Health Check: why swimming in the sea is good for you

From theconversation.com

If you live near the sea, make frequent trips to the beach, or are planning an island holiday this summer, chances are you’re getting more out of it than just enjoyment. It has long been thought sea frolicking has many health benefits.
Historically, doctors would recommend their patients go to the seaside to improve various ills. They would actually issue prescriptions detailing exactly how long, how often and under what conditions their patients were to be in the water.
Using seawater for medical purposes even has a name: thalassotherapy.
In 1769, a popular British doctor Richard Russell published a dissertation arguing for using seawater in “diseases of the glands”, in which he included scurvy, jaundice, leprosy and glandular consumption, which was the name for glandular fever at the time. He advocated drinking seawater as well as swimming in it.
To this day, healing and spa resorts by the seaside abound. They are thought of as places where people can not only let go of their troubles but, in some cases, even cure arthritis.
But does the evidence actually stack up? Does seawater cure skin conditions and improve mental health symptoms?

Skin conditions and wounds

Ocean water differs from river water in that it has significantly higher amounts of minerals, including sodium, chloride, sulphate, magnesium and calcium. This is why it’s highly useful for skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune (where the immune system attacks healthy cells) skin condition. People with psoriasis suffer often debilitating skin rashes made of itchy, scaly plaques.
Bathing in natural mineral-rich water, including in mineral springs, is called balneotherapy and has long been used to treat psoriasis. There is also evidence for climatotherapy (where a patient is relocated to a specific location for treatment) in the Dead Sea being an effective remedy for the condition.
Patients suffering from psoriasis have themselves reported feeling better after swimming in the ocean, but this may also have to do with sun exposure, which has been found to improve psoriasis symptoms.
Ocean swimming also has benefits for eczema, another immune-mediated condition. Swimming in the sea can be a good exercise option for those with severe eczema as they often struggle to exercise in the heat and chlorinated pools.
But the response of eczema sufferers to saltwater is variable: some find it soothing, others uncomfortable.
There is some evidence to support the idea magnesium absorption is beneficial for the skin of eczema sufferers – presumably because it makes it less dry – as those using Epsom salt baths will attest. This may happen because magnesium-rich seawater may improve moisture retention in the skin, making it stronger and more rigid.
Because it is rich in other mineral salts such as sodium and iodine, ocean water can be considered an antiseptic, meaning it may have wound-healing properties. On the other hand, swimming in the ocean with open wounds may expose you to potential bacterial infections.

http://theconversation.com/health-check-why-swimming-in-the-sea-is-good-for-you-68583

Weight loss can reduce psoriasis symptoms: Study

From talk921.com

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Dec. 22 (UPI) — Researchers have found that weight loss has a significant and prolonged positive impact on psoriasis symptoms in adults.
A study, by the Herlev and Gentofte Hospital and the University of Copenhagen’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, showed improved psoriasis symptoms in participants who lost an average of 33 pounds over a 16-week period.
Researchers followed 60 test participants who lost between 10 to 15 percent of their body weight and revisited them a year later.
“When we revisited test subjects one year later, they had only regained five kilos [11 pounds],” Dr. Peter Jensen, senior resident, Ph.D., at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, said in a press release. “Thus, they remained 10 kilos [22 pounds] beneath their starting weights. This was impressive in and of itself, but it was even more positive that they had maintained the effects of their initial weight loss with regards to the diminished severity of their psoriasis and quality of life.”
According to Professor Lone Skov, senior physician at Herlev and Gentofte Hospital’s Department of Dermatology and Allergy and project manager of the study, “150,000 Danes suffer from varying degrees of psoriasis.”
“We know that both psoriasis and obesity are linked with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes,” Professor Arne Astrup, co-author of the study, said in a press release. “If we could get obese psoriasis patients to lose weight and keep the weight off, we could potentially derive positive effects on their overall health and quality of life.”
Results demonstrated that weight loss led to significantly better quality of life and reduced psoriasis symptoms in the long run.
“The results underscore the importance of focusing on weight loss as one element in a broad spectrum approach to effective psoriasis treatment for overweight patients,” Astrup said. “A by-product of weight loss might be a reduction of the complications associated with obesity. This results in a significant effect on the overall well-being of patients.”
The study was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

http://talk921.com/weight-loss-can-reduce-psoriasis-symptoms-study/

Coconut Oil - The Elixir Of Life

By Satvik Mittal

Coconuts are known for their immense versatility ranging from traditional uses in certain societies to modern uses, based on scientific analysis. They are the fruit of the coconut palm, and are grown abundantly in many tropical and subtropical countries like India. Coconuts are known for their large quantity of water, and when immature, they are harvested for this water which is very refreshing to drink and loaded with minerals. Mature coconuts still have a little amount of water, but by then the endosperm has formed a thick white kernel which is processed to yield oil. Coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, reaching peak production in 15-20 years. In ideal conditions, a single tree can yield 75 fruits in a year.
Coconuts are processed to yield both oil and what is called coconut milk. Coconut oil, an edible oil, is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts. It has a high fat content, which renders it more resistant to oxidation or rancidity allowing it to last up to six months at 24 degrees C without spoiling. Its high fat content also makes its regular consumption a contentious issue, with most doctors advising against it.

