anti-oxidative properties and have been used to help prevent skin cancer and stop the growth of skin tumors.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Rosmarinic Acid Extract, which is a capsule that contains a byproduct of the rosemary plant. This extract has been proven to help the detoxification process of the liver and aids in the proper functioning of the immune system.

Benefits of Rosemary

2006-11-15T14:36:00.000-05:00

EPA & DHA - The Good Fat

2006-11-15T13:12:00.000-05:00

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) are fatty acids found in cold water fish. (In other words, they are types of fish oils.) EPA and DHA are both polyunsaturated fats, because their molecular structures contain multiple bonds that are not saturated with hydrogen atoms. Unsaturated fats are called, "the good fats," because they have been proven to lower the levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is a substance that builds on your artery walls and hardens them. This blocks blood flow and can lead to serious heart complications. EPA and DHA are converted by the body into a hormone called prostaglandin, which helps regulate cell activity and is essential in keeping a healthy cardiovascular system.

DHA is one of the substances that makes up brain tissue and is used in the process of neurotransmitter development. Neurotransmitters are the brain communicators that send chemical signals between the nerve cells and the brain. DHA is also one of the substances that makes up the retina of the eye and is essential for normal eye function. DHA is present in high doses during pregnancy because it is essential in the process of fetus development. Other benefits of EPA and DHA include: lowering the body's loss of heat as an insulator, protecting body tissues and organs as a physical cushion, and acting as a natural source of energy.

Sesame lignans have been proven to increase antioxidant activity, when taken with Vitamin E (the vitamin group with the most antioxidant properties). Sesame lignans also has been proven to enhance the nutrient performance that fish oils have in the body. Olive fruit extract is a by product of olive oil that has been proven to increase the rate at which healthy cells in the body are produced. At the same time olive fruit extract also can help stop the production of cancerous cells and increase apoptosis (programmed cell death) of existing cancerous cells.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Super Omega 3 - EPA/DHA with Sesame Lignans & Olive Fruit Extract, which is a soft-gel capsule that contains the fatty acids: EPA and DHA. These fish oils are essential to the human body and begin to decrease in bodily production as you get older.

Benefits of Blueberries

2006-11-08T16:57:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not there is an organization that exists, called The North American Blueberry Council (NABC). The NABC is a non-profit organization who represents blueberry farmers and sellers all across the United States and Canada. Seventy percent of all the North American blueberry crops are supervised by this organization and their purpose is to make sure that their crops are of the highest quality and that the public knows about the many benefits blueberries have to offer the human body. Large amounts of research and testing have been done to find out about the benefits of the blueberry. Such benefits include: lowering cholesterol, protecting against cancer, use in the treatment of Urinary Tract Infections, lowering high blood pressure, protecting against heart disease, and use as a natural antioxidant.

One of the blueberry's most important contents is pterostilbene (a white crystal substance with antioxidant properties). Research has shown that pterostilbene is successful in lowering cholesterol; this has been especially apparent in people who have been irresponsive to other cholesterol treatments. When the term "lowering cholesterol" is used it refers to the bad type called low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This type can build in the body's arteries and harden them. This is why pterostilbene can also be used to help prevent heart disease.

The other important compound found in blueberries is anthocyanidin. This is the substance that gives blueberries their purple-blue pigment and whose anti-oxidative properites actually protect the fruit itself. These same properties has been proven to be effective in the reducing the number of cancerous cells in the body in the beginning stages of the disease. This is why blueberries can help prevent cancer. Urinary Tract Infections are caused by bacteria collecting on the inner walls of the bladder and kidneys. Anthocyanidin has been used to treat Urinary Tract Infections because it helps stop the adhesion (sticking) of bacteria to the inner walls.

Vitamin Depot Online offers Blueberry Extract, which is a supplement that made from the blueberry fruit and therefore contains the same powerful anti-oxidative properties. Blueberry Extract has also been proven to promote healthy neurological functions as well.

Benefits of Green Tea Extract

2006-11-06T17:32:00.000-05:00

Green tea has been used by the Chinese for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years. It has since been studied by many medical institutions to find out what some of these purposes are and how they work. Every type of tea comes from the same plant, known as camellia sinensis. What makes green tea so special is how the leaves are prepared. Green tea leaves are not fermented (when organic substances are broken down into simpler substances), causing their active ingredients to not be changed. This makes the green tea leaves usable as a medicinal resource.

Catechins are in the class of polyphenol (a group of substances that have antioxidant properties). Due to no fermentation, some of the ingredients that remain in green tea leaves include: natural oils, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols. The ingredients of most concern are the four catechins: Epicatechin (EC), Epigallocatechin (EGC), Epicatechin Gallate (ECG), and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG). The catechins make up about 90% of the green tea leaf's composition, although the most important one is EGCG.

EGCG can make up anywhere between 10% to 50% of the leaf’s catechin content, but its antioxidant properties are most important. EGCG is between 25 to 100 times more potent as an antioxidant that both Vitamin C and Vitamin E. One cup of green tea's EGCG has more antioxidant activity than any other normal food serving, such as: spinach, broccoli, strawberries, or carrots. Some of the common benefits of green tea include: lowers cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation; kills bacteria (which reduces infections), burns fat (which help in weight loss), enhances the immune system and your skin's complexion; and reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, plaque in the teeth, and liver failure.

Green tea has no known side effects except for its caffeine content, although most supplements can be received with or without the caffeine. Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Mega Green Tea Extract (93%), which is a supplement that contains an adequate daily dose of the antioxidant EGCG. Super Green Tea Extract (95%) is also offered, which is the same supplement without the caffeine.

What Is Cognitive Decline?

