Common problems and how to avoid them
The 10 most common serious illnesses are:
Heart disease: This includes conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and heart failure. To avoid heart disease, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Cancer: This includes many different types of cancer, such as lung, breast, and colon cancer. To reduce the risk of cancer, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and get regular screenings for early detection.
Stroke: This occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, and can lead to permanent brain damage or death. To avoid stroke, it is important to maintain a healthy blood pressure, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and control other risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Respiratory disease: This includes conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To reduce the risk of respiratory disease, it is important to avoid smoking and exposure to pollution and other environmental toxins.
Accidents: Unintentional injuries are a leading cause of death and disability. To reduce the risk of accidents, it is important to follow safety rules and regulations, use protective gear, and avoid risky behaviours.
Diabetes: This is a chronic condition in which the body is unable to properly use and store glucose. To reduce the risk of diabetes, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight.
Alzheimer's disease: This is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. To reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, engage in mentally stimulating activities, and control risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes.
Influenza and Pneumonia: These are infections that can cause severe illness and death, especially in older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions. To reduce the risk of influenza and pneumonia, it is important to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Kidney disease: This is a condition in which the kidneys are unable to properly filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream. To reduce the risk of kidney disease, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and control risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension.
Liver disease: This includes conditions such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. To reduce the risk of liver disease, it is important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, and get vaccinated against hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Ideally we should have a balance of diet and exercise, physical and mental. If we don't keep a balance we fall over. Simple as that really.
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine that originated in India more than 5,000 years ago. The word "Ayurveda" comes from the Sanskrit words "ayus," meaning life, and "veda," meaning knowledge or science. Ayurveda is based on the idea that the body, mind, and spirit are interconnected, and that health and wellness depend on maintaining a balance between these three elements.
According to Ayurveda, every individual has a unique constitution, or "dosha," which is determined by their physical and mental characteristics. There are three primary doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha is associated with specific physical and mental attributes, and imbalances in the doshas are believed to be the underlying cause of many health problems.
Ayurvedic remedies aim to balance the doshas and restore health and wellness. Here are some common Ayurvedic remedies for various ailments:
Digestive Issues: Ayurvedic remedies for digestive issues include drinking warm water with ginger, lemon, and honey; taking a teaspoon of ghee before meals to aid digestion; and consuming a mixture of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds.
Stress and Anxiety: Ayurvedic remedies for stress and anxiety include practicing yoga and meditation, drinking herbal teas such as chamomile and ashwagandha, and using essential oils such as lavender and sandalwood.
Skin Issues: Ayurvedic remedies for skin issues include applying a paste made from turmeric and honey to the affected area, using neem oil to treat acne, and using a mixture of coconut oil and castor oil to moisturize dry skin.
Respiratory Issues: Ayurvedic remedies for respiratory issues include drinking warm water with honey and ginger, using a neti pot to irrigate the nasal passages, and consuming a mixture of honey and tulsi (holy basil) to relieve cough and cold symptoms.
Joint Pain: Ayurvedic remedies for joint pain include massaging the affected area with warm sesame oil, consuming a mixture of ginger and honey to reduce inflammation, and practicing gentle yoga poses to improve flexibility and mobility.
Ayurvedic medicine uses a variety of natural remedies, including herbs, spices, oils, and other plant-based materials. Here are some of the most commonly used medicinal herbs and remedies in Ayurveda:
Ashwagandha: A powerful adaptogen that can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve brain function, and support immune health.
Turmeric: A potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb that can help reduce inflammation, support joint health, and protect against chronic disease.
Triphala: A combination of three fruits (amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki) that can help support digestive health, improve immunity, and promote healthy aging.
Brahmi: A nootropic herb that can help improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration.
Tulsi: Also known as holy basil, tulsi is a potent adaptogen that can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve respiratory function, and support immune health.
Neem: A powerful antibacterial and antifungal herb that can help support healthy skin, improve oral health, and promote detoxification.
Guggulu: A resin that is often used to support joint health and reduce inflammation.
Licorice: A sweet-tasting herb that can help soothe the digestive tract, support respiratory health, and reduce inflammation.
