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Holistic Health Pillars

What is Holistic Health? Holistic health practitioners work with clients to achieve specific health goals. This may include improving athletic performance, disease prevention, and the treatment of symptoms. Holistic nutritionists may help implement anti-inflammatory diets. Holistic health practitioners work with both medical professionals and the public to implement a personalized plan of action. Holistic health…

Eight pillars that support holistic health

A balanced diet is a key component of the physical wellness pillar. In addition to eating more fruits and vegetables, you should also be eating a variety of whole grains. Avoid foods with high amounts of sodium, cholesterol, or added sugar. Likewise, you should avoid fried foods. These foods can contribute to high cholesterol levels, which can have negative effects on your overall health. A healthy diet can improve many of the other pillars.

The physical and emotional aspects of health go hand in hand. Holistic health acknowledges the role of mental, spiritual, and social aspects of health. As a result, it takes the whole person into account, focusing on the connections between the body, mind, and environment. Emotional wellness is an important component of holistic health, and it can be cultivated through the eight pillars of holistic health. Listed below are the eight pillars of holistic health.

Physical health: Exercise, diet, sleep habits, hygiene, and personal hygiene are important aspects of physical health. Physical health requires adequate exercise, good rest, and a clean environment. Physical health is just the tip of the iceberg, though. It also requires that you understand your body’s chemistry and how to balance it. Nutrition is an essential part of physical health, and it gets its own pillar. Taking care of your body’s chemistry is important when making dietary and lifestyle decisions.

Cost control

There are two methods of cost control in holistic health care. One is to measure the cost of an entire system and implement changes in management based on results. Cost control in holistic health care is often difficult to achieve because costs vary according to the type of treatment provided. The other method is to identify the cost of an individual patient, and to measure the proportion of that patient who will need further care. Although holistic health care is more expensive than usual medical care, it is cost effective and can reduce mortality.

The first strategy is a health share plan, which requires the members to pay a portion of the cost of their care. These plans are more expensive than traditional medical care, but are often more effective because they treat the whole person and encourage preventative care. This approach also keeps costs low and satisfaction high, leaving more money for major medical events. The most common holistic health care costs are due to chronic illnesses and other conditions. The costs of a health share plan are shared by all members.

Another strategy for cost control in holistic health care is to use health policy commissions. The Maryland commission, for example, has been focusing on the total cost of care and hospital budgets. It has a history, and stakeholders have a vested interest in working with it. In Maryland, a Medicare waiver encourages health care providers to offer services to all payers, such as Medicare and Medicaid. These charges are then offset by increases in commercial rates.

Prevention of disease

The American Holistic Health Association advocates for the prevention of chronic disease. The emphasis on holistic health entails treating the entire person, incorporating the mind, body, and spirit into a health-promoting lifestyle. The most difficult aspects of incorporating holistic practices into the client’s life are often changes to food, which can be hard for clients to accept. However, the benefits of holistic health far outweigh the negative effects.

One of the most significant benefits of preventive medicine is lower healthcare costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the practice of prevention can reduce costs by more than $1 trillion annually. In fact, 90 percent of healthcare expenditures are related to chronic conditions. Preventive care focuses on the prevention of chronic disease by emphasizing long-term health, healthy pregnancy, and aging. Health screenings are an important component of this holistic approach.

The benefits of holistic medicine are numerous. First, holistic doctors focus on the whole person, rather than simply treating the symptoms of an illness. Holistic physicians believe that the mind-body connection is the key to healing. As such, holistic doctors help patients develop an understanding of their entire health profile. By integrating complementary therapies and Western medicine, holistic physicians can treat the whole person and prevent or improve disease symptoms. In addition to reducing disease risk, holistic health also emphasizes a strong doctor-patient relationship.

Medicinal plants

Medicinal plants can be used to treat various illnesses and diseases. Using them can be a natural way to improve your overall health and well-being. Here are some tips for maximizing their benefits. Read on to learn how to use medicinal plants in your daily life. We are going to go over a few examples of the most popular ones and how they can improve your health. Listed below are some of their most important benefits.