2006-11-05T12:43:00.000-05:00

Cognitive Decline is simply a decrease of normal brain functions. This problem is considered to be a normal result of natural aging, so it is not classified as an actual disease. Since this is the case, doctors have theorized that cognitive decline could potentially be related to dementia (a loss of intellectual functions). The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. The most common way to tell the difference between dementia and regular cognitive decline is the speed at which the decrease of the brain function occurs. Symptoms of normal cognitive decline occur very gradually over time, while forms of dementia usually show symptoms rather rapidly.

Many people with memory problems think they have cognitive decline, when they actually do not. A mental health practitioner (physiatrist or psychologist) could tell you for sure. If you are diagnosed with it, you should consult a normal doctor to see if other physical conditions occur. Some people are more prone to develop cognitive decline than others. Certain risk factors that increase your chance of getting it include: being female (it is more common in women than men), getting older, having prior heart conditions, or having had a heart attack in the past. Symptoms of cognitive decline can include: memory loss, difficulty learning, having trouble concentrating, having low attention spans, difficulty using normal language (causing slurred speech), and having abnormal thinking patterns.

There are no actual medical cures for cognitive decline, as that it is not actually a disease, but a doctor can prescribe medications that improve certain brain functions. Other preventative measures that can be undertaken include: changes in diet, taking nutritional supplements, constant education (doing things that stimulate the mind), and trying different herbal remedies. Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Cognitex with Pregnenolone & NeuroProtection Complex, which is a soft-gel multi-nutrient supplement that was formulated to protect and enhance neurological functions.

Brain Plaque and Curcumin

2006-11-04T15:23:00.000-05:00

Brain plaque is a substance that is found in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. An amyloid is a protein substance that is associated with tissue degeneration. The more common name for an amyloid is a beta-amyloid protein. Sometimes amyloids get circulated through the blood and enter the cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid substance that flows around and helps protect the brain and spinal tissues). When this happens the beta-amyloid proteins begin to build up in the brain and for what is called brain plaque. Increased formation of brain plaque causes many neurological problems and diseases, of which the most common is Alzheimer's disease.

Curcumin is the substance that gives the yellow pigment to the spice turmeric. Turmeric is the active ingredient in most curry powders. Although it has mostly been used in cooking, curcumin has now been tested in many clinical trials for its properties in maintaining good heath. Curcumin's antioxidant properties have been used to help kill certain types of cancer cells. Recently, the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have been used to help break up the build-ups of brain plaque in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

When ingested orally, curcumin seems to have less chance of getting to through the bloodstream to the much needed parts of brain tissue. This means that the most effective way for curcumin to enter the body, when used for brain plaque destruction, is through injection. Researchers from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) began the curcumin testing on Alzheimer's disease patients, and soon after published their findings in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. This was a great breakthrough and helped greatly in the fields of treating Alzheimer's disease and taking measures to help prevent contraction of it.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Super Curcumin w/Bioperine, which is a Turmeric capsule that contains a good source of curcumin. Although orally ingested curcumin is not as effective as injections, it still has been proven to act a strong antioxidant.

The Facts About Chickenpox

2006-10-15T12:31:00.000-04:00

We have all heard of Chickenpox or had them as a child; but what are they? Chickenpox is an infectious illness caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). It is highly contagious (easily transferable to others) and commonly contracted by children twelve and younger. Chickenpox can only be contracted once, although those who have had it can dormantly (when a virus does not show symptoms) carry VZV within the body for many years. Have you ever heard of a "Chickenpox Party?" It is where parents group other children together with a child with Chickenpox, so they will get contract it. This is done because parents know Chickenpox is not a serious illness and can only be contracted once. Doing this to "get it over with," it is not recommended because Chickenpox can be more of a serious illness in some children.

Later on VZV can cause Shingles, another type of illness like Chickenpox. 20% of those who have had Chickenpox will develop Shingles later in life. Chickenpox can be contracted from somebody with Shingles as well. A vaccine was developed to help prevent children from getting VZV, which is usually given to babies 12-18 months old. The vaccine is 70%-100% effective so even after having it, there is still risk. Chickenpox has many symptoms, of which the most common is a red and itchy skin rash. This rash is in the form of small blisters that appear all over the body. They usually first appear on the face, back, and stomach; but unfortunately they can spread to more sensitive areas, such as: in the ears, nose, and mouth and on the genital areas.

Other symptoms of Chickenpox can include: stomach pains, headaches, a sore throat, nausea, or a fever between 100–102 degrees. More serious complications of the illness include: skin infections, trouble breathing, aching joints and bones, and even infections of the brain. Other complications include women who are pregnant. If a pregnant woman contracts Chickenpox, there is a risk of birth defects for the unborn baby. Chickenpox will go away on their own, but antibiotics can be prescribed by a doctor if the blisters become infected. The effected areas should be washed thoroughly to prevent infections.

Remedies to help relive the discomfort caused by itchiness and fever include: taking warm baths, using damp washcloths, the use of pain or itch creams, avoiding rubbing the skin, trimming fingernails, so scratching does not tear up your skin, and eating cold, soft, and non-acidic foods. Do not ever use aspirin to reduce the pain from Chickenpox because this can cause Reye Syndrome, which is a serious disease that causes failure of the liver. Contact a doctor immediately if any of the following occurs: fever over 102 degrees, difficulty breathing, severe headaches, balance problems, stiff neck, confusion, extreme fatigue, or blisters begin to relive fluid.

Breastfeeding is Important

2006-10-14T21:08:00.000-04:00

Breastfeeding (nursing) is the natural process of a woman feeding a newborn or toddler with the milk that comes from the breasts. The mammary gland is made up of a system of alveoli cells in the female breast that produce milk. Nearing the end of a pregnancy, swollen breasts and lactation (secreting breast milk) occur. These are the signs that the mammary gland is ready to produce milk for when your baby is born. When the mammary gland is stimulated by hormones, it contracts and pushes milk into the milk ducts. The milk ducts are tubes that carry breast milk from the alveoli cells to the nipple. The nipple is the outer part of the breast where the milk is secreted. Babies have an instinctive sucking urge when they are born. This sucking squeezes the breast milk into the baby's mouth.

