We all have mood swings, but not all mood swings have the same intensity. People who have extreme mood swings ranging from depression to manic highs are said to be suffering from bipolar disorder. These extreme moods are known as episodes and usually last for a few days of even a few weeks at a time. A person suffering from bipolar disorder could have an episode several times a year. This is a very common psychological problem and can affect both children and adults. Though it cannot be cured, this disease can be managed with medication.

There are no known causes for bipolar disorder but genetics may play an important role in triggering this disorder. Hence, if a parent or sibling suffers from this condition, you have a risk of developing it as well. An imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain may also play a part in the development of this condition. Stress or traumatic events like the loss of a loved one can also increase your risk of suffering from this condition.
Given that mood swings affect almost each one of us, bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose. Some of the things to look out for are:

Change in self-esteem
Unusual talkativeness or quietness
Being increasingly prone to distractions
Decreased need for sleep
Agitation
Recklessness in terms of spending decisions, relationships etc
It must be kept in mind that a person must display at least 4 of the above symptoms simultaneously to be diagnosed as bipolar. Also, none of these symptoms should be a result or side effect of any kind of medication, drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants.

There are four main types of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar I: In such cases, the person has at least one episode of elevated moods and associated abnormal behaviour in his or her life. This may be preceded or followed by depressive episodes.
Bipolar II: In these cases, the person must have suffered from at least one depressive episode. It is very similar to bipolar I except that in bipolar II the highs never reach the manic stage.
Rapid Cycling: Some people can have 4 or more manic and depressive episodes a year. In such cases, they are said to be rapid cycling. This condition affects 10-20% of bipolar cases.
Mixed Bipolar: Usually, bipolar patients show mood swings that alternate between manic and depressive moods. However, sometimes a person may experience both elation and depression simultaneously or in rapid succession of each other. These cases are known as mixed bipolar.
Once diagnosed, bipolar disorder can be managed with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. In some cases, electroconvulsive therapy may also be needed. 

Bipolar Disorder - Things You Must Know!

It is a slowly and gradually progressing disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced with scar tissue, hence preventing the liver from proper functioning. The developed scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs, and naturally produced toxins. It also slows the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. Cirrhosis is a complication of liver disease which involves loss of liver cells and irreversible scarring of the liver. In other words, Cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage. Typically, the disease comes over months or years.

Although there are many other causes for cirrhosis, the commonest is excessive use of alcohol, viral hepatitis B and C infections and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Thus the scarring is most often caused by long-term exposure to toxins such as alcohol or viral infections.

According to the National Institutes of Health, it is the 12th leading cause of death. Men are more prone to develop cirrhosis than women. Globally approximately 57% of cirrhosis is attributable to either hepatitis B (30%) or hepatitis C (27%).Alcohol consumption accounting for about 20% of cirrhosis.

Persons most commonly affected: Adults of both sexes.

Unani approach to Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e- Kabid)-

In Unani literature Cirrhosis of the liver is known as  Talayyuf-e- kabid ,  Sighr-al- kabid  or  Jigarki laghari . It is of two types.

1. AcuteType of Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e- Kabid Hadd)-

It is rare but very dangerous. It is also called Yarqaan-e- khabees or Huzaal-e- asfar. Mainly occurs due to inflammation in hepatic cells, in which hepatic cells squeeze in few days resulting in improper functioning of liver. It is a disease in which cells throughout the liver are destroyed. Although they are replaced by areas containing normal new cells but also by much scar tissue, which alters the structure of the liver.

Causes and risk factors: Excessive use of alcohol/ chronic alcoholism, poor nutrition, highly toxic condition of the body system, viral infections caused by chronic viral hepatitis (types A, B and C), metabolic diseases such as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, galactosemia and glycogen storage disorders,inherited diseases such as Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis, biliary cirrhosis, toxic hepatitis due to severe reactions to prescription drugs or prolonged exposure to environmental toxins and repeated bouts of heart failure with liver congestion etc.

Signs and Symptoms: The main signs and symptoms of this type are jaundice, pain at the site of liver, vomiting, headache, dizziness, increased body temperature, increased pulse rate, brownish coloured and dry tongue, increased thirst, initially whitish coloured diarrhoea, later on, colour becomes blackish due to contamination of blood, urine passes in less quantity and reddish in colour due to contamination of yellow bile in it,  haemorrhage from nose, stomach, intestine and uterus even abortion in women are seen. The size of the liver feels small on palpation.

2. Chronic type of Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e- KabidMuzmin)

This type of the disease occurs due to the improper blood supply to the hepatic cells resulting in the size of liver very small in appearance but liver cells stay normal.

