inflammation – Hello Doctor

How to treat Chronic Sinusitis

October 19th, 2020 by The Hello Doctor Team

Chronic sinusitis is inflammation in the sinuses that causes pain, pressure, and swelling. It usually lasts for longer than 12 weeks.

Unlike acute sinusitis, which is often due to a sinus infection, chronic sinusitis isn’t often caused by bacteria and therefore doesn’t necessarily get better with antibiotics.

Symptoms of Chronic Sinusitis

Pain and pressure above the eyes, along the sides of the nose, and behind the cheeks
Feeling congested
Green or yellow mucous draining from the nose
Fever
Pain in the nose or throat
Difficulty sleeping due to congestion
Frequent sneezing

How is chronic sinusitis diagnosed?

Imaging tests: Images taken using CT or MRI equipment can show details of your sinuses and nasal area that would otherwise not be seen using a standard test or endoscope. This can help to pinpoint any deep inflammation or physical obstruction that may be contributing to the condition.

Looking into your sinuses: A thin, flexible tube with a fibre-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to see the inside of your sinuses.

An allergy test to help detect whether an allergen is responsible for your nasal flare-ups.

Samples from your nasal and sinus discharge (cultures): When the condition fails to respond to treatment or symptoms appear to get worse, your doctor may swab inside your nose to collect samples to investigate other possible causes, such as bacteria or fungi.

What are the treatment options?

Doctors believe that chronic sinusitis may be an inflammatory disorder, similar to asthma and allergy. Some treatment options include:

Nasal corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and provide some relief. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
Surgery: Some people with chronic sinusitis may need surgery to clean their sinuses. This can sometimes be achieved with a balloon dilation (a procedure that gently expands narrowed airways caused by inflammation).
Nasal irrigation: A non-prescription treatment to clear out the sinuses. Saline sprays, neti pots, and other devices that flush the sinuses with water can help clear out any infection and reduce irritation.

8 ways to prevent sinusitis

Bathe your nasal passages daily
Twice a day, run water gently into the nasal passages to help clear excess mucus and moisten membranes. During the day, use a nasal saline spray (available at pharmacists) to moisten nasal passages.
Stay hydrated – it helps keep the mucus thin and loose.
Steam. Take a hot shower or boil water and pour it into a bucket; place a towel over your head and carefully bend over the bucket to inhale the steam. Be careful and keep your distance at first and move in gradually to avoid burns.
Avoid dry environments. Use a humidifier in your home and remember to keep it clean and free of bacteria and mould.
Sleep with your head elevated. Mucus builds up in your sinuses at night when your head is down, so keep your head supported with pillows during sleep.
Blow your nose gently. Forceful blowing can irritate the nasal passages and push bacteria-laden mucus back up into your sinuses. Blow with one nostril at a time.
Avoid antihistamines unless prescribed. Antihistamines can thicken mucus and make it hard to drain.
Be careful with decongestants, which can cause jitters and increase blood pressure. Always consult with your doctor before using any of these types of medications.

References:

Getting a tattoo? Here are the do’s and don’ts

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years. Whether plain or elaborate they have served as personal symbols, status symbols, declarations of love and signs of religious beliefs.

How does it work?

When you get a tattoo, dye is injected into your skin using small needles that puncture the skin at speed. The needles penetrate past the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) into the underlying dermis. This leaves behind pigment on the area.

Your dermis is made up of collagen fibres, nerves, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, blood vessels and basically everything that keeps skin connected to the rest of the body.

So every time the needle penetrates, it causes a wound in the skin and alerts the body to begin the inflammatory process which is the skin’s way to deal with ‘danger’. Cells of the immune system then travel to the wound site and begin to repair the skin.

What to expect

Keep a good level of communication between you and the artist, that way everything is clear from the get-go.
The artist will apply a stencil to the area you’re going to have tattooed to ensure the size and angle is exactly right.
The first needlework will be the outline which is done with a loaded tattoo gun and a liner needle.
Next, he’ll probably rinse your tattoo area and will then use broader needles to shade your tattoo.
Once the tattoo is completely inked, it will be washed and covered with a sterile bandage. Expect some slight bleeding during and after the process.

After getting your tattoo, get precise instructions for aftercare. Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.

Healing time can vary from person to person, but it generally takes about two weeks.

