Category: Health

Signs that indicates you need to increase your zinc intake

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps the body function. It is important for the immune system, DNA synthesis, and protein synthesis.

Source: Times of India

Zinc deficiency is a common problem in the United States and other developed countries. The USDA recommends a daily intake of 11 milligrams of zinc for adults over 19 years old. However, there are signs that you should increase your zinc intake to 20 milligrams per day or higher if you are pregnant.

You may notice these signs: symptoms of low zinc levels include hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin, tiredness and lethargy, poor memory, mood changes (including irritability), and fatigue.

Zinc has been found to be an essential mineral that is required in the body to maintain healthy functioning. It is also used in various treatments for a range of diseases and conditions.

It can be found in a wide variety of foods, including animal products like beef, poultry, and fish; whole grains; nuts; seeds; vegetables like beans and peas; fruits like bananas, citrus fruits, and pineapple.

Zinc deficiency can lead to zinc-deficiency anemia that causes fatigue and weakness, hair loss (alopecia), growth retardation (in children), cognitive decline (in adults), and infertility.

Zinc is an essential mineral that helps to maintain healthy functioning of the immune system. It is required for the production of testosterone and estrogen in men and women, respectively.

Zinc deficiency affects more than 30% of the world’s population. Zinc deficiency can lead to a number of health issues such as depression, low libido, low sperm count, infertility, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

There are many ways in which people can increase their zinc intake. The most common way is by eating more zinc-rich foods such as oysters, beef liver, eggs, and cashews.

Zinc is a mineral that is important for our health and well-being. It helps in the formation of enzymes, DNA, and collagen. However, it is also found in some foods that are high in zinc content.

Some of the ways to decrease your zinc intake is by avoiding processed meat such as bacon and sausage, reducing consumption of alcohol and caffeine, or avoiding shellfish. You can also decrease your zinc intake by taking a break from food when you feel hungry or eating smaller portions throughout the day.

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What about a runny nose in a child? Certainly one of the 5 ways we have checked

What about a runny nose in a child? There is only one answer – the same as our grandmothers used. If your baby has common rhinitis making it difficult for him to breathe, follow these 5 home remedies. You will quickly cure a runny nose and prevent the spread of infection.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com
  • We will cure a runny nose in a child as soon as we start the process of clearing the nose as soon as the first symptoms appear.
  • Among the proven home remedies for a child’s runny nose, we can find aromatherapy with garlic, inhalations, rubbing with marjoram ointment or drinking linden infusion.
  • The most important point in the fight against a runny nose in a child is the systematic removal of nasal secretions.

What about a runny nose in a child?

What will help with a runny nose in a child? Grandma’s remedies for runny nose and colds sometimes turn out to be the tastiest and most effective help in fighting infection.

At home, we can fight a runny nose in a child in many ways. Before the infection develops, let’s effectively fight to eliminate its first symptom.

Home remedies for a runny nose in a child

So what about a runny nose in a child? Preferably something with antibacterial properties, warming up, and at the same time not causing a lack of comfort in the toddler.

Here are 

the top 5 remedies for a runny nose in a child:

  • Garlic – put a few slightly crushed garlic cloves on the cupboard or by the child’s bed overnight. Alliacin contained in the cut or crushed clove has antibacterial properties. Fragrance therapy alone allows you to unblock a stuffy nose.
  • Drinking infusions – linden, sage, chamomile – are our grandmothers’ favorite herbs, which also have immunity-supporting properties. We can add raspberry juice or honey to infusions and teas to enhance their effect. However, remember to add them to already cooled tea. Honey, raspberries and elderberries will lose their healing properties if you pour them into a liquid with a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.
  • Inhalations – in order to quickly cure a runny nose in a child, it is worth focusing on inhalations , even if we do not have a real inhaler. It is enough to pour a few drops of essential oils, e.g. mint, eucalyptus, thyme into a bowl with hot water, and ask the child to lean over the vessel to inhale the steam. If your toddler does not like inhalation through a mask or over a bowl, you can use the same method by pouring the oils into a bathtub with warm water. Moisture and steam in the bathroom, combined with oils, will quickly fight a runny nose in a child.
  • Marjoram ointment – not only soothes the skin around the nose and makes the child feel no pain when cleaning the nose, and due to its antibacterial properties, it effectively supports the child’s body in the fight against runny nose.
  • Walking – contrary to appearances, in order to quickly cure a runny nose in a child, it is best to go for a walk . If the runny nose is light, watery and does not stay in the nose too much, it is worth going out, for example for a 10-minute walk with your baby. The cool air will constrict the nasal mucosa, which will no longer be irritated and produce large amounts of mucus.

