The Nation Newspaper

Tag: treat

  • How to treat mouth odour

    The most common cause of halitosis is bad oral hygiene. If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds. Keeping the mouth hydrated can reduce mouth odor. The best treatment for bad breath is regular brushing, flossing, and hydration.

    Cavities and deeper pockets from gum disease give bad breath bacteria extra places to hide in your mouth that are difficult to clear out when you’re brushing or cleaning between your teeth. Either can contribute to halitosis.

    Halitosis – or chronic bad breath – is something that mints, mouthwash or a good brushing can’t solve. Unlike “morning breath” or a strong smell that lingers after a tuna sandwich, halitosis remains for an extended amount of time and may be a sign of something more serious.

    What Causes Halitosis?

    If quick bad breath fixes are only covering up the problem for a short time, something else may be happening in your body, including:

    Dental Issues: Cavities and deeper pockets from gum disease give bad breath bacteria extra places to hide in your mouth that are difficult to clear out when you’re brushing or cleaning between your teeth. Either can contribute to halitosis.

    Mouth, Nose and Throat Infections: According to the Mayo Clinic, nose, sinus and throat issues that can lead to postnasal drip may also contribute to bad breath. Bacteria feeds on mucus your body produces when it’s battling something like a sinus infection, leaving you sniffly and stinky.

    Dry mouth: Saliva goes a long way for your dental health – and your breath. It rinses and removes unwanted leftovers from your mouth, helps break down food when you eat and provides disease-fighting substances to help prevent cavities and infections. If you don’t make enough saliva, one sign may be halitosis. Dry mouth can be caused by medications, certain medical conditions, alcohol use, tobacco use or excessive caffeine.

    Smoking and tobacco: Tobacco products wreak havoc on your body and your breath. Not only do many tobacco products leave their own odor on your breath; they can also dry out your mouth. Smokers are also more likely to develop gum disease, which can also add to halitosis.

    Other chronic conditions: While halitosis is most often linked to something happening in your mouth, it may also be a sign of gastric reflux, diabetes, liver or kidney disease.

    Handling Halitosis

    If you notice your breath has been less than fresh lately, start by following a healthy daily dental routine – brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth once a day. Other things, like drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and cutting back on caffeine may also help get your saliva flowing and boost the freshness of your breath.

    If you notice your bad breath persists, check in with your dentist. Together, you can track down what the cause may be. With a proper cleaning and exam, your dentist can help rule out any oral health problems and advise you on next steps, including what types of dental products to use, treatment plans to take care of cavities or gum disease or refer you to a medical provider to follow up.

     

    • Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/halitosis
  • ‘How to treat infertility with herbs’

    ‘How to treat infertility with herbs’

    Couples suffering from infertility can now heave a sigh of hope. A traditional healer says the condition can be treated with herbs.

    Balogun, the CEO of Kukab Nature Therapy Limited, Ojodu, Ikeja, Lagos, said the condition is caused by both men and women. It is the lack of production of healthy sperm by the man and healthy eggs by the woman, he added.

    For a successful conception to take place, he said, the following conditions must be in place – unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg; the sperm’s ability to fertilise the egg when they meet; the ability of the fertilised egg (embryo) to become implanted in the woman’s uterus; and sufficient embryo quality. For pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy and the woman’s hormonal environment adequate for its development. When just one of these factors is impaired, then infertility can results.

    Balogun, a member of Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) and National Association of Nigeria Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), said for a couple to be pronounced infertile,  it must be proved after a diagnosis that the woman is unable to conceive after one year, without using any  family planning method.

    “When the problem lies with the male partner, it is referred to as male infertility. Male infertility factors contribute to approximately 30 percent of all infertility cases, and they  account for approximately one-fifth of all infertility cases,” he explained.

    Balogun identified sexually transmitted infections as major causes of infertility and, “it is always saddening that people suffer in silence when nature has answer to all that make mankind ill.”

