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Category: Health

  • 5 Simple ways on how to exfoliate legs and to help your skin

    5 Simple ways on how to exfoliate legs and to help your skin

    5 Simple ways on how to exfoliate legs and to help your skin

     

    What is exfoliation?

    Exfoliation is the process of eliminating dead skin from your body and face. Thus, your skin looks radiant. Now, the question is how to exfoliate legs. You may use some chemical exfoliant, a granular scrub, or an exfoliating tool such as a loofah. It helps your skin to exfoliate.

     

    How to exfoliate legs

    Exfoliating legs is possible in many ways, but the key is not overdoing it. Removing flaky, dry skin with exfoliating is helpful, but it damages your skin if you try overdoing it. There is a need to follow a schedule of two or three times a week. Get into a few ways how to exfoliate legs:

     

    1. Use a body scrub

    A body scrub, no matter what, a sugar or a salt scrub; is the most used exfoliant. It is because its rough particles remove the dead cells physically from the skin surface. There are body scrubs featuring essential oils, and they help moisturize. Use a scrub properly, start from your feet and work in circular motions towards your heart.

    Apply a moisturizer to repair the skin and ensure smooth skin.

     

    1. Try a washcloth or a leaf cloth

    Body scrubs are harsh sometimes, especially with sensitive types of skin. To use something rough, use a washcloth or loofah. It is a wonderful option. They are equally gentler on the skin. On using a washcloth or loofah, use a new washcloth. A damp washcloth increases microbial contamination likelihood. Therefore, every few weeks replace the loofah and use it only when it is fully dry. You can rub and exfoliate in circular motions beginning from the leg’s bottom. Using a washcloth or loofah works fine even with a go-to body wash. Just slather moisturizing body lotion after exfoliation of the legs.

     

    1. Use an exfoliating glove

    Exfoliating gloves are more gentle and powerful than any washcloth or loofah. Exfoliating gloves take off your dead skin with ease. Use with a body scrub, a body washes, or by itself. It is easy and reusable to initiate the exfoliation routine.

     

    1. Consider a chemical exfoliant

    The market is full of different types of exfoliants. Look for options, but avoid too harsh methods of exfoliation. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant than applying some retinol-containing product, beta hydroxy acid (BHA), or alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). A chemical exfoliant easily sheds dead skin cells as it uses hydroxyl acids, such as lactic or glycolic acid, to eliminate the buildup. Chemical exfoliants are good for using less. It should not be more than once a week or at the most twice a week. Use before shaving legs, and see the results.

     

    1. Salicylic acid

    It is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA, a chemical exfoliant. The benefit is that it has common properties with AHAs, and works deeply in the skin. It is ideal for acne-prone skin. Deriving from natural sources is Salicylic acid, so go for over-the-counter products containing AHA and salicylic acid.

  • What are strawberry legs, is it some struggling skin condition?

    What are strawberry legs, is it some struggling skin condition?

    What are strawberry legs, is it some struggling skin condition?

     

    What are strawberry legs?

    ‘Strawberry legs,’ this term refers to the dark small spots appearing on your legs. It appears like the strawberries outside seeds. It is because hair follicles darken blocking dead skin cells, excess oils, bacteria, or all three as a combination.

     

    The follicle’s darkening is due to oxidization. It happens as the oil within the follicle meets air and deepens the tone. It is the same as jewelry tarnishing. Your skin is also a jewel, so take good care of it.

     

    What are strawberry legs; it causes due to several skin conditions. Note here a brief rundown of strawberry leg’s potential culprits. You will understand why your leg’s skin follicles look like dark flecks.

     

    Acne and Strawberry legs One of the strawberry legs causes may be acne in people less than 30 years. It is the time one can experience acne outbreaks in life. A breakout occurs as the follicles go over-production mode, it produces required sebum. The result is blocked follicles, affecting the connection between strawberry legs and acne.