Runny nose in a child: how to quickly cure it?

In addition to the infusions that our grandmothers used for a runny nose, it is good to take into account a few additional ways to help 

treat a runny nose.Since a runny nose is a viral disease and a sign of a developing infection that affects the entire body, it is worth paying attention not only to the nose.This is how you speed up the 

treatment of colds and runny nose:

  • Warm your baby up with a warm bed.
  • Ventilate the child’s room frequently to provide fresh air.
  • Change the vessels from which your child drinks water frequently to prevent the proliferation of viruses and bacteria.
  • Give your baby onion syrup or elderberry syrup to boost their immunity.
  • Raise your baby a sleeping pillow so that mucus can run out of the nose rather than stay in it.

The most important thing in treating a runny nose in children is regular 

discharge. Regardless of whether a child can handle tissues on their own or needs an aspirator and a parent’s help, the runny nose will not go away if we do not simply get rid of it mechanically.If 

home-made treatment of a runny nose has not worked after 3 days, visit a doctor with your child to see how the infection develops and whether any medical measures are needed.

The Truth About Vitamin D

Many people believe that taking vitamin D, including Covid-19, will prevent them from a variety of ailments.

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Vitamin D is one of the most popular dietary supplements. It is most commonly used with calcium. Together, they can help to strengthen bone structure and so protect against osteoporosis.

Vitamin D, on the other hand, is involved in the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, and hence in a range of metabolic processes, blood pressure management, nerve and muscle function, and so on.

Low vitamin D levels are linked to an increased risk of disease.
This leads to the conclusion that low vitamin D levels may raise the risk of a variety of diseases. Indeed, numerous large observational studies have found a link, for example, between various cardiovascular illnesses, various types of cancer, diabetes, and depression.

The recent discovery that patients with low vitamin D levels also had more severe Covid-19 symptoms generated quite a stir. So, in pill form, might vitamin D be an all-powerful patron saint?

“Study results almost always disappointing”

Unfortunately it’s not that easy. “A statistical association does not yet prove a causal connection,” explains Dr. Stephan Scharla from the German Society for Endocrinology in conversation with NetDoktor. For this purpose, so-called controlled intervention studies are necessary. Group A receives vitamin D for a longer period of time, group B a placebo. At the end of the study, physicians and participants learn who received what. And then it’s counted.

“The results were almost always disappointing,” reports the doctor. For example, those who had taken vitamin D developed coronary heart disease, heart failure, depression or type 2 diabetes about as often as participants who did not take vitamin D.

The reason for this is that people with low vitamin D levels are frequently unhealthy in general. People who do not walk much, for example, have a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, and are less likely to be outside in the sun.

“Of course, they have correspondingly low vitamin D levels,” explains a Bad Reichenhall-based resident endocrinologist. Sunlight acts as a catalyst, allowing the vitamin to develop in the skin. The human body manufactures 90% of the vitamin D it requires.

Similarly, elderly folks spend less time outside. “Plus, their skin is already less able to synthesize vitamin D,” the endocrinologist explains. Overweight people, on the other hand, require more of the fat-soluble vitamin in general because more of it is stored in fatty tissue, leaving less available for current metabolism.

Low vitamin D levels are so rarely the cause of health problems, but rather develop in tandem with them.