Traditional medicines have their place, but plants play a vital role in drug development. Modern scientific techniques have helped verify the ancient knowledge of the healer. These traditional remedies incorporate many aspects of the body, including their chemical composition and their psychological effects. As a result, the study of traditional medicine is helping to discover future drug leads. Medicinal plants are used in many countries and have played a vital role in traditional healthcare systems for thousands of years. Today, about 50% of all drugs that are used in clinical practice are made from natural products.

Besides examining their properties, medicinal plants can also be used for cancer treatment. The research study documented the different plant species used in cancer management among Tswana speakers. The study also provided baseline data for further studies. Future studies will focus on the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of these plants. The findings of this study have opened the door to further investigation into the effects of these plants on the human body. It also highlights the growing popularity of natural products.

Dietary supplements

The goal of dietary supplements for holistic health is to help people improve their health and well-being by addressing the root causes of the disease. Researchers and practitioners of holistic nutrition know that the body’s chemical processes are continuously occurring. They are affected by synthetic chemicals, which disrupt these processes. They also know that abnormal substances can interfere with decision-making and brain functions. Consequently, these substances may cause long-term damage. Instead of taking synthetic chemicals, holistic nutritionists recommend natural foods and herbal supplements.

A good source for dietary supplements is the Office of Dietary Supplements. This organization helps consumers find information on dietary supplements and answers questions about their efficacy. You can also contact the manufacturers to find out more about the supplement’s ingredients and efficacy. In addition, you can visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) or Office of Dietary Supplements, which have websites designed to help consumers make informed choices.

Some people have tried using dietary supplements for holistic health. However, their use is not recommended for everyone. These supplements are not meant to diagnose or treat diseases and are not as safe as medicines. However, they are effective in enhancing the current routine of a person. They are not a replacement for good eating habits. A healthy diet and exercise are important factors for holistic health. And you should not neglect your diet and your health if you want to see significant results from dietary supplements.

Alternative medicine

Holistic health is all about using the correct methods to achieve optimal health. Alternative medicine attempts to achieve the same effects as medicine, but is not scientifically proven. It has no biological plausibility and has been proven ineffective. Nonetheless, many people swear by it and use it for a wide variety of conditions. Below are some common examples of complementary and alternative medicine. Read on to learn more about the benefits and limitations of alternative medicine.

A holistic philosophy views the mind, body, and spirit as one. A dysfunction in one area affects the whole person. Complementary medicine is guided by this philosophy. Many Australians seek out alternative medicine after feeling dissatisfied with conventional medical care. They don’t believe in the harsh side effects of conventional drugs. It may be more gentle and safer. In addition, it involves a collaborative approach with both the patient and provider.

The holistic health care provider may prescribe medicines and surgical procedures to treat acute or chronic pain, or recommend exercise to boost the production of endorphins. Regardless of the condition, a holistic health care provider may also ask about your diet and lifestyle, identifying foods that contribute to inflammation and stress. If you suffer from pain, your holistic health care provider may recommend acupuncture or massage therapy, or even mindful meditation to relieve tension and stress.

What Are Some of the Early Warning Signs of Periodontitis?

What is periodontitis?

Early signs of periodontitis is a buildup of plaque on and between your teeth. Periodontitis is identified by bad breath, and gum and teeth issues.

Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums. Periodontitis occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing prevent plaque from building up, but if the plaque solidifies, it becomes tartar, which irritates your gums and lets bacteria in. The bacteria that naturally reside in your mouth can then begin to infect and destroy your teeth, bone, and tissue.

Periodontitis is more common in men than women (56.4% to 38.4%) and affects 70.1% of adults over the age of 65 and 47.2% of adults over the age of 30.

Proper oral hygiene is essential for preventing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from building up and causing periodontitis. It's important to know what causes gum disease so that you can work to avoid it, and so you know when to see a dentist if you develop symptoms.

Symptoms of periodontitis

Periodontitis begins with a buildup of plaque on and between your teeth. Plaque can cause gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease which, if not dealt with, will develop into periodontitis. Periodontitis is identified by:

Bad breath
Gums that hurt and bleed after brushing and flossing
Teeth that appear to be moving apart
Gums that recede, showing more teeth
Gums that are red or swollen
Teeth that are loose or sensitive
Painful chewing

Causes of periodontitis

Our mouths are full of bacteria. When you don't brush and floss your teeth regularly, the bacteria form into a thin film on your teeth called plaque. If plaque is allowed to build up on teeth, it can turn into tartar, also known as dental calculus. Plaque begins to turn into tartar between 1 and 12 days of forming. The tartar adheres to teeth and cannot be removed except by a dentist.

