allergies

Can immunotherapy help to treat allergies?

August 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

Immunotherapy, also called biologic therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that boosts immune cells to help tackle cancer. It uses substances made by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function.

The treatment may work by:

Stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells.
Stopping cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Helping the immune system work better at destroying cancer cells.

Your immune system is made up of white blood cells, organs and tissues of your lymph system, like your bone marrow. Its main job is to help your body fight off diseases and stay healthy.

Immunotherapy helps your immune system work harder and makes it easier for it to locate and target cancer cells.

Allergies and immunotherapy

Because of how immunotherapy boosts the immune system, it could also be used to treat certain allergies. In people with allergies, their body is oversensitive or hypersensitive to an allergen (the substance that causes their allergic reaction).

With allergen-specific immunotherapy, people are given allergen extracts to desensitize them to the allergen by training their body to react differently.

Like being vaccinated against your own allergy, the allergen extracts can be injected or taken as tablets or drops.

However, allergen-specific immunotherapy can’t be used for every allergy. It’s called “specific” because the allergen extract must be tailored to the person’s allergic response. These allergen extracts aren’t available for every allergy trigger.

There are currently allergen extracts that have been approved for the treatment of allergies caused by the following:

Grass pollen.
Grain pollen.
Weed pollen.
Tree pollen.
Dust mites.
Wasp and bee venom.

It’s also possible to do immunotherapy with allergen extracts that haven’t been approved, like if you are allergic to cats or mold. But unlike with the approved allergen extracts, there’s no guarantee that unapproved ones will be effective.

Risk factors

While this may be a promising form of treatment, it is not without side-effects, which could include

A bad skin reaction.
Rev up your immune system and make you feel like you have the flu, chills, and fatigue.
Swelling, weight gain from extra fluids.
Heart palpitations.
A stuffy head.
Diarrhea.
Your immune system may attack organs like your heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, or intestines.

References:

Get control of your asthma this spring

August 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

Ah, spring! Flowers are in bloom; warmer weather is here, and the skies are blue. Unfortunately, so are spring allergies. If you have asthma, these affect you even more. Asthma is a chronic condition where your airways are narrowed and swollen. This makes breathing difficult and can cause coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma flare-ups are particularly common during spring.

Common triggers for an asthma attack include:

Cold air.
Exercise.
Outdoor allergens: spores and pollens from flowers and trees, air pollution.
Indoor allergens: dust mites, mould, pets and smoke
Changes in temperature.

There’s no cure for asthma, but there are ways to manage the condition. Talk to your doctor about getting tested for common allergens. This is usually done with a blood test or skin prick test. Allergy testing can help you identify triggers so you can avoid them or manage your treatment when you’re around them.

Aim for prevention

Avoid allergens as much as you can. If you’re indoors, steer clear of indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites. Vacuum regularly to get rid of both. If you’ve been outdoors, wash your hair and clothes to get rid of allergens like pollen. If possible, use an air conditioner in your house and car to limit pollen exposure. Lastly, use a nasal wash to clear out your nasal passages.

Keep your inhaler handy

Your inhaler is your best friend when it comes to managing your asthma. Always know where your inhaler is. Keep track of how much medicine it contains and when it will need to be replaced. Using it properly is important for getting medicine into your lungs. If you don’t know how to use it properly, ask a doctor or a pharmacist.

Some inhaler guidelines:

Shake the canister for 10 seconds and take off the cap.
Attach a spacer device to the inhaler to get more medicine into your lungs.
Breathe out completely and then take a slow, deep breath just after you press down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. After 30 seconds, repeat with a second puff and a third, if needed.

Keep treatments handy

To minimise your allergic reaction, you need to be prepared with proper medication. Keep antihistamines (treatment for allergies) and nasal sprays handy. If your symptoms are particularly bad, talk to your doctor about a prescription medication that can help ease your asthma. You should start your allergy medication at least two weeks before you expect allergens to become a problem.

