European Electric Vehicle Owners Discover Bug in Tesla Superchargers

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: September 15, 2020 Last Edited: September 15, 2020

Heidi

Electric vehicle owners in Europe have discovered a bug that allows them to charge non-Tesla vehicles at Tesla Superchargers. In Europe, Tesla Model 3 vehicles make use of a common EV charging standard known as the Combined Charging System (CCS). Even with this standard, Tesla’s Superchargers are supposed to use a special “handshake” protocol with computers integrated into Model 3 vehicles before they allow charging.

This is supposed to allow charging to be associated with a specific Tesla owner’s account to track usage even though charging is currently free. However, Tesla’s recent integration of the CCS standard apparently introduced a loophole into this system that made it possible to charge other vehicles.

An electric car rental company known as Nextmove was the first to notice this loophole, which allowed it to use Supercharger stations to charge its fleet of cars, which included electric models from VW, BMW, Opel, Hyundai, Porsche, and Renault. So far, there is no word on whether Nextmove has been in contact with Tesla about a move that could be seen as stealing electricity. However, it is a case for greater cooperation between electric vehicle manufacturers.

Common Standards Are Needed for Wider Adoption of Electric Cars

A map of Tesla’s Superchargers in the United States. Image credit Tesla.

The integration of CCS may have been part of a wider bid by Tesla to encourage greater adoption of electric cars by adopting common standards for its charging system. Tesla does not appear to have issued a statement on the apparent flaw in its Superchargers, but has indicated that it might be willing to work with other electric vehicle manufacturers to create a common charging network and share the associated costs. Other manufacturers have already made deals with charging networks like Ionity and Electrify America.

Steps like this may appeal to consumers who may be interested in owning a Tesla, but have hesitated due to concern about lack of available charging stations and limitations in the range of most electric cars. As the above map shows, Tesla Superchargers already exist in many major U.S. cities and along major interstate highways with more on the way, but consumers may not realize that. A gas vehicle can be refilled at nearly any gas station regardless of the brand of either the car or the gas station due to widely accepted common standards. Widespread adoption of electric vehicles will require the same convenience even if that convenience amounts to charging functionality in owners’ garages and a special section in public parking lots and garages that have charging stations for electric vehicles.

Before this happens, Tesla is likely to work behind the scenes to fix the bug in its European Superchargers that allow owners of non-Tesla electric vehicles to get a charge for free.

Technology

Tesla Reportedly In Talks With Canadian Mining Firms for Nickel

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: September 12, 2020 Last Edited: September 12, 2020

Heidi

According to recent reports, Tesla is in talks with a Canadian mining firm known as Giga Metals to provide low-carbon nickel for its electric vehicles. In a second-quarter earnings call with investors, Elon Musk indicated that Tesla has been seeking out mining companies that can produce large quantities of the metals that it needs for its cars in an environmentally friendly manner and is willing to sign a long-term sourcing contract in order to make it happen.

“Tesla will give you a giant contract for a long period of time, if you mine nickel efficiently and in an environmentally-sensitive way,” he said.

Giga Metals did not directly confirm that it is communicating with Tesla, but does seem to fill Musk’s requirements for environmentally friendly practices. Its current investment plans include a system that can create a cement-like material using mining waste, carbon dioxide, and hydroelectric power and is projected to come with a price tag of less than $1 billion in total costs. Giga Metals President Martin Vydra did hint that a contract with Tesla may be a possibility, however:

“Giga is actively engaged, and has been for some time, with automakers regarding our ability to produce carbon neutral nickel.”

Giga Metals also has plans in the works for a North American mine that will be capable of producing 40,000 tonnes of nickel and 2,000 tonnes of cobalt over the next 20 years, which will be enough for the creation of thousands of Tesla’s electric cars. Not that it doesn’t have competition: Canada Nickel Co. has also reached out to Tesla with an offer to supply nickel using zero-carbon techniques that Musk says “sounds great.”

Plans like this might help to quell the criticism of environmentalists and cultural preservation activists who might be enthusiastic about attempts to move away from fossil fuel-powered vehicles, but have expressed concern about the mining practices used to produce the materials needed for them. Most recently, the CEO of Rio Tinto resigned after a public outcry related to the destruction of sites of cultural significance to Australian Aboriginals. An MIT report on the environmental impact of mining indicates that illegal mining operations in China produces as much as 20,000 tons of rare-Earth elements every year and these operations are unlikely to follow commonly accepted environmental best practices.

Tesla’s push for metals sourced in North America, in which mining may be more tightly regulated, can be seen as a positive move to address these concerns by taking greater control over its supply chain. Musk has indicated that he does not want to wait while mining companies hold out for a more attractive price point in order to put his plans for carbon-neutral metals sourcing into practice:

“I’d just like to re-emphasize, any mining companies out there, please mine more nickel. … Wherever you are in the world, please mine more nickel and don’t wait for nickel to go back to some high point that you experienced some five years ago.”

Technology

Elon Musk Secures Support for Gigafactory in Berlin

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: September 10, 2020 Last Edited: September 10, 2020

Heidi

Elon Musk has secured official support for Tesla’s planned Gigafactory during meetings with German officials, including economy minister Peter Altmaier. The Gigafactory is currently being constructed in the Berlin area.

Altmaier has promised that the German government will support the building of the Gigafactory in any way necessary. This will add to the billions of euros that Tesla has already invested in Germany.

“We are very proud of your car plant in Brandenburg and we wish you good luck with that. You’ll have every assistance you need,” Altmaier said during one meeting that included both Elon Musk and members of the Christian Democratic Union.

“Our meeting has been inspiring and motivating. Always welcome to Brandenburg and come back soon!” said Jörg Steinbach, Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy of the State of Brandenburg, in a tweet.

A layout plan for the Tesla Gigafactory with the battery cell manufacturing area highlighted in red. Image credit Teslarati

Elon Musk later mentioned that the meeting in Germany was a positive and productive one and thanked the Gigafactory Berlin workers for their “excellent work”. While he did not give a definite opening date for the Gigafactory, he plans to bring the new factory online as rapidly as possible as part of Tesla’s goal to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy. Although Tesla’s electric vehicles have sometimes been criticized as simply replacing gasoline with coal, Tesla has also made considerable investments in solar energy production and has also considered innovations in the storage of power generated using wind and solar. He shared updates to the Model Y redesign and indicated that Gigafactory Berlin will include on-site battery cell production.

“It’s not just a copy of the Model Y. It’s actually a radical redesign of the core technology of building a car,” he said at a media event in Germany in which he discussed the electric vehicles that will be produced at the new Gigafactory. “I think it’s very important for our climate that we move quickly. It matters. I think it’s very important that we accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and that we move as quickly as possible. So this is the reason for the sense of urgency.”

True to form, Musk took an opportunity to mix business with a bit of lighthearted showmanship. At some point during his trip to Germany, he was seen in public sporting the same recognizable German attire seen at Oktoberfests everywhere.

(Why doesn’t he just take a vacation? Well, as he once famously said after becoming ill during a visit to South Africa, “Vacation will kill you.”)

Elon Musk also reportedly discussed autonomous driving and spaceflight with government officials. Most Tesla models already have a rudimentary “autopilot” as an option, though reviews appear to be mixed. Industry insiders and enthusiasts say that a fully functional self-driving car and the infrastructure needed to support it can save lives on the road. 36,120 people died in automobile accidents in 2019 and driver error is believed to be a major factor in most of these fatalities.

Space

SpaceX Plans First Attempt to Launch Two Rockets in One Day

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: August 29, 2020 Last Edited: August 29, 2020

Heidi

SpaceX has announced that it will attempt to launch two Falcon 9 rockets on the same day. The planned launches are slated to occur on August 30. This is the first time that a private company will attempt to launch two rockets from the same location on the same day.

The first launch, from Pad 39A at Cape Canaveral, will deploy new satellites for the Starlink constellation with a target launch time of 10:12 am ET. SpaceX plans to use Starlink to provide satellite Internet service and promises speeds up to 1 Gbps once all 1200 satellites in the constellation are launched. With more than 600 Starlink satellites already in orbit, beta testers have already reported speeds of up to 60 Mbps, which is roughly comparable to the Internet services available in most rural areas. SpaceX expects to be able to compete with “traditional” ground-based Internet service providers once the constellation is complete. If successful, this launch marks the third time that SpaceX will have sent more Starlink satellites into orbit this month.

The second launch, from Pad 40 at the Cape, will launch at 7:18 pm ET and send an Argentinian Earth-observation satellite called SAOCOM 1B into orbit. The rocket’s flight path will take it over Cuba for the first time since 1960, when part of a Thor rocket reportedly fell on Cuban soil and killed a cow. Launch planners in Cape Canaveral have since avoided sending rockets over Cuba due to Cold War tensions and continuing diplomatic tensions with Cuba. According to Cape Canaveral officials, the risk of debris from a failed Falcon 9 launch falling on Cuba is slim in this case and mission planners have notified the Cuban government of the planned launch.

The SAOCOM constellation will provide radar imagery for emergency first responders in Argentina and double as a weather satellite. This constellation will also be able to assist farmers by monitoring soil moisture. SAOCOM 1A was launched in October 2018 and resides in a polar orbit. The launch of SAOCOM 1B had been slated for March, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The delay “forced us to stay a long time in Cape Canaveral, away from our families,” said Raul Kulichevsky, the executive and technical director for Argentina’s National Commission of Space Activities.

Both launches will feature reused first stage rockets as part of SpaceX’s program of bringing down launch costs by reusing hardware. SpaceX plans to recover both first stages for possible relaunch. The weather is likely to be the biggest obstacle for both missions, with a 50% chance of unfavorable weather in the morning and a 40% chance of a weather scrub for the evening launch.

SpaceX plans to livestream both launches on its website and YouTube channel.

Technology

Tesla Thwarts Cyberattack at Gigafactory

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: August 28, 2020 Last Edited: August 28, 2020

Heidi

Elon Musk has confirmed the thwarting of an attempted ransomware attack at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Nevada. With cooperation from Tesla employees, the FBI has arrested a Russian national named Egor Igorevich Kriuchkov on one charge of conspiracy to intentionally cause damage to a protected computer.

Kriuchkov allegedly attempted to offer an unnamed Tesla employee a $1 million bribe to insert malware into Tesla’s network that would have provided access to sensitive data owned by Tesla. The data could then be held for ransom. Reports on the incident indicate that Kriuchkov was working on behalf of fellow conspirators, but very few identifying details have been released.

Although the employee was not named, he or she is reportedly a non-US citizen who speaks Russian. Kriuchkov contacted the employee through the popular mobile communications app WhatsApp and, upon arranging a meeting, offered the bribe to be paid in cash or Bitcoin. In conversations with the Tesla employee, who fished for information in conversations with the conspirator, Kriuchkov bragged about previously receiving a bribe of over $4 million from a company that turned out to be CWT Travel, which was a victim of a similar attack. The employee reported the attempt to the Tesla leadership, which then alerted the FBI.

Attempts to attack private networks to be held for ransom are not uncommon. According to an Emsisoft report, ransomware attacks on government agencies, educational establishments and healthcare providers are estimated to have cost at least $7.6 billion in ransoms or recovery costs in 2019 alone. Besides the inconvenience, ransomware attacks often cause hazards to health and safety, including the need to reroute ambulances to other hospitals that may be farther away or deal with disruptions to 911 and emergency response services. Many organizations will quietly pay the ransom rather than go through the complexities of completely rebuilding their networks to eliminate the malware. The ransom is often paid in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or digital coins that brand themselves as being more anonymous, like Monero.

Like the Tesla incident, many of these attacks involve either an “inside man” who can smuggle in the malware, or a phishing attack that is designed to look like legitimate communications to unwary employees. Companies may be able to reduce these incidents by making certain that all employees are properly trained to spot common signs of these attacks and making certain to frequently update their data backups and keep them in a secure location.

Law enforcement agencies may be limited in what they can do. This is especially true in cases such as this Tesla attack that involve foreign nationals like Kriuchkov, who had planned to return to his home country before his arrest. Even in countries that have an extradition treaty with the United States, extradition proceedings can take time and the damage may have already been done by the time they go through.

Tesla was not directly named in the FBI report on the incident, but Elon Musk later tweeted a reply to a report from the Tesla-focused news outlet Teslarati: “Much appreciated. This was a serious attack.”

Space

Elon Musk to Make Appearance at Humans to Mars Summit

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: August 28, 2020 Last Edited: August 28, 2020

Heidi

The nonprofit organization Explore Mars, Inc., has announced that Elon Musk has joined the roster of speakers at its annual Humans to Mars Summit. He joins a high-profile roster of aerospace professionals and supporters of crewed Mars missions such as Curiosity flight director Bobak Ferdowsi, former NASA administrator Charles Bolden, and astronauts Leland Melvin, Pamela Melroy, and John Grunsfeld.

Musk has made the possibility of future settlements on Mars a major part of SpaceX’s brand, notably saying, “I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact.” SpaceX is currently developing the Starship rocket to be capable of launching payloads to the Moon and Mars. Most recently, Starship successfully completed a “hop test” in which it reached an altitude of 150 meters. Followers of Elon Musk have speculated that other companies such as Tesla and the Boring Company act as fronts for developing technologies that will be useful for a human presence on Mars.

Musk’s appearance will feature an interview by Stardom founder and Explore Mars’ social media director, Ron Sparkman. Sparkman is especially well-known for his YouTube channel, in which he interviews high-profile science and aerospace professionals such as Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

The Humans to Mars Summit features a high-profile selection of speakers and panelists every year. This year’s panels include topics such as “Space Exploration: A Unique Opportunity for Diversity and Equality” and “Lessons from COVID-19 – And How to Apply to Mars Exploration.”

“Our intention for the Explore Mars 2020 Humans to Mars Summit is to further expand our organization’s efforts to highlight our commitment to public outreach, STEM education and at the same time foster and celebrate humanity’s diversity,” said Janet Ivey, President of Explore Mars.

Although the event is traditionally held in Washington, D.C. and followed by lobbying efforts in Congressional offices, it is going to be online this year due to concerns about COVID-19. Ticket prices range from $25 to $295 and summit planners expect considerable interest from individuals who might not have considered traveling for the event. Explore Mars, Inc., plans to make the Humans to Mars Summit an in-person event next year and has already booked the National Academy of Sciences Building in Washington, D.C., for May 11-13. More details will be announced at this year’s virtual summit.

The Humans to Mars Summit will take place August 31-September 3. Tickets are still available through EventBrite.

Space

SpaceX Reportedly Valued at $46 Billion in New Funding Round

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: August 20, 2020 Last Edited: August 20, 2020

Heidi

SpaceX has been on a roll lately with the successful launch and return of two American astronauts in a test flight of its Crew Dragon and the launch of more than 100 of its Starlink satellites in August alone. It has also recently signed yet another contract with satellite television, broadband, and Internet service provider SES for the deployment of eleven O3b mPower satellites in a series of launches to begin in 2021.

Now SpaceX has reportedly landed $1.9 billion in a new funding round that includes a group of investors known as Space Angels. This new deal places SpaceX at a valuation of $46 billion. This puts SpaceX at the third highest valuation among “unicorn” companies and some analysts say that the company is still undervalued at that.

Ability to Take the Long View Required

Investing in an aerospace company like SpaceX appears to require an ability to take the long view as entrepreneurs like Elon Musk pump money into research and development. SpaceX has not yet turned a profit mostly because it invests a considerable amount of money in ventures like the Internet-providing Starlink satellite constellation and the development of new rockets like Starship. The company plans for Starship to be capable of sending payloads and, eventually, human crews to Mars.

Elon Musk has hesitated to make the company a publicly traded one out of fears that shareholders will become too focused on quarterly reports. SpaceX was once nearly bankrupt, although the landing of several government contracts helped it turn things around. Stockholders’ insistence on quarterly profits above the long-term good of the company is also believed to be a factor in Boeing’s current problems.

Venture capitalists may be more patient than those who trade stocks in publicly held companies if the potential payoff is greater in the long haul, however. According to analysts at Morgan-Stanley, if SpaceX can keep promises like bringing its Starlink constellation’s Internet speed up to 1 Gbps and make it affordable for millions of potential subscribers, it could easily reach a valuation of up to $200 billion.

Rise to Mars!

Elon Musk has made the prospect of future Martian colonies a major part of branding for SpaceX. As he put it, “I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact.” While moving to Mars might not be much of a retirement plan yet, the size of Facebook groups like the Aspiring Martians and Space Hipsters indicates that there may be a greater interest in the future of space travel than most people think. Virgin Galactic has also already sold tickets for its suborbital flights at $250,000 apiece.

That’s something that entrepreneurs like Musk can cash in on. Although the cost per “ticket” for a flight to Mars is likely to be high, his focus has been on developing reusable hardware that could bring the price down compared to more “traditional” payload launch services. SpaceX has already reused the first stage of its Falcon rockets as many as six times, caught a payload fairing in a huge net, and is currently refurbishing the Dragon spacecraft that it used for the crewed Demo-2 mission. Musk has said that all this could bring the cost of spaceflight per person down to about the cost of a good house in a modestly sized city.

Would you go to Mars or at least subscribe to satellite Internet services if it could be made better than many ground-based ISPs? Venture capitalists are betting on it with this new investment round in SpaceX.

Space

SpaceX Launches More Satellites for Starlink, SkySat

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: August 19, 2020 Last Edited: August 19, 2020

Heidi

SpaceX launched 58 new satellites out of a planned 12,000-satellite Internet accessibility constellation for Starlink and three new satellites for the SkySat constellation on August 18. SkySat is owned by the satellite imagery company Planet, which plans to use the constellation to sell imagery to government agencies and private organizations.

SpaceX successfully landed the first stage of the Falcon rocket used for yesterday’s launch on one of its drone ships. This marks SpaceX’s 58th successful recovery of a first stage rocket and the 39th successful landing on a drone ship. This is part of SpaceX’s program of making rocket launches more accessible to smaller aerospace companies by reusing previously flown rocket stages.

SkySats 20, 21, and 22 were launched as a secondary payload in SpaceX’s “ride sharing” program. This is the second launch that included both Starlink satellites and SkySats. This can also bring down costs for companies and allows them to get infrastructure into space sooner than if they had to wait for an open slot in the launch schedule. By splitting the new SkySat deployment into two launches, Planet found it easier to maneuver them into the appropriate orbital planes for more effective coverage.

