Bikin Stress Decreases Body Durability

By: Dr. Andri, SpKJ *

your healty The research about the relationship of stress and body durability system or known by the body's immune system is getting a lot done. Since the development of the science of Psikoneuroimunologi which is a science which relate to the relationship between the science of psychology, neuroscience and Immunology, the conditions relating to this are increasingly being scrutinized.

Psikoneuroimunologi insist on proof-proofs related to the body's immune system and its relationship with the stress that occurs in people. Mentioned, a lot of the impact of stress on the human body's immune system that results in a person more vulnerable suffer impaired immune system related diseases of the body.

Some time ago, when the second day of the World Congress of the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, speaker Prof. Christopher Coe of the University of Wisconsin, United States explain back about Psikoneuroimunologi in his lecture entitled "All Roads Lead To" Psychoneuroimmunology "

In his lecture of Prof. Coe says that it is more and more research and facts that describe the involvement of stress in influencing the human immune system. Some diseases that was briefly and stressed when the lecture is on asthma and fibromialgia.

Asthma we know as a respiratory disease of disorders involving the cells of the immune system and inflammation in the body. The disease cannot be cured (can only be controlled) is associated with the role of the immune system and stress that can trigger the onset of the attack.

Fibromialgia itself is a condition of disorder diseases that emphasized his complaint on pains in various parts of the body and the uncomfortable atmosphere juice is associated with this condition. More pain disorder is present on this lady later examined the impact of increasingly have related to stress and the immune system of the body.

Related condition in patients with immune system disorders associated with decreased levels of fibromialgia cells called Natural Killer (NK), Sitokon and Interleukin. This condition is also found in patients with depression.

No wonder the symptoms of depression and anxiety is also one of the sign condition fibromialgia. Fibromialgia itself does more to a previously known set of symptoms (syndrome) that involve a wide range of complaints. Condition of the syndrome is also often overlap with various other conditions such as the disruption of somatoform disorder (psychosomatic), pain, depression and prolonged fatigue disorder (chronic fatigue syndrome).

At the end of his lecture, Prof. Coe says there are still many open fields of research in this field and will certainly more and more knowledge can still be obtained by studying stress and its relationship with the human body's immune system.

* Psychiatrist Keminatan Psychosomatic Medicine

healt and safety

4 1/2 MONTH UPDATE ON MY BALD SPOTS

Hello all,
 I just want to give you guys and update on my bald spots that I presumed came from stress. I went to my primary care doctor first to see if she can diagnose me. She basically feed off of everything I told her and the end result was referring me to the dermatologist and a psychiatrist lol. I never made the appointment to speak with the psychiatrist but I went to the dermatologist. They did a strand test to rule out fungus, so they ended up telling me it was a case of alopecia (which is just a general term for  loss of hair). The doctor suggested I start getting a monthly cortisone injection right in the spots where the hair is lost. This is supposed to regrow the hair. I was told the time frame would range anywhere from 5-9 months before you see growth.
I still am not really sure to this day what caused the bald spots but I've been told by several people that had stress spots that the hair will grow back on it's own. After 3 injections, I took it upon myself to stop getting them and wait for my hair to grow back on its own. I really don't like taking medicine and/or injections...I'm more into doing things naturally. So, I cancelled my last dermatologist appointment and I'm gonna wait for my hair to regrow on it's own. It's going on 5 months and I still don't see any growth.
Here is an updated picture of my scalp...ugh!

STRESS

Stress effects people in  many different ways. I just found out this Saturday that it effects my skin and hair. While washing and flat ironing my hair this weekend, I came across a bald spot in the crown of my head. I also has been breaking out like never before over the last past week or so ... So with that being said, I really went into stress mode! So here is what I found out about stress (pertaining to hair/skin/nails):

Stress and the Skin
When a person becomes stressed, the level of the body’s stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems. Dr. Mayoral noted that even patients with skin that is not affected by acne tend to develop temporary stress-related acne due to increased oil production.
In fact, a study in the January 2001 issue of the Archives of Dermatology entitled “Psychological Stress Perturbs Epidermal Permeability Barrier Homeostasis,” found that stress has a negative effect on the barrier function of the skin, resulting in water loss that inhibits the skin’s ability to repair itself after an injury.
Specifically, the study involving 27 medical, dental and pharmacy students examined how periods of higher stress (in this case, during final examinations) impacted the skin’s response to repeated stripping of cellophane tape on the subjects’ forearms vs. periods of lower stress (such as after returning from winter vacation). Researchers found that it took longer for the skin to recover from the minimally invasive tape stripping during periods of perceived higher stress than during less stressful periods.
“This study was the first of its kind to suggest what dermatologists anecdotally have known for years – that psychological stress adversely affects the normal functions of the skin,” said Dr. Mayoral. “While the subjects in this study did not have any pre-existing skin conditions, I would suspect that people with skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis would have been even more adversely affected by this experiment.”

