Vital Organs & their diseases: A Complete Guide to Best Treatment and Remedies

Cardiovascular and circulatory

Enlarged heart

Symptoms

Excessive thickening of cardiac muscles results in enlarged heart or cardiomegaly. This can be a result of chronic hypertension. Arterial plaque build-up and cardiac infections can also cause swelling up of the heart. A person with this condition will show symptoms of shortness of breath, swollen ankles, irregular heartbeats, and extreme fatigue. If not treated timely, it can result in pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lungs), congestive heart failure, and even sudden cardiac arrest.

Remedies and treatment

The treatment of this condition is usually done by medications that help lower the blood pressure and bring down the cholesterol levels. Beta blockers and anticoagulant drugs can help improve the functioning of the cardiac muscles thus reducing the strain on the heart. In extreme cases, surgery might be necessary. If you have been suffering from long-term hypertension and/or cholesterol issues, the following remedies can help you improve the health of your heart:

• Lower salt intake – Table salt or sodium chloride is the biggest culprit in increasing your blood pressure. It is advised not to consume more than 2300 mg or 2.3 grams of sodium per day.
• Exercise – Include a moderate amount of exercise in your daily routine. You can include several different types of cardio activities such as dance or walking to keep yourself engaged in your fitness program. Cardiac muscles, like every other muscle in your body, will strengthen with exercise.
• Diet – It is said that the best diet plan for your heart is to follow a Mediterranean diet. This diet allows fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein to be consumed in a balanced manner. Other diets that can help you are DASH diet and the South Beach, However, you must always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
• Potassium-rich foods – Potassium is an essential mineral that controls the level of sodium in your blood. It also helps in maintaining a healthy heartbeat and reduces the adverse effects of high blood pressure. Foods such as bananas, spinach, and avocados are great for this purpose. Alternatively, you can opt for potassium supplements but only on doctor’s advice.

Myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is described by severe damage of the cardiac muscles due to insufficient supply of blood to the heart. Severe chest pain, sudden breathlessness, and palpitations are the marked symptoms of this condition. There are numerous reasons for the onset of myocardial infarction; the most prominent ones are – high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, congenital defects, etc. Since cardiac diseases can be effectively prevented, managed, and treated with proper lifestyle changes, following a healthy eating and living habits can help curb the symptoms of myocardial infarction.

• Avoid smoking and substance abuse.
• Include 30 minutes of exercise in your daily routine.
• Maintain a healthy weight – if obese or overweight, work on losing those extra pounds.
• Keep sugar intake in check – esp. if diabetic
• Manage stress
• Consume a heart-healthy diet
• Eat healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, and fatty fish
• Stay away from inflammatory foods

Phlebitis

Symptoms

Also known as venitis, phlebitis is a condition where your veins get inflamed and swollen.  This inflammation can be a result of an infection, trauma/injury, blood clots, obesity, tobacco-intake, medications, and even cancer. Swollen veins can lead to a number of potentially fatal consequences such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and even sepsis. Maintaining a healthy blood circulation within the body can help reduce the symptoms and prevent the onset of the complications. The following steps will tell you how to obtain relief from phlebitis.

Remedies and treatment

Mild to moderate cases of phlebitis can be treated by the help of antibiotic medications (if the cause is a bacterial infection). If there is a risk of internal blood clots, the patient would be required to undergo surgery in addition to taking anticoagulant medications. There are a number of things you can do from your side to help prevent phlebitis (and the onset of the said complications) and ensure a healthy circulation.

• Stay active: If you have a tendency to develop circulatory diseases, it would be best to include mild to moderate physical activities in your routine. Exercises will ensure that blood is being pumped at a normal pace. Try going out for regular walks in healthy and green spaces.
• Blood-thinning foods: Foods that naturally help thin your blood are great for preventing phlebitis. Though blood-thinning medications are prescribed to patients if you can include foods such as turmeric, ginger, cayenne peppers, and cinnamon it would aid your recovery.
• Supplements: Herbal supplements such as Ginseng and Gingko Biloba are excellent for maintaining healthy blood circulation. Garlic and fish oil tablets are also credited for keeping your heart and circulatory system healthy. Additionally, you can also include green tea to keep the inflammatory levels down. Before taking any supplement, you should always consult your doctor (as these can have drug interactions with your regular medicines).

