Friday, September 30, 2011

How To Remove Gallstones - Naturally, Without Surgery

by Dr Lai Chiu Nan

preface:
A gallstone is a crystalline concretion formed within the gallbladder by accretion of bile components. These calculi are formed in the gallbladder, but may pass distally into other parts of the biliary tract such as the cystic duct, common bile duct, pancreatic duct , or the ampulla of Vater.
Presence of gallstones in the gallbladder may lead to acute cholecystitis, an inflammatory condition characterized by retention of bile in the gallbladder and often secondary infection by intestinal microorganisms, predominantly Escherichia coli and Bacteroides species. Presence of gallstones in other parts of the biliary tract can cause obstruction of the bile ducts, which can lead to serious conditions such as ascending cholangitis or pancreatitis. Either of these two conditions can be life-threatening, and are therefore considered to be medical emergencies.

(source: Wikipedia)




Here is a simple way to remove gallstones naturally, without surgery – and without the risk of having your entire gall bladder removed, which is what often happens.
During surgery, doctors very often discover that the condition of the gall bladder is too serious, and they decide there and then to remove all of it.
This is a classic example of what I call kiasu medicine – doctors treating patients excessively just to be on the safe side, except that they call it preventive medicine, which sounds good.
Meanwhile, the patient is unconcious and he or she cannot do anything to stop it. The person wakes up from surgery a few hours later to discover that he or she has permanently lost the gall bladder – a vital body organ. More than one person I know have had this happen to them.

A Traditional Remedy

This method to remove gallstones naturally is probably a traditional European remedy. I learnt it from a Taiwanese, Dr Lai Chiu Nan, a chemistry dortorate holder and former cancer researcher in one of America's top cancer research institutions, who now teaches natural health. Dr Lai Chiu Nan visited Singapore during the early 1990s and gave a number of free lectures, in both Chinese and English, attended by capacity crowds at the Singapore Indoor Statium, which seats about 12,000 people. After attending her lectures, I wrote an article in The Good Life, on how to remove gallstones naturally. I have since seen excerpts of that article reproduced in all sorts of places, including pamphlets at health stores, websites and blogs.

Possible 'dangers'
Before I pass on this method to remove gallstones, I should point out that some doctors have warned of its "dangers". They say that, if the gallstones are too big, they might end up being stuck in the gall bladder ducts and this could be dangerous. In theory, this might happen. So if you are afraid, don't do it.
When you embark on natural remedies, whether to remove gallstones or for other purposes, you need to take responsibility for your own health and I shall not be held liable for any harm or danger that you might experience. At the same time, when you embark on natural cures, it helps also to understand the reasons behind some of the procedures.
In this case, part of the method to remove gallstones naturally involves drinking plenty of apple juice for about a week. It is believed that some substance in the apple juice, probably malic acid, helps softens the gallstones so that the risks of them being stuck in the gall bladder ducts are minimised. In any case, if you lack the confidence, don't do it.
Just be aware also that surgery and other medical procedures to remove gallstones UN-naturally also come with their own set of risks. You decide which risks you wish to take.


No guarantees

I should also point out that this method to remove gallstones naturally MAY NOT WORK for everyone. When my friends and I tried it, one (or maybe two) of them did not pass out anything. After I put this information out on the Internet, I received a few more emails from readers telling me that "nothing happened".
At the same time, there were also people who passed out stones but further ultrasound scans of the gall bladder still showed some stones inside. Why? I don't know and am rying to find out. Some sceptics say this shows the method is fake. Could be. But I don't think so because some people do feel better after going through it.


Possible instant diarrhea

Another possible side effect of this natural way to remove gallstones is "instant diarrhea" at the last step, on Day 6. See below. I write this from personal experience. Luckily, I was at home and the toilet was nearby. But I have not heard of anyone else with a similar experience. But just in case... do this gallstone removal remedy at home, and do the last step nearby a toilet.


Why remove gallstones? 

Gallstones may not be everyone's concern. But they should be because we all have them. Moreover, gallstones may lead to cancer.
"Cancer is never the first illness", Dr Lai Chiu Nan points out. "Usually, there are a lot of other problems leading to cancer. In my research in China, I came across some material which say that people with cancer usually have gallstones. We all have gallstones. It's a matter of big or small, many or few.
“One of the symptoms of gallstones is a feeling of bloatedness after a heavy meal. You feel like you can't digest the food. If it gets more serious, you feel pain in the liver area."
So if you think you have gallstones, Lai Chiu Nan offers the following method to remove them naturally. The treatment is also good for those with a weak liver, because the liver and gallbladder are closely linked.


