Of late, to my bewilderment, many Indian women I come across in the USA seem to be under treatment for thyroid.  Thyroid diseases fall under the category of autoimmune diseases. I read about the thyroid problem in women extensively.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks itself by mistake. When I looked for more information I found that thyroid disease and systemic lupus erythematosus are the most common autoimmune diseases found in women. The latter sounds so terrifying that I did not read any more on it. However, Thyroid disease in women of childbearing age was my subject of concern.

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands in the body and plays an important role in the body’s metabolism. It also secretes hormones like thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin while regulating body heat and bone growth. The thyroid gland works together with the pituitary gland.  For some reason, untreated thyroid problems are quite common in women following pregnancy.  A good number of women suffer from thyroid problems at some stage of their life time or other.  Any problem with the thyroid is usually seen in weight loss, fatigue, memory loss, depression etc.  Hashimoto’s disease, or hypothyroiditis and Graves’ disease are two types of thyroid diseases found more in females than males.  While in the former, the thyroid gets destroyed by the immune system the latter is a medical condition in which excessive amount of thyroid hormone is produced.

A change in the menstruation pattern can be caused by thyroids.  Any abnormality in the thyroid can lead to irregular or heavy periods or even stop menstruation at all.  The link between the two is not well-established and understood.  Many thyroid related And many period problems go undiagnosed and unknown.Very early menarche that starts before 9 and delayed menarche after 15 can be related to thyroid changes.  McCune-Albright Syndrome (scary name) is a rare disease that occurs at the juncture of early periods (precocious puberty) and hyperthyroidism (high levels of thyroid).  Delayed periods in adolescence can be because of hypothyroidism or under active thyroid.

Hypothyroidism puts a break on all bodily functions and have symptoms like that of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Thyroid treatment in women with PMS relieves them from PMS problems too.In older women, the activity of the thyroid reflects on the ovulation. It can stop egg production at all for some and cause cysts in a few. Thyroid deficiency during pregnancy affects the fetal growth. But luckily, taking thyroid medication while pregnant is not unsafe.

After pregnancy, thyroid changes leads to postpartum thyroiditis. A condition of painless inflammation of the thyroid gland develops in mothers 4-12 months after childbirth. The main symptom of this disease is an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism.  The story does not end there.  In the early 40’s or before during on the onset of menopause women may find themselves suffering from hyperthyroidism.  This is the time when women have mood swings, insomnia and lack of periods. Problems during menopause can thus be cured by treating hyperthyroidism.

-Aparna K V

Tags: acupressure, diabetes, remedies, natural, herbs, homeopathic, obesity, weight loss, medicine, acupuncture

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia or low sugar level arises as a result of low glucose level in blood. You have hypoglycemia if your blood glucose is less than 70 mg/dl. There are different kinds of hypoglycemia namely Diabetes hypoglycemia, Reactive hypoglycemia, Fasting hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia or Diabetes mellitus occurs when you have a high sugar level beyond 140 mg/dl. It is a common risk factor of stroke.

There can be various causes for hypoglycemia. The low glucose level can normally be due to

• Too much insulin in the body by the excessive intake of oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin
• Insufficient or delayed food
• Strenuous physical activity
• Diabetic medications
• Drinking alcohol in empty stomach while under diabetic medications
• Illnesses like renal failure
• Hormone or enzyme deficiencies
• Tumors

A hypoglycemic or insulin reaction usually occurs very suddenly. It often happens when the insulin action is at its peak. Sometimes, it can show symptoms akin to stroke when the brain does not get enough glucose for its oxidant metabolism. Though the reaction is sudden, it can be treated quickly in minutes. It is a dangerous condition as it can go unrecognized by the patient as well as his relatives. The untreated hypoglycemia leads to unconsciousness. In certain cases, sudden deaths are reported. In most cases, the lives would have been saved if given carbohydrates (sugared water or sweet). The signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia vary from person to person.

Look out for the Signs

-Hunger
-Fatigue
-Tingling around the mouth
-Rapid heartbeat
-Light-headedness, shakiness or nervousness
-Feeling disoriented
-Difficulty in concentration and in speaking
-Clumsiness
-Sweating
-Headache
-Pale skin color
-Mood changes (irritability)
-Seizure or coma if severe.
-Remember, hypoglycemia gnaws at you even when you are asleep. You can have nightmares or perspire profusely in your sleep.