Brain

Brain cysts

Symptoms

A cyst is an abnormal growth that includes a fluid or semi-liquid substance. These can occur anywhere in the body including the brain. The most common symptom of a brain cyst is a headache. Though in most cases, these are benign, if they grow in size they can put pressure on the surrounding tissues that can possibly lead to seizures and sensory impairment. The most common reason why people develop cysts is genetics, however, trauma can also play a major role.

Remedies and treatment

• If the brain cyst is not causing any symptoms or growing in size, the doctor might suggest no treatment at all. But it should be continuously monitored to keep a track of its size and the complications.
• In the case of large cysts, the only possible solution is to drain it. This would involve surgical methods such as sucking out the cyst fluid with the help of a needle or surgical shunting.

Arachnoid Cysts

Symptoms

When brain cysts appear on the arachnoid layer of the meninges, it is termed as arachnoid cysts. The meninges are nothing but protective membranes enclosing the brain. There are 3 layers of meninges – dura matter (outermost), arachnoid (middle), and pia matter (innermost). The leading theory that explains the presence of such cysts is that tears along the arachnoid layer give rise to the growths. Some people might have a genetic predisposition for the same.  As explained above, these cysts can give rise to mild to moderate symptoms such as headaches and nausea. However, they might also lead to developmental and sensory disorders.

Remedies and treatment

Craniotomy fenestration is the most effective way to remove this cyst. In this method, the cyst liquid is allowed to drain into surrounding tissues so that it gets absorbed instead of accumulating. Since genetic predisposition is a strong factor in dictating its presence, the following methods can help one cut down the risk of an arachnoid cyst.

• Healthy pregnancy diet: The expecting mother should consume a balanced mix of essential nutrients to be sourced from fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy meat.
• Essential prenatal vitamins: In addition to the balanced diet, the intake should also be supplemented with essential prenatal vitamins such as folic acid, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin D, and riboflavin.

Colloidal cysts

Colloid cysts are cyst-formations in the brain that occur in the 3^rd ventricle of the brain. These cysts generally have no cancerous implications however these can give rise to serious complications. In most cases, these remain asymptomatic, aka, without any symptoms.  The most common complaints associated with such brain cysts are headaches, nausea, vomiting, and short-term memory loss. If the size of the cyst has increased and is pressing the neighboring tissues, then it must be removed surgically.

Cerebral Cavernoma

Symptoms

Cavernoma is the name given to the medical condition where an abnormal dilation of blood vessels occurs giving rise to bubble-like cavities (called caverns). Cavernomas formed in the brain are cerebral cavernomas. The symptoms can begin from headaches and dizziness and may progress to sensory disturbance, internal bleeding, and even hemorrhagic stroke.

Remedies and treatment

Experts posit that the major risk of cerebral cavernoma is for those who have a family history of the same or those who have experienced accidental exposure to harmful radiations. Treatment mainly includes medications that cut down the risk of seizures and stroke and surgery (depending on the extent of dilation). In case you fall into a high-risk pool for cerebral cavernoma, the following steps can help steer clear from the risk of developing the same.

• Blood pressure control: In addition to consuming low-sodium and high-potassium foods, you can try eating berries such as strawberries and sugar-free dark chocolate. These contain a group of chemicals known as polyphenols that are strong antioxidants. These help keep inflammatory responses low and thus reduce the adverse effects of high blood pressure.
• Stress control: Stress-related hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline have strong links to a high risk of cavernomas. It is thus advised to incorporate healthy stress-busting activities in your daily life. Yoga, walking, aerobics, and meditation – all of these have shown proven results in reducing stress in the body.
• Herbal supplements: Even though supplements cannot treat/cure cavernomas, these can definitely help control the factors that could lead to the onset of the same. Berberine is one such natural supplement that helps control high blood pressure. It does so by increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide, a chemical that is known for regulating circulation. You can also take the help of protein supplements such as Whey Protein to help regulate hypertension. Another natural method of controlling high blood pressure and inflammation is hibiscus tea.
• Magnesium: Legumes, whole grains, and dairy products are rich sources of this essential mineral that helps keep hypertension in control. You can also opt for magnesium supplements to control chronic hypertension (in accordance with your doctor’s advice).

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis

Symptoms

Cavernous sinuses are linked with the primary nerves and blood vessels that regulate the functioning of the eyes and the brain. Thrombosis is a medical term that describes blood clot in the veins. As the name suggests, cavernous sinus thrombosis is a condition characterized by a blood clot in the cavernous sinuses. Chronic sinusitis, oral infections, sepsis, and diabetes can give rise to this condition. Additionally, trauma or injury to the facial region can also increase the risk. Such a blood clot can lead to debilitating headaches, blurred vision, reddening of the eyes, and high photosensitivity. If not treated timely, this can result in death.

