Herbal Remedies: Leg Pain

 Causes

There are several hundred (even thousands) reasons why leg pain occurs.

Some of the general reasons may be:

Trauma: the most obvious cause of leg pain.

Falls, near falls, and twisting: these injuries can damage bones, muscles, and joints of the leg or a combination of all three.

Back pain: due to injury, can inflame the sciatic nerve and cause sciatica. This is a pain that radiates down the leg and follows the path of one of the many nerve roots that leave the spinal cord and make up the sciatic nerve.

Leg pain can also be caused due to fractures, shin splints, sprains, strains, blood clots, bleeding, etc.

Symptoms

1. Depending on the cause and the individual situation, symptoms of leg pain may have a wide range of presentation. The pain may be described in a variety of ways, including sharp, dull, heavy, aching, or burning. It may be constant or intermittent or made better or worse with activity or rest. There may be other associated symptoms, depending on the cause.

2. Pain from muscles and joints often can be felt or palpated, meaning that touching the area reproduces the pain. However, the pain may radiate from the source to another location.

3. Patients who suffer from claudication develop pain with exercise, but as the blood vessels narrow over time, the amount of activity required to bring on the pain decreases. Also, this type of pain tends to resolve with rest. As the disease progresses, at some point, the patient may complain of pain at rest, not requiring exercise or activity to bring it on.

4. Those who have a blood clot causing ischemia (decreased oxygen supply to the tissues) tend to have an acute onset of pain that is intense and involves the whole extremity below the area of the arterial blockage. It may be associated with numbness or paralysis sometimes the body can dissolve the clot on its own and as the blood supply is restored, the pain resolves.

5. People with neuropathy tend to describe their pain as a purging sensation while those who have sciatica describe intense sharp pain. Sciatica may also cause changes in sensation along the path of the inflamed root.

6. Nighttime symptoms of pain and leg cramps may be associated with restless leg syndrome, a sleep disorder.

Remedies

1. A warm water bath of Epsom salt -- rich in magnesium, is a good pain reliever. This is very helpful for arthritis and also relieves leg pain.

2. One of the useful home remedies for leg pains.

3. A good balance of work and rest is very necessary.

4. Take enough rest as it relieves leg pain.

5. Rubbing lobelia paste also provides relief from leg pain. This is one of the best home remedies for leg pains.

6. Vinegar is also great for relieving leg pain, controlling weight, chest burns, injuries of joints, and bad breath.

7. A cloth pad thoroughly wet in vinegar solution when applied firmly to the joints, foot, or other part of the leg relieves leg pain and discomfort.

8. Eating hard shell nuts also relieves leg pain.

9. Gently massage your using hot pads as it provides relief to leg pain.

10. Massaging with oils like mustard oil, and coconut oil gives fast relief from severe leg pain. One of the useful home remedies for leg pains.

11. Regular warm oil massage in a downward direction relieves leg pain. Stretch your leg gently and massage the strained muscles using warm oil, it gives relief from pain in joints, knees, leg pain, calf muscles, and hips.

12. You can also take one tablespoon of methi, which is a very effective vegetable and helps in curing various diseases. Dry methi leaves under the sun for 4-5 days. Mix it in a glass of water. Take this mixture in the early morning. This is one of the important home remedies for leg pains.

13. Rub your feet using ice blocks as they soothe the tired muscles.

14. A warm water bath relaxes your overall body and mind, so whenever you feel tiredness and pain in your leg. go for a warm water bath, this will unstrain the tired muscles.

15. Drink lots of water -- It gives good strength to the bones and muscles.

16. Regular exercise and yoga also relieves pain.

Precautions

1, Do not climb steps frequently.

2. Avoid sitting on the floor.

3. Exercise regularly.

4. Do yoga.

5. Increase your intake of calcium in your diet.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "V"-"Z"

 A vaccine is a biological preparation of a weakened or dead pathogen (bacterium or virus) or its structure that is administered to provide immunity by stimulating the production of antibodies.

Warts are small, contagious, solid, rounded lumps of tissue growth caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) on the skin and mucus membranes. Warts typically occur on the hands, feet, and genital areas.

Yellow Fever, also known as Yellow Jack, is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by flavivirus, an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitos of the genera Aedes, especially a aegypti, and haemagogus. It is characterized by high fever, headache, chills, and often gastrointestinal hemorrhaging. The damage to the liver, causing jaundice, leads to yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

Zoonosis refers to an infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to human beings, with the animal being a natural reservoir for the infectious agent. Examples of zoonotic diseases include rabies, anthrax, plague, etc.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "T"

 Tetanus commonly called Lockjaw, is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system. Tetanus is caused by a toxin (tetanospasmin) produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani that typically infects the body through a deep wood. The toxin affects the nerves controlling muscle activity especially those of the neck and jaw, and the symptoms associated with it include jaw or neck stiffness and difficulty in swallowing.

Thrush is a contagious fungal infection of the oral cavity caused by candida albicans that most often occurs in infants and children. It is characterized by small whitish eruptions on the mouth, throat, and tongue, accompanied by fever colic, and diarrhea.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis or tubercle bacillus that mainly affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. It is characterized by a cough, fever shortness of breath, weight loss, and the appearance of tubercles or tiny lumps and caseous necrosis in the tissues of the lungs.

Typhoid fever is an acute bacterial infection caused by salmonella typhi which enters the body through food and water contaminated by feces from an infected individual. It is characterized by symptoms like fever, chills, a rash called red spots on the abdomen and chest, headache, ulcerations of the intestinal wall, and abdominal pain.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "S"

 SARS or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a contagious viral disease caused by a coronavirus called SARS-Associated Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) causing dry cough and shortness of breath.

Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabiei that burrows into the skin to lay eggs causing severe itching, especially at night.

 Scarlet Fever is an acute contagious bacterial infection common in children, caused by streptococcus. Pyogenes Group A Streptococci), is characterized by severe sore throat, fever, bright red rash (scarlet) on the neck and upper trunk that spreads rapidly, and pale tongue coated with red spots (strawberry tongue).

Serum is the clear yellow liquid component of clotted blood. The absence of fibrinogen or the other clotting factors distinguishes serum from plasma. It consists of electrolytes and proteins like antibodies which are useful in many diagnostic processes.

A skin prick test is done to detect allergy sensitivity or infection. Small amounts of purified allergen extracts are pricked into the skin of the arm or upper back and observed for signs of an allergic reaction. A positive reaction is indicated when the pricked skin becomes red and itchy.

A spinal tap or lumbar puncture is a procedure performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing, particularly for infections in the central nervous system, spinal cord tumors, and cancer in the CNS. The spinal tap is collected from the spinal canal using a special needle.

Spongiform encephalopathy, also called Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, is a rare and fatal degenerative brain disease caused by prions. This infection is characterized by progressive mental deterioration, dementia, encephalopathy, and coma.

Staphylococci are spherical Gram-positive bacteria that occur in grapelike clusters. They are the normal flora of the skin and upper respiratory tract. The pathogenic species can cause illness through direct infections or through the toxins they produce.

A stem cell is a basic cell in the body with the ability to divide through mitotic cell division and differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cell types of more than 200.

Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria affecting the mucus lining of the pharynx, strep throat can develop into pneumatic fever or other serious conditions if left untreated.

Streptococci are spherical Gram-positive bacteria occurring in pairs or chains, including many erythrocytolytic, and pathogenic species streptococci constitute part of the normal flora of the mouth, skin, intestine, and upper respiratory tract. Pathogenic species cause infections like strep throat, erysipelas, and scarlet fever.

The structure is an abnormal narrowing of passage or duct in the body (e.g., urethra, esophagus, ureter) due to the inflammation, growth of tumors, and scarring of pressure from the surrounding organs.

Swine Flu, or H1N1 Flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the H1N1 Flu virus, a strain of the Influenza virus that usually affects pigs, but may also affect humans. The symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu -- fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue.

Syphilis is a chronic venereal or sexually transmitted disease caused by spirochaete treponema pallidum. The disease is either congenital or acquired through sexual contact or contaminated needles and progresses through three stages -- local formation of chancres, ulcerous skin eruptions, and systemic infection leading to general paresis.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "R"

 Rabies is a deadly viral disease spread through the saliva of infected animals like dogs, that affects the central nervous system. Once the virus enters the brain, it causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The disease is characterized by aggressiveness, extreme thirst, excessive salivation, and extreme paralysis leading to death.