In this context, studies on men and women with low vitamin D levels due to genetics were especially fascinating. They are no more prone than the general population to suffer cardiovascular disease or diabetes.

The immune system is regulated by vitamin D.
Aside from bone production, vitamin D appears to have a significant impact on another critical health factor: the immune system. “Vitamin D is undeniably an immune system regulator. It affects the function of many immune cells, such as regulatory T cells, as well as cytokine release,” Scharla explains. The latter are inflammatory messenger molecules that cause inflammation.

This could explain why the vitamin is useful for inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and could perhaps postpone the formation of type 1 diabetes. According to the endocrinologist, vitamin D probably plays a minor role in the orchestra of different factors, but “for persons who have a predisposition to autoimmune illnesses, it could be worthwhile to compensate for low vitamin D levels.”

Immune modulation could potentially explain the vitamin’s beneficial effect on the course of Covid-19. Because it is often the violent immune response, not the virus, that substantially worsens the course of the disease. “Vitamin D can re-regulate overactive immunological responses,” Scharla explains. However, vitamin D alone will not be enough to stop the epidemic.
With normal vitamin D levels, vitamin pills are useless
However, all of these positive effects only occur in people whose vitamin D levels are actually too low. If you are already sufficiently supplied, an additional gift cannot help you.

Taking dietary supplements without a specific deficiency is not a good idea anyway. “We already know that from vitamin E ,” reports the endocrinologist. Years ago, large studies had shown that the consumption of appropriate dietary supplements shortens life instead of lengthening it.

“Die Wahrheit Über Vitamin D – NetDoktor.” NetDoktor, http://www.netdoktor.at, 13 May 2022, https://www.netdoktor.at/magazin/die-wahrheit-ueber-vitamin-d/.

Iron deficiency – symptoms, balanced diet, and supplements

Iron deficiency may be the underlying cause of malaise, fatigue, pale skin, respiratory problems, and anemia. It is a vital nutrient that should be supplied to the body through a balanced diet. What factors contribute to iron deficiency? What is nutritious and contains iron? And how to quickly replenish the body’s iron stores?

Iron is a member of the group of micronutrients that are essential to the proper functioning of the human body. This element facilitates numerous crucial metabolic processes, such as oxygen transport and DNA synthesis. Iron also supports the function of muscles, including the heart, the most vital organ. In addition, it supports the body’s immune system in its fight against microbes and reduces feelings of fatigue and weariness. Iron deficiency cannot therefore be ignored.

Iron deficiency is a problem that can be caused by a variety of causes. These include:

  • blood loss – resulting, for example, from bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, respiratory system, trauma and surgery, or heavy menstruation in women;
  • increased demand – here the cause may be puberty, pregnancy or breastfeeding; 
  • impaired absorption from the gastrointestinal tract – celiac disease, H. pylori gastritis, autoimmune gastritis, diet with insufficient protein, frequent diarrhea;
  • improperly balanced diet – strict slimming diets, improperly composed vegetarian or vegan diet.

When iron is low, your body will not send a signal right away. Over time, characteristic symptoms will appear, such as:

  • dizziness and headaches,
  • accelerated heartbeat
  • fatigue,
  • pale skin,
  • shortness of breath
  • poor appetite or its complete lack,
  • greater than usual nail breakage.

How can iron deficiency be treated? If you have any troubling symptoms, you should have a blood count. Consider the iron, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels in the test. Below-normal results could indicate anemia caused by a deficiency in this element.

What has a lot of iron?

To avoid iron deficiency, it is important to consume a balanced diet. Iron is a common ingredient in the foods we consume daily. This element is primarily found in red meat, including beef, veal, and lamb. Also worthy of consideration are processed meats such as cold cuts, high-quality pates, and black pudding. Iron is also present in organ meats such as pork, beef, and chicken liver. Fish also contain iron, particularly sardines, herring, smoked cod, and smoked mackerel.