Stressed-Out Hair
There are many reasons why men and women lose their hair, but Dr. Mayoral believes that stress may be the primary reason for unexplained hair loss. When someone is under stress, hair can go into the telogen (fall-out) phase. Telogen effluvium is a very common hair loss problem that can occur up to three months after a stressful event. After the initial hair loss, hair usually grows back in six to nine months.
Life-changing events such as childbirth or surgery also can cause hair loss. Dr. Mayoral explained that during these times, the body takes a “time-out” from growing hair to concentrate on recovery and healing. As such, hair does not grow as much and some could shed and not grow back right away.
“Stress affects people differently – some may develop an ulcer, or have a heart attack, or lose their hair,” said Dr. Mayoral. “Hair loss is a normal response to stress, but patients should see a dermatologist for a proper evaluation to rule out other medical causes. I also advise patients to avoid any strange diets where only one or two foods are allowed, as improper nutrition and extreme or rapid weight loss can result in hair loss.”

Effects of Stress on Nails
Nails are not immune to showing outward signs of stress, and some people develop the nervous habit of biting their nails or picking at them when they feel stressed. Another stress-related nail habit that Dr. Mayoral discussed is people who rub their fingers over their thumb nail, which can create a ridge across the nail. This rubbing causes a distortion of the nail plate, and when the nail grows, a raised ridge forms in the middle of the nail. In addition, physical or emotional stress, certain diseases, and chemotherapy can cause white horizontal lines to appear across the nails. Brittle, peeling nails also are a common side effect of stress.
“Sometimes patients with nail problems are not aware that their habits or tics from being stressed out or nervous are at the root of their problem,” said Dr. Mayoral. “There are instances where patients self-inflict skin, hair or nail problems that go beyond what we normally expect from stress, and these patients often need psychological help to modify their behavior.”
In her practice, Dr. Mayoral finds it beneficial to give patients the tools to help themselves cope with stress-related skin flares, particularly patients with eczema, acne, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis where outward symptoms are obvious. For example, Dr. Mayoral teaches her acne patients how to modify their treatment regimen to deal with flare-ups from stress – which gives them control to help themselves during stressful periods.
“Being in control of your situation can help relieve stress,” said Dr. Mayoral. “For instance, I teach my acne patients who use a topical acne medication once a day how to safely use the medication more frequently to counter the effects of stress. If this doesn’t work, they know to call me or come in to the office so we can make further adjustments in their treatment. I find that initially giving them the power to fix the problem is very empowering to them.”

 (source)- American Academy of Dermatology. "Feeling Stressed? How Your Skin, Hair And Nails Can Show It." ScienceDaily 12 November 2007. 6 December 2010 <http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2007/11/071109194053.htm>.

I know it's easier said than done but it's not worth it to stress. I'm going to go to the dermatologist and primary care doctor to get a true diagnosis. I will keep you guys posted on the results, for I know you are all very concerned. :-) If anyone has been through a similar situation, please feel free to comment or share  your story. Here is a picture of what my hair looks like. I will post pics as(if) it grows back. Keep me in prayer....

Signing off, TO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED, PJ-1, Chan

15 Benefits of Yoga

Since a long time, yoga has been known as an alternative method of healing (including cancer) and balancing. Yoga became one of alternative options of sport that it has many benefits, so thet more people take yoga classes.

There are at least 15 benefits of the most widely obtained from yoga. Yoga practitioners themselves refuse if yoga is associated with a particular religion.

Here are the benefits of yoga for the body:

1. Healthier heart

Perhaps one of the benefits of yoga which are the most studied is the effect on heart disease. Yoga has long been known that it can lower blood pressure and slower heartbeat. The benefit of slowing the heart rate is for the people who have hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Yoga is a key component for heart disease program that was designed by Dean Ornish, MD. This is the first program for the treatment of heart disease with lifestyle through diet compared with surgery. Yoga has also been associated with decreased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and in improving immune system function.

2. Respiratory

Breathing is also included in the yoga that will increase the capacity of our lungs. This can improve the appearance and performance. But, the typical of yoga is not focused on aerobic fitness as running or cycling. Most styles of yoga emphasizes deep and long on your breath. It also stimulates the relaxation response that will contrast with the increase of the stress response.