Red blood cells or erythrocytes are biconcave disc-shaped cells that contain hemoglobin, responsible for transporting oxygen to, and carbon dioxide away from, all parts of the body.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "P"

 Pneumonia is the acute inflammation of the lungs leading to severe respiratory problems and is caused by bacteria, amoebae, viruses, fungi, parasites, or injury to the lungs.

Phagocytes are immune cells that ingest and destroy microorganisms and foreign matter by cellular digestion or the process known as phagocytosis.

Phagocytosis is an immune response produced by the body, wherein the white blood cells engulf and destroy microorganisms and other foreign particles.

Pharyngitis, commonly known as sore throat, is inflammation of the pharynx caused by viral or bacterial infection and characterized by pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Plague is an infectious and often fatal disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia Pestis. It is primarily a disease of rodents transmitted to humans by the bite of infected rodents especially rats and the fleas that feed off them. Plague takes three forms: bubonic--the mildest, has characteristic swollen lymph nodes (buboes); Pneumonic--plague has extensive lung involvement and is spread from person to person from infected droplets expelled during coughing; and Septicaemic--plague where bacteria enters the bloodstream, which is almost invariably fatal.

Pleuritis is the inflammation of Pleuria, the membrane that surrounds the lungs. The causes include infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Pneumococci is a general term used to refer to streptococcus pneumoniae, a non-motive Gram-positive bacterium that is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia, associated with meningitis and other infectious diseases.

Polio or infantile paralysis is an acute and contagious viral disease affecting the central nervous system. Caused by poliovirus, the disease primarily affects children causing asymmetric paralysis, most often in the legs.

Pseudomonas is a rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria that belongs to the family Pseudomonads, commonly found in soil and water, Pseudomonas is an occasional pathogen of plants and also a normal flora of the human skin which can turn pathogenic when it exploits some break in the host defenses.

Pus is a thick yellowish-white fluid formed in infected tissues, which contain dead white blood cells, tissue fluid, bacteria, and other cellular debris.

A pustule is a tender, red, elevated, pus-containing inflamed lesion resembling a blister that can rupture easily.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "O"

 Oedema is the swelling that results from excessive accumulation of fluid in cells, tissue, spaces, or body cavities.

Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear that is located behind the eardrum. More common in children than adults, the infection is marked by inflammation and accumulations of fluid in the middle ear, bulging of the eardrum, and pain in the ear.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "N"

Necrosis refers to the death of cells or tissue due to injury, disease, or interrupted blood supply.

Nodules are inflammatory lesions formed below the skin surface that are hard and painful.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "M"

 Malaria is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium spread through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. The parasites multiply within red blood cells, causing symptoms that include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, fever, chills, nausea, and an enlarged spleen.

Macrophages are phagocytic white blood cells that ingest foreign materials, such as pathogens, in an immune response. They also secrete substances that stimulate other cells of the immune system, like lymphocytes.

A mast cell is a cell in the connective tissue with Basophilic granules. They release Hepain and Histamine during allergic reactions or inflammation.

Measles is an infection caused by paramyxovirus, marked by itchy rashes that often start on the head and move down the body. The early signs of measles include high fever, cough, and nasal discharge accompanied by Koplik's spots.

Meninges are very fine, tough, and durable membranes that line the skull and bones of the vertebral canal.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranous covering of the central nervous system, due to bacterial or viral infection that spreads into the cerebrospinal fluid, causing headache, fever, and rigidity of the neck muscles.

Monoclonal antibody is a term used to refer to any of the highly specific, identical antibodies, mass-produced in the laboratory from a clone obtained by fusing a B-cell with a tumor cell.

Mumps is a viral infection caused by paramyxovirus affecting salivary glands. it causes inflammatory swelling of parotid glands associated with fever, illness, and pain during chewing/swallowing.

Myringotomy is a surgical procedure to drain the fluid accumulated in the middle ear by an incision in the eardrum.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "L"

 Leprosy is a slow-progressing infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae, mainly affecting the peripheral nerves and skin. Also known as Hansen's Disease, it is characterized by ulceration of skin, nodules, and loss of sensation with eventual paralysis. The progressive debilitation leads to amputation of affected parts.

Leukocytes, also called white blood cells, are the cells that help the body fight infections and diseases.

Tetanus, commonly called Lockjaw, is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system. Tetanus is caused by a toxin (Tetanospasmin) produced by the bacterium Clostridium Tetani that typically infects the body through a deep wound. The toxin affects the nerves controlling muscle activity especially those of the neck and jaw, and the symptoms associated with it include jaw or neck stiffness and difficulty in swallowing.

Lumbar puncture or spinal tap is a procedure performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing, particularly for infectious in the central nervous system, spinal cord tumors, and cancer in the CNS. The spinal fluid is collected from the spinal canal using a special needle.

Lymph glands or lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures found at intervals throughout the lymphatic system. The lymph node can trap cancer cells, bacteria, or viruses that are traveling through the body, besides eliminating foreign substances from the lymphatic fluid.

Lymph nodes or lymph glands are small bean-shaped structures found at intervals throughout the lymphatic system. The lymph node can trap cancer cells, bacteria, or viruses that are traveling through the body, besides eliminating foreign substances from the lymphatic fluid.

Lymphadenopathy is the enlargement of the lymph nodes, usually indicative of infections or autoimmune diseases.

Lymphatic are channels in the lymphatic system similar to blood vessels that transport lymph or tissue fluid from the body and eventually drain back into the bloodstream.

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that help the body fight infection and disease. The two main types of lymphocytes are B cells and T cells. B cells make antibodies, while T cells attack the body cells that are cancerous or infected.

Infectious Deseases Starting with "K"

 Kaposi's Sarcoma is a cancerous tumor arising from blood vessels, usually in the skin, forming skin lesions, or mucus membranes that line the mouth, nose, or anus. They also spread to other organs in the body, such as the lungs, liver, or intestinal tract. It is the most common form of cancer in AIDS patients.

Keloid is the proliferative growth of the scar tissue in the skin resulting in a thick pinkish scar on the surface after an injury, trauma, or burns, accompanied by pain and itching.

Keratin is a fibrous, insoluble structural protein forming the principal constituent of the outermost layer of hairs, nails, and skin. 

Klebsiella is a rod-shaped bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae, with a prominent polysaccharide capsule. These organisms cause pulmonary, intestinal, and urinogenital infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, etc.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "I"

 Influenza, generally referred to as Flu, is an infectious respiratory disease. It is caused by certain strains of the Influenza virus and is characterized by fever, headache, muscular pain, and weakness.

Antigens or immunogens are substances that can stimulate an immune response by producing antibodies against it. Antigens can be proteins or polysaccharides of microorganisms, toxins, foreign blood cells, cells of transplanted organs, etc.

Antibodies or Immunoglobulins are immune proteins found in blood or lymph, and produced by B lymphocytes as an immune defense against protein substances (antigens). They combine with the very antigen that triggers their synthesis to neutralize their action.

Interferons are a group of Glycoproteins produced by Leucocytes, T-lymphocytes, and Fibroblasts as an immune response to viral infection or tumor cells.

infectious Diseases Starting with "H"

 H1N1 Flu or Swine Flu is a respiratory illness caused by the H1N1 Flu virus, a strain of the Influenza virus that usually affects pigs, but may also affect humans. The symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to those of the regular human seasonal flu -- fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue.

Hansen's Disease is a slow-progressing, infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium Leprae, mainly affecting the peripheral nerves and skin, also known as Leprosy. It is characterized by ulceration of the skin, nodules, and loss of sensation with eventual paralysis, the progressive debilitation leads to amputation of affected parts.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by viral infection, alcohol abuse, or toxic chemicals and is accompanied by jaundice, fever, and abdominal pain.

Herpes Zoster or Shingles is an infection of the nerves supplying certain areas of the skin, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes Chickenpox. After an episode of Chickenpox, the virus can remain dominant in nerve for several years and re-emerge as Shingles. Symptoms include itching, tingling, pain, and rash that turns into blisters which gradually crut over leaving scars, usually on one side of the body.

Herpes is a common viral infection caused by Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). The infection can occur in the mouth and in the genitals manifesting as cold sores and genital sores, respectively. 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes Aids, a deadly disease of the human immune system. HIV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, the other modes of transmission are by contact with infected blood or blood products, tissue, and organ donation; sharing of needles among intravenous drug users, and from an infected mother to a child during childbirth and via breast milk.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "G"

 Genital warts are small fleshly outgrowths on the skin or adjoining mucus membranes of the genitals or anus caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) that are sexually transmitted.