    For instance, he said: “Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) occurs in some part of the female reproductive organs. One of the symptoms of PID is a foul-smelling discharge from the vagina. It may also be accompanied by irregular menstrual periods or pain during sex. The most common cause of PID is by contracting a sexually transmitted disease. PID is a serious illness that may damage the fallopian tubes and prevent future pregnancies.”

    He explained: “Chlamydia and gonorrhea are important preventable causes of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. Untreated, about 175 percent of women with chlamydia will develop PID. Chlamydia can also cause fallopian tube infection without any symptoms. Repeated Chlamydia trachomatis or gonorrhea infections are the sexually transmitted diseases most often associated with male infertility. Such infections can cause scarring and block sperm passage. Human papilloma-viruses, the cause of genital warts, may also impair sperm function.”

    The traditional healer said menstrual disorders can also inhibit a woman from getting pregnant. Disorders that include amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation — one or more missed menstrual periods. Women who have missed at least three menstrual periods in a row have amenorrhea. Menorrhagia is the term for menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding. Irregular bleeding. Dysmenorrhea, also known as painful periods, or menstrual cramps, is pain during menstruation. It usually begins with menstruation. Stress. Hormonal imbalance. Diet. Birth control pills. Uterine polyps or fibroids.  Endometriosis, fibroid among other reasons, are why a woman may not be able to conceive.

    Balogun said it is not only a woman that may exhibit factors for infertility. “Reasons for a low sperm count or lack of sperm could be a genetic condition, use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. Severe mumps infection after puberty. Orthodox Hernia repairs. Hormone disorders. Exposure to poisonous chemicals. Exposure to radiation. Blockage caused from a previous infection. Wearing restrictive or tight underwear, and injury to the groin area.”

    “Male infertility can also occur when there are problems with ejaculation, such as premature ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation, which occurs when the semen is forced back into the bladder, erection dysfunctions and complications from radiation therapy or surgery. We must not forget to identify other causes of male infertility to include history of STDs, urinary tract infections and use of certain medications,” Balogun said.

    On the natural way out, he said: “Treatment is couple and individual specific. I treat male and female with natural herbal plants. I always insist on proper diagnosis in a standard laboratory. Thereafter, if there is the need to first detoxify, I do that for the client. The results always determine the herbal plants to use for each person, such as ogbolo (Cissus populnea) for male with sperm concerns, such as low sperm count, that is, count below 45 million cells/ml and motility below 50 percent.

    “There are efficacious roots and herbs for women. The beautiful thing about my therapy is that there are no short or long- term side effects, but good results, with couples having their children. The treatments  are in capsules, powder, and liquid forms  made from 10 percent herbs and roots,” Balogun added.

     

    • Balogun can be contacted via email: kubabnature@yahoo.com
  • How to treat arthritis

    How to treat arthritis

    Dr Godwin Ihesie of Ihesie Natural Health Services, OGS Plaza, Ajuwon Bus Stop, Iju Hills, answers the question.

    When joint cartilage wears away, bone rubs against bone, causing osteoarthrikktis.

    Sounds painful? It is. The first treatment is to get Information. Information is not a therapy, but learning more about arthritis is actually a powerful weapon. That will let the client know the basic difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are different types of arthritis. They share some similar characteristics, but each has different symptoms and requires different treatment. So, an accurate diagnosis is important.The main difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms.  Osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the body’s joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.Rheumatoid arthritis affects about one-tenth as many people as osteoarthritis.

    The main difference between  osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms.

    It is crucial that you understand osteoarthritis and what your limits are and are not. Arthritis seriously impairs the quality of life for so many Nigerians. Given that arthritis is so disabling, painful, and common, lots of quack “cures” are out there, from shark cartilage to copper jewelry to snake venom.  But I will mention basic natural remedies that research suggests may actually help ease arthritis pain.

     

    Weight loss

    The best remedy is maintaining a healthy weight; and losing weight if necessary is not the easiest.

    Still, every pound you shed off means some less pressure on your knees. Some people will see their symptoms disappear if they lose real pounds.