Your artist should cover your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly or unscented cream and a bandage.
Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment or blood to completely clean the area and pat dry.
Apply a layer of antibacterial ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
Gently wash your tattoo area several times a day with soap and water and gently pat dry.
Keep applying a moisturiser or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist. Repeat this process for two to four weeks.
Avoid wearing clothes that will stick to your tattoo, as well as sleeping on it so you don’t agitate the healing process. Avoid swimming in the sun for about two weeks.
Take cool showers. Scorching hot water will hurt and may fade the ink.

Good to know

If your tattoo develops hard layers or scabs, don’t stress. It’s normal. Never pick, scratch, or peel it as you could get an infection or remove the colour. If you think your tattoo is infected or isn’t healing properly, see your doctor.

Sun exposure can mess with your tattoo. Avoid the sun rays during the healing process. Soon after that, always use sunblock to protect it.

Keep your hands clean. This is as important as keeping your tattoo clean, as your hands can introduce bacteria to your tattoo. Remember; never touch your tattoo unless you have just washed your hands!

References:

Can your smartphone cause textitis?

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

You’ve been shooting texts back and forth for hours. Your neck and wrists are aching, but texting is harmless, so it couldn’t be the culprit, right?

Unfortunately, it could. You could be developing textitis.

Are you a victim of textitis?

Coined by American hand surgeon Dr Mark Ciaglia, textitis (osteoarthritis) is caused by excessive texting or typing via your cell phone, laptop, tablet or any other electronic device.

This can lead to neck pain, elbow pain, hand, wrist and thumb pain, as well as numbness and tingling in the arms, forearms, hand, and fingers. Most of the problems involve the thumbs, pinkie fingers, and wrists.

Texting thumb, also known as trigger thumb or gamers thumb, is a common problem as texting involves hand motions that put stress on several small muscles, tendons, and nerves in your fingers and wrists.

These repetitions can lead to inflammation and pain and may sometimes even require surgery. The condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.

According to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information in the US, there has been an increasing number of younger people around the world with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) of the hand, wrist, forearm, arm and neck.

While there may be no cure for this condition, a combination of rest and treatment can help alleviate pain and restore flexibility.

Treatment may include:

Oral pain medication and anti-inflammatories
Occupational therapy
Injections and sometimes even surgery

Prevent textitis

Fortunately you can prevent discomfort with these easy tips:

Stretch. Open and close your fingers throughout the day to keep your tendons nimble. Wrist circles can also help.
Limit time spent gaming, texting, etc.
Get some thumb rest. Use your index finger to text or try the voice feature on your phone to send messages.
Call, don’t text. Try chatting rather than texting or emailing.
Soak your thumb in warm water during regular breaks
Acupuncture
Track your smart phone usage and think of different ways you can cut back. If you find yourself spending more time with your phone than with your friends and family, try and put your phone away during dinner. Enjoy some human interaction and conversations with your loved ones.

For your hand, fingers and thumb

Curl your fingers and thumb into a tight fist then straighten your fingers as far as you can go without pain.
Start with your fingers fully extended and together, now spread your fingers apart as far as you can go – again without pain.
Move your thumb to each fingertip beginning with your index finger and finishing with your little finger.

Wrist

Hold your arm in front of you with your elbow extended, flex the wrist forward. Repeat with wrist extended. (Hold for 20 seconds on each side)

Neck

Use your hand to gently pull your head to the side and rotate your nose towards the same shoulder. (Hold for 20 seconds on each side)

Shoulders

Roll the shoulders 10 times forward and 10 times backward.
Perform 10 big-reaching shoulder circles with arms extended

References:

Broth recipes that could help with that joint pain

January 27th, 2020 by Content Editor

Rich in nutrients, bone broth is packed with vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids.

It’s made by boiling down meat bones and connective tissue together with vegetables. The savoury, nutrient-rich liquid can be used as a base for soups, sauces and health drinks.

Bone broth has amino acids that help support joint health thereby relieving symptoms of conditions such as arthritis.

Just like stock, bone broth is often graded by its thickness; thanks to the collagen-rich gelatine released from marrow-rich bones and its long cooking time.

To get some important nutrients, cook some broth with these healthy recipes.