HOW TO REMOVE GALLSTONES NATURALLY
  1. For the first five days, drink at least four glasses of apple juice every day. Freshly squeezed or packaged apple juice are both okay. Or eat four or five apples, whichever you prefer. Apple juice softens the gallstones. During the five days, eat normally.

  2. On the sixth day, take no dinner. (But take breakfast and lunch as usual and ok to drink water or other light fluids at night, but not, for example, a hearty soup.)

  3. At 6 pm, take a teaspoon of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) with a glass of warm water.

  4. At 8 pm, repeat the same. Epsom salt or magnesium sulphate opens the gallbladder ducts.

  5. At 10 pm, take half cup olive oil (or sesame oil) with half cup fresh lemon juice. Mix it well and drink it. The oil lubricates the stones to ease their passage. See above about possible instant diarrhea during this final step to remove gallstones naturally.

  6. After this, sleep or at least lie down and rest. Do not engage in physical activity.
The next morning, you will find green stones in your stools.
"Usually they float", Dr Lai Chiu Nan notes. "You might want to count them. I have had people who passes 40, 50 or up to 100 stones. Very many". Even if you don't have any symptoms of gallstones, you still might have some. It's always good to give your gall bladder clean up now and then.

 


Manha Manha (whatever that means)


A walk through my childhood lane...






Friday, September 23, 2011

MP Photo - Pesta Sambil Belajar


Hari Minggu yang lalu, saya sekeluarga mendapat undangan ke perayaan ulang tahun anak tunggal adik bungsu saya yang diadakan di tempat yang sangat tidak biasa. Kalau orang lain mengadakan pesta ulang tahun anak di tempat-tempat umum seperti cafe, restoran dan tempat hiburan lainnya, pesta keponakan saya ini diadakan di musem Satria Mandala, Jakarta.
Acara perayaan yang dilaksanakan di halaman belakang museum, tepatnya diantara display pesawat-pesawat tempo dulu ini mendapat sambutan hangat dari para undangan. Tidak hanya anak-anak yang terhibur dgn caki-nya KFC, para orang tua juga dapat menikmati semua benda-benda bersejarah yg ada di sana, terlebih bagi mereka yang merupakan para ekspat yang tengah bertugas di sini.

Museum yg sehari-harinya bisa dibilang sepi pengunjung ini menjadi tempat yang sangat menyenangkan ketika para orang tua mendampingi anak-anaknya mengenali sejarah angkatan bersenjata kita. Mungkin display diorama dari berbagai peristiwa bersejarah tidak terlalu diminati oleh anak-anak, namun mereka terlihat sangat antusias dalam mengenali segala jenis senjata dan kendaraan perang di masa revolusi republik ini. Apalagi mereka juga dapat memasuki beberapa pesawat dan kendaraan perang lainnya.

Salut buat adik saya yang berhasil mewujudkan perayaan pesta ini menjadi sangat mendidik dan bermanfaat.


yang berulang tahun


antri memasuki ruang museum


dengan pesawat mustang


dengan foto tokoh idola


diantara senjata bersejarah


naskah proklamasi


mengenali torpedo



Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Friday, September 16, 2011

Rainbow Connection


Here's to reminisce Jim Henson and my wonderful childhood...




Why are there so many
songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side
Rainbows are visions
But only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide

So we've been told
And some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Some day we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it's done so far

What's so amazing
That keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see
Some day we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

All of us under its spell, we know that it's probably magic

Have you been half asleep?
And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound
That called the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same

I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm supposed to be
Some day we'll find it
The rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

La da da di da da dum da duh da da dum di da

Monday, September 5, 2011

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux or GERD is a health condition that causes damage to the lining of the esophagus. The liquid content of the stomach travels back into the esophagus, which inevitably builds-up.
Acid reflux is developed when the food in the stomach is not digested and broke down properly by this liquid content (acid) and enzymes.


Acid Reflux Symptoms
Among the main symptoms of acid reflux disease, you may notice the following:
  1. Heartburn. This is commonly described as a rather painful burning sensation within the chest area and can go as far down as the stomach and as far up as the neck
  2. Regurgitating food back from the gullet into the mouth
  3. Pain in the chest, either constant or a nasty stabbing pain
  4. Trouble when swallowing both liquids and food
  5. Sore throat and hoarseness when trying to talk
  6. Asthma (This is normally due to the acid that is travelling where it should reaching the area around the lungs or throat)
  7. Erosion of the teeth and gums caused by the acid reaching the mouth
The symptoms of acid reflux disease can continue for many months and even longer, getting more and more painful as the time goes if it has not been treated in the correct manner.