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the parasitic Protozoan Giardia Lamblia, transmitted mainly through contaminated food and water. It causes diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort.

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial infection. It is the first stage of Periodontal disease.

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infectious disease caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorroeae. It is characterized by the inflammation of the genital mucus membrane and it is associated with painful urination and a swollen uretha. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the throat, eyes, oral tissues, brain, joints, and heart valves.

Gram-negative bacteria are a type of bacteria that lose the crystal violet stain in favor of the red counter-stain, Safranin, during Gram's method of staining. This staining property is attributed to the structural difference in the cell walls of bacteria.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "F"

 Filariasis is a common parasitic infection caused by the nematode Wucheria Bancofti and its larvae. Transmitted by some species of Culex mosquitos into the human blood, the parasites cause gross enlargement of their lower extremities and other parts of the body, associated with fever and skin lesions, gradually leading to elephantiasis.

Influenza, generally referred to as Flu, is an infectious respiratory disease. It is caused by certain strains of the influenza virus and is characterized by fever, headache, muscular pain, and weakness.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "E"

ELISA is a RAAD ImmonoChemical Test that involves an enzyme linked to an antibody or antigen as a marker for the detection of a specific protein, especially an antigen or antibody. ELISA is routinely used to determine the presence of antibodies to HIV in blood.

Encephalitis is an acute infection and inflammation of the brain. Usually caused by a virus, encephalitis is caused by headache, photophobia, drowsiness, and nausea.

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells that enhance immune response during inflammatory reactions in the body, particularly allergic responses and infections. They are distinguished by the presence of bilobed nuclei and uniform coarse granules in their cytoplasm.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "D"

 Dendritic cells are immune cells that boost immune responses. Being one among the antigen-presenting cells (ADCs), the dendritic cells process and present antigens to other cells of the immune system through the receptors on their surface.

Dengue is an acute infectious disease caused by the arbovirus which is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, characteristics are severe joint and muscle pain, fever, headache, and rash.

Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease typically marked by the formation of a pseudo-membrane around the tonsils and other sites of infection in the upper respiratory tract. Caused by the bacterium Coryne Bacterium Diphtheriae, the infection has symptoms like sore throat, fever, and difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "C"

 Chlamydia are a group of Gram Bacteria that belong to the Phlym Chlamydiae. They are obligate intracellular parasites. Chlamydial infections are the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection among humans. Caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis, the infection manifests as inflammation in the urethra, cervix, and fallopian tubes, and can lead to infertility.

Chickenpox is a contagious viral disease caused by the Varicella Zoster virus which is transmitted through the air or by direct contact with an infected person. More common in children, it is characterized by itchy rashes, fever, and fluid-filled blisters that appear first on the chest and stomach, then the entire body.

Chikungunya is a viral disease caused by Togavirus of the genus Alphavirus, which is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos. It causes fever and severe joint pain.

Contact Dermatitis is a skin inflammation that occurs due to direct contact with an irritant or allergen.

Contagious is a term used to describe a disease that can spread easily from person to person either by direct or indirect contact or is communicable.

Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease, also called Spongiform Encephalopathy, is a rare and fatal degenerative brain disease caused by prions. This infection is characterized by progressive mental deterioration, dementia, encephalopathy, and coma.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "B"

 Bacteria are microscopic unicellular organisms with a wide range of shapes, abundant in air, water, and soil, a few of which are beneficial while some are pathogenic--and all are the cause of many diseases that are responsible for the allergic and antigen response. The least common form of grand locyte, basophils store and secrete histamine, a chemical causing inflammation.

Biopsy is the diagnostic procedure that involves removal of tissue sample from the living body, using a needle, for microscopic analysis.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids along the eyelashes due to an overgrowth of bacteria. It causes burning, redness, irritation, itchy eyelids, and scaly skin on the eyelashes.

Blisters are localized lesions on the skin filled with watery fluid, pus, of blood, caused by burns, rubbing, or allergic reaction.

Botulism is a rare but serious pralyptic illness that occurs from a toxin in contaminated food, produces by the bacteria Clostriduim Botulinum. The bacteria can grow in canned foods and colonize in the digestive tracts, or can enter the human by contamination of a wound. In all types of botulism paralysis starts in the facial muscles and can spread toward the limbs.

Infectious Diseases Starting with "A"

 Anthrax is an acute infection caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus Anthracis, a microbe that lives in soil, and mainly in livestock. Humans are infected through skin contact, ingestion, or inspiration of spores from infected animals or animal products. The most common form of infection in humans is cutaneous anthrax which affects the skin and pulmonary anthrax which affects lungs, characterized by ulcerative skin lesions and severe breathing problems, respectively.

Abcess is a localized collection of pus, that develops as an immune reaction to infection. The skin surrounding the inflamed area is usually red and painful.

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a severe immunological condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIDS increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections and cancers due to the defect in cell-mediated immune response.

Anaerobes are organisms that can live and grow in complete or partial absence of oxygen.

An antibiotic is a drug that inhibits the growth of or destroys other organisms within the host during infection. Antibiotics are non-toxic to the host cell.

Antibodies or immunoglobulins are immune proteins found in blood or lymph, and produced by B lymphocytes. As an immune defense against foreign substances (antigens). they combine with the very antigen that triggers their synthesis to neutralize their action.

Antigens or immunogens are substances that can stimulate an immune response by producing antibodies against it. Antigens can be proteins or polysaccharides of microorganisms, toxins, foreign blood cells of transplanted organs, etc.

Aspergillus is a genus of fungus that includes several common molds growing on decaying plants. Aspergillosis is a common disease caused by Aspergillus characterized by cough, fever, and chest pain.

What You Can Do to Prevent Cancer and Why It Works

 Ditch the Smokes

Every puff of tobacco is packed with 250 harmful chemicals. Nearly 70 of them cause cancer. And it's more than just lung cancer. Cigarettes are linked to 12 other kinds, including stomach, bladder, kidney, mouth, and throat. The sooner you stop the better. Ask your doctor for advice on quit-smoking methods.

Eat More Broccoli

Fruits and veggies pack an anti-cancer punch because they're high in nutrients and fiber, and low in fat. Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, watercress, or other cruciferous vegetables. They protect against DNA damage that can turn cells cancerous. Or eat colorful berries. Studies show they have cancer-fighting chemicals that ward off damage to cells.

Trim a Few Pounds

Extra weight around your middle could add up to a greater chance of having cancer, especially of the breast, colon, uterus, pancreas, esophagus, and gallbladder. Researchers say one reason may be that fat cells release substances that encourage cancer cells to grow.

Go Easy on Alcohol

Tip back too many martinis each day, and your odds of cancer go up. Alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, breast, liver, esophagus, and others. The more you drink, the higher your risk. If you drink, do it in moderation. Women should stick to one drink a day, men up to two.

Cut Back on Hot Dogs

Think twice before you throw some on the grill. Studies show that processed meats, like hot dogs, bacon, and sausage, have chemicals called nitrites and nitrates that may be linked to cancer. And research suggests too much red meat like steak and burgers could be a long-term risk for colorectal cancer. Choose safer alternatives for your backyard cookout, like chicken breast or fish.

Get Off the Couch

Do you spend too much time lounging around? Cancer prevention is one more reason to get moving. Exercise fights obesity and lowers levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin, which have been linked to cancer. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise -- the kind that gets your heart pumping -- on most days of the week.

Put on Sunscreen

Baking in the sun might give you a healthy-looking glow, but under the surface, UV rays cause skin damage that could lead to cancer. Because you can burn in just 15 minutes, rub on sunscreen before you go outside. Pick a broad-spectrum product with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply whenever you sweat or swim. And when you're out in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat and wraparound sunglasses.

Practice Safer Sex

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) aren't your only worry during unprotected sex. Some of these infections also increase your odds of having cancer. About 70% of cervical cancers start with human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18. Some types of hepatitis can cause liver cancer. To stay safe, use a latex condom every time you have sex.

Get Vaccinated

When it comes to vaccines, think beyond your annual flu shot. Some can protect against cancer, too. Certain HPV vaccines prevent cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus. The time to get vaccinated is between ages 9 and 26. The hepatitis B vaccine wards off the virus that causes liver cancer. It's part of the childhood vaccination schedule.

Avoid Toxic Chemicals

Chemicals called carcinogens damage DNA in your cells and raise your chance of having cancer if you touch, eat, or breathe them in. Asbestos, radon, and benzene are a few that some people come into contact with at work or home. Chemicals in weedkillers, plastics, and some home products may also be risky. You can't avoid every chemical but know which ones are in the products you use and switch to safer options if you can.