Home-made broth stove top

Ingredients

1kg chicken, turkey, pork, beef, lamb, or other bones (try to get bones that have lots of connective tissue (feet, knuckles, necks, backs, etc.)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
4 cups roughly chopped carrots, onions and celery
2 bay leaves
½ tsp peppercorns
1 tsp sea salt
Filtered water

Method

In a large soup pan, place the bones, apple cider vinegar, carrots, onions, celery, bay leaves, peppercorns and salt.
Fill pot with filtered water until it covers the bones by about 2cm. Let the mixture rest for 30 minutes.
Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to as low as your stove will go. It should be just be barely bubbling. Cover with the lid slightly ajar and cook for 24 hours for poultry bones and 48 hours for red meat bones. If you’re not comfortable cooking overnight on the stove, you can place the whole pot (covered) in the fridge overnight, and restart the cooking time in the morning.
When cooking time is up, strain through a fine mesh sieve, and transfer to jars for storing in the fridge or freezer.
Once chilled, the broth should be jiggly and have a layer of fat on top. Scrape off the fat and use it for other purposes, if desired.

Slow cooker bone broth

Ingredients

2 carrots chopped medium
2 celery stalks chopped medium
1 medium onion chopped medium
2 cloves garlic
1.5 kg beef or chicken bones or combination of both
Salt
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Water

Method

Place the bones in your slow cooker. The bones should fill up about ¾ of the slow-cooker.
Chop your vegetables and garlic, no need to peel. You can also add vegetable scraps and rinsed, crushed egg shells into your slow-cooker. You’ll be straining these out before consuming the broth.
Fill the slow-cooker with water. Season with a generous amount of salt (about 1 teaspoon).
Add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (you won’t notice the taste).
Cook on low and cook for 18-72 hours.
Strain the broth through cheesecloth or a strainer and cool. A good broth will usually have a layer of fat on the top and will gelatinize when thoroughly cool. Remove the fat with a spoon and discard.

References:

The best home remedies for sunburn

November 22nd, 2019 by Content Editor

With plenty of fun-in-the-sun, one thing’s inevitable: sunburn.

Sunburn is the skin’s response to too much ultraviolet B exposure.

Mild sunburn symptoms include skin redness and pain. After about four to seven days, your skin may start to peel.

As is the case with many things, prevention is always better than cure! If, however, you did get a touch more sun than you had planned, try out these remedies in the comfort of your home.

Good ol’ water

One of the symptoms of sunburn is the inflammation of the skin. One of the easiest ways to treat inflammation is to cool down the affected area with water.

Dipping in a cool bath or shower may help ease the burn and soothe your skin. However, while you’re still out in the sun avoid jumping in the pool to cool off, as the chlorine water may irritate the skin more.

Avoid directly applying ice on the affected area as it can cause damage to your extra-sensitive sunburned skin. And stay hydrated – drinking extra water when you’re sunburnt can help prevent dehydration.

Aloe Vera

The medicinal properties that aloe Vera packs are rich in tried-and-tested antioxidants and antibacterial agents.

If you don’t already have one get an aloe Vera plant for your house,. The gel inside the plant can be used for many ailments but comes in especially handy for soothing sunburn. Alternatively, look for a 100% aloe Vera gel or an aloe-based lotion or ointment available over-the-counter at your local pharmacy. Apply gently to the affected skin areas.

Colloidal oats

This is finely ground oats which boasts several benefits to soothing the skin. In addition to sunburn, it can also be effective for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Studies have shown that colloidal oatmeal binds to the skin and provides a protective barrier against irritants. The oats works as an anti-inflammatory when mixed with bathwater. Pour into the bath and soak for relief.

Lather the skin

After treating the sting and burn, your skin will still need some TLC. Prevent your skin from peeling or at least keep it to a minimum by regularly applying a moisturiser to the affected parts. Use a scent-free moisturiser, preferably a “sensitive skin” product to keep skin irritation to a minimum.

Avoid picking or breaking the skin of any blisters that develop. If a blister breaks, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover it with a non-stick gauze bandage.

Take a pain reliever

If needed, an over-the-counter pain reliever may help control the pain and swelling of sunburn, especially if you take it soon after sun exposure. Some pain relievers may also be applied to your skin as gels. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

See a doctor if the sunburn:

Is accompanied by a high fever or extreme pain
Blistering takes up a large part of your body
Produces yellow drainage or red streaks leading away from blisters

References:

How inflammation affects your exercise

October 8th, 2019 by Content Editor

Inflammation is the body’s way of healing itself after an injury and protecting itself from infection. As part of the inflammatory response, your body increases its production of white blood cells, immune cells, and substances called cytokines to help fight off infection. So, inflammation itself is not a bad thing.