Acid Reflux Diet

Listed below are the safe foods and foods to avoid in preventing acid reflux or heartburn.

Selecting the right foods to eat are important

Safe Foods:
Fruits – Apple- fresh, dried or juice, banana
Vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, cabbage, peas, green beans, baked potato
Meat Products – Skinless chicken breast, extra-lean ground beef, London broil steak, egg whites and substitutes, no fat fish
Dairies – Fat free cream cheese, goat cheese, low-fat soy cheese, fat-free sour cream
Grains – Brown or white rice, multi-grain or white bread, cereal like bran or oatmeal, corn bread, Graham crackers, pretzels, rice cakes
Beverage – Mineral water
Salads/Sweets – Low-fat salad dressing, fat-free cookies, jelly beans, red licorice, baked potato chips

Foods to Avoid:
Fruits – Tomato, lemon
Juices – Orange juice, Cranberry juice, Grapefruit juice, Lemonade
Vegetables – Raw onion, french fries, mashed potato
Meat Products – Ground beef, chicken nuggets, Buffalo wings, marbled sirloin
Dairy Products – Regular cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream, milk shake
Grains – Spaghetti with sauce, macaroni and cheese
Beverages – Wine, liquor, decaffeinated or regular coffee/tea
Salads/Sweets – Creamy salad dressing, oil and vinegar salad dressing, high-fat butter cookies, chocolate, doughnut corn chips, brownies

Other Dietary Facts

1. It is a common misconception that drinking milk before going to sleep can prevent acid reflux. On the contrary, milk was found to have a rebound action and in fact encourages more acid secretion.
2. Others think that beverages will flow easily and be digested without affecting acid production. Studies show that it is actually the opposite. Beverages especially beer, has the ability to double stomach acid within an hour.
3. An alkaline diet can help overcome the effects of acid reflux. This was explained by medical professionals as the need to maintain acidity and alkalinity balance within the body.


Acid Reflux Remedies
Here are the top 7 acid reflux natural remedies we could find, that work.

1. Increase the amount of water you drink daily. This is beneficial for your overall health as well. However, increasing your water intake will help to dilute the acids in the stomach, thus minimizing the acid reflux symptoms. You should also try to drink a glass of water after you have eaten, possibly two.

2. Almonds is another great way to eliminate the effects of acid reflux. In the morning, chew on a few almonds and after each meal. It is important that you chew them very well, the longer the better and you will soon begin to see relief in your acid reflux symptoms.

3. Fennel tea or chamomile tea have a soothing effect on the individual drinking it and it has been successfully connected to the relief of acid reflux discomfort. It is important that you take your time drinking the tea, only sipping it.

Chamomile Tea: Provides Soothing Effect

4. Could it be true, an apple a day keeps the doctor away? Maybe not, but eating an apple after a meal can surely keep your acid reflux symptoms at bay! Organically grown apples chewed slowly and well can reduce the acid in the stomach, thus eliminating the acid reflux.

5. Ginger in almost any form can be great for reducing acid reflux. You can have candied ginger, ginger tea or take ginger in a capsule form.

6. Apple cider vinegar is another of the top acid reflux home remedies. It is important that you are drinking organic apple cider vinegar and that you shake it well. There should be a pulp looking substance floating within, this is actually what you need to consume. This substance has enzymes that are ideal for keeping the symptoms of acid reflux a distant memory for you. Add the apple cider vinegar to a half a glass of water and drink it shortly before or after a meal.

7. Chewing gum, as you might already know is great for assisting in the digestion of food. However, did you know that this also stimulates the production of saliva? This in turn does the same thing as drinking water, it will dilute the stomach acids and limit the acid reflux symptoms.

Acid Reflux Treatment

In actual fact, there isn’t any absolute cure, but there are many ways in which your symptoms can be managed with a good treatment for acid reflux.

1. Natural remedies. These may include various old wives tales that you may have heard about or found on the internet. Some of these do work for a lot of people but not for others so be sure to not get your hopes up and not to be too disappointed if they do not work for you. Ginger is said to be a particularly good treatment for acid reflux.

Natural remedies can be very effective