Shingles or herpes zoster is basically caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus. When a person contracts chickenpox, the virus does not totally leave his body. It stays dormant for many years, until it finds an opportunity to re-attack the body and reappear as shingles. This often happens to immunocompromised individuals, as not all people who had chickenpox in the past will develop shingles later in their lives. Also, it follows that people who had not been afflicted with chickenpox before have no chance to develop herpes zoster.

Causes and predisposing factors

As mentioned before, the single known cause of herpes zoster is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. However, nobody exactly knows why the virus is reactivated, though there are some speculations as to the reason behind the “waking up” of the virus.

Stress and fatigue are two of the main predisposing factors being looked upon in shingles.  Also, a weakened immune system can also be another factor, since the body is not fit to keep the virus at bay if its immune system is compromised. An example of a circumstance in which the body cannot fight the virus is during times of illness. When the body is also undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy, such as in the treatment of cancer, the immune system also becomes suppressed, thus paving the way for the virus to wake up from its dormant state.

Symptoms

Shingles is generally a disease of the nervous system, because it affects the nerve cell bodies. Shingles initially starts with non-specific symptoms, such as fever, malaise, and headache, which can be experienced in almost any other type of disease. However, the first herpes zoster-specific symptom is pain on just one side of the body. The sensations used to describe this one-sided pain are numbing, aching, stinging, tingling, shooting, and throbbing. Oftentimes, this pain is punctuated by short moments of “lightning bolt” pain.

After about three days, the person will already notice rashes starting to cover one side of his body. Remember that these rashes follow the nerve pathways, so that it only appears unilaterally. These rashes start at the torso, and then spread to the other parts of the body, such as the face and the extremities.

The appearance of the rashes typically looks like hives – red, raised bumps. Later on, the rashes develop into pus-filled blisters, and in about two to three weeks, they will begin to crust and form into scabs. Scarring may happen especially if the blisters are severe.

Treatment

Since the disease is caused by a virus, shingles is self-limiting. However, you can still take antiviral drugs early during the course of the disease, since that is the time that it is most effective.

Antiviral medications that are often prescribed for patients with shingles include acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir. Unfortunately, these medications do not entirely cure the disease; it only shortens its duration and lessens the severity of its symptoms. These drugs are no longer effective if taken during the latter part of the disease, so make sure that you consult your doctor right away when you start feeling the symptoms.

There are also traditional ways to manage shingles. First of all, it is important to avoid scratching the rashes. Just like chickenpox, shingles rashes can be very itchy, but scratching them will only increase the risk of those rashes getting infected. Moreover, it might lead to scarring once the blisters heal. The person with shingles can use oral or topical antihistamines in order to relieve itching and decrease inflammation.

It is also necessary to have pain medications on hand. Most of the time, doctors only prescribe pain medications since herpes zoster resolves by itself in 2 to 3 weeks. Examples of these analgesics include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. These are also prescribed not just for the shingles rash itself, but also for postherpetic neuralgia, which is the pain felt by people with shingles even after the rashes have gone.

In order to speed up the crusting process, tap water compresses may help. These should be applied to fresh blisters for about 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Aside from drying the blisters, these compresses can also soothe the itch, remove the scabs, and decrease the risk of incurring secondary bacterial infections. However, watch out for excessive dryness of the skin, as continuous application of tap water compresses long after the blisters have crusted can make the skin dry and itchy.

Finally, nothing beats hygiene in trying to recover from a disease caused by microorganisms. Simply washing the affected area with soap and water can help in the healing process. Moreover, one can also apply petroleum jelly to the rashes. Clothes worn should be loose enough to avoid rubbing against the rashes and making them itchier and more painful. To avoid further complications, do not expose yourself to ill people, since your immune system is weak and cannot vigilantly defend your body.

Natural supplements

There had been many testimonials regarding the effectiveness of mangosteen supplements in the treatment of shingles. Because shingles is not exactly a one-time disease and recurs every time the immune system is suppressed, it is very hard to deal with it. Taking mangosteen supplements can reputedly help keep shingles in remission, as what was stated in various testimonies from shingles patients.

Aside from being able to help treat shingles, mangosteen also has analgesic properties. Since shingles is a painful disease, this pain-relieving property of mangosteen can help a person with shingles manage pain. Also, it will avoid dependence to certain analgesics.

Among all the different forms of mangosteen supplements, the freeze dried or powdered form is the most advisable because it is 100% concentrated. One can be very certain that he gets all the nutrients that mangosteen has to offer because there are no preservatives added to the mangosteen powder. Moreover, it is cheaper than other forms.

Mangosteen supplements are obviously cheaper and more natural than drugs prescribed for shingles, so why not give them a try?