Trikatu: A combination of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper that can help support digestion, improve metabolism, and promote weight loss.
Shatavari: A rejuvenating herb that can help balance hormones, support female reproductive health, and improve digestion.
I'm not saying it works, I'm simply considering what is already accepted.
I noticed that I hurt myself more often than I first thought.
For months I used to rest my foot on top of my other foot when sitting at the computer, turned out that was the cause of my sore ankle. I stopped standing on my own ankle and a few days later 'hey presto' no more ankle pain. I have noticed and pointed out similar 'self harm' practices that others indulge in. So it's not just me, it seems to be something loads of people do.
If I have aches and pains it is usually something I have done in the past three days. When I wonder why I have an ache, I cast my mind back a few days and usually identify the cause.
If we were to seek a manager for our bodies we would want someone that was alert organised and took the job seriously. We are that manager and we should take our responsibilities seriously.
My diet is anything and everything my body takes in, solids and liquids. My body is constructed from the solids and liquids I have taken on board and kept. I don't keep everything of course, I expel the solids and liquids my body can't do anything with.
I recognise the gasses that I breath as a part of my interacting environment and consequently my diet. I appreciate the air I breath.
Assuming I am in a good environment for eating, (smells good, sounds good, feels good), I select food according to my current state of mind, which is influenced largely by my gut biome.
Other things affect my diet: I have changed my "hate" of waste to a "dislike" of waste. I dumped the hate for a more balanced realistic view. I have acquired a more balanced realistic view of portion size also, It balances itself if I let it.
I can also have a diet of music and literature or for many a familiar soap opera. So my complete diet isn't just the solids and liquids I put in my mouth. My environment affects my appetite.
A good meal is, after all, more about the company.
or rather the chemistry we release in the presence of good company makes the meal better tasting and easier to digest.
We need to relax to digest, it's part of the cycle.
Try to eat food that the body will use rather than unbalanced processed foods.
I exercise primarily to maintain good circulation. I stretch and relax then come back to working standard. I am not an athlete.
WHO global causes of death.
- The most popular cause of human death, according to the WHO, is Ischaemic heart disease. Our circulatory system gets blocked denying blood supply to heart tissue. Nature's preventative solution is regular exercise. The why's and how's don't matter as much as the consequences of the doing. It is a good manager who understands and maintains their systems.
Stroke is the second most popular death. Stroke can be haemorrhagic or far more commonly ischemic, either way its the circulatory system that fails this time in the brain. Diet and exercise is how we maintain our circulatory system.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third most popular way for humans to die. COPD is a lung disease; most people with COPD have it through smoking but some develop COPD from industrial toxic fumes at their workplace. Prevention is the only solution so aim to only breath air if at all possible, nice fresh air would be the optimal choice.
Lower Respiratory infection comes in at number 4 human killer. The most common cause of pneumonia in adults is a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumonia. Viruses can also cause pneumonia, most commonly the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in small children, and sometimes influenza. Prevention is the best strategy so personal hygiene is a standard set to remove potentially harmful material from our skin and clothes. Florence Nightingale clearly demonstrated the need to keep clean to stop infection.
Neonatal conditions are problems with birth.
Trachea, bronchus and lung cancer.
Alzheimer's and other dementia.
- Kidney disease
The Ischemic Cycle is a series of events that occur in the heart muscle during periods of low oxygen supply (ischemia) and lack of blood flow.
Input: The input is decreased oxygen supply to the heart muscle due to restricted blood flow.
Process: The cycle consists of four stages:
- Subendocardial ischemia: decrease in blood flow results in a lack of oxygen to the inner layer of the heart muscle.
- Compensation: The heart increases its pumping ability to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
- Stunning: If the ischemia persists, the heart muscle becomes unable to pump effectively, leading to reduced cardiac output.
- Reperfusion injury: when blood flow returns to the heart muscle, there is an increased release of reactive oxygen species and other toxic substances that can further damage the heart tissue.
Output: The output of the Ischemic Cycle is impaired heart function and increased risk of heart damage or heart attack.
