Quick Zine #7

Sexual Dysfunction, Ayurvedic Herbs and diarrhea and Reversing Vaginal Atrophy

Mediterranean Diet, Metabolic Syndrome and Sexual Function

Women with a combination of sexual dysfunction and metabolic syndrome participated in a recent study at the Department of Geriatrics and Metabolic Disease at the University of Naples.  Participants were assigned a Mediterranean diet or a control diet.  The Mediterranean group consumed more fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and olive oil compared with the control group. Remarkably, sexual function improved in the Mediterranean diet group  What is of even more significance to overall health is that C-reactive protein levels dropped in this group.  C-reactive protein is used to measure inflammation. 

That sexual function was improved can not be taken lightly however, to reduce inflammation in the system is a bonus as it can lead to a whole constellation of diseases from cardiovascular to arthritis to cancer.  I think the bottom line here is we all need to consume more whole foods, period!

Ancient Traditions Help Control and Prevent Diarrhea and IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is an uncomfortable condition to talk about and live with.  Even just writing the name sends chills up my spine! A serious and chronic condition, IBS can cause bowel pain and spasms and extreme bouts of diarrhea and lengthy episodes of constipation.  Either way, an unpleasant state of affairs.  Fortunately, Ayur Vedic medicine has an answer. 

Traditional use of herbs separately and in combinations to treat diarrhea is not new science.  Ayur Vedic medicine has successfully treated this condition for centuries.  For instance:

• Bael tree fruit or bilwa in Ayurveda, has been used  to help control diarrhea that may be caused by an infection.
• Conessi tree, kutaya in Ayurveda is effective when used against parasites that cause dysentery.
• Guduchi stem is also effective against these parasites.
• Pomegranate fruit, called dadima, not only contains powerful antioxidants but also has been proven effective against internal parasites and bacteria, specifically E.coli, staphylococcus aureus and candida albicans.
• Nut grass, used in both Ayurvedic and Asian medicines is known as mustaka or musta.

Though these herbs are effective alone, in combination they are even more powerful.  Studies in India have shown patients with up to 10 bowel movements a day improve symptoms significantly with a marked diminishing of pain, gas and abdominal discomfort.  For those individuals dealing with the challenge of IBS, one of these or the combo may spell R-E-L-I-E-F! DiarCare is a product that combines these herbs into one very effective formula.  Clinically tested it has shown remarkable results.  I have searched the internet for the best prices and found them here.  Let me know what you think!

Vaginal Atrophy: If You Don't Use it You May Lose It!

Vaginal atrophy may not be a subject frequently discussed between friends but for women in transition and post transition it can lead to more serious problems.  As our estrogen levels decline the vaginal walls may thin and become inflamed.  This happens more often after menopause but it can also occur at any time when estrogen levels are low, like during breast feeding.  Statistics suggest that 50% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal atrophy but few seek medical attention.  A sad state of affairs as the condition could lead to painful intercourse and a marked decline in the desire for sexual contact.

But lower libido is only half the problem.  Healthy vaginal tone is intimately connected with a healthy urinary tract.  Some women dealing with vaginal atrophy may find an increase in urgency and frequency.  There is also the increased risk of urinary tract infections or incontinence.

A solution may be as simple as using a lubricant to restore moisture to the vaginal area and to reduce the pain during intercourse.  Another solution is sex.  Sex helps keep the vagina lubricated and improves the tone of the vagina.  Two to three times a month will do the trick and it doesn't even have to be with a partner!  Now I know some of you may not feel comfortable talking about masturbation but the fact is if you don't have a partner who is eager for a twice a month romp you may want to get the two to three times minimum in for yourself.  Remember, if you don't use it you lose it!