The Mangosteen Solution

Mangosteen is shown to help move toxins through the body naturally and help in the elimination problem for those who suffer from the inflamed bowel symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease. To any one who experiences the pain and discomfort of having inflamed intestine and colon problems, you know all to well that it can be difficult to carry on normal functions when your bowels are not working properly. The amazing antioxidant ingredients and polyphenol in the mangosteen can naturally ward off the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and help strengthen the body’s immune system.

Getting your colon and entire digestive tract to work properly can bring you so much relief and it can improve the overall functioning of your body. In order to be completely healthy, all of our organs and functions of the body need to be working together and be doing what they are suppose to. When the gastrointestinal tract and colon areas are not able to safely remove the wastes and toxins from the body, it can lead to pain and inflammation, which can also be a risk for developing other health problems.

Getting the Best out of Mangosteen

The sweet taste of the mangosteen will make it hard to believe that such a sweet and tasty little fruit is doing a world of good for your health. Unfortunately, this amazing fruit does not grow well on this side of the world and has a very short shelf life when imported.

You may have seen mangosteen advertised as a powerful juice mixture, but if you really want to get the most health benefits and best absorption of the powerful ingredients that make the mangosteen such a power fruit, you should consume it in solid form, or also known as freeze dried. That ensures that no nutrients or antioxidants are lost during the process used to make juice. In addition to ridding your body of built up toxins and wastes that can accumulate in the colon, the mangosteen also can improve cardiovascular health and improve overall functions of the organs in the body.

If you are tired of suffering from symptoms of Crohn’s disease or other health problems, you should try mangosteen and experience the benefits that the fruit can offer your body and how it can also increase your energy levels. If you are ready to make a positive, natural change to improving your health and ridding your body of toxins the healthy way, adding mangosteen to your diet can give you the significant health improvements and benefits that you are looking for.

The problem starts when the stones formed are gargantuan in size. Imagine a stone as large as a golf ball inside your kidneys. Symptoms start to appear when it tries to pass in the urine via the ureter. People with large kidney stones often describe this experience as one of worst pains they ever experienced.

In the United States, around 10-15% adults are diagnosed with kidney stones every year. The incidence is slightly higher in the Middle East, with 20-25%, largely attributed to the risk of dehydration because of its hot climate, as well as their diet which is high in oxalate and low in calcium.

Formation of different kinds of kidney stones

Calcium oxalate stones

The most common type of kidney stones is the calcium oxalate stones. It accounts for 80% of all cases of kidney stones. Most causes of calcium oxalate stones can be attributed to urine component imbalances which can either precipitate or halt the formation of kidney stones. Genetic factors, underlying medical conditions, intake of certain drugs, and abnormalities in metabolism, digestion, and absorption also count as other causes.

The amount of calcium and urine in the body can also cause calcium oxalate stones. For example, excessive calcium in the urine or bloodstream or excessive oxalate in the urine can precipitate stone formation. A diet high in oxalate and low in calcium can also have the same effect.

Uric acid stones

Around 5-10% of all kidney stone occurrences are uric acid stones, which are made from purine. People with uric acid stones normally have high uric acid levels in the urine and the bloodstream. Moreover, both urine and uric acid are acidic in nature, thus giving way to the formation of kidney stones.

Other factors that may play a role in the formation of uric acid stones include genetic predispositions, gout, kidney abnormalities, high animal protein diet, drinking alcohol, fasting, lead toxicity, blood diseases, and chronic diarrhea.

Struvite stones

Struvite stones are made up of magnesium, phosphate, and ammonia. The leading cause of struvite stones is urinary tract infections or UTI. The bacteria that cause UTI, usually the Proteus bacteria, secrete enzymes that raise the levels of ammonia in the urine, thus forming struvite stones.

Women are more prone to develop struvite stones than men.

Other stones

Other types of kidney stones include cystine stones, xanthine stones, and calcium phosphate stones. These are usually developed in people with genetic defects and other underlying disease processes. However, they are less common than the calcium oxalate, uric acid, and struvite kidney stones.

Symptoms of kidney stones

The most common symptom of kidney stones is severe pain, described to be colicky in quality. The colicky pain is something that is unique to renal stones, since it starts in the kidney area and spreads toward the flank and the bladder region. It starts in one side and progresses in intensity for a few minutes.

While the size of the stone normally dictates the severity of the pain (i.e. the larger the stone, the more painful it is), this may not always be the case. A small stone with rough edges may be more painful than a large round one.

Aside from pain, there may also be a presence of blood and pus in the urine. The patient may feel a burning sensation during urination, and the urine output may be decreased because of the obstruction in the urine passageway caused by the stone. Moreover, the person may have frequent urges to urinate. Nausea and vomiting can also occur. If there is a concomitant infection, the person may also experience fever and chills.