Know Your Family History

You inherited more than your mother's eyes or your father's grin. They may also have shared their chances of having diseases like cancer. Some genes that parents pass down to their kids have flaws. They don't repair damaged DNA the way they should, which lets cells turn into cancer. Learn about your family's medical history and ask your doctor if a genetic test is a good idea for you.

Stay Up to Date with Screenings

Screening tests catch cancer early -- sometimes even before it starts. A colonoscopy often finds polyps in the colon and rectum before they turn into cancer. The Pap test locates pre-cancerous and cancerous cells in a woman's cervix. Mammograms and low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) look for early breast and lung cancers. Ask your doctor when to start getting these tests, and how often you need them.

Take Meds if You Need Them

Some drugs lower your odds of getting certain cancers. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) and raloxifene (Evista) can reduce breast cancer risk but may have serious side effects. Aspirin may protect against colorectal and prostate cancers. Be wary, though, of supplements that promise to keep you cancer-free. Many haven't been proven, and some have side effects.

Be Cautious About Hormone Therapy

It can ease menopause symptoms like hot flashes and fatigue, and protect your bones. However hormone therapy may raise your chances of breast cancer and make cancer harder to detect. Ask your doctor about your risks before you try this treatment.

What to Do after You Overeat

 Relax

Don’t beat yourself up. One over-the-top meal won't ruin your health. Plus, too much guilt about eating habits can lead you to deny yourself. This can make you feel deprived and then cause you to binge again in an unhealthy cycle. Instead, decide what you'll do differently in the future, especially in the days that follow.

Take a Walk

An easy stroll will help stimulate your digestion and even out your blood sugar levels. Or go for a leisurely bike ride instead. But don’t overdo it. A real workout could send the blood to your legs instead of your stomach, which could slow digestion.

Drink Water

Don’t chug it by the liter until you feel sick. Just sip on a cup of water (about 8 ounces) after a big meal. It can help your body get rid of excess salt you likely got from your meal. It can also keep you from getting constipated. Continue to drink water over the rest of the day to keep yourself hydrated.

Don’t Lie Down

That means no naps (unless you can do it standing up). First, you lose the chance to burn off some of those calories you just ate by, say, doing the dishes or going for a walk. Also, when you lie down with a full stomach, food can work its way back up. This can slow digestion and worsen acid reflux (GERD). The couch will have to wait until your food has time to settle.

Skip the Bubbles

If you’ve already overdone it, carbonated drinks may not be a great idea. When you drink them, you swallow gas that can fill up your digestive system. This will make you feel even more bloated. You burp some of it away, and the rest moves through your digestive system until you pass it as gas.

Give Away Leftovers

If you still have food left after a meal, it might make you think you've eaten a healthy amount even though you've actually eaten too much. Some research suggests that this could make you eat more and exercise less later. If you keep leftovers, it may help to divide them into single servings so you don’t overdo it next time. Don’t keep calorie bombs like grandma’s pecan pie in the kitchen if you know you can’t resist.

Work Out

After some time has gone by, work up a real sweat: Run, lift weights, play basketball. It’s best to wait at least 3 to 4 hours after a big meal. It will burn off some of those extra calories. It may also help jump-start your metabolism and prevent constipation. And regular exercise seems to help control mood and hunger so you’re less likely to overeat in the future. 

Plan Your Next Meal

You can’t “uneat” that third slice of turtle chocolate cheesecake at your brother’s birthday feast. But you can prepare so you don’t overdo it tomorrow and beyond. Choose low-calorie recipes and plan out your meals for the week. Set aside time to make as many of your meals in advance as possible. Phone and computer apps can help you plan it all out to the last calorie.

Eat Mindfully

Try to look at eating as a kind of meditation. Pay attention to the flavor, feel, and color of your food. Think about the meal: Where was the food grown or raised? How did the cook make it? Try to take small bites and chew well. Stop from time to time and ask yourself if you feel full yet. This can help you eat less and feel more satisfied. 

Eat Slowly

It can take around 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain it’s full. If you’ve already eaten too much in the first 10 minutes, you haven’t given your brain the chance to figure it out. Half an hour later, you’re sure to feel uncomfortable from too much food. Slow down and you may find that not only do you eat fewer calories, but you also feel more satisfied.

The Old Switcheroo

You can eat more food with fewer calories if you switch out foods like fatty meat, white bread, and french fries for healthier choices. Think vegetables like broccoli, yellow squash, asparagus, and salad greens. Whole grains are better than white rice or pasta because they have more protein and fiber. This will help keep you satisfied longer so you’ll eat less.

When to Seek Help

If you often eat until you’re too full or even sick, you could have what's called a binge eating disorder. You might hide it from others. You may feel ashamed or disgusted after you eat too much. It may seem like you can’t stop even if you want to. Over time, it can take a serious toll on your body as well as your mental health. Treatment can help, so talk to a doctor if you’re worried.

Worst Things You Can Put on Your Face

 Hydrogen Peroxide

It’s a popular zit fighter because it kills bacteria living on your face. But hydrogen peroxide can damage your own skin cells, including fibroblasts that help make new tissue and heal wounds. Also, avoid it for cleaning cuts and scrapes. Use soap and water instead. Hydrogen peroxide might irritate your already fragile skin.

Breast Milk

This liquid gold has long been known for its bevy of health benefits for babies. Now some spas are offering breast milk facials to tamp down pimples and to soothe skin. It won’t hurt you. But you’re better off using a cream or other products that contain lauric acid, the fatty compound found in mother’s milk.

Witch Hazel

This plant is a common natural remedy to treat acne, tighten pores, and fight greasiness. Witch hazel acts as an astringent, a type of chemical that causes your skin tissue to contract. But toners that contain witch hazel can strip all the natural oils from your skin. That might lead to irritation, dryness, and even allergic reactions.

Hydrocortisone Cream

This medication is a balm for red, itchy, swollen skin. So you might be tempted to smear it on if you have rosacea or similar conditions. But this type of steroid cream thins the skin, so the blood vessels on your face are more likely to burst. It also can force your oil glands to go into overdrive, leading to what’s called “steroid acne.” It’s OK to apply a small amount for bug bites and itchy rashes for a day or two.

Deodorant

If beads of sweat are always rolling down your face, swiping an antiperspirant over your brows, cheeks, and elsewhere may seem like a clever solution. It isn’t. Deodorant sticks and rollers can clog pores and make you break out. The skin on your face is also sensitive, and you might get an allergic reaction. See a dermatologist instead. They may curb your sweaty glands with prescription medications or Botox.

Honey

This sweet stuff has been used to treat wounds since ancient times. Today, some folks dab it on to banish acne. Honey helps to keep germs at bay and lessens inflammation. But it probably doesn’t do much. One study found that honey worked no better than antibacterial soap. If you still want to try it, look for manuka honey which has a minimum rating of 10 UMF to ensure it has enough germ-fighting power.

Hair Dye

If you color your hair, you may want your brows to match. But it’s not a DIY project. Home dyes have too much peroxide to use safely near your brows. You might burn the surrounding skin or even injure your eyes. Instead, look for tinted brow gel at your drugstore. Or coat your brows with a lightweight mascara or eye shadow powder.

Urine

Devotees swear by their pee as the secret to smooth, unclogged skin. Urine is made up of mostly water and a compound called urea. Many creams and potions include a lab-made form of urea because it binds to moisture in the air and draws it to the skin. But your pee probably doesn’t contain enough of it to matter. Plus, it’s just gross.

Hair Spray

It’s a handy and effective fix to stop a run in your stocking or to get rid of static cling. But don’t use hair spray to set your makeup. The same ingredients that make hair stick also can dry out your skin or trigger an allergic reaction. A makeup setting spray is a better choice.

Lemon Juice

It’s loaded with vitamin C, which can brighten skin and smooth fine lines. But lemon juice is acidic and can irritate your face. You also might end up with an ugly rash from phytophotodermatitis, a skin reaction that happens if you expose chemicals in certain plants and fruits to sunlight or other ultraviolet light. The rash goes away on its own, but it can be uncomfortable.

Coconut Oil

If you believe the hype, it’s a magic elixir for beautiful skin. It’s true that coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which has proven zit-fighting powers. But it’s also about 90% saturated fat, which can clog your pores. Use it as much as you want on your body -- in fact, research shows it can help with severe dryness or eczema -- but keep it away from your face.