Minimise your local pollen count

Maintaining your garden is important, especially during spring, but it can trigger your symptoms. Try gardening in the early morning or evening when the pollen count is at its lowest. Consider asking someone to help you. Freshly cut grass and fertiliser can worsen your asthma symptoms. Wear a mask to prevent yourself from breathing in harmful particles.

When to see your doctor

Although you can take certain steps to manage your symptoms, for severe asthma, you need to see your doctor immediately.

Signs of an asthma emergency include:

Breathe out completely and then take a slow, deep breath just after you press down on the canister. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. After 30 seconds, repeat with a second puff and a third, if needed.

Keep treatments handy

Minimise your local pollen count

When to see your doctor

Although you can take certain steps to manage your symptoms, for severe asthma, you need to see your doctor immediately.

Signs of an asthma emergency include:

Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing.
No improvement in symptoms even after using your quick-relief inhaler.
Shortness of breath after minimal physical activity.

References:

Myth-busting: The truth about allergies

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Beliefs can be hard to change even after you’ve found out that they’re scientifically wrong. Allergies are no different; let’s bust the myths of allergies.

Myth 1: Cut flowers trigger allergy symptoms.

Fact: Store-bought flowers aren’t to blame for your allergies. Pollen made by grass, weeds and grass are usually to blame for your sniffles.

Myth 2: Food allergies aren’t serious.

Fact: Food allergies can cause symptoms like hives, a stuffy nose, vomiting, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. If an allergic reaction is severe or spreads to other parts of your body, it becomes what’s called anaphylaxis; which is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
People with food allergies must always be alert and aware of what ingredients are used in their food.

Myth 3: Moving to another part of the country can get rid of allergies.

Fact: Allergens (foreign substances) exist everywhere, so relocating probably won’t help you escape allergies. Airborne allergens like pollen can travel distances, and indoor allergens, like pet dander and cockroaches, exist anywhere. A change of climate may reduce your exposure to certain allergens. Dust mites, for example, thrive in heat and humidity, so they’re less common in drier climates. But if you have allergies, you may also develop new allergies in a different environment.

Myth 4: Food allergies are the same as food intolerances.

Fact: When it comes to food allergies, your immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE for short) when it notices a food allergen. IgE antibodies fight the “enemy” food by releasing histamine and other chemicals. These chemicals then trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction which can be deadly.
Food intolerances don’t involve the immune system. They can cause great discomfort, but aren’t life-threatening.

Myth 5: A food allergy always develops in childhood. Then you’re stuck with it for life.

Fact: According to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), you can develop a food allergy at any age, even to a food that you’ve safely eaten before. Children may outgrow a food allergy over time. This is common with allergies to milk, egg, soy and wheat. Allergies that are harder to outgrow include peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

Myth 6: Allergies aren’t dangerous – they won’t kill me.

While it doesn’t happen often, in extreme cases, a person can go into anaphylactic shock which may cause death. Always take an allergic reaction seriously.

Reference:

Is mould causing your asthma?

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Mould spores are extremely small and can only be seen if enough of them grow together. Clumps of mould spores appear in different colours, like white, yellow and green, depending on the age of the spores. They look fuzzy or rough and give off a musty smell.

Mould blooms in dark, moist places. Common indoor places for it to grow is on wallpaper, flooring, tiles and window frames. Outside, it’s common for it to grow on rotting wood, fallen leaves, grass and grains.

Although mould seems harmless, research shows that it can have a big impact on those with asthma. that’s because individual mould spores are so small they can be spread into the air and inhaled.

If you notice that your asthma symptoms get worse around mould, you may be allergic to the spores. Here’s what you need to know.

How does mould affect asthma?

Asthma is when the airways of your lungs become inflamed and narrow. This causes symptoms like coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. If you have a mould allergy and are asthmatic, breathing in mould spores could cause your immune system to overreact. This can cause sneezing, coughing and watery eyes. It can also make your asthma symptoms worse.

On the other hand, if you aren’t allergic to mould, you won’t react to it at all.