“By taking advantage of SpaceX’s rideshare program, we were able to get these satellites launched much faster compared to a dedicated launch,” said Planet vice president of launch operations Mike Safyan.

Benefits of High-Resolution Imagery in Space

By launching the SkySats, Planet can tap into an already growing market for images taken from space. The same set of images can be used for a wide variety of humanitarian and scientific purposes. High-resolution imagery from orbiting satellites have already been used by government agencies and private organizations for disaster recovery, tracking illegal deforestation, and even discovering ancient ruins in areas that are extremely difficult to access.

Satellite images have also been used to track large wildfires and give a more clear picture of climate patterns that can lead to drought or severe weather. Every time you tune into your local news station for the weather report or get a warning of an incoming hurricane, you are likely to see images generated by orbiting satellites. Satellite imagery can give several days’ worth of advance warning for severe weather events rather than mere hours before it strikes, making it more feasible to prepare or evacuate.

Similarly, constellations like Starlink can provide Internet connectivity to disaster response teams that otherwise might not be able to get information quickly. If a major earthquake has hit a region, it’s likely that most utilities will be severed, which can make it difficult to coordinate the response by crippling ground-based communications. Starlink testers recently reported speeds of up to 60 Mbps and SpaceX has plans to boost this to up to 1 Gbps once the full constellation is launched, which will be useful to response teams that need information quickly. If Starlink works in conjunction with imaging satellites like SkySat, response teams can coordinate more effectively with access to both reliable communications and up-to-the-second information.

Payload launch companies like SpaceX are making this feasible by helping to bring the cost of each launch down through reusable hardware and “ride sharing” services. This recent launch has added more capability to two constellations that will be highly useful for both humanitarian and commercial applications.

Space

SpaceX Seeks Development Manager for Planned Luxury Spaceport Resort

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: August 16, 2020 Last Edited: August 16, 2020

Heidi

Have you ever wanted to work for SpaceX but weren’t sure if you have the right credentials? You may be in luck. SpaceX is currently seeking a resort development manager to assist with developing what it describes as a “21st century spaceport” in Boca Chica, Texas. According to the job listing on Greenhouse, a successful candidate will have experience with “high end brand luxury development.” The job will be based in Brownsville, Texas.

Boca Chica is already the base of operations for testing of SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which recently completed a “hop” test in which it reached a 150-meter altitude. When Starship becomes operational, it will be capable of launching payloads to the Moon and Mars.

The job listing seems to indicate that SpaceX intends to add more amenities to its spaceport, bringing it more in line with competitors for the private “space tourism” industry like Virgin Galactic. Virgin Galactic also has a fledgling spaceport in New Mexico, which it refers to as Spaceport America, and has emphasized the amenities that it has planned for its spaceport as much as its planned spaceflights.

Unlike Virgin Galactic’s brief suborbital flights, SpaceX has plans to send paying customers into orbit, to the Moon, and eventually on to Mars. It has already completed a successful flight test of its Crew Dragon, which included sending two NASA astronauts to the International Space Station and back. A second test flight is planned for as early as October. SpaceX plans to fly the first operational crewed flights to and from the International Space Station as early as the first quarter of 2021. Crewed lunar flights could begin as early as 2023, with paying customers such as Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa expressing interest.

SpaceX has not been very forthcoming about what the planned “resort” will look like beyond an emphasis on servicing and flying Starship for trips around the moon. The job posting seems to imply that the plans include a high-end hotel for the elite clients that are planning a flight into space.

The greater focus is on the floating rocket launch bases in the ocean that SpaceX has planned for servicing of spaceflights ranging from interplanetary travel to suborbital flights from point to point on Earth. Imagine being able to fly from Texas to Tokyo in 90 minutes or less, with a taste of weightlessness during the flight. Perhaps future services for spaceports like SpaceX’s and Virgin Galactic will include business class flights to lunar bases and space stations similar to NASA’s planned Lunar Gateway.

Interested in applying for this job but aren’t a rocket scientist? No big deal. It does require a bachelor’s degree, but doesn’t seem to require that it be in aerospace engineering. Just be sure to brush off your CV so you can impress Elon Musk, who is notorious for being finicky about his new hires.

Space

Tests of SpaceX’s Starlink Return Speeds Up to 60 Mbps

Written By: Heidi

Published Date: August 14, 2020 Last Edited: August 14, 2020

Heidi

Preliminary testing of SpaceX’s constellation of Internet-providing satellites, Starlink, indicate that beta testers have achieved download speeds of between 11 and 60 Mbps. Upload speeds range from 5 to 18 Mbps.

Although the Starlink beta testers have some signed non-disclosure agreements, at least 11 of them anonymously posted their speeds on Reddit and the data was compiled into a graphic. According to SpaceX filings with the FCC, it expects to reach up to gigabit-per-second speeds once the full Starlink constellation is deployed.

In a move that is likely to be attractive to gamers who like fast response time in their online games, SpaceX also plans to reduce latency from the current 31- to 94-millisecond times reported by the testers to under 20 milliseconds. This is possible by keeping the satellites in a low-Earth orbit of about 540 to 570 kilometers in altitude, as compared to the 34,000-kilometer altitude of a typical geosynchronous orbit.

Possible Controversy

The FCC has approved the launch of up to 12,000 Starlink satellites, of which 600 have been launched so far. This has caused a bit of controversy with stargazers who say that the Starlink satellites interfere with their viewing. Space enthusiasts have also expressed concern over “space debris” consisting of defunct satellites and spent rockets that remain in orbit. Inactive space debris poses a risk of colliding with active satellites and even the International Space Station, which has had to maneuver to avoid it.

The FCC has also expressed skepticism of SpaceX’s claims of low latency in initial communications regarding the Starlink constellation. Existing satellite Internet providers generally aren’t known for their fast speeds partly due to high latency times. Tests indicate that geosynchronous satellites usually have a latency time of about 600 milliseconds, which is among the highest among available Internet delivery media.

Big Benefits for Internet Service “Deserts”

Supporters say that Internet-providing satellites like Starlink can provide Internet access to areas in which ISPs have not made much investment. 60 Mbps is comparable to many of the lower-tier plans offered by ISPs in the United States and is often the best available in rural areas. Many impoverished parts of the world also lack reliable access to the Internet. SpaceX anticipates plenty of interest from these areas, with the potential for up to 5 million subscribers in the United States alone.

Improved Internet access could come with increased opportunities for populations in less advantaged regions. With the rise in popularity of remote working, people who were previously “left out” economically could take advantage of services similar to Amazon Mechanical Turk and Etsy to sell their work. Inexpensive mobile devices loaded with digital wallets and Internet connectivity could benefit the millions of people around the world who do not have ready access to banking services.

All of it may rely on companies like SpaceX being willing to make the initial investment in Internet-related infrastructure like Starlink. However, it will benefit people who previously had to put up with slow Internet or no Internet access at all.

Most recently, SpaceX successfully added 57 satellites to its Starlink constellation with a launch on August 7. The next Starlink launch is slated for August 18 and will put 58 more satellites in orbit. Each one adds more capacity to the Starlink network as it progresses toward its promised 1 Gbps Internet speed.

Health

Cramping Early on in Pregnancy – What Does It Mean and What to Do About It?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 15, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

It’s important to understand what to expect when expecting because every twinge, ache, or cramp might set off an alarm in your head. So, cramping early on in the pregnancy – what does it mean?

Right off the bat, cramping in early pregnancy means that you’re pregnant. Okay, this definition is circular, but there are medical reasons why cramping is normal during those first few weeks.

The following sections explore some of the physical and physiological processes that naturally cause cramps. And you’ll get a better idea of when it’s time to see your obstetrician.

Rapid Body Changes

As the baby grows, your body follows suit and abdominal cramping is a perfectly normal side-effect. The causes might be different and some of the common culprits include:

Gastrointestinal troubles – Constipation, gas, and bloating are a real problem during pregnancy. These discomforting side effects are perfectly normal and are likely to cause mild cramps.
Uterus Growth – Some women might not appear pregnant during the first weeks, but their bodies are undergoing major changes, nonetheless. The uterus stretches and grows to accommodate the baby and, in turn, you may feel lower abdomen cramps.
Implantation – It’s not uncommon to feel cramps in the first or second week after conception. The fertilized egg travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and attaches itself to the uterine wall. And again, this might cause cramps.
Insufficient Hydration – If you fail to drink enough water, your muscles might warn you about it by cramping. This may apply to late pregnancy as well.

How Do These Cramps Actually Feel?

First of all, early pregnancy cramps are more like an ache – there’s little to no pain. Generally, it feels like your abdomen is stretching or pulling and the sensation can be compared to menstrual cramps.

Overall, the cramps are mild and aren’t accompanied by any other symptoms, therefore there’s no reason for concern. At this point, you’re probably wondering about the cramps that should prompt you to see a doctor.

As a rule, if a pregnant woman feels severe persistent pain, she needs to see an obstetrician right away. The same goes if the cramps occur in the vagina and there’s abnormal discharge or bleeding. These symptoms might be accompanied by lightheadedness, dizziness, stomach problems, diarrhea, and neck or shoulder pain.

That said, mild dizziness and/or stomach problems are normal, but if these are followed by excruciating cramps or pain, it’s high time to visit a doctor.

Interesting Fact

An orgasm could be the reason for cramps during the first weeks of pregnancy. It occurs just after intercourse and has the intensity of menstrual cramps. On the bright side, these cramps subside fast and it doesn’t mean you should abstain from sex unless there are other symptoms.

The Worst-Case Scenario

Cramps accompanied by secondary symptoms that won’t go away might signal certain medical conditions. In the first few weeks, these could be Urinary Tract Infection, ectopic pregnancy, and miscarriage. Here’s what you need to know.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – Some women are more prone to UTI during pregnancy. The cramps occur in the lower abdomen, accompanied by a burning sensation while a woman urinates. This is how you tell a UTI from more serious complications.
Ectopic pregnancy – If the cramps are really painful and occur on one side of the abdomen, it could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. This means the fertilized egg became implanted outside the uterine lining or into the fallopian tube. Women who have had an ultrasound don’t need to worry about this.
Miscarriage – Severe cramps followed by bleeding indicate an onset of a miscarriage. In this case, a pregnant woman needs to immediately see an obstetrician.

How Long Do Early Pregnancy Cramps Last?

The duration depends on the causes. For example, UTI and ectopic pregnancy cramps are persistent and they worsen as the hours or days go by. As for the miscarriage, the cramps might be severe at the onset or rapidly grow from bad to unbearable. And again, this requires immediate medical attention.

Under normal circumstances, early pregnancy cramps are intermittent. This means they come and go for a brief period of time. The intensity is mild and if there aren’t any secondary symptoms, so feel free to try to alleviate them.

Sitting or lying in a specific position can relieve some of the abdominal pressure and relieve cramps. Worm baths help as well and you can take up a gentle yoga routine or relaxation exercise to reduce the discomforting sensation.

Important Note: Before taking up any kind of exercise, you need to have an ultrasound and have a consultation with your doctor.

How to Treat the Cramps?

It has already been established that comfortable positions, warm baths, and light exercise help. But there are a few other things you can do to lessen the ache.

Before all else, a pregnant woman needs to have her beauty sleep. Make sure to get eight hours at least to help your cells rejuvenate and reproduce. This will also allow the body to adapt to the new conditions.

Drinking plenty of water can’t be stressed enough and you shouldn’t go under eight glasses per day. As a result, it will be easier for your muscles to stretch and follow the rest of the body. In addition, gentle massages and warm compresses can relax the muscles and, thus, lessen the cramps.

Take the worm compress and apply it to the affected area, the relief should come in a few minutes. As for the massage, it should be applied to the lower back and make sure you use essential oils or creams that are suitable for pregnant women.

Finally, you can take paracetamol, but only if your obstetrician allows it. And it’s important to stress that pregnant women should never take any medication prior to doctor’s approval. This goes double for painkillers because they might cause miscarriage and other complications.

Don’t Worry, It’ll Soon Be Over

Cramping early on in pregnancy – what does it mean? The cramps indicate that your body is adapting to accommodate for the coming baby. To reiterate, there’s nothing to worry about as long as there’s no bleeding, severe pain, or other symptoms.

However, you should see an obstetrician soon after a pregnancy test reveals the good news. He or she will inform you about the sensations you can expect and the ultrasound rules out some of the serious complications.

References:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2014/0701/p34.html
https://americanpregnancy.org/your-pregnancy/cramping-during-pregnancy/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321456.php
https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Bleeding-or-pain-in-early-pregnancy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/leg-cramps-during-pregnancy/faq-20057766

Health

A Mile a Day Keeps Calories Away – How Many Calories Are Burned by Walking a Mile?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 13, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

How many calories are burned by walking a mile? The quick answer is that you should be able to burn off a Snickers bar, about a third of a large Starbucks latte, or some of your light brunch. However, the answer isn’t that simple.

The number of calories you burn by walking a mile primarily depends on your weight and the speed of walking. Your metabolism and overall health play a part as well and this article assumes that you’re in perfect health and have a normal metabolism.

With this in mind, you’ll get a better understanding of the calorie-burning mechanism and the exact numbers. Plus, there are some tips on how to maximize your efforts.

Calories and Metabolism – How Do They Work?

For starters, it’s important to define metabolism. This is a process during which your body transforms foods and drinks into energy, but how do calories fit in?

As you already know, foods and beverages contain calories. After eating or drinking, your body triggers a complex biochemical mechanism to take advantage of the ingested calories. It combines the calories with oxygen to provide the energy you need.

It’s worth noting that your body needs energy for processes other than physical activities. In fact, calories are necessary to keep optimal hormone levels, respiration, the growth or reparation of cells, circulation of blood, etc.

Your body burns a specific number of calories to support these basic functions – this is called the basal metabolic rate. In other words, the process most people think of when they refer to metabolism. As indicated, there are several factors that affect metabolism.

Composition and body size – Those who have more muscles or are larger burn off more calories. This applies even when they rest.
Gender – As a rule, men have more muscle and less fat, so they burn more calories. To rephrase, a woman of the same weight and age would usually burn less.
Age – Muscle mass lowers as you grow older. This means there’s more fat in your body which decreases the number of calories your body burns.

Things to Consider

The energy your body needs for basic functions remains pretty consistently throughout your life. And there are two more factors that affect the number of burned calories per day:

Thermogenesis – This is actually the mechanism of food processing. The foods you consume need to be digested, absorbed, transported, and stored in your body – all this requires calories. For example, about 10% of the calories you get from protein and carbs are used up to digest and absorb the nutrients.
Physical Activities – Needless to say, chasing your canine friend, playing sports, as well as pumping iron add to the calories you burn.

While thermogenesis is also pretty consistent, physical activities are the most variable aspect of the calorie-burning process. To understand how walking fits the bill, you need to grasp the concept of NEAT.

Have a NEAT Walking Routine

NEAT is the abbreviation for non-exercise activity thermogenesis. To put it simply, NEAT is the calorie-burning activity you take without the intention to burn calories or exercise.

By nature, walking and commuting on foot are that kind of activity and the same goes for sleeping, typing, gardening, etc. The important thing is that NEAT activities can burn between 100 and 800 calories a day.

It’s not hard to guess – the more you walk, the more calories you shed – but how many calories are burned by walking a mile?

Walk, Forest, Walk

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, the average male weight in the U.S. is 197.6 pounds. The same study indicates that women in the U.S. weigh 170.6 pounds on average. The research was conducted on healthy subjects who are twenty or older.

Given the stats, a healthy adult male should burn between 96 and 106 calories by walking a mile. For women, the numbers fall between 74 and 90 calories for the same distance. Of course, speed plays an important role and the average pace to shed this number of calories should be between 2.5 and 3.5 mph. But what happens if you start walking just a little bit faster?

Feel the Need for Speed

For every 0.5 mph, the calorie consumption may increase by 15% or more. For example, men who walk at 4.5 mph stand a chance of burning between 115 and 127 calories a mile. Women, on the other hand, are looking at between 95 and 109 calories at the same pace.

The number also jumps at 10 to 15% increments for every additional mile you walk after the first one. That said, the biggest spike happens in the second mile. Women who walk two miles may shed between 155 and 175 calories at the 2.5 mph to 3.5 mph pace, almost double the initial amount.

The principle is all the same for men, but what’s the moral of the story? By moving a bit faster and a bit further, you may turn walking into a non-NEAT activity. That is, you can deliberately push your body to use more calories without actually exercising.

How to Up the Ante?

There are a few tricks to increase the number of burned calories, assuming you don’t want to walk for more than a mile. By now, it should be obvious that the first thing to do is walk a little bit faster.

If you’re struggling to calculate the walking speed, feel free to utilize smartphone health apps that track your movement. Wearable activity trackers also help, especially if you are looking to shed off excess weight, but this is only a part of the story.

The trick is to make your body burn more without increasing the speed or distance. To achieve this, you need to heighten the intensity of your walking routine. It means you’d deliberately walk steep inclines, hills, or flights of stairs. What’s more, walking down the stairs or hills may also yield better results.

The rule of thumb is – any factor that puts you muscles into an overdrive helps you burn more calories.

A Brisk Walk to Everywhere

So, how many calories are burned by walking a mile? People burn between 74 and 106 calories every mile at an average pace of 2.5 mph to 3.5 mph. And if you weigh more than average or are prone to walk faster, you’re likely to burn much more.

Be it as it may, don’t take the easy way and drive all the way to work. Leave your car at a parking lot and walk the last mile, you’d be surprised at how good it feels.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/metabolism/art-20046508
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12468415

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320917.php

Health

Does the Isagenix Diet Work

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 12, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

The word “diet” cannot be uttered anymore without at least several qualifiers. Sometimes, a diet just means this is what a person eats all the time, like a vegan diet or a carnivore diet. But, most of the time, hearing “diet” means restrictive food intake of some kind.

Many of these have self-explanatory names, like a calorie deficit diet or a low-fat diet. You know what those mean, you either cut calories from your meals, or you avoid foods that contain a lot of fat.

And then some companies offer their own brand of weight loss programs. The idea behind this is that the company has done extensive research and come up with an optimal diet that will get you to lose weight successfully, and most likely with a good amount of social proof, like those before and after photos that none of us could resist checking out.