There are many benefits of breastfeeding to the baby. The complete nutrition needed to help a baby develop property is contained in a mother's breast milk. This milk contains the perfect amounts of needed water, fat, sugar, and protein. This means that breast milk is more easily digested by the baby than formula. Believe it or not a study done proved that babies who are breastfed have higher IQ's than those who are not. Breast milk has been biologically engineered over millions of years; so it makes sense that breast milk could stimulate a baby's mind.

Nursing babies actually get sick less often, causing less need for doctor visits. This is due to the fact that breast milk contains natural antibodies that fight against bacteria. Babies who are breastfed have fewer problems, such as: diarrhea, breathing issues, and ear infections. Also a woman's breast is more sterile (clean) than a bottle. The infant mortality rate is 79% higher for babies who are nursed.

There are many benefits of breastfeeding to the mother as well. Breastfeeding can do any of the following: help a mother lose the weight that was gained during pregnancy, stop menstrual cycles from returning so quickly after pregnancy, reduce the risk of breast cancer, save you time and money from bothering with formula and bottles, and actually creates a better bond between you and your baby. If you choose not to breastfeed, you can still use your breast milk with the use of breast milk pumps, which are machines that force your milk to be secreted. The milk can then be stored and fed to your baby through a bottle. Breast milk should be stored in 2-4 ounce increments and can only be stored in the refrigerator for a week or the freezer for up to two weeks.

Acupuncture - An Ancient Chinese Therapy

2006-10-14T18:45:00.000-04:00

Believe it or not Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. It wad first discovered in the Huang Di Nei Jing (the oldest known medical textbook). Acupuncture is a medical treatment consisting of the insertion of very fine needles, into very specific points in the body's skin surface. This process is done to stimulate physiological functions in the body. Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine, conceptualized the body as having an energy life-force "flowing" through it. This energy, called Qi (pronounced chee), was thought to be essential for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual activities to take place properly in the body. If an improper "flow" of Qi takes place in the body, illness may occur.

The body has fourteen Meridians that run up and down the body. A Meridian is a Qi flow channel or passageway. The places where these Meridians touch the surface of the skin make up the specific points, through which Acupuncture needles are placed. Acupuncture is done to stop blockages in the flow of Qi through Meridians. There are nine types of Acupuncture needles, six of which are commonly still used. These needles are all disposable and only used once. This is for obvious health reasons. Each type of needle has different lengths, thicknesses, and needle head (the tip) shape.

When the needle enters the skin, the feeling given to the patient is called Deqi (pronounced da-chee). Deqi is not a painful feeling and differs depending on how the needle is inserted into the skin is done with the needle. The types of needle insertions include: Thrusting, Raising, Rotation, Twirling, Plucking, Trembling, and Scraping. The last two, involve vibrations being sent through the needle. The types of needles and needle insertions are all used in correlation to what illness is being treated.

There are a few other types of Acupuncture. Electro-Acupuncture is where small electrical impulses are sent through the inserted needles. Low amperages (a type of electrical power) are used to treat aches and pains; while higher amperages are used for surgical procedures. The most common type in the United States is Ear Acupuncture, also called Sonopuncture. The ear's blood and nerve endings connect with many bodily organs and tissues, causing it to be a very popular insertion point. Moxibustion is using heat to Acupuncture points. Cupping is where a vacuum (suction done to change blood flow) is created on the Acupuncture points. Acupressure is an alternative to Acupuncture, in which pressure is applied to the Acupuncture points, instead of using needles.

Acupuncture has been proven to raise the body's production levels of hormones, white blood cells, antibodies, and endorphins. It also stimulates neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in nerve cells), the flow of blood through the circulatory system, and the body's perception of pain. Many disorders and diseases have been successfully treated with Acupuncture. Such things it has been treated for include: backaches, neck pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, joint pains, Analgesia (general pain relief), and muscle spasms.

Acupuncture has also been used to treat many mental disorders. Such disorders include: anxiety, depression, and many drug addictions, including alcohol or tobacco. Acupuncture has been proven to work in many cases; although many people are still skeptical of it. You can ask your doctor what he or she thinks of Acupuncture and decide if it may be something that would be right for you.

Do You Suffer From Paruresis?

2006-10-11T16:14:00.000-04:00

Paruresis is a type of social anxiety disorder, in which a person is unable to urinate in front of other people. This presence of people can be real (such as being in a public bathroom) or can be imaginary (such as being alone in a bathroom at your home). Paruresis is also known by another common name of Shy Bladder Syndrome. Other names for paruresis are: pee shy, shy kidney, and, bashful bladder. Paruresis goes way beyond a simple need for privacy, being shy, or being embarrassed. It is usually causes serious inconveniences in its sufferers. Paruresis is a psychological disorder but it manifests itself in a physical way. The sufferer is not in control of the situation and cannot just make himself or herself go urinate.

The feeling of paruresis has been described by sufferers as: having to urinate while on a road trip and seeing a sign that says "Next rest area 100 miles away." The only difference is that sufferers get this feeling while actually being inside a bathroom. Paruresis can develop in a person at any age, although it usually develops as a teenager. The severity of this condition varies from person to person but the basic results are the same. The severity of some sufferers may be so bad that they cannot travel far from their homes or may not even be able to go at home if they sense the presence of others.

Actual causes of this condition are currently unknown; although causes may be related to a past traumatic experience. Another cause of paruresis, that may be apparent, is the fear of having to produce urine. This is most apparent when urine drug testing is required by a workplace or a court order. Since August 1, 2005, The United Kingdom (UK) has recognized paruresis as a serious medical condition and, if documented, can be used a reasonable excuse from jury duty. It also gives a reasonable defense for a sufferer who must produce urine for a drug test.

