FitSugar

Another Reason to Eat Chocolate: It Soothes a Cough

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

You know me; I am always looking for another reason to eat more dark chocolate. From lowering blood pressure to having a load of antioxidants to just tasting so darn good, there is yet another reason to eat chocolate. Hooray!

Research has found that theobromine, an ingredient found in chocolate, has a cough-reducing effect superior to codeine, an ingredient found in many cough syrups. What's more? Chocolate, as we all know by now, soothes and moistens the throat.

As a matter of fact, I think I feel a little cough coming on right now. Looks like I'm going to be forced to eat some dark chocolate - twist my arm already, jeez. I think I will go make some hot cocoa now!

Source

Is Chocolate Keeping You Up at Night?

FitSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 -0800

Decadent chocolate stimulates your taste buds, and the caffeine and theobromine in this treat stimulate your heart rate in a way that could prevent you from falling asleep. There's nothing wrong with indulging in a piece of chocolate after dinner, but try to take your last bite well before bedtime.

Not all types of chocolate are equal in terms of the amounts of caffeine they contain. According to The New York Times, a dark chocolate Hershey’s candy bar has about 30 milligrams of caffeine (same as a cup of instant tea) and a milk chocolate bar has 9 milligrams. White chocolate is the safest bet before bed, as it doesn't have any theobromine and barely has any caffeine. If you have love for dark chocolate, like I do, consider checking the clock before reaching for a piece.

Source

Home Remedies: Cold and Flu

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:00 -0800

The colors of Autumn might be lovely, but a few things about the season actually bring me down. I am talking about cold and flu season. If you're unlucky enough to have come down with some bug, you might be able to soothe some of your ailments with ingredients you have in your pantry. Prevention has listed some home remedies for common cold symptoms, and here are the highlights.

Soothe that sore throat: Mix six pressed garlic cloves with hot water, and gargle with this garlic tea twice a day, for three days. The warm liquid soothes inflamed tissues, while the garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight pain-causing bacteria.

Bring down a fever: Try drinking linden flower tea. It controls your body temperature by stimulating the hypothalamus, and also dilates your blood vessels and induces sweating. Pick up the dried herb at a health food store or herb shop. Steep one tablespoon of dried linden flower in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Stash makes a linden flower tea, too. Drink this tea three to four times a day. If your fever is over 102° F, take a tepid bath to cool off the body.

To see how you can dull your hacking cough with a few sweet things, just read more.

Suppress a cough: Eating a bit of dark chocolate can help your cough. Theobromine, a compound found in chocolate, has been found to be even more effective than codeine for suppressing coughs, and it won't make you drowsy or constipated. You can also tame your cough with honey. Before bed take two teaspoons of honey and take 500 mg of Ester C 30 minutes prior to lying down to quiet your cough and give your immune system a little lift.

If you have any home remedies for cold symptoms, please share them in the comment section below.

Source

Isoproterenol (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:07:44 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Isoproterenol (eye-soe-proe-TER-e-nole)

Treats certain types of heart problems. This medicine also improves your breathing while you are under anesthesia.

Brand Name(s)

Isuprel

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to isoproterenol. You should not receive this medicine if you have certain heart rhythm problems or angina (chest pain). The medicine contains a sulfite. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to sulfites before you receive this medicine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using steroids (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, prednisone, Medrol®), methylxanthines (such as theophylline, theobromine), or aminophylline.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, seizures, or overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or asthma.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Blurred vision, dizziness, or nervousness.
Chest pain or trouble breathing.
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Seizures.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Headache or weakness.
Nausea.
Pale skin or lips.
Sweating or mild tremors.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5151

Dyphylline/guaifenesin (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:03:27 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Dyphylline (DYE-fi-lin), Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin)

A combination drug that treats asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. Dyphylline belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that loosens mucus in your lungs.

Brand Name(s)

Difil-G, Dy-G, COPD, Dilex-G, Dilex-G 400, Difil G Forte, Dilex-G 200, Panfil G, Jay-Phyl, Lufyllin-GG, Dyphylline-GG, Difil-G Forte

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to guaifenesin, dyphylline, or a related drug such as aminophylline, theophylline, oxtriphylline, or theobromine.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may want to take it after meals.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Do not chew or crush the tablet or capsule. Swallow it whole with a full glass of water.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store this medicine in a tight container at room temperature away from heat and light. Protect the tablets from moisture.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using probenecid (Benemid®).
Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine (such as in coffee, tea, or some soft drinks) while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you have thyroid problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Do not give this medicine to a baby or child under 6 years old unless your doctor tells you to.
Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you have asthma, emphysema, or a chronic cough from smoking.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain.
Fast or uneven heartbeat.
Severe headache.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Difficulty sleeping, irritability, or restlessness.
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
Dizziness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4844

Theophylline/dextrose premix (Injection)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:03:26 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Dextrose (DEX-trose), Theophylline (thee-OFF-i-lin)

Treats asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis. Belongs to a class of drugs called bronchodilators.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to theophylline or related drugs, such as caffeine, aminophylline, dyphylline, oxtriphylline, or theobromine.

How to Use This Medicine

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

There are many other medicines that you should not use while you are using theophylline. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeine (such as in coffee, tea, or some soft drinks).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of thyroid problems, heart disease, liver disease, stomach ulcers, cystic fibrosis, or seizures.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are allergic to corn or corn products.
Make sure your doctor knows if you smoke, or if someone in your family smokes.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
Call your doctor if you develop the flu or a fever while using this medicine. Your doctor may need to change the amount (dose) of medicine that you are using.
Ask your doctor before you start or stop using any other medicine.
Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain or uneven heartbeat.
Severe nausea or vomiting.
Redness, pain, or swelling where the IV is given.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Diarrhea.
Dry mouth or increased thirst.
Headache.
Increase in how much or how often you urinate.
Irritability, restlessness, or trouble sleeping.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4842

Which is Better: Chocolate or Kissing?

FitSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 07:30:00 -0700

A recent neurophysiological study has found that at the point chocolate melts in the mouth, all regions of the brain receive a boost far more intense and longer lasting than the excitement produced by kissing a loved one. We all know the health benefits of eating dark chocolate but this extends into pure enjoyment.

The reasoning was this: Chocolate contains a number of substances that give 'natural highs,' including phenylethylamine, which is produced by the body when people are in love, and theobromine. I am not sure I am convinced as being covered with electrodes while being monitored by men in white lab coats (as the participants were) hardly screams romance, however I am curious what you think...

Source