Nine useful home remedies for treating cold and flu

Nine useful home remedies for treating cold and flu

Having a cold and flu at the same time can be an exasperating condition, especially if you are down with a range of symptoms such as fever, muscle ache, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, headaches, sneezing, chest congestion, nasal stuffiness, nausea, loss of energy, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, it can undoubtedly interfere with your everyday activities. However, the good part is that there is a range of cold and flu treatments which can assist you in alleviating the discomfort. The following cold and flu treatments comprise the use of home remedies as well as OTC (over-the-counter) medications. The best aspect is that most of the home remedies can be easily found in your kitchen. OTC medications – Based on the signs, you can use OTC drugs to ease the distress caused by cold and flu. You can get a variety of medicines such as decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants, antipyretics, pain relievers, expectorants, combination medications, etc. For instance, if you are particularly suffering from a stuffy nose and fever, you can use nasal sprays, nose drops, antipyretics, combination medicines, etc. to get rid of the congestion. Likewise, if you are suffering from body ache and fever, you should opt for pain relievers and antipyretics to gain quick relief.
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5 smartphone habits to stop today

5 smartphone habits to stop today

Smartphones are versatile devices that allow you to communicate with people even if they are across the globe. They can also be used to watch a movie on the go, read an e-book, take high-quality photos and videos, and even play games of your liking. But as important as they are, there are some things you should avoid doing when using a smartphone. Here are five smartphone habits to stop today: Using the phone while walking You may use your phone to perform multiple tasks. However, it is imperative to do so when you are not on the move. Using the device while walking can distract and endanger you or another individual. Relying only on GPS The GPS on a smartphone is exceptional but not always 100% accurate. There are days when your phone may guide you the wrong way or take you to the wrong destination. So sometimes, you should self-navigate by looking at the traffic signs or by seeking directions from a traffic officer. Scrolling through the smartphone before bed Most of us tend to scroll through social media or watch content like movies or a web series before sleeping. However, smartphones emit a blue light that suppresses melatonin, a chemical that regulates sleep.
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4 vitamins to consume for good eye health

4 vitamins to consume for good eye health

The eye is an organ part of the visual system in the human body that enables individuals to see. But several factors can affect one’s overall vision. Age, diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetics are significant factors impacting one’s vision. Improper nutrition can also be a contributing factor to poor vision. Therefore, one must ensure they eat foods rich in vitamins to improve eye health. Here are four such vitamins to include in each meal. Vitamin A Including foods rich in vitamin A may help maintain a clear cornea (the outer covering of the eye). The vitamin is also a component of a protein in the eyes known as rhodopsin. The protein allows individuals to see in low light conditions. Furthermore, vitamin A reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Foods abundant with A vitamins include pumpkins, bell peppers, squash, and sweet potato. Carrots, black-eyed peas, spinach, broccoli, mangoes, and cantaloupe are other foods rich in this vitamin. The lack of vitamin A can lead to xerophthalmia, a severe condition that may cause permanent blindness. Vitamin C Eating foods rich in vitamin C can have several health benefits, including those for the eyes. The vitamin also protects the eyes from oxidative damage.
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6 vitamins essential for eye health

6 vitamins essential for eye health

Our eyes are our windows to the world, so eye health is essential to perceive the world in all its glory. Adequate care for the eyes involves basic lifestyle changes like limiting your eyes’ exposure to electronic devices, cleansing them regularly, and going for frequent eye checkups. However, giving your body adequate vitamins through supplements and food is essential for long-term eye health. Here are some vitamins crucial for better eye care: Vitamin C Vitamin C plays an integral role in protecting the eyes from damage caused by UV rays. It also helps form collagen, a protein contributing to eye structure retention, reducing one’s susceptibility to macular degeneration caused by aging. Vitamin C may be found in various food sources, including corn, citrus fruits, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Vitamin A Vitamin A activates rhodopsin, a photopigment enabling better vision at night. So, vitamin A deficiency leads to inadequate production of rhodopsin, causing night blindness and, in severe cases, the onset of xerophthalmia. The vitamin also helps maintain a clear cornea. One of the most recommended foods to replenish the body with vitamin A is carrots, as they contain high levels of beta-carotene that gets converted into vitamin A in the body.
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6 foods to avoid to fight bronchitis

6 foods to avoid to fight bronchitis

Those with bronchitis deal with inflamed passages that carry air to the lungs, i.e., bronchial tubes. A swelling in those tubes occurs, which makes it far more challenging for the air to pass through them. Consequently, those who suffer from this condition face quite a few breathing difficulties. Besides that, one can experience a runny nose, sore throat, chills, fever, and ultimately, drained due to this disorder in their body. bronchitis and nutritional regime It is usual for a person suffering from bronchitis to feel like having extra salty, fatty, or sweet-tasting comfort foods. This food allows them to feel some relief from issues like throat congestion, wheezing, and coughing that are often observed to accompany this ailment. Alternatively, some people with this condition may feel like having nothing at all. However, one must be conscious of both nutritional excesses, specifically those of saturated fats and refined carbohydrates, and nutritional deficiencies. This is because both of them are prone to slowing down the recovery process and causing inflammation in the body. Foods to avoid The central part of the recovery process of bronchitis depends on what one may eat or avoid as a part of their daily meals. Therefore, to ensure that they do not face the perils of the condition for too long, here are a few foods to avoid to fight bronchitis:
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Keep away from these foods for managing hyperkalemia