The problem occurs when you develop chronic inflammation. This is linked to all kinds of diseases, from diabetes to heart disease.

How does inflammation work during exercise?

As you’re squatting or doing pull-ups, you’re repetitively contracting and relaxing your muscles under heavy loads. This can cause muscle fibres to tear, and muscle cells to break apart.

Inflammation comes into play during the repair process when your body increases its blood flow to the affected area to replenish oxygen, fuel muscles, and clear out waste.

Essentially, inflammation’s purpose is to remove cellular debris from the site of damage and initiate repair. There are three phases of the inflammation response:

Blood accumulates at the site of damage, which causes regular symptoms like swelling, heat and stiffness that are normally associated with inflammation.
Specialised white blood cells, called neutrophils, travel to the injured area and absorb the debris of damaged cells.
Other cells (known as macrophages) accumulate at the site of damage to complete the clean-up process and stimulate tissue regeneration.

Best strategies to reduce chronic inflammation

As we know, the classic signs of acute inflammation include redness, pain, heat, and swelling. Regular exercise is an excellent way to prevent chronic inflammation. How so?

If you stick to a routine of exercise instead of random sessions once or twice a week, your body’s ability to recover improves. It has also been shown to boost your immune system. Make time for 30-45 minutes of aerobic exercise and 10-25 minutes of weight or resistance training at least four to five times per week.

Choose a balanced diet that cuts out processed products and boosts your intake of whole, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich foods.

Unfortunately, some foods are associated with an increased risk of chronic inflammation. Be sure to avoid or minimise sugary foods and beverages, processed meat, excessive alcohol, and foods high in refined carbs and unhealthy fats. Opt for anti-inflammatory foods like:

Broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower.
Fruit, especially rich-coloured berries like grapes and cherries.
High-fat fruit like avocados and olives.
Healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil.
Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies.
Almonds.
Bell peppers and chili peppers.
Dark chocolate.
Turmeric, fenugreek and cinnamon.
Green tea.
Red wine: Up to 140 ml of red wine per day for women and 280 ml per day for men.

References:

5 home remedies for mosquito bites

October 6th, 2019 by Content Editor

Mosquito bites are common, especially in summer, and can cause inflammation and itching.

Besides the annoying itch mosquitos provide, they can carry parasites and some pathogens, like malaria, filariasis, and viruses. In most cases, people may have allergic reactions to the bites.

Typically, a bite brings a red, swollen bump which is accompanied by an itch that can develop within hours and lasts a few days. A mosquito bite can also cause blistering-type lesions, hives, fever and swelling in the joints.

Your immune system reacts by releasing histamine, which creates a small, itchy bump. So the bump is not caused by the bite, but by your body’s allergic reaction to substances that the mosquito bite leaves behind.

Avoiding mosquito bites altogether is the best approach, but if you can’t. Keep these home remedies for bug bites that itch and swell, handy.

1. Tea tree essential oil

This oil has antiseptic properties that can help treat a variety of skin-related symptoms, including mosquito bites. Dab a little essential oil onto a cotton swab and rub it on the affected area. Lavender and peppermint oils also work well. Some people may be sensitive to essential oils applied directly to the skin; if that’s the case for you, try diluting the oil.

2. Baking soda paste

Add a few drops of water to some baking soda, mix it into a paste, apply it directly onto bug bites, and allow it to dry. The result will be a reduction in inflammation around the bite, which helps relieve soreness as well as itching. The alkalinity of baking soda can help neutralise the pH of an infected area and reduce itching. Just mix a tablespoon of baking soda with only enough water to create a paste.

3. Ice cubes

The easiest way to stop itching could be to hold an ice cube on the bite. It’s been found that since the brain can only process one sensation at a time, the itching will stop as you will feel the intense cold. Cold therapy numbs nerves that trigger itching and pain so that you don’t feel either one. The cold temperature helps limit the inflammatory substances to the site of the bite, which lessens swelling and ultimately provides immediate relief. Hold a bag of frozen veggies, ice wrapped in a cloth, or an ice pack on the affected area for about 15 minutes.