What Is Isagenix

One such company is Isagenix. Founded in 2002, it is an international multi-level marketing (MLM) company. This means that their customers are paid to sell their products. And when you become a distributor, you can recruit more salespeople under you for commissions, as well as selling directly. But, does the Isagenix diet work?

The Isagenix 30-Day System

This is the company’s most popular product. It is a cleansing and fat-burning program and advertised as a great starting point to weight loss. Moreover, it is supposedly sustainable and beneficial for long-term use.

The Isagenix Diet consists of meal-replacement shakes and fasting. They ask you to replace 2 meals per day with pre-packaged shakes that come in different flavors. You’d combine that with one meal that offers high nutritional density at a caloric content of 400-600kcal. These are called Shake days. Cleanse days, or fasting days, are suggested at up to two per week. While fasting, you’d also use the company’s Cleanse for Life drink, which supports detoxification of the body.

The company claims that within the first week of the 30-day program, your body is preparing for the weight loss transformation that is too follow. It provides your body with all the nutrients you need that will allow your body to lose weight efficiently.

If you do everything you’re supposed to, results should follow, or at least that’s the plan. This means not only weight loss but also repressing your cravings for unhealthy foods, in addition to muscle tone improvement.

The Benefits of the Isagenix Diet

Limited Calories

This form of weight loss does well with portion control. You always know exactly what is on the menu. You have only one regular meal to prepare, and Isagenix offers a lot of ideas for recipes on their website.

Many Supplements

Isagenix really does give you everything that’s ready to use, including the supplements. Your daily portion is pre-packaged and contains a blend of herbs and vitamins. These will help you boost your metabolism and promote fat burning.

Time-Saving

It might sound like a cliché, but time is a currency in the 21^st century. None of us are too thrilled about prepping our own meals for the week or cruising around grocery store aisles. Sure, cooking can be fun, but figuring out what you want to do for 3 meals every day can be frustrating. There really is a convenience to having 14 weight-loss-promoting meals per week delivered to you.

The Downside of the Isagenix Diet

The Price

The price of the Isagenix 30-day System is currently listed on the company’s website at $378.49. And considering that this is only for one person, a family of 3 who wants to sample the 30-day System may quickly call into question the affordability of this program. Plus, there are people who can’t shake the sneaky feeling that MLM products are overpriced. After all, so many people in the scheme get a cut, as compared to only a couple when you buy at a store.

Not FDA Approved

Isagenix has conducted their own studies, and they guarantee the quality and health benefits of their products. Like any non-independent studies, you may find them biased and overpromising. Also, the diet is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – but then, most fad diets aren’t, so this may not be a big deal for you.

Too Restrictive

There is the question of how the Isagenix Diet can be sustainable in the long term. Even if their shakes and snacks are every bit as nutritional and tasty as they claim, how does drinking your meal twice a day turn into a lifetime practice? The answer is – it probably doesn’t. Eventually, both our bodies and our minds will rebel against such a system.

Not Real Food

Isagenix products are not real food. They are highly processed and contain sugar and additives. It doesn’t seem prudent to replace two-thirds of your meals with processed food.

Does It Work?

Does the Isagenix diet work? It depends on what your goal is. It’s important to understand that any caloric deficit, even for 30 days, will help you lose weight. You don’t actually need any products to do that. Yes, it will take the load off worrying about what to eat all the time, but it might also become a tedious thing pretty quickly.

Isagenix markets its products as offering something more than weight loss – a rejuvenation and detox of the body. But, it’s good to be careful about that as well. Our body detoxifies itself all the time. We have our livers for that. It is a dubious trick to make us feel like we always need more cleansing.

And even if that is what you feel like you need, there are perhaps more organic ways to go about it. The Isagenix Diet will not help you to learn about proper nutrition and healthy eating habits. The only way for your weight loss to be a long-term success is to turn to real food and see what changes you can make. That will make your journey more sustainable.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3610947/
https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/isagenix-study-is-not-convincing/

Health

Can Cervical Mucus Tell You If You’re Pregnant?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 11, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

There are few commonly used synonyms for cervical mucus. Some of them are cervical fluid and cervical discharge. One thing that is crucial to mention right away is that cervical mucus is a healthy and normal part of the female reproductive system. So, all women will see cervical mucus through their cycle.

If you don’t know what cervical mucus is and what’s its purpose, you could look at the discharge and start to worry or even get a little scared. But, the opposite should be true. Healthy discharge patterns of cervical mucus during the month are an excellent indicator of fertility. You can track the timing and texture of the cervical fluid and chart it in order to track the fertile and non-fertile days.

But What Is Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus is produced by your cervix at various times of your cycle. It is connected to the hormones released at certain times during your cycle. Meaning that things like color, texture, and stretchiness of the mucus will differ at those various points of your cycle.

Can cervical mucus tell you if you’re pregnant? Cervical mucus has two very important jobs. One of them is to prevent viruses and bacteria to enter the cervix. And the other is to nourish and transport sperm. That is an important evolutional development physiologically because it’s not just about the meeting of the sperm and the egg – we need something to connect them. And that is what cervical mucus does.

Mucus as a Sign of Fertility

Since cervical mucus corresponds with the hormones produced in the female body during the cycle, it makes for a reliable sign of fertility. When your body’s preparing for ovulation, the estrogen levels in your body are raising. During the ovulation period, the estrogen level is at its peak. When you are fertile, your cervical mucus will be very gooey (clear and wet). You will be able to stick it from one finger to the other. It actually looks a lot like egg white.

This type of mucus will usually appear around the 12^th day of your cycle. After ovulation, your body goes on to produce a hormone called progesterone. And that is when you begin to notice a lower level of estrogenic cervical mucus. At this point, your cervical fluid will be clumpier, a little bit whiter, and denser. This is a non-fertile cervical mucus and it will prevent sperm from surviving long enough to reach the egg.

Cervical Mucus as a Sign of Early Pregnancy

Pregnancy makes your body go through a lot of changes, starting immediately upon conception. But, before taking a pregnancy test or going to the doctor’s, your body might already be sending some early signals of pregnancy. And to answer the titular question – can cervical mucus tell you if you’re pregnant? – if you’re past your fertile window and notice an increase in cervical mucus that didn’t change its texture as it normally does post-ovulation, this could indicate an early sign of pregnancy.

Keep in mind, that not all women experience this symptom, nor is the symptom itself a sure sign of pregnancy. Sometimes the difference in the texture of the mucus can be subtle and you may not even notice it. In fact, you may not actually notice any difference before the eighth week of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, during the pregnancy you’ll most likely experience a variety of vaginal discharges, so this could be one of them. But, if you think that you might be pregnant, there is no harm in checking your cervical mucus and compare it to how it usually is at this stage of your cycle.

Other Signs of Early Pregnancy

So much of what it means to be a woman is governed through the changes you experience during your monthly cycle. Surges and declines in estrogen and progesterone leave your body with symptoms and changes that are sometimes hard to keep track of. Aside from cramping during your period, you have to go through, what sometimes feels like, endless symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS).

And then when you get pregnant. Or your period is late for a few days (assuming it’s usually regular). Your body starts giving you little clues to let you know about what’s happening. These are a few signs you should look out for:

Breast Soreness

Your hormones and the increased blood flow upon conception might lead to pain and swelling of your breasts. You could also notice some difference in the color of your nipples – they might get darker. You could experience this symptom of pregnancy as early as week 1 or 2 of the pregnancy.

Vomiting

It’s usually referred to as morning sickness, but it can strike at any time. The official term is nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP). You can start experiencing it around week 4 and 5 of the pregnancy. Sometimes, this symptom can become more severe and last throughout the entire pregnancy.

Fatigue

If you feel more tired than usual, even though you’re getting enough sleep, you might be going through the very early stages of pregnancy. Your body is starting to acclimate to the changes in hormones and circulation. So it’s natural to not feel like yourself and that you just need a break. This usually passes as your body adjusts.

Headaches & Backaches

Yes, a lot of aches. Again, the increased blood flow will make you go through some uncomfortable changes. So, a headache might hit you out of nowhere, and the same goes for lower back aches.

Spotting

This is probably the earliest sign of pregnancy you can detect. There could be bleeding in the form of spotting during the first week of pregnancy due to the embryo attaching to the lining of the uterus. Not all women experience this, but the ones that do can mistake it for menstrual bleeding.

Your Body Is a Map

One thing remains – to be in tune with your body makes all the difference. For a woman, this is especially true during pregnancy. If you want to know if you’re pregnant, paying attention to your body’s indicators is the most natural thing to do.

References:

https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/cervical-mucus/
https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(12)00042-8/fulltext
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-cervical-mucus-method-fams
https://www.ejog.org/article/0028-2243(80)90056-8/fulltext

Health

What Is a Calorie Deficit

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 8, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

Everybody is talking about calories. How many are there in this cheeseburger and how many if you take out the cheese? Because talking about calories comes together with talking about body weight. How many calories is too many and will it result in excess weight? Or how many calories do you need to cut in order to lose weight?

What Is a Calorie?

So, if you’re wondering what is a calorie deficit, it’s probably best to learn what a calorie is in the first place. A calorie is a unit that we use to track our body’s energy expenditure and storage. In other words, calories help us track how much energy we use vs how much we consume or store.

But, the vernacular calories actually refer to the scientific unit kcal, or kilocalories. One kilocalorie represents the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The most important starting point when it comes to calories is understanding the Basal Metabolic Rate or BMR. In order to just stay alive, human beings (and animals) burn calories. This means, even before we perform any activity, our bodies are already using energy (measured in calories) to keep us alive. Blood circulating through our body needs energy, so does cell reproduction, and breathing. Around 70% of the calories we consume are spent on just keeping out vital organs running.

There are ways to calculate your BMR. You can’t ever get a 100% accurate number, but it’s a pretty close estimate. One way to go about it is to use the Harris-Benedict Formula, which takes your gender, age, weight, and height into account to give you a BMR. Knowing your BMR enables you to compare it to your total daily calorie intake and decide if you want to maintain or change the number of calories you eat every day.

What Is a Deficit?

The word “deficit” means that there isn’t enough of something. In the context of calories, it implies that you’re eating fewer calories than what your body requires for the maintenance of its current weight. This term is mostly used when talking about weight loss and it usually doesn’t have a negative connotation, unless it’s regarding malnutrition.

When it comes to weight loss, one of the most popular approaches is the concept of “Calories in, Calories out”. Meaning that if you want to lose weight, the amount of calories you burn during the day has to be higher than the ones you consume through food. You can adjust how much that difference needs to be, depending on your overall health and wishes, and it also means that you can increase your body weight if that’s what you need to do.

Not All Calories Are the Same

The “Calories in, Calories out” concept is a scientifically proven one. There is mathematical certainty to it. But, this by no means tells the whole story about calories and how their deficit and excessive consumption affects our lives.

So, yes, if you eat a few bags of potato chip worth of calories to support the calorie intake needed to maintain or cut down on your weight, it will work. But, this doesn’t have the same effect on your body and overall health as a balanced nutritional meal containing the same amount of calories.

The calorie math is irrefutable, but it’s also worth mentioning that prolonged daily consumption of highly processed, sugary food, as well as food rich in vegetable oil, leads to a slowdown of your metabolism and a speed-up of the aging process of the cells.

Exercising and Calories

Where does exercise fit in the conversation about what is calorie deficit? A lot of what the fitness industry is selling is the idea of you burning some extra calories at the gym. Some of us may wake up early and go for a run so we can make some room for the cake later.

But, it doesn’t really work that way. We already know that most of the energy our body uses is to sustain life. We need 10% of our energy just for digestion, which leaves us with 20% for physical activity. There is only so much you can do with that percentage and not to mention the amount of time you’d have to do it.

Food Labels

Most packaged food manufacturers are obligated by law to inform you about the nutritional info (which includes energy values) of the product they are selling. This makes things somewhat easier to navigate through grocery store labels and restaurant menus.

But, unless you’re familiar with every detail and loophole of the laws that govern the food industry, you can’t ever fully rely on the labels. It’s probably for the best to use them as guidelines only.

Calorie Deficit and Nutritional Values

The best way to describe the point of calorie deficit – is that it’s a tool. It serves a purpose in medicine and the world of professional sport, as well as in our daily lives. It can be a very good thing if you want to be healthier and eat better without changing your body weight. Or if you want to lose some weight and keeping track of your calorie intake seems simple enough.

We never know exactly how the food we eat will impact our bodies and it’s easy to get confused and frustrated. Counting calories is an effective way of keeping up with our body energy budget and whether it’s in deficit or surplus.

But, what’s more important is trying to eat food with higher nutritional density. Eating balanced meals makes it easier to maintain your weight due to satiety. One thing is for sure, everybody has heard of calories, even if they have no idea what they are.

It seems like a simple unit of energy has become an object of our society’s obsession. It needn’t be that way. Remember, calorie deficits are just a tool.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/theres-no-sugar-coating-it-all-calories-are-not-created-equal-2016110410602
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/art-20048065
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3696577/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5639963/

Health

How Long Does Ecstasy Stay in Your System

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 7, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

Talking about street drugs isn’t such a taboo anymore. In some places, like Portugal, the complete decriminalization of certain street drugs has purportedly led to people using them more responsibly. The rebranding of marijuana as a very potent natural medicine that alleviates the symptoms of so many serious health issues has opened up this conversation even further.

Drugs like ecstasy have had a therapeutic use in psychiatry, specifically psychotherapy, in the past before it was labeled as a party drug. We are learning that some of the people who can benefit the most from ecstasy therapy are those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because it gives them the ability to revisit traumatic memories without the emotional stress that would follow.

What Is Ecstasy

Ecstasy is a compound known by its chemical name 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Also known as MDMA, its colloquial name is molly, which is short for molecular because it’s usually in the form of crystal or powder.

It’s a ring-substituted amphetamine derivative. MDMA belongs to a group of psychoactive drugs that alter the moods, thoughts, and mental state of those who use them. In this group, we also find cocaine, cannabis, and even legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.

How Does It Work

Ecstasy is considered an empathogen, which means that it makes you feel empathetic, euphoric, and emotionally open. It does this by affecting three neurotransmitters in your brain:

Dopamine – which gives your brain a feeling of reward and also increases your energy levels
Noradrenaline – which increases your heart rate
Serotonin – which puts you in a better mood, affects your appetite, and enhances your libido

When you get Ecstasy into your system, it travels through your bloodstream all the way to your brain. This causes your brain to release more of these three neurotransmitters. Ecstasy even mimics the signal of neurotransmitters in order to boost it. The feeling you get is of happiness, pleasure, and a general sense of… well, ecstasy.

Is It Bad for You

In its purest form, ecstasy is not really dangerous. Especially if you only take a small amount. Most of the side effects are not extreme and there is no serious discomfort.

Side Effects

However, there’s some stuff you should keep in mind. The most common side effects of MDMA use are:

Dry mouth
Jaw clenching
Thirst
Perspiration
Insomnia
Restless legs

Contamination

The biggest potential risk with ecstasy is the possibility of contamination. Since it comes in powder and crystalline form, it makes it easy to mix it with less-valuable white compounds like ketamine, Tylenol, and even talcum powder. Diluting MDMA in this fashion could be very dangerous. So, if you’re acquiring ecstasy for personal use is, it’s really important to get it from a trusted source and that it’s safe.

The Aftermath

After using ecstasy, you are very likely to experience certain things that are the result of the effects of the drug wearing off. Your dopamine and serotonin levels are coming back down and this is going to leave you feeling tired, irritated, and even a bit depressed. If you are taking some medication, such as an antidepressive or bipolar disorder drug, that interferes with your serotonin production, taking ecstasy is a bad idea.

It’s important to point out that ecstasy addiction isn’t really an issue. The dopamine reward system of our brains is only slightly affected by MDMA. Also, if you start using the drug too often, you start to become more tolerant of it. Meaning all the happy and euphoric feelings start to fade, and all the side effects become more pronounced. So, you’re not likely to use it all the time.

Half-life of Ecstasy

The half-life of a drug represents the time it takes for the concentration of the drug in the body to reduce by 50%. So, after one half-life, the amount of the drug in the body will be half of the starting dose. You can thank your liver because it often works overtime to metabolize all of the substances in your blood.

Depending on the person, the half-life of ecstasy is between 6 and 9 hours. And it takes about 4-5 half-lives for any drug to clear out of your body, i.e. to become undetectable in most tests. So, taking all of that into account, having MDMA completely gone from your body would take anywhere from 2 to 3 days.

But, how long does ecstasy stay in your system altogether? There are some differences regarding how and where you can detect traces of MDMA in your system. These are some of the ways you can be tested for the presence of ecstasy:

Blood

After you take it, ecstasy will show up in your blood within a couple of hours. And even though the amount of ecstasy will decrease in 4-6 hours, traces of the drug can be found 24h later.

Urine

Same as with blood, ecstasy will appear in the urine within 2 hours after taking it. During the next 24h, about a third of the drug will disappear through urine. After 48h, ecstasy cannot be traced in the urine.

Saliva

This is where the presence of ecstasy in your system first appears – sometimes even within 15 minutes of taking it. It stays in the saliva for 24h, but traces of it can be found even 3 days later.

Hair

MDMA can be traced in the hair up to about three months post-ingestion. Once in the bloodstream, a certain amount of the drug reaches the tiny blood vessels connected to the hair follicles. And since hair grows approximately 1cm per month, authorities may be able to pinpoint the time someone used the drug.

Stay Hydrated

How long does ecstasy stay in your system? Staying hydrated while on ecstasy is very important. Not only due to the possible dry mouth sensation but since you’re very likely to stay active during that time, you don’t want to accidentally become dehydrated. However, don’t overhydrate with water either – it can drain your electrolyte reserve and that wouldn’t be very good either. Probably the best way to go is with a sports drink since it contains both water and electrolytes.

References:

https://www.usada.org/spirit-of-sport/education/drug-half-life/
http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-facts/can-mdma-be-used-medicine-or-therapy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC81503/
http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/55/3/463#sec-57
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-toc~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-2~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-2-3~drugtreat-pubs-modpsy-2-3-pmdm

Health

What Is Dimethicone

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 6, 2019 Last Edited: November 26, 2019

Arch

Even if you are not passionate about makeup, moisturizers, and hair products, you probably know a lot more about these products than you think. You know you’ve heard of things like “sulfate-free”, “paraben-free”, or “all-natural”. Social media is packed with entire communities that take the time to learn and explain what is in everything that we use on a daily basis.