Treatment of kidney stones

Kidney stones can be diagnosed through radiography, CT scan, or ultrasound. Once the existence of kidney stones has been established, the treatment follows.

Small stones measuring less than 4mm in diameter usually pass in the urine without requiring treatment. However, those that measure around 6mm or more need to be managed accordingly.

Initially, non-invasive methods are utilized. To encourage passage of stones, the physician may prescribe increased fluid intake, several antibiotics for infection, analgesics for pain, and diuretics to prevent further stone formation. Diet may also be limited, since foods high in oxalate should be avoided. If the stones are not passed out using these methods, then that is the time that doctors will consider more aggressive treatment.

Surgery or lithotripsy is indicated for more complicated cases. For stones located in the ureter that are less than a centimetre or half an inch, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) may be used. This involves breaking up the stone using an external, high acoustic pulse.

For stones that are larger than one centimetre, options include ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and open surgeries.

Mangosteen’s role in preventing kidney stone formation

What makes mangosteen great for people with kidney stones is the fact that the fruit aids in the passage of kidney stones. Mangosteen has a diuretic effect that helps kidney stones pass through the urine. It also helps in preventing the formation of further kidney stones because of its alkaline properties. As mentioned before, uric acid stones thrive in acidic urine. By neutralizing the acidity of the urine, these kidney stones are inhibited from forming.

Moreover, the xanthones found in the mangosteen fruit has an antibacterial effect, so that infection and formation of kidney stones are prevented for people who experience urinary retention because of obstruction in the urine passageway.

The mangosteen is a fruit native in Southeast Asia, so people from this region can directly reap the benefits that this fruit has to offer. However, for those people who live far from this area, there is still a way to enjoy the benefits of mangosteen, and that is through mangosteen supplements. People can opt to take the juice form or the powder form, depending on what is more accessible to them.

However, the powder form is more advisable because it does not contain preservatives like the juice form; therefore it is a more concentrated source of xanthones and other nutrients. Moreover, fruit juices are required to be pasteurized, and when they are subjected to heat, they tend to lost some of their nutritional value. The freeze-dried form does not have to endure that; hence you can be sure that what you are taking in is 100% nutritious and beneficial to your kidneys.

Mangosteen is a fruit that grows in warm climates like Singapore, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia. The fruit is purple in color and about the size of an apple and was used many years ago by the locals because of its ability to cure bladder infections, diarrhea, and even gonorrhea. The reason this fruit is so amazing is because it contains many antioxidants known as xanthones. Scientists have taken these antioxidants and put them into a capsule that gives more benefit than eating the fruit raw. Though the fruit is called “Mangosteen” it is not actually related to the mango. All of the nutrients and xanthones are found in the rind of the fruit also called the pericap.

Benefits of the mangosteen capsule

Because mangosteen contains so many antioxidants it can strengthen your immune system. Mangosteen is much more effective than simply taking a Vitamin C pill because it contains more antioxidants. By strengthening the immune system you are protecting your body from harmful viruses and infections.

Taking mangosteen daily will also free your body of free radicals which dramatically reduces your risk for cancer and other diseases. This amazing capsule can even prevent dementia. Not many other capsules on the market can make this claim and have no side effects.

More benefits

Boosts energy

Prevents inflammations

Prevents pain

Prevents ulcers in stomach, mouth, and bowels

Moderate anti depressant

Prevents cancer

Anti aging

Prevents viral infections

Antibiotic

Antifungal

Protects the heart

Lowers blood pressure

Helps with weight loss

Prevents arthritis

Prevents gum disease

And that’s just to name a few. There are many more benefits to taking mangosteen capsules and you have nothing to lose, except weight, if you try this pill.

Liquid vs. Solid

Mangosteen is sold in liquid form and solid form; the liquid form is watered down and doesn’t contain the same amount of antioxidants as the fruit does. The solid form, or capsule, contains the exact same amount of antioxidants that the pericap (rind) of the fruit contains. You will benefit more from taking the capsule and you will get it at a lower price than the juice.

Taking the capsule is also more convenient than taking a bottle of juice with you where ever you go. The liquid form of mangosteen also contains additives that the capsule does not.

Where you can purchase mangosteen

Mangosteen capsules are widely known but a little hard to find, the best place to look would be online. There are many online retailers that are selling the mangosteen capsules and can give you a good deal. Make sure you do your research before purchasing your mangosteen capsules because you will want to make sure that you are getting pure mangosteen.

Of course you can try locating them in drug stores but as said earlier, they are very hard to find. Shop around to find the best price and value; mangosteen has already helped millions of people and can help you promote all around better health.

Scientists have been able to capture all the pure minerals and antioxidants of the mangosteen into a single capsule that you can take every day to promote better health and cure common ailments. Taking mangosteen everyday will help make you feel great, have more energy, and feel less tired. Make sure you only buy the capsules because, unlike the juice, the capsules contain only pure mangosteen without any fillers, or additives.