Very Hot Water

Wash your face following the Goldilocks rule: not too hot, not too cold, but just right. High-temperature water strips your skin of moisture. When that happens, your skin’s oil glands try to replace it by churning out even more oil. The result? Acne breakouts.

Body Lotion

If you run out of your facial moisturizer, you may be tempted to substitute it with your body lotion. Resist. Most lotions for the body are thicker, and thus more likely to clog your pores. They also may have fragrances or other ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction on the thinner, more delicate skin on your face. Want to check if it’s OK to use on your face? The label should say fragrance-free and non-comedogenic

Glue

It’s all the rage on social media: turning school glue into facial masks to root out blackheads. People spread a layer of the white sticky stuff around problem-prone areas, let it dry, and peel it off. Unfortunately, this home hack won’t clean out your pores. It may just leave you with irritated skin or broken blood vessels. Worse yet, you could accidentally strip away the surface layer of your skin.

Nail Polish

Some people might resort to it in a pinch as a substitute for face paint at Halloween or for costume parties. The only place nail polish belongs is on your fingernails. Most contain ingredients like acetate and formaldehyde that can irritate your skin. To clean up, you’ll need nail polish removers, which have even harsher chemicals like acetones that may damage your face.

SOURCES:

Debra Jaliman, MD, dermatologist, Mount Sinai School of Medicine; author, “Skin Rules.”

Angela Lamb, MD, director, Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, New York City.

American Academy of Dermatology: “Scars: Overview.”

BMJ Open: “Randomized controlled trial of topical kanuka honey for the treatment of acne.”

International Hyperhidrosis Society: “Sweaty Face and Head.”

Dermatitis: “A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis.“

Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health: “Coconut Oil.”

The Truth about Carbs

 What Are Carbs?

They’re one of three types of food that give your body energy. The other two are proteins and fats. Together, they provide the fuel your body uses to build and repair itself. Carbs break down into glucose (sugar) that you can use right away.

Your Body’s Fuel

Your body runs on glucose. Your brain, in particular, needs it to work the way it should. Carbohydrates are an almost instant source of it. Your body can break down and use fat for some of the same needs, but not all of them. Plus, fat that’s used for fuel makes compounds called ketones that can raise the level of acid in your blood, and that can be unhealthy over the long term.

Workout Prep

Because carbs are a source of energy, they can keep you going strong while you exercise. Experts recommend fueling up 1 to 3 hours beforehand with a combination of carbs and protein, like oatmeal, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, or nuts and raisins.

Full of Nutrients

The best-quality carbs -- berries, vegetables, and whole grains -- are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that are important for good health and well-being. Whole grains have fatty acids, magnesium, B vitamins, folate, and zinc. Fruit and starchy veggies have some of those, plus phytonutrients like flavonoids and carotenoids that help prevent disease. If you skip the carbs, you lose out on those nutrients, too.

Simple Carbs

Think of table sugar as simple carbs in pure form. They’re very small molecules, which makes them especially easy for your body to break down and use. That means they raise your glucose levels (blood sugar) really fast. Things that sweeten any number of candies, pastries, and desserts are loaded with these kinds of carbs.

Complex Carbs

String together a bunch of simple carbs, and you get these larger molecules. Your body has to break them down into simple carbohydrates and then into glucose before it can use them. This takes longer, which means your blood sugar goes up more slowly and they’re less likely to be changed into fat. These kinds of carbs include multigrain bread and pasta, beans, potatoes, and other vegetables.

Storage Tank

Before your body turns leftover glucose from carbs into fat, it stores what it can in your liver in the form of glycogen. This keeps your body going between meals. But your liver can only keep a day or so’s worth at a time.

If You Have Too Many

If you overdo the carbs, your blood sugar levels can get too high. This causes your body to make more insulin, which tells your cells to save the extra glucose as fat. That can be unhealthy if you’re already carrying a few extra pounds. It can lead to diabetes and other related health issues.

If You Don’t Have Enough

If there aren’t enough carbs in your diet, you could get constipated from lack of fiber and nutrients. Your body is also forced to use protein or fat for energy. Proteins are the building blocks of the body. If you use them as fuel, you may not have enough left to make more cells and keep them healthy.

The Right Amount

The number of carbs you need can depend on your gender, size, and how active you are -- and that can change as you get older. But as a general rule, about half your daily calories should come from carbs in fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and dairy products. Just make sure to go with healthy, complex carbs, and don’t overdo the simple ones.

Low-Carb Diets

In theory, fewer carbs mean less sugar. And “ketogenic” diets have been shown to help some people lose weight and control their blood sugar in the short term. But these diets include lots of protein, and your body may need to use stored calcium to digest it. Plus, digesting lots of protein can be hard on your kidneys over time. You also tend to eat more saturated fat to replace the carbs, and that can be unhealthy in the long term, too.

Diabetes and Carbs

If you have this disease, you need to watch your carbs carefully because your body has trouble keeping your blood sugar at a safe level. If you have too many, your body may not be able to bring your blood sugar down quickly enough. But if your blood sugar gets too low, a glass of juice or another simple carb might be just the thing to kick it back up again. If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about the best way to manage carbs.

Where to Get Healthy Carbs

Look for unrefined whole grains like quinoa, rye, and barley instead of highly processed white bread and pastries. Whole unprocessed fruits and vegetables are better than juices. And it’s a good idea to pass on the high-carb potato foods, especially French fries, in favor of beans, chickpeas, and other legumes.

Study Shows DASH Diet Cuts Risks to Cognitive Decline in Women

 Written by Jay Croft

Oct.24, 2023 -- A heart-healthy diet has been linked with a lower risk of cognitive decline among women over 40 in a new study.

The study found that the more these women stuck to the DASH diet – short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension – the less risk they had of experiencing these issues.

The study was reported in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

The DASH diet relies on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while restricting red meat, salt, added sugars, and fat. It was designed to lower high blood pressure.

The diet also has been shown to reduce people’s risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke, Healthline reported.

The research was based on data from more than 5,000 women who were among 14,000 in the New York University Health Study. Their average age at entering the program was 46.3 years.

Information about their diets was compared to how closely they followed the DASH diet. After about 30 years, the women were asked to share any cognitive issues, with researchers asking them questions that revealed mild cognitive impairment that can lead to dementia.

A third of the participants said they had more than one of the six types of cognitive issues they were asked about. However, those who kept most tightly to the DASH diet had a 17% lower risk of reporting multiple complaints.

Heart-healthy diets like the DASH diet are rich in nutrients found in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds, said Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian for the National Coalition on Healthcare.

“These components possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially reducing brain oxidative stress while promoting neurogenesis (nerve cell formation) and neuronal connectivity, contributing to our brain’s overall health and functionality,” she said.

The DASH diet also reduces high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for cognitive decline, she noted.

Alzheimer’s & Dementia: “Mid-life adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and late-life subjective cognitive complaints in women”

Healthline: “Women Over 40 Who Adopt DASH Diet May Have Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline”

Skin Problems Linked to IBD

 Erythema Nodosum

It causes tender, reddish lumps usually on your shins, which can look like bruises. It may start with flu-like symptoms such as fever and aching. It’s the most common skin problem linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and is related to your immune system’s response to bowel bacteria. The bumps tend to show up when your IBD flares and go away when you treat it. To ease the pain, keep your legs elevated and apply a cool compress. Pain relievers, like ibuprofen or naproxen, may help, too.

Pyoderma Gangrenosum

It’s the next most common skin problem for people with IBD, and the most severe. It starts with a small, red bump, usually on your legs or near where you’ve had surgery. Within hours or days, it grows into a large, painful sore or ulcer. Doctors aren’t sure of the cause. It can be tough to treat. The most common treatment is daily steroids, along with wound care and medications you rub on your skin.

Fissures

IBD can cause small tears in the skin around your anus. They can cause blood in your stool and pain during a bowel movement. Most heal on their own, but warm baths and ointments can ease pain or itchiness. If the fissure doesn’t go away by itself, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help relax the muscles in that area, which allows the tears to heal.

Acne

Some medications that treat IBD can cause skin problems as a side effect. Steroids can cause severe acne and a puffy face. Other side effects of these drugs may include stretch marks, thin skin, ankle swelling, and slow wound healing.

Psoriasis

It’s a disease that can cause red, dry, scaly, itchy skin and soreness. Researchers aren’t clear on how it’s linked with IBD, but people with Crohn’s disease are eight times more likely to have psoriasis. It may be a combination of your genes and immune system that puts you at risk for both diseases. You can treat it with creams, medicine you take by mouth, or light therapy.

