Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition where you feel extreme tiredness and it does not go away even after you rest. The fatigue associated with this condition may worsen with mental or physical activity. 

As no specific cause has been identified for CFS yet, it is difficult to diagnose. You may require multiple tests. It is most common among women in their 40s and 50s but it can affect anyone.

Causes

If you have CFS, you may be fatigued easily by routine physical activity. This might be triggered due to certain factors or a combination of the following factors:

Some people may develop CFS after suffering from a viral infection. Some suspicious viruses include mouse leukaemia virus and Epstein-Barr virus

You may experience abnormal secretion of hormones in the pituitary, adrenal and hypothalamus glands

A weakened immune system is also an important factor for CFS

There are certain risk factors that may increase the chances of CFS:

High levels of stress or difficulty in managing stress

People between the ages of 40 and 50 have higher chances of developing CFS

Women are more likely to get diagnosed with the condition than men

Genetic predisposition

Symptoms 

The most common symptoms of CFS are as follows:

Feeling tired after a night s sleep

Insomnia

Reduced concentration

Sleeping disorders

Loss of memory

Frequent headaches

Orthostatic intolerance, where you might start feeling lightheaded when seated or lying down

Muscle pain

Joint pain without swelling

Swollen lymph nodes in armpits and neck

Feeling extremely exhausted lasting for more than a day after engaging in mental or physical exercise

These symptoms may suddenly disappear completely. But, they may return later. In general, if you experience excessive fatigue then you should consult a doctor.

Treatment

CFS can be treated with a special Ayurvedic treatment procedure called Panchakarma. This is a complete rejuvenation procedure that consists of steam baths, oil massages, diet purification and cleansing enemas. The aim is to detoxify your body and get rid of all impurities that may later cause illnesses such as CFS.

It is a five-step procedure consisting of the following:

Vamana   Therapeutic vomiting

Virechana   Purgation

Vasti   Herbal oil enemas

Nasya   Nasal irrigation or clearing the nasal passage from mucus 

Raktamokshana   Bloodletting or withdrawal of blood to cure an illness

The procedure is very effective in improving your sleep patterns and reduces sleeping disorders. It improves the digestive system, reduces stress levels and relaxes the body. But you have to maintain a strict diet that consists of:

Kitchari made of rice and lentils that are low cooked in herbal oils

Tea but no coffee or other beverages

No salads, smoothies, meat, bread or sugar

No processed foods

Lifestyle changes can help you fight CFS. Reduce your daily caffeine intake to sleep better and reduce insomnia. You must avoid nicotine and alcohol too. Try to avoid taking naps during the day. Consult your doctor if you still face problems. 

Panchkarma For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Know More!

Having some fat in your liver is legit. But, if you have too much of fat say more than 5%-10% of the organ's weight then you are at risk of getting fatty liver disease. At the onset, you can do one important thing to help your liver stop drinking. It causes fatty liver disease.

There are two main types of fatty liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease or ALD
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD
If you are a woman who is pregnant, you can also get fatty liver disease.
Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD)

You can get ALD from drinking lots of alcohol. ALD can also present itself after a short period of heavy drinking.
Genetics has a role to play in ALD. Genes can make you hit the bottle and increase your chances of becoming an alcoholic.
Genes can also impact the way your body breaks down the alcohol you drink.
Other root causes of ALD are:

Hep C doesn't cause ALD. it is one of the causes of fatty liver. 
Hep B is also a cause of fatty liver. There are certain medications which may be helpful from person to person besides lifestyle management.
Excess iron in your body
Obesity
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
The cause of NAFLD is not clear, but we know that it tends to run in families.
NAFLD is also more common in the middle-aged and the obese or, those who have high cholesterol and diabetes.