     

    Exercise

    Physical activity is essential for people with osteoarthritis, whether it means walking around your apartment if you’re a fragile older person or swimming laps if you’re in better shape. People used to think that exercise made arthritis worse, but the opposite is true—unless you’re pounding the pavement. (Runners with knee osteoarthritis should cut down on mileage, try to cross-train, and run on softer surfaces like tracks and dirt paths.)

    Exercise programmes should include both aerobic exercise—like walking, swimming, or biking—and strengthening exercises, such as isometric and isotonic exercises. Isotonic contractions are muscle contractions that change the length of the muscle. The change in length of the muscle results in the movement of a body part. Isotonic contractions occur because the force exerted by muscle contraction is greater than the external force against it.

    Isometric contractions are muscle contractions where there is no change in the length of the muscle. The contractions occur because the force exerted by the muscle contraction is only equal to the opposing external force, such as gravity. Isotonic exercise is when the amount of resistance remains the same throughout the workout, but the muscle length changes.

    There are two types of isotonic exercise, concentric and eccentric. The most common type, concentric, is when the force the muscle creates is greater than the force the weight generates. An example of concentric isotonic exercise would be a bench press. When the weight is pushed away from the chest, the force the muscle uses is greater than the force of the weight. Eccentric isotonic exercise is when the force of the weight is greater than the force the muscle generates. An example of this is the fact that a person can set down an object that weighs much more than they have the capacity to lift. Eccentric isotonic exercise is the main cause for soreness and muscle injury. However, high tension levels created by eccentric contraction may cause greater muscle strengthening.

    An example of an isometric contraction is when one grips something hard, for example a tennis racket. There is no movement of the arm or the racket, but the muscles in the arm contract to provide a force to keep the racket in place against gravity. An example of an isometric exercise is to hold a weight in front of one’s body in a fixed position. The arm would tire after a few minutes. Activities that involve isometric contraction of the muscles include gymnastics, climbing and wrestling.

    Acupuncture

    Many people have found that acupuncture helps relieve pain and disability due to arthritis; several studies have found benefit from the procedure. Acupuncture is really helpful for many people with osteoarthritis.

     

    Electricity

    Electrical energy can be used to help ease pain and swelling in arthritic joints in a couple of ways. Physical therapists often employ transcutaneous electrostimulation, or TENS, which involves placing electrodes around the affected joint and delivering electromagnetic pulses through the skin.

    And there’s electro-acupuncture, in which the provider uses needles at acupuncture points that are attached to electrodes to pass an electric charge through the acupuncture needles.

    There are some evidence that both approaches can help provide at least, short-term pain relief and also ease joint stiffness.

    In some cases physical therapy can be invaluable. For example, a person, who is so weak that he or she has trouble getting out of a chair can benefit from physical therapy, and possibly have physical therapy administered at home. But the therapist should be experienced in treating osteoarthritis. Many physical therapists are used to treating stroke patients or sports injuries or other things where they are used to pushing people a lot. Physical therapy for osteoarthritis needs to be more gentle.

    Assistive devices such as shoe inserts, canes, splints, braces, and other devices that can help redistribute your weight to take the load off an arthritic joint or hip can be very beneficial.

    They are particularly helpful, for example, if someone has become knock-kneed or bow-legged as a result of having arthritic knees; unloading braces can help restore normal weight distribution, reduce pain, and prevent your arthritis from getting worse.

    While evidence for the benefits of shoe wedges is mixed, some people will find them helpful, especially if they have leg length discrepancies greater than a half-inch.

     

    Diet

    It is important to have a good understanding of what foods to avoid when you have arthritis. By knowing which foods to avoid, you can help reduce your pain, swelling, inflammation and stiffness. While there is no specific “diet” that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), should follow, researchers have identified certain foods that can help control inflammation. Many of them are found in the so-called Mediterranean diet, which emphasises fish, vegetables and olive oil, among other staples. Certain types of fish are rich in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6, two inflammatory proteins in your body.  At least, three to four ounces, twice a week, the best sources are salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and other cold-water fish. Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants, which support the immune system – the body’s natural defense system – and may help fight inflammation.  At least, one and half to two cups of fruit and two to three cups of veggies per meal. The best sources are colorful foods such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, strawberries, spinach, kale and broccoli.