Enterocutaneous Fistulas

It’s a small tunnel between your intestines and your skin, usually from the rectum to the vagina, bladder, or buttocks. It may leak waste or pus and cause pain or swelling. It’s more common with Crohn’s disease than with ulcerative colitis. Fistulas are complicated to treat. Depending on where it is and how bad it is, you may need medication or surgery.

Skin Tags

About one-third of people with Crohn’s disease have skin tags around their anus. They happen because of swelling from hemorrhoids. When the swelling goes down, the skin gets thicker and forms either large, hard flaps or flat, soft, painless ones. If waste sticks to the tags, it can irritate your skin. Good hygiene is the best way to prevent discomfort from skin tags.

Canker Sores

Smallmouth sores or ulcers can pop up inside your mouth during IBD flares or as a side effect of medication, you take for the condition. They may make it uncomfortable to eat acidic, spicy, or hot foods. Sores should go away as you treat your Crohn’s or UC. Special mouthwash can also help clear up the sores.

Acrodermatitis Enteropathica

If your IBD leads to ongoing diarrhea, you may lose zinc in your stool. This could cause acrodermatitis enteropathica, a disorder that causes a flaky rash or blisters usually on your hands, feet, face, or genitals. Treatment is simple: Take a zinc supplement.

Pyoderma Vegetans

It’s a rare condition, and it affects people with ulcerative colitis. Like many skin issues related to IBD, researchers believe it’s caused by problems with the immune system. Pyoderma vegetans leads to blisters or patches around the groin or under the arms, which get darker as they heal. There is no standard treatment, but treating the IBD itself is key.

Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis

Vasculitis means “inflammation of the blood vessels,” and leukocytoclastic refers to immune cells that build up in blood vessel walls.  It’s a rare condition. Doctors think it’s caused by immune problems that come with IBD. It looks like raised red spots on your legs and feet. They are sometimes itchy or painful. If it’s severe, they might turn into open sores or large blisters. Vasculitis usually goes away with IBD treatment.

Vitiligo

Vitiligo makes your skin lose its color in blotches. It’s slightly more common in people with IBD, maybe because of a genetic link or because of something related to the immune system. Treatments include medicines, creams, and light therapy.

Clubbing

With this condition, the skin under your nails gets thicker, which causes your fingertips to get bigger and your nails to curve around them? If you have IBD, you have higher odds of finger clubbing, perhaps because of certain chemicals in your blood. There is no treatment, but managing your IBD may help it get better.

Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita

If you’ve had Crohn’s disease for many years, you may be more likely to get this disorder. It causes blisters on your knees, elbows, hands, and feet. It could be caused by ongoing inflammation in your intestines. Steroids and other types of medicine can treat epidermolysis bullosa, but you should also avoid contact sports or anything that could harm your skin.

Sweet’s Syndrome

It starts with a fever and small red bumps that appear quickly on your arms, neck, head, or the trunk of your body. The bumps grow into a painful rash. Doctors don’t know exactly why, but Sweet’s syndrome can appear in response to IBD. You can treat it with steroids, either in pill form or cream, but it’s common for Sweet’s syndrome to come back.

SOURCES:

Frontiers in Physiology: “Skin Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.”

Mayo Clinic: “Pyoderma gangrenosum,” “Psoriasis,” “Vitiligo,” “Fingernails: Possible problems,” “Sweet’s Syndrome.”

InflammatoryBowelDisease.net: “What is an Anal Fissure,” “What is a Fistula?” “Perianal Disease,” “Mouth Sores and Other Oral Symptoms.”

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation: “Skin Complications of IBD.”

Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis: “Psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Two Sides of the Same Coin?”

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: “Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis.”

Diseases of the Colon & Rectum: “Finger Clubbing, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Circulant Vasodilators.”

Medscape: “Erythema Nodosum Treatment & Management,” “Clubbing of the Nails Treatment & Management.”

Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center: “Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.”

Signs You're Low on Vitamin C

 How Much Do You Need?

If you eat a balanced diet, it's pretty easy to get enough. Adult women (who aren't pregnant or breastfeeding) need 75 milligrams of vitamin C per day; men, 90 milligrams. A mere 1/2 cup of raw red bell pepper or 3/4 cup of orange juice will do it, while 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli gets you at least halfway there. Your body doesn't make or store vitamin C, so you have to eat it every day.

Who's Falling Short?

The most likely people include those with an overall poor diet, with kidney disease who get dialysis, heavy drinkers, and smokers. You'll need an extra 35 milligrams of vitamin C per day to help repair the damage caused by free radicals that form when you smoke. If you're among the 7% of Americans who aren't getting enough vitamin C, you'll notice symptoms within 3 months.

Slow Wound Healing

When you get hurt, vitamin C plays a role in healing. Your body needs it to make collagen, a protein that plays a role in each stage of repairing the skin. And vitamin C helps neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that fights off infection, work well.

Bleeding Gums, Nosebleeds, Bruises

Vitamin C keeps your blood vessels healthy, and it helps your blood clot. Collagen is also essential for healthy teeth and gums. One study found that people with gum disease who ate grapefruit for 2 weeks noticed their gums didn't bleed as much.

Weight Gain

Early research has found a link between low levels of vitamin C and higher amounts of body fat, especially belly fat. This vitamin may also play a role in how well your body burns fat for energy.

Dry, Wrinkled Skin

People who eat a healthy diet with plenty of vitamin C may have smoother, softer skin. One possible reason is that vitamin C is an antioxidant, it can help protect your skin from free radicals. These break down oils, proteins, and even DNA.

Tired and Cranky

In a very small study, 6 of the 7 men who had low levels of vitamin C said they felt tired and irritable. That suggests a link, though other things could be playing a role. Another study of 141 office workers found that giving them vitamin C made them feel less tired within 2 hours, especially if their level was lower to start with. Then the effect lasted for the rest of the day.

Weak Immunity

Since vitamin C has several jobs related to your immune system, it shouldn't surprise you to learn you're more likely to get sick and may have a harder time recovering. There's some evidence that vitamin C can help protect you from illnesses such as pneumonia and bladder infections. It may even lower your odds of heart disease and some types of cancer.

Vision Loss

If you have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it may get worse faster without vitamin C other antioxidants, and certain minerals. Getting enough vitamin C from foods might help prevent cataracts, but we need more research to understand that relationship better.

Scurvy

Before the 1700s, this potentially deadly disease used to be a huge problem for sailors. Today, it's relatively rare but possible if you get only 10 mg/day of vitamin C or less. People with scurvy also have problems such as loose teeth, cracked fingernails, joint pain, brittle bones, and corkscrew body hair. When you boost vitamin C, symptoms start getting better in a day, and usually it's cured within 3 months.

Signs of Dementia

 Medically Reviewed by Christopher Melinosky, MD on May 12, 2023, Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Dementia is a term for a group of diseases with similar symptoms that affect your ability to think, socialize, and remember. It causes memory loss, confusion, and severe deficiency in problem-solving and language skills. Generally, people with dementia have symptoms severe enough to impact their daily life. 

Dementia mainly affects people over age 65. People with a close relative who had dementia are more likely to get it than those with no family history of it.

If you think that a loved one has dementia, talk to them about it, and make a plan to see a doctor who specializes in treating patients with dementia.

Types of Dementia

Common types of dementia include:

Alzheimer’s disease (wasting away of brain cells over time)

Vascular dementia (blood vessels to the brain are blocked)

Lewy body dementia (buildup of proteins in the brain)

Frontotemporal dementia (loss of brain cells in front and sides of the brain)

Mixed dementia (different dementia types combined)

The following conditions can also cause dementia symptoms:

Huntington’s disease (brain nerve cells break down over time)

Parkinson’s disease (affects the brain’s ability to control movements)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (a condition that destroys brain cells)

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

The types of dementia previously mentioned are not reversible. They are progressive (happen slowly but steadily) and get worse over time. However, some types of dementia may be reversible, such as those caused by:

Infections

Lack of vitamins

Medications

Brain tumors

Lack of oxygen to the brain

Poisoning

Signs of Dementia

There are different signs depending on the type of dementia a person has. However, generally, they involve the following.

Memory Loss

Memory loss is a common symptom of dementia. At first, it may be minor, but once it disrupts your daily life, it may be a sign of dementia.

In the early stages, it is called mild cognitive impairment. As symptoms worsen, you may find yourself relying more on sticky notes to remember, or forgetting more things.

However, occasionally forgetting things is normal and usually not something to worry about.

Mood Changes

People with dementia may experience mood swings anytime, especially when they are out of a familiar environment. They may become irritable, fearful, suspicious, or confused at times.