3. Effect on the medical condition

Yoga has become popular in the western world; medical researchers have begun studying the therapeutic benefits of yoga, which is called the integrative yoga therapy (IYT). They are used as additional medical treatment for certain conditions from clinical depression to heart disease. Another benefit that yoga make is for chronic medical conditions, such as eliminating the symptoms of asthma, back pain and arthritis.

Several studies also suggested that yoga has a positive impact on learning and memory. To be sure, and feel the benefits of yoga does not hurt you in practicing it, and start to feel the benefits of it.

4. Accelerate the healing process

When having disease and wound, yoga accelerates the healing process. Research shows yoga an effective cure high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep disturbances, chronic headaches, and back pain. Yoga also improves heart function, digestion and eyesight, and help to control the pain.

5. Increasing the capacity of the senses

Yoga makes you more sensitive to the rhythms of the body, improve sensory abilities, and even a sixth sense.

6. Flexibility

When some people think of yoga, they imagine such as fitness, and they feel too old, and it’s not fit to do yoga. One part of yoga, called asanas are safe to stretch your muscles. This process releases lactic acid which usually causes stiffness, tension, pain and fatigue. In addition, yoga also increases range of motion in the joints and improve lubrication in the joints.

Stretch to yoga not only to muscles but to all the cells of your body. In a study it’s found that there is increased flexibility by 35% after 8 months of doing yoga. The greatest advantage is the flexibility in the shoulders and body.

7. Can be combined with other sports

For example aerobics and weights. Yoga also improves your overall performance.

8. Strength

Some styles of yoga such as ashtanga and power yoga is the most powerful than the others. Practicing one of these styles will help increase your muscle. Other yoga styles such as lyengar yoga, which focuses only on a motion and setting a more appropriate position, can improve strength and stamina.

Several other styles like: downward dog, upward dog, and Plank, build upper body strength. This becomes important at a certain age. Hollywood stands, especially if you spiked on how long you breathe, can build muscle strength in hamstrings, quadriceps and abdominal. If done correctly, almost all of these styles to build core strength in the abdominal muscles.

9. Posture

With the increased flexibility and force posture will produce better. The number of standing and sitting style will develop core strength. Another benefit of yoga is to raise awareness of ourselves. High awareness of this gives you a warning if you bend or slumping, so you can instantly adjust the attitude.

10. Reduce stress and be calmer

If your disease is caused by stress, yoga is the best way to heal. Yoga gives relaxation, posture exercises, breathing and meditation are effective in reducing tension and anxiety levels. Yoga also increases the body's immune system is often depressed by the stress and anxiety.

Some styles of yoga use special meditation techniques to make often stress the mind become calmer. Other yoga styles also depend on deep breathing techniques to focus the mind, which makes the mind becomes calmer.

Some of the benefits of yoga anti-stress associated with biochemical, such as a decline in catecholamine, the hormones produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Neurotransmitter hormone levels decrease, dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine and create a sense of calm. Some studies focus on improving the hormone oxytocin is the hormone associated with feeling relaxed and connected to others, which allows why so many romances that began at the yoga studio.

11. Concentration and a better mood

Almost every student of yoga classes feel happier and satisfied. A recent study explored the effects of yoga on depression; the benefits are the increased flow of oxygen to the brain. Yoga is also recommended as a therapy to relieve symptoms and obsessive disorder.

12. Comprehensive and integrative

Yoga is a lifestyle that is integrative covers all aspects of life, which is a technique for optimum health, physically and mentally, to help face the challenges of modern life, and changing sex lives. Yoga also makes you feel comfortable with his own body, increase self-confidence, and boost concentration and memory abilities. In addition, yoga frees life from fear and emotions and negative thoughts.

13. Growing personality

Our body is a beautiful musical instrument, but need to be played correctly and that produces a beautiful tone as well. Yoga is a safe guide search exploration of the beautiful tone because yoga drove the wrong conception about your-self. You'll also find a new meaning of life is simple and happy.

14. Harmonization of social life

Yoga build patience, tolerance, love, and forgiveness which improves the relationship with family, friends, coworkers, and others.

15. Easy and convenient

Yoga can be practiced at home or anywhere without having exhausted and sweating like at the gym. The beginners are advised to practice with the first yoga teacher.

Prevent & Cure Arthritis through 12 Natural Ways

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more of the joints of the body. It is usually followed by pain and stiffness especially in the morning or after exercise. In addition to pain and stiffness, the symptoms can be also swollen, altered bone formation and / or reduced the scope of the motion or limitation of motion, so that certain parts of the body can no longer function properly.