The Stroke Cycle refers to a sequence of events that occur in the brain during a stroke, which is a sudden loss of brain function caused by disrupted blood flow to a specific area in the brain.
Input: The input of the Stroke Cycle is the interruption of blood flow to the brain, which can be due to blockages (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke).
Process: The Stroke Cycle consists of three stages:
- Initiation: The initial loss of blood flow to the brain leads to deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, causing brain cells to become damaged or die.
- Progression: The initial injury spreads and worsens, leading to the loss of more brain cells and the deterioration of brain function.
- Recovery: The brain tries to recover from the injury by compensating for the loss of function and repairing the damaged cells, if possible.
Output: The output of the Stroke Cycle is impaired brain function and permanent damage to the brain, depending on the severity and duration of the stroke. The effects can range from mild to severe, and may include weakness or paralysis, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, memory loss, or changes in vision or perception.
The COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Cycle refers to a sequence of events that occur in the lungs of individuals with COPD, a progressive lung disease characterized by difficulty breathing.
Input: The input of the COPD Cycle is the damage to the airways and lung tissue, usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and other environmental factors.
Process: The COPD Cycle consists of three stages:
- Inflammation: Irritants cause the airways to become inflamed, which leads to the production of mucus and narrowing of the airways.
- Remodelling: Over time, the airways become permanently narrowed and scarred, making it harder for air to flow in and out of the lungs.
- Exacerbation: Periods of increased symptoms and worsened breathing, also known as flare-ups or exacerbations, occur in response to triggers such as infections, air pollution, and other irritants.
Output: The output of the COPD Cycle is decreased lung function and breathing difficulties, which progress over time and can limit daily activities. Exacerbations can result in hospitalization and an increased risk of death. The disease can also have a significant impact on quality of life and overall health.
The Lower Respiratory Infection Cycle refers to a series of events that occur in the lower respiratory tract (lungs) when they become infected by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Input: The input of the Lower Respiratory Infection Cycle is the introduction of an infectious agent into the lower respiratory tract, which can occur through inhalation or spread from another part of the body.
Process: The Lower Respiratory Infection Cycle consists of three stages:
- Invasion: The infectious agent enters the lower respiratory tract and begins to multiply, causing inflammation and damage to the airways and lung tissue.
- Replication: The infectious agent continues to multiply and spread throughout the lungs, leading to the production of symptoms such as coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.
- Resolution: The immune system responds to the infection by producing immune cells and substances to fight the invading microorganisms, which can lead to resolution of the infection or to the development of chronic respiratory disease.
Output: The output of the Lower Respiratory Infection Cycle is a range of symptoms that can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of microorganism involved and the person's overall health. Respiratory infections can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or exacerbation of existing respiratory diseases. In some cases, the infection can be life-threatening, especially in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing respiratory problems.
The Neonatal Cycle refers to the series of physiological changes and adaptations that occur in newborn infants in the first few weeks of life.
Input: The input of the Neonatal Cycle is the transition from intrauterine life to extrauterine life, which involves changes in environmental conditions, nutrition, and physical activity.
Process: The Neonatal Cycle consists of three stages:
- Transition: During this stage, the newborn infant's body adjusts to life outside the womb, including changes in respiration, circulation, temperature regulation, and fluid balance.
- Stabilization: During this stage, the infant's vital signs, growth, and development become more stable and predictable.
- Maturity: During this stage, the infant's body continues to mature and develop, reaching new milestones in areas such as weight gain, motor skills, and cognitive function.
Output: The output of the Neonatal Cycle is a well-adapted newborn infant who is able to grow, develop, and thrive in their new environment. Proper care and attention during this critical period can have a long-lasting impact on the infant's health and well-being.
The Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer Cycle refers to the development and progression of cancer in the trachea, bronchus, and lungs.
Input: The input of the Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer Cycle is the abnormal growth and proliferation of cells in the trachea, bronchus, or lung tissue, which can be caused by various factors including genetics, tobacco smoking, air pollution, and exposure to radon gas.
Process: The Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer Cycle consists of three stages:
- Initiation: During this stage, the cells in the trachea, bronchus, or lung tissue undergo genetic changes that can lead to the development of cancer.
