DNA Biopharm: June 2013

Saturday, 29 June 2013

ONIONS

ONIONS ABSORB BACTERIA?

In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu... Many of the farmers and their families had contracted it and many died.

The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria, therefore, keeping the family healthy.
I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put it into an empty jar, and place the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs.

Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties.

LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS

This is the other note. Lots of times when we have stomach problems we don't know what to blame. Maybe it's the onions that are to blame. Onions absorb bacteria, this is the reason they are so good at preventing us from getting colds and flu and is the very reason we shouldn't eat an onion that has been sitting for a time after it has been cut open.

Onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator. It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you. If you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble.

Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions.

Please remember it is dangerous to cut an onion and try to use it to cook the next day, it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates toxic bacteria which may cause adverse stomach infections because of excess bile secretions and even food poisoning.

This information is bought to you as a free service from DNA Biopharm South Africa. The information herein is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition. Should you wish to try any herbal or natural remedy discussed in these pages, please consult with your healthcare practitioner. Should you require any information or advice on any topic related to diabetes, please visit our website at www.dna-biopharm.com

Friday, 28 June 2013

ECZEMA - THERAPY FOR THE CHRONIC DISEASE

Avoid Corticosteroids

Oral corticosteroids should be avoided because of the seriousness of their side effects and the potential for severe flares of eczema when they are discontinued. Intensified skin care will help to suppress the flaring of the eczema during a taper from oral steroids. Try using herbal alternatives like the Xerioderm Range from DNA Biopharm.

Thursday, 27 June 2013

ECZEMA - THERAPY FOR THE CHRONIC DISEASE

Anti-pruritics

Pruritis, or itching, is often the most aggravating of all your eczema symptoms. Some relief may be provided by systemic antihistamines and anti anxiety drugs. If nighttime scratching remains severe, your doctor may want to prescribe a sedative or preferably, Rescue Tablets.. Scratching can be minimized by cutting nails, and using cotton gloves at night. For children, knee-high socks are better than gloves, because they are harder to accidentally pull off during sleep.

The topical use of antihistamines and local anesthetics should be avoided because they are ineffective and because of their possible allergic effects. Instead a herbal alternative like Xerioderm Cream can be applied to relieve the symptoms of eczema.

Wednesday, 26 June 2013

ECZEMA - THERAPY FOR THE CHRONIC DISEASE

Antibiotics

Systemic antibiotics are often necessary to decrease the irritation caused by the presence of bacteria on the skin. Such bacteria can cause irritation even without overt infection. In acute flares, treatment usually ranges from 14 to 28 days. Chronic maintenance antibiotics may be used if you develop infections repeatedly. Topical antibiotics cannot be recommended and antibacterial cleansers may worsen the condition.

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

ECZEMA - THERAPY FOR THE CHRONIC DISEASE

Ultraviolet Light

Ultraviolet light (UVB or PUVA) therapy may be of some help in chronic eczema that does not respond well to other therapy. UVB and PUVA require three to four treatments per week and must be used under professional supervision. If you are not fair-complexioned and sunlight does not aggravate your eczema, you might expose yourself to moderate amounts of natural sunlight. However, avoid sunburn and hot or humid conditions that might make your skin even itchier. Home sun lamp treatments are not recommended because of the dangers of overexposure.

Monday, 24 June 2013

ECZEMA - THERAPY FOR THE CHRONIC DISEASE

STEROIDS

Topical steroids are frequently used to treat flares of eczema, so it is important you understand how and when to use this potent drug. When used topically, as a cream or ointment, it helps keep down the inflammation and itching. Do not use topical steroids more than twice a day.

Hydrocortisone ointment or cream can be used for eczema in infants and young children, or in skin folds in adults.

Adverse effects of topical steroids include thinning of the skin (atrophy), a change in the color of some skin (depigmentation), and acne-like eruptions.

The use of topical steroids id for extreme cases only, other alternatives should be explored first like the Xerioderm Range from DNA Biopharm South Africa.

Sunday, 23 June 2013

ECZEMA - THERAPY FOR THE CHRONIC DISEASE

HYDRATION

Your skin is dry, not because it lacks grease or oil, but because it fails to retain water. Correcting this can be done by soaking the affected area, in a basin, bath, or shower, for 15-20 minutes using moderately warm water. Then, remove excess water by patting with a soft towel, and immediately apply Xerioderm Cream or any other product we recommend. You should bathe and lubricate at least once a day, and preferably twice for optimum hydration. We don’t recommend using bath oils—since they give a false sense of lubrication, and actually make the bathtub slippery. Most patients find that two or three additional applications of agents that hydrate the skin help keep their skin moist.

TAR PREPARATIONS

Tars and extracts of crude coal tar are often used to reduce the amount of topical steroids needed in chronic maintenance of eczema. Tar gel products are available, but they contain alcohol and may cause burning and irritation on already red and inflamed skin. We do not recommend the use of these products.