4. Honey

When it comes to soothing itchy bites, honey is a great go-to reliever. It’s a natural popular pick as it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Place a drop on a mosquito bite for almost instant relief. Apply as often as needed until the itching and swelling subsides.

5. Lemons

Packed with naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anaesthetic properties, the citrus fruit makes for a useful natural remedy for mosquito bites. Cut a lemon in half and rub the inside over the bite for instant relief. Applying the juice can also help lessen the chance of an infection. However, don’t use lemons as a preventative measure before going outdoors. This would be ineffective and applying citrus juices to the skin when it’s exposed to sunlight can result in blistering.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if bites last longer than a week or show signs of infection. In extreme cases, mosquito bites and other insect stings can lead to an anaphylactic shock.

If you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms, immediate medical attention will be needed:

Breathing problems.
Hives or swelling
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Dizziness.

References:

Can you treat eczema with your diet?

August 2nd, 2019 by The Hello Doctor Team

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition known to cause patches of dry, itchy skin on your body. It usually develops as a result of inflammation. Common treatments include ointments, creams and medication, but paying attention to your diet could help too.

According to Dr Peter Lio, Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Paediatrics at Northwestern University in Chicago, there’s a close connection between eczema and certain food allergies.

For example, some people may react to a peanut allergy in a life-threating way that could lead to anaphylaxis or even death. For others though, their skin could react with an eczema flare-up. Both reactions are caused by the immune system.

Eczema and your diet

For people with eczema, this kind of reaction could come from certain foods which may trigger your body to release compounds that cause inflammation.

So, cutting out certain foods will help right?

Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as that. Although inflammatory foods can contribute to an eczema flare-up, they aren’t the only causes.

Other factors:

Genetics
Abnormal functioning of the immune system.
The environment. For example, certain weather conditions that makes your skin dry out.
Activities that create skin sensitivity, like prolonged exposure to water, sweating and showers that are excessively hot or cold.
Defects in the skin barrier that allow moisture out and germs in.

What can you do to improve eczema?

While there’s no cure for eczema, a combination of an anti-inflammatory diet and other treatments can help.

Pay attention to your diet and talk to your doctor immediately if you suspect you’re allergic to certain foods. Your doctor can also recommend which foods to avoid. Not everyone will react to the same foods, so it depends on which ones affect you.

Trigger foods usually include:

Citrus fruit.
Dairy.
Eggs.
Gluten or wheat.
Soy.
Spices, such as vanilla, cloves, and cinnamon.
Tomatoes.
Some kinds of nuts.

Food-sensitive eczema reactions usually happen between six and 24 hours after you’ve eaten. To determine your food sensitivity, your doctor could recommend an elimination diet. This involves removing certain foods from your diet, and then slowly adding them back one at a time while monitoring your body and skins reaction.

If you find your symptoms worsening after adding the food, it’s likely that you’ve found your trigger and you should avoid it in the future.

Another way to ease inflammation in your body is to bulk up your diet with anti-inflammatory foods.

Try these:

Fish. Eating fish often is helpful as it contains Omega-3 fatty acids which decrease inflammation. Good options include salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna.

Probiotics. Foods high in probiotics are known to promote a healthy gut. Go for kefir, yoghurt with live and active cultures, tempeh, kombucha and sauerkraut.

Foods high in flavonoids. Flavonoids help to fight inflammation. Try including more colourful fruit in your diet, like apples, blueberries and cherries and vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli.

Good to know

Before cutting out or adding any foods to your diet, talk to your doctor first. He may make suggestions and can refer you to a dietician if necessary.

References:

What do wholegrains do for your body?

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Grains are the seeds of grass-like plants called cereals. Common grains include rice, corn and wheat. Others are oatmeal, millet, popcorn, quinoa, buckwheat, whole rye and barley.

Wholegrains have three parts: the brain (the nutritious outer layer), the germ (the seed’s nutrient-rich embryo) and the endosperm (the germ’s food supply which is packed with starchy carbs).

Wholegrains have a range of health benefits, so unless you have celiac disease or another health reason to avoid them, you might not want to miss out.