There are two ways to treat paruresis. The first way is to treat the symptoms. This can be done by: avoiding large or busy public bathrooms, using stalls instead of urinals (for men), sitting to urinate, rather than standing (also for men), using running water or other distractions to block the sound of flowing urine, using the bathroom at home before leaving, urinary catheterization (the injection of a tube up the urethra [the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body] to drain the contents of the bladder [the pouch where urine is stored]), or drinking less fluids. This last way is not recommended because it can lead to dehydration (lack of enough water in the body).

The problem with symptom treatment is that it will not help the actual problem go away. The other form of treatment is to treat the actual paruresis itself. Treatments of this type include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (psychotherapy used to treat mental disorders), Biofeedback (measuring a person's bodily processes to raise their awareness and conscious control of the related physiological issue), Graduated Exposure Therapy (gradually reducing the level of privacy a person has at the time of when the psychological issue occurs), and taking anti-anxiety medications that are prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist. If you or anyone you know experiences paruresis, please get professional help immediately, before it becomes a serious issue that affects your life. DO NOT be ashamed of your condition. Millions of people suffer from paruresis, but unfortunately are too ashamed to get the help they need.

What is Familial Dysautonomia

2006-10-10T14:05:00.000-04:00

Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is a rare autosomal recessive (a type of genetic inheritance, in which there are two copies of a gene), disease that affects the body's nervous system. FD has only been documented in people of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent. This means that it is classified as one of the Jewish genetic diseases. Hereditary Sensory and Autonomic Neuropathies (HSAN) is a type of disease that results in the progressive loss of functions of the peripheral sensory nerves. FD is classified as Type III HSAN. If you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent you should consider being blood tested, because one out of thirty people of this origin are at risk of being a carrier. You should also be tested if your partner is a carrier.

If your child has active symptoms of FD, this means that both you and your partner are carriers if FD. This is true because for the gene to be active there must be two copies of the gene (one gene comes from each parent). There is a 25% chance that a child will receive the active genes, if both parents are carriers. If you are a carrier of FD, but only have one gene of it, you will not show active symptoms of the disease. The human body contains forty-six chromosomes. FD has been proven to affect the IKBKAP Gene that is located in Chromosome 9. IKBKAP is short for Inhibitor of Kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, Kinase complex-Associated Protein. The IKBKAP Gene is a gene present in humans that provides instructional information to the body to make IKAP Protein. IKAP Protein is found in many cells all through the body, especially in brain cells.

There are many symptoms that are associated with FD. The most common symptom is a lack of tear production. When an emotional crying episode occurs, no tears will come out of the tear ducts as a result of FD. Symptoms in infants can include: breech birth (when the baby is born feet first), a weak or inability to suck (this leads to feeding problems, because the baby will not suck a bottle or breastfeed correctly), and poor tones in the child's voice. The sucking issue can cause other problems such as fluids going down the wrong tubes, causing lung infections. Normal stress in people with FD can cause: vomiting, an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, and uncontrollable negative personality changes. Other symptoms of FD include: delayed speech or walking, breath-holding episodes, poor growth rates, red blotchy (puffy) skin and hands, and reduced pain and temperature responses.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for FD. Although there are many precautionary measures that can be taken. Such measures include: the use of artificial tears, physical and occupational therapy, respiratory system care, protecting children from injury (because of lowered pain and temperature responses), treatment of orthopedic problems (bone and spinal curving), and treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure). If you or anyone you know is thought to have FD, please consult with a medical professional immediately.

What are Allergies?

2006-10-09T22:35:00.000-04:00

An allergy is another word for hypersensitivity (overreaction). An allergy is medical condition in which the body's immune system has an overly exaggerated reaction to a particular substance. Over fifty million people in the United States have some type of allergies. Allergic reactions are the sixth leading cause of chronic diseases in Americans. About forty million people suffer from Hay Fever (seasonal allergies). Hay Fever is an allergy to pollen in the air. There are over a thousand known allergies that exist today. Theses allergies range from pet dander (hair, feathers, ect.) to food allergies, to drug allergies.

Allergy testing is a very common process in the United States. It is a process in which the result is to find out what you are and are not allergic to. At first your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history, family background, and give you a medical exam. After this examination, the doctor will know what you may be allergic to and can begin an allergy test. There are many types of allergy tests. The most common and most effective type is Prick Skin Testing. This is where a substance that you might be allergic to is placed on your skin (usually your back). Then you are pricked where the substance was placed. If the skin around the pricked area gets red and bumpy, it means you are allergic to the substance.

Anaphylaxis is a term that basically means a very serious allergic reaction. There are many symptoms of anaphylaxis, which include: breathing difficulty, nausea, swelling of the skin, vomiting, rash, diarrhea, low blood pressure, blisters, hives (itchy, red, and swollen skin), shock, passing out, heart attack, or even death. Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that come about as the result of allergens. Histamines cause many symptoms to occur, such as: inflammation (swelling) of the nasal passages, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, dilatation of the capillaries (widening of small blood vessels), headaches, lung spasms, and cramps. Antihistamines, as the name suggests, are medications that block the flow of histamines and are used to treat allergies or allergic reactions.

There are many ways to prevent allergies. The most obvious is, finding out what you are allergic to, so you can stay away from them. Other ways include: having a healthy diet and proper nutrition, getting a lot of Vitamin C (it is a natural antihistamine), or taking allergy medication or supplements. Consult your doctor before taking any medications. Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Butterbur Extract with Standardized Rosmarinic Acid, which is a soft-gel caplet that contains petasin. Petasin is a chemical that reduces spasms in smooth muscle, resulting in a soothing sensation of swollen nasal passages.