Keep away from these foods for managing hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the blood composition experiences a tremendous increase in potassium levels. According to a journal published in 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology, Hyperkalemia is most likely to affect a person who has been taking blood pressure medications for a long time or has been stricken by heart failure or/and kidney disease. Read this article to understand everything one needs to know about Hyperkalemia: Who is likely to get affected by Hyperkalemia? According to some studies, the average American doesn’t need to stress potassium build-up in their blood. However, patients affected by kidney disease, heart ailments, or high blood pressure must limit their daily potassium intake. Experts from National Kidney Foundation believe that patients belonging to the mentioned risk groups should have no more than 2,000 milligrams of potassium per day. Food to avoid for Hyperkalemia According to the University of Michigan Health System, high-potassium foods contain more than 200 milligrams per serving. So, for patients belonging to the high-risk groups, it is essential to look out and avoid the following high-potassium foods: Fruits rich in potassium The first fruit that comes to mind while listing potassium-rich foods is bananas. However, very few are aware that the amount of potassium in bananas is 420 per fruit, which is far less than 1/2 a cup of dried apricots, including over 750 milligrams, ½ a cup of prunes containing about 600 milligrams.
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5 foods to avoid when dealing with multiple sclerosis

5 foods to avoid when dealing with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that mainly attacks the central nervous system, affecting communication between the brain and body. People with the condition may experience fatigue and issues with vision and movement. As this is a neurological disorder, it can be difficult to determine whether foods play a significant role in activating the symptoms or worsening the condition. Nevertheless, experts suggest avoiding certain foods that can trigger multiple sclerosis symptoms. Foods with trans fats According to health experts, trans fats exhibit inflammatory properties. As foods with trans fats may cause inflammation in blood vessels, they are one of the factors responsible for increasing the risks of heart disease. So, patients with multiple sclerosis must avoid the intake of trans fats s by thoroughly going through the food labels. One should be wary of trans fats found in crackers, pies, baked cookies, and other packaged food items. Additionally, one should also avoid a food item if the label contains terms like “shortening” and “partially hydrogenated oil.” Foods with saturated fats People with multiple sclerosis should avoid saturated fats as they are known for causing inflammation and are associated with an increased LDL or bad cholesterol level. People with MS are known to be at a higher risk of heart problems.
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Avoid these 5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

Avoid these 5 skincare mistakes that cause premature aging

Many people want flawless, youthful skin that will seem ageless over time, and so they turn to glossy magazines, websites, and even friends for anti-aging skincare product recommendations and tips. While certain products can make one’s skin beautiful, they might be making mistakes in their skincare routine that could contribute to premature aging. So, it is important to avoid the following lapses to prevent lasting skin damage and skin diseases: Over-cleansing Even though cleansing is an essential part of one’s daily skincare routine, doing it too often can damage the lipid barrier of the skin. Additionally, it is essential to choose the right cleanser and not just go for the cheaper, more easily available product. According to experts, one must select a gentle cleanser for their face as the facial skin tends to be thin and sensitive. Also, the cleanser should be applied not more than twice per day as over-cleansing tends to dry up the skin, making the fine lines prominent. Not getting enough sleep Sleep is crucial for providing the body with the rest it needs. A good night’s sleep also helps the body repair and recover. So, sleep is crucial for the skin to recover too. When the body does not get adequate rest, one’s skin can feel tired and stressed, which could cause issues like acne, dry skin, and pale complexion, making one look older than they actually are.
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7 foods that can worsen schizophrenia symptoms

7 foods that can worsen schizophrenia symptoms

Schizophrenia is a complex mental health disorder wherein people tend to interpret their reality abnormally. It might result in an amalgam of symptoms, such as delusions, hallucinations, and disordered behavior and thinking. Those with schizophrenia need lifelong treatment, and if detected early, can help them control its symptoms before any severe complications develop. There are also some foods to avoid to keep schizophrenia in check. Below we will enlist them one by one. Wheat There has been a growing popularity of gluten-free foods today. But, some people experience celiac disease which is the intolerance to components prevalently found in wheat-containing foods. If you continue to subject yourself to a meal pattern your body cannot tolerate, it could possibly result in severe health issues like ADHD, depression, schizophrenia , autism, and anxiety. Avoiding gluten is not easy. Hence, before removing it from your meal plan, you must consider undergoing a celiac disease test. Refined sugar Typically, people with schizophrenia are poor eaters, and there is a high probability of them getting diabetes too. Hence, we recommend eating a meal with a low glycemic load. The Glycemic index is the measure of sugar in the blood. When you eat foods with a low glycemic index, it helps bring relief to the schizophrenia symptoms.
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9 warning signs of schizophrenia that should not be ignored

9 warning signs of schizophrenia that should not be ignored

Schizophrenia is a common mental health condition that affects how a person thinks and behaves. As per estimates, around 2.8 million adults in the country have the disorder. But despite its vast spread, health experts still do not know the exact cause. While the condition is manageable, one must be well-versed with the signs to keep them in check. Here is a list of some of the disease’s symptoms to help with better management. Hallucinations Hallucinations are untrue sensory encounters without any basis in the real world. They occur when the patient is wide awake. Hallucinations are of two main types: visual (seeing things that do not exist) and auditory (hearing sounds). Some people even hallucinate a touch, smell, or taste. Delusions Though often used interchangeably, delusions are not the same as hallucinations. Delusions are beliefs in things that appear illogical or strange to others. Even if one tries to clarify delusions and explain to the patient that their thoughts are far from reality, they do not change their mind. For instance, a person with schizophrenia may believe someone on the radio or TV is sending instructions to act a certain way. Sometimes, they may sense they are in danger or someone is trying to harm them.
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