Get to know grain

  It packs a lot of fibre 

Adults need at least 25 to 35 grams of fibre daily for their body to function at its best. Wholegrains contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre offers many health benefits and is known to help keep you fuller for longer.. Not all grains are high in fibre though, so stick to ones like oats, barley and bulgur which can help you reach your daily quota.

It keeps you regular 

If you’re struggling to stay regular, wholegrains could help. The fibre found in wholegrain contains a lactic acid which promotes the growth of good bacteria in the large intestine. This bacteria helps with digestion, ups your body’s immune system and promotes nutrition absorption. The fibre also helps prevent constipation, diarrhoea and the pain that comes with it.

It keeps the kilos away 

Keeping your weight in check is easier if you include wholegrains in your diet. Wholegrains make you feel fuller for longer because they take longer to digest. This creates a satiating effect which means you’re less likely to reach for more food after a meal containing wholegrains. You’re also more likely to have smaller portions at every meal. To reach maximum fullness, include rye or quinoa in your meals.

It boosts your immune system 

Wholegrains boast a range of vitamins and minerals that keep you healthy and lower your risk for certain chronic conditions. These include iron, which helps move oxygen throughout your body, and zinc, which ensures your immune systems stays in good condition. Grains are also rich in magnesium which helps to build strong bone, and immune-boosting B vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, folate and niacin.

It lowers your blood pressure 

Besides being packed with a range of vitamins, wholegrains have heart benefits too. A study found a 19% lower risk of high blood pressure among men who regularly ate wholegrains. The researchers concluded that wholegrains helped with weight control, which in turn lowered the stress placed on blood vessels.

Go gluten-free 

If you have a gluten sensitivity, it may seem difficult to include grains in your diet, but it’s easier than you think. Here are some healthy, gluten-free wholegrain swaps.

Brown rice. Promotes a healthy heart
Non-GMO corn meal. Contains fibre and antioxidants.
Buckwheat. Filled with nutrients and antioxidants.
Oats. Helps to keep you full.
Quinoa. Packed with protein, vitamins and minerals.
Sorghum. Has B vitamins, iron and dietary fibre.

References:

The seeds you should include in your diet

June 17th, 2019 by Content Editor

Adding seeds to your everyday meals can help boost your intake of protein, fibre and heart-healthy fats. Here are some specifics on good seeds to include into your diet to enhance your overall wellbeing.

Flaxseeds 

Flaxseeds are a great source of protein, fibre and key micronutrients like manganese, thiamine and magnesium. These seeds are also packed with different polyphenols which act as important antioxidants in the body.

They have shown to assist in reducing blood pressure and even the risk of cancer.

Add flaxseeds to super shakes, wholegrain cereals, salads, salad dressing or sprinkle on cooked vegetables.

Chia seeds

These seeds contain a good amount of manganese, phosphorus and calcium, as well as protein and heart-healthy fats. Chia seeds may also play a role in lowering blood glucose levels and reducing appetite.

Add chia seeds whole or ground to smoothies and juices, into yoghurt or oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of a salad.

Quinoa

Quinoa is prepared and consumed as a grain but is considered a type of edible seed. One cup of cooked quinoa is rich in iron, can promote muscle and nerve function and can keep you regular. Bonus!

This superfood is a plant-based protein and a good source of B vitamins.

Add quinoa to vegetable or chicken broth, salads and wraps. Try sweetening up your quinoa by cooking it like oatmeal.

Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a quick and convenient snack option. They’re rich in nutrients and provide many health benefits including regulating blood sugar, , promoting digestion and even preventing insomnia. These helpers are a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants and may also help to prevent iron-deficiency anaemia.

Add pumpkin seeds to salads, veggies or simply roast them for a snack.

Hemp seeds

These are an excellent source of vegetarian protein. Hemp seeds are loaded with vital nutrients. They supply a good amount of protein and healthy fats, manganese, Vitamin E and magnesium.

Hemp seed oil may have a beneficial effect on heart health by increasing the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. The anti-inflammatory action of the Omega-3 fatty acids may also help improve symptoms of eczema.

Sprinkle hemp seeds whole or ground in your cereal or yoghurt. You can add them to smoothies and salads too. Challenge yourself by making your own hemp milk at home using whole seeds.