     

    • Folliculitis and Strawberry legs

    The hair follicle’s darkening is one of the folliculitis’s first signs. It is a condition due to irritation, inflammation, or even hair follicle infection.

     

    Several folliculitis types cause skin swelling or reddening. Its symptoms include itching and pus-filled bumps. All is due to the fungal, bacterial, or yeast infection on the leg’s hair follicles.

     

    • Ingrown hairs and Strawberry legs 

    The strawberry legs are due to shaving legs. The razor bumps occur in people particularly, as they have curlier, thicker, and darker hair.

     

    The ingrown hair’s other symptoms include darker pigmentation areas, itching or pain, and papules such as darkened bumps or pustules that resemble small blisters such as pus-filled lumps. The ingrown hairs are visible beneath the surface of the skin.

     

    How to get rid of Strawberry Legs

    No matter, whatever is the reason behind the hair-darkened follicles causing strawberry legs? In some cases, it is possible to ease the condition of the leg’s appearance. The strawberry legs treatment is on addressing the cause, and it works as a treatment towards symptoms.

     

     

     

    Acne

    If strawberry legs are the reason to cause acne, it may be treated. There are over-the-counter medicines available readily, or buy some specialist creams, as per doctor’s prescriptions. The other ways to manage acne include avoiding formulas of skincare clogging the pores and looking on the label for ‘non-comedogenic.’ Wearing more breathable and loose clothing on the legs helps. It avoids excessive sweating and high humidity environments.

     

    Folliculitis

    Combating fungus, bacteria, or yeast infections is possible through an antibacterial cleanser. The strawberry legs and other folliculitis symptoms improve within a few days. If it does not cure, it indicates the presence of infection. Thus, it is best to look for medical advice and antibiotics to clear up things.

     

    Ingrown hairs

    Ingrown hair’s major cause is shaving leading to strawberry legs. A feasible option is to get professional leg wax or bypass shaving. Shave legs after bath or shower and apply shaving gel so that the razor glides over your skin smoothly

  • 4 Simple Home-Kitchen Items to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs In Natural Ways

    4 Simple Home-Kitchen Items to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs In Natural Ways

    4 Simple Home-Kitchen Items to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs In Natural Ways

    What Are Strawberry Legs?
    Strawberry legs are the black dots appearing beneath the skin’s upper layer. It appears because of the inflamed hair follicles. Your legs give a strawberry-like look and hence acquire the name.

    These pores are due to the open comedones. They are the ingrown hair or hair follicles trapped under the skin. It contains dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil. The skin pores appear as dark spots on your legs. It looks like the seeds and skin of a strawberry. However, they are not harmful but may give a self-conscious feel. You can know here how to get rid of strawberry legs.

    A few natural ways of getting rid of strawberry legs
    Strawberry legs look similar, but the causes for each person may be different. Here are the home treatments to get rid of strawberry legs

    1. Baking Soda
    Baking soda works as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. It prevents and cures skin dryness. It exfoliates your skin, making it radiant and smooth.

    You need- Baking soda 1 tablespoon and water 1 teaspoon. Mix both forming a paste and apply on your legs, and allow it to dry. After 5 minutes, rinse using cold water. Try it every day.

    2. Exfoliation
    Exfoliation helps remove the skin’s top layer, which are the dead cells. Thus, it eliminates bacteria and ingrown hair.

    You need- Brown sugar-1/2 cup, olive or almond oil 1/2 cup, and clove oil 3-4 drops. Mix ingredients into a paste, apply to your legs and rub for a few minutes in circles. It exfoliates the skin. Rinse using cold water. Exfoliate your legs 1-2 times a week, and you will notice the difference in your legs. Knowing how to get rid of strawberry legs in natural ways is the best remedy.

    3. Aloe Vera
    Aloe Vera has amazing skin healing properties. It is a powerful moisturizer, and you can apply it every day to keep the skin hydrated.