The Do’s and Don’ts

• Hypoglycemia patients should always maintain a consistent diet.
• Should never skip a meal or even go on with insufficient food. They must carry food supplies with them during journeys.
• Should not take alcohol alone on an empty stomach.
• Should make sure to grab a snack before engaging in an activity that is not a part of their regular routine.
• Take special care of children with low sugar. The school staff should be informed about the medical condition and how to treat it in emergency.

-Aparna K V

Tags: weight loss, homeopathic, acupressure, diabetes, herbs, diabetes, remedies, natural, Ayurvedic, alternative

Kukku, aged 6, was crying aloud in school and the teacher came running. To the relief of the teacher the child was not crying due to any injury. She started crying when she saw the Bitter-gourd curry, her mother had given her for lunch. Kukku is not the only one who dislikes bitter guard. Many of us adults also do not prefer bittergourd owing to its bitter taste. My uncle can have bitter melon partially cooked with just coconut oil, salt and green chillies. Whereas I can only think of deep fried bitter melon slices.

Bitter gourd or bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a vegetable widely grown in the Asian countries. It has a significant place in the traditional medicine systems and the cuisines of Asian countries. Though named after its taste, Bitter melon is a candy in the field of medicine. We have heard of bitter melon being used to treat Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus). What else can it do? Let’s see those bitter facts.

Facts about Bittermelon or Bittergourd

Bitter melon contains :

1. No fat
2. Calcium
3. Phosphorus
4. Potassium
5. Iron
6. Carbohydrates
7. Proteins
8. Beta carotene
9. Vitamins C and B 1 to 3
10. Fiber
11. 92% moisture
12. and Essential minerals

Bitter melon is considered a herb as it has many medicinal uses known to man. It is held to be anticancerous, antiviral, antibacterial and hypoglycaemic. Many of the uses are not supported by research records but by the traditional medicines.

1. Bitter melon is credited of cleansing the blood and treating many infections if taken regularly. It can thus cure many skin related problems caused by the impurities in the blood. Ayurveda claims that bitter melon is an effective treatment for problems like psoriasis, scabies, ringworm infection, and other fungal infections. Some medicines used for the treatment of rashes and allergies have the essence of bitter guard in them.
2. Bitter melon increases appetite and digestion while helping with constipation. Bitter melon stimulates pancreas and liver and thus helps in the absorption of food.
3. It controls infection in the body, aids the function of the digestive tract and regularizes the urinary tract.
4. Diabetic enteropathy is a complication arising from diabetes. Bitter melon is used in the traditional medicines to improve gastrointestinal functions and thus help patients with Diabetic enteropathy.
5. Ayurveda maintains that bitter melon can successfully treat piles, jaundice and cholera in its early stages.
6. Respiratory disorders like asthma, bronchitis can be alleviated by bitter melon.
7. Karela is said to be good for the liver and can prevent the damage to liver as a result of alcoholism.

Thinking of a cup of bitter melon juice in the morning?

Rumours

Since there are no available records supporting these effects of bitter melon I categorise them as rumours. Many hold them true while many find them to be arbitrary. Yet, I could not neglect them as they are crucial to this article on bitter melon.

• The bitter melon leaf is an effective deterrent and treatment to malaria in many parts of Asia and Columbia.
• Treats HIV! Bitter melon is said to be an immunomodulator which can treat cancerous cells and tumors. Even if it cannot treat HIV it should certainly enhance the immunity of the body.
• Karela is antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and antiseptic.
• It is carminative (expels gas) and purgative.
• It can reduce fever and lower blood pressure.
• Traditional medicine also calls it lactagogue as it promotes milk flow.
• Stories say that it can cause abortion but treat menstrual disorders.
• Children are not encouraged to eat it as it is potentially toxic. Wish I had heard of it in my childhood!
• The intake of bitter melon may worsen heartburn and ulcers and causes stomach pain and diarrhea.

However, most clinical studies ascertain that it doesn’t contain any side effects.
Extensive research is called for on such grounds. The last bitter fact is that there are no gains without pains!!

-Aparna K V

Tags: Ayurvedic Medicine, Natural Cures, Kitchen Tips, Natural Remedies, Herbal Supplements

No gender bias. It is the reality that males