References

How chilli peppers can help treat pain conditions

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Chilli peppers are known for adding a spicy kick to dishes, but did you know they may also be able to ease pains and aches? They contain a powerful ingredient called capsaicin, the chemical responsible for the heat your mouth feels when you eat chilli peppers.

This hot chemical is commonly used to treat surgery related pain, joint conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as muscle sprains and headaches.

Capsaicin works by activating certain nerve receptors in and under the skin that cause stings or itching sensations. If these nerves are activated for a long period, they eventually lose their ability to function properly and can’t process pain signals. If capsaicin treatment is used regularly then the nerve signals will be kept at bay, and your pain may be reduced or even stopped.

There are two main forms of capsaicin:

Topical capsaicin  

Topical capsaicin can be used for all kinds of pain relief. It comes in the form of creams, lotions, gels, and ointment. You don’t usually need a prescription for it. To use for headaches, dab a bit inside your nostrils. For pain on the body, rub it into the affected area. If you have a headache, apply the cream to your scalp, three times a day. Always remember to avoid your mouth and eyes and wash your hands before and after use.

Capsaicin patches 

Capsaicin patches have higher levels of capsaicin than the creams. Due to this, it can only be prescribed by your doctor and is mainly used for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetic neurotherapy.

Pain relief is usually experienced within 2 hours of applying a patch, and can last for up to three months. You shouldn’t touch the patch while it’s on your skin.

Good to know

You should never apply capsaicin creams to open wounds or cuts.
Talk to your doctor before you start using any capsaicin products and ask for directions on how to apply it.
Both the cream, patches and other capsaicin treatments come with possible side-effects. The most common are redness and swelling, dryness, burning, itching and pain. These side-effects can worsen if you’re exposed to hot or warm water and hot weather while using the products.
Capsaicin may make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. Use sunscreen every time you head outside.
If you experience hives, swelling, chest tightness or itchiness after using capsaicin, see your doctor immediately. It could be an allergic reaction.
Besides pain relief, the heat from capsaicin can also help with a cold. Sprinkle chilli flakes, powder or fresh chillies on your food to help drain your nasal passages and sinus areas. Chilli also has a good dose of Vitamin C to boost your immune system.

References:

What to do about that painful bump in your eyelid

May 13th, 2019 by Content Editor

Do you have a bump or swelling on your eyelid? Don’t worry, it’s probably just a chalazion (the plural is chalazia), a small bump that forms on the eyelid.

Chalazia
Look like cysts and form around an oil gland in your eyelid. This causes swollen, red eyelids.
This pesky bump is usually filled with pus and fatty substances that are meant to moisten your eyes but become trapped inside instead.

What causes it? 

There are glands all over your body. They make cells, tissues and your organs. Special glands called the meibomian glands in your upper and lower eyelids make oil that mixes with your tears to protect and moisten your eyes. When this liquid becomes too thick, or if the glands become clogged up because of inflammation, a chalazion can develop.

Common symptoms of a chalazion include:

Swollen eyelids.
Redness of the eyelid skin.
Watery eyes.
Blurry vision.
Soreness or discomfort.

How is it diagnosed? 

For a proper diagnosis, it’s best to talk to an eye doctor. To check if you have a chalazion or another eye condition, your doctor will go over your medical history and ask about any other health problems that could be causing a growth on your eyelid.

He will also check your eyelids, the skin texture around your eyes, your eyelashes and overall eye appearance.

Treatment 

Most chalazia drain on their own within a few weeks. If the bump doesn’t go down or starts to grows larger, it’s time to see your doctor again.

To help heal the chalazion:

Apply a warm compress to your eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, four to six times a day for a few weeks. The warmth from the compress can help soften the hardened oil that’s blocking your tear ducts and allow it to drain and heal. You can make a compress by dipping a clean, soft cloth in warm water and then wring it out. You can also buy over-the-counter heat masks.
Gently massage the outer edges of your eyelids to help drain your eyes. Once your eyes are drained, keep the area clean.
Avoid touching your eyes to protect them from infection. Don’t squeeze or pop them either as this can cause more damage.
If you develop chalazia often, tell your doctor. He may suggest some preventative methods and prescribe medication. This could include cleaning your eyelids regularly, applying medicine to your eyelids or oral medication.
If the bump doesn’t drain and heal within a month, see your doctor immediately.
If a chalazia is very painful or causes discomfort, your doctor may do in-office surgery to remove the bump.