    You need- Fresh aloe vera-1 leaf, extract the gel from the leaf and apply it to your legs. For a minute or two, massage gently and leave for 10 minutes. Rinse using cold water. Apply every day, any day.

    4. Sea Salt
    Sea salt features minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals have a crucial role in the health of our skin and pH balance. As the mineral balance gets disturbed in the body, your skin shows itchiness, dryness, and irritation. On the body, apply sea salt scrub. It removes from the skin surface the dead cells and restores mineral balance in your body.

    You need- Sea salt-1/2 cup, coconut oil 1/2 cup, and a washcloth. Mix coconut oil and sea salt to a thick paste. Use your palms or the washcloth and scrub this paste on your legs. Rinse with water after 2-3 minutes. Do not try this every day as the sea salt may harm the skin and can be abrasive. At the most, use 1 or 2 times a week and within a few weeks, see the best results.

  • The Correct Way to Foam Roll Your Entire Back

    The Correct Way to Foam Roll Your Entire Back

    The Correct Way to Foam Roll Your Entire Back

    Nowadays, a foam roller can be found in nearly every fitness center, gym, and even at-home workout setup. Foam rolling has a lot of advantages, including maintaining and improving mobility as well as assisting in preventing and treating muscle tightness.

     

    Foam rolling the back is however somewhat debatable because of the location of the body. While foam rolling in this area can be beneficial, most people are unaware of the drawbacks that come with it. It’s crucial to do it correctly to avoid injury or aggravating existing pain.

     

    Here are the section-by-section instructions that professionals want you to follow when foam-rolling your back.

    health and fitness

    The Neck:

    The cervical spine in your neck, also known as the neck joints should not be directly rolled up and down over.

    According to Jessica Tranchina, DPT physical therapist and owner of the Generator Athlete Lab, “a lot of people come to us with tightness and tension in their neck and shoulders and want some relief.” “Rolling right over the neck puts too much strain on your neck and cervical vertebrae, but rolling through the shoulders and midback is acceptable.” Particularly, we advise against rolling the neck backward over the foam roller because it puts too much strain on the spinal column.

    Having said that, you can massage your neck using a foam roller, but bear in mind that the neck is regarded as a risky area to work on in any way. It’s a good idea to see a licensed physical therapist or other practitioners of your choice before beginning to use a foam roller to help with neck pain.

     

    Fei Jiang, DPT, an orthopedic certified specialist at Providence Saint John’s Health Center’s Performance Therapy, suggests placing the foam roller behind the neck (like a pillow) as you lie on your back and slowly turn your head from side to side to reduce tightness in the base of the neck. Stop frequently and slowly side bend left and right.

     

    The upper back:

    When it comes to foam rolling, you should exercise caution when working on the lumbar spine. Foam rolling directly over your back especially while leaning back into the roller is not advised because it lacks the same type of support the thoracic spine receives from the ribs.

     

    There is a safe way to roll your lower back, so give it a try. You can relax the muscles along the sides of your low back by lying on your side and rolling on a foam roller, according to Tranchina, your low back can experience a lot of relief from this.

    Rolling your gluteal muscles and piriformis (the muscles in your buttocks) can also help relieve lower back pain or tension, as can using a smaller object such as a tennis ball, to target sore or tight lower back muscles on either side of the spine.

     

     

    Although foam rolling is generally a safe practice, you should proceed with caution when rolling your back. Here are a few more pointers for making the most of your foam rolling sessions for your back:

    The upper back

    SELECT THE APPROPRIATE FOAM ROLLER:

    Foam rollers generally come in three different densities: mild (white), medium (blue), and hard (black),” says Jiang. Other variations come in ridged and vibrating varieties.

     

    The ideal roller for you ultimately comes down to personal preference, but it’s important to remember that more pain is not always better. “Use the mild dense foam roller if you know your back is more sensitive to pressure; if you like more pressure, use the black foam roller or one with ridges.”