Remedies and treatment

The primary treatment method involves the use of heavy antibiotics (to treat underlying infection) and blood-thinning medications (to remove clots). Additionally, proper treatment and prevention from sinusitis can help cut down the risk of cavernous sinus thrombosis significantly. The following steps can help you treat sinusitis and also increase your immunity against such infections:

• Bone broth: This healthy soup contains essential nutrients and immunity-building agents that can help flush out toxins from the body. Bone broth is especially helpful in treating nasal and respiratory infections. Warm fluids also enable the sinus to dilate and decongest.
• Ginger and honey: This is an extremely healthy combination when it comes to keeping your nasal area clean and open. Ginger tea with raw honey fights microbial growth and clears up the clogged sinuses.
• Vitamin C: This vitamin is essentially counted as the immunity-boosting vitamin. It is widely found in citrus fruits such as orange and grapefruit. Vitamin C supplements can aid faster recovery from a sinus infection and also prevent the onset of further infections.

Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is basically a tumor growth in the 8^th cranial nerve. Hence, the onset of this condition causes disturbances in hearing and bodily balance. Patients of acoustic neuroma often develop vertigo and facial paralysis in extreme cases. Prolonged exposure to harmful levels of noise and exposure to large doses of toxic radiation is counted as the main causes of this condition. The only way to manage and treat is by continuously monitoring its growth and undergoing surgery if the tumor size increases. Since this condition also carries a substantial genetic component, genetic counseling might help the parent(s) with this condition assess the risk of the same in the fetus.

Excretory System Diseases

What are these?

Urinary issues and bowel abnormalities are together classified as excretory system diseases.  Kidney diseases and malfunctions along with urinary tract infections give rise to painful symptoms associated with urination. These are mainly a result of bacterial/viral infection in the urinary tract, the formation of kidney stones or cysts, and abnormal growths in kidneys such as cysts. Bowel irregularities are often a result of issues in the intestines such as inflammation or distention.

Remedies and treatment

The exact remedy and treatment for excretory system disorders depend on the type of the condition, the organ affected, and the severity of the condition. The following are some of the most commonly occurring excretory system diseases along with the best treatment & preventive methods.

Kidney Cysts

Symptoms

Just like in the case of the brain, in kidneys too, one can develop cyst-like growths. These give rise to pain during urination, episodes of major pelvic pain, blood in urine, and hypertension. There is a long list of factors can lead to kidney cysts – starting from bacterial infections to pre-existing autoimmune conditions. These can also result in malignancy. Kidneys are the organs which are responsible for flushing out toxic wastes from the body. Thus renal diseases must be treated immediately to avert further complications.

Remedies and treatment

• Avoid these foods: High-sodium foods, red meat, fish, dairy products, and high-cholesterol foods should be avoided as these put extra strain on the kidneys.
• Citrus Fruits: Recent studies have revealed that the consumption of citrus fruits such as passion fruit can help cut down the risk of renal cysts. Citrus fruits contain a special protein (PKD2) that is responsible for blocking cyst formation.

Colon Polyps

Symptoms

Colon polyps or colorectal polyps are abnormal fleshy growths occurring in the inner lining of the intestines. These are primarily linked with colorectal cancer and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and faulty eating habits are often linked to such abnormal growths. High alcohol consumption and the presence of pre-existing conditions such as IBD or IBS may also increase the risk. These result in debilitating abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and blood in stools.

Remedies and treatment

Immediate surgical removal of the colon polyps is step one in the treatment protocol.  In addition to the surgery, you can follow these steps to aid faster recovery and prevention of further development of the polyps.

• High-fiber diet: A diet rich in healthy fibers is the best protection from any kind of gastrointestinal disorder. Fiber helps in proper removal of toxic waste from the body in addition to amicable nutrient absorption from food. Foods high in fiber are whole grains such as millets, oats, and quinoa, legumes, and green leafy veggies such as
• Vitamin D foods and supplements: Numerous studies point to the fact that the intake of calcium supplements in the absence of vitamin D may boost the risk of colon polyps. It is thus suggested that one must pay special attention to vitamin d intake. Additionally, those who have sufficient vitamin D intake have a 22% lower risk of developing colon cancer. Vitamin D can be taken in the form of foods such as beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, etc or in the form of vitamin D supplements. One must also not forget to get a healthy amount of sunshine to boost vitamin D production in the body.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera extract in combination with fresh lemon juice works wonder to maintain a healthy colon. It soothes intestinal inflammation, feeds healthy gut bacteria, and maintains high immunity.