One of the buzzwords floating around the online world is dimethicone. You might have heard of it, but what is dimethicone and what does it do?

Where Does It Come from

Dimethicone is a silicone-based organic compound. What makes dimethicone so interesting is its ability to make your facial moisturizer feel so soft and silky. It is abundantly incorporated into a wide range of skin and hair care products. The primer of yours that feels so light and slippery under your fingers and goes on so light and fresh on your face most likely contains dimethicone.

There is a lot of talk about whether or not silicone-based personal care products are damaging to the skin and hair. The main complaint is that it makes acne problems worse. As a result, a lot of companies have started to remove dimethicone from their product and announce this all over their marketing to make sure that you know. But is everything about silicones bad? Sometimes it seems like it’s become another toxic thing to look out for in the products we use.

What Are Silicones

All right, dimethicone is just a type of silicone that contains the dimethyl chemical group. But what is a silicone then? Silicones were developed in the 1930s from a method of extracting pure silica from raw quartz and converting it to dimethyl silica. But it’s believed that the term “silicone” wasn’t coined until 1940.

So, while not a purely natural polymer – very few polymers in the world contain all-natural ingredients, natural rubber is the major one – the main constituent of silicone is a natural substance in the form of silica. Apart from quartz, you can find silica in rocks, sand, and granite. Of course, in the polymerization of silica to silicone, a number of synthetic ingredients are added.

What is very unique about silicone is the extremely strong alternating chemical bonds between the oxygen and silicon atoms in the polymer. It makes it a powerful and durable substance that’s especially resistant to degradation.

There are over 400 different types of silicones and their use extends far beyond cosmetics. You can find them as coating agents for certain types of medical-grade tubing due to the significant resistance to microbes and bacteria. They are also an ingredient in numerous pharmaceuticals that we take orally.

Dimethicone & Skincare

One of the primary functions of dimethicone in skincare products is that of an emollient, meaning it softens the skin. It is also an occlusive, which means that it decreases the amount of water that is lost from the skin or the hair shaft. Dimethicone is a non-toxic, colorless, and odorless oily compound. This might be somewhat peculiar, given that dimethicone can be found in many products that are considered oil-free.

However, they feel substantially lighter on your skin compared to mineral oil and petroleum-based moisturizers. So, dimethicone-containing skincare products are particularly recommended for people with oily skin, as it prevents your face from appearing “shiny”. Another thing that dimethicone does is add to the luminosity of the skin, which is the desired effect for people with all types of skin.

Dimethicone & Hair Care

Taking care of your skin and keeping it healthy, as well as making it feel silky and smooth, is very important. Your hair deserves equal treatment, so can dimethicone help your hair in any way?

Dimethicone and other silicone derivatives are also added to various shampoos, conditioners, and hair setting and styling products. Their job is to coat the hair shaft to keep moisture in and help prevent fragile hair and hair breakage. It also protects your hair from heat sources, such as hair dryers and other heat-based styling products. It also helps you with hair detangling.

An important caveat when it comes to dimethicone in hair products is that this particular silicone-based compound is not water soluble. This means that, unfortunately, dimethicone will build upon your hair shaft itself and weigh it down. Because it’s insoluble, rinsing it out with water is not enough. You most likely have to wash it with a sulfate-based shampoo in order to prevent hair breakage, frizz, or even hair loss. Or opt for a hair product that contains water-soluble silicones, such as dimethicone copolyol and any silicone that has a “peg” prefix.

Is Dimethicone Bad for You

Silicone derivatives like dimethicone are mostly inert so there is a very low likelihood that you might develop an allergic reaction or skin irritation from it. Despite being accused of promoting acne breakouts, it can be found in acne medications like Tretinoin due to its moisturizing abilities. Most active ingredients in acne creams dry out the skin, so the presence of dimethicone can make all the difference.

Still, there are a lot of outcries, especially online, about the damaging effects of dimethicone and other silicone-based skin and hair products. The prevalent complaint is that it clogs the pores and doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, thus causing breakouts. Again, some cosmetic brands have stepped away from dimethicone use. But many have not and continue to take advantage of its light, soft, and smooth properties.

World Without Silicone

We are way past the point of being able to go through our daily business in the world without silicone. It is such a layered and practical compound and found in almost everything, including a lot of foods. It has found use in cosmetic surgery and that is how the name silicone was popularized.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7654627
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19055172
https://pellcenter.org/why-is-silicon-valley-called-silicon-valley/
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(06)03172-0/fulltext

Health

Pregnant – How Much Caffeine Can You Drink

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 5, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

When we hear the word caffeine, we mostly think of coffee. It’s not by accident that the two are such linked, as caffeine got its name from coffee around 200 years ago. And drinking coffee has strong roots in almost every culture across the world.

We all have our daily routines and so many of us can’t imagine going through the day without a few cups of coffee. Particularly in the morning, the smell of a freshly brewed pot of coffee can set the right tone for the day.

What Is Caffeine?

Aside from being one of the most widely used ingredients around the world, caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant. It can be isolated from dozens of plants, but it can also be created synthetically. The synthetic kind is usually used for medications and different food products. Pure caffeine is a fairly bitter white powder.

What Does It Do?

When consumed through food or drink, caffeine goes from our gut directly into the bloodstream. After that, it’s broken down in the liver into several compounds. Since it is a stimulant, it has the strongest effect on the central nervous system.

Caffeine keeps our bodies in alert mode and helps us stay awake. It can also increase heart rate and blood pressure if you take too much of it. Tracking your caffeine intake can be somewhat complicated because it has become a staple ingredient in many prepackaged foods, over-the-counter medicine, and even kids’ snacks.

Caffeine and Pregnancy

So, if you’re pregnant, how much caffeine can you drink? There is much discussion around whether women should have any caffeine in their systems when they are pregnant. Caffeine impacts the part of our central nervous system that is in charge of our “fight or flight” response when we are under stress.

This means that drinking coffee, for example, can make your body more stressed. And more stress is harmful to fertility and pregnancy. In fact, it’s highly recommended for pregnant women and women who are planning to conceive to avoid stressful environments.

How Much Caffeine Is Allowed?

Despite the fear of potential harm to the fetus, experts agree that some amount of caffeine is perfectly fine. The consensus is that as long as a pregnant woman’s intake of caffeine stays bellow 200mg per day, it is within the harmless range. For some expecting mothers who have a sort of caffeine addiction, this could pose a problem. But, for the sake of a safe and comfortable pregnancy, you have to do everything you can, including giving up or cutting down on caffeinated drinks that you normally enjoy.

There is one important thing to keep in mind, though. They might be the most popular caffeinated drinks, but not every type of tea or coffee contains the same amount of caffeine. So, depending on your favorite coffee or tea, you’ll know how much you can have during the day. Here are the approximate caffeine contents per 1oz:

Espresso: 64mg
Instant coffee: 7mg
Black tea: 6mg

And a pregnant woman needs to be especially careful with the caffeine that may lurk in different products. For example:

Dark chocolate contains around 70mg per 100g
Milk chocolate contains around 18mg per 100g
Energy drinks contain 50-100mg per serving

Keeping track of your caffeine intake during pregnancy is very important. It has been reported that consuming 300mg per day of caffeine led to a 37% higher risk of miscarriage.

Caffeine and Placenta

Even if you are perfectly able to handle over 200mg of caffeine daily without having any effects on your body or your sleep pattern, it’s possible your baby might not handle it so well. Because caffeine can travel through the placenta and the baby is still unable to break down caffeine, this can interfere with its movement and normal sleep.

Caffeine Substitutes

Maybe your relationship with caffeine can be loosely described as an addictive, which can be ultimately bad for you. Perhaps it’s the routine of sipping coffee with your co-workers and friends that connects you to it. And, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re trying to get pregnant or you’re pregnant and you’re still going well over the 200mg limit.

There are ways to help yourself without feeling like you’re giving up too much. Apart from drinking decaf coffee, here are some of the things that may replace caffeinated drinks:

Herbal tea
Sparkling Water
Coconut Water
Chicory Coffee

These caffeine-free beverages should give you a natural energy boost that’s more likely to sustain you throughout the day. Most importantly, they are not harmful in any way to your pregnancy.

Everything in Moderation

This might be a piece of sage advice regarding many things in life. And, if you find yourself pregnant – how much caffeine can you drink might be the question that pops into your head rather quickly.

Pregnancy is a very unique and special state when a woman feels extra vulnerable. There are things to be avoided completely, like smoking and alcohol. The same applies to rigorous exercise. But, caffeine doesn’t need to be your foe. If you’re confident that you can keep it below 200mg per day, the best thing you can do is to enjoy it without overthinking it.

To Be on the Safe Side

Some women are more susceptible to the negative effects of caffeine. If you want to be absolutely sure, then your best course of action would be to avoid drinking any caffeinated drinks altogether. This might prove to be harder than it sounds because caffeine withdrawal can sometimes be unpleasant. You might experience:

Headaches
Low Energy
Irritability
Digestive Issues

The important thing to remember is that not everybody experiences caffeine withdrawal, and even so, all those symptoms will clear out within a weak. You might occasionally be triggered by the smell of freshly roasted or brewed coffee, but that will be temporary.

References:

https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/caffeine-intake-during-pregnancy/
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/nutrition-pregnancy/check-your-caffeine-intake-pregnancy
https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Moderate-Caffeine-Consumption-During-Pregnancy?IsMobileSet=false

Health

Vyvanse vs Adderall – Pros and Cons of Each

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 4, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

ADHD is not an easy condition to deal with. It affects your school, job, and productivity, and it can even affect your relationships. For this reason, being able to control it comes as a huge relief for people suffering from this condition.

You’ve probably talked to a doctor, and they may have offered two drugs to choose from. Vyvanse and Adderall are the most common treatment for ADHD – but which one should you go for? This article will give you a general overview of both, so let’s look into Vyvanse vs Adderall – pros and cons of each.

The Basics

Doctors prescribe both of these medicines to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Vyvanse and Adderall are psychostimulants, and they are the first thing you’ll get from your doctor if they diagnose you with ADHD.

The drugs work in the same manner – they affect your central nervous system and increase the number of neurotransmitters in your brain. This increases the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine – the substances responsible for thinking, planning, and focus.

For normal people, this would act as a stimulant, which is why these drugs are so widely abused. For true ADHD patients, however, this actually reduces hyperactivity and impulsiveness, making it much easier to focus and pay attention to the task at hand.

However, the assumption that Vyvanse and Adderall are basically the same is just plain wrong. Even though their purpose is the same and they work similarly, there are some important differences.

The Differences

Available in extended release only, Vyvanse contains lisdexamfetamine. When you take Vyvanse, your body turns lisdexamfetamine into dextroamphetamine – a substance that encourages brain development and nerve growth in patients with ADHD. The extended release tablet works for 14 hours. It is also used for treating binge eating disorder. It is approved for the treatment of people who are at least 6 years old.

Adderall contains dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. There are two formulas available:

Adderall IR (immediate release), which lasts for about 4 hours. In general, you need to take two or three doses a day.
Adderall XR (extended release), which is effective for about 10 to 12 hours, and prescribed to people who are 6 years or older.

Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy.

Vyvanse – Pros

Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means that it’s not enough to simply take it for it to work. It needs to be metabolized to become effective. Because of this, there is a postponed effect to the drug – it only starts working after a couple of hours. While this might look like a negative side, it actually ensures “smoother” effects – the patients don’t feel a sudden change in their mood, there is no “kick” as the drug takes effect.

Also, there is much less rebound when the effects of Vyvanse start wearing off. As mentioned, the effects last for approximately 14 hours, which means that a single dose is enough for almost the entire waking day. In comparison, other long-lasting treatments for ADHD only last from 10 to 12 hours.

Vyvanse is not a drug people will generally try to abuse. Firstly, the delayed effect makes it unappealing in that regard. Secondly, it cannot be smoked, snorted, or injected. Therefore, the risk of abuse is much lower with Vyvanse than with other ADHD medicines.

Vyvanse – Cons

While there are many advantages to Vyvanse, there are some downsides as well. It is still not available in generic form, so it is a bit more expensive than Adderall. It has a potential for abuse, so it should be stored away from prying eyes, just in case.

Also, in situations where you need a more timely effect, Vyvanse is not a good option, since it takes approximately 2 hours to start working.

Adderall – Pros

Unlike Vyvanse, Adderall takes relatively little time to start working. The effects become noticeable in about 30 minutes, which makes it much faster. The two types offer more flexibility as well. A person can take Adderall XR in general situations, and combine it with Adderall IR when they need a quicker reaction, or if they just want the effects to wear off before bedtime.

With an effective period of 10 to 12 hours, Adderall XR works for quite a long time, though not as long as Vyvanse.

Generic versions of the immediate release Adderall is available, which makes it a more financially sound option.

Adderall – Cons

Because it acts faster, Adderall, an amphetamine, causes the patient to feel a sort of high when it starts working. This makes Adderall much less smooth than Vyvanse. Also, it causes more problems in the rebound period; as the drug wears off, you may feel a significant drop in your mood and productivity.

Furthermore, Adderall works much faster, which makes it more appealing for recreational usage. There is also a possibility to take the drug through other means – such as snorting, smoking, or injecting – which makes Adderall much more likely to be misused to get high.

A Word of Caution

As is the case with any drug, these two provoke some undesired consequences. Because the nature of the two is so similar, the side effects are mostly the same. Some of the most important ones are:

abdominal pain and diarrhea;
appetite loss and weight loss;
dry mouth;
fever, headache, and dizziness;
nausea and vomiting;
nervousness and irritability;
sleep problems and insomnia.

More serious side effects include:

increased heart rate and high blood pressure,
hallucinations or paranoia,
heart attack,
stroke

You should never forget that these types of stimulants may cause addiction, so always make sure you keep them away from other people.

Men who are undergoing therapy may experience erectile dysfunction, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are in danger of harming their baby by using either of the two drugs. Make sure you talk about these problems with your doctor as soon as they happen – or, in case of pregnancy, before you start the therapy.

Stay Focused

So now you know everything you need about Vyvanse vs Adderall – pros and cons of each, and you can talk to your doctor and reach an informed decision. Both drugs have their ups and downs, so it all depends on your personal needs and preferences.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3489818/
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/01/the-pros-and-cons-of-treating-adhd-with-drugs/index.htm

Health

Difference Between Amoxicillin and Augmentin

Written By: Arch

Published Date: November 1, 2019 Last Edited: November 22, 2019

Arch

We all get sick from time to time. Some of us deal with the sickness better than others, though. Still, there is a trait that’s almost universal to humankind – we tend to postpone a visit to the doctor and try to deal with the situation by ourselves.

In many cases, that is just fine. Colds come and go, after all. However, when they don’t go, some of us will resort to self-medication. This is rarely a good idea. If you think that you need drugs, see your doctor and they’ll tell you what to get. Still, you’re probably wondering about some of the most common prescriptions. Everybody’s been prescribed either Amoxicillin or Augmentin at some point. What are those and what do they do, anyway? If you are curious, here’s the basic difference between Amoxicillin and Augmentin.

What You Use Them for

Both Amoxicillin and Augmentin are antibiotics, and they belong to the group of penicillins. Augmentin is a combination drug – it contains Amoxicillin and clavulanate or clavulanic acid. Clavulanic acid is a substance we use to stop bacterial resistance to antibiotics, so Augmentin is commonly prescribed if the presence of more stubborn bacteria is found or suspected.

We use Amoxicillin and Augmentin to treat bacterial infections that are too strong for the immune system. Both are effective against a wide range of bacteria, and they work for several conditions.

Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed for infections of the middle ear, all parts of the respiratory system, tonsils, throat, and larynx. It is also effective against bacterial infections of the urinary tract, skin, and even against some STDs, such as gonorrhea.

Doctors prescribe Augmentin for the same infections for which they prescribe Amoxicillin, but they also use it to treat more resistant conditions. You’ll probably get a prescription for Augmentin if you have a sinus infection, laryngitis, pharyngitis, serious and stubborn skin or ear infection, or any chronic or recurring infections.

Side Effects

No matter what kind of chemicals you put into your body, there will be some consequences, and Amoxicillin and Augmentin are no exceptions. Because both medicines contain Amoxicillin, they share some side effects.

Common side effects for both drugs include heartburn, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea that goes on for longer than a day, abdominal pain, and bruising or rashes. Also, they can cause trouble in your intestines.

Your body is home to many kinds of microorganisms, and many of them are good for your health. Many species of bacteria help your system work as it’s supposed to. They usually live in your gut and help with food digestion, among other things.

Antibiotics, including Amoxicillin and Augmentin, don’t discriminate – they’ll kill the helpful bacteria as well as the harmful. This causes an imbalance in your intestinal flora, and it lays a basis for all kinds of health issues connected to digestion. If you have to take antibiotics, make sure you eat probiotic foods to give your good bacteria a hand. Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut can do a nice job in preserving the balance of your intestinal flora.

Augmentin can provoke additional side effects, such as headaches, bloating, and gas. Taking it for an extended period may also cause damage to the liver, so make sure you never take it without a doctor’s supervision.

Allergies

You can get an allergic reaction to these medicines. Anaphylaxis is a very severe allergic reaction that can lead to a condition called anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling, vomiting, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, and so on. If you notice any of the symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.

Dosage

Depending on what type of infection you have and how serious it is, you’ll have to take Amoxicillin in doses of 250mg or 500mg three times a day, or in doses of 500mg or 875mg two times a day. In the case of gonorrhea, you’ll probably need to take 3g in a single dose.

Children who are 3 months or older can take a maximum of 45mg per kilo per day, in two doses, or a maximum of 40mg/kg/day in three doses. The amount varies on the condition.

You can take Amoxicillin with or without food, depending on your preference.

When it comes to Augmentin, you might be instructed to take 500mg two or three times a day, 250mg three times a day, or 875mg or 2000mg two times a day. Children who are less than 40kg can take the maximum dose of 45mg per kilo per day, in two doses.

Always take Augmentin with food, to reduce the adverse effect of the clavulanic acid on your stomach.

Drug Interaction

Amoxicillin generally does not interact with other drugs.

Augmentin is connected to a decrease in the effectiveness of birth control pills. Therefore, you’ll need extra protection throughout the treatment, if you want to avoid pregnancy. Also, combining this drug with allopurinol may cause a rash. Finally, combining it with probenecid causes toxic levels of amoxicillin in the body, because it stops the kidneys from eliminating it.