Protect yourself from mould

With a mould allergy, your safest bet is to avoid it completely.
Stay away from areas where there is visible mould.
Manage your asthma symptoms. Take your preventative medicine as prescribed and your inhaler when needed. Carry it with you when you go out.
Check for water leaks under your sinks, fridge, dishwasher, bathtub and shower.
Keep your home well-ventilated by opening the windows regularly. This will prevent mould build-up.
Rake your garden to get rid of loose leaves.
Avoid storing clothes in damp cupboards, packing clothes too tightly together and drying clothes indoors.

Good to know

If you think you have a mould allergy, talk to your doctor immediately. Tell him about your symptoms.
If you have a mould allergy, you should get any mould indoors or outdoors removed with the help of a professional. You shouldn’t do this on your own.
Get advice from mould inspectors. For example, from Home Inspection Services South Africa. This is particularly important if mould covers more than one metre squared or is caused by rising damp.
When mould is being removed indoors, keep your windows open to get rid of any spores.

References:

Can you treat seasonal allergies with your diet?

March 19th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Your allergies are acting up again and the usual remedies aren’t helping. Maybe it’s time to change your approach and start at the root of the problem? First stop: your gut health.

Your body contains trillions of bacterial cells, called microbes, which live inside your gut. Although the idea of having bugs inside you sounds a bit gross, researchers have discovered that certain microbes are able to boost your health and can be particularly effective in warding off allergies.

A healthy gut digests everything you eat and is responsible for sending essential vitamins and minerals where your body needs them and getting rid of waste products.

If this system doesn’t work properly, a condition referred to as “leaky gut” develops. Leaky gut is caused by protein particles from digested food entering your bloodstream and confusing the immune system. The immune system sets off warning bells that there are intruders in your body, and the immune cells attack to protect you. They do this by triggering inflammation in your body.

This inflammation creates common allergy symptoms like sinusitis, postnasal drip and chronic airway congestion. The reaction can also appear as a food allergy symptom, such as itching, a skin rash, shortness of breath and closing of the windpipe.

Start with your gut

Kick your allergies to the curb by powering up your gut health.

Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Reducing the inflammation in your gut means you’ll also lower the chance of allergic reactions. Eat plenty of walnuts, non-starchy vegetables, flaxseed, chia seeds and wild-caught fish. Antioxidants, including vitamin C, Vitamin D and zinc are also important anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals Besides lowering inflammation in your gut, these foods help diminish the amount of histamine (a compound that causes inflammation) released into your body.

Nourish your gut

Up the good bugs in your gut with probiotics, fibre and prebiotics. Probiotics like kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha and yoghurt are yummy options. To get your fibre fill, go for nuts, seeds, berries, whole wheat bread and oats, legumes, broccoli and carrots. To increase your prebiotics, eat gut-healthy chicory root, garlic, onions, leeks and bananas.

Move more

Exercising may ease allergy symptoms (like congestion) by helping to clear out blocked sinuses. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, avoid exercising after rain or midday, as these are when pollen counts are highest. Aim for early mornings instead. Swimming is an ideal anti-allergy option. It’s not only a good cardio workout, the pool environment also provides humid air that helps to clear sinuses, and is gentle on your lungs. Yoga and Pilates are good options too as these help you to focus on breathing and strengthen your lungs.

Good to know

Don’t use any remedy before talking to your doctor. For example, raw honey (also known as local honey) has been said to help with allergies. This hasn’t been scientifically or medically proven. The idea is that when you eat honey, you’re exposed to pollen. And over time, exposure to the pollen will ease or minimise your allergy symptoms. This isn’t a trusted treatment option as there’s no way to measure how much pollen you’ll be exposed to in any amount of honey. Also, don’t forget that raw honey isn’t suitable for young children!

References

Sore throat? Here’s what to do

January 26th, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

A sore throat is any painful, scratchy or dry feeling in the throat.

Sore throats have many different causes. Some are brought on by viral or bacterial infections; others are caused allergies, dry air or environmental irritants.