Rectal Prolapse

Symptoms

Prolapse is condition that occurs when an organ slips out of its normal position. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum (the final segment of the large intestine) slips out, turning inside out. The most significant cause of this condition is chronic constipation. Since there is repeated strain on the intestines, the muscles of the rectum grow weak and eventually slip out. Chronic diarrhea could also be a critical cause.

Remedies and treatment

Rectal prolapse is mainly treated with the help of surgery (laparoscopic rectal prolapse surgery). In addition to it, you can help prevent the onset of this condition by:

• Diet corrections: Since a rectal prolapse can be triggered by both chronic diarrhea and constipation, dietary changes that improve digestion can help prevent this painful state. One must include high-fiber foods in the diet as step 1. Step 2 would include feeding the gut bacteria with probiotics such as Kefir and Greek Yogurt. Step 3 would be indulging in healthy exercises that keep your digestive system up and running.
• Kegels: This unique set of exercise helps build a stronger pelvic floor and prevent pelvic condition disorders such as rectal prolapse and even prolapsed uterus. Kegels can be done anywhere and usually don’t require any special equipment.
• Water: Make sure you are drinking enough water every day to avoid constipation. Conversely, if you suffering from chronic diarrhea having adequate hydration will prevent you from entering the state of dehydration.

Hiatal Hernia

Symptoms

Much similar to a prolapse, a hernia also occurs as a result of organ slipping out of its normal position. In case of hiatal hernia, the stomach starts protruding outside its cavity, towards the food pipe. Almost half of the people who have hiatal hernia do not show any symptoms. The most widespread causes of hiatal hernia are obesity and tobacco-smoking. It can lead to frequent episodes of acid reflux, excessive bloating after meals, and internal bleeding.

Remedies and treatment

In milder cases of hiatal hernia, medications alone would help attain relief from the symptoms. In severe cases, surgical intervention would be required. Since faulty lifestyle habits and weight issues are the core reasons, long-term healthy lifestyle changes are required to prevent worsening of the symptoms. These are:

• Quit smoking
• Quit alcohol consumption
• Focus on losing extra weight by indulging in a healthy diet and exercise
• Have healthy bowels – try isabgol or psyllium husk to prevent gastric disorders
• Apple cider vinegar diet is great for those who have hernia tendencies
• Chamomile tea helps soothe gastric inflammation.

Liver

Fatty Liver

Symptoms

When the fat content of the liver exceeds 5% of the liver’s weight it is categorized as fatty liver disease. The major cause of such high fatty deposition is high alcohol consumption; however, it may occur in non-alcoholics too. Nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and metabolic abnormalities can also cause high fatty deposition. The complications associated with a fatty liver are cirrhosis and complete liver failure which is a fatal condition.

Remedies and treatment

Though the liver has the capacity to regenerate completely, high fatty deposition can deter healthy liver functioning that severely impacts the whole body. The following methods can help you remove fat depositions from the liver in a healthy and natural way.

• Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp of acv mixed with warm water when consumed before meals can help cut down fat accumulation drastically. ACV is great for weight loss too thus it can help bring down liver inflammation associated with obesity and alcohol consumption. You can add manuka honey to this mix to enhance the taste and health benefits of this drink.
• Matcha: This unique type of green tea is a storehouse of rich antioxidants. The high catechin content works wonders in removing high fatty deposition from the liver, especially in the case of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Milk Thistle: Numerous studies have shown that the main component of milk thistle, silymarin, can help block hepatic inflammation and induce healthy cell growth in the liver. When consumed with vitamin E, it can also improve insulin response of the body thus further bringing down the fat deposition.

Enlarged Liver

Symptoms

The average weight of the liver in an adult body ranges from 1.2-1.4 kg. However owing to fatty deposition (as mentioned above), infectious diseases, obstruction of bile ducts, and congestive cardiac conditions, the liver might swell up in size leading to a condition called “hepatomegaly” or enlarged liver. Since there are numerous reasons that can be responsible for the enlarged liver, the exact treatment methodology depends on the specific underlying cause.

