Definition of some common symptoms

Anemia - This condition is quite common in our society. It is a disease characterised by a decrease in the number of red blood cells and platelets in the bloodstream.
Symptoms range from pallow skin, headaches, fatigue, feeling faint, loss of appetite, and buzzing in the ears. An anemic person may tend to bruise more easily, women may have menstrual problems, or in men can contribute to impotence.     Causes – chronic or acute haemorrhaging – this causes destruction of the red blood cells such as kidney or liver problems. Also certain metabolic diseases, infection, poisoning by pesticides and heavy metals, and failure of bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Treatments vary: I would suggest cleansing the body ie clean up your diet – add supplements like floridex, B12 vitamin, B6 and C.

Constipation – is very unhealthy. It causes all manner of imbalances in the body. The colon is known as the second brain. When full and fermented will cause brain fog, stomach cramps, wind, bloating, excessive straining will produce haemorroids or piles which can bleed, on evacuation this is most unpleasant.  A healthy colon is paramount for good general health. Its been said that malfunction can lead to 80% of all diseased states. The average healthy transit time from eating to defecation should be less than 24 hours. You should have at least one bowel movement daily.   

Halitosis – Bad or tone breath.
I must say in my practice this has come up quite a lot. Bad teeth and oral hygiene can be a major cause. Other factors are: lack of adequate care, tonsillitis, digestive disorders, toxaemia, hepatic (liver) diseases, abscesses, stress, and anxiety, dehydration, illnesses of the ears, nose and throat, consumption of alcoholic and tobacco, fermentation and putrefaction. Treatment: Bowel cleansing, liver cleanse – see www.beechcroftretreats.com Chew or suck cardamom pods, make fennel and ginger tea, do not eat and drink at the same meal – leave 35 mins either side. Take a good wormwood combination – this works primarily on bad breath which originates from the digestive tract.

Migraine is described as an intense headache- which will generally cover one side of the face or head. It is almost always accompanied by nausea and intolerance to light. Migraines can last for minutes, hours or days. The pain is pulsating and continuous and made worse by movement of the head – sometimes vision can be impaired, flashing lights or distorted shapes and colours may follow.  It seems that more women suffer most frequently with this – it can sometimes be attributed to hormonal or allergic components – menstruation can bring this on too. Bad digestion can also produce migraines, and in some case migraines can have a hereditary factor. Some herbs that may help are: Infusions of – rosemary, valerian, skullcap, hops, chamomile, lobella (taken with caution). Reflexology or aromatherapy or acupuncture may also assist in relieving migraines.

Kidney Stones – these are formed by mineral compounds in the opening of the kidneys. This can occur when the urine is acidic. The stones may be composed of uric acid or its salts and oxalate of calcium. The number of stones can vary from one to several dozens. The size can be as small as lentils or as large as a chicken egg. When stones start to leave through the urethra towards the bladder it is called nephritis colic and can be very painful. Symptoms include gas, vomiting, and distension – it can sometimes lead to surgical intervention. Diet can help greatly to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Prostate Disease – the prostate is a gland of the make reproductive system. This gland can become inflamed, it can become hard to urinate, followed by mild pain, a heavy sensation between the scrotum, the rectum and the genitals. Some discomfort may occur during erection and ejaculation. In any of the above it is essential to consult your Dr who can recommend adequate treatments. Some of the suggested herbs which can allieviate inflammation of the prostate and are also preventative are: ginseng, pumpkin, sawperento, sasparilla. Drink plenty of good clean water (not tap), and follow a diet rich in green vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole  grains and fish.

Alcoholism – This is a big subject and there may be many reasons, but the definition: is intoxication by alcohol contained in wine, beer,spirits and other strong drinks.
If acute, alcoholism is drunkenness or temporary disfunction. If chronic, this action is repeated daily. Alcohol ingested will produce immediate effects which can be felt all over the body. At first the feeling is mild, this increases with intensity as the level of alcohol increases in the blood. When the concentration of alcohol in the blood reaches 0.2 there is a feeling of dizziness and warmth, and a pleasant sensation. As the drink increases so do feelings of euphoria, fun and energy, and sometimes a slight shaking in the hand. Inhibitions disappear leading to a “loose tongue”, and sometimes aggressive behaviour. Drinkers can be obnoxious.
When alcohol in the blood levels reach 10% abnormal body actions and reduced sensibility begins to take over. Pulse and breathing become more rapid, hands and feet lose coordination. At 20% the person needs help to walk and undress and can easily get upset. This could be expressed as yelling, moaning and weeping, person may start to vomit and have difficulty urinating. At 30% the person is in a stupor. Breathing becomes heavy, sleep may be interrupted by feelings of nausea – they lose understanding and sometimes want to fight.
At 40% the person is usually comatosed and this can result in death. Apart from all the above symptoms, the long term effects of heavy drinking can result in disorders such as nervous tics, deteriation of memory, and difficulty in concentrating. The person can become very irritable and get tired easily. Alcohol will affect the way that food is digested, the stomach and intestines can become irritated and inflamed, Constipation, colic and diarrhoea can be common place, and as the liver is responsible for processing the alcohol it can become very stressed, and increase in size. Cirrhosis can occur – of which there is no cure and can result in death of the drinker affected by this. Alcohol has a severe effect on circulation, the digestive system can become inflamed, fatty deposits can also accumulate in the heart.
Suggestion: cleansing and counselling - call us for help.

Diabetes – One of the most common forms is ‘mellitis’ this is where the metabolism becomes altered by sugar and starch, this results in high blood sugar which results in inadequate production of insulin by the pancreas. Symptoms are overeating, excessive thirst and excessive urination
Hypoglycemia – is a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood. You get the feeling of severe hunger, trembling, pallor, profuse sweating, headaches. It can be so severe that convulsions may occur leading to coma. Here are three kinds of adult hypoglycaemia.i. Not enough intake of food. ii. The action of starches or carbohydrate iii.The action of insulin. Insufficient food intake can result in a chronic condition, profuse sweating, palpitation of the heart, anxiety and trembling. Certain diseases which are metabolic, such as addisons disease, and thyroid disfunction and some disorders relating to the liver such as alcohol and hepatic disease. The action of starches or carbohydrate is induced by the rapid absorption of starches or carbohydrate through the intestine. This results in a sudden and excessive rush of insulin which causes a drastic decrease in the amount of sugar circulating in the blood stream. This gives rise to a hypoglycaemic    4 to 5 hours after eating. Be aware if you have responded to any of the above symptoms. Take care not to do excessive exercise as this may have an effect on your blood sugar.