What are Kidney Stones

2006-10-08T09:35:00.000-04:00

A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline substance that develops on the inner walls of the kidneys. Dissolved substances in the urine, build up to form the kidney stone. The urinary tract contains chemicals that stop the formation of these crystals. Unfortunately, these chemicals do not work properly in some people. Usually these crystal formations stay small and will not even be noticed when they exit the body; but this is not always the case. Sometimes kidney stones can form in parts of the urinary tract other than the kidneys.

It is currently unclear exactly what causes kidney stones to develop. Usually kidney stones contain large portions of calcium oxalate, which is a compound that forms sharp and pointed crystals. Calcium oxalate is contained in foods such as: coffee, tea, beets, chocolate, wheat bran, soft drinks, nuts, tomatoes, strawberries, and leafy green vegetables like spinach or rhubarb. If you have had a kidney stone before, your doctor may tell you to limit your intake of foods such as these.

There are usually no symptoms of kidney stones. When the stone begins to move out of the kidney and through ureter, (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder) sudden and extreme pain occurs. This pain is usually feels like sharp cramps in the back of the kidney and in the lower torso area. The pain is the result of the stone actually blocking the urine flow. The urine backs up and puts intense pressure on the urinary tract. As a result of this you may have blood in your urine. When the stone gets close to the bladder, (the pouch where urine is stored) you may feel nauseated, vomit, or have a burning feeling during urination.

Usually surgery is not necessary, as that the stone will pass on its own. During the pass of a kidney stone, you should drink large quantities of water. Doctors can also prescribe pain medication to cope with this process. A doctor will have you catch the stone in a tea strainer so tests can be preformed on it. The stones composition along with other blood and urine tests can help a doctor tell you what should be done to help prevent another stone from forming. If the stone does not pass on its own, surgery may be needed.

There are three types of sugary for this problem. The most common type of surgery is Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL). ESWL is a treatment in which shockwaves are focused into the torso to actually shatter the kidney stone. The small fragments can then pass through the urinary tract. The second type of surgery is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy. This type of surgery is used for particularly large stones. This surgery is where a cut is made in the back, creating a direct root to the kidney for removal of the stone. The third type of surgery is Ureteroscopic Stone Removal. In this process, an ureteroscope (a tiny fiber-optic tool) is inserted into the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body). It travels up through the bladder into the ureter, where the stone can be trapped and then pulled out.

Menopause is Not the End

2006-10-07T21:59:00.000-04:00

The definition for menopause is, quite simply, the cessation (stopping) of a woman's menstrual periods. This definition makes people think that it is a bad thing, but in reality, menopause is really a new beginning. During menopause, the body stops producing two female hormones. The first is oestrogen, which is a hormone that makes the lining of the womb and vagina thicker in the earlier phase of the menstrual cycle. This one of the natural ways a woman's body gets ready for pregnancy. The second is progesterone, which is a hormone that changes the structure of the lining of the uterus. This is change is necessary for the uterus to be ready to hold a fertilized egg. These hormones are meant for a young woman's body. Some women try to take supplements to replace these hormones during menopause; but this is not the answer.

During this period in a woman's life, she needs a variety of natural herbs that will help stimulate her body through this change. During menopause, a woman's endocrine system, (the body's system of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream) needs these natural herbs to be able to properly fulfill its purpose. Unfortunately, normal dietary means usually will not properly supply these nutrients during this transition; so many women take herbal supplements.

The most common symptom that of the beginning of menopause is hot flashes. A hot flash is a sudden feeling of warmth in the area of the face, neck, and upper region of the body body. During a hot flash the body begins to sweat to release, this burst of warmth. Certain substances induce hot flashes and should be not be taken in often. Such substances include: drinks with caffeine, acidic foods, tobacco, white sugar, alcoholic beverages, and saturated fats. After menopause is over, these substances can be taken in again; although these substances are not good for you anyhow.

Other symptoms of menopause can include: disturbances of sleep caused by irritation, mild depression caused by hormonal changes, joint pain, osteoporosis (loss of bone mass), headaches, or urinary incontinence (involuntary loss of urine). A physical change also occurs in the vagina. The vaginal walls can become thinner, less flexible, and dryer. Unfortunately, this can cause irritation during intercourse; this can be treated with common lubrication. It is a myth that menopause decreases sexual desire. On the contrary many women feel liberated after menopause and their libido (sexual desire) increases due to the fact that pregnancy is no longer an issue.

Another common myth of menopause is drastic mood changes. Such mood changes from anger to depression for no apparent reason are very uncommon. Many studies have been conducted that prove menopausal women do not experience any more depression, anxiety, nervousness, stress, or anger than in women who still have menstruation. Actually, the biggest cause of depression in menopausal women is worrying about menopause! Do not let menopause get you down; it is a new beginning of a woman's life and should be cherished.

Prostate Cancer - Risks and Treatment

2006-10-06T16:37:00.000-04:00

Have you ever thought about Prostate Cancer? If you haven't maybe you should. It is the most common type of cancer for a man to contract. So far in 2006, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has documented around 250,000 cases of prostate cancer in the United States. The ACS has also documented around 30,000 deaths this year alone from it. Prostate cancer is a group of cancerous cells that form a tumor in the prostate gland. The tumor usually starts out in the outer layer of the prostate.

If left untreated, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body such as: bones, other internal organs, or lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are structures that are part of the immune system, which filter the blood with the help of plasma and white blood cells. The spread of cancer cells from its original location to other part of the body is referred to as metastasis. Testosterone (the male hormone) can enhance the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Currently, there is no specified cause of prostate cancer; although many risk factors have been identified. The biggest risk factor is increased age. More than 70% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of sixty-five. The second biggest risk factor is family history. Men who have had a family history of prostate cancer are about ten to fifteen more times likely to contract it than those who haven't. The third biggest risk factor is ethnic background. African-American men have around a 60% higher chance of getting prostate cancer than Caucasian (white) men. Also twice as many African-Americans die from it than Caucasians. Other risk factors include being obese and having bad dietary habits.