Word of Caution

If you’re not allergic to penicillin, and you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, Amoxicillin is generally safe. Aside from diarrhea, it is not likely to cause any problems for a nursing infant. However, in some cases, the baby can show signs of an allergic reaction, in which case it’s best to take it to the doctor immediately.

Even though Augmentin is considered safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers, there still isn’t enough research into the matter. Therefore, you might want to avoid it if you can.

Final Piece of Wisdom

All in all, there isn’t much difference between Amoxicillin and Augmentin. Both of these are antibiotics, and they help with a lot of the same infections. However, Augmentin can deal with a wider range of bacteria. On the other hand, it also provokes more negative side effects than Amoxicillin.

The bottom line is – don’t take either of these without prior consultation with your doctor. Never overuse antibiotics, because it can impact their effectiveness in the future. Make sure you follow the doctor’s instructions on the dosage and the duration of the treatment, and you’ll get better in no time.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3520469
https://bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2011/september/amoxicillin.aspx

Health

Can I Take a Bath While Pregnant?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 29, 2019 Last Edited: November 8, 2019

Arch

When you get pregnant, you can expect a lot of advice from just about anyone. There is so much common wisdom around, and everyone seems ready to let you in on a secret or two.

One of the things you may have heard is that you should steer clear of all kinds of baths until you deliver. It’s dreadful news, truly. A bath is one of the nicest things to look forward to after a long day, and now you’ve been robbed of your right to it. So, if like many moms, you are asking yourself “Can I take a bath while pregnant?” Here’s your answer.

The Benefits

There are many benefits to taking regular baths. A warm bath can promote your heart’s health. It helps you breathe more easily, and it improves your gastrointestinal health. It encourages your blood flow and makes your blood more oxygenated, which should boost your immune system.

More importantly, it helps to balance out your hormones, which tend to go wild when you’re pregnant. A nice warm bath can soothe your nerves and help you relax, which is incredibly important when you’re expecting. It improves your mood and lowers your stress and anxiety levels.

Another very important benefit is that it helps a lot with painful muscles and joints. Once your pregnancy advances, you’ll notice a strain on your muscles from the extra weight that they’re not used to carrying. A bath can remove some of the pressure, at least for a little while.

Finally, a warm bath can be used to help you relax and minimize pain while giving birth. It allows you to avoid some of the pain and focus all your attention on the process of labor.

So, with so many benefits to gain from taking a bath, why would anyone not want to do it? There’s truth to the warning. Some risks are included as well.

The Risks

You’ve probably already heard that pregnant women should avoid long, hot baths. That is mostly true, as there are some risks for the baby, especially in the first trimester. Here are the things you should look out for.

1. Temperature

The water temperature shouldn’t be high enough to raise your body’s temperature to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This can lead to hyperthermia, which can be very dangerous for the baby. Hot water makes your blood pressure drop, which can lead to a restricted supply of blood and, by extension, oxygen and other nutrients, to the baby. This greatly increases the chances of miscarriage and birth complications, as well as the probability of physical damage to the fetus.

Also, high temperatures can make you feel dizzy and faint. This can cause you to lose consciousness, or just make you more prone to accidents. Therefore, the risk of injury increases as well.

2. Germs

If you are a fan of hot tubs, there is some bad news – they are best avoided during pregnancy. The warm water can be a wonderful breeding ground for all kinds of germs. It doesn’t matter whether you own it or just pay frequent visits to the nearby spa; the chances of bacterial infestation are much higher with a hot tub than a regular bathtub.

With spas, there is the added risk of chemical imbalance. Some spas overdo it with the chemicals to avoid regular maintenance. Also, the more people who use it, the less safe it is. Therefore, it might be a good idea to forego this particular relaxation method, at least during the first three months of pregnancy.

3. Thrush

Using perfumed bubbles, scented oils, or bath salts is generally a bad idea when you’re pregnant. Those products can change the pH balance of your vagina. The imbalance can make you much more prone to developing thrush – a fungal infection caused by a type of Candida.

This condition can be highly unpleasant, and if you don’t treat it in time, it can pass to your baby at birth. No matter how bland your bath feels, don’t be tempted to add anything that can put you and your baby in danger.

How to Take a Bath Safely

So, right now you’re probably thinking “It sounds like I can’t take a bath, can I?” Take a bath while pregnant, if that’s what you feel like. However, don’t do it without considering the risks and taking some precautions first.

Firstly, make sure the temperature isn’t too high. It needs to be cool enough for you to enter immediately, without a period of adjustment. Dip your elbow in first – it’s more sensitive to heat than your hands and feet. If you have a thermometer, use it. The water shouldn’t be hotter than 100-102 degrees.
Also, make sure you don’t stay in it for too long. 10 minutes or so should be completely safe, but don’t go over 15.
Avoid hot tubs during the first trimester. After that, you can indulge, but make the sessions short – 10 minutes or less – with long breaks in between. Make sure you stay hydrated.
During your entire pregnancy, avoid perfumed body washes, bubble baths, bath salts and oils, body scrubs, and so on. Use natural products instead. If the pleasant smell is a critical part of the experience for you, consider lighting some scented candles or aroma lamps. This way, you get a similar experience without endangering your and your baby’s health.

If you follow these simple rules, there is no reason for you to give up something as pleasant as a warm bath after a long day.

If You Don’t Want to Risk It

If the risks are too much for you, or you don’t really feel too confident about the preventative measures listed above, just remember that there are other ways to relax. Swimming is a great way to keep your body nimble while pregnant, and it provides you with the same benefits as a warm bath. Aromatherapy can do wonders when it comes to battling stress and anxiety, and so can yoga. Always make sure you feel comfortable with what you’re doing – and avoid anything that stresses you out.

The Last Splash

A scalding hot bath is not a good idea during pregnancy. However, baths very beneficial for your physical and mental health, and, if you follow some basic rules, you can still enjoy a warm bath when you feel like it.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4015781/

Health

Can Fat Be Frozen to Lose Weight

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 28, 2019 Last Edited: November 8, 2019

Arch

Skinny is the new black. It looks good on everyone. However, it’s notoriously difficult to get into shape, which means that a lot of effort is put into finding alternative methods for losing weight. One of these methods is fat-freezing.

What is fat freezing and how can fat be frozen to lose weight anyway? Here are the basics of cryolipolysis – a method of reducing your fat cells by freezing them to death.

What Is It for?

First of all, you need to know what this method is meant for, and what it is not. Cryolipolysis is not a method you can use to deal with obesity. It can only affect a small area at a time, and it would be impractical to use it to treat your whole body.

What it does, though, is target very specific areas of your body. Those are the areas that, no matter what you do, you can’t seem to get to shrink. For most people, those are the love handles on their hips.

In short, cryolipolysis isn’t a substitute for exercise and a healthy diet. It is only a method you can use to deal with a little bit of stubborn fat in very specific parts of your body.

How Does It Work?

You probably already know that there is nothing you can do about the number of fat cells you have in your body. As you gain weight, the cells grow. As you lose weight, they become smaller. However, the numbers don’t change.

Well, fat freezing changes that. The reasoning is that freezing kills the fat cells, which are then disposed of over the next few weeks by the body’s natural processes. This is not a completely new idea – they already use freezing to destroy cancer cells in certain situations. Destroying cells with low temperatures works, at least to some degree.

If you’re thinking something along the lines of being frozen half to death in an attempt to get skinny (which does sound a bit insane, to be sure), hold your horses – it’s quite safe. The fat cells freeze more quickly than the skin, so don’t worry, you won’t end up as Mr. Freeze.

How Much Does It Cost?

It’s not cheap, but it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. A single treatment can cost you somewhere between $500 and $800. However, a single treatment is rarely enough, so you’ll need to multiply the cost with the number of repetitions necessary. Also, keep in mind that targeting some parts of your arms or legs means that you’ll be charged for each limb separately.

All in all, the estimated total cost ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. Not great, not terrible. Keep in mind that this is a cosmetic procedure, and as such generally not covered by insurance.

Are There Any Real Results?

There are some results. Research has shown that this method is effective at reducing fat in problematic areas. Both short-term and long-term effects were noted, and the good news is that the results stick around even after five years. The targeted areas stay slimmer, even though there are natural changes in weight over time.

The bad news is that this method won’t give you any dramatic results. It will keep the areas that are resistant to exercise and diet a bit slimmer than you’d have them otherwise, but you shouldn’t expect a drastic change. If you want to lose a lot of fat quickly, a surgical procedure like liposuction might be more appropriate for you.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Fat freezing is a non-invasive procedure, so there aren’t many side effects. There is no cutting involved, so there’ll be no scar. There might be some bruising or discomfort, but nothing serious or long-lasting.

However, there is one thing you should be aware of, which your doctor is obligated to tell you about. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a possible adverse effect. In some patients, for reasons unknown, fat freezing has the opposite effect. Those patients report that the treated areas started to grow, not shrink, after some time. This results in a lump of fat that is bigger, tougher, and more difficult to get rid of than the original mass. In those cases, patients might require liposuction since the newly gained fat can get much more stubborn.

The problem with this is nobody knows how this happens or how often. Some studies claim that only one in 221 patients developed PAH, while others state that the actual number is 1 in 100.

While that doesn’t sound like an extremely high possibility, it is high enough to be relevant, so make sure you’ve thought this through before you make your decision.

Does It Work for Weight Loss?

Because fat freezing affects only small areas of your body, it is a decidedly bad option if your goal is to lose weight. Fat doesn’t even weigh that much – it’s much lighter than muscles. Therefore, getting rid of a few fat cells won’t do you any good if you plan on reducing the number that your bathroom scale shows you.

For dealing with serious cases of obesity, look into weight loss surgery. For less health-threatening cases, consider liposuction, or better yet – adjust your lifestyle and work your way into a steady regimen of healthy diet and exercise. Then, when you’ve lost most of the problematic fat, you can use fat freezing to deal with whatever is left.

The Last Pound

So, can fat be frozen to lose weight? Yes and no. You can use this method to improve your shape and deal with stubborn fat in places that exercise and diet don’t affect easily. However, if you want to make significant changes in your weight, this option is neither practical nor effective. So, hit the gym and stop avoiding your leafy greens, and consider fat freezing when the time comes.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444424/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5118516/

Health

How Long Does Norco Stay in Your System?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 25, 2019 Last Edited: November 8, 2019

Arch

Norco a prescription drug for relieving moderate to severe pain. It contains two active ingredients: hydrocodone, a powerful opioid that works by blocking pain signals to the brain, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever more commonly known as Tylenol.

With the current pain pill epidemic in the US, everybody must have heard of hydrocodone and oxycodone. There could be any number of reasons to find out how long does Norco stay in your system. You might have a chronic pain that you manage with Norco. With a job interview coming up that requires a drug test, you’re afraid that it might make you less competitive even if you have a script for Norco.

Before answering the burning question, let’s find out more about the drug.

More About Norco

Hydrocodone and acetaminophen are often combined in varying percentages for pain relief, with acetaminophen added to help prevent abuse, as hydrocodone on its own can be highly addictive. The most well-known of such drugs is, of course, Vicodin.

Norco, compared to its competitors, has a higher hydrocodone percentage. Therefore, it is often prescribed by doctors for arthritis and cancer patients, although sometimes doctors may also prescribe it for persistent cough and high fever. Because of their strength and potential for abuse, the DEA put all hydrocodone-based medicines under Schedule II drugs as of 2014.

How Does Norco Work?

To find out how long Norco stays in your system, it’s imperative to understand how it works in the first place. All hydrocodone/acetaminophen drugs come in tablet form.

The acetaminophen in Norco gets rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and begins to take effect as soon as ten minutes after taking in most cases. The hydrocodone, on the other hand, can take up to an hour for you to fully feel its effects.

Norco in Your System

The elimination of a drug from your system depends on its half-life — the amount of time it takes for half the dose of a particular drug to be eliminated from the body. Since Norco contains two different drugs, its complete elimination after taking depends on the half-lives of both hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Of course, nobody is going to care about the Tylenol so it’s all about the hydrocodone.

A 10mg hydrocodone Norco reaches peak concentrations in the bloodstream in a little over an hour following oral intake. The half-life of hydrocodone is four hours, which means that over half of the ingested hydrocodone isn’t yet eliminated in the liver and kidneys during that period. For comparison purposes, the half-life of acetaminophen is shorter and it would disappear from your system before the hydrocodone does.

As a general rule, four to five half-lives are considered a good timespan for a drug to completely disappear from your system. This translates roughly to 18-24 hours in the case of Norco.

Elimination of Norco

The hydrocodone in Norco is metabolized by the liver into its major metabolites, hydromorphone and dihydrocodeine. Nearly 80-90% is excreted through urination within 24 hours, mostly in the form of conjugates, with small traces of the unchanged drug also possibly excreted during the process.

The acetaminophen is also primarily eliminated by the liver, with the remaining traces excreted by the kidney as metabolites. Almost all acetaminophen leaves the body within 24 hours.

However, several other factors, such as age, genetics, and the frequency of use, affect how long a drug stays in your system. For example, someone who has a history of taking Norco over a long period of time is much more likely to have traces of the drug days after the last use. For someone who is taking it for the first time, chances are that the drug will disappear completely from the body within the first two days. This is down to pharmacodynamic tolerance, the term for a reduction in subsequent drug effect after repeated use.

Similarly, younger people have a faster metabolism and the Norco in their systems will disappear faster than older folks. Another factor to consider is whether the prescribed Norco is being taken in conjunction with another drug — prescribed or otherwise — such as benzos (Xanax and such) or antidepressants. They are known to increase the duration of hydrocodone through interaction.

Alcohol use along with Norco is never a good idea either. While the general symptom is a longer lifespan of Norco in the body, it could also lead to disastrous results including a fatal overdose.

The Answer, at Last, Is Blowing in the Wind

If one were to state in general, it would be fair to say that Norco is traceable in the blood for 24 hours after taking. But it stays much longer in the saliva and urine. It could take 3-4 days for Norco to become untraceable in the urine of a patient. It takes slightly shorter (36 hours after ingestion) for the saliva to not contain traces of Norco.

Even so, the traces of Norco do not completely disappear for nearly three months, during which hydrocodone is still detectable in the hair after the last use. These numbers are not set in stone but they give an overall understanding of how long it takes for Norco to disappear completely from the body.

Ultimately, the Life of Norco in a Person Depends on Other Factors

It is impossible to predict exactly how long Norco would stay in a person’s system but we could safely presume that the hydrocodone in Norco stays longer in the body than the acetaminophen, the non-opioid component. Hydrocodone is detectable for nearly 24 hours in the blood, 36 hours in the saliva, and 3-4 days in the urine after oral ingestion. Furthermore, it could linger in the hair for up to 90 days.

There could be slight differences based on other factors, including age, genetics, and whether or not the patient is using other drugs and substances in addition to Norco.

References

https://www.verywellmind.com/how-long-does-norco-stay-in-your-system-80293
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325877.php
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-hydrocodone-stay-in-your-system#time-it-takes-to-feel-effects
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/prescription-drugs/vicodin-stay-system

Health

Why Does My Bottom Hurt

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 24, 2019 Last Edited: October 31, 2019

Arch

There are so many things that are a real pain in the butt. None of them comes close to the real, actual pain in the butt, though.

If you’re suffering from that particular problem, you’re probably asking yourself “Why, oh why does my bottom hurt so much”? Of course, it’s easier to deal with a problem if you know what’s causing it.

So, here are the most common causes of pain in the bottom.

1. Muscle Strain

Sometimes, you can feel pain because you have strained your muscles. There are three muscles, collectively known as the glutes, in your bottom: gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. Any of the three can cause a lot of pain if you strain them.

If you stretch a muscle too much, it tears, and that causes a lot of pain. Aside from the pain, you’ll probably experience stiffness and you won’t be able to move easily. You may also notice some swelling and tenderness.

To prevent this, make sure you don’t over-exercise. Also, dedicate enough time to the warm-up before a workout. However, sometimes you simply can’t avoid it – a sudden movement is all it takes.

If you think that your pain is a result of a strained muscle, try applying a cold pack on the tender spot. It should provide at least some relief. A massage can help as well, and so can some painkillers. Still, while you can ease the pain, you’ll probably have to wait it out.

2. Period

When you’re on your period, your body produces something called prostaglandins – compounds that are responsible for your cramps. They make the uterus contract, which causes pain.

Sometimes these prostaglandins lose their way and end up in your bowel. That is why sometimes you feel the urge to go more often when you’re on your period. They also cause diarrhea, and the cramps in your uterus kinda feel like they’re affecting your butt as well.

Exercise may help, but you just need to wait it out, as is the case with all period-related issues.

3. Hemorrhoids

The medical term hemorrhoids refer to swollen blood vessels on your anus and rectum. Often painful but not always, they can be internal and external – i.e. inside the anus, or peeking out. You are more likely to feel the internal ones than the external, and sometimes they bleed as well.

Many factors can be responsible for this condition. Pregnancy and constipation are the most common culprits. However, if you sit a lot during the day, you can be susceptible to hemorrhoids as well.

In general, hemorrhoids will go away on their own. If they don’t, see your doctor, and they will prescribe an ointment or a cream you can use to speed up the recovery.

4. Anal Fissure or Anorectal Abscess

Anal fissures are little cracks in the lining of your anus. If that didn’t sound terrible enough, they cause burning pain and sometimes bleeding as well. They are caused by very hard or very watery stool, and if you think that you have them, visit a doctor immediately.

If you don’t visit a doctor, and leave them alone, chances are that they’ll progress to anorectal abscesses.

Abscesses happen when the fissures become infected – which is highly likely, considering their position. They can also develop if the glands in the anus become blocked. In essence, they are pus-filled blisters.

If you have them, you must visit the doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will open and drain them, and soon they’ll heal. If you let them go untreated, they can grow in size and cause serious problems.

5. Sciatica

Sciatica happens when your sciatic nerve gets pinched. The sciatic nerve is a big nerve that goes from your lower back to your foot, and it passes through your buttocks on the way.

Sciatica causes pain, pricking, tingling, burning, and even numbness. It is a condition that requires physical therapy, so make sure you schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

6. Piriformis Syndrome

The symptoms of Piriformis Syndrome are easily confused with sciatica. It causes hip and butt pain when you move. The feeling is caused by cramping of the piriformis muscle, which is situated behind the gluteus maximus.