    Nuts are full of inflammation-fighting mono-unsaturated fat, protein and filling fiber– a bonus if you’re trying to lose a few pounds.  Eat 1.5 ounces of nuts daily (about a handful). The best sources are walnuts, groundnuts, and almonds. Beans have several antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. They’re a low-cost source of fiber, protein, folic acid and minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium. Olive oil contains heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat, antioxidants and oleocanthal, a compound that can lower inflammation and pain.

    Two to three tablespoons per day for cooking or in salad dressings or other dishes. Best sources are Extra virgin olive oil is less refined and processed. It retains more nutrients than standard varieties. Onions, garlic and ginger are packed with beneficial antioxidants. They may also reduce inflammation, heart disease risk and LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Try them sautéed, grilled or raw in salads. Avoid processed foods. Processed foods such as cookies, chips and other snacks can be high in unhealthy fats, which are linked with inflammation. Opt for fresh fruit instead. Canned goods – vegetables and soups – are often high in sodium, which boosts blood pressure. Look for low sodium options, or go with fresh or frozen vegetables.

    Cut the salt. There are conflicting reports about just how bad excess salt is for us. We know it causes fluid retention – one of many factors that can lead to high blood pressure. Also, corticosteroids, often used to treat RA, can cause the body to retain more sodium. So, play it safe and hold the salt when possible.

  • ‘One’s body can treat one’s sexual dysfunction’

    ‘One’s body can treat one’s sexual dysfunction’

    David Ikudayisi of Glory Wellness and Regenerative Centre, United States and Lagos tells OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA on how regenerative medicine – adult stem cell therapy – can be used in treating people with sexual dysfunction.

    What is Regenerative Medicine and how can it be used to treat sexual dysfuntion?

     Regenerative medicine is a branch of translational research in tissue engineering and molecular biology, which deals with the process of replacing, engineering or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish normal function. Sex is cherished because of the pleasure people derive from it. It doesn’t matter whether you are a man or a woman. It is designed by nature to be enjoyed, especially when you are married. Besides, it is the only natural way of procreation. Meanwhile, there are hindrances to healthy sexual life that tend to make the lives miserable. One of such is erectile dysfunction suffered by men. A victim will normally not have penile erection to have sex. Or, to put it mildly, the victim may suffer what many people refer to as premature ejaculation. In the case of the woman, her own problem may be loss of vaginal sensation that results in what is commonly called frigidity.  There are various traditional medical remedies to erectile dysfunction or loss of vaginal sensation. However, there is an emerging regenerative medicine that promises to treat the two hindrances to sex just like many other forms of treatment, if not better.

    How?

    Regenerative medicine refers to a therapy that involves the use of a patient’s own platelets (through a process called Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP) and adult stem cells (through a process called Adult Stem Cell Therapy) to repair and accelerate body natural healing process and prevent further tissues degeneration related to both medical and aesthetic conditions. PRP is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets, and contains growth factors which may elicit the gathering of stem cells around the damaged region stimulating cellular proliferation and tissue regeneration. In the case of adult stem Cell Therapy, stem cells are found in specialised areas of many tissues, including bone marrow and fat. The cells are capable of self-renewal and differentiation.

    How does that translate to healing or treatment?

    The cells are recruited from the body to replace those lost over time and facilitate repair due to injury. These autologous stem cells are taken from an adult patient. Regenerative medicine has allowed clinicians to tap into the healing potential provided by these cells. When injected into a diseased or injured area, adult stem cells can develop into healthy specialised cells needed to repair damaged tissues. The centre can be reached via info@glorywellness.org

    So, how does PRP resolve challenges erectile dysfunction?

