Most children outgrow bed wetting by the age of 5 or 6 and some will be smart enough by the age of 3. Bed wetting is more common with boys than girls and it can run in the families. If I remember correctly, a cousin of mine and I were unknowingly competing to wet our respective beds at an age of 5 or 6. I was helpless and embarrassed as I heard our mothers complaining about our problem. Those days were difficult as I did not feel confidant to stay over at a relatives’ or friends’ places. My parents were concerned but they never made me feel worried or embarrassed.

Bed wetting is rather seen as a symptom than a disease. It is found that some children who have been dry for a while may start to wet the bed again without any reason. It may be due to urinary tract infection, emotional problems or a sleep disorder. However, in some children it is mainly due to a lower bladder control. Bed wetting after a few months of dry nights may indicate the child’s insecurities or fears or it may even point to its stressful toilet training. Stress, constipation and diabetes can be other medical conditions leading to Enuresis. In some kids, bed wetting lasts up to their puberty or preteen years. The sad part is that children feel ashamed of themselves for no fault of theirs.

There is no medical help for Enuresis. All you need to give the child is some reassurance and emotional support. Remember that your child is more anxious about his problem than you are.

How to help your child

1. It is wise to talk to your physician about the possible physical causes behind bedwetting. If there are none then you can take care of it at home.
2. Never think of punishing, blaming or embarrassing your child. Remember that he does not do it on purpose. In addition, happily praise or reward him on the mornings for his dry nights.
3. Limit his liquids in the night. Do not give the child much water from at least 2-3 hours before his bed time.
4. Encourage him to urinate just before going to bed.
5. Remind him to wake up after a while to empty his bladder. As a parent you can also wake up using an alarm clock to walk him to the toilet.
6. Help him change his sheets and clothes if he wet the bed.
7. If your child can wear diapers allow him to wear them. Use thick pads or rubber sheets to protect the mattress.
8. Add vinegar into the water to wash the clothing and the sheets.
9. Be patient and supportive.

Home remedies to try

• Give your child a healthy diet. If bed wetting is due to constipation give him a lot of fibre.
• Try to give the child some uncooked aval or poha (flattened rice) before going to the bed. It works as a temporary remedy if you want to stay over at a friends’ place. Poha will soak up the water inside and limit urination.
• Avoid sweets, too much of fruits, chocolate, meat, or artificial additives.
• Chewing cinnamon barks once a day.
• Eating bananas.
• Have parsley.
• Eating walnuts and raisins work for some.
• No beer (for early teens)!

Please bear in mind that all the remedies may not work for all.

When to consult a doctor

• -If your child starts wetting the bed suddenly after a few months of dry nights.
• - If he suffers from pain or burning sensation during urination.
• -If your child is wetting the bed and leaking stool.
• -If the home treatment shows no effect.

Tags: natural, remedies, weight loss, acupuncture, homeopathic

Many of my friends do not eat nuts because of health consciousness. They do not want any extra pound and do not savor many of their favorite high-calorie dishes. Makes sense. My association with almonds began only a few years ago, during my graduation days. I eat almonds, use them as an eye pack for dark circles (thanks to the long hours of reading) and also used almond oil for skin and hair. Once my cousin told me that eating almonds is just not enough. You have to chew them into a milk like consistency to ensue maximum absorption. I am normally fond of nuts like my father whose favorite is cashew. Many people asked me avoid eating nuts as they are high-fat foods. So did my friends who told me “I am nuts”. They say almonds are nutrition bombs but only for children. I am sure I have to write an article on the health benefits of almonds to convince them.

Studies bear witness to the fact that eating a few almonds daily can lower the LDL cholesterol in your body. This applies to people who have low saturated fat diet. Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, lots of protein, magnesium and manganese, fiber, copper, riboflavin, and phosphorus. It is abundant in heart-healthy unsaturated fats.

The presence of magnesium in the body will resist any free radical injury to the heart while calcium will provide strength to the bones. Potassium in proportion would aid to maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular functions. Alpha-tocopherol in almonds can deal the Vitamin E cravings of your body. Alpha-tocopherol is the kind of vitamin E the human body absorbs best for its daily functions.

Almond skins are found to contain 20 potent antioxidant flavanoids which are highly essential for our good health. After a meal, there is an increase in the blood sugar level. Experts say that almonds can decrease this blood sugar level and also help to destroy the free radicals to some extent. And the fun part is, a regular intake of almonds even can protect you from the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Almonds also help you lose weight while helps to prevent weight gain. Most of the nuts have a positive impact on cardiovascular health but they are much avoided in fear of weight gain. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found a positive change in the health of people who had a diet of 2 ounces of almonds daily.

Raw almonds have a healthier fatty acid composition than roasted almonds. They make a nutritious and
stomach-filling snack. Enjoy a spread of almond butter on your toast for a wholesome breakfast.

Almonds are not just for children, they are great for adults too.

-Aparna K V

Tags: medicine, herbal, weight loss, herbs, acupressure

Nature’s blessings in honey

The most precious moment in anyone’s life is when she/he hears the first cry of their newborn. A myriad of feelings in form of joy, excitement, responsibility and perhaps even fear enroll the emotions of the new born parents too. It is truly said that child gives birth to a mother. Such a pious and auspicious occasion is marked by a tradition in India…an ancient tradition which is carried forward since decades together. The grandparents or the elder most member of the family puts some honey on the tongue of the new baby as a symbol of health and good fortune. This precious substance has many advantages which enable it to take the form of nature’s blessings.

What is honey?

Honey is formed by honey bees when they rest and suck nectar from the pollen of flowers. It is a natural process where by metabolic processes of the honey bee, honey is formed. It is stored in the bee hives and these are generally broken to extract honey. Since it is a natural product obtained primarily from pollen, it gives rise to anti allergic properties to protect people from pollen allergies.

Honey is a sweet substance and perhaps this is the reason why it easily fits in the daily regimen of most people as a healthy substitute to sugar. In fact almost 70% households in U.S use honey in some form or the other on account of its taste or health benefits. Chemically it is composed of glucose and fructose which are natural mono saccharides easily digested and absorbed in the blood , better and faster than sucrose present in sugar. In fact it is much better for high risk diabetics as metabolism of mono saccharides is faster.

In addition there are several enzymes and hormones present from the bee which secretes the honey making it more adaptable to the human system. A number of vitamins and minerals in form of calcium, zinc, manganese, sodium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, iron , phosphate, vitamin B1,B2, B3, B5, B6 along with