Men who are age fifty and older should have a doctor do blood tests and a Digital Rectal Examination done once a year to check for prostate cancer. If you are diagnosed with it, there are several treatment options available. The first option is surgery. One type is a Radical Prostatectomy, which is the removal of the whole prostate gland and any nearby tissues. The other type is Cryosurgery, which is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill prostate cancer cells.

Another treatment option is radiation. External radiation can be beamed at the patient from a machine or internal radiation can be implanted in the prostate gland in the form of tiny radioactive seeds. Another treatment option is hormonal therapy, which is reducing testosterone levels to lower the growth rate of the cancerous cells. There is Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) Agonists therapy, which decreases the amount of testosterone produced by the testicles (the male reproductive organs). An Orchiectomy (a removal of the testicles) can be performed. There is also Anti-androgen therapy, which blocks the body's ability to use male hormones. The last treatment is Chemotherapy, which kills cancer cells that rapidly grow. All of these treatments have side effects; ask your doctor which is right for you.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers A Primer on Prostate Cancer, a 368 page book that is full of suggestions topics for prostate cancer. All of the items in this book were designed to help men strategize for successful management of prostate cancer and have come from either medical professionals or individuals who have personally dealt with prostate cancer.

The Prostate Gland and BPH

2006-10-05T13:31:00.000-04:00

The prostate is a male sex gland that located below the bladder (the pouch that holds urine) and in front of the rectum (the tube that holds stool). The prostate is walnut-shaped and is about one and a half inches in diameter. It is a part of the male reproductive system and aids in the male ejaculation (the emission of semen from the penis) process. During ejaculation, the prostate contracts and pumps semen (the fluid that helps in the transportation of sperm) into the urethra (the tube that goes through the penis). At the same time sperm (the male reproductive cells) is mixed with the semen. The prostate gland is wrapped around the base of the urethra and is composed of about 30% muscle and 70% glandular tissue. This muscle portion is what allows the contractions of the prostate to occur.

As a natural part of a man's life, the prostate gland gradually grows. This growing process is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The problem is that the tissue that surrounds the prostate stops it from expanding. This causes the prostate to put pressure on the urethra and clamp it shut. BPH also causes the walls of the bladder to get thicker, causing urination to occur more often. The combination of these two problems causes many urinary tract problems in older men (usually forty or older).

There are many symptoms of BPH. Such symptoms include: gradual loss of bladder function, the urge to urinate before your bladder is full (especially at night), and blockage of the urethra. Urethra blockage can cause hesitant stream (trouble starting urination), weak stream (lessening of urination pressure), or interrupted stream (sudden stopping of urination before the bladder is emptied).

Untreated BPH can cause serious problems. One such problem is a urinary tract infection, which is an infection that causes frequent urination, burning and pain in the pelvis area, burning and pain while urinating, and blood or sediment to be in the urine. Other problems resulting from BPH include: bladder damage, kidney damage, bladder stones (tiny structures that form in the bladder), and urinary incontinence (the inability to hold urine in the bladder).

If you think you might be at risk for BPH, consult your doctor; if detected early, treatment can be offered before reversible damage is done. Testing done can include: Digital Rectal Examination (checking of the prostate size through the rectum), blood tests, a Rectal Ultrasound (listening to sound waves made by the prostate, through the rectum), a urine flow study, and a Cystoscopy (checking of the prostate and bladder through the urethra). Treatment can include medications, injections, destruction of excess prostate tissue, or surgery.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Super Saw Palmetto/Nettle Root Formula with Beta-Sitosterol, Enhanced Natural Prostate Formula w/ Cernitin® & Beta-Sitosterol, and Mega Lycopene, all three of which have been proven to promote good prostate health.

Do You Have Trouble Sleeping?

2006-10-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

Trouble sleeping is referred to as insomnia. Insomnia is a either an inability to sleep at all or not being able to sleep for long time periods (for example, the entire night). People with insomnia complain that they cannot keep their eyes closed or of restlessness (the inability to rest or relax). Primary insomnia is caused by anything that is not medical or natural (such as stress). Secondary insomnia is caused by having another previously existing health condition (physical or mental).

There are three main types of insomnia, which relate to the severity. 1. Transient - occurs every so often lasting from a day to week. 2. Acute - having insomnia lasting between three weeks to six months. 3. Chronic - occurs over six months or all of the time. It is hard to give an exact definition of insomnia because everyone sleeps different lengths and has different sleeping patterns. A normal length of time to sleep is between six and ten hours. The average is about eight hours per night (or day depending on when you sleep).

Insomnia can be caused by many different things. Such causes can include: normal aging processes, physical or emotional distress, side effects of drugs or alcohol, or taking in too much caffeine (usually from soda or coffee). Others causes are: bodily pain, allergies, everyday stress or worry, sleeping in rooms that are not well aerated (stuffy), or jetlag (adjusting to different time zones when traveling). Some people have circadian rhythms, which are problems sleeping that are associated with the time of day. Many people also sleepwalk, grinding their teeth, have excessive nightmares, or have rhythmic movement disorder (tossing and turning). Another cause can be related to acid reflux, which is the upward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus and throat. Other causes also include: a lack of exercise, depression or bipolar disorder, and dehydration (low water levels in the body).

If you have insomnia, consult your doctor. Treatment of insomnia can include medication, such as sleeping pills or sedatives; although, many of these medications can have other side effects. If your insomnia problem is psychological, there are antidepressants that act as a sleep aid as well. There are also "home remedies" that can be tried. Such things include: drinking warm milk, taking a soothing bath, aromatherapy (the use of soothing candles and warm oils), exercise, acupuncture (a Chinese relaxation technique), changing your eating habits, and getting to bed at a reasonable time.