However, in recent times, certain hidden benefits of coconut oil have come to light, vindicating its regular use without harm in some societies like Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai etc.
These benefits accrue to the cold pressed virgin coconut oil.
- Many skin specialists recommend coconut oil application for dry skin. As an excellent massage oil, it is a safe solution for dry and flaking skin, which are sometimes symptoms of skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. It is a soothing balm for most forms of dermatitis.
· It is excellent for hair growth and curing dandruff. It provides the essential proteins for nourishing and healing hair that is damaged.
· It contains lauric acid which is beneficial for the heart by reducing high cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing high blood pressure
· It is easy to digest. Hence it increases the metabolic rate and helps in weight loss. It is also beneficial to the thyroid and endocrine systems.
· It strengthens the immune system with its constituent antimicrobial lipids namely lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which can fight harmful fungus, bacteria and viruses.
· Used as a cooking oil, it aids digestion and for the same reason above, it prevents any stomach infection caused by bacteria, fungus or viruses.

· It is believed to be effective in the treatment of pancreatitis
· It dissolves kidney stones and is considered helpful in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases.
· Bones and teeth are also thought to benefit from coconut oil on account of it improving the body's ability to absorb calcium and magnesium.
· Coconut oil controls the blood sugar and improves the secretion of insulin. Hence it is beneficial for diabetic patients.
· There is research to suggest that the oil is beneficial for patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
· It is held that coconut oil is beneficial for cancer patients and people suffering from HIV.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Coconut-Oil---The-Elixir-Of-Life&id=9592785

Fight Psoriasis With the Right Diet

From toyourhealth.com

Imagine certain skin cells multiplying rapidly, uncontrollably – up to 10 times faster than normal. Imagine red, raised plaques on the skin, covered with white scales. Imagine itching, pain and bleeding. That's psoriasis, an unpredictable skin condition that manifests in several forms and can affect the knees, elbows and scalp primarily, but also the torso, palms and soles of the feet.

Psoriasis symptoms generally last only a few months, but they can recur – and who wants to experience any of the above in the first place? It's about keeping symptoms in check, and evidence suggests proper dietary considerations may help. Here are a few good choices:
Anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, flaxseed, etc.

Antioxidant-rich foods (many fruits and vegetables)

Gluten-free foods (gluten has been linked to psoriasis)

Lean meats (as opposed to fatty red meat, which is pro-inflammatory)

Healthy-fat foods (avocados, nuts and seeds, etc.)

Keep in mind that most of the above food categories have one thing in common: They are anti-inflammatory, and as you might expect, inflammation is appears to be a major contributor to psoriasis flare-ups. Talk to your doctor to learn more about psoriasis and what you can do to limit your symptom expression.

http://www.toyourhealth.com/mpacms/tyh/article.php?id=2324

Dry Winter Skin: Eczema, Psoriasis, and Rosacea Explained

By Catherine Winters

Dry, itchy skin is a common winter companion when the humidity drops, especially as we get older.
“The oil-producing glands that lubricate skin shrink and don’t work as efficiently,” says Amy Kassouf, M.D., a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic. And that dry winter skin can certainly be uncomfortable.
Some people with find relief with self-help measures, over-the-counter products, or medication. Here are some strategies for three common dry-skin conditions: eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

Soothing the Itch of Eczema

More than 30 million Americans have eczema, or patches of red, thick, scaly, itchy skin.
Older adults are at higher risk for asteatotic eczema, which often causes intense dryness and itchiness on the lower legs.
Eczema crops up often in people with asthma or hay fever, but stress, dry heat, allergens, and fragrances and dyes in household products can set it off, too, says Jonathan Silverberg, M.D., director of the Northwestern Medicine Multidisciplinary Centre for Eczema at Northwestern University in Chicago.
DIY care: Moisturize several times per day, and run a humidifier when the heat is on at home. Use detergents and soaps that are free of scents and dyes, and wash new clothes and bedding before use.
Occasional use of over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream can also help calm the itch.
See a doctor if you see little change after several weeks of self-care or you have severe itching or patches that blister or ooze.
He or she might prescribe a steroid cream or, in severe cases, an oral immunosuppressant for the itch.
Photo­therapy, which uses ultraviolet light to tame ­inflammation, is an option, too.