Solid and Liquid Forms

First, there are different preparations of the mangosteen extracts. There is a solid form making use of the fruit’s rind or pericarp that is processed into a pill form. Then there is the juice form, using the whole fruit. The pericarp is bitter to taste, hence the juice preparation is mixed with other pleasant-tasting fruits like pomegranate, black cherry, cranberry, bluberry, and grapes.

The pericarp of mangosteen contains the highest concentration of the anti-oxidant substances called xanthones. This is the logic behind the use of the rind in processing the solid form. The juice form makes use of the pericarp plus other parts of the fruit to maximize the health benefits which can also be derived from the fruit pulp and seeds, albeit in lower concentration.

The Processes Involved

The source of the mangosteen fruit must be put into consideration. They come from Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, etc.

Were they free of hazardous chemicals? Check with the manufacturer if they employed pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers in growing the tree. The risks of chemically-laden fruits defeat the purpose of consuming the product to benefit from its medicinal properties. The chemicals contain cancer-causing agents and other pathogens.

Are they clean? The richest source of xanthones of the mangosteen is its pericarp. In some companies, the pericarp is bought from canning companies that make use of the fruit pulp, but throw away the rind, as it is considered a waste. The mangosteen fruits they use come from different farms. The pericarp is swept off the floor and sold to other companies needing the pericarp. The cleanliness of the floor and the process how they were collected is of major concern. Would you take in supplements collected through this method?

Make sure that the manufacturer has their own farm, to ensure the consistency of the fruits, and that they have a clean collecting process. The collection of the pericarp should be prioritized. A responsible company will sort, clean and peel the mangosteens after harvesting from their own farm free of pesticides, separate the pericarp and have them transported to highly developed countries for processing.

For the juice form, the whole fruit has to undergo irradiation, as required by law, to ensure that viruses, bacteria, and pests are killed before they are transported. The exposure of your food to radiation may potentially harm your health due to the carcinogens produced, which is something you may want to think about.

In the solid form, the fruit is crushed and encapsulated using a machine. In the liquid form, the juice is prepared by pulping the whole fruit, draining the liquid, and pasteurizing the juice afterwards. In most of the commercially prepared Mangosteen juices, Mangosteen is reconstituted from mangosteen puree back into liquid form.

What is Pasteurization?

It is the process that slows down the growth of microorganisms in food. It was named after Louis Pasteur, who discovered that spoilage organisms could be inactivated in wine by applying heat at temperatures below its boiling point. It does not kill the disease-causing micro-organisms, but reduces the number of viable pathogens so they will be less likely to cause a disease.

The process uses heat, at temperatures below the boiling point. The methods are usually standardized, and governed by national food safety agencies.

Standard pasteurization involves having the product exposed to heat for a long period of time. While it prevents bacterial growth, it tends to deteriorate the nutritional value of the juice and its fresh flavour. A newer method called flash pasteurization requires shorter exposure to higher temperatures, which works best for preserving color and taste in some products.

How Does Pasteurization Affect Mangosteen Juice?

All mangosteen juices are required to undergo pasteurization. The process of pasteurization, in general, while it saves you from harmful microorganisms and extends the shelf life of the product, comes with a price to pay. It destroys the many inherent healthful properties of the mangosteen. The naturally occurring enzymes and vitamins that function as antioxidants are killed.

In addition to pasteurization, the reconstitution process of mangosteen concentrate back into liquid further diminishes the medicinal value of the fruit.

Instead of enjoying the nutritional benefits of mangosteen, you are more likely to suffer from risks brought about by the juice additives included in the production of the juice. Benzoic acid or sodium benzoate is added to prevent the deterioration of the product before it is consumed after opening. Scientific studies have shown that adding sodium benzoate to any hot bottled liquid which also contains synthetic vitamin C may cause a chemical reaction resulting to the production of benzene within the product. Benzene poses many hazards to the body, including the risk for leukemia. The pleasant taste that comes with the juice may be due to citric acid, sodium benzoate, and artificial flavours added during the manufacturing process.

With all the processes involved and the additional fruits and preservatives used in manufacturing the juice, the production cost is increased, making it the more expensive option. Would you be willing to pay for a more expensive preparation when all the important health benefits are lacking and destroyed?

Basically, carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve that innervates the wrist is compressed, thereby leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness of the affected hand. As what was mentioned above, the most common cause is said to be long hours of using a computer. Although this is true, this is not the only cause.

Anything that puts pressure on the median nerve can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. There are health conditions that do just that, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the tendons, thereby leading to compression of the median nerve. Pregnancy can also be a cause, since it causes fluid retention in the tissues, which again leads to swelling and compression of the median nerve. Other health conditions that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome include obesity, acromegaly, and tumors.