Inflammation of joints also makes noise when moved. The term arthritis literally means "inflammation of the joints". In certain conditions arthritis can affect other body parts - such as muscle, bone and organ in the body - and can lead to decreased function of the body and sometimes there can be life-threatening complications.

This arthritis can be divided into 3 groups of rheumatic arthritis that usually attack the finger joints, wrists, knees and toes. However, that does not mean that the other joints throughout the body completely free from attacks.

The second is the osteoarthritis that can attack any joint but usually occurs in the waist, knees, legs and spine. Next is gout which often attack the lower limbs and is usually the main target of the toes. The pain of arthritis can be so severe that touched socks or bed sheets can be unbearable pain.

For the prevention and cure arthritis, natural ways are the best:

1. Control your food consumption

Avoid red meat, organ meats, saturated fats, milk & milk products, caffeine, salt, white sugar, white flour (all foods made from it), all junk food and cigarettes. Avoid tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant & peppers that contain solanine because it would trigger a reaction in some people with arthritis.

You are better consuming foods which are alkaline, vegetables 50-60%, and raw fruits (vegetarian diet). Eat more foods contain sulfur such as asparagus, garlic and onions. iT is because sulfur is needed to repair and rebuild bone, and its cartilage network. Sulfur also helps the absorption of calcium.

Pineapple, frequently eat pineapple. Because of the bromelain enzyme in pineapple is very good for reducing inflammation. To be effective, the pineapple should be fresh rather than frozen or canned. Consume of rice and broken skin foods that contain fiber.

Avoid consumption of iron substance supplements because iron is expected to aggravate the pain, swelling and damage.

2. Prevent and resolve arthritis with cod liver oil

Research has shown, taking cod liver oil in small quantities every day lowered the potential damage to the cartilage, which is one of the main symptoms of osteoarthritis. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids contained in oil can help reduce pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Therefore, it is very profitable if you can consume 1-2 teaspoons of cod liver oil in your life everyday.

3. Prevent pain with ice

Joints will be painful if they are used in excess. To prevent this, compress the joints with bag of ice for 15-20 minutes. Then lift the ice and can be repeated again after 10-15 minutes.

4. Natural treatment of arthritis with Epsom salt

Epsom salts, or also known as magnesium salt, surely you have already known, is very important for bone growth and regulates body pH levels. Lack of magnesium will decrease the body's ability to absorb and use calcium and phosphorus, 2 base mineral for bone development.

The following natural treatments can be used to reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. But do not forget, if you suffer from heart or kidney disease, consult your doctor first before trying this treatment. Excess magnesium can trigger diarrhea, dizziness, cramps, muscle weakness, and abnormal heart.

Combine 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of Epsom salt into a liter of warm water 0:56. Drink 1 teaspoon of it in the morning and 1 teaspoon at night.

Add 3 cups of Epsom salts into the tub to warm water and bath in it. Magnesium in the salt will be absorbed by the body and relaxes your joints and muscles which are stiff.

5. Vegetable juice

Vegetable juice is proven significantly reduce pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. You can use the carrot juice, celery juice, cabbage juice, or tomato juice.

6. Natural treatments with cinnamon

Studies have shown, cinnamon is an effective natural treatment to relieve the pain of arthritis. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder in 1 tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast. Do it every day for 1 month. You'd be able to feel the results in the first week 1.

7. Relieve pain by reducing stress

If you feel sick and grew tense, then you will feel more pain. Those who can control everything in life are also better able to control pain than those who did not. Research shows the importance of psychological attitudes in relieving pain due to arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis, you should be able to learn to understand it. Do not force yourself to do all things when you do not feel pain. This will make you exhausted and in pain the next day. Do a little every day, either when experiencing pain or not.

Learn to relax. If you focus on the pain, it will feel more pain. But, if you're busy with other things that are important to you, you will not be too much feel the pain.

8. Bathing in the pool

Studies have shown, floating on the pond, especially in ponds that have been specially designed with a temperature that has been adjusted to ease the pain of arthritis. With bath, stress will be reduced, and then the pain will also be reduced. When floating, the body will relax, the muscles relax too, and this will stimulate to release of endorphins, natural painkillers your body. The temperature is adjusted to the skin temperature will also make you completely relaxed.

9. Prevent stiff in the morning

Almost 90% of patients with arthritis feel stiff in the morning. To avoid this, apply the ointment at night before bed. This will make you relax and strengthen you mentally. Arthritis sufferers generally feel better all day if they feel stiff when you wake up in the morning.