As you age, you may develop comfortable routines. It’s normal to feel a little upset if your typical routine is disrupted. This is not a concern for dementia. Dementia-caused mood swings generally seem out of character for the person with symptoms.

Problems Speaking and Writing

It’s normal to occasionally have trouble finding the right word for something, but if it happens frequently, it may be a sign of dementia. People with dementia may also struggle to follow conversations or forget the topic of a chat.

Difficulty Doing Familiar Things

People with dementia may forget how to do things they used to do frequently. They may get lost going to familiar places, forget how to use a stove or cell phone, or get confused while grocery shopping.

Occasional confusion while doing a familiar task is normal and may not be a sign of dementia, but if it becomes a problem, it may be time to get a doctor’s advice.

Problems with Visual and Spatial Perception

Dementia can affect spatial visualization (seeing the world around you). Dropping or spilling things more often, or tripping over objects more frequently can be a sign of dementia.

However, as you age, there are other conditions that may affect your vision, like cataracts. So it’s important to rule those out, especially if this is your main symptom.

Living with Dementia

Create a Regular Routine

Create a daily schedule and write it down. By doing this, you may spend less time trying to figure out what you want to do on any given day. Plus, routine and predictability are helpful for some people with dementia.

Keep Up Your Social Life

Consider joining a group for people with dementia, or attending dementia-friendly activities. These activities have safety measures in place so you can socialize safely. It may also be helpful for you to share stories with others who have dementia.

Keeping in touch with your friends and loved ones is also good for your overall mental health.

Tell People You Are Close To

Some people with dementia hesitate to tell people because they do not want their friends and family to treat them differently. However, letting people know about your dementia is good for your safety. It will let people know that you may act differently when you are around them. It can also let them know that you may need their help in the future for things like driving or running errands.

Write Things Down & Keep Them Handy

Write down important numbers and post them in an obvious place like by the phone or on the fridge. Write down your schedule and place it somewhere you will see it. You may find using sticky notes and putting them on the door or other places you look frequently will help you remember important things.

Put Bills on Autopay

Setting up your bills to directly debit (be removed) from your bank account means one less thing you have to remember. If you need help to set this up, you can ask a tech-savvy relative or call the service for which you need to set up autopay.

Use a Pill Organizer to Remember Medications

People with dementia may take prescription medication to help with the symptoms. They may also take vitamins or medications for other conditions. It can be hard to remember whether you took your medications and vitamins each day. There are specialized pill containers that have sections for each day to help. You can get one that has multiple spaces per day for medications that you have to take at different times of the day.

Support and Resources

This condition can be overwhelming for caregivers, family members, and people with dementia. The following resources can help.

SOURCES:

Alzheimer’s Association: “Find Your Local Chapter.”

Alzheimer’s Association: “Helpline.”

Alzheimer’s Association: “10 Early Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s.”

Alzheimer’s Association: “Tips for Daily Life.”

Alzheimer’s Association: “What Is Dementia?”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “The Truth about Aging and Dementia.”

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: "What Is Dementia?"

Dementia Friendly America: “Resources.”

Mayo Clinic: “Dementia.”

Memory Cafe Directory: “Memory Cafe Directory.”

National Health Service: “Living well with dementia.”

National Health Service: “Symptoms of dementia.”

Short Bursts of Activity MAY Cut Your Cancer Risk

 Written by Ralph Ellis

July 28, 2023 – People who do 4 to 5 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily can reduce their cancer risk by up to 32%, a new study published in JAMA Oncology says.

Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, studied data from wearable fitness devices worn by more than 22,000 “non-exercisers,” and then examined their health records for 6 or 7 years.

The scientists found that people who did 4 to 5 minutes of “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity” (VILPA) had a “substantially” lower cancer risk than people who did no VILPA.

Examples of VILPA are vigorous housework, carrying heavy shopping bags around the grocery store, and bursts of power walking, and playing high-energy games with children. The activities could occur in 1-minute bursts, instead of all at once.

The study found that a minimum of around 3.5 minutes of daily VILPA was linked to an 18% reduction in cancer rates, compared to no VILPA. The study said 4.5 minutes of daily VILPA was linked to a 32% reduction in cancers related to physical activity, including lung, kidney, bladder, and stomach cancers.

“We know the majority of middle-aged people don’t regularly exercise, which puts them at increased cancer risk, but it’s only through the advent of wearable technology like activity trackers that we are able to look at the impact of short bursts of incidental physical activity done as part of daily living,” Emmanuel Stamatakis, PhD, the lead author of the study and a professor at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre, said in a news release.

Study participants had an average age of 62 and reported that they didn’t exercise in their spare time. VILPA, a concept coined by researchers at the university, was measured by wrist accelerometers that people in the study wore over 7 days at the start of the study, the news release said.

“We are just starting to glimpse the potential of wearable technology to track physical activity and understand how unexplored aspects of our lives affect our long-term health – the potential impact on cancer prevention and a host of other health outcomes is enormous,” Stamatakis said.

SOURCES:

JAMA Oncology: “Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity and Cancer Incidence among Nonexercising Adults.”

EurekAlert!: “Short bursts of daily activity linked to reduced cancer risk.”

Self Care with Menopause and Vasomotor Symptoms

 Cool Down the Heat

Menopause can make your own “personal summers” turn into scorchers. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common symptoms of menopause. More than 80% of midlife women have these vasomotor symptoms. It’s believed menopause resets your inner thermostat and you feel hotter at a lower temperature. Your body sends more blood to your skin’s surface to help cool you down.

What Vasomotor Symptoms Feel Like

You may feel heat, from your chest up, and you may flush or sweat. A hot flash or night sweats (a flash that happens during sleep) usually passes in a few minutes. But your heart may race – which can trigger stress and anxiety. Afterward, you may get chills.

Symptoms can run the gamut, from hardly noticeable to very bothersome. About 15% have serious symptoms. Some doctors call these women “super flashers.”

Try Self-Care for Menopause

There are medications to ease vasomotor symptoms. But you may want to try some lifestyle changes first, especially if you’re not bothered too much.

The way you dress, your bedroom environment, and even what you eat can either make hot flashes and night sweats worse or better.

Know Your Triggers

Some things may set off a hot flash. Your diet and other things could be to blame. Typical triggers include:

Spicy foods

Hot drinks

Caffeine

Alcohol

Medication

Stress

 A food diary may help you track what may trigger your personal symptoms so you can avoid them. If you find a medicine is one of them, talk to your doctor.

Watch Your Weight

If you’re overweight or obese, you may have hot flashes more often, and they can be more serious. However, weight gain is common at midlife and can be a difficult problem to tackle.

Some ways to lose extra pounds include:

Limit portion sizes.

Choose water rather than sugary drinks.

Avoid processed foods like chips or sweets.

Pass on fried or fast foods.

Munch on Menopause-Friendly Food

A diet rich in fruits, veggies, and lean proteins like fish and beans may help with hot flashes. Foods with soy have compounds that some studies show can control vasomotor symptoms.

Try these:

Soy milk

Edamame

Tofu

Other foods have compounds that act like estrogen and may control hormone levels.

These include:

Rice

Oats, barley, and wheat

Berries and apples

Dried beans and lentils

 Don’t forget to get plenty of low-fat dairy and green leafy veggies to give your bones the calcium they need to stay strong.

Move Your Bod

Regular exercise can improve sleep, lift your mood, and manage weight gain. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week to get your heart pumping.

Walk or jog outside on a cool, clear day to soak up bone-friendly vitamin D.

Hit the pool and take a few laps.

Take dancing lessons.

Choose an activity you love, so you’ll stick with it.

 Try tai chi or yoga to strengthen muscles, get more flexible, and improve your balance. It’s important to avoid yoga postures that put too much stress on your spine.

Be a Cool Dresser

Choose clothes made of cotton or other breathable fabrics. Dress in layers so you can peel off clothes when you feel a hot flash coming on. Try wearing a light shirt under a cardigan or jacket instead of a heavy sweater.

Other ways to help keep your cool include:

Set the air conditioning or heat to the lowest temperature you can.

Use a portable fan at home and in your workspace.

Sip cool water throughout the day.

Sleep Smart

Night sweats can wake you soaked to the bone. Try these hacks to make bedtime less sticky and sweaty:

Take a cool shower before bed.

Make the bedroom a cool, comfortable temperature.

Dress in lightweight pajamas or a nightgown.

Don’t wear socks in bed.

Buy “cooling” bedding and pillows.

Stash an ice pack under your pillow; turn the pillow over to the cool side when you start to get hot.