     

    BEFORE WORKOUT OR BEFORE GOING TO BED, TRY ROLLING:

    There isn’t just one ideal time to foam roll, but if you’re looking for suggestions on when to fit it into your schedule, there are two options. “If you’re going to play a sport that requires a thoracic extension, such as tennis. It might be a good idea to foam roll your upper back and stretch your chest after or before bed if you spent the day sitting at your desk or if you took a long bike ride and spent hours hunched over the handlebars,” advises  De Mille. Fit it in if you can, whenever you can.

     

    SUPPORT YOUR HEAD AND NECK AT ALL TIMES:

    Tranchina advised that hands should be clasped behind the neck and head because people often forget to protect their necks while foam rolling. This is simply to prevent neck pain and injury.

     

    If you follow these specific instructions, you won’t need to worry about getting hurt or experiencing back pain.

  • The Big Rocks That Make a Difference For Weight Loss

    The Big Rocks That Make a Difference For Weight Loss

    The Big Rocks That Make a Difference For Weight Loss

     

    In weight loss, food and timing are the factors that should be put into consideration. According to some experts, the basics make the greatest difference in weight loss.

    You can see it this way; see your time as a jar, if you want to fill the jar as fast as possible and you are only left with rocks, pebbles, and sand. you should already know that using rocks is the best alternative. These habits will go a long way toward achieving your goal. According to Claudia Hleap, a registered dietitian. people tend to give more attention to minor details about weight loss thereby using intensive and restrictive diets as a way of losing weight fast. The disadvantage of using a sand and pebble perspective is that it is not easy to maintain the time and energy to focus on these restrictions.

    A lot of discoveries have shown that using “big rocks” for a long time produces good results and enhances the effort to perform more. Some nutrition experts who have trained thousands of people gave the following guidelines for big rocks of weight loss ;

     

    STAY ACTIVE IN ANYWAY

    According to Hleap, Individuals are always preoccupied with how they should work out and how long it will take to get the desired result and this interferes with the success of the workout. The amount of exercise you do depends on your goal. Forming a habit of exercising daily by walking, running, or doing a strength training program is a healthy lifestyle for weight loss.

    Weight Loss

    GET YOUR FRUITS AND VEGETABLE

    According to Keith Thomas Ayoob, a registered dietitian. to lose weight, fewer calories are required. Eating vegetables with some fruits keeps you full and satisfied thereby preventing unnecessary cravings for foods that are not healthy for you

     

    MANAGE SLEEP AND STRESS

    Kayla Girgen, a registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition Untapped stated that stress management and adequate sleep are underrated. When you are stressed as a result of inadequate sleep, physically or mentally, the stress hormone cortisol is increased. This rapidly affects other hormones responsible for weight loss which may lead to chronic inflammation and this affects tissues and systems in the body interfering with weight loss.

     

    EAT MINDFULLY

    According to Sue Xiao Yu, being a mindful eater is key to successful weight loss. Being mindful means knowing what you are eating and the quantity you eat .when you know what you are eating you can discipline yourself to eat better.

     

    GET ENOUGH PROTEIN

    Heap suggests that foods that give satisfaction and fullness like protein should be included in the dietary menu.

     

    REDUCE PROCESSED FOODS AND ADDED SUGAR

    Intake of processed foods and added sugars should be reduced as this helps you to concentrate on foods that give more satisfaction and filling thereby bringing about weight loss. Paula Rubello explained that added sugar increases the caloric components of food and the calories supply nutrients that are insignificant to the body.

     

    KNOW YOUR PURPOSE

    Erin Kenney, a registered dietitian, and CEO of NUTRITION REWIRED stated that people pull out of dieting because they want to derive pleasure from it for the moment. It will be easier to achieve your purpose when you change this mindset.

     

    Achieving weight loss entails putting the above into consideration and bearing in mind your reasons for losing weight.