Natural Mosquito Protection

2006-10-03T19:06:00.000-04:00

We all know mosquitoes are a problem. How many times have you been outside and been bit by mosquitoes? There are only three solutions to this problem: 1. Deal with the mosquitoes, 2. Stay indoors, or 3. Use mosquito repellent products. More than likely you go with option three. Have you ever wondered if the products that we normally use to keep mosquitoes away are hazardous to your health? If you haven't, maybe you should. The active ingredient in 90% of all mosquito repellents is N-Diethyl Toluamide (DEET).

DEET is an alcohol-based compound that is toxic to humans if absorbed into the bloodstream in high concentrations. DEET had been related to certain negative dermal (skin) and neurological (brain) reactions. In 1998 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made the conscious effort to make products containing DEET, not marketable for children. This was due to the fact that DEET is a registered pesticide that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, is applied directly to the skin, and has been related to many documented seizure incidents.

As a result, the EPA now requires more protective warning labels on products that contain DEET. Another toxic chemical contained in most mosquito repellents is Permethrin, an inspective that actually kills the mosquito. Unfortunately, it is not medically recommended to come in contact with any synthetic pesticides. Although, DEET is toxic, it has remained the number one mosquito repellent ingredient because of its lasting effects. Products that contain DEET usually last about four hours.

Fortunately, there is now an alternative to DEET that is all natural. The citronella plant and lemongrass are both natural substances that have a soothing citrus scent to humans. The EPA licensed citronella for use in 1948. The same soothing scent to humans is also an odorous deterrent to insects such as: mosquitoes, flees, flies, and ticks. As a liquid substance both can be used on pet collars or human skin and have no known toxic properties. The best part is that both substances have been proven to have the same lasting repellent effect as DEET. Citronella can be also be used in the solid form of candles as well.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Skedattle, which is a chemical-free insect replant that contains both citronella and lemongrass. It also contains peppermint and vanillin (the pure form of vanilla) to give it more of a refreshing scent. Skedattle can be safely applied to your skin, clothing, and your pet's fur.

Water Is More Important Than You May Think

2006-10-02T20:31:00.000-04:00

The human body is made up of approximately 70% water. This is true because blood is composed mostly of water and our muscles and organs contain large amounts of water. There are many reasons why drinking a enough water is important. Such reasons include: providing nutrients for our vital organs, lubricating our joints, removing waste, transporting oxygen to our cells, and regulating our body temperature.

But how much water is "enough?" The easiest way to find out is to use your body weight. Divide your body weight, in pounds, in half. You should drink approximately that amount in ounces per day. Example: if you weigh around 130 pounds you should drink about 65 ounces (or 8 cups) per day. In addition to this amount, other things add on to how much you should drink. For instance, you should drink another 8 ounces (1 cup) for every twenty minutes of exercise you do. You should also drink another cup for every hour you are flying on a plane and drink an equal amount of water that you do alcohol. Remember that liquids that contain water (like soda, coffee, or tea) are not a good replacement for pure water.

Drinking enough water can have other positive side effects that you may not have known. Drinking enough water reduces your chances of getting hangovers, and reduces the chance of being constipated. When our stool is dry (from lack of water) normal removal of solid waste can become a problem. Drinking enough water can curve your appetite and can reduce overeating. The purity (how clean it is) of the water we drink has a big effect on how it interacts with your body. Make the water you drink has been proper purified (filtered). Many people drink bottled water because they know it is cleaner than normal tap water.

Dehydration is the lack of appropriate water amounts in the body. The human body loses water many different ways. The most common ways are: urination (liquid waste), perspiration (sweating), and respiration (breathing). Exercise makes our bodies perspire more and drinking alcohol tricks your body into thinking it has more water in it than it really does. Mild dehydration can cause, joint or muscle soreness, constipation, headaches, lower back pain, darkened and odorous (smelly) urine, and of course, thirst. Serious dehydration can make you sick or even kill you. Please drink as much water as you can.

Do You Have Arthritis?

2006-10-01T00:37:00.000-04:00

Arthritis is a general term used to refer to a disease that causes an inflammation (swelling) of the joints. There are over a hundred different types of arthritis and it affects over twenty million people in the United States. Arthritis causes extreme pain in the joints of those who have it. A great deal of this pain is due to the lack of proper lubrication of the joints. As you get older your synovial fluid, loses its ability to work as well as it should. Synovial fluid is the body’s natural lubricant that “greases” up joint surfaces for easy movement. It also provides the certain nutrients for the cartilage in the joints. Normal synovial fluid is a clear and thick fluid, but the inflammation caused by arthritis causes it to be cloudy and watered down.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a disease in which the cartilage that covers the ends of your bones wears away. The cartilage in a normal joint surrounds your bone’s ends, which helps your bones to smoothly slide over each other. Osteoarthritis is usually a problem for older people. Unfortunately, out of all the people over the age of sixty-five, half have osteoarthritis in at least one of their joints.

The second most common type is Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a very painful type of arthritis that causes constant joint inflammation. Unfortunately it is also an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is one, in which your body’s immune system mistakes your joint tissues as a threat and sends antibodies to attack them. Your synovial fluid fills up with white blood cells and begins to do more damage to your joints rather than help them. Rheumatoid arthritis is extremely painful and can cause physical deformation to occur if left untreated. This is a picture of what can happen to your joints if Rheumatoid arthritis is left untreated.

Vitamin Depot Online.com offers ArthroMax™ with FruiteX B®, which contains 1,000 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that is naturally produced by the body; although unfortunately, its production dramatically slows down as you get older. Glucosamine is used to help create joint cartilage and normal synovial fluid. Glucosamine supplements have been proven to help repair joints damaged by arthritis and reduce pain.