People who smoke are more prone to periodontitis, as are people with diabetes and AIDS. Other risk factors include hormonal changes in women and girls, and certain medications. Some people are more susceptible to gum disease based on their genetics.

When to see the dentist for periodontitis

Your dentist should be able to identify any risk you have of developing gum disease through regular checkups. Even so, regardless of whether you see a dentist regularly or not, if you develop any of the symptoms listed above or experience any pain in your gums or teeth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. If you wait until periodontitis develops, you risk losing teeth, gum tissue, or bone.

Diagnosing periodontitis

Your dentist will examine your gums and teeth for plaque and tartar buildup. If they see any inflamed tissue, they will use a probe to measure the pockets between your gums and teeth. If these pockets are more than 3 millimeters deep, your dentist will want to investigate further.

Your dentist might want to perform x-rays to check for bone and tooth damage in areas with deep pockets. If the gum disease has developed past an early stage, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist that specializes in treating people with periodontitis.

There are four stages of periodontitis. It's important to note that bone loss in teeth occurs either horizontally — when the bone surrounding the teeth gets shorter in relation to the teeth — or vertically — with sections missing near or beside the teeth — and is key to diagnosing which stage the periodontitis has reached:

Stage I is mild periodontitis. Gum pockets measure 2 millimeters or less, with some horizontal bone loss that requires non-surgical treatment.
Stage II is moderate periodontitis. Gum pockets measure 5 millimeters or less, with some horizontal bone loss that requires non-surgical treatment.
Stage III is severe periodontitis. Gum pockets measure deeper than 6 millimeters, with possible vertical bone loss and tooth loss requiring surgical treatment.
Stage IV is very severe periodontitis. Gum pockets measure deeper than 6 millimeters, with vertical bone loss. There may be less than 20 teeth left in the mouth with a chance of losing more. Surgery with implants is required, and there might be a need for regenerative bone and tissue therapy.

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Treatments for periodontitis

If you have gum disease, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist for treatment. The periodontist might give you antibiotics for the infection or conduct non-surgical procedures such as scaling or root planing. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from beneath your teeth and in your gums. Root planing smooths out the surfaces of the roots of your teeth, which keeps more plaque and tartar from building up.

If your periodontitis is too advanced for non-surgical treatment, the periodontist may need to conduct one or more of the following procedures:

Flap surgery
Bone grafting
Guided tissue regeneration
Soft tissue grafting
Application of a tissue-stimulating protein

Flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery, is a procedure in which the periodontist makes small incisions in your gums that allow them to lift a section of gum tissue to more easily scale and plane the roots of your teeth. The periodontist may also reshape the bone underneath your gums so the area is easier to clean after healing.

If any bone has been destroyed, the periodontist can use bone grafting or guided tissue regeneration to help the bone grow back. Bone grafting replaces any damaged bone, letting new bone grow and preventing tooth loss. For guided tissue regeneration, the periodontist puts a special fabric in place that prevents tissue from growing in the area and helps the bone regrow. Similar to bone grafting, soft tissue grafting replaces lost tissue on your gums to build your gumline back up. Tissue may be taken from healthier parts of your mouth to graft onto damaged areas.

Tissue-stimulating proteins are applied with a special gel containing the same proteins found in tooth enamel. These proteins help soft tissue regenerate.

Are Cold Sores (Fever Blisters, HSV) Contagious? Treatment

What is a cold sore (fever blister, HSV-1 HSV-2)?

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Cold sores are caused by a virus, specifically, the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Cold sores are contagious.

Cold sores are inflamed blisters in or near the mouth and lips.
A herpes virus causes cold sores.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) causes about 80% of cold sores while herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) causes about 20%.
Cold sores are often confused with canker sores. Canker sores are not caused by herpes viruses, are not contagious, and occur mainly inside the mouth, not on the surface of the lips.