Other risk factors are:

Certain medicines
Viral hepatitis
Auto-immune or inherited liver disease
Gaining weight fast
Malnutrition
Acute Fatty Liver during Pregnancy
Fat can build up in your liver when you're pregnant, causing this kind of fatty liver disease.
It s a serious condition as it can be risky for both you and your baby. It can cause liver or kidney failure in you and your child, both.
Causes are unknown. But, hormones may play a role.
Symptoms of fatty liver disease
This disease can sometimes cause no symptoms for long. But, the things to look out for are-

Feeling tired all the time
Loss of appetite or weight
General weakness
Nausea
Confusion and trouble concentrating
Your liver can become larger
Pain in the centre or right upper part of your belly
In ALD, your symptoms get worse after bouts of heavy drinking. Fatty liver disease is diagnosed during routine exams when your doctor notices your enlarged liver. Ultrasound, blood tests to check for certain enzymes and biopsy of the liver are performed to confirm it.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the fatty liver disease.
You can manage it by managing your diabetes and giving up drinking. If you have ALD and you don t quit, you get complications like alcoholic hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Even if you have a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol cessation helps.
Losing weight if you are overweight also helps to manage this disease and having a good balanced diet with exercise also shows benefits.

Fatty Liver Disease - Signs You Are Suffering From It!

People with spine problems face tough choices when considering treatment. Depending on the severity and scale of the disorder, you will have to decide which treatment works the best for you, and keep an eye out for its long-term impact. Owing to the numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding spine surgery, many patients are unreasonably reluctant to consider this as a treatment option.
Before you make your mind, learn the truth behind these myths about spine surgery. 

  Myth: Spine surgery invariably leads to paralysis

Fact: With the introduction of modern technology in the field of medical science, the efficacy and success rates of spine surgery has improved significantly. The chances of paralysis following surgery are less than 1%. Latest advancements in operating techniques have made the procedure safer and more effective than before.

  Myth: You might require multiple surgeries following spine surgery in the future

Fact: In over 90% of all cases, one successful spine surgery at the right time is all you need to treat the disorder. Majority of patients can do without a second surgery. However, it is essential that patients follow all the instructions and preventive measures to make the surgery successful. The post-treatment guidelines include simple things, such as   eating healthy, reducing and maintaining body weight, exercising regularly, quitting tobacco etc. In rare cases, failing to keep up with these instructions may lead to the need for a second surgery.

  Myth: Spine surgeries are painful

Fact: This was once true when open spine surgeries requiring long incisions were performed   but not anymore. Spine surgeries are now relatively painless as compared to earlier times   all thanks to technological advancements. The modern-day minimally invasive procedure has made spine surgery less painful with no or minimal complications, as you need not go under the knife, literally. In fact, patients do not require anaesthesia before opting for the procedure.

  Myth: You will be bed-ridden for life after the surgery

Fact: The common belief among people is that they will never be able to walk again after spine surgery. But that is not true. With minimally invasive techniques and keyhole surgery, the patient is able to walk the very same day of the surgery. In most cases, they are discharged in a few hours following the procedure. Moreover, pain management techniques and physiotherapy have made it easier for patients to move about without much difficulty.

  Myth: The complication rates are very high in the case of surgery

Fact: With advancements in technology, the overall rates of complications have reduced drastically   less than 3% precisely. The state-of-the-art neuro-monitoring system monitors every nerve during the surgery and allows no scope for error. Surgeons have reportedly been able to avoid all nerve-related complications and offer a 100% success rate using this technique.
The decision to undergo spine surgery can be difficult and the misconceptions floating around do not make it easier. Nevertheless, distinguishing the facts from myths is important. Be sure to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your physician. They can clear your doubts and help you find out if surgery is the appropriate approach to treat your condition.

Myths About Spine Surgery - Debunked!

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is among the common causes of vertigo. It is the sudden sensation of the spinning of your head which occurs with the change of position of your head. It is a disorder of the inner ear. It occurs when calcium carbonate crystals accumulate in large numbers in any one of the ear canals and stimulate abnormal fluid movement in the inner ear. This sends false signals of head movement to the brain. This can also crop up post head injury. Rolling over the bed or quick head movements like when sitting up in bed can also trigger this condition. 

The common symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo are as follows: 

Vomiting and nausea. 
Vertigo Blurred vision
Intense dizziness 
Loss of balance 
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo may be treated in the following manner: 

Medication to get relief from the spinning of your head. 
Epley's Maneuver involves transportation of the calcium particles to a different part of the ear which will no longer cause any problems. 
Brandt-Daroff exercises. 
Sometimes watchful waiting can help a person to recover without having to undergo any other treatment but it is a long process and often involves risk factors. 
Surgery: This option is used rarely when other treatments fail. 
A very important thing to remember is that vertigo can lead to falls and driving should be avoided. The patient will need support during an episode to avoid injuries.