Common signs and symptoms of a sore throat:

Burning
Dryness
Trouble swallowing.
Tenderness
A raw feeling.
Irritation
Scratchiness

Why is your throat sore?

Colds, the flu and other viral infections

Viruses are responsible for approximately 90% of sore throats.

Common viral infections that could lead to a sore throat include:

The common cold.
The flu.
Chickenpox (an infection that leaves you with a fever and an itchy rash).
Mumps (an infection that causes your salivary glands to swell in the neck).
Tonsillitis (swelling and redness of the tonsils and the soft tissue at the back of the mouth).
Laryngitis (swelling and redness of the voice box).
Measles (a fairly serious infection, which causes a rash and fever).

Strep throat and bacterial infections

Some sore throats are caused by bacteria. The most common infection in which bacteria are to blame is called strep throat. Strep throat occurs when your throat and tonsils are infected by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus. This is a dangerous infection that, if left untreated, can affect your heart – one of the reasons why a sore throat should never be ignored.

When you encounter allergens like grass and pollen to which you are allergic, it may cause swelling and inflammation in the nose. These allergens could also bring on symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, throat irritation and, you guessed it, a sore throat.

Chemicals and smoke

Some chemicals and substances in the environment irritate your throat and make it sore. These include cigarette smoke, air pollution, and some household cleaning products.

Dry air

During the colder months, dry air can suck the moisture from your mouth and throat. Your throat might become sore, dry and scratchy.

Injuries

Injuries like a cut in the neck or getting hit in the neck can leave you with a sore throat. If food or other substances get stuck in your throat, you may feel irritation as well. Screaming, talking too much (or too loudly), or singing for a long period can injure your vocal cords. These could all make your throat feel sore too.

Relieve a sore throat:

Drink warm liquids like soup, warm water with lemon, and hot tea with honey to soothe your throat.
Suck on a lozenge.
Rest your voice until you feel better.
Gargle your mouth with warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt.
Eat something cool like an ice lolly or ice-cream.
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

If you have a bacterial throat infection, you’ll need to see your doctor for treatment. Treatment could include antibiotics and pain medication. If you try home remedies and your throat isn’t feeling better within 10 days, go to your doctor immediately.

References:

What to do when you get bitten or stung

October 22nd, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Outdoor fun during summer comes with a high risk of insect bites and stings. In most cases, these aren’t serious and get better in no time.

In some cases, however, insect bites can cause an allergic reaction. This can either be a mild reaction causing the affected part to swell and become painful, or a severe reaction that could become life-threatening. With a more severe allergic reaction, you could become dizzy, nauseous, have breathing difficulties, find yourself wheezing, have chest pain, cramps, a swollen face or mouth and a blotchy rash that spreads to other parts of the body.

If you’re bitten or stung, try not to excessively scratch the area. This can cause the skin to break allowing bacteria to enter your body. This can cause the area to become infected.

Treat your bites

Bites can cause pain, redness and swelling around the injury. When you’re bitten or stung, an insect injects venom into your body. You’ll have to clean the site of the bite with antibacterial soap and water. Follow up with a damp cloth filled with ice to relieve the pain.

Learn how to identify a bug bite by how it looks and feels. This will help you know whether to treat the bug bite at home or seek immediate medical care.

When you get bitten or stung:

Move to a safe area to avoid more bites or stings.
Remove the sting or tick if it’s still in the skin.
Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the swelling for at least 10 minutes.
Raise or elevate the affected area, to help reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching the area!
Get over-the-counter medication that can help, like painkillers, creams for itching and antihistamines (medicines often used to relieve allergy symptoms).

Keep insects away:

Avoid insect-heavy areas.
Don’t eat foods or wear fragrances that attract bugs.
Wear protective clothing and avoid bright coloured clothing.
Use insect repellent.
Use pesticide products in your garden at home.
Understand your own personal risk for having an allergic reaction to a bug bite.
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, like camping, make sure you use netting when sleeping.
Avoid wooded, bushy and grassy areas.
If you’re having a picnic, cover your drinks and food.
Check water containers; as these could be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Get treatment

A more serious reaction may need oral antihistamines or painkillers. In more severe cases of swelling, your doctor may prescribe oral steroids (to help reduce the swelling and inflammation of airways).