Easing the Discomfort of Psoriasis

An estimated 6.7 million Americans have this chronic condition, marked by flaky, itchy, slightly ele­vated patches covered with silvery skin cells.
These “plaques” develop when skin cells grow too rapidly, flaring up when “something triggers the immune system to become overactive,” says Ronald Prussick, M.D., of the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Triggers can include stress, skin injury or infection, allergies, and certain medications.
And “scratching an itchy spot can create new psoriasis in that area,” says Jessica Krant, M.D., a dermatologist on Consumer Reports' medical advisory board.
DIY care: To ease itching and loosen dead skin, soak for 15 minutes in a lukewarm bath to which you’ve added baby oil, oilated oatmeal, or Epsom salt.
A shampoo or an OTC cream that contains salicylic acid can soften plaques; one with coal tar can ­reduce discomfort.
You can also subdue itching with OTC hydrocortisone cream.
See a doctor if self-care doesn’t help. Your doctor might prescribe a biologic drug for inflammation, methotrexate to slow skin-cell growth, or phototherapy.

Coping With Rosacea

A chronic condition that’s more common after age 30, rosacea can lead to redness, bumps, and pustules, usually on the face.
Some people with the condition may also experience dryness, stinging, itching, and burning.
“The skin of rosacea patients is very sensitive,” says John Wolf, M.D., chairman of dermatology at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Triggers include cold or hot weather, ­indoor heat, stress, sun, wind, alcohol, hot baths, vigorous exercise, and spicy food.
DIY care: Use a gentle facial cleanser and moisturizer before bed, and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen for sensitive skin with an SPF of at least 30.
See a doctor if your symptoms don’t resolve with DIY care or if rosacea causes physical discomfort or distresses you.
Prescription treatments might include a topical anti-­inflammatory cream or an oral antibiotic for more severe inflammation and redness. Laser or light therapy can also be used to reduce redness.

Keeping Dry Winter Skin Healthy

Whether you have eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, these strategies for dry winter skin can also help.
Turn down the thermostat a few degrees. “It may keep the air from drying out as much, and cooler air is less likely to aggravate your itch,” Silverberg says.
Bathe briefly, and only in tepid water. The hotter the water, the more skin oils are stripped away.
Moisturize after bathing while you’re still slightly damp. Use a product that’s fragrance-free, hypo­allergenic, or made for sensitive skin.
Run a cool-mist humidifier. Or place pans of water near heating vents to moisten indoor air. Humidity should be 30 to 60 percent (40 to 50 percent if you have ­allergies or asthma).
Stick to fragrance-free soaps. Also use detergents made for sensitive skin.

http://www.consumerreports.org/conditions-treatments/dry-winter-skin-eczema-psoriasis-rosacea/

5 strange body symptoms and what they mean

By Gabrielle Frank

Our bodies are complicated machines. While it's easy to get spooked when something out of the ordinary happens, there is usually no reason to panic.
Still, unusual symptoms shouldn't be ignored. And while you shouldn't run to Google for every weird body quirk that occurs, you may want to keep these five unusual symptoms in the back of your mind. NBC News medical contributor Dr. Natalie Azar stopped by to discuss these five symptoms you've probably never heard of:

1. Geographic tongue

If you have dry white patches that occur in weird shapes on your tongue, it could be a sign of celiac disease, a serious genetic autoimmune disorder where consuming gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.
"The tongue can take on the look of a map," said Azar, explaining where the name originates from. Other symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting or weight loss. Though any changes in your mouth or tongue warrant a visit to the doctor.

2. Sweet cravings

Craving chocolate, doughnuts or cookies? You're probably dehydrated. When your body is dehydrated, it can be hard for organs to release glycogens, which help to provide energy for the body, so you actually start to crave food, and frequently, sweet food.
This is more likely to happen after a workout. To re-hydrate, grab a snack that has high water content like fruits and vegetables, or a drink with electrolytes.
Other symptoms of dehydration include increased thirst, fatigue, dry eyes or blurred vision, headaches, muscle cramps, lack of sweat, dark urine, fever and shrivelled and dry skin.

3. Achy Achilles heel

Your Achilles tendon is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It's located on the back of your ankle. Any pain in your Achilles tendon or heel can be a symptom of psoriasis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, swollen "sausage-like" fingers and toes are also a sign of psoriatic arthritis, a type of tendon pain that is linked to the skin condition.
A doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever to treat it.