How Long Do Cold Sores Last?

In recurrent herpes, sores start as inflamed red bumps that swell and become fluid-filled forming blisters. The blisters eventually collapse and form an ulcer. This will take two to three days.

Learn more about cold sores »

Are cold sores contagious?

Cold sores are contagious.
About 600,000 individuals per year in the U.S. develop an infection with HSV-1.
By the age of 70, studies suggest about 90% of the U.S. population has been exposed to HSV-1.
About 80% of HSV-1 cold sore infections result in little or no symptoms or signs.

What are cold sore symptoms?

There are several stages of cold sore development.

The first stage consists of symptoms like tingling, itching, inflammation, and hypersensitivity of skin in the location where the sore or blister will later appear. In about two days, blisters begin to appear usually at the junction of the upper and lower lip. Blisters are filled with clear or yellowish fluid and may come together or merge. In some individuals, large numbers of blisters develop.
After about two days, the blisters begin to rupture and produce grayish-reddish sores. This a weeping stage where highly contagious fluid oozes from the sores for about one to two days. The sores then develop scabs that last for two to three days. The scabs then begin to break up and may ooze blood.
Secondary scabs form and are usually smaller and slowly disappear, revealing pinkish skin that gradually heals. Usually, there is no scarring and the cold sores go through this whole process in about seven to 10 days, although some may persist as long as two or three weeks.
The time from infection to the development of symptoms (incubation period) ranges from two to 12 days for cold sores.

How do you get cold sores?

Cold sores are spread person to person by direct and indirect contact.

They can be spread by
- kissing,
- oral/genital contact, and
- by indirect methods such as
  - sharing eating utensils,
  - razors,
  - clothing, or
  - other items.
Although HSV-1 can be spread to the genitals, the spread is less frequent (about 20%) than a similar herpes virus, HSV-2 (about 80%).
Cold sores caused by HSV-1 are not considered to be a sexually transmitted disease.

How to get rid of cold sores?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for cold sores. However, treatment is available to reduce symptoms and signs.

Over-the-counter treatments are available to provide symptomatic relief. Docosanol (Abreva) is an over-the-counter treatment that may decrease the time to heal the lesions.
Prescription medications include several antivirals, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir), and are usually used for more severe symptoms and signs.

Unfortunately, cold sores can be recurrent when certain triggers (such as stress and certain medications) allow the viruses to reproduce. Cold sores usually recur in the same area, with decreasing intensity. Most cold sores are diagnosed clinically without tests. However, there are blood tests available that can distinguish HSV-1 from HSV-2.

Should I see a doctor for cold sores?

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Most normal individuals do not need to contact a physician about cold sores caused by herpes virus type 1 (HSV-1).
However, if an individual (adult or child) has a weakened immune system (such as from HIV, cancer, undergoing chemotherapy) or if symptoms are severe, frequently recurring, or persist longer than two weeks, or include eye irritation, they should contact their physician.
These situations require evaluation of both the cold sores and any underlying problems that may predispose to developing cold sores.

What Is a Dry Socket? Treatment, Symptoms, Pictures & How to Prevent

Dry sockets are a common complication following the removal of a tooth.Source: iStock

What is dry socket?

The typical scenario for a dry socket is the occurrence of throbbing pain about two to four days after the tooth is extracted. Dry socket pain is often accompanied by bad breath and a foul taste in the mouth. With this onset of pain, it is obvious that proper healing has been interrupted.

A dry socket is a condition in which there is inflammation of the jawbone (or alveolar bone) after tooth extraction. It is also referred to as "alveolar osteitis" and is one of the many complications that can occur from a tooth extraction. The occurrence of dry socket is relatively rare, occurring in about 2% of tooth extractions. However, that percentage rises to at least 20% when it involves the removal of mandibular impacted third molars (lower wisdom teeth).

Dry Socket and Tooth Extraction

What is the treatment for dry socket?

A dry socket is a condition that may result after a tooth extraction if the blood clot that normally fills the socket is lost. The dry socket leaves underlying nerves exposed, which is very painful. The condition is treated by a dentist who cleans the wound and places a special dressing into the socket. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen may be used to treat pain and decrease swelling.