Wrist, arm, and hand trauma can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the biggest risk factor for this condition turns out to be genetic predisposition, as supported by several studies regarding carpal tunnel syndrome.

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome starts with a pain in the wrist, which gradually extends to include the hand and even the forearm. As the condition progresses, so does the pain, which can stretch up to the shoulders. Aside from the pain, there is also a tingling sensation and numbness in the fingers, the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers in particular. Note that the little finger is not affected, since it is not innervated by the median nerve. Finally, a feeling of muscle weakness is also present. The person with carpal tunnel syndrome might constantly drop objects as a result of his muscle weakness.

If carpal tunnel syndrome becomes a chronic condition, it can lead to atrophy or wasting of the muscles of the hand; especially those muscles found in the palm and thumb area.

How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?

Aside from the symptoms reported by the patient, there are also several tests done during physical examination that are used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. One of them is the Phalen’s maneuver, which is done by flexing the wrist as far as it can. This position is held until symptoms start to appear. If there are no symptoms within 60 seconds, then the person is negative for carpal tunnel syndrome. The rule here is that the earlier that symptoms start to appear, the more advanced the condition of the person is.

Another way to diagnose the condition is through the Tinel’s sign, which is performed by lightly tapping the area in which the median nerve is located. Doing so will create a tingling sensation, thereby detecting irritated nerves.

The carpal compression test or Durkan test can also be used, which is done by applying palm pressure over the nerve for 30 seconds and waiting for symptoms.

Once symptoms are experienced, your physician may prescribe an electromyogram or a nerve conduction study. This will rule out other conditions that are similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.

How can carpal tunnel syndrome be treated?

Mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome only need to rest for a while or apply cold packs if swelling is present. However, if the symptoms are more advanced and the aforementioned measures cannot provide relief, there are other ways to treat this condition.

Splinting the wrist can help relieve tingling and numbness. However, this method is only effective it the symptoms are mild or moderate, and are only present for less than ten months.

Your doctor may also prescribe you with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help in relieving pain. Corticsteroids may also be prescribed in order to decrease inflammation, thereby reducing the pressure made on the median nerve. Corticosteroid injections are used for treating carpal tunnel syndrome, since oral corticosteroids are found to be ineffective.

If symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are severe or they persist for more than six months, surgery may be considered. The doctor cuts the ligament that puts pressure on the median nerve. According to surveys, 70% of the people who have undergone these surgeries are satisfied with the results.

Is there a way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

In reality, there are no proven ways to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. However, most physicians recommend taking frequent breaks from work, especially if you are engaged in a job that glues you to the computer for eight hours per day. Frequently stretching and bending your wrists can help. Also, your posture counts, since incorrect posture can cause your neck and shoulder muscles to ache. Working in a cold environment can also contribute to pain and stiffness in the hands, so try to keep as warm as possible.

Can mangosteen help in reducing carpal tunnel syndrome?

Mangosteen is considered to be a wonder fruit because of its antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, it is said to be better than anti-inflammatory drugs because it is natural and does not have any adverse effects. Studies show that mangosteen’s anti-inflammatory properties are even as potent as those of the medication known as Dexamethasone, minus the side effects.

Mangosteen supplements can help treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, headache, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, to name a few. Since inflammation causes pain, it follows that mangosteen can also help relieve pain associated with these conditions.

When it comes to the form of supplement to take, the freeze-dried or powdered form of mangosteen supplements is preferred over the liquid form because the former has no preservatives added. This means that you are going to get all the nutrients contained in mangosteen, without the additives found in the juice form.

Numerous testimonials about how people have been cured of their inflammatory conditions through the use of mangosteen supplements have been written, so why not try them?

Migraine is a chronic vascular headache which affects approximately 15% of the population. Women are twice as likely to suffer from attacks as men are, and, when there is a history of migraine in the family, this ratio will become even higher.

A migraine is an extended pulsing headache that can last anywhere between four and seventy two hours, typically affecting one side of the head. It is thought that it is the sudden expansion of blood vessels carrying blood to the brain that irritate the surrounding nerve tissues, and so cause a migraine headache.

Migraine attacks are characterized by additional symptoms which can include sickness and vomiting, impairment to sight, partial paralysis, speech difficulty, feelings of confusion, and fainting.

The causes of migraine

The precise causes of migraines are not known but triggers can include:

A change in hormone levels. Women often contend that migraine attacks are worse during their periods, through pregnancy, and when taking hormonal treatments Some foods have been known to trigger migraines, the more common culprits include: chocolate, alcohol, cheese, coffee, and artificial sweeteners.

Strobe lighting, and glare from the sun can cause occasion attacks.