Remedies and treatment

• Avoid these: Alcohol, high-sugar foods, refined flour, smoking, and high-cholesterol foods.
• Juice raw vegetables: Juicing raw vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots helps naturally Detox your liver. This lowers inflammation and may help bring down the symptoms.
• Dandelion greens: These can be added in the raw vegetable juice and/or consumed in the form of tea to help curb liver enlargement.
• Green tea with ginger: Both these are excellent anti-inflammatory agents and help improve liver functioning.
• Sweet potatoes: It is one of the best sources of potassium and other nutrients that help improve insulin response and deter cholesterol accumulation in the liver.
• Chromium: This supplement can be taken upon doctor’s advice to help bring down chronic liver inflammation.
• Coq10: Coq10 or Coenzyme 10 is a wonder enzyme that has the potential to regenerate healthy body tissues. This can be taken in the form of Coq10 supplements to reverse hepatic inflammation.

Respiratory

Emphysema

Symptoms

It is a sub-type of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) where the bronchioles or the air sacs in the lungs get damaged thus making it impossible to breathe normally. This is a rapidly progressive disease without any cure. The number 1 cause of emphysema is smoking. However, it can also occur due to pulmonary infections that cause large mucus deposition. This can also block the air pathways and lead to irreversible lung damage. It is often seen in tandem with bronchitis or asthma.

Remedies and treatment

There are no measures for treating this condition completely. The only thing that can be achieved is the management of symptoms and curbing the further worsening of the symptoms. The following are important steps taken for the same:

• Quit smoking – both first hand and passive smoking are responsible for emphysema.
• Bronchodilator medicines can help facilitate easy breathing in patients.
• Steroids (inhalers) and antibiotics can ensure that breathing passage is clear and infection-free.
• Supplements and oils that can help increase breathing capacity for the patient include- Coq10, Creatine, Vitamin D, Eucalyptus oil, Mrytol

Glandular

Endocrine System Disorders

Symptoms

The endocrine system is a circuit of endocrine glands that secrete hormones and regulate each and every reaction/process in your body. The hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, etc glands regulate metabolism, sleep, digestion, reproduction and many other essential body functions. Endocrine system disorders arise when there is malfunctioning in one or more of these glands begin secreting abnormal levels of hormones resulting in a vast array of symptoms. Most of these are related to weight, appetite, sleep, and fertility but may also include growth and cognitive impairments. A smooth running of the entire endocrine system is a necessity in ensuring a healthy, disease-free body.

Thyromegaly

Thyromegaly or an enlarged thyroid gland is associated with a dysfunctional thyroid gland. There are many reasons for this enlargement – autoimmune diseases, radiotherapy, or even cancer. The nutritional deficiency of iodine can also be attributed to thyroid gland disorders. The best ways to aid a faster recovery from the symptoms of Thyromegaly are:

• Iodine: Iodine supplements and iodine-rich foods can help maintain healthy nutritional balance in the body and facilitate healthy functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Multivitamins : Other nutritional supplements that can aid a healthy thyroid gland – vitamin A, manganese, zinc, and proteins.

Remedies and treatment for endocrinal disorders

The following remedies and supplements can help keep your hormonal levels balanced:

• Buy organic food that is pesticide-free. Pesticides contain heavy metals and other toxins that can disrupt your endocrine functioning.
• Avoid processed foods, refined sugar, and foods with additives. These can be equally toxic for your endocrine health.
• Omega-3 fatty acids are great for boosting for endocrine health. Fish oil supplements, avocados, egg yolks, flaxseeds, chia seeds, etc are great for preventing hormonal imbalances.
• Ashwagandha is a great herbal supplement that can help counter the effect of toxins on your endocrine system. It is an adaptogen, aka, a substance can protect the body from stress (physical, chemical, environmental, etc) and ensure a healthy metabolism. It is often used to cure low energy and libido.
• Another herbal supplement that can help bring down stress and anxiety levels is lavender oil. Take a few drops of lavender oil and rub it on your forehead to observe instant relief from stress. Studies reveal that chronic stress can deter the functioning of your endocrine system thus keeping your stress-free is equally important.

Eyes

Keratitis

Symptoms

Inflammation and scarring of the cornea (the transparent covering of the eye) are called keratitis. This is mostly caused by an infection and leads to pain and reddening of the eye. People with keratitis often complaint of gritty sensation in the eyes. The exact cause for keratitis can range from viral infection to harmful UV radiations.

Remedies and treatment

• • Green tea compress: Green tea is high in antioxidants and has strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that can help deter the spread of infection in the cornea.
  • Colloidal silver: Colloidal silver drops are also antibacterial in nature and can help remove the infected cells from the cornea.
  • Coconut oil: Owing to its high anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can provide a complete protective covering to the eye. It acts as a natural lubricant and can help treat keratitis naturally.

TL;DR?

References