    Because the process regenerates damaged tissues very fast under a procedure called P-Shot for Men, it gives treated men the possibility of saving their relationships by increasing stamina, enjoying bigger and harder genitals, and eventually increase in length and girth. For women, the regenerative medicine procedure for them is called orgasm-shot. This procedure leads to increased ability to have orgasm, better arousal from clitoris stimulation, decreased pain for painful intercourse, tighter vaginal opening, increased sexual desire and natural lubrication, and increased arousal from G-spot stimulation. Besides, because of the O-Shot rejuvenation capabilities, there is help available for women suffering from urinary stress incontinence without the need for invasive surgery. Now, it is not only in sex that regenerative medicine helps. It works through Vampire Breast Lift and Vampire Nipple Lift to do what a good bra can do (improve the breast cleavage line) and restore sensitivity to the breast. Above all, regenerative medicine offers generalised body repair through intravenous delivery of autologous adult stem cells. This can be considered by couples without children but in dire need. In other words, this procedure can resolve infertility challenges. Of course, direct delivery of stem cells to the ovary will offer better results when it becomes available after human trials have been conducted and completed.

    In the meantime, intravenous delivery of autologous adult stem cells is being used to treat various illnesses and for anti-aging. Because it is autologous and no risk of rejection, adult stem cells transplantation can also be considered by people looking for alternative treatments, especially in diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, joint pain, Alzheimer, and stroke, while the adult stem cells have been shown to slow down brain and prostate cancer in animal studies.

  • Ighalo will treat Swaziland like Arsenal

    Ighalo will treat Swaziland like Arsenal

    Odion Ighalo has insisted Nigeria cannot afford to take Swaziland lightly in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Lobambo and he will therefore prepare for the game as he would against Arsenal in the English Premier League.

    The Watford striker, who has scored seven goals in the EPL, said there are no longer any minnows in world football.

    “There are no small countries in football and so I will prepare to play against Swaziland as I would against Arsenal. I will give 101 per cent whenever  I play for my country,” said the 26-year-old forward.

    Former Nigeria U-20 skipper Ighalo has scored two goals for the Super Eagles.

  • How to treat impotence, by expert

    How to treat impotence, by expert

    Men  suffering from impotence also known as erectile dysfunction (ED) need not be ashamed of their condition.

    The disease can be treated with herbs, says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nature Healing Alternative Dr Leye Popoola.

    He said though the disease is common among men as they advance in age, they often keep it secret.

    They should not, he advised, noting that a problem shared is a problem solved.

    Impotence, he said, is the inability of men to maintain erection during normal sexual activities.

    “This means somebody may have an erection, but he may not be able to discharge spermatozoa before erection will come down. The man may not also be able to have an erection at all,” he said.

    He identified andropause, which is men’s equivalent of menopause in women, lifestyles and medical problems as some of the causes of impotence.

    “As men age, they enter into andropause, which is similar to menopause in women. At that stage the sexual hormone, androgen reduces drastically in them. Similarly, the urge to have intercourse also reduce. This is why most old men often used some drugs to enhance their sexual prowess,” he said.

    He said most men who are diabetic often suffer from ED because they do not have proper blood circulation, particularly to their private part, toes and fingers.

    “In most diabetics, the blood circulation is cut off from most parts of the body and their male organs dysfunctions,” he added.

    Men with heart problems, he said, might experience impotence because the heart is the engine room of the body.

    Besides, once the heart is malfunctioning, proper blood circulation will be hampered.

    “Men who are suffering from Parkinson’s disease often experience ED. This is due to the nature of their ailment. They are always trembling. Also, men who have backache may not be able to consummate their marriage by having intimacy with their wives. Sexual activities are burdensome to them. Even when they have erection, they may still be incapacitated,” he said.

    He said smokers can experience the condition because of nicotine in the tobacco, and as such, they have constricted heart rate and smooth intercourse often become a problem.

    “So, most smokers usually end up with poor blood circulatory system. This predisposes them to high propensity to come down with ED,” he said.

    Popoola said men who are alcoholics can suffer ED.

    “When estrogen level in men rises in comparison with their testosterone, it can trigger ED,” he said.

    He explained that men can experience the condition as a result of the side effect of drugs they have ingested.