     

    Weight Loss

  • WHAT IS DRY DROWNING? RISK FACTORS, SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT

    WHAT IS DRY DROWNING? RISK FACTORS, SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT

    It’s disheartening when someone looks and feels very fine and healthy after swimming or getting out of any water body but starts having issues breathing within an hour or even a day later. They are many scary stories and videos online; all relating to how terrible this situation is. It can lead to dangerous respiratory distress in most people, and if not treated on time, it may cause various damages to the lungs. There’s no need to start panicking yeah as this article will take you through the signs of dry drowning, its causes, prevention and possible treatments. Leaving no stone unturned, let’s get straight into it.

    What is Dry Drowning?

    Also known as “secondary drowning”, dry drowning is a non-medical term that refers to a severe lung injury caused by aspiration of water. It is a critical condition that causes air passage to tighten and close, leading to consistent coughing, trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, and sometimes death. Today, the term “dry drowning” isn’t used in the medical community as they seem to be no clear difference between it and “Drowning”.

    What are the Risk Factors of Dry Drowning?

    Research carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) postulates that children within the ages of 1-4 are at a high risk of drowning when compared to children around ages 5-9. Also, males are at twice the risk of drowning than females. Other notable risk factors of drowning include:

    • Poor coaching and guidance of children in the water
    • Swimming
    • Lack of physical barriers between people and water.

    What are the Symptoms Of Dry Drowning?

    From the definition of “dry drowning”, you’ll notice that its symptoms don’t just show up. It’ll take some hours to surface – it may even take a day to be noticed. They may act completely normal for some time. It’ll interest you to know that dry drowning is always harder to spot in toddlers than in older children. This is because toddlers won’t know how to relate the way their body feels to you. In this case, you’ll have to check for certain signs and symptoms. These symptoms include:

    • Coughing
    • Chest pain
    • Abdominal pain
    • Trouble breathing
    • Headache
    • Unnecessary fatigue
    • Poor skin colour
    • Mental issues
    • Flu-like symptoms

    Dry drowning leads to acute lung injury that could lead to pneumonia which reduces the level of oxygen in the body. When there’s a shortage of oxygen in the body, it becomes difficult for the organs to function well. This eventually leads to death.

    What Causes Dry Drowning?

    For any type of drowning, face immersion into liquids leads to a deficiency of oxygen that flows to various parts of the body. When a death occurs and it’s related to drowning, it is due to a lack of oxygen passing to the brain. This damage occurs even when water doesn’t fill your lungs.

    What Causes Dry Drowning In Children?

    For older children, the primary cause of dry drowning is swimming with no adult supervision. If a pool isn’t fenced properly, children may get too tempted and will easily jump in. dry drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children around 1-4 years of age followed by congenital anomalies.

    Dry Drowning In Adults

    In adults, dry drowning always happens in rivers, lakes or oceans. The risk of getting affected by this condition increases when you’re suffering from some health issues or other factors. Some of the factors that increase the risk of dry drowning in adults include:

    • Drinking when swimming.
    • Head trauma that comes from diving into shallow water
    • Swimming very far from shore or in rough water

    Some medical conditions that can increase the risks of drowning include:

    • Heart attacks
    • Hypothermia (low body temperature from cold water)
    • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar that may lead to loss of consciousness).
    • Seizures

    Ways of Preventing Dry Drowning

    When talking about the preventive measures for dry drowning, it is important to note that death or long-term damage due to this can occur within minutes. To this effect, close and constant supervision of a child when taking a bath or close to any water body is advised. However, the preventive measures for dry drowning include:

    • When using a boat, ensure everyone wears a life jacket.
    • Make sure your pools are fenced when they are kids in the home and always close the gate.
    • Do not allow your kids to play near the beach unsupervised by an adult.
    • Avoid swimming on the beach when a lifeguard isn’t present.
    • Consider enrolling your kids on swim lessons handled by trained professionals.
    • Always swim with someone.
    • Stay away from icy lakes
    • Constant supervision of toddlers and smaller children whenever they’re close to any water body.