All About Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Roti vs. Rice- What should you have your meals with?

The nutritional conflict between rice and roti is age-old, as primary staples of every Indian cuisine.  White rice and wheat chapattis are both infused with considerable amounts of protein, calorie, fat as well as fibre. This overlap makes it tougher to choose just one as an accompaniment with your meals.
The health-conscious can take a sigh of relief with this list of effective benefits of the two. Let’s pit them against each other!

#1: If you opt for a lighter meal…Choose rice!
Boiled white rice is easier to chew and digest as it is low in fibres. For those with issues of diarrhoea, colitis, an upset stomach or morning sickness, rice is a favourable choice. If you are suffering from chronic gastrointestinal distress, rice is recommended for you.
Tip- You can consume a bowl of steamed rice with sautéed vegetables for a wholesome meal!

#2: If you are looking for muscle growth…Choose roti!
Rotis is the best food accompaniment for vegan and vegetarian bodybuilders. At home, you can mix variants of whole grains to harness the benefits of calcium and other minerals. Wheat chapattis made of whole grain consist of complex carbohydrates that boost your energy.
Tip- For reducing your portions, have two servings of roti (without ghee) with a large bowl of home-cooked yellow dal.

#3: If you have a heart condition… Choose rice!
For you to keep your heart healthy, the consumption of rice is vital. Brown as well as white rice is full of fibres and high in magnesium, niacin, phosphorus that can prevent heart problems.  Rice helps you in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Tip- Substitute your regular white rice in the khichdi or biryani recipe with brown rice. (Contains fibrous bran and germ layer)

#4: If you want to feel fuller… Choose roti!
For weight watchers, who want the feeling of satiety for longer period should include rotis in their meal. Wheat rotis take longer to digest which helps in maintaining blood sugar levels. This quality also makes it a good alternative for diabetic individuals. Wheat rotis are nutritious and contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9 that help in keeping you strong.
Tip- While kneading the wheat dough for the rotis, you can add soya powder to increase its protein content.
To escape the dilemma of choosing between these two healthy and tasty staple sides, try switching to whole-wheat rotis and brown rice. Savour both, guilt-free!

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.

 Roti vs. Rice- What should you have your meals with?

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder, which generally affects the colon (large intestine). It usually shows symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, gas and constipation. IBS is a long-term condition. It can result in sudden mood swings, depression and thus holds you back from living your life to the fullest. IBS can be controlled by managing lifestyle, stress and managing your diet. Medication and counseling could also be required to manage IBS.

Symptoms of IBS:

Immense cramping and pain.
A feeling that your belly is bloated all the time
Severe gas
Alternating and sudden bouts of constipation and diarrhea.
Presence of mucus in the feces.
Whenever you experience such kind of symptoms, it is always advisable that you must consult a doctor, so that it doesn't lead to a serious condition.

When should you consult a doctor for IBS?
IBS is not a chronic disorder and can be controlled by home remedies. It may also require medical treatment if the symptoms become acute and persist for too long. If you experience certain symptoms like rectal bleeding, weight loss and heavy abdominal pain that might increase at night, you may be at a risk for colon cancer. If such symptoms persist, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Causes of IBS:

Foods: Most people are susceptible to IBS if they consume foods like spices, fats, fruits, cabbage, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, carbonated beverage, milk or alcohol. These foods irritate the lining of the stomach and trigger IBS. However, the trigger may vary from person to person.
Stress: Signs and symptoms of IBS can also increase if you are very stressed out. Stress makes your muscles too worked up and this may result in IBS. However, you should know that stress aggravates or triggers the symptoms but doesn t cause IBS.
Hormones: Women are more likely to develop IBS. Fluctuations in the hormonal cycle can trigger IBS. This usually occurs around or during menstruation.
Other illnesses: Sometimes illness such as gastroenteritis (infectious diarrhea) or bacterial overgrowth in the intestines can trigger symptoms of IBS.
Age: You will be more likely to develop IBS if you are 45 years of age or above.
Hereditary: People having a family history of IBS are more susceptible to develop IBS.
Mental problems: Depression, personality disorder, anxiety and a history of sexual abuse can also trigger symptoms of IBS.

Can Severe Gas be a Sign of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

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