    High blood pressure (HBP) drugs, he said, are known to have effect on the male reproductive organ, adding: “Ulcer medication and anti-depressant drugs can also affect men’s potency. This affects men’s libido.”

    Prostate drugs, he said, can also make men become impotent.“This information is clearly written on the package or bottle of the drug. So, men suffering prostate enlargement may not be able to have intimacy with their wives again in their lifetime,” he said.

    The natural medicine practitioner said prostate can be addressed without having recourse to drugs as there are solution in natural endowments.

    Some sleeping pills, he said, can initiate poor libido because of their constituents.

    He continued: “People who have hypotension (low blood pressure) could come down with ED. Men experiencing low blood sugar may be unable to have proper erection. Low level of blood in men may hamper their sexual function.

    He urged men to always find out what is wrong with them before using drugs.

    He said regular consumption of balanced diet would supply men with the needed minerals and vitamins for sexual performance.

    “Men who take proper diet cannot experience low blood sugar or low level or blood as the case may be. Balanced diet will not allow them to suffer from ulcer, insomnia and depression.”

    Advising men, he said, smokers need to quit, alcoholics should reduce what they consume or stop it completely.

    “Men having backache should consult a doctor. They should eat balanced diet regularly. Men who are obese should exercise regularly. Also, 30 minutes of daily brisk walk is good for the body.

    They should use natural treatment, adding that a western herb known as yorinbe s good.

    “It increases blood flow to the male private organ. But it has side effects. It is not advisable for men having hypertension or HBP or even those with normal blood pressure are advised to use it sparingly or intermittently. It is not safe to use it without guidance.

    “Damiana is another herb often used by natural medicine practitioners. It is good for blood circulation, especially to the private part and it is safe to use by all ages with no side effects.

    “There is also ginko biloba, which also helps the blood circulatory system.

    Another herb is maca. It helps to energise the men for a better sexual intercourse. It can triple the sexual strength of men because it has the capacity to improve libido and boosts the immune system.

    Horny goat weed is another herb, which is often used to address the problem. It is used across the world.

    Among the Yoruba people, gboingboin is used by herbalists to treat impotence. It is an age-long therapy for ED.

    The herbs mentioned can be made into tea and taken twice daily by those suffering from the condition.

    The goingboin comes as a stick and it can be soaked in water and taken with tablespoon twice daily.

    Also, there is atapariobuko and egbo atorin, which are seen across Yorubaland. They are very potent in curing ED.  They do not have any known side effect.”

    He identified vitamins and minerals as immune boosters to enhance men’s sexual health.

    “Vitamin A is very good for maintaining an erection. Balanced diet is also important to the health of the prostate.

    “A healthy prostate leads to a high libido.Vitamin B complex is very essential for men’s virility. This vitamins helps the body to absorb food taken properly.

    “Vitamin C is also good as it repairs the body. It mops up the free radicals in the system.Vitamin E helps to produce the sexual hormones.

    “Zinc is very good because it promotes the health of the male organ,” he said.

    Popola is against the use of blue drugs also known as sex enhancer. “Many end up badly afterwards as result of heart attack of raised blood pressure,” he said.

    He said men with dysfuctional erection should consult their healthcare providers, stressing that self-medication may compound their problem.

    Tests, he said, should be carried out on suffers to detect the problem before initiating treatment.

    Moreover, appropriate diagnosing could make the problem a lot easier, he added.

  • ‘How to treat peptic ulcer’

    ‘How to treat peptic ulcer’

    Do you have peptic ulcer? A naturopath, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, said a combination of good food and herbs can ensure healing for people plagued by peptic ulcer, which is a lesion or an erosion of the lining of the stomach.

    According to him, some soup ingredients are known for their medicinal properties, which can help people ailed by peptic ulcer.

    They have among other properties the ability to heal gastrointestinal diseases (GI), inflammatory diseases and irritated mucous membrane conditions,” he added.

    He said ewedu known botanically as Corchorus olitorius and Ahihara in Igbo can aid the treatment of the ailment.