    How Can I Treat Dry Drowning?

    Whenever you notice any of the symptoms of dry drowning in a person who has been exposed to water, you’re advised to seek medical attention immediately. At times, very little amount of water might be left in the lungs, and if the person is rescued before the oxygen level reduces, there’ll be a greater chance of survival with no further complications.

    The basic way of treating dry drowning is by seeking medical attention immediately. Never take chances as we’re talking about your health here.

    FINAL WORDS

    Drowning in children takes not less than a minute, so it is important to always keep a safe eye on your kids. Whenever you’re close to any water body, always abide by the swimming guides and practice adequate safety techniques. When you notice any of the symptoms stated above in a person who has just been into the water, seek medical attention immediately.

  • HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

    HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

    “Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb known to be the most effective nutritional supplement on earth. Its been used for centuries to treat various issues and it also gives curry powder that yellow pigment. Also known as “Indian Saffron” due to its golden colour, turmeric is related to ginger and is native to Southeast Asia. ”

    Have you ever done a bit of research about the health benefits of this herb? Guess you were amazed at the features it possesses? Well, high-quality studies even prove that turmeric has major health benefits for our overall body and the brain. Most of these benefits are due to its major constituent, “Curcumin”. Let’s have a close look at what Turmeric and Curcumin are as well as their health benefits.

    What are Turmeric and Curcumin?

    Turmeric is a spice or rather a herb that’s been used in India for ages in treating various health ailments. It is an important part of Ayurveda medicine and is thought to have cancer-fighting properties. This herb constitutes of an active compound “Curcumin” which has been thoroughly studied for its disease-fighting properties and benefits to human health.

    What are The Health Benefits of Turmeric?

    1.      Tumeric helps boost the immune system

    The anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant properties of curcumin make it the perfect choice for boosting the immune system. Though curcumin isn’t absorbed properly into the bloodstream, regular consumption of black pepper fosters its absorption. This is due to “piperine”, a major constituent of black pepper.

    You can also prepare a cold-fighting tea with turmeric, but you’ll need a bit of ginger and black pepper. To prepare:

    • Pour 12 ounces of water and add one ounce of turmeric in it and allow it to boil.
    • Remove the water from heat and add one-quarter teaspoon of both ginger and black pepper. You can substitute the water for coconut milk to make the tea into golden milk.

    2.      Turmeric Helps The Body Fight Against Inflammation

    Inflammation is the main cause of most health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, cancer and metabolic syndrome. It also affects the efficiency of the brain which leads to cognitive decline. Consumption of turmeric helps to inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory genes, thereby blocking the inflammatory response pathways.

    To use it in the most effective way ever, you can add turmeric as an ingredient in your go-to salad dressing. It preserves the great taste while retaining a ton of benefits.

    3.      Turmeric combats free radical damages

    This herb (or spice) has been proven to boost the antioxidant capacity of the body and helps combat free radical damages. Doing this helps for the proper functioning of the brain, the immune system, and also the anti-cancer properties. While boosting the body’s natural antioxidant capacity, it directly boosts the immune system. The antioxidant properties also help in protecting the skin against free radical damages like environmental pollutants.

    To get an antioxidant boost, pour a teaspoon of turmeric into your favorite smoothie and drink.

    4.      It relieves Joint pain

    Remember curcumin the main constituent of turmeric? It has anti-inflammatory benefits that aid in easing joint pain. Research also shows that turmeric and curcumin can counter pain and inflammations related to arthritis.

    If you’re suffering from aches and pains, I suggest you take a smoothie choked with anti-inflammatory, soothing superfoods. You can also go for frozen wild blueberries with roasted steamed beets and turmeric. Thinking of making it a meal, then add your favorite plant protein.

    5.      Turmeric stands as a remedy for treating and preventing cancer

    Turmeric and its constituents have been studied for their role as a preferred remedy for the treatment and prevention of cancerous cells. The research proved fruitful as its results were all on the better side.