If you’re using an insect repellent and a sunscreen, apply your sunscreen first. Bites are very common, and you’re always at risk if you spend time outdoors. Check whether the area you’re going to visit has insects and take the necessary safety measures. If you have flu-like symptoms days after an insect bite, see your doctor for tests to check if there aren’t any infections or diseases you may have contracted.

References:

Is milk bad for you?

September 18th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

We have bee told “Milk is good for you!” since we were children. Our mothers, and advertising ingrained this nugget into our minds for years. But should milk really be part of your diet?

Milk is a whole food which provides 18 out of 22 essential nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and protein. Unfortunately, though, about 75% of the world’s population isn’t able to break down lactose; a core ingredient in milk.

Despite its benefits, milk may put you at risk for some conditions. For example, research shows that countries with the lowest rates of dairy and calcium intake also have the lowest rates of osteoporosis.

Besides this, there are other reasons why you should reconsider having milk and other forms of dairy in your diet.

Why milk could be bad for you

It may contribute to acne

A study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that teenagers with acne are those who drink large amounts of low-fat or skim milk. A group of 225 teens aged 14 to 19 with both acne and no acne were used. The amount of milk they included in their diet was monitored and after three 24-hour recall interviews, it was found that those with acne had a significantly higher amount of milk in their diet.

It may increase the risk of cancer

Studies have found that excess calcium from milk and other foods may increase the risk of certain cancers and specifically, prostate cancer by 30-50% in men. It was also found that sugars found naturally in milk may be linked to a higher risk of ovarian cancer in women. More research is needed, but current research finds that the growth hormones given to cows often contain high levels of chemicals that may increase the risk of developing these cancers.

It may trigger allergic reactions

Milk allergies are common in both adults and children. Including milk in your diet may trigger allergic reactions if you are sensitive to milk and milk products. Symptoms may include wheezing, difficulty breathing, blood in stool, constipation, diarrhoea, and worsening skin conditions like eczema. Sensitivity to casein, a protein in milk, can cause other reactions, which include sinus congestion, skin rashes and migraines.

It can raise bad cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol; good and bad. If your body has an excess of bad cholesterol, your arteries could get blocked, increasing your risk of heart disease. Milk contains saturated and trans fats, both of which can increase levels of bad cholesterol in your body.

Drink this instead

If you can’t bear to swap to black coffee or weak tea, don’t worry. There are healthy milk alternatives you can try.

Soy milk

Soy milk has a creamy, mild taste and similar nutritional values to cow’s milk. It’s made from whole soybeans or soy protein isolate. It’s a good source of protein, and vitamins B, D, and E. It should be used in moderation though, as it may cause digestive issues like bloating and gas.

Almond milk

With its sweet, nutty flavour, almond milk is a great alternative to cow’s milk. It’s low in calories, fat and carbohydrates, so it’s a great option if you’re watching your weight. The only downside is that it’s low in protein and contains a substance called phytic acid which may limit the absorption of zinc, calcium and iron in your body.

Coconut milk

Coconut milk is made from the flesh of coconuts and water. It has a creamy, milk-like consistency and tastes sweet. It contains no protein and little to no carbohydrates. It does have lauric acid, which helps lower high blood pressure, and cholesterol, which improves heart health. Sip in moderation though, as it’s packed with medium-chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat.

References:

Why is my penis itchy?

June 19th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Genital itching happens for many reasons and is usually harmless, but even if it’s harmless – it can be extremely irritating! (Not to mention embarrassing).

Here are some common causes why your member may be driving you mad, and what you can do about it.

Jock itch

One of the most common reasons for feeling itchy around the crotch area, is jock itch. The area around the penis is often warm and moist, which makes it attractive to bacteria. Jock itch can also come from tight underwear, skin rubbing and allergies. Besides itching, symptoms of jock itch include a pink or red rash, pain and a smell.

