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Name
Samir
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Profession
Question
I have been suffering from chronic constipation for several years. I have tried lots of medicine, all the way from the Indian Safi to other medicines. I have tried homeopathy and it sometimes works well but i suffer again and again. The stool is always hard though I eat lots of fiber and fruits.
Answer
I hope that you are not suffering from hypothyroidism. The best thing to do for chronic constipation is to add extra fiber; maybe a small dose of Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate), say one half teaspoonful daily, and in some cases, 2 or 3 Dulcolax tabs. If necessary. If these don't work, maybe, you will need a colonoscopy to find out the root cause. If this had been bothering you since childhood, then may be you were born with a small segment of the colon non-functional. It may also be a wise idea to eliminate milk (cow's milk) from your diet entirely, to ensure that milk is not the offending item.
Name
Ibrahim
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Profession
Question
When I get nervous I have diarrhea, does this mean that I have colon?
Answer
Nervous diarrhea is common. It may also be a part of irritable bowel syndrome. It usually happens during times of anxiety or maybe, when you are rushing to arrive at a function. The best drug that works is propranolol, say 20 mgms an hour before your appointment. If it is a daily affair, you may have to take it twice daily for a much longer period.
Name
Muslima
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Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum Dr. Kazim, I have a problem of releasing lots of gas, which causes me great deal of embarrassment? Can you suggest some tips?
Answer
The most common cause of flatulence is cow's milk. Only the Europeans don't suffer much from lactase deficiency, but 90% of all of us cannot digest cow's milk. Try eliminating cow's milk entirely from the diet, including your tea and coffee, which you should take free (without milk).
If it is not due to cow's milk, then it may be due to wheat flour such as bread, cakes, macaroni, vermicelli, etc. Sometimes, some vegetables like cabbage and beans can also be the culprit.
Name
Salma
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Profession
Question
A doctor told me that I have spastic colon, could you tell me what that is and is it easy to treat? Thanks.
Answer
Spastic colon is part of an irritable bowel syndrome. In some patients, complete elimination of wheat flour works well, viz. bread, biscuits, cakes, and all those foods that contain gluten, such as barley, oats, etc. In most cases, propranolol (inderal) 20 mgms. twice daily is the answer.
Name
M.C
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Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum Doctor, When I walk fast I get short of breath easily and a pain in my chest, does this indicate a heart problem or not necessarily?
Not necessarily. Depending on the Electrocardiogram and your lipid profile, it could be angina pectoris for which you have to consult a cardiologist for ECG after exercise, and other tests. However, if you are anemic with a low hemoglobin, that could also be factor. Moreover, if there is a history of asthma in the family, some people get short breath on exposure to cold air. A common cause is also obesity.
Name
Manal Assaf
- Canada
Profession
Question
I always have heart burn especially after eating. Does this have to do with something in my diet that I need to remove? I notice that when I eat something with acid, it escalates. I tried anti-acid tab. It gives relief for some time but it does not end up the burn and I continue to suffer for the whole day. What should I do?
Answer
Heart burn is a common complaint. In most patients, it is due to cow's milk which should be eliminated from the diet entirely.
Name
Tamara
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Profession
Question
Hi. When I get upset or a little nervous I feel like my throat muscles contract and tighten. I also often vomit when I am upset or worried about something. Does this indicate something serious, or is it like spastic colon but in the stomach? And another question, can I cure this without a lot of medication? Thank you very much.
Answer
This is a common complaint in those who suffer from anxiety. It is not serious. You may need propranolol (inderal) 20 mgms. Once or twice daily. You must also learn to control your anger by (1) leaving the room; (2) drinking some cold water; (3) saying, “A’udhu Billaahi Mina-Shytaanir Rajeem”, etc. You should always remember that a frown would invite enemies while a smile from you would make new friends. This may even prevent vomiting, by having changed your behaviour.
Name
musa
- Trinidad and Tobago
Profession
agriculturist
Question
What are your views in stem cell therapy, using in vitro embryos either from egg fertilization or from the patient cells?
Answer
As long as we use our God-given gift of knowledge for good uses, we should not term it un-Islamic. If it could be used to save a life, by taking stem cells and using them for appropriate therapy in those born with hereditary chromosomal defects, I think it should be allowed.
Name
Chak
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Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum. I am over twenty years old and I just got chickenpox recently. I was told that during the chickenpox, my liver enzymes increased. Is this serious and does it decrease again after the chickenpox is over?
Answer
During any infection, sometimes the SGPT level (liver function) is elevated. It usually gets lower in a few days. There would be no harm, neither short term nor long term from a raised SGPT level. Try and repeat the test in a month and Insha'Allah, it would be normal.
Name
Abdullah
- Canada
Profession
Businessman
Question
Could you please comment on how to control my cholesterol level? Should I try to modify my diet and increase exercise, or use the new statin drugs? Is the cause of high cholesterol mainly hereditary?
Answer
It is important to take your blood once a month for your lipid profile. The optimum values are: Cholesterol 130 mgms.%, HDL 50 mgms.% (This could hardly be changed); LDL 100 mgms.% Risk factor 3. (Risk of getting a stroke or a heart attack).
Name
kel
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Profession
Question
What is reflux oesophagitis? Is it treated easily?
Answer
Reflux oesophagitis is when the stomach contents regurgitate in the oesophagus.
Name
Temir
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Profession
Question
I have read a lot about nigella sativa, is this helpful in flatulence? Does it reduce gas production and colon pain? I also read that it is good for other digestive problems. Are these herbal remedies reliable? Salam.