Causes and risk factors: The main causes of this type are the application of permanent pressure at the site of the liver such as ascites, alcohol abuse, hepatitis C virus infection, cardiomegaly, poor nutrition, highly toxic condition of the body system, peritoneal inflammation, improper diet in old age and starvation etc. Other causes which develop this disease are, obstruction of the external bile duct by stone, scar, inborn defect or tumour, use of certain medications, syphilis and passive liver congestion. Obesity has recently been recognized as a risk factor in non-alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Signs and Symptoms: It is a slowly progressing disease. In early-stage symptoms, of indigestion like flatulence, constipation and diarrhoea may be present. General weakness, the feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, loss of weight, and a loss of interest in sex may also be there. There may be a dull abdominal ache, nausea and vomiting. Eventually, the patient dies due to anaemia or ascites. The feeling of dullness is the peculiar sign of the disease. Other symptoms and signs include low-grade fever, bad breath, jaundiced skin and bloated and swollen abdomen.

Complications and Risks associated with Cirrhosis of Liver (Talayyuf-e-Kabid)-

Ascites (retention of fluid in the abdominal cavity) is the most common complication of cirrhosis and is associated with a poor quality of life, increased risk of infection and a poor long-term outcome. Other potentially life-threatening complications are hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and coma) and bleeding from oesophageal varices. Cirrhosis is generally irreversible, and treatment usually focuses on preventing progression and complications. In advanced stages of cirrhosis, the only option is a liver transplant.

Preventive measures for cirrhotic patients (Talayyuf-e- Kabid ke Mareezon ke liye Ehtiyaati Tadaabir):

Cirrhotic patients must completely avoid alcohol. Alcohol accelerates liver failure and hastens death in cirrhotic patients.
Avoid liver toxins. Acetaminophen (Tylenol), should be avoided because they can be toxic in cirrhotic patients.
Juice therapy helps the liver to detoxify toxins from the body. Cirrhotic patients should mix one part of pure juice with one part of water before drinking.
Cirrhotic patients are strongly advised to eat smaller meals. To avoid overworking the liver, five or six smaller, lighter meals per day are recommended.
Avoid fatty foods and processed foods, especially foods prepared with animal fats or hydrogenated oils. These types of foods put additional load on the liver.
Cirrhotic patients are also advised to eat only lean proteins (containing no fats) and in limited amounts.
Vegetable proteins are very beneficial in Cirrhotic patients. High protein intake causes increases of ammonia levels in the blood, possibly resulting in mental confusion, and in severe cases, coma. However, do not severely limit protein intake, as this may cause protein deficiency and impair the healing process.
Routinely increase consumption of fruits and steamed vegetables as fruits and vegetables are easy to digest, thus less work for the liver. In addition, they are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help the liver detoxify and heal.
Cirrhotic patients are advised to practice intermittent fasting.
They are also advised to protect against hepatitis B, C and E.
Fundamentals of Management in Unani Medicine-

Identify the cause of the disease and treat it accordingly
Correct the digestive processes
Use hot dresses
Use mild and early digestible diet
In case of ascites treat it
Management/ Treatment-

In Unani medicine, very effective treatment is available for the Cirrhosis of Liver by strengthening the Liver cells and restoring normal size and functions of the Liver. In Unani medicine, there is a number of hepatoprotective drugs that protect the Liver either acute or chronic type.

SootshekharRas Swarna yukta 125 Mg twice a day
PittariAvleh 10 gm twice a Day
Duration of the treatment: 3 to 6 months or it depends upon the condition of the patients. If the patients with cirrhosis have diabetes, then the treatment may take long time for curing the disease. Diet plays a key role along with Unani Medicines. Hence, it is strictly advised to follow a proper diet plan.

Talayyuf - E - Kabid Or Cirrhosis Of The Liver - Know More About It!

Apart from its use in many Indian homes for traditional reasons, coconut has several health benefits to offer -

1) Helps diabetics by slowing sugar release into the bloodstream.
2) Boosts metabolism and increases energy because it is more likely to be burned as fuel than stored as body fat.
3) Helps treat malnutrition because it is easy to digest and absorb.
4) Kills disease-causing bacteria, fungi, yeasts and viruses because of the antimicrobial effects of its fatty acids.
5) Prevents strokes and brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
6) Prevent tooth decay - coconut oil fights bacteria responsible for tooth decay and could be a healthy, non-chemical additive in toothpaste and mouthwash.

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Why is Coconut SO good for you?