Treatment: Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend a cream or medication. Make sure you keep your pubic area clean. Use a mild soap and water when washing.

Yeast infection (thrush)

Poor personal hygiene, using antibiotics, and certain cleansing products can up your risk of getting thrush. Besides itching at the tip of the penis, you could also get a red rash, swelling, pain when urinating and lumpy discharge.

Treatment: Thrush is usually treated with anti-fungal medication and making sure your groin is clean and dry. Talk to your doctor about a treatment that would work best for you.

Allergic reactions

Allergies can cause mild to severe reactions. Some of the most common culprits are condoms, detergents and the type of clothing you wear. A study found that latex condoms could cause allergic reactions in some men. Certain types of birth control may also cause allergic reactions on the foreskin or the penis.

Treatment: The best way to treat any allergy is to find the trigger and steer clear from it. Talk to your doctor about possible triggers and treatment.

Pubic lice or mites

Not just kids get lice! Pubic lice and mites can spread during sexual activities, or by sharing towels or bed sheets. For example, mites like scabies are tiny buggers, which can infect your pubic area and cause extreme itching.

Treatment: Over-the-counter lotion or anti-lice and mite shampoo can help kill the bugs. To remove any eggs left behind on the pubic hair, use a tweezer or a fine-toothed comb. Wash the infected bedding and towels and avoid sex until you’re treated. If an infection develops from scratching, or if the treatment doesn’t work, talk to your doctor.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STD)

Unprotected sex may lead to diseases which can cause itching on the penis and groin area. For example, an STD called genital herpes can make you itch and create itchy red bumps, blisters and discharge.

Treatment: STDs are very contagious and spread easily, so go see a doctor immediately if you think you’ve been infected. Your doctor will give you treatment. Avoid having sex until you’ve recovered.

Prevent the itch

Wash the penis well and under the foreskin too, especially if you’re uncircumcised.
Keep the pubic area dry, as moisture can lead to infections.
Wear loose, natural fibre underwear and change your underwear every day.
Avoid STDs by always having protected sex.
Wash your clothing with unscented washing powder.
Don’t stay in wet clothes for too long.

References

Heal your body by healing your gut

May 11th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Millions of neurons line the gut and release important chemical messengers that allow the gut to keep in close contact with the brain, and influence our moods and emotions. This is one reason whey the digestive system is also known as the second brain.

Digestion is critical as it breaks food into nutrients that the body uses for energy, growth, and cell repair.

Mind and body connection

There’s more to your digestive system than occasional aches and pains that come with heartburn, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Your gut is central to your overall health. It’s connected to everything that happens in your body.

It’s important to balance this system because what happens in the gastrointestinal system can affect your physical health and emotional state.

Understand how your gut works

Your digestive system absorbs food, breaks it down into macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), and then absorbs them. The rest of your body uses them as fuel and raw materials to build tissues.

Gut bacteria alter the way you store fat, how you balance levels of glucose in your blood, and how you respond to hormones that make you feel hungry. The wrong internal mix can cause obesity and other health issues.

Digestion stages

The mouth and teeth. The digestive process starts with your mouth and teeth breaking food into small pieces and mixing with saliva.
The oesophagus. Chewed food travels through your oesophagus, a simple tube that connects the pharynx (throat) with the stomach.
The stomach. Your stomach slowly empties its contents into the small intestine, which is the longest portion of the digestive tract. It usually takes about four hours for a moderate-sized meal to empty out from the stomach.
The small intestine. The major food groups, protein, fat and carbohydrates are broken down here into amino acids, sugars and fatty acids, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream. It can take between two to four hours for a meal to be processed.
The large intestine. The major function of the large intestine is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter and get rid of the useless waste material from the body.
The pancreas. This is a digestive gland that secretes an alkaline juice that contains powerful enzymes that break down protein, fat and carbohydrates. It’s also the source of insulin.
The liver receives blood from the gut, filters, removes toxins, metabolises medications, stores nutrients and creates proteins. It also creates bile.
The gallbladder concentrates and stores bile produced by the liver and helps with digestion of fats in the gut.