Exercise and stretching will probably help, but you may need physical therapy as well. If you suspect that you have piriformis syndrome, it might be a good idea to see your doctor, just in case.

7. Endometriosis

This is a condition that only affects women. It happens when the tissue that lines the uterus escapes its regular place and enters the bowel. It causes severe pain when passing stool.

This condition requires medical care up to even surgery. It’s not something you can handle on your own, and it won’t go away by itself. Schedule a visit to your doctor as soon as you suspect this state.

8. Genital Herpes

There are two types of herpes. HSV-1 is more common, which shows on your face, usually around your mouth. HSV-2 is better known as genital herpes, and it is a bit less common than the first type.

If you have genital herpes, you’ll notice sores and blisters around your genital and anal area. Those are very painful, and there is no cure.

However, you can make things a bit better for yourself. See your doctor, confirm the diagnosis, and get prescriptions. They will make the outbreaks shorter and much less unpleasant. Herpes will still rear its ugly head from time to time, but you’ll be ready, and it will pass soon enough.

The Last Squeeze

Why does my bottom hurt? Well, now you know the most common causes. Make sure you take these pains seriously, though. Whenever something new happens, or you feel particularly weird about something, go and see your doctor – that’s what they’re for, right?

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anal-pain/
https://medlineplus.gov/analdisorders.html
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/rectl

Health

How to Make a Headache Go Away

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 23, 2019 Last Edited: October 31, 2019

Arch

Many problems of modern life deserve talking about, but none is as common and annoying as headaches. They are inevitable, and what’s worse – unpredictable. They also have great timing, so they’ll strike in the most inopportune of moments. For example, a headache will come at an important business meeting, or while you’re arguing with your significant other about something of great importance, stopping you from reaching your full potential in the situation.

What can you do about it? Well, there are some things you can try. Here’s how to make a headache go away.

1. Drown Your Headache

Dehydration may cause headaches, so the first thing you should try is drinking plenty of water. It’s not unusual – people tend to forget about water during the day. The lack of hydration causes more than a simple headache, though. It makes you unfocused and it hinders your productivity – and those are just the first symptoms.

Make sure you always have a bottle of water with you. This will make you much less likely to simply forget about drinking it, and reduce the likelihood of dehydration significantly.

2. Drown It in Coffee

It doesn’t have to be coffee, but anything with caffeine will probably help you, or at least provide some relief.

When caffeine enters your system, your mood, alertness, and focus go up. Your blood vessels constrict, which increases your blood pressure.

Now, here’s the tricky part – caffeine can help relieve your headache. However, too much caffeine can cause a headache. Therefore, you’ll need to be mindful of how much coffee you drink in a day. Too little won’t do the trick, but too much will cause the opposite effect.

3. Take a Chill Pill

Many times, a headache happens as your body’s response to a stressful situation. That’s why removing yourself from the situation and trying to relax might help reduce the pain.

Research has shown that patients who suffer from frequent headaches benefit greatly from doing yoga. If you practice it for three months, you’ll probably notice that your headaches are less frequent and less severe.

Of course, yoga is not the only way to relax. Try meditation or simply lying down and listening to your favorite music or reading a good book. If your headache is the result of stress, it should pass in no time. If it’s not, you should still feel loads better, so there’s nothing to lose.

4. Check the lights

When you have a headache, a strong, glaring light is likely to make it worse. Light can even trigger the pain, so it stands to reason that you’ll want to avoid it if you’re suffering from a headache.

Turn off any glaring lights in your home, and stick to nightlights. You can light up some candles, or make good use of that ambient lighting you have but never use. Dim lighting can aid in reducing the pain, and relaxing in semi-darkness can help as well. Why not try it?

5. Hit the Hay

There is no deprivation as detrimental as a lack of sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, the headache should be the least of your problems. There are so many other consequences to be afraid of. Limited cognitive capacity after only one sleepless night is just the beginning.

Headaches are bound to be more severe and more frequent if you don’t get enough sleep. They are also more difficult to get rid of if your body and mind aren’t well-rested.

That is why you need to be responsible when it comes to your zzz’s. The amount of sleep needed varies from person to person, but anywhere between seven and nine hours a night should be okay. Don’t resist the need to take a nap when you can, but don’t overdo it. Your body needs its sleep during the night. Otherwise, it’s not as effective, and if you sleep during the day, chances are that you’ll need to sleep longer.

6. Find Your Favorite Essential Oil

Essential oils are a good way to relax, and some of them are especially good for headaches. Peppermint oil is good for tension headaches. Apply it to your temples, or put a few drops on a tissue and inhale the scent – it should relieve your pain almost immediately. Lavender oil is good for migraines and you can use it in the same way as peppermint oil, or you can use it with an aroma lamp.

7. I like to Move It, Move It

Exercise is one of the best ways to get rid of your headache. Doing yoga will help a lot because it stretches your muscles and makes you breathe more slowly and easily. Light cardio is also a good idea, so don’t use your headache as an excuse to skip your Pilates session. Strength training is another option.

Any kind of exercise is good as long as you put the focus on your back, neck, and shoulders. If it gets your blood flowing, it’ll help.

If you are in no mood to exercise, you can take a walk instead. It won’t be as effective, but it’ll get you moving and breathing fresh air, so it might just be enough to give you some relief.

8. Cool Down

You can always try to soothe your pain using a cold compress. Applying it to the neck or head should reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, which helps to reduce the pain. Simply fill a bag with ice, wrap it in a cloth, and put it on your neck or head.

Let’s Wrap It Up and Send It Away

Now you know how to make a headache go away, you’ll never be hindered by the pestering pain again. Still, keep your wits about you. If you try and try, but the situation doesn’t seem to improve, schedule a visit to your doctor as soon as possible.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242
https://medlineplus.gov/migraine.html
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/migraine

Health

How Is Ringworm Spread

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 22, 2019 Last Edited: October 31, 2019

Arch

You’ve probably heard of ringworm before. You may have thought of creepy crawlies getting under your skin and eating away at you while you sleep.

Don’t worry, it’s nowhere near as gruesome as all that. Ringworm is simply a rash. So what causes it, if it’s not a worm? How is ringworm spread? How can you prevent it? Read on and see.

What Is Ringworm Anyway?

In short, ringworm is a fungal infection. It is not a serious problem, but it is very common and incredibly contagious.

Dermatophytes (the type of fungi that cause ringworm) feed on keratin, which is present in human skin, nails, and hair. While they typically infest people’s skin, they can prosper just as well on the nails. There are different names for them based on their place of growth. Athlete’s foot is the type that lives on the feet, jock itch lives on the groin, and ringworm of the scalp is pretty self-explanatory.

Ringworm of the body is the only kind that causes a rash in the shape that you know and don’t love. It is circular or ring-shaped, with slightly raised edges. They are usually itchy and spread as the infection progresses. If the infection is particularly severe, the rings will multiply and come together, and you can even get blisters near the rings.

They can’t cause serious damage to your body, but they are very uncomfortable, annoying, and sometimes very difficult to get rid of.

Who Is at Risk?

Everyone can get infected. However, children are more prone to the infection, simply because they go around touching stuff much more than grown-ups do.

Like all fungi, ringworm likes damp, warm spaces. That means that you’re at a higher risk of infection if you live in a humid area. Sweating a lot also provides a nice environment for the fungi, and contact sports provide plenty of opportunities for ringworm to spread, so athletes are at a slightly higher risk as well. Tight clothing also creates a nice breeding ground for dermatophytes, because of the restricted airflow. Those skinny jeans suddenly don’t look so appealing anymore, right?

Having a weak immune system doesn’t necessarily affect your chances of getting infected, but it does make it much more difficult to get rid of the infection. Therefore, organ transplant patients and those with HIV or AIDS might want to be extra careful in avoiding ringworm.

So, how is ringworm spread? Well, there are several ways.

1. From Person to Person

The first and most obvious way is from person to person. Being in physical contact with an infected person will likely cause you to get infected as well. A short contact, such as a handshake, is all it takes for a spore to find its way to you, and the moment it starts feeding, it’ll start spreading as well.

What’s worse is that you may not see that the other person is infected. The period of incubation is from one to two weeks, and during that time the infected person shows no symptoms of infection.

Also, people are still contagious when they start using medication. Covering the rash with antifungal cream can decrease the risk of spreading the infection, but it doesn’t eliminate it.

If you have the infection, make sure you pay a lot of attention to personal hygiene, especially when you are around other people. Try not to scratch, even though it’s easier said than done. This can help minimize the chance of infecting others.

2. From Animal to Person

If your pet is infected, you’ll probably get infected as well. The situation gets even worse because, in general, the symptoms won’t be visible for the first two to four weeks. Even when they do become noticeable, chances are you won’t notice them for a couple of weeks more. This gives the spores more than enough time to get to you – and you won’t even notice them on yourself until after the period of incubation passes.

Your pets can also leave the spores around when they move, rub against the furniture, or sleep on it. Furthermore, house pets are not the only animals that can spread ringworm to you. Horses, goats, and pigs can host and spread the fungi as well.

3. From Object to Person

You can easily catch the infection by using other people’s stuff. The spores can live up to 12 to 20 months if the environment suits them and they have enough food. This means that people’s clothes, bedding, hairbrushes, and similar items which are full of microscopic parts of dead skin, can host the spores for quite a long time.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that things that are free of dead skin particles are also free of spores. It just means that the spores won’t be able to survive as long – but they can infect you just as well.

To prevent this, avoid using other people’s towels, hairbrushes, bedding, clothes, and so on. If you use the shower when you go to the gym, for example, try to wear protective footwear.

4. From Soil to Person

You can get infected through contact with highly infected soil, though this is very rare. Your skin would need to touch the soil for an extended amount of time. In practice, this means that you’ll have to stand or walk barefoot to give the spores enough time to attack.

Possible Complications

The infection will rarely go below the surface of the skin. However, in patients whose immune system is compromised or suppressed, ringworm can be irritatingly stubborn and cause a lot of grief.

The only complication could be a secondary bacterial infection that happens because your skin is broken or irritated, but you can usually deal with them fairly easily by taking antibiotics.

Finishing Touch

Even though it’s not a worm, ringworm is definitely a pest. It is very contagious, so it is very common as well. It isn’t dangerous or very painful, but it is annoying and uncomfortable, and, in some cases, downright ugly. Luckily, most of the time it’s easily preventable by taking good care of your hygiene.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ringworm-body/symptoms-causes/syc-20353780#targetText=It’s%20possible%20for%20ringworm%20to,by%20contact%20with%20infected%20soil.
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fungal-ringworm.html
https://www.aad.org/diseases/a-z/ringworm-symptoms

Health

What Is the Difference Between Amoxicillin and Penicillin?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 21, 2019 Last Edited: October 31, 2019

Arch

Although they are both members of the same family of antibiotics, there are some differences in how amoxicillin and penicillin are used. There can also be some different side effects associated with each medication, as well as some variation in the drugs that they interact with.

In this article, we will go over their similarities and where they differ so that you can be certain of what’s the difference between amoxicillin and penicillin.

What Is Penicillin?

Penicillin is derived from the penicillium fungus, and was one of the earliest medications that were shown to have antibiotic properties. It was discovered in 1928 by the Scottish scientist Dr Alexander Fleming, though it took more than a decade to enter mass production. Its discovery transformed the medical world, as it enabled many patients who would previously have died to survive their diseases.

Since then, it, along with the other antibiotics derived from it, is one of the most widely used and most successful treatments for bacterial infections. It works by preventing the bacteria from forming new cell walls, and so prevents them from growing.

The most commonly prescribed form today is Penicillin V, which has been enhanced with an increased ability to survive stomach acid. This allows it to be taken orally, unlike its progenitor, Penicillin G, which was limited to injections. Its use has declined somewhat since the advent of ‘super bugs’ that have developed a resistance to it.

What Is Penicillin Used for?

Penicillin is what’s known as a narrow-spectrum antibiotic, because it is mostly effective against a specific species of bacteria, in this case, gram-positive strains of streptococcus. It’s best used when the specific cause of an infection is known, as it can be targeted against diseases that it is known to treat.

Penicillin is approved for the treatment and prevention of the following conditions:

Dental infections such as pharyngitis (sore throat) and Vincent gingivitis (trench mouth)
Rheumatic fever
Chorea
Upper respiratory tract infections such as ear infections, sinus infections, throat infections, and pneumonia.
Mild skin and soft tissue infections
Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial endocarditis
Scarlet fever

It is also sometimes used to treat cases of anthrax infection, erysipeloid, and diphtheria. It’s not generally very effective against gram-negative bacteria or anaerobic bacteria.

What Is Amoxicillin?

Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic derivative of penicillin, which is why it shares many similarities with the original antibiotic. It was first discovered in 1958 in England and entered general usage in 1972. It’s a broad-spectrum antibiotic, meaning that it can be effective against a wide range of potential bacterial infections.

It is now one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, especially for children. Like penicillin, it prevents the formation of new cells in the bacteria it effects, but it is also actually able to kill bacteria that it comes into contact with.

Unlike penicillin, it is effective against a much wider range of bacteria species, including:

Certain strains of streptococcus
gonorrhoeae.
coli
pneumoniae
influenzae
mirabilis
Helicobacter pylori
faecalis
Non-penicillinase producing Staphylococcus spp.

It works similarly to ampicillin, yet another penicillin derivative that entered usage in 1961 and is much more resistant to stomach acid. This makes it a more effective treatment as it is more readily absorbed by the stomach lining and so more of the medicine enters your blood stream.

Amoxicillin is used to treat a large number of conditions, which include:

Ear, nose, and throat infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and otitis media
Lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia
Genitourinary tract infections
Acute, uncomplicated gonorrhea
Rhinosinusitis
Helicobacter pylori eradication
Skin and soft tissue infections

It is also sometimes used to treat anthrax infection and Lyme disease.

What’s the Wame and What’s the Difference Between Amoxicillin and Penicillin?

While they are pretty similar in many regards, due to one being derived from the other, there are some key differences between the amoxicillin and penicillin. Penicillin was the first antibiotic available, while amoxicillin is an enhanced version that came about thirty years later.

The primary difference is that penicillin is only effective against a narrow spectrum of bacterial infections, so it is best used when the cause of the infection has already been determined to be one of the gram-positive strains of streptococcus. Amoxicillin is more effective against a broader spectrum of bacteria, and so can be used to treat a wider spectrum of conditions.

Because amoxicillin and penicillin are both members of the penicillin family of antibiotics, the range of diseases that they can treat has a significant amount of crossover. The modern form of penicillin, Penicillin V, and amoxicillin, are both more resilient to stomach acid than the original form of the medication.

They are both slowly becoming less effective due to the increase in resistant strains of bacteria, as a result of their usage being so widespread, as well as from patients not completing their prescribed course.

The majority of the potential side effects are shared between both medicines. They can both cause minor rashes, vomiting, diarrhea, black hairy tongue, and an upset stomach. Amoxicillin however is more likely to cause a skin rash, while penicillin can also specifically cause nausea in some people.

They share some of the more serious potential side effects, such as watery or bloody diarrhea and allergic reactions. However, amoxicillin has a few more that can occur when using it, which include seizures, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and unusual bruising or bleeding.

Same Same, but Different

While they are very similar on the surface, amoxicillin and penicillin do have a fair number of differences that make them more useful for different courses of treatments. You don’t always want to use a broad-spectrum antibiotic like amoxicillin, as it can often kill off bacteria that aren’t harmful to your system, and thus negatively affect your microbiome.

Either way, you should always consult your physician before starting a course of antibiotics, least of all because they are only available by prescription in the United States.

References

https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/difference-between-amoxicillin-penicillin-3509817/
https://www.medicinenet.com/bacterial_infections_101_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8858671

Health

What Can Cause Bloody Poop?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 18, 2019 Last Edited: October 31, 2019

Arch

Whatever the cause, it’s never a welcome sight when there is blood involved when you go Number 2. Ranging in color from bright red to a tarry black, blood in your poop can be caused by a wide range of issues. Sometimes the change in color might not have even been caused by blood but by something you ate.

In this article, we will run through the various potential causes of blood in your stool, so you can start to get a handle on what is going on. We will say now, though, that if you’re worried, or the blood is a new occurrence that is accompanied by pain, you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

What Are the Signs of Rectal Bleeding?

Rectal bleeding is the catch-all medical term for when you are bleeding from your bottom. It’s not really a cause in and of itself rather than a symptom of other potential conditions or diseases. There are a number of ways that you can check for this condition. You may be experiencing rectal bleeding if you notice any of the following:

blood on your toilet paper
pink water in the toilet
poop with red streaks on the outside
blood in your poop
bloody diarrhea
very dark and smelly poop

What Can Cause Bloody Poop?

One way or another, if you’ve found blood in your poop, on your toilet paper after you wipe, or in the water in the toilet bowl, you have been or currently are bleeding somewhere in your digestive system. The bleeding could be located anywhere from your stomach all the way to the outside of your anus, so diagnosing the actual cause can sometimes be a bit tricky.

One of the ways you can potentially work out the cause for the blood in your poop is by the color of the poop itself, as well as other symptoms that can be related to the issue.

Let’s go through what causes the various colors and accompanying symptoms, so you can start to get an idea of what’s going on. Though it’s worth saying that self-diagnosis is often imprecise, and if you are worried you should talk to your doctor.