    Others are coconut milk and Okra, which is a good example of the stew that assists the treatment of the disease.

    He identified Astringent herbs as good quality herb that can help to arrest bleeding in the bleeding type of ulcers. “A good example of astringent herb is Imi-esu (Agerantum conyzoides),” Ezengige stated.

    The naturopath said it also possesses anti-microbial property.

    He said cabbage (Brassica oleracea), pawpaw (Carica papaya) and avocado Persea americana) are nutritional food that can deal with the problem when taken regularly by a sufferer.

    Also, hardened egg (Solanum incanum) can be eaten frequently to treat the disease.

    Banana and ogbono soup prepared from the seed of Irvingia gabonenseis can be eaten to cure the ailment.

    Naturopaths, he said, advocated the use of gel from Aloe vera, Imi-esu (Agerantum conyzoides) and Ogbolo (Cissus populnea) as well.

    The disease, Ezengige said can affect men and women.

    “When the ulcer affects the stomach wall, it is referred to as stomach or gastric ulcer; if the duodenum tissue is ulcerated it is called duodenal ulcer. Peptic ulcer that erodes the esophagus is called esophageal ulcer. The principal symptom of peptic ulcer can be described as a deep and gnawing pain around the upper abdominal region which tends to subside somewhat shortly after partaking of a soothing meal,” he added.

    Ezengige said over 60 per cent of peptic ulcer is caused by a class of bacteria known as helicobacter pylori. Twenty per cent of the sufferers of this ailment acquired it through the use, misuse or abuse of certain drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. The remaining 20 per cent of peptic ulcer patients are likely those addicted to cigarette smoking, alcohol and coffee drinkers or heavy junk food consumers. Others are people who often experience very stressful living; they get unduly upset and as a result they ‘stomach’ a lot of suppressed anger. Also included in the last category of the 20 per cent are peptic ulcers of no known cause.

    He said: “In almost all the cases of ulcer conditions the hydrochloric acid (HCL) and the digestive enzyme pepsin become imbalanced thereby giving room for ulcer development. They are hydrophyllic polysaccharides, and when mixed with water they swell considerably.”

  • My Valentine’s Day treat

    I have fond memories of my days with Granny Fanny-Jane (aka Mama Saro). I was the only grandchild who lived with

    her from infancy till mid teenage years, and later sometimes during adulthood. We used to sit together baking or cooking during the day time and you could bet that all the hours were spent gisting.

    Towards early evenings, we would retire to the balcony or the living room to talk some more. Many times, she would help cut my nails, clean my ears and generally groom me to become a lady. As I grew older and she weaker, I started helping her dye her hair, cut her nails and I was (and still bad with weaving of hair), I would just comb her hair for her and part it in the middle. We had so much laughter and fun.

    And with all those books and novels, my mum used to buy for me, I always found time away from Granny to read and enrich my mind. I was the best Government student in my set at St. Teresa’s College, which was a shame because with so much creativity packed into my head, I should have been the best in Literature. I got by in Literature too, at least I never failed to make my As up to GCE and WAEC. I tried.

    I used to fantasize a lot too and I put all my thoughts into drawing.

    All my mates in school would remember all the cartoons I used to draw. I could remember how some of them brought exercise books for me to create stories for them in graphic details, which they would take home to read.

    What all that did was creating in me a very soft and romantic person.

    As an adult now, I enjoy evening strolls with my partner as much as I enjoy soaking his feet regularly in the foot tub I got especially for him. I make cooking and serving of it such a delight that people just love eating my meals. I wake the household with soft music most days and make sure there is enough fragrance in the atmosphere to kick-start the day. And oh goodness… we can talk and talk and talk!

    With us, there’s no limit to gisting. Even when we’re having our usual misunderstandings, we always make up by talking some more. Hmm… Mama Saro’s style!

    Saturdays are spent either at any of the parks with us playing games or visiting our favourite fura-de-nunu joint or just driving around town to see and admire the best architectural designs in the hope that one day, we would have one of them someday soon.

    We often have fights over eating out because I love oriental meals while he loves local dishes. He almost always wins though because he blackmails me with the question of whether I’m not the full and happy Nigerian that I say I am.

    We must have done all the romantic stuff under the sun that when this year’s Valentines’ Day came, we were at a loss on what to do to make it different. For us, everyday is a celebration of love. We were so undecided about what to do express our love. We often spread some of the love we have with those less fortunate than us. We all have them in neighbourhood and in our religious assemblies.

    So, what we did to celebrate this year was to give even more to those who may not be able to express love the way we do. I fried and baked and cooked, and we took it to whose smiles at receiving such goodies drew us even closer. It was a very big treat from us to them and the smiles from them just gave us the best Valentine’s Day, yet.

    Mama Saro never gave me a Valentine’s Day present, but the love she taught me has lived with me ever since.

    I pray we all learn to show love to those around us. For you all, I’m bringing these fabulous tips for spreading around a little love to those you care about.

    Food is always a good choice when it comes to spreading your Valentine love. How about cooking food and taking to charity homes this weekend.

    Clothes and shoes are always appreciated, whether they are your new clothes/shoes or old (but not torn ones). Make those less fortunate than you look gorgeous too. Your sweetheart is sure to be impressed with the love you both share with others.

    There may be childless people around you. Give them the opportunity to be called daddy and mummy by arranging for children to visit them and help them with small chores. Give them the opportunity to tell stories to these children and encourage them to be hugged and kissed. It is still a part of spreading love and making other people happy.

    Looking for something to do this weekend into style and waoh people?

    Why not arrange for you and your amiable neighbours to talk to those miscreants in your neighbourhood and let them know the dangers of smoking weed or living dangerous lives. Showing a little love and lending a hand of support (without bringing them into your homes until you’re sure about them) can save our youths and the society. Get them jobs if you can and monitor their progress.

    Looking for date ideas? Visit somebody who is more of a recluse and draw the person out. Most people who keep indoors are lonely and some are suicidal. Save a life but don’t visit alone.

    Volunteer with your partner and your neighbours for a cause. It is a great way to spend time together on something that you are passionate about. You can think of visiting a hospital and making someone’s day a little brighter.

    Perform a small act of kindness. You can truly show someone the power of love just through a simple act of kindness. Don’t ignore that man or woman on your street who doesn’t have a car and has to trek to the bus-stop with all those children in tow.

    All in all, celebrate the power of love. Though, this is belated, but love is still very much around, Happy Valentine’s Day!

     

    How to Get Closer with Your Partner or Spouse by Jasmine Starr

    Being intimate with your partner or spouse sometimes needs to be worked out. The intimacy that once was very available during the start of the relationship becomes hard to find after several years of being together. Raising a family, maintaining a home and career moves usually overwhelms you with too much stress that you tend to forget to get closer or intimate even with your partner or spouse.

    This intimacy is very much needed in order to keep the marriage working. You must take time and give extra effort in getting closer with your partner or spouse. The following are some of the tips that you can use in order to maintain the bond between you and your partner or spouse.

    •Take time to listen to your spouse or partner. Be keen about the non-verbal signal that your partner is showing you. If you think that he has become distant from you, entice him to a talk and discuss your issues.

    •Make sure that you keep a cool head and you listen to his ideas and vice versa.

    •Be honest always. Keeping secrets from your spouse will make you worry which will affect your behaviour towards him. It is always advisable

    and healthy in a relationship that both of you do not keep any secret from each other. And open line communication is the key to this and an honest attitude should guide you.

    •Let your spouse feel that he is important. Showing your partner that he is important to you will keep you close to each other because you can only show the importance of a person in your life when you always take time to spend quality time with him. It does not need to be long but a simple greeting as soon as you see him walk in the room will surely make him feel important because you noticed him.

    Never forget to make contact a physical one with your spouse. Even when you are walking to the grocery store hold his hand or when you are watching TV lean you head on his shoulder. These are just simple gestures but it is important to keep the intimacy between the two of you.