Antibiotic Resistance

2006-09-30T22:25:00.000-04:00

An antibiotic is any chemical that is formulated to attack bacteria. Antibiotics that are administered to people will do one of three things to bacteria: 1. Kill it, 2: Disable it (causing normal antibodies to be able to kill it), or 3. Be infective and do nothing. Some antibiotics are natural, such as certain fungus and others are engineered by man. Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses; they are only used to attack, infection causing, bacteria. Some bacteria can survive even when antibiotics are administered to kill it. This "survival ability," is referd to resistance. The more resistant bacteria are to antibiotics, the higher the dosage administered to kill it must be.

Antibiotic resistance refers to when regardless of how much antibiotic is administered to a person, the particular bacteria refuses to die. The only thing that can be done is to try a different type of antibiotic. One problem is that some bacteria are resistant because it reproduces itself to fast to be killed. Meaning the amount being killed is much less than the amount being produced. When bacteria have antibiotic resistance, it starts to cause infection more rapidly. Other antibiotics must be tried before the infection spreads too much. Antibiotic resistance is a big problem in people who have reoccurring infections. Some infections are minor and will go away on their own, but others can seriously harm or even kill you.

Many of the bacteria that we get in our bodies come from the food we eat. For example raw chicken can contain E-coli (a bacteria that is thrives in health meat); but the spread of this bacteria can be prevented by using hygienic kitchen practices. The best way to prevent the spread of bacteria is to know where it exists. Antibiotic resistance usually occurs in bacteria that have been around for many years. Unfortunately, different bacteria will always develop different ways to resist antibiotics; but at the same time medical science will continue to come up with different antibiotics to fight the bacteria. There are many antibiotics out there that have stood the test of time in fighting bacteria, and will continue to do so in the future.

Types of Headaches

2006-09-29T20:24:00.000-04:00

Millions of people have headaches every day, but most people don't bother to find out the source of them. A headache is either an intense or mild discomfort that affects either portions or the entire head. There are many different types of headaches, all of which have different symptoms. One of the most common types is a migraine headache. This type is characterized by an intense pounding feeling and can have other side effects as well. Such symptoms include: changes in vision (like seeing flashes, colors, or squiggly lines), tingling sensations in the face, confusion, sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells, and feeling lightheaded, nauseated, or tired.

Another common type is a tension headache. This type is caused by tightness in the neck and scalp area. The pressure of a tension headache is said to feel like your head is being squeezed by a vise. The tension can actually spread past the head to the neck and shoulders as well. This can cause tightening of shoulder and neck muscles, which will result in irregular muscle contractions and spasms. Another type is a cluster headache. This type is characterized by sudden starting and stopping and only affecting one side of the head. People sometimes have cluster headaches repeatedly at the same times of day. Unfortunately, this pattern of, “on and off” headaches can last for months at a time.

There is another type called a sinus headache, which is caused by pressure from inflamed or swollen sinus tissues. Sinus headaches are usually associated with sinus infections and the pain caused by them is in the facial area. This area includes: the forehead, cheeks, jaw, and behind the nose. Other symptoms include: fever, a swollen face, chills, and nasal congestion and secretion. A hormonal headache is caused be changes in estrogen levels during menstruation. Pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), or menopause can lead to many of this type of headache.

Rebound headaches are common in people who have a lot of headaches. These people constantly take medication to get rid of their headaches and develop a tolerance to the medication. This causes them to take more to rid themselves of their headache increasing their tolerance. The bigger problem occurs when a lack of the medication actually begins to cause headaches. The type of headache that is the least common is an organic headache. This type is caused by serious complications of the brain such as tumors, infections, or hemorrhaging (internal bleeding). Organic headaches cause severe and intense pain and have other symptoms such as confusion, loss of balance, seizures, or impairment of speech.

What is a Bruise?

2006-09-28T12:07:00.000-04:00

We have all had bruises at one time or another. A bruise can be caused by any trauma (blunt impact) to the skin. Two other medical terms for bruises are contusions and ecchymosis. A bruise is a discoloration of the skin caused by bleeding under the skin. When a body part is struck, the veins and capillaries (the smallest blood vessels) can rupture (break). A bruise is the result of when this rupture occurs but the skin does not break. When you get a bruise, the red blood cells leak out of the broken blood vessels and seep into surrounding tissues.

A good example of a bruise involves fruit. When an orange is damaged, the internal structures that hold the juice can break without tearing the peal. This causes the orange to have a soft spot (a bruise). This is exactly what happens to the human skin when we get a bruise. When you get a bruise, the skin and surrounding tissues quickly become tender (soft), red, and swollen. The broken blood vessels begin to repair themselves; but during this process blood continues to seep into the surrounding tissue.

A bruise changes color in a predictable pattern over time. The color allows you to estimate when the injury happened. Within 24 hours of the occurrence of the bruise, it begins to get darker. After about two days, the blood under the skin begins to be absorbed by the surrounding tissues, causing the bruise to become a dark blue or purple. This is where the phrase, "black and blue," comes from. After about a week it turns a greenish color. Over the course of two weeks, the bruise will become light brown or yellow, and eventually will turn back to its normal skin color.

There is not much treatment involved for bruises. If it swells a lot, it can be reduced by holding an ice pack on it or by raising the bruised area above the heart. Bruises are sometimes painful in affected area, but are not usually dangerous. Sometimes, someone with a very serious bruise can develop hematoma. Hematoma is collection of blood in the body tissues that results from hemorrhaging (internal bleeding). The blood gets hard and travels very slowly around the area until it dissipates. This causes a lot more pain than a normal bruise. On rare occasions, a hematoma might have to be surgically removed, as that they can block normal blood flow. If you get a bruise, don’t worry because it will go away on its own.