10. Stretch gently

Stretching works to strengthen and improve mobility. A sport sometimes is a dilemma when confronted with rheumatoid arthritis. Moving sick, but did not move at all also won’t be good. Improper movement could endanger, but the proper motion can heal.

Try doing yoga. Yoga is usually taught with a range of joint movement right so that it can bring the wrong joint return to normal position when the muscles stretched and strengthened, but do not forget, intelligence is the key to yoga's health returns. But, make sure you do so in accordance with the limits of your illness.

11. Regular exercise

Regular exercise is very important to reduce pain, improve mobility. But it must be considered to not provide excessive burden on the affected part (must be in accordance with the ability of each person).

Exercise can increase metabolic rate to produce synovial fluid, which can take free radicals. Exercise is also function as antioxidants when done regularly.

With exercise, the body also produces cortisone which can neutralize the calcium deposits. This is better than cortisone drugs can sometimes dissolve the bone.

Doctors used to tell the patient should not exercise. However, recent research shows that exercise can even relieve pain, joints more flexible, freer movement, improve blood circulation, and improve mobility.

95% of people with arthritis exercise to get the benefits. Learn to breathe deeply

and sunbathe to get enough vitamin D for bone health. (Research in Oslo Norway showed that more severe arthritis sufferers in snowing season).

12. Detoxification

Detox can really reduce the pain, especially; detox can also lose weight for obesity. With detoxification for 5 days or more, there will be the effect of reducing inflammation.

Refreshing Mint Leaves for Health

Mint is a popular plant that contains a lot of benefits for health. Mint leaves (Mentha cordifolia) have a fragrant aroma and refreshing taste of cool. Light fragrant aroma of mint oil content caused asiri of menthol oil. Aroma and taste of mint combined with other ingredients to make this plant used as beauty products, toothpaste, chewing gum, shampoo and others. This leaves contain vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, phosphorus, iron, calcium and potassium.

Some toothpaste manufacturers have often used the scent of peppermint as a natural flavor. Peppermint is also used to treat teeth, it can protect the content of teeth from microbes and germs by its antiseptic. Diligently consume peppermint will make a healthy mouth and fresh breath.

Peppermint can also eliminate stress. A cup of mint tea can make the mind becomes calm. In addition, mint can also remove existing toxins in the body because mint is a diuretic and anti-microbial.

Fiber, chlorophyll and phytonutrients contained in many mint. Mint leaves is believed to restore stamina, relieve headaches, prevent fever, has cancer-preventing antioxidant properties and maintain eye health.

Many people confuse how to process mint. Some people consider merely mint leaves for garnish cake, pudding or beverages. Yet this leaves could be processed into a variety of dishes, such as seafood seasoning, mixed salad, a mixture of juice, tea or stir the mixture.

Mint tea mixed into the water bath can eliminate fatigue. Mixture of two drops of mint oil and two ounces of water are incorporated into a bottle you can use as a conditioner with the way the hair spray.

Other benefits of peppermint are:

• Eliminate dandruff on the scalp.
• Used as an aromatherapy that can refresh and hydrate skin.
• Improve blood circulation.
• Eliminate fatigue and increase energy.
• Eliminate swelling in the legs.

Obesity because of Thinking Too Much

If you are kind of person who is demanded to think a lot, be careful, because thinking can spur on your appetite. It is resulted in a research in Psychosomatic Medicine journal. Dr Angelo Tremblay form Laval University in Quebec, the leader of the researcher team, stated that pressure or stress while thinking can increase appetite to eat more because thinkers need much more calories.

Intellectual activity gives impact on fluctuation of glucose level and insulin compared with rest mode. The fluctuation of glucose level will affect body to demand more food, to bring back the balance of glucose level as the source of energy for brain.

The desire of eating more will then spur on obesity. Therefore the activity of thinking should be balanced with physical activity to burn accumulated fat as the result of eating too much

Obesity because of Thinking Too Much

If you are kind of person who is demanded to think a lot, be careful, because thinking can spur on your appetite. It is resulted in a research in Psychosomatic Medicine journal. Dr Angelo Tremblay form Laval University in Quebec, the leader of the researcher team, stated that pressure or stress while thinking can increase appetite to eat more because thinkers need much more calories.

Intellectual activity gives impact on fluctuation of glucose level and insulin compared with rest mode. The fluctuation of glucose level will affect body to demand more food, to bring back the balance of glucose level as the source of energy for brain.

The desire of eating more will then spur on obesity. Therefore the activity of thinking should be balanced with physical activity to burn accumulated fat as the result of eating too much