What about those who dislike or abstain from eating meat? They should incorporate into their diet chard, broad beans, beets, peas, dill, spinach, and parsley. Fruits also contain iron, particularly wild strawberries, black currants, and raspberries. Worth recalling! Consuming iron-rich foods alone may not be sufficient. This element must be effectively absorbed by the digestive system. An excessive consumption of coffee or tea is not helpful here. This could inhibit iron absorption. Additionally, a diet low in protein and high in oxalate, phosphate, and phytate is detrimental.

How to quickly replenish iron in the body?

Before taking iron supplements, however, it is advisable to consult a physician. The correct dosage is crucial. Iron cannot be overdosed via diet, but it can be via supplements. Constipation, a digestive disorder, may be the result.

Iron supplements are incompatible with certain medications. Before taking iron supplements, it is imperative to consult a specialist if you are already taking them!

Magnesium can help you sleep well. How does a deficiency cause trouble sleeping?

Sleep issues have a significant impact on our well-being and health. We become distracted, irritable, have difficulty concentrating, and lack energy to act when we are sleepless and tired. Many factors can contribute to the deterioration of sleep hygiene, but one of them is a magnesium deficiency in the body. This element regulates nervous system function, supports brain function, and reduces nerve cell conductivity. Furthermore, it regulates the secretion of hormones that have a positive effect on sleep quality.

Magnesium is good for sleep problems.
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The most common causes of sleep problems

Many factors can contribute to difficulty falling asleep. Most of the time, stress or an overabundance of stimuli are to blame. When we are overstimulated or have had a day full of tasks or strong emotions, it is difficult to unwind in the evening. Our brain does not slow down, and instead of calming down, it processes and catalogs our experiences, causing difficulty falling asleep.

Other sleep problems include:

  • anxiety disorders
  • abuse of stimulants (caffeine, energy drinks and other stimulants)
  • eating heavy meals at night.
  • irregular lifestyle (e.g., working night shifts)
  • sedentary lifestyle (lack of movement and physical activity)

Can magnesium deficiency cause difficulty falling asleep and worsen sleep?

Magnesium is an element that can help you reduce stress and fatigue in your body. It regulates the nervous system’s activity, regenerates muscles, and influences heart function—all of which make it easier to relax and unwind after a long day.

A lack of magnesium in the body can result in the overproduction of stress hormones. These, in turn, act as a stimulus for the brain, causing it to work harder. When our cortisol and other stress hormone levels are too high, we become energized, focused, and ready to act. Our brain cannot calm down in such a situation, so we cannot fall asleep quickly.

Effect of magnesium on sleep quality

Magnesium deficiency in the body can not only make it difficult to fall asleep, but it can also have a negative impact on sleep quality. We sleep more shallowly when we are tired, so we wake up sleepy and depleted of energy.

Magnesium not only helps you set a time to rest, but it also helps your body get into a calm and healing state. The element influences nervous system function not only by lowering nerve cell excitability but also by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. As a result, nerve cells work slower, and we can relax and fall asleep more easily.

When should I take magnesium to improve sleep?

It’s important to eat foods high in magnesium and take magnesium supplements in the morning to reduce stress, boost melatonin production, and get the mind ready for sleep. When given after a protein-rich meal, it works better. The recommended daily dose of magnesium for an adult is 300-400 mg, but the need may be greater in physically active or stressed individuals.

Magnesium supplementation helps to prepare the mind for sleep, reduce stress, and improve the regeneration of the body. It also regulates the secretion of melatonin, which facilitates falling asleep.

New type of heart attack discovered that effects mostly women

Despite the widespread belief that there are only four types of heart attacks, Canadian researchers now assert that they have discovered a fifth.

new kind of heart attack
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There are typically four different types of heart attacks: acute coronary syndrome (ACS), ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and on-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEM). as well as “cardiac spasm” or “unstable angina.”

But researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada say they have found a new kind of heart attack that affects women more than men at first.

Myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries is a novel form of heart attack, according to research reported in the medical journal “International Journal of Cardiology” . According to the report, this new type of heart attack affects more women than it used to, but what’s even more concerning is that medical professionals don’t classify it as a heart attack.

The report claims that because this type of heart attack lacks the other symptoms that precede a heart attack, like damage to an artery that supplies blood to the heart, medical professionals do not classify it as a heart attack.

The report claims that this kind of heart attack is frequently brought on by tiny, extremely thin glands that are found in the blood vessels that supply the heart. According to a research report, 60% of patients experiencing this type of heart attack do not receive any medication from their doctors, who instead send them home after claiming they do not have heart disease.

The report says that experts don’t call this kind of heart attack a heart attack because the symptoms are different. The report didn’t say how dangerous this new kind of heart attack is compared to others or how many people die from it each year around the world.

High levels of caffeine in the blood can help with weight loss

According to a recent study, people who have high blood caffeine levels are more likely to maintain their weight. The rate at which the body metabolizes caffeine can affect weight, according to researchers at Imperial College London. If more coffee can aid in weight loss, more research is required to confirm this.

Coffee can help in weight loss
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Six lengthy studies involving close to 10,000 participants totaled the study. People with higher blood caffeine levels had lower BMIs, according to the study’s findings. In addition, there were fewer chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, research has shown that rapid caffeine metabolism is associated with a slightly higher BMI in people with type 2 diabetes.

A clinical scientist at American College London named Dr. Dipinder Gill says that 95% of the caffeine we take in is broken down by an enzyme. Two genes that influence the expression and function of this enzyme are CYP1A2 and AHR.

According to him, studies using these genetic variations—which affect how quickly or slowly people metabolize caffeine—showed that slow metabolizers had higher levels of the drug in their blood and that consuming more of it lowered body mass index and diabetes risks.

The Mediterranean diet can cut the risk of heart disease, particularly in women

A recent study found that following a diet similar to that of the Mediterranean can cut the risk of heart disease, particularly in women, and that following such a diet on a consistent basis can cut the risk by up to 25 percent.

Olive oil and other healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, low-fat meats, and lean cuts of meat are all components of this diet plan. The diet that gets its name from the countries that are located around the Mediterranean Sea and tend to consume more of these foods is known as the Mediterranean Diet. Greek yogurt, berries, salmon, extra-virgin olive oil, green leafy vegetables, beans, and low-fat milk are all examples of foods that fall into this category.

According to a report in the journal Heart, this has been looked into with thousands of women. The Temple University Institute of Heart Disease conducted the study, which ran from 2003 to 2021 and included 16 small and large studies.

In total, more than 70 thousand women have been included in it. Then there’s this long study that lasted 12 years that found that women who made this type of diet their routine reduced their risk of heart disease by 24 to 26 percent.

Although these studies have been conducted on women, experts believe that it can have the same effects on men as well, on which further research is ongoing

Migraines can be treated with a nasal spray

The FDA has approved the first nasal spray for the treatment of headaches and migraines, which will soon be available in stores.

nasal spray for migraines

There are pills, injections, and syrups available all over the world to treat headaches, including migraines. However, Pfizer is the first company to make a nasal spray to treat this disease.

A lot of people around the world have headaches or migraines, and most people think that there is no cure for them and that, even with medicine, the headache or migraine will go away on its own after a certain amount of time.

But for the first time, doctors think that a nasal spray will be the best way to treat a migraine or headache.

Reuters says that the US Food and Drug Regulatory Agency approved Pfizer’s nasal spray for people with migraines and other headaches in the first week of March.

The company will now work to make sure that a nasal spray made with the drug “Zavzpret” is always available. The nasal spray, which is used to treat migraines and other types of headaches, is likely to be available in the US by July 2023, and then in other countries after that.

It is likely that Pfizer will let its partner companies in a number of countries other than the US make the spray and make sure there is enough of it. Medical experts hope that the nasal drug will help any kind of headache or migraine right away. The spray did well in tests, and most people who used it said it helped with pain.

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