Possible Cause – Anal Fissure (A Tear in the Anus)

Symptoms – bright red blood in the poop, especially after constipation

Possible Cause – Hemorrhoids

Symptoms – bright red blood in the poop, pain when pooping, itchy bum, lumps

Possible Cause – Side Effect from Blood-Thinning Medications (E.g. Aspirin or Warfarin) OR Angiodysplasia (Broken Blood Vessel in the Gut)

Symptoms – bright red blood in the poop without any pain

Possible Cause – Sexually Transmitted Infection (E.g. Genital warts) OR Damage from Anal Sex

Symptoms – fresh bleeding, both with or without pain, itching, or lumps

Possible Cause – Anal Fistula

Symptoms – blood and yellow slime while pooping, non-stop pain or irritation in the anus

Possible Cause – Gastroenteritis

Symptoms – bloody diarrhea with clear slime, nausea, vomiting

Possible Cause – Bleeding in Stomach, Intestines, Bowels, or Anus

Symptoms – blood in the poop

Possible Cause – Bowel Polyps OR Early Sign of Bowel Cancer

Symptoms – blood in the poop, a change to pooping habits (such as constipation, diarrhea, or looser poops), slime with the poop

Possible Cause – Bleeding in Stomach or Intestines OR Side Effect from Blood-thinning Medications

Symptoms – Dark or black poop

Possible Cause – Stomach Ulcer

Symptoms – dark or black poop, stomach pain or cramps, swollen belly, burping, heartburn, nausea

Possible Cause –Diverticular Disease or Diverticulitis

Symptoms – dark or black poop, stomach pain or cramps

Possible Cause – Side Effect from Blood-thinning Medications OR Angiodysplasia

Symptoms – dark or black poop with no accompanying pain

Other Possible Causes of Bright Red Blood in Your Poop

The diagnosis may not be so dire as you think. If you have recently been eating a lot of red or purple colored food, such as tomatoes, beetroots, cranberries, or foods containing artificial red coloring, then this can actually dye your poop as well as your urine. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but some people aren’t able to break down the pigment responsible, and so it is excreted from the body in the waste products.

Other Possible Causes of Dark or Black Poops

In another similar “you are what you eat” situation as above, if you’ve been eating dark-colored foods like licorice, blueberries, or beets, or drinking grape juice, then this can dye your poop a darker color too. Another cause could be taking iron supplements, as well as taking medicines for upset stomachs that contain bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto-Bismol).

When Should You See A Doctor About Bloody Poops?

As mentioned above, if you’re feeling worried about any medical condition, you should always talk to your doctor rather than just relying on a diagnosis that you’ve made yourself.

You don’t necessarily need to jump the gun though, especially if you have to pay for your healthcare. A small amount of blood in your poop can often just be a short-term issue that will resolve itself without you having to get any treatment.

That having been said, there are a number of symptoms related to or coinciding with bloody poops that more directly indicate that you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

If there’s been blood in your poop for 3 weeks
If your poop has been thinner, longer, or softer than usual for 3 weeks
A large amount of pain around your anus
You have a pain or lump in your tummy
Lower energy levels
Unexplained weight loss

Sitting on the Edge of Your Seat

Finding blood in your poop, on your toilet paper, or seeing pinkish water in the toilet bowl can all be an unexpected and alarming experience, and it’s no surprise that it causes a considerable amount of concern when it happens. Often it will go away by itself if it’s just a small amount, but now that you know what can cause bloody poop, you should be able to work out if it’s a sign of a larger issue, and if you need to contact your doctor.

References

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bleeding-from-the-bottom-rectal-bleeding/
https://www.medicinenet.com/rectal_bleeding/symptoms.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/blood-in-stool-adult/related-factors/itt-20009075

Health

The Health Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C – What Is It, and Why Does It Work Better?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 17, 2019 Last Edited: October 31, 2019

Arch

Pretty much anyone with an interest in eating well and good nutrition knows that Vitamin C is one of the vital nutrients needed to keep you healthy and happy. You’ve probably seen it in all sorts of forms, from chewable tablets to the fizzy orange-ish flavored things you drop in a glass of water and drink/choke down. Now, it’s available in a new and more effective form: as liposomal-encapsulated Vitamin C capsules.

But what are liposomes and how do they help your dose of Vitamin C to be more effective? Let’s take a look at the details, as well as some of the potential benefits to be had from taking your Vitamin C supplements.

What Are the Health Benefits of Vitamin C?

Why is Vitamin C so important? Well, there’s a reason that sailors were eventually given citrus fruit when on long journeys – to avoid the ravages of scurvy. Scurvy is a condition caused by long-term lack of Vitamin C, and results in anemia, general weakness, skin hemorrhages, and gum disease.

Collagen Production

All of these ill effects are because of the vital part that Vitamin C plays in the production of collagen, one of the most important structural proteins in the skin, bones, tendons, cartilage, teeth, and pretty much all of the other connective tissues in your body. Without it, your body begins to fall apart, and you will eventually die like so many sailors did in the past.

Supporting your body’s production of collagen results in healthier skin, bones, muscles, and joints, and even helps injuries to heal faster.

Antioxidant Effects

Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant. Your body undergoes constant oxidative stress on a daily basis, from all of the environmental and dietary pollutants and toxins you take in as you go about your business. Things like cigarette smoke, pollution, alcohol, prescription and recreational drugs, high levels of sugar, and trans fats can all increase the amount of oxidation your body is subjected to.

Oxidation is the process that makes metal rust, and turns fruit brown when it is exposed to air, but in its essence, it’s just a chemical reaction that results in changes in atomic oxidation states, and the effects on the tissues of your body are still not understood, as far as the mechanism is concerned. However, data analysis shows that oxidation can be a cause of many degenerative diseases, inflammation, and has also been firmly linked to higher risks of cancer.

Making sure that you have enough Vitamin C in your system helps to prevent the damage caused by oxidation, as well as the damage caused to your body by the various bacteria and viruses that your immune system has to contend with.

Other Benefits of Vitamin C

There is a veritable laundry list of benefits associated with having high levels of Vitamin C in your diet. It can help to reduce your risk of complications after a heart attack or stroke, it can reduce the skin discoloration caused by melasma, and even can prevent skin damage from UV radiation.

It has also had some promising effects in the treatment of cancer. At the very least, it can markedly improve the quality of life of cancer patients, improving their symptoms and healing capacity, and is often used in conjunction with chemotherapy. While using Vitamin C as the sole treatment for cancer lacks enough evidence to be a proven method yet, some people have reported that taking huge doses of the vitamin has caused their cancer to go into remission.

What Are Liposomes and How Do They Help?

A liposome is effectively a microscopic drug delivery system. It consists of an outer layer of phospholipoid fat, the same fat that the cells of our bodies are made out of. Inside this fatty wall is a solution of sterile water and a water-soluble agent – in this case Vitamin C.

Despite being similar in form to a human cell, they are actually much smaller, which allows them to pass through the cell membranes and deliver their payload. One of the reasons they are more effective than standard forms of orally administered vitamin C is because they are able to make this delivery without the need for any energy being expended.

Another added bonus of packaging Vitamin C in liposomes is that it prevents any damage from sources like oxidation or digestion. This means that more of the nutrient survives its passage through the stomach and into the intestinal tract where it is absorbed and delivered to your cells.

The Health Benefits of Liposomal Vitamin C

Because of these effects, and thanks to the improved absorption that liposomes provide, one of the health benefits of liposomal Vitamin C is that it’s much more bioavailable, meaning that you get a lot more bang for your buck.

It also helps to avoid the risks associated with intravenous (IV) doses, with a similar profile in terms of how much is actually able to be used by your body rather than just staying in your blood and eventually excreted via your urine.

Finally, it also cuts out the need for the various added compounds and chemicals necessary to produce the previous forms of Vitamin C tablets and powders. Many of these have not been subject to proper long-term testing as to their safety and health effects, and so by taking liposomal Vitamin C you reduce the risk of unexpected complications.

Better Uptake, Fewer Risks

Overall, by putting the Vitamin C inside tiny little balls of fat and sterile water, it greatly increases how much of this vital nutrient is usable by your body, and so helps you to ensure that you are getting the beneficial effects for as long as possible after each dose.

It’s more effective than orally administered Vitamin C, it’s safer than injecting it directly into your veins, and it lasts longer in your system. All this combines to make it one of the most effective methods for ensuring that you don’t end up being thrown overboard to meet Davy Jones next time you go on a round the world cruise.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4915787/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1850635/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/

Health

Game Over for Hangover: How to Get Rid of Hangover Nausea Effectively

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 16, 2019 Last Edited: November 8, 2019

Arch

It was great while it lasted. In the morning, however, you discovered you needed to deal with the consequences. Maybe you didn’t even drink that much, but now you’re suffering from hangover nausea. Now you wish you had stayed home instead of going out.

Don’t worry! It happens to everyone once in a while. So, instead of being overwhelmed with regret, start looking for a solution. Or, if you can’t even get out of the bed, have someone help you out. Here are a couple of tips and tricks to get you back on your feet as soon as possible.

1. Water Is Your Best Friend

Drinking alcohol makes you visit the bathroom more often than usual so, naturally, you end up losing a lot of fluids. Even more if you can’t stop throwing up. You need to replace those fluids if you want to avoid hangover nausea and headache. Drinking plenty of water will help your body rehydrate.

Drink as much water as you can keep down, even if it makes you feel more nauseous at first. The trick is to take small sips with frequent breaks and not drinking the whole bottle at once.

You will be going to the bathroom often, but it’s a good thing. You’re cleaning your body from the inside: water in, toxins out.

2. Salty Foods for Electrolytes

What you also need is a special diet for the rest of the day.

Don’t eat anything too greasy because your stomach needs rest as well. Opt for salty and dry foods, such as soup or toasted bread, even sports drinks. These will help you regain the electrolytes you’ve lost and soon you’ll feel your strength coming back.

You know how professional athletes always talk about hydrating and electrolytes? It’s not only about how to get rid of hangover nausea – it’s more than that. Electrolytes are responsible for many bodily functions and you need to have enough of them to be able to perform your everyday tasks without issues.

3. Sleep It Off

If possible, stay in bed. Getting plenty of rest gives your body enough time to recover.

If you don’t have any urgent meetings to attend or other obligations you can’t cancel, it’s best to sleep until the nausea is gone. Taking your time to get well isn’t being lazy in this case.

Even if you’re feeling normal, you should still get enough sleep. Maybe you’re not aware of the effects of drinking on your body, but putting off rest isn’t beneficial for you in the long run.

If you force yourself to do more than you actually can, you’ll probably notice your performance isn’t as good as usual. This is a message from your body – I need more sleep!

4. Eat Ginger

Ginger is a very healthy ingredient in many of today’s dishes, but did you know that people use it to relieve nausea after drinking too much alcohol?

There have been studies that show its effectiveness in curing different types of nausea, such as morning sickness during pregnancy, so it may well help with hangover nausea. Some researchers claim that ginger’s as good as some meds, but it’s safer to use when it comes to side effects.

5. Take Meds If Necessary

If you’ve tried everything but you’re still feeling awful, maybe it’s time you reached for some meds. Sometimes, when nothing else helps, this is how to get rid of hangover nausea.

However, you might want to consult a doctor or a pharmacist before you do. Do not take anything just because a friend told you so. Certain well-known pain relievers, such as Tylenol, can be extremely harmful if combined with alcohol.

6. Give It Time

Now, this may disappoint you, but in many cases, you just need to wait for the hangover to pass.

A few tricks and home remedies can help relieve your pain and nausea, but there’s only so much you can do. The alcohol needs to leave your body and after that happens, you’ll feel better.

Be patient and follow the advice about staying hydrated and trying to eat. It’s hard to put anything in your mouth when you’re constantly vomiting, but you need to be persistant and eventually the food you eat will stay down.

7. Prevention Is Better Than Cure

The best option is not to experience hangover nausea at all. You can do this by following a few easy steps:

Never drink on an empty stomach – your body absorbs alcohol faster on an empty stomach and you’re more likely to get drunk and/or sick.
Eating greasy food will only make you feel worse when you’re already dealing with a hangover. But eating olives or something similar before you go out and start drinking may slow down alcohol absorption.
Drink water or juice between alcoholic drinks. Before anything, it’s good to take a break between drinks. Also, if you drink a glass of juice, the sugar content will help the body to process alcohol more quickly.
Have at least one glass of water before you go to sleep (and also put one on your night stand for when you wake up). It remains a mystery as to whether you should drink water while you’re drinking or after, but one thing is clear: water can’t hurt.

Wait It Out

The bottom line is, you don’t have a magic wand that will help you get rid of hangover nausea and other symptoms after a night of heavy drinking.

What you can do for yourself is to know your limits and not take that last glass of wine that might turn out to be one too many. When you know you’ll be drinking, be prepared and never go out before having something to eat.

If it comes down to it, try some of these remedies that can bring you a bit of relief. But don’t forget that it’s always better to prevent than to cure.

References:

https://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/white-seeber-grogan-the-remedy-chicks/natural-hangover-remedies/
https://www.hammernutrition.com/knowledge/advanced-knowledge/electrolyte-replenishment-why-its-important-and-how-to-do-it-right
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002041.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hangovers/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373015
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginger-for-nausea#effectiveness

Health

Where Should You Go? The Difference Between Urgent Care and Emergency Room

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 15, 2019 Last Edited: November 8, 2019

Arch

Most people know when they need to see a specialist. If you catch a cold or you’re down with the flu, you’d see your primary care physician (PCP), if at all. The doctor knows all about your health history and can resolve some minor health issues.

But what happens when you have a cut that won’t stop bleeding? Or you’ve been experiencing headaches for a week? Or you’ve got a minor fracture? Or a terrible rash? Most people would head to the nearest emergency room right away. But is that always the right choice?

What’s the Difference?

There are many differences between these two facilities. Let’s start with the most important: the level of care you can receive in each one of them.

In the event that you’re severely injured or you’re suffering from a condition that puts your life in danger, the best choice is to go straight to the emergency room of your local hospital. There are more specialists on staff at the ER who are able to provide immediate care. They will prioritize the most serious cases first but you’ll be taken care of sooner or later, even if you need something more complicated, such as a surgery.

On the other hand, if you’re facing an issue that needs treatment on the same day, but it’s not life-threatening, an urgent care clinic may be your best bet. As you know, you won’t be able to get an appointment with your PCP on the same day, who will refer you to an urgent care center or hospital anyway.

To sum up, here’s the key difference between urgent care and emergency room. If your injury or health problem is so serious that it can’t wait and your life may be threatened, you should visit an emergency room. If your life isn’t in danger and you’re able to wait for a short time to see a specialist, then go to an urgent care clinic.

Types of Injuries and Where to Treat Them

Here’s a list of the most common injuries and where you should get it looked at.

Urgent Care Clinic

If you’re experiencing some of these problems, you should go to the nearest urgent care clinic for a check-up.

Skin issues: minor burns, rashes, irritations, lacerations
Sprained ankle, minor fractures, back pain
ENT issues: sore throat, earache, nose bleeds, minor breathing difficulty, persistent cough
Stomach issues: vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea

Urgent care clinics are usually well-equipped with the necessary medical personnel and machines. The doctors can give you a diagnosis and treat a wide variety of medical conditions, as long as your life is not at risk.

Emergency Room

You should go directly to an emergency room for the following potentially life-threatening conditions:

You can’t breathe
You have chest pain
You’re having a stroke
You’ve lost your vision
You’re bleeding uncontrollably
You’ve injured your head
You’ve had a seizure
You’ve had a spinal injury
Your limb is at risk

Also, there are some cases when it’s better to call 911 than to go to an ER. A heart attack or a stroke may be good enough reason not to drive to the hospital, but to call the paramedics.

If you’re still not sure whether to go to an urgent care clinic or to an ER, doctors say it’s better to be safe than sorry. The ER should be your choice whenever you’re uncertain about how serious your condition is.

How Long Will You Have to Wait?

There’s a huge difference between the average visit duration for an urgent care clinic and an emergency room. This may be due to the fact that many people go to the ER even when their symptoms are not very serious. Emergency rooms are open 24/7 so many people will go there when they don’t have another option.

There are studies that show that emergency rooms were often overcrowded because other care providers weren’t available at the time their patients needed them. Almost 50% of people who participated in a survey claimed they went to an emergency room only because they didn’t have access to their doctor.

All of this means that only around 12.5% of patients who went to an ER received medical attention within the first hour upon their arrival. Around 71% of patients had to wait 4 hours to get the medical attention they needed. However, as mentioned earlier, if you have a serious gunshot wound, you can count on being served first.

In contrast, most patients who chose to go to an urgent care facility spent less than an hour waiting before receiving treatment. Less than 12% of patients had to wait for more than 60 minutes to see a doctor.

The Cost of Medical Emergencies

There’s also a difference in medical treatment costs, which may not be negligible for many. Health insurance can sometimes have a huge impact on deciding where to look for medical help.

Typically, a visit to an urgent care clinic will cost less than going to an emergency room. Even though they’re equipped to treat many conditions, urgent care centers charge lower than hospital rates because they are not hospitals, unlike emergency rooms, which are mostly operated by major regional hospitals with a separate entrance on the hospital ground. According to some sources, the average cost for a visit to an urgent care center is around $200, as compared to around $1,400 for the ER.

Going to the ER can be pretty expensive. An ambulance ride can cost up to $1,200 depending on the distance of travel, as they charge by the mile. This, of course, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to an ER if something life-threatening happens to you. ERs are required by law to treat everyone regardless of health insurance or financial standings, which may not always be the case with urgent care centers.

Will There Be a Movie or TV Show About Urgent Care Soon?

In short, there’s a significant difference between urgent care and emergency room. Emergency rooms take care of injuries and conditions that put your life or your limb at risk. You may wait longer and pay more for this service, but it’s the only way to be sure you’ll be provided all the medical care your condition requires. For less serious injuries and other health issues, you should go to an urgent care center, if you’re not willing to wait for an appointment to see your PCP.

Whatever your injury, the key is to be well-informed. This is something you should prepare for in advance so that you make the best possible choices in case of an emergency.

References:

https://www.fastmed.com/health-resources/difference-between-urgent-care-and-emergency-room/
https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4231-should-you-go-to-the-emergency-room-or-urgent-care
https://www.experityhealth.com/resources/whats-the-difference-between-an-urgent-care-and-an-emergency-room/
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhis/earlyrelease/emergency_room_use_january-june_2011.pdf
https://www.self.com/story/urgent-care-vs-er
https://www.gohealthuc.com/UCvsER

Health

What Does It Mean If Your Urine Is Cloudy?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 14, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

Many health conditions can be discovered by simply observing your stool and urine. That is why it’s always a good idea to take a quick look, even if it may seem a bit disgusting. There can be many variations to the topic, and the variables include consistency, color, and smell.

Different changes can point to different conditions, so it’s useful to be able to narrow it down. However, you can never be completely sure what’s going on until you’ve checked with your doctor. Still, a combination of symptoms should point you and the doctor in the right direction. So, what does it mean if your urine is cloudy? Here are the most common causes.

1. Not Drinking Enough Water

If your urine is cloudy, the most probable cause is inadequate hydration. The good news is that this is easily treatable.