Now that you know how this powerful machine works, what are the main culprits that affect your gut health?

Refined sugars.
Artificial sweeteners.
Processed foods.
Excessive alcohol.

Avoid these and your stomach will thank you because what you eat determines which bacteria thrive in your gut.

Common gut problems include:

Food allergies and intolerances.
Skin issues like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Digestive issues like bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and IBS.
Hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Restore good bacteria

Up your probiotics; they’re good for your gut.

Garlic boosts your healthy bacteria. It also prevents bacteria from growing and diseases from spreading.
Onions contain prebiotics which strengthen your gut, break down fat and breed good bacteria.
Yoghurt is a filling snack that helps keep out harmful microorganisms that may cause intestinal infections.
Kefir, which is similar to yoghurt, is a trusted source of probiotics and is mainly used to make a fermented milk drink. It’s a better source of probiotics than yoghurt and helps with digestive problems to protect your gut from infections.

Prebiotics vs. Probiotics?

Probiotics are found in fermented foods and some supplements. Prebiotics are found in certain fruits, vegetables, and wholegrains. The most dominant prebiotic is fibre.

Fibre is the most important ingredient for gut health. Soluble fibre helps lower blood glucose levels and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Find fibre in oats, legumes, some fruits and veggies.
Insoluble fibre has a cleansing effect on your digestive system. You can find it in wholegrains, kidney beans, fruit and veggies.
Bananas act as peacemakers and are gentle on your stomach. They have high levels of potassium and magnesium. They can relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against acids.
Apples contain insoluble fibre. They have gut healing properties thanks to pectin, found in the skin. It can help maintain and repair the intestinal mucosa lining.

References:

Is your child too clean? He may need a helping of germs!

April 20th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Our children these days are too clean, say researchers. Rather than it keeping them healthy, over-sterilising them and their environments leave them more vulnerable to illnesses.

Sounds strange – but it’s true.

Author of the book, Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System, Professor Gilbert explains, “Parents are over-sterilising the environments of their children because they don’t understand why dirt is good for us. Most parents think all germs are bad, that is not true. Most will just stimulate your immune system and make you stronger.”

And so, ironically, when we ensure that our children never touch a speck of dirt, are scrubbed from top to bottom three times a day, and never get to play outdoors – we are really making them weaker. If your child is often sick, it may be because he’s too “clean”.

A child who’s constantly ill with a runny nose, sniffles and fevers, has a weakened immune system, and is often sensitive or allergic to certain allergens. A weakened immune system will allow any dormant allergy to resurface.

Researchers believe that many of these allergies can be minimised by allowing children to go outside and get dirty. Exposure to germs, parasites and bacteria is helpful and necessary in developing your child’s immune system.

Which brings us to the question: how dirty can you get?

5 ways to get dirty

As soon as he heads outside, you cover him with a scarf, a beanie and a puffer jacket. A little exposure to the elements is good for your child! Stop bundling him up. He needs to feel the wind, get some sun and breathe in outdoor air to build up that immune system!
Ease up on the hand sanitiser. It’s become a crutch to many of us, but what you’re really doing is creating superbugs who become immune to the antibacterial soaping agents. Teach your child to wash his hands regularly (after going to the bathroom, before eating, etc) but don’t overdo it with the hand wipes and sanitisers.
Medication is not a one-size-fits-all cure! If you rush off for antiviral medication or antibiotics as soon as your little one gets the sniffles, you’re creating a bigger problem. If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, you can give it to your child. But if you constantly give him over-the-counter medication for every ache and pain, you could be making him sicker in the long run. Unless your child is very sick and needs medical care, look for natural ways to boost his immunity.
Consider getting a pet. Cats and dogs can expose your child to various living organisms. Just make sure they have all their vaccinations and necessary procedures first!
Robust kids can play well with others, that is, they can stand to be in the company of other kids without falling sick all the time. Schedule play dates, let them run around in the garden together and share their toys. This is a healthy type of exposure.