Keep a glass of ice water on the nightstand.

Stop Lighting Up

Women who quit smoking have less serious hot flashes than those who smoke during menopause, according to some studies. Smoking can lessen your hormone levels and have a negative effect on your ovaries.

Plus, quitting is better for your heart health, lessens your risk of some cancers, and more.

If you can’t kick the habit on your own, talk to your doctor.

Mind Your Menopause

Mind-body practices and therapy may help. These include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT may help erase negative thinking about your hot flashes so you feel less stressed. You’ll still get them, but they may bother you less.

Mindfulness meditation. This helps you focus on what’s happening at the moment. Like CBT, it won’t stop vasomotor symptoms, but you may be able to deal with them better.

Hypnosis. This therapy uses imagery and verbal repetition to calm you. Studies have shown that it can reduce the number of hot flashes.

Be a Supplement Skeptic

You’ve probably seen herbs and supplements marketed to treat vasomotor and other symptoms of menopause. Most don’t have enough scientific evidence to say they make a difference. These include:

Black cohosh

Evening primrose oil

Red clover

Dong Quai

 Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement – especially if you have health problems. These aren’t regulated like drugs and can carry some serious health risks.

 ‘Dance’ in the Sheets

Having sex won’t necessarily help with your vasomotor symptoms. But vaginal stimulation – with or without a partner – can keep your tissues healthy.

Still, hormonal changes may thin and dry your vagina, which can make sex painful. Some over-the-counter remedies can help:

Vaginal moisturizers (Replens, K-Y Liquibeads, and others) applied every few days can moisten dry tissues.

Lubricants (Astroglide, JO, and others) used at the time of intercourse can make sex more comfortable.

Talk to your doctor if sex is still painful. There are prescription medications that may help.

Have ‘Real Talk’ With the Girls

Talk to friends or family who are going through menopause, too. Find out how they manage their hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms. Share your own tips.

Learning some new ways to deal with symptoms may help guide you through this phase of life with confidence.

Safe Sex Mistakes to Avoid

 Not Getting Tested for STIs

You’d know if you had one, right? Not so fast. Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have mild symptoms or none at all. If you’re sexually active, talk to your doctor about testing or visit a health clinic. They’ll take some of your blood to test or have you pee in a cup.

Using a Condom the Wrong Way

Condoms help protect you from STIs and pregnancy, but only if you use them the right way. Only put a condom on an erect, or hard, penis. Pinch any air out of the end and roll it all the way down. When you’re finished having sex, hold the base of the condom and pull out.

Using Expired Condoms

Don’t forget to check the expiration date. If a condom is dry, sticky, or stiff when you take it out, toss it and use a fresh one.

Thinking Birth Control Stops STIs

The only surefire way to avoid them is to not have sex -- oral, anal, or vaginal -- or swap bodily fluids. Most forms of birth control, like pills or intrauterine devices (IUDs), won’t protect you from STIs. Barrier forms of protection, such as condoms and dental dams, lower your chances of infection and pregnancy.

Having Anal Sex to Avoid Pregnancy

Your chances of getting pregnant from anal sex are low, but it’s not impossible. That’s because semen can move from your anal area to the vagina. STIs are your main concern, though. Rectal tissue is thin and can tear easily, letting infection in. Use a condom every time you have anal sex. And use plenty of lube. Condoms are more likely to break during anal sex because there’s less natural lubrication.

Unprotected Sex During Your Period

Pregnancy is more common around the time your ovary releases an egg (ovulation). That’s around the middle of your cycle. You’re most fertile during these 5-7 days, including the day of ovulation and 3-5 days before. If you have a shorter menstrual cycle and have sex toward the end of your period, you could get pregnant 4-5 days later.

Unprotected Sex Your First Time

Some people think you can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex. But this just isn’t true. Whenever sperm is in or near the vagina or vulva (the vaginal opening), there’s a chance of pregnancy. The only way to avoid getting pregnant is to not have sex. But if you do, be sure to use condoms or some other form of birth control.

Pulling Out as Birth Control

Also called the withdrawal method, the goal is to take your penis out of the vagina before you climax, or ejaculate. But it’s risky for a few reasons. It takes self-control to pull out in time. And sperm can still get into the vagina through fluid that comes from the penis before you ejaculate. There’s also no protection against STIs.

Not Using Condoms Because You’re Symptom-Free

You or your partner can have no symptoms and still have an STI. This means you can infect each other. Always use a condom during sex and get tested regularly for STIs.

Douching to Stop Pregnancy

Douching, or cleaning your vagina with water or a special solution, doesn’t protect you from pregnancy or an STI. In fact, it can spread an infection to other parts of the reproductive system like your uterus and fallopian tubes. Your vagina cleans itself.

Reason Your Weight Changes Throughout the Day

 Your Diet

The balance between energy in (eating) and energy out (burning off those calories) is why your weight goes up and down.  If you take in more than you burn, you gain weight -- sometimes right away. Losing that weight can be hard, too. To lose 1 pound, experts say, your calorie balance (eating minus burning off) needs to be 500 fewer than normal each day for a week.

How You Weigh Yourself

You can't just hop onto your bathroom scale and expect a spot-on measurement every time. The flooring your scale sits on (it should be on a hard surface), how you stand (weight even on both feet), and the clothes you wear (or don’t) need to be consistent.  If not, you may see wildly different numbers.

The Scale You Use

We all know you can jump onto a scale at the doctor’s office, drive back home, jump onto yours, and see a big difference. Scales differ. Digital ones are usually more accurate. Whichever type you use, make sure you zero out your scale before you climb on.

When You Weigh Yourself

Morning is usually the best time to get your most accurate reading. You’ve had some sleep, and you probably haven’t had much to eat or drink yet. As the day goes on, though, you will.  Expect your scale to top out after a big meal. If you brace yourself, it’s a little easier to take.

Exercise

Some athletes can drop 6% to 10% of their body weight after a single workout (that’s mostly in sweat). Your change may not be as drastic. But dropping a pound or two after you hit the gym isn't uncommon.

Your Health

Illness and disease can bring unexpected weight change. Cancer, diabetes, heart failure, and even the common cold can have ripple effects. If you lose your appetite or retain water, that may tip the scale one way or the other. Talk with your doctor if you see changes that you didn't expect.

The Medicine You’re Taking

Many drugs, including anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, and opiates, can cause quick weight loss. Other meds, like insulin, antidepressants, and some anti-epileptic drugs, could make you gain weight quickly. Always ask your doctor about the side effects of the medicines you take, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Drinking Too Much Water

A quart of it weighs about 2 pounds. If you just drink it -- and you don’t exercise -- that’ll show up on the scale right away. That doesn't mean you should give up H2O. In the long run, drinking water (especially instead of high-calorie sugary beverages) can help you lose weight.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Somewhere between 55% and 75% of your body is water. Falling below your natural level can bring headaches or dry skin. If you fall too far under, you may have trouble thinking straight. You may also drop weight suddenly. If you don’t drink enough to replace what you lose throughout the day, the scale will show it.

Your Daily Coffee

Studies show that your cup of java (or three) can help you keep your weight in check. Caffeine might help squelch your appetite or burn a few calories. But be careful: A high-calorie, high-fat drink might push the scale the other way, too.

Salt

Too much of it in your diet is bad for your heart. It can cause you to retain water, too. That can raise your weight. Plus, people with high-sodium diets tend to eat more processed foods and snacks. Those are all high in fat and calories. Too many of those can put pounds on in a hurry.

Bathroom Breaks -- or Lack Of

Your weight can change depending on how much you’ve used the bathroom. Eat a big meal, but don’t have a bowel movement? It shows. (It's called fecal weight.) Too much to drink can register on the scale, too, if you don’t pee. On the other end of the spectrum, diarrhea can bring dehydration and weight loss.

Your Sleep Habits

Studies show that how much -- or how little -- you sleep can change your weight.  For example, after sleepless nights, you may feel hungrier than usual. That can cause you to eat bigger meals, which can lead to scale shock later in the day.

Your Age

You may not see your weight change on the day you turn 30 (or 40 or 50). But as we get older, many of us gain weight naturally (we may become less active or have other changes like menopause).  After about 60, you may start to lose your appetite (it may be harder to chew, or you may be ill or depressed). That can cause you to drop pounds.

Your State of Mind

While you’re stepping on a scale a few times a day, know that changes happen. Don’t get too worked up about it. Weighing yourself every day to stay aware of those ups and downs can help you keep a healthy weight -- or at least stay within a couple pounds of it.