Answer
Wa`alykum as-Salamu warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh
We should be very careful with herbal medicines. Some may damage the liver. I do not believe in homoeopathic medicine but rather allopathic, since the latter has been tested on thousands of patients in different trials.
Name
Amira
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Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum, is chocolate bad for the health is general? What bad can be in it, except that it can bring in some cases diabetic illness? Thank you!
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salamu warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh
The reason people feel good after eating chocolate is because (1) it contains concentrated calories, (2) contains a substance which acts as a neurotransmitter similar to serotonin, causing feelings of pleasure.
Name
cherry
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Profession
Question
I vomit a lot, especially in the morning and I take drugs that contain domperidone before meals but I don't feel that it helps me that much. Isn't there anything natural I can take to make my stomach less sensitive and reduce the vomiting?
Answer
May be in your case, vomiting is due to anxiety, or 'nervousness'. Check the urine for pregnancy test. If not, check for infection with helicobacter pylori, for which you may have to take a combination of amoxyl, flagyl, nexhium or Ogasro, and may be Pepto Bismol. The best symptomatic treatment for vomiting is chlorpromazine (largactil), a small dose of 25 mgms. together with vit. B6 50 mgms. Maxolon also helps at times.
Name
Ahmad
- Kenya
Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum doctor, I am 24 years old for the past 6 months I have been experiencing uncontrollable pre-seminal fluid. It comes at all times, first it used to come out after I urinate but now it comes out all the time. It comes out like 2 drops every 2 hrs. I went to a doctor and he prescribed Noroxin but its not helping. This problem is really giving me problems I can’t go to the masjid and join the congregation. Did the doctor give the right medication for the problem? What do you advice I do? Please I need this to stop. Jazakumullah khayran.
Answer
This sometimes happens in young males endowed with some extra testosterone. If it is not bothering you, leave it alone until you get married. However, if it is due to any infection that you might have got, then perhaps a short course of levofloxine, or zithromax or even flagyl may solve the problem. If it is due to extra fluid in the seminal discharge and not due to any infection, then masturbation would help.
I do not think that you should avoid your prayers because of this. The most you should do, is to put a handkerchief to collect the fluid and pray. Remember, if you trust in Allah, He gives you the problems and He will help you solve them.
Name
Aisha
- United States
Profession
Question
I have been on medication for hemorrhoids for almost two years now. I don’t want to go for surgery because a lot of people say it might come again since I had it during pregnancy. I have tried all possible ways, including eating fiber and other medications. I tried acupuncture and homeopathy but they both did not achieve a good result. I am looking for a way to shrink the hemorrhoids and squeeze it in or a way of eating that would not aggravate it? Or you think surgery is the best answer? Will it come again if I get pregnant for the second time?
Answer
The treatment of hemorrhoids: (1) NEVER force when defecating. (2) Do not smoke. (3) Eliminate ginger from the diet. (4) Whether you use anusol or any other suppositories, make sure that they are stored not in the fridge but in the freezer compartment. Using twice a day also helps. (5) After defecation, we should always push the piles back and wash, preferably with soap and water, before inserting the frozen suppositories.
Name
B.
- United States
Profession
student
Question
As-Salamu`alykum, what can you recommend for joint pain? I am only 20 years old and I have pain in my knees after exercising or doing activities outside. I usually move them "violently" afterwards to crack out an "air bubbles." I fear that it will become worse as I age.
Answer
You are too young to get osteoarthritis. If you also have pain in the small joints of the fingers and toes, then you may be having rheumatoid arthritis.
Name
Ameer
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Profession
Question
What is the best way to lose weight?
Answer
It is very easy. Remember the first 6 pounds you lose is water.
Name
Khalid
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Profession
Question
What are the main causes of heart attack?
Answer
The main cause of a heart attack is a clot (thrombosis) in one of the branches of coronary artery. This is due to the build-up of a calcium-cholesterol complex in the lining of the coronary artery forming a plaque.
Name
Amal
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Profession
Question
It is true that eating spicy food protects from Cancer? If so, can we eat any spicy food, or there are some kinds that we should avoid? Can we train our little kids to eat spicy, and how?
Answer
There is no proof that spicy foods prevent cancers. In fact, Cancers are common in India and Pakistan where foods are too spicy. However, it is wise to include garlic, ginger, onions and radish, if not for their anti-cancer properties but for their cholesterol-lowering properties.
It has also been said that aspirin as well as a lot of fiber have anti-cancer values.
Name
Amatullah
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Profession
Question
As-Salamu`alykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh, I have recently learned, that husband of my friend has a schizophrenia, is there something that can be done to improve his health? I have also heard, that there might be possibility, that this disease can be caused be jinn, is that true? Barak Allahu feek, wassalamu `alaykum.
Answer
Wa`alykum As-Salamu warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh
Schizophrenia is a mental illness which is very difficult to treat. There are many derivates of phenothiazines (such as largactil also called chlorpromazine) which help. Electroconvulsine therapy also is beneficial. I do not believe a person is possessed by Jinn. There are different neurotransmitters in the brain circuitry, the imbalance of which can cause symptoms of schizophrenia. This may be hereditary. The neurotransmitters are gaba aminobutyric acid), glutamate, serotonin, dopamine, catechoilamines, anadamide, acteyl choline, etc. Imbalance of excitatory versus inhibitory neurotransmitters could be responsible for the sudden spurt in symptoms.
Name
Editor
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Profession
Answer
Finally, we would like to thank brother Dr. Ebrahim Kazim for speaking to Islamonline viewers today, and we also thank all those who participated in this dialogue. We remind our readers to join us in the upcoming sessions.