The good bacteria

Probiotics are helpful bacteria found in some foods like live-culture yoghurt and can be used to restore the balance in the gut. They’re also effective in preventing and treating diarrhoea in children. They’re safe to take because they contain bacteria that are found naturally in the digestive tract. Younger children can take probiotics through probiotic drinking straws or chewable tablets while older children can have them in capsule form. Speak to your pharmacist for more information on the right probiotic.

References:

Treat your dry and scaly skin

April 20th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Does your skin feel dry and scaly? Are you ashy all over even after you’ve rubbed on body lotion?

Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition, leading to itchiness, scaliness and cracked parts on your body. This can happen for many reasons. Dry skin can start on any part of the body too. Even if your skin tends to be oily, you can develop dry skin from time to time.

Why is your skin scaly?

The outer layer of your skin is a mixture of dead skin cells and natural oils, which help it hold on to water. If this layer gets damaged and moisture escapes, or if your skin struggles to renew itself, it will become flaky and scaly. Exposure to sunlight, the natural process of ageing, harsh chemicals and certain diseases could also be to blame.

Your skin usually sheds about 40 000 skin cells every day and replaces them with new ones. You don’t feel the skin cells growing and shouldn’t see any falling or flaking either.

Different types of dry skin

Dry skin

loss of moisture.
tight
rough

Very dry skin

If the dryness isn’t treated, and your skin loses more moisture, it will become:

Very tight.

itchy
chapped
scaly

Rough and cracked skin

Your hands, feet, elbows and knees are likely to experience:

Extreme tightness.
Extreme roughness.
Skin cracks.
Intense itching.

Common dry skin conditions

Eczema

This condition is also known as the “itch that rashes”. When you have eczema, your body is saying that it’s working too hard. Eczema is linked to an overactive response by the body’s immune system to an irritation. This is thanks to smoke and pollen, or foods that cause an allergy, like nuts and dairy products. You will notice rashes, dryness, flakiness, bumps, peeling, and redness.

Psoriasis

This condition is when your skin cells build up and form scales and itchy-dry patches. You then end up with dryness, flakiness, peeling, small bumps, thickness, redness and rashes.

Dandruff

This is white, oily flakes of dead skin in your hair and sometimes an itchy scalp.

Ditch the itch

Limit your time in the shower or bath to five or 10 minutes.
Use warm rather than hot water.
Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
Apply enough cleanser to remove dirt and oil, but avoid using a lot of product to prevent stripping away the natural oils of the skin.
Pat your skin dry with a towel.
Use a moisturiser immediately after drying your skin.

Treat your skin

Stay away from deodorant, soaps and products that contain alcohol and fragrance to help your skin hold its natural moisture. Some skincare products will be too harsh for dry and sensitive skin.

Dry skin responds well to ointments and creams rather than lotion. They are more effective and less irritating on the skin. Look for oil-infused creams or ointments with olive oil, jojoba oil or shea butter. These will help soothe your skin and provide a long-lasting shield of moisture.

Good to know

Your hands are often the first place to show signs of dry skin. Wear gloves when you wash dishes, work outdoors and whenever you handle harmful substances.

When your skin is dry and raw, even clothes and soaps can irritate the skin.

Wash your clothes, sheets and pillowcases regularly to get rid of skin-irritating substances.
Use a fragrance-free washing powder.
Go for clothes made of 100% cotton material to help your skin breathe.
Stay warm and avoid the fireplace and heaters. Sitting in front of an open flame or heat can dry your skin.

When to see a dermatologist

Very dry skin needs special attention. You doctor may advise an ointment or cream. Dry skin can also be a sign of a skin condition that needs treatment. A dermatologist can examine your skin and advise on what can help to reduce your discomfort. If you’re uncertain, why not chat to one of our doctors? They’re here to help!

References:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/scaly-skin#1
https://www.aad.org/public/skin-hair-nails/skin-care/dry-skin
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-skin/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353891
https://www.eucerin.co.za/skin-concerns/dry-skin/general-dry-skin