Stress is another culprit including physical exertion, an interruption to regular sleeping patterns and fasting.

Mangosteen can help relieve migraine

Mangosteen has been identified as one of the top super-foods in the world. The Mangosteen tree is a native of Southeast Asia. It is the fruit born by this tree that is creating all of the excitement. It has been used for centuries by the traditional healers of the area to treat a number of illnesses and diseases, and as an anti-inflammatory pain killer. The soft white interior of the fruit is rich in nutrients, but it is the exterior rind, known as the “pericarp” that gives the fruit its unique characteristics. The pericarp is super rich in antioxidants know as xanthones. In fact Mangosteen contains for more xanthones than any other food known to man and it is these xanthones than act as a super anti-inflammatory pain reliever.

This is precisely the characteristic that benefits the migraine sufferer and helps to relieve the chronic pain.

But Mangosteen also has other health benefits. In addition Mangosteen can reportedly inhibit the spread of different types of cancer including liver, breast and blood cancer.

Pills, capsules and juice

Mangosteen has been sold mostly in juice form in the US, but that is now becoming the subject of deep controversy. One of the problems that has come to light is that a few “rogue” companies are selling product that has such low levels of Mangosteen in it that any possible benefit is lost.

Also if the juice has been “hot” bottled, the pasteurizing process it undergoes kills off much of Mangosteen’s active ingredients. This hot bottling process can also include the addition of benzoate as a preservative. Benzoate is now known to be a carcinogenic. Finally, all fruit juices that are imported into the US have to undergo an irradiation treatment.

The Mangosteen fruit used to make the juice has an unpleasant taste and is extremely bitter and needs the use of other juices to make it palatable. In addition it also requires additives for a longer shelf life.

But new pills and capsules are now on sale following the introduction of a new technology that has enabled Mangosteen to be freeze-dried and powdered locally, immediately following harvesting. This preserves the potency of the active ingredients during shipping to the processing plants in the US. When it arrives in the US, it is virtually as fresh and potent as it was when it was harvested, and the powder, when in pill form, or encapsulated, has no taste.

Mangosteen Pills and capsules are now much preferred over the juice option, not only because they retain the fruit’s 100% natural organic status, but they are also easier to carry around.

What causes an enlarged prostate?

Unfortunately, the underlying cause as to why the prostate enlarges is unknown. As a man ages, the number of cells in his prostate also increases, thereby contributing to the growth of the prostate. Factors that are said to be involved in prostate enlargement include hormones (both male and female) and growth factors.

Some researches suggest that because of the depletion of testosterone as a man ages, the level of his estrogen increases. Estrogen enhances cell growth, which is why it contributes to the enlargement of the prostate.

Another possible reason why men’s prostate glands enlarge as they grow older is because of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a growth substance found in testosterone. Even though a man’s testosterone decreases through age, DHT levels remain high, which is the reason why DHT continues to enhance cell growth. In fact, studies show that those men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH later on in life.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

Basically, all the symptoms of BPH have something to do with urination, since the enlarged prostate obstructs the passageway of urine. One of the most common symptoms is a weak stream when urinating, often interrupted. There is also difficulty in urination due to the obstruction in the urethra. After urinating, one will notice that there is a dribbling or leaking of the urine, and there will always be the urge to urinate, as if one was not able to empty the bladder fully. Because of the urge, a person with an enlarged prostate urinates frequently, especially during the night. In rare cases, blood may be found in the urine.

Complications can also arise because of the urinary retention in the bladder. Because the bladder cannot empty completely, the urine that is retained in the bladder can be a good breeding ground for bacteria, thereby predisposing the affected person to urinary tract infection, bladder stones, damage to the bladder or the kidneys, and even urinary incontinence.

How can an enlarged prostate be treated?

Since BPH is a condition that naturally comes with age, those people who manifest mild symptoms are not usually treated. Instead, they are just advised to urinate when they feel the urge to do so. Also, make sure that the bladder is completely emptied so as not to develop urinary retention and the complications that stem out of it.

However, there are situations that necessitate the physician’s intervention, especially if the symptoms are becoming more pronounced. Usually, physicians first observe for further changes before they prescribe any sort of treatment. For many men, their symptoms usually subside even without treatment. But for men who experience moderate symptoms, it is important for them to start taking their prescription medicines as advised by their doctors.

There are two types of drugs that are being used for treatment of prostate enlargement. The first ones are alpha-blockers, which basically relieve the symptoms but not treat the cause. They cause the prostate muscles to relax, thereby alleviating the discomfort caused by an enlarged prostate. Examples of alpha-blockers include doxazosin, terazosin, prazosin, and alfuzosin– pretty easy to remember, as they all end in –zosin.

Other commonly prescribed medications are finasteride and dutasteride, which act in shrinking the prostate. Again, this will relieve symptoms associated with urination.