- Progression: During this stage, the cancerous cells continue to grow and spread, leading to the formation of a tumor and potentially invading other parts of the body.
- Metastasis: During this stage, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, and other organs.
Output: The output of the Trachea, Bronchus, and Lung Cancer Cycle is a diagnosis of lung cancer, which can have a profound impact on the person's health and well-being. Symptoms of lung cancer can include persistent coughing, chest pain, weight loss, and shortness of breath, and treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other forms of medical and supportive care. The prognosis for lung cancer varies depending on factors such as the stage and type of cancer, as well as the person's overall health and response to treatment.
Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behaviour. The cycle of Alzheimer's can be understood through the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model.
Input: The input stage is the beginning of the cycle and involves the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, such as beta-amyloid and tau. These proteins form plaques and tangles, respectively, that damage brain cells and disrupt normal brain function.
Process: The process stage is where the abnormal proteins cause a decline in brain function. This can lead to a decline in memory, thinking, and behaviour, as well as a decline in the ability to perform everyday tasks.
Output: The output stage is the end of the cycle and is characterized by severe memory loss and a decline in communication and physical abilities. People with Alzheimer's may eventually become completely dependent on others for their care.
It is important to note that this cycle is unique to each individual and can vary in length and severity. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life for those affected.
The diarrheal disease cycle is a pattern of events that leads to the development of diarrhoea, a common and often debilitating condition.
Input: The input stage of the diarrheal disease cycle involves the ingestion of contaminated food or water. This can happen when food or water is contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites, or when poor hygiene practices are followed.
Process: In the process stage, the harmful substances cause damage to the digestive system and disrupt normal gut function. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including abdominal cramping, bloating, nausea, and frequent, watery bowel movements.
Output: The output stage of the cycle is characterized by the symptoms of diarrhoea, which can range from mild to severe. Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems. If left untreated, diarrhea can also lead to more serious health problems, such as sepsis or even death.
It is important to take steps to prevent the spread of diarrheal diseases, such as practicing good hygiene, washing hands frequently, and avoiding contaminated food and water. Early treatment of diarrhoea can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent dehydration and other complications.
Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition characterized by elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The cycle of diabetes can be understood through the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model.
Input: The input stage of the cycle begins with a problem in the way the body produces and uses insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, while in type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin.
Process: The process stage involves elevated blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to effectively use insulin. This leads to a range of symptoms, including increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and increased risk of infections. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can cause damage to the blood vessels and organs, leading to long-term complications such as heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and blindness.
Output: The output stage is characterized by the long-term complications of diabetes, which can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. People with diabetes must manage their condition by monitoring their blood sugar levels, following a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity. In some cases, medication or insulin therapy may be necessary to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
Effective management of diabetes can help reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life for those affected by the condition. It is important for people with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized plan for managing their condition.
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and can no longer function effectively. The cycle of kidney disease can be understood through the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model.
Input: The input stage of the cycle begins with a variety of risk factors that can damage the kidneys, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, genetics, and certain medications. Over time, the accumulation of these risk factors can lead to the development of kidney disease.
Process: The process stage involves the gradual decline of kidney function as the kidneys become increasingly damaged. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including proteinuria (excess protein in the urine), fatigue, and swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet. As kidney function continues to decline, the kidneys may eventually fail, leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Output: The output stage of the cycle is characterized by the symptoms and complications of ESRD, including the need for dialysis or kidney transplant. ESRD can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, affecting their physical and emotional well-being. People with ESRD must undergo frequent dialysis treatments or receive a kidney transplant to survive.
Effective management of kidney disease can help slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of complications. This may include lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity, and medical management, such as taking medications to control blood pressure and manage diabetes. Early detection and treatment of kidney disease can help improve outcomes for those affected.
People living in a low-income country are far more likely to die of a communicable disease than a noncommunicable disease. Despite the global decline, six of the top 10 causes of death in low-income countries are communicable diseases.
In general our bodies are biological geniuses, it seems we are just too distracted to understand what it tells us.
If we don't use it we lose it.