4. Vivid dreams or nightmares

You could be pregnant! No one knows exactly why, but some pregnant women report experiencing a change in their dream state while they sleep during pregnancy. It may be a result of hormones and sleep patterns changing, since pregnant women tend to sleep more than usual.

5. Thinning eyebrows

If your eyebrows are getting thin or you notice you're losing hair there, it could be a sign of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a health condition where your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain hormones that your body needs. Women over 60 are more likely to have this condition.
Other symptoms include sudden weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating and nervousness or irritability.

http://www.today.com/health/5-strange-body-symptoms-what-they-mean-t104588

Woman living with psoriasis: We should never hide away

By Laura Milne

When Holly Dillon arrived at Faro airport for a flight home after her holiday with friends, she was feeling relaxed and happy. Yet everything changed when the 26-year-old freelance film director tried to check in.
The attendant asked her friend whether Holly had a “problem” with her skin.
Holly, who runs the online campaign #GetYourSkinOut and has lived with the chronic skin condition psoriasis since her teens, was furious.
“He actually stopped me,” she recalls of the incident in June this year. “I said, ‘excuse me, you should be asking me directly if you think something is wrong’. It was completely unacceptable, rude and unprofessional.”
It might sound like a one-off, unfortunate episode but, as many of those living with psoriasis know, this is far from the case.
A recent Novartis survey on the impact of moderate to severe psoriasis has revealed the shocking emotional impact of the condition.
It might sound like a one-off, unfortunate episode but, as many of those living with psoriasis know, this is far from the case.
One of the most disturbing findings was that more than 80 per cent of people with psoriasis regularly experience humiliation and discrimination because of the appearance of their skin.

Around a third report being stared at and 41 per cent have been asked if they are contagious.
Some report being denied service in a hairdressers’, beauticians’ or shops and some had even been asked to leave public transport. For Holly, from Peckham, London, who has worked on films with Brad Pitt and The Wolf Of Wall Street star Jon Bernthal, it was one of a series of encounters that are all part of living with the disease. “I was 14 when I first noticed my psoriasis,” she says.
“It appeared under my chin and was the size of a five pence piece. I didn’t know what it was. I went to my GP and was given all the usual steroid creams and ointments. By the age of 18, 98 per cent of my body was covered with guttate psoriasis, which causes small sores all over the body.
“Because I wasn’t referred to a specialist dermatologist until then, I had overused the steroid creams so much that my skin, particularly on my back, was so thin it had started to lose pigmentation.
She adds: “Thankfully, once I was with a specialist dermatologist and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, I was given the correct advice and treatment I needed to learn more about the ways in which I can live with the condition.”
Psoriasis affects around 1.8 million people in the UK. It is often misunderstood and wrongly assumed to be contagious and “just a skin condition”.
It occurs when cells mature too quickly, leading to a build-up of excess immature cells on the surface of the skin. These appear as red, flaky, crusty and raised patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Other symptoms include itching, redness and chronic hardened or dry skin. Psoriasis sufferers are at increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and arthritis.
It can also have a profound emotional impact and has been linked to an increased risk of suicide. Holly says: “Living with psoriasis is a full-time job. It’s a constant challenge.
It’s painful, upsetting, uncomfortable and at times prevents you from doing normal things such as swimming, getting your hair cut, buying a little black dress, dating or going to work. It affects everything you do, it can feel as if there is no escape.” She has tried many treatments over the years.

“I’ve tried the drugs, creams, ointments, the weird and wonderful homemade concoctions and devices,” she explains. “But the best treatment for me has always been a form of light treatment.
For some reason, my pale Irish skin loves the artificial sunshine. I’ve recently finished PUVA (ultraviolet) treatment and within a few sessions my skin is clear, although months after stopping, it returns.” During her recent treatment she started the online campaign #GetYourSkinOut to encourage those living with psoriasis to talk about and post pictures of their skin condition.
Within months she has picked up 3,000 Instagram followers and reached thousands of fellow sufferers around the world. “One of the biggest challenges is to accept your skin and the mental and physical challenges that come with it,” Holly explains.
“I have spent the last year saying ‘yes’ to every single thing that would make me uncomfortable: showing my skin, talking about it. It has allowed me to connect with incredible people who have taught and inspired me to be strong.”
She adds: “We need to bridge the gap between GPs, dermatologists and patients. Psoriasis can be difficult to live with but we should never hide away. Get the help you need and do not let it define you.”

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/726967/Psoriasis-patient-health-suffer-skin-condition-GetYourSkinOut