Tongue is an important organ of your body. Without the tongue you would not have been able to enjoy one of the most pleasurable experiences of life: tasting food! Imagine how life would be without the sudden euphoria you experience when you taste something delicious. Not only do your taste buds help you to taste food, but it also rejects harmful substances like toxins and sends your brain a signal to avoid consuming it. The tongue also helps in digestion of food. It makes the food pass easily from your mouth and throat to your stomach. Apart from tasting and sending signals to your brain, the tongue helps you to talk. It facilitates speech. It alters the air in your mouth which is produced by the vocal cords. That is how you make a wide range of sounds.


Tongue problems:


Burning sensation on the tongue: This normally occurs in women who have recently attained menopause. Mood swings are also a characteristic feature of menopause. Burning sensation is rare but a symptom of post menopause. Burning sensations can also occur due to cigarette smoking.
Change in the tongue color: Many times having a pink tongue means deficiency in iron, folic acid and vitamin B-12. This can also be because of an allergy to gluten. A white tongue can occur due to smoking or drinking alcohol.
Tongue pain: It can occur due to biting, injury or infection. Canker pains are also common. It can be caused by aging, diabetes, tumors and infection.
Tongue swelling: It is caused by down-syndrome, tongue cancer, leukemia, strep throat and anemia.
Oral thrush: It is a yeast infection. It makes the surface of the tongue and the mouth look like cottage cheese. People suffering from asthma or diabetes can also get oral thrush.


Remedies for tongue problem:


Don't consume spicy and hot food.
If you have a canker sore, try to drink only cold beverages and eat soft foods.
Rinse your mouth regularly with a mixture of warm water and salt or you can also make a mixture of warm water and baking soda.
Apply ice to soothe your tongue.


If the tongue pain persists then it is better to book an appointment with an ENT specialist or with an otolaryngologist.


All About Tongue Problems

Infection caused in the kidneys, bladder, urethra or the ureters is known as urinary tract infection. According to doctors, women are generally more at risk of suffering from this condition than men. Some of the causes which contribute to the development of this infection are:

1. Invasion of bacteria: like any other infection, one of the causes of urinary tract infection is the invasion of the bacteria escherichia coli in the bladder. This type of bacteria is most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and is most often held responsible for urinary tract infection.

2. Spreading of the bacteria from anus to urethra: the spread of the gastrointestinal bacteria from the anus to the urethra leads to the infection of the urethra thereby causing urinary tract infection. 

Some of the symptoms of urinary tract infection are

1. A nagging urge to urinate: one of the most predominant symptoms of urinary tract infection is a persistent, nagging urge to urinate. You would know your urinary tract is infected when you feel the urgency to urinate extremely frequently.

2. There is a burning sensation when you urinate: the symptoms of urinary infection are extremely visible and are felt intensely by the one suffering from it. If you feel a burning sensation while urinating, chances are extremely high that you are suffering from urinary tract infection.

3. Red colored urine: sometimes your urine may contain perceptible amount of blood in them. In most cases, presence of blood in urine is a definite sign of urinary tract infection.

4. Foul smelled urine: an internal infection in the urinary tract manifests itself in different ways. One of the chief symptoms of this infection is discharging foul smelling urine.

5. Pain in the pelvic area: women who suffer from urinary tract infection experience excruciating pain near the pelvic area, sometimes extending to the pubic bone.

Causes and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection

What makes your nose bleed in the summer season?

Nosebleeds are a common occurrence, and may indicate a severe medical condition. The rupture of the blood vessels within the front and back of the nose can cause such bleeding. These blood vessels are very tender and, thus, bleed easily.

There are two kinds of nose bleeds: namely anterior and posterior nosebleeds.

An anterior nosebleed occurs when the blood vessels at the front of the nose break or rupture, giving rise to bleeding. A posterior nosebleed is when the rupture takes place in a deeper part of the nose. The latter is more dangerous because blood can flow down the back of the throat.

Some of the causes of nose bleeding are:

- Trauma to the face, such as a punch on the face
- Repeated bouts of nose picking or irritation can also cause nosebleed
- Although rare, inability of the blood to clot can also cause the nose to bleed
- High blood pressure can also be a contributing factor

According to some people, cold can cause your nose to bleed. This holds true to an extent. Among the many reasons that can cause the nosebleed, summers serve as one.

This is because:

- Summer months are dry and hot, both of which are bad for your nose. The protective coating of mucus present within the nasal cavity can get dry due to low humidity in the hot months. The loss of the mucus causes your nasal cavity to be prone to dryness, leading to subsequent bleeding.

- The heat also has another damaging effect, as summers tend to intensify allergy, and an allergic reaction can cause nosebleeds.

Washing your nose with cool water and avoiding being subjected to direct sunlight may help to prevent nosebleeds.



What makes your nose bleed in the summer season?

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