Make sure that you drink enough water. The necessary amount varies based on your lifestyle. For example, if you do a lot of exercise, you’ll need to drink more water. The same goes if you do physical labor, or live in a country with a hot climate.

Some illnesses will also require you to increase your intake of fluid. If you suffer from anything that causes fever or vomiting, you need to drink more water.

Other symptoms of dehydration include fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth and eyes, and confusion. If you notice any of these aside from cloudy urine, chances are that you are dehydrated and need more water in your system. Here’s a pro tip: always carry a bottle of water with you, and you’ll find it much easier to stay hydrated.

2. Diet

Some foods will cause cloudy urine as well. Vitamin D and phosphorus can muddy the waters, and so can protein-rich foods.

You can get vitamin D from fatty fish, beef liver, egg yolks, and cheese. Phosphorus is generally found in protein-rich foods, such as poultry, meat, fish, beans, nuts, and so on. If your diet includes a lot of these foods, that might be what’s causing cloudy urine.

3. Urinary Tract Infection

Another common cause of cloudy urine is urinary tract infection. If you notice a particularly bad smell and a kind of milky appearance, this is the most probable issue.

The cloudy quality of the urine is because there is pus or blood in it. Accumulation of white blood cells that are trying to combat the infection is a likely cause as well.

Other symptoms of urinary tract infection are pelvis pain, pain while urinating, difficulties with urinating, and a constant need to go. If you notice cloudy urine in combination with other symptoms, visit your doctor as soon as possible.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infection

Gonorrhea and chlamydia, as well as other common sexually transmitted infections, can cause cloudy urine. The immune system fights the infection and produces more white blood cells. The cells end up in urine, giving it its cloudy look.

Other symptoms to look for are itching and pain in the genitals, pain during urination, ejaculation, and sex, unusual discharge, and rashes or blisters on the genitals. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor in case you notice any such symptoms.

5. Kidney Infection or Kidney Stones

Kidney infections are often urinary tract infections that have progressed because they weren’t treated in time. Both types of infection cause similar symptoms. However, with a kidney infection, you can also expect fever, nausea, cramps, fatigue, and very dark or bloody urine.

Another problem with the kidneys that could be causing your urine to turn cloudy is kidney stones. Kidney stones form from the minerals in our body, and the smaller ones don’t even cause discomfort in most cases. However, the bigger ones can get stuck in the urinary tract. This causes infection, the infection produces pus, and the pus goes into your urine and makes it cloudy.

If you feel severe pain below the ribs or in the groin, as well as pain while urinating, fever, and/or chills, and notice that your urine is cloudy with pink, brown, or red streaks, you likely have a kidney stone.

Both conditions require urgent medical attention, so make sure you see a doctor the first chance you get.

6. Diabetes

If you have diabetes, your body will try to remove excess sugars. One of the ways to do it is to send them out through the urine. This is another thing that may be giving the urine its cloudy appearance.

If you feel thirsty even after drinking, this is a likely sign that you have diabetes. Other signals include frequent infections, weight loss, slow recovery from simple wounds, fatigue, and the necessity to urinate frequently.

Untreated, diabetes can lead to very serious consequences, such as kidney failure. If you suspect that you might have diabetes, see your doctor immediately to confirm your suspicions, and decide on a course of treatment.

7. Problems with Reproductive Organs

Inflammation in reproductive organs is another possible cause of your urine’s changed appearance.

Inflammation in the vulva and vagina is called vulvovaginitis. In most cases, you can blame it on bacterial infections, but sometimes it is a result of the presence of viruses or fungi. Sometimes it can even happen as a reaction to soaps, detergents, and so on.

You can recognize vulvovaginitis by itchiness around the vulva, painful urination, and vaginal discharge that looks like cottage cheese and smells foul.

Inflammation of the prostate – or prostatitis – usually happens because of an infection in the prostate. If you notice a frequent need to urinate and pain while doing so, as well as the presence of blood in the urine, accompanied by pain the genitals or lower pelvis, you should have your prostate checked out.

No matter your gender, you’ll want to deal with these, before things get even more complicated, so don’t delay your visit to the doctor.

The Last Drop

So, what does it mean if your urine is cloudy? Even though cloudy urine may be a result of something easily fixable like dehydration, it can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as diabetes. Pay close attention to your other symptoms, and don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you suspect anything serious.

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003139.htm#targetText=Cloudy%20or%20milky%20urine%20is,or%20mucus%20in%20the%20urine.

Health

How Much Should a Pregnant Woman Sleep?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 11, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

Congratulations to you, future mom! Hopefully, you’ve already settled into your new role, and you’ve found a lot of joy in it. Still, considering you’re reading this, you’ve probably found at least one problem as well.

It’s getting difficult to sleep, isn’t it? It’s okay – your body is going through so many changes right now. However, the very fact that there are so many adjustments means that your body needs all the energy that it can get. All the processes that are going on at the moment are using up a lot of your body’s resources, so you need to answer all of its needs. You already know that now you’re supposed to eat for two – but you’ll need to sleep for two as well.

Still, sleeping can prove to be a bit of a challenge at this point. Many pregnant ladies complain about multiple problems that keep them awake or wake them up during the night. So, as it seems that your body is unwilling to let you sleep, you might ask yourself, how much should a pregnant woman sleep anyway?

The short answer – a lot. If that does not answer your question, keep reading.

Why Do You Feel So Tired?

You’ve probably noticed that your energy supply seems a bit depleted. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. Your body is going through the stress equivalent to what you’d feel if you had to work overtime. Every day. For nine months. All of the extra work tires your body, so you experience fatigue even though you may not be any more active than usual.

There are plenty of hormonal changes included in a pregnancy. The levels of progesterone rise. The task of this hormone is to make sure your reproductive organs receive a steady supply of blood during the early stages of the pregnancy. This is very important because your baby depends on the healthy functioning of your uterus.

However, one of the side effects of the increased levels of progesterone is a kind of mellowness that your body perceives as fatigue. You may not even really be tired – but you’d feel so anyway.

Finally, pregnancy brings a huge emotional burden. Anticipation, fear, anxiety, happiness, excitement, and worry are all packed together. This cocktail of emotions alone is enough to tire you out, wouldn’t you say?

How Much Is Enough?

So, how much should a pregnant woman sleep? Well, doctors recommend at least 7 hours of sleep every night. When you factor in the time it gets you to fall asleep, problems that will wake you up during the night, and early awakenings, that means that you’ll have to spend at least 8 hours per day in bed.

The further the pregnancy goes, the more difficult it’s going to be to fall asleep. However, no matter how hard it gets, don’t give up.

There are many consequences of not getting enough sleep in itself. Irritability, a lack of focus, and a decrease in cognitive power are the most immediate ones, and they are already frightening in normal times. When you’re pregnant, it gets even worse. It can cause slight problems during pregnancy, but sleeping 6 hours or less can cause real problems during labor.

A study found that the likelihood of a mandatory C-section is 4.5 times higher for mothers who slept 6 hours or less during the pregnancy than for those who slept 7 hours or more. If that’s not enough, consider the fact that, on average, the former had a 10-hour longer labor than the latter.

All in all, you really need to take your zzz’s seriously. Still, it’s very useful to know what to expect, so here are some of the most common problems with sleep during pregnancy.

The First Trimester

As you already know, the first trimester is a bomb system. The biggest changes happen in this period, so the amount of sleep you get is even more important. However, many things will try to stop you from getting you (and your baby’s!) beauty sleep.

First of all, remember progesterone? Well, not only does it make you tired, but it also makes you want to pee. Chances are that you will be waking up a lot during the first trimester because you’ll need more frequent visits to the loo.

To avoid this as much as you can, restrict your intake of fluid in the evenings. By no means should you be thirsty at any point. Just avoid drinking more than you need to. Of course, you should make up for this during the earlier times of the day.

When you wake up at night, don’t turn on the lights – use nightlight instead. Bright light will likely stop you from falling asleep again, but the trick with the nightlight should give you at least some sort of continuity.

In addition to frequent peeing, you’ll probably have to vomit a lot. They call it morning sickness, but in truth, they occur at all times of the day. Sore breasts will probably give you grief as well, so just try to find a comfy position to sleep in.

The Second Trimester

The second trimester is a bit easier than the other two, but it brings new issues all the same. Leg cramps and heartburn are likely to disrupt your sleep.

For the first problem, it’s good to walk around for a bit before going to bed. It won’t work every time, but you can at least give it a shot. As for the heartburn – try sleeping on your left side, and bend your knees. This should relieve the pressure from your stomach a bit – hopefully enough to let you sleep.

The Third Trimester

After the breezy second semester, this is where things get tough again. Your belly should be really big, and it’s probably causing a lot of trouble when you go to bed. This is where you should be careful – it may seem logical to sleep on your back, but that’s not a good idea.

Your big belly can press the spine and one of the biggest veins in your body, restricting the blood flow from your heart to your lower body. To avoid this, sleep on your left side. Use as many pillows as you need to make your bed more comfortable.

Use the third trimester to get all the sleep you can possibly get – before the baby comes.

Fruits of Your Labor

Even though your body seems to be sabotaging you, you need to take good care of it. All the undergoing processes are taking their toll on you and your health, so you need to be one step ahead. Every part of pregnancy brings about difficulties, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stay on top of things. Preparation is the key, and just by reading this article, you’ve taken a step in the right direction. Way to go, supermom!

References:

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleeping-trimesters-1st-trimester
https://familydoctor.org/getting-enough-sleep-pregnancy/
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sleep-during-pregnancy.html

Health

How to Boost Testosterone Naturally

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 10, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

Testosterone is one of the most important substances in a male’s body. It regulates your energy levels, your moods, libido, and your ability to form emotional bonds. It also promotes muscle growth and sperm development.

Therefore, if your levels of testosterone drop, you start having problems with all of the above. You start losing your energy, your mood deteriorates, you become emotionally distant, and on top of all that, your muscles weaken and you may have fertility problems.

Obviously, there is a very good reason for you to try and increase your testosterone levels. The trouble is, once you are about 30 years old, testosterone levels naturally drop.

In their quest for manliness, many men resort to testosterone doping. Don’t do that. Overly high levels of this hormone can cause many problems, such as liver damage and cardiovascular disease. It is also illegal.

But, how to boost testosterone naturally? Well, here are several ways.

1. Do You Even Lift?

The very first thing you should do if you want to boost your testosterone levels is exercise. Sure, we are all lazy and not many people really like exercise, but consider this – what is the role of testosterone in your body? Providing you with energy and building up your muscles. Well, that’s exactly what exercise does for you because exercise requires a higher production of testosterone.

The good news is that you can do any kind of exercise you want. People used to think that high-intensity workouts are more effective than moderate-intensity ones. However, that is only true in the first couple of hours after the workout. The fact is that the intensity of the workout isn’t a factor in the long run.

2. Get Your Blissful Zzzz’s

Sleep is very important for many reasons. Irritability, bad mood, and lowered cognitive functions are some of the consequences that come after just one restless night. After only one week of sleep restriction to 5 hours or less, your testosterone levels could drop by 10-15%. Scared already?

Like all hormones, testosterone follows your body’s patterns. These are regulated mostly by your sleeping habits. Irregular or insufficient sleep will interrupt the production of testosterone, among other things.

It’s important to understand that a good night’s sleep will not increase your body’s testosterone levels. It will simply keep them from falling more than they absolutely need to.

3. I’m Strong to the Finish ‘Cause I Eats Me Spinach

Here’s another unpopular adjustment to the lifestyle – a healthy diet. Eating a lot of sugar is one of the most important culprits when it comes to lowered levels of testosterone. Obesity is also connected to a lack of testosterone. Both of these can be solved by making adjustments to your diet.

You know the rules – avoid sugar and sugary drinks. Steer clear of fast food, and don’t even look at white flour products. However, there are some foods that you can incorporate into your diet that will make your body happier to produce testosterone. Ginger, oysters, and pomegranates are all great choices. Also, don’t forget to put fatty fish and olive oil on your menu.

And of course, dedicate your life to religiously eating your leafy greens, such as kale and spinach. Do you still wonder why Popeye the Sailor Man is so muscular?

4. Bang Head Here

If you’ve ever seriously considered using one of those stress reduction kits, chances are your testosterone levels went seriously low.

Prolonged stress lowers testosterone levels. It’s a fact. Stress forces our body to produce cortisol instead. Cortisol is a hormone that enables us to go through stressful situations. It makes us more focused on the problem at hand, making it easier to cope with it. This is why your body will always prioritize cortisol in a stressful situation and neglect the production of testosterone.

Therefore, you should try to lower your stress level as much as you can. If you’re stressed at work, create a safe environment at home. Make sure you always have a way to feel safe and keep your optimism. Also, don’t over-exercise. That is a type of stress, too.

5. Go Walking on Sunshine

If you’re not getting enough vitamin D, it shows. Make sure you get some sun or find a supplement. Research has shown that people with a deficiency of vitamin D saw their levels of testosterone increase after taking supplements. This a good long-term solution as long as you keep your vitamin D levels in check.

6. Useless as Perfumery to a Hog

Obviously, there are some things that don’t work at all. Here are the two most important.

Testosterone precursor pills do not work. True, the chemicals they use are the same ones your body uses to create testosterone. However, the simple fact that those chemicals are there, does not mean that your body will do what you want it to. In fact, it’ll just ignore the surplus. If the exposure to those chemicals continues for a longer period, your body will start converting them, but not the way you want it to. Instead of turning them into testosterone, your body will use the chemicals to create extra estrogen. What a twist, huh?

Sexual activity doesn’t work in the long run either. Your testosterone level will be higher for a while after intercourse, but then they’ll revert to the starting position. Sex does not influence long-term testosterone levels.

Wrapping It up

Testosterone is an incredibly useful hormone, so you should try your best to keep it at as high a level as you can. Don’t stoop to doping – it’s illegal, and it can seriously hurt you. Luckily, now that you know how to boost testosterone naturally, you can start working on improving your overall health, shape, and mood. Exercise, sleep, avoid stress, and don’t forget to eat your greens and you’ll be a new man in no time!

References:

https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_ldqovnn1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/expert-answers/testosterone-level/faq-20089016
https://wtamu.edu/~cbaird/sq/2015/10/29/can-a-mans-testosterone-be-boosted-naturally/

Health

Ibuprofen vs Acetaminophen – What Are the Advantages of Each

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 9, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

When you’re in pain, you generally want to make it stop. This makes you likely to reach for a painkiller. But how can you know which is the best option for you? Here we’ll compare ibuprofen vs acetaminophen. What are the advantages of each, what are the downsides, and how to take them safely?

1. What Do They Do?

Commonly known as Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen) in America, we use both of these medications for pain relief and reducing fever. However, there are some differences.

Unlike ibuprofen, acetaminophen does not influence inflammation. It’s not clear how it works, but scientists think that it affects COX enzymes, which produce prostaglandins. These substances are responsible for pain and inflammation, so acetaminophen aims to lower their levels. By preventing the COX enzymes from producing prostaglandins, acetaminophen effectively eases the pain you feel.

On the other hand, ibuprofen also reduces inflammation on top of pain and fever relief. Similarly to acetaminophen, it blocks COX enzymes. It doesn’t discriminate, though – it blocks the type which you need in working order as well. COX-2 enzymes, in charge of pain signaling, are the ones that you want to block. COX-1 enzymes are involved in protecting the stomach lining, and you need them to work. Blocking COX-1 can cause stomach-related issues.

Nevertheless, ibuprofen is a better choice in the case of strains and sprains, and some research suggests that it is more effective at relieving pain in general.

2. Which One Lasts Longer?

There is no significant difference in the two medicine’s duration of effect. Both are short-acting, and they start working soon after you took them.

Acetaminophen can relieve your pain for three to four hours. Still, you should only take it every four to six hours, and not exceed the lower maximum dose (which is 3000mg/day).

Ibuprofen works for about four hours. You can take a dose every four to six hours, but if you’re taking over-the-counter ibuprofen on your own, make sure to stay within the maximum daily recommended dose of 1200mg.

3. Which One Is More Effective?

When it comes to the comparison of effectiveness, it all comes down to what you need.

Acetaminophen can control pain and fever but not inflammation. This means that it is not a good choice for cramps and muscle sprains. However, it is a good choice for headaches and other pains.

Ibuprofen controls inflammation, in addition to pain and fever. On the other hand, it also hurts your stomach. It is a better choice for cramps and muscle pains, but in other cases you may want to avoid it, just to be on the safe side.

4. What Are the Side Effects?

If you have heard that Tylenol or acetaminophen has no side effects, forget about it. Going over the recommended dose, or just staying in the upper end of it, can cause many consequences. Increased risk of heart attack and stroke, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal ulcers and bleeding are just some of the things you risk if you overuse acetaminophen. Furthermore, using it for more than 13 weeks may mean a drop in the levels of hemoglobin. Going over the recommended dose may damage your liver as well.

Still, acetaminophen is considered safer than ibuprofen, provided that you use is consciously and stay within the recommended limits.

Ibuprofen is an NSAID (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). All NSAIDs play a part in gastrointestinal, kidney, and cardiovascular problems and risks. However, ibuprofen is short-acting, which makes it less likely to cause serious damage. However, if you go over the recommended dose, the likelihood goes up. If you have already had a heart attack, for example, you should not take ibuprofen before talking to your doctor. The same goes for everybody who has suffered a stroke or had coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Besides, NSAIDs can provoke allergic-type reactions, as well as interact negatively with other medicines.

Moreover, research has shown that the combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen can increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal-related side effects. Yet, many experts still believe that combining the two is safe, as long as you only do it for a short period and don’t go over the recommended dose. Also, you can alternate doses, just to be safe.

5. How to Take Them Smartly?

Just like with all medications, you need to follow certain rules. Otherwise, you’ll do yourself more harm than good. Here are the basic ones.

The first rule is that you should always obey what your doctor tells you. Do not self-medicate if you don’t have to, and never go over the recommended or prescribed dose.
The second rule is that, in this case, less is probably more. For instance, even though the recommended dose for acetaminophen is 4000mg a day, keep in mind that this is a dose for an average healthy adult. If you are very petite, you’ll need less. If you have any health issues, 4000mg is probably too much. If you want to give it to a child, don’t even do it without talking to a pediatrician, unless you have absolutely no choice. If you have to, keep in mind that 4000mg can be very toxic to the liver of a child, and keep the dose as low as possible.
Thirdly, always read dosing instructions. Some products containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen are stