Healthy Lifestyle Blog

With regards to sinusitis and rhinitis, studies have indicated that saline nasal sprays may help treat these medical conditions.

Saline nasal sprays thin the mucus therefore they relieve nasal congestion. They also remove allergens, moisturize the nasal passages and maintain a healthy cilia function within the nasal passages. Cilia are the small hair-like structure in the nasal passages that assist in drainage of the sinuses, trap bacteria etc. and help humidify air to your lungs. They also aid your sense of smell.

Isotonic and hypertonic saline nasal sprays are available. Isotonic saline nasal sprays contain the same salt concentration found in the human body whereas hypertonic saline nasal sprays contain a higher level of salt concentration than is found in the human body. Excessive hypertonic solutions can impair cilia movement however they can be more effective at drying out swollen tissue.

Unfortunately many saline nasal sprays contain additives and preservatives such as benzalkonium which can cause side effects and can even be addictive. Therefore it is important to choose a saline nasal spray that contains no additives or preservatives.

Saline nasal sprays are effective for many people however they do not always resolve sinus issues. They are not particluarly effective at killing sinus infections, reducing histamine or relieving sinus pain and headaches.

Although saline nasal sprays do help many sinus sufferers, like any product they do not help everyone. A great alternative is Sinusoothe 100% natural nasal spray. This nasal spray is saline based but contains added natural ingredients that have been clinically proven to be effective. Therefore all the benefits of a saline nasal spray are retained plus it has further benefits. It gives instant relief from sinusitis and sinus allergy symptoms since it contains potent natural anti-inflammatory, pain relieving and anti-histamine properties. It also provides a long term solution since it kills infections and desensitizes the nasal passages to allergens. It is doctor recommended and completely safe to use daily for chronic conditions.

Another good alternative is nasal irrigation. A saline solution (isotonic or hypertonic) is administered to the nasal passages using a neti-pot or similar device. The benefits of this over saline nasal sprays is that a far greater quantity of saline solution is used therefore it can be more effefctive at relieving nasal congestion and flushing out allergens. However the downside is that it is not as convenient as the nasal sprays and the process is not to evereyone’s liking.

It is always best to consult your doctor if you have an existing sinus condition or suspect you have one.

Hoodia gordonii is an herb found in the Kalahari Desert. Though reported to be used by the San Bushmen of Southern Africa for a variety of uses as a medicinal plant, its use as an appetite suppressant became popular in recent years. Hoodia is able to make you feel that you are not hungry by imitating the effect of glucose on the nerve cells in the brain. It makes you feel that you are full. You lose your urge to eat. In fact, the hoodia effect is much more powerful than glucose. The San Bushmen removes the stem of hoodia, the flowers, roots and spines, and peel away the outer skin before consuming hoodia when they went for a hunt which last for about a week. This is to stifle the urge to eat and drink.

The national research laboratory of South Africa, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was able to identify the bioactive compound. They isolated the compound along with the scientists of Phytopharm, a British firm. They called the molecule p57. Further studies and clinical trial confirmed its appetite suppressing feature, something that the San Bushmen knew and used for generations. These studies also reported that there were no side effects. This corroborated also with the fact that the Bushmen have been using hoodia for thousands of years without any problems. Obesity is a rapidly increasing problem in many countries with a higher standard of affluence. Lifestyle and food practices were the major causes for obesity. The market for products for tackling the looming obesity problem is very large. Hoodia seemed to be just the right thing for the problem. Interest in p57 suddenly skyrocketed.

Hoodia gordonii was marketed as an appetite suppressant as capsule and liquid. Combined with the extracts of green tea with its natural caffeine, niacin in the form of nicotinic acid, chromium and coca extract, hoodia is promoted as tru hoodia diet. The major hitch in meeting the demand was that hoodia gordonii was found only in the wild in Southern Africa. This was not sufficient to meet the demand of the market. With limited availability, the cost was very high. Its supply too was limited and diminishing.

There were attempts to produce p57 synthetically in the lab so that this can be produced sufficiently and cheaply. This did not succeed. Hoodia had to be from the naturally collection or cultivated. This led to over exploitation that led CITES to list it as a plant that will soon have to be declared as a threatened species. With this, hoodia became a plant that came under control and restriction with regard to its trade.

Health is an important aspect of human life. Thus, you should take care of your health.