Saturday, 22 June 2013

ECZEMA - POSSIBLE EXACERBATING FACTORS

EMOTIONAL STRESSES

Anger, frustration, and anxiety are commonly experienced by patients with atopic dermatitis and often complicate the problem. If there is added family hostility, rejection, and guilt, the family structure may be damaged. So it is very important that you and your family understand that such feelings are common and understandable in chronic disease, and try to move beyond them. Do not use this frustration to press for a quick “cure” to your eczema, since it is not possible. Instead, discuss the nature of chronic disease, exacerbating factors, and management measures (as generally outlined in this literature) with your family. Seek out positive strategies for coping with the disease that include learning more about the disease and how it is treated, DNA Bipoharm South Africa also offers free advice and answers to questions you may have. Be reassured that the disease can be controlled, and that the majority of patients improve with age. Recent research is suggesting a variety of new, promising therapeutic approaches.

Friday, 21 June 2013

ECZEMA - POSSIBLE EXACERBATING FACTORS

INFECTIONS

If you get a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, it may cause a flare-up of your eczema. If your eczema is weeping or oozing, if it crusted, or if it has small bumps, we will probably test for the presence of bacterial infection.

Rarely, Herpes simplex may cause extensive local or wide-spread infection, and is usually treated with topical or systemic acyclovir.

“Athletes foot” (tineas pedis) can occur in older children (usually over age 12) and adults in addition to foot dermatitis. Therefore, when standard topical therapy for foot dermatitis fails, test for this fungus and, if present, treat accordingly.

Thursday, 20 June 2013

ECZEMA - POSSIBLE EXACERBATING FACTORS

ALLERGENS

Allergens in the air and in the food are often triggers for a flare-up of this disorder. A
blood test can indicate which foods and substances may be triggering your eczema. This is helpful in knowing what allergens to avoid, since you can’t and shouldn't try to avoid everything that might be considered an allergen without any incriminating evidence. Occasionally, using an electrostatic air purifier can help reduce airborne allergen exposure at home or in the workplace.

Dietary management of atopic dermatitis continues to be a controversial subject among doctors. The most common allergens appear to be eggs, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, nuts and fish. Care must be taken to avoid malnutrition when any restrictive diets are used.

The role of bottle feeding versus breast feeding of infants in the development of atopic dermatitis continues to be unclear; however, many doctors and mothers believe breast feeding may delay the onset of dermatitis if practiced for at least the first three to six months of life.

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

ECZEMA - POSSIBLE EXACERBATING FACTORS

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin disorder. When it is flaring up - which can be weekly or monthly for some — it is characterized by red, itchy skin. This condition usually occurs in patients with a personal or family history of allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or food allergies.

IRRITANTS

Environmental factors can have a big effect on your eczema. To prevent irritation, you should minimize the use of soaps, solvents, and other drying compounds. If soaps are to be used they should have a neutral pH (examples: Dove, Neutrogena or our special eczema soap). Since residual laundry detergent in clothes may also be irritating, a second rinse cycle would be beneficial. Changing detergents may also help.

For hand dermatitis—which many eczema patients have—it is especially important to avoid irritant contact with solvents, soaps and detergents. Also avoid jobs and hobbies that require exposure to these irritants, as well as to dust, dirt, and heat. If you wash frequently, it is important to apply emollients after every washing; also trying a non-water cleansing method, such as Cetaphil, may be beneficial. Wearing appropriate gloves when using potential irritants is also important.

If sweating causes itching, modify your activity and surroundings to minimize sweating. Work and sleep in a fairly constant temperature and humidity. Wear open-weave, loose-fitting garments made of cotton blends, rather than wool or stiff fabrics.

Xerioderm Range

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Caffeine Cuts Night Time Diabetes Problem

People with type 1 diabetes may have a new reason to appreciate a cup of coffee.

Caffeine intake, in normal amounts, is associated with a significant reduction in nighttime episodes of excessively low blood sugar levels — or hypoglycemia — according to UK researchers. “The fear of nocturnal hypoglycemia is consistently the greatest fear that patients bring up in clinic,” lead investigator Dr. Tristan Richardson told Reuters Health. “The influence of a common everyday drug such as caffeine on reducing the amount of time with hypoglycemia, especially at night, is interesting, and has never been suggested before.”

People with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin to keep their blood glucose levels within the normal range. When levels drop too low, patients can become weak and disoriented, and even suffer brain damage and go into a coma.

In the medical journal Diabetes Care, Richardson of Royal Bournemouth Hospital and colleagues note that in previous studies they showed that moderate caffeine intake can boost the normal body responses that occur to correct mild hypoglycemia.

To investigate further, the researchers conducted a study involving 19 patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes. They were all put on a low-caffeine diet, containing less than 50 mg of caffeine per day. This was supplemented for 2 weeks with either two 250 mg caffeine capsules given twice daily or placebo capsules, and then the participants were switched to the opposite capsules for another 2 weeks. Continuous glucose sensing was used to measure the subjects’ blood sugar levels for the last 48 hours of each 2-week period.

With the caffeine supplement, the average duration of nighttime hypoglycemia was 49 minutes. With the placebo supplement, it was 132 minutes, the team found. “The underlying physiological cause remains unclear,” Dr. Richardson commented. “It may be related to an alteration in non-REM sleep, another well known side-effect of coffee, and this warrants further study.” However it works, he concluded, “The use of caffeine may be one option worth trying in an attempt to reduce the frequency and length of hypoglycemia.” - SOURCE: Diabetes Care, June 2005.