    To prepare, mix turmeric, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper with olive oil with chickpeas. Roast for about 20 minutes till it becomes crispy and eat over a veggie-rich soup.

    6.      It boosts the brain’s Efficiency

    Curcumin has been studied for its ability to boost the brain’s health by fostering and supporting healthy levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a hormone that plays an important role in long-term cognitive function.

    Turmeric looks and is very palatable with eggs. You can shake it into your scrambled eggs or even an omelet.

    7.      Turmeric Provides Protection for the Heart

    Turmeric and curcumin have been scientifically proven to protect the heart in various ways. One way includes boosting endothelial function while also reducing inflammation and free-radical damage.

    You can get these benefits in a nutritious and enticing way by incorporating turmeric into your whole-grain dishes like quinoa, barley or brown rice.

    8.      Turmeric serves as a mood changer (for good)

    In addition to its effects on the brain’s efficiency, the impact of curcumin on BDNF has been proven to have an advantage in treating depression. It does this by reversing the detrimental brain damage that happens when you’re in a state of depression. Curcumin also can boost the levels of mood-regulating neutron transmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

    In a research, 60 people with depression were randomly divided into three separate groups. One group took a gram of curcumin, the other group took Prozac while the third group took both Prozac and curcumin. 6 weeks later, it was noticed that people who took curcumin had similar improvements to those that took Prozac. However, the group that took both curcumin and Prozac had more improvements. This small study clearly shows that curcumin can be used as an anti-depressant.

    9.      Curcumin stands useful in treating Alzheimer’s disease

    In the US, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Though treatments exist for some of its symptoms, there is still no cure for it. To this effect, preventing the disease from occurring at first stands better.

    Curcumin also stands as the perfect choice for prevention. Based on research, the primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease is inflammation and oxidative damage to the brain. Well, curcumin helps the body combat inflammation and has oxidative effects. In addition, the basic feature of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of protein tangles known as amyloid plaques. Curcumin can help you clear these amyloid plaques.

    FINAL WORDS The health benefits of Turmeric can never be overstated. Its uses range from the world of spices to herbs. Boasting both cognitive, inflammatory, and oxidative properties, turmeric is certainly the best healthy choice you should consider today. Do you know more ways this herb is of benefit to human health? Do well as to let us know today in the comment section below.

  • 10 SIGNS TO KNOW WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK

    10 SIGNS TO KNOW WHEN YOUR CHILD IS SICK

    Caring for a baby looks more like a challenging task, especially when it’s your first time being a parent. You’re still trying to figure out ways of how to disinfect their clothes, give them medications on time, and how to make yourself available always for them. 

    As a parent, you do learn something new about your baby every day, and it’s still kinda hard to decipher whether the runny nose your baby is experiencing is normal and there’ll be relief with time, or it urgently needs a doctor’s attention. 

    The whole stress is real parents, and we’re here for you. Yes, we are, and we’ll be with you through your journey of parenting for the first time. We did put together some information on baby sickness, highlighting 10 ways in which you can identify them. Read on to understand the various ways.

    How Do I Know If My Baby is Sick?

    Unlike adults, babies have a developing immune system that needs extra care than the normal daily baby treatments. Those who are exposed to daycare environments are highly susceptible to germs which weakens their developing immune system and causes sickness. Well, any baby can fall sick at any time. This is why you need to always be on the lookout for signs. When you notice something abnormal, there might be an issue there.

    Check for the following signs in your baby. When noticed, seek medical attention immediately before the condition worsens.

    1. Jaundice

    Due to their developing organs (like the liver), all newborn tends to have a yellow trace over their skin in the first two weeks of birth. However, you need to check to see if this yellow colour shows up immediately after childbirth takes place. If you notice the colour in the palm or soles, reaching out to the doctor will do both you and your baby good. At times, the colour doesn’t just show up like that. To check to see, try pressing his soles gently for some seconds with your thumb. Check if the palm is yellow or pink, and when it is yellow, it might be a sign that your baby is sick.