Read about dental common problems and procedures »

Dry sockets can be caused by bacterial, chemical, mechanical, or physiological factors.Source: iStock

What causes dry socket?

A dry socket is caused by the partial or total loss of a blood clot in the tooth socket after tooth extraction. Normally, after a tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form as the first step in healing to cover and protect the underlying jawbone. If the blood clot is lost or does not form, the bone is exposed and healing is delayed.

In general, a dry socket is a result of bacterial, chemical, mechanical, and physiologic factors. Below are examples for each:

Bacterial: Preexisting infection that is present in the mouth prior to a dental extraction such as periodontal disease (or periodontitis) can prevent the proper formation of a blood clot. Certain oral bacteria can cause the breakdown of the clot.
Chemical: Nicotine used by smokers causes a decrease in the blood supply in the mouth. As a result, the blood clot may fail to form at the site of a recent tooth extraction.
Mechanical: Sucking through a straw, aggressive rinsing, spitting, or dragging on a cigarette causes dislodgement and loss of the blood clot.
Physiologic: Hormones, dense jawbone, or poor blood supply are factors that prevent blood clot formation.

In order to prevent dry sockets, you should not smoke. Prior to tooth extraction, risk factors for developing a dry socket include smoking.Source: iStock

What are risk factors for getting dry socket?

Prior to tooth extraction, risk factors for developing a dry socket include smoking, the presence of an impacted wisdom tooth, being female, and being above the age of 30.

Smoking is a risk factor for developing a dry socket due to the nicotine found in cigarettes. Exposure to nicotine reduces the blood supply available to the healing socket and can prevent the proper formation of a blood clot at the extraction site.

Extraction of impacted third molars (wisdom teeth) can be traumatic as some surrounding gum tissue and jawbone may need to be removed or may be adversely affected during surgery. Although the extraction is necessary, the resulting trauma can increase the chances of a dry socket.

Previous infections such as periodontal disease or pericoronitis at the site of the extraction can predispose an individual to a dry socket.

Women have been found to develop a dry socket more so than men. This may be related to hormonal factors such as the use of oral contraceptives or normal hormonal changes during a woman's cycle.

Patients older than 30 years of age with impacted third molars have an increased risk of dry sockets. With age, the jawbone becomes denser and has less blood supply available. A dense jawbone increases the risk of a traumatic extraction and less blood supply decreases the chances of blood clot formation and timely healing.

A tell-tale sign is a socket that has a partial or total loss of a blood clot. Symptoms of dry sockets are often painful.Source: Bigstock

What are dry socket symptoms and signs?

A tell-tale sign is a socket that has a partial or total loss of a blood clot. The jawbone may be visible in the socket and the surrounding tissue may appear gray due to poor healing.

Symptoms of a dry socket include the following:

A throbbing steady pain presents a few days after tooth extraction.
The pain may radiate to other parts of the head such as the ears and eyes on the same side of the face.
Bad breath and a bad taste may also be present due to the accumulation of food debris and bacteria in the socket.

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Dry Socket
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A dentist can diagnose dry sockets based on a physical exam and symptoms.Source: Getty Images

How is dry socket diagnosed?

Diagnosis of a dry socket is based on the history of dental treatment, clinical examination, and the individual's symptoms. Timing of when symptoms begin may be an indicator for a dry socket. During normal healing, the discomfort of extraction should lessen over time. However, if the pain increases, this is an indication that healing is delayed and could possibly be due to a dry socket. Typically, symptoms for a dry socket develop two to four days after tooth extraction. Most dry sockets happen within the first week after tooth extraction.

What is the treatment for dry socket?

Treatment usually involves symptomatic support while the socket heals. Initially, the dentist will gently irrigate to clear the socket of food debris. Next, an analgesic medicated dressing or packing is placed within the socket to cover the exposed bone. This usually provides immediate relief. This dressing may need to be replaced every few days during the healing process. The dressing is often coated with "dry socket paste," which is made up of ingredients with pain-relieving properties, including eugenol (clove oil).

Additionally, medications can be prescribed to manage the pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Advil or Aleve) or narcotics (such as hydrocodone/acetaminophen [Vicodin]) are often used to relieve pain.