These two types of drugs are usually given for men who only suffer from moderate enlargement of the prostate. They can be given in combination for better results.

How about those who suffer from severe cases of prostate enlargement? These men can undergo surgery, one of which is called the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This is the most commonly done procedure for men with enlarged prostates. This is a minimally invasive procedure, considering that there is no incision made. Instead, a small instrument used for scraping the core of the prostate is inserted through the urethra. The outcome of this surgery is a reduction of pressure on the urethra, thereby relieving the symptoms. For a more invasive procedure, there is the transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP).

Because of the technology today, several newer and more technologically-advanced treatments have been developed that only require anesthesia and sedation and can be done in an outgoing basis. Examples are interstitial laser coagulation, transurethral microwave thermotherapy, and transurethral needle ablation of the prostate. With regard to all these procedures, it is still best to ask the advice of your doctor.

The role of mangosteen in the treatment of prostate enlargement

Like many of the benefits of mangosteen, its ability to fight prostate enlargement can be credited to the xanthones that the fruit contains. Aside from being antibacterial, xanthones also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help people with enlarged prostates cope with their disease.

The antibacterial ability of xanthones can help fight off the diseases that can be caused by urinary retention, since the latter is a big possibility due to the inability of urine to pass through the narrowed urethra. Moreover, the size of the prostate gland can be reduced because of the anti-inflammatory properties of xanthones in mangosteen. This is very important since the enlarged prostate is the root of many complications that can possibly arise if not treated.

Of all the forms of mangosteen, the powder form is preferred over everything else since it contains the highest concentration of mangosteen. If you compare it to its juice form, you will see that the juice form contains additives that not only reduce the nutritional content of the mangosteen supplement, but may also bring adverse effects to the body since they are not natural. Therefore, the most natural and most concentrated form would have to be the powder form. Consuming mangosteen and mangosteen supplements is the safest and most cost-efficient way in fighting prostate enlargement.

Diabetes mellitus, often referred to simply as diabetes, is a metabolic disorder arising from the combination of genetic and environmental factors which typically result in abnormally high blood glucose levels. The internationally recognized normal blood sugar level is about 90 mg/100ml.  Among diabetics, this is usually above 200 mg/100ml.  Blood glucose levels are regulated by a complex interplay of chemicals and hormones in the body, primarily the hormone insulin produced by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas. As a whole, diabetes results from defects in either insulin secretion or insulin action in the body.

There are basically two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas leading to a deficiency of insulin.  Type 2 diabetes is defined differently and is due to insulin resistance or diminished insulin sensitivity. The abnormal response of body tissues to insulin involves a defect in the insulin receptors in cell membranes. Type 2 diabetes can also be the result of a metabolic strain on one’s system, often due to obesity and/or lack of exercise.

Both types can be deadly. There are similarities between the symptoms, but many patients either are unaware, or choose to ignore them until their blood sugars reach critical levels. When this occurs hospitalization is already necessary otherwise  death may occur. For these reasons, it is imperative to recognize the early warning signs of diabetes.  There are three early manifestations of Type 1 diabetes, and many cases of Type 2. These are usually referred to as the cardinal signs and symptoms or the “triad” of diabetes; they are polyuria or frequent urination, polyphagia or increased appetite and polidipsia or excessive thirst.

Polyuria occurs as the body needs to flush the extra glucose in the bloodstream. As a consequence, polidipsia occurs as the body requires to replenish fluids and electrolytes lost from frequent urination. As the body suffers from the lack of insulin or a resistance in its biologic function, it tends to utilize other energy sources such as fats and proteins instead of glucose and carbohydrates.  As a result, polyphagia occurs wherein the diabetic tends to eat more to compensate for the loss of fats and proteins.

The treatment of diabetes is as complicated as the disease itself. In fact, for many patients, their treatment regimen involves a team of doctors.  Many Type 1 treatments include combination of regular insulin, and/or synthetic insulin analogs.  Another Type 1 treatment option is the use of the insulin pump. Type 2 has no absolute cure, although recent medical advancements have shown that a type of gastric bypass surgery can regulate blood sugar levels in 80-100% of obese patients with diabetes. In some milder cases, diet and regular exercise can do the trick in keeping blood glucose levels in check.

Diabetes is common yet it can be very deadly especially when left untreated. It is unique in such a way that it can affect almost all organ systems in the body. It is also a disease with a long list of acute and chronic complications.  There are standard treatments for the disease but with the growing number of cases, most patients are looking for supplements and alternative medications. There are advocates for vitamins (C and E), minerals particularly chromium, zinc and copper as well as phytonutrients. However, there is one particular product that has caught the attention of diabetics and the medical world…the purple mangosteen.