    2. Trouble Breathing

    Fast or mild breathing higher than 6o breaths per minute might just be the sign you need to know when your baby is sick. When this is followed by grunting sounds and weighty movements around the abdominal region or chest, and a blue discolouration of the baby’s lips and tongue, you’ll have to seek medical attention immediately. To know the normal breathing rate for a baby, try counting their resting rate of breathing when they are asleep or immediately after feeding. 

    3. Fever 

    Did you notice a rapid change in the body temperature of your baby? Well, if it is 100 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, there’s a higher chance that it might be an infection. Take your baby to the doctor in this case, especially if he’s more than 3 months of age. 

    At times, fever is a feature when it comes to some growth milestones like teething or can be related to dehydration or persistent crying due to a reduced level of milk intake. When your baby is teething, his temperature doesn’t need to be above 101 degrees Fahrenheit. If it’s less, that’s normal, but when there’s an increase, it’s fever showing you its signs.

    4. Hypothermia

    Hypothermia is a condition characterized by a reduction in temperature (below 97 degrees Fahrenheit) which is dangerous for infants in all climates. 

    To know if your baby is feeling cold, try comparing the temperature of his sole or palm with that of his belly and back. Use the back of your hand to touch the baby’s body to feel the temperature. If the sole is cooler than the belly, that might be a sign of mild hypothermia. If both the sole and the belly seem cold to touch, then it’s severe hypothermia. This increases the risk of developing cold damage that leads to other complications.

    5. Languor and High Floppiness

    A baby will have a high response to external stimuli. When touched gently, that alone is enough to arouse the baby from a restful state. Also, the cry of a healthy baby is always loud and clear. If the crying becomes weak or the baby finds it difficult to suckle, then your baby needs urgent help.

    6. Vomiting

    Drooling or spitting up is normal for babies. This is because their esophageal sphincter is still developing and allows for the reflux of milk. At times, spitting up can be caused by overfeeding. But if the condition persists or vomiting is forceful with green or brown colour, and the baby tends t be hungry or finds it hard to sleep, you’ll have to visit the doctor immediately.

    7. Delayed Excretion

    During the first 24 hours of birth, a newborn is expected to excrete a sticky stool known as “meconium”. He also has to pass out gas and urine in the first two days. A healthy infant can defecate between 8-12 times per day after every feed. This is normal, but when the stools are watery or green or comes out with blood and mucus, there’s a problem there.

    Also, healthy infants pass urine around 6-8 times in 24 hours. So, when you notice a reduction in this frequency or the level of urine passed out is low, your baby might be sick and requires medical attention.

    8. Abnormal movements

    If you notice some changes in the movement of your baby like rolling the eyes upward, crying unusually, poor response to touches or sounds, or tightening of the arms and legs, then that might be a sign of seizure or convulsion. Seizures at times require urgent medical attention, especially when delayed for more than five minutes. It may lead to the sudden death of your child. So, take no chances and do the right thing on time.

    9. Abnormal weight loss

    When a baby is born, he experiences weight loss. That’s about 8-10% of his birth weight which he gains back over 7-14 days on earth. If your baby losses more weight than usual and has no signs of regaining it, that might be a sign he is sick and may need urgent medical attention. It might be that the body isn’t getting enough milk.

    10. Change in Soft Spot

    The fontanels of an infant need to Be firm to touch. But when the fontanels become bulging and sunken, that is a sign that the baby is sick. Sunken fontanels are related to dehydration.

    Wrapping Up

    As a mother to a newborn, you’re just getting to know many things about your baby. To ensure they’re 100% safe, you need to monitor them. They can’t tell you how they feel inside since they’re still so young. To this effect, it’s left for you to check for signs and symptoms. When you notice anything unusual, try visiting the doctor immediately.