The primary goal in the treatment of diabetes mellitus is to keep the blood glucose level as near normal as possible. This helps in the prevention of complications. The antioxidants present in mangosteen offer numerous benefits for those with diabetes mellitus in terms of boosting the immune system and reduction of blood plasma cholesterol level. There are several classes of compounds found in the mangosteen which show potent antioxidant properties, the most notable are called xanthones. In fact, there is a whole family of xanthones, and the most dynamic of these are found in the mangosteen. Xanthones are naturally antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory; and are some of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. Other biologically active compinuds found in mangosteen are catechins, tannins, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols and sterols.

Chronic inflammation is one of the leading causes of Type 2 diabetes. As such, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of xanthones and tannins found in mangosteen can therefore help in controlling Type 2 diabetes. Mangosteen also has the remarkable ability to lower and regulate blood sugar, increase energy levels, and decrease the need for hypoglycemic medications,

Mangosteen supplements come in different forms. The juice form may contain sugar and other fruit extracts to improve its taste, which is harmful to diabetics. The production of mangosteen juice includes the process of pasteurization and reconstitution which significantly decrease the health benefits that diabetics are after. It would be wiser to opt for the capsule form which does not require the addition of sugar and preservatives to prolong its shelf life. The capsule form also contains 100% mangosteen, while the juice form has little amount of the main ingredient because of the many additives incorporated into the product.

First off, some basic chemistry: a xanthone is an organic compound with the molecular formula C13H8O. This means that it’s made up of the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. These three elements (CHO) make up most of the organic compounds on earth.

In mangosteen, all the xanthones are found in the outer layer or rind of the fruit (also known as the pericarp). Depending on the company and manufacturing process that they employ the general steps to harvesting the mangosteen include collecting the pericarp, grinding and drying it, and then packaging it up for consumption. Some companies sell their mangosteen in a juice format, but since all the xanthones are found in the outer layer of the fruit (which doesn’t taste very good) there is no need to go through the extra expense of juicing the pericarp and adding extra flavours/juices to make it taste half decent. A good solid form mangosteen supplement can be found by searching for the Natural Home Cures brand, they offer a supplement that’s 100% pure pericarp at a decent price.

So far, there have been over 200 different types on xanthones identified, but we refer to them collectively as xanthones. What makes xanthones so special are their antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

An antimicrobial is a substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses. Antimicrobials either kill microbes, in which case they are microbicidal, or prevent the growth of microbes, in which case they are microbistatic. Some common antimicrobial agents you might be familiar with include penicillin and tetracycline. While the mechanisms that xanthones use to inhibit, prevent and kill microbes aren’t exactly the same as those in pharmaceutical drugs, they are similar enough to get the job done. Often times, as is the case with mangosteen, they are tolerated by the body better than traditional drugs.

Antioxidants are all the rage these days, it seems you can’t walk into a supermarket without hearing about the benefits of these compounds. But what are they? Simply put, antioxidants are substances that stop, inhibit or impede oxidation. This is good for us because oxidation causes tissue and cellular damage in our bodies. A more complex explanation of the relationship between oxidation and our bodies: oxidation is a chemical reaction that transfers electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent (an oxidizing agent gains electrons). Oxidation reactions can produce free radicals which are atoms, molecules or ions with unpaired electrons on an otherwise open ’shell configuration’. These unpaired electrons are usually highly reactive, so radicals are likely to take part in chemical reactions which in turn damage cells. Antioxidants terminate these chain reactions by removing free radical intermediates (which are required to continue the deleterious chain reaction), and inhibit other oxidation reactions by being oxidized themselves. As a result, antioxidants are often reducing agents which means that they lose electrons.

The last of the xanthone’s unique qualities comes from it’s anti-inflammatory properties. An anti-inflammatory is anything that combats inflammation; it really is that straight forward. Your body has many inflammation ‘procedures’ in place and for good reason. It is one of your body’s first weapons against infections and disease. Inflammation also helps to heal wounds and triggers the the proper chemical messengers to deal with trauma or injury. Think about getting a cut, your body starts an ‘inflammation procedure’ that tells certain chemicals to inflame the tissue around the cut and to start repairing the damage. Without this mechanism, and the help of several teams of cellular ‘repair men’ any nick or scratch would cause us to bleed to death. But inflammation can also be harmful. Too much inflammation, like that found in anaphylaxis, can cause severe discomfort and even death. Chronic low-level inflammation isn’t any better, it has been linked to many chronic diseases ranging from arthritis to cancer.

So now you know why xanthones are so important to us and why taking a good quality mangosteen supplement can do so much to improve your health. As I mentioned before, a good brand to check out is Natural Home Cures mangosteen. They offer a fantastic quality product for a very reasonable price. After reading this article, you are now equipped to make the right choice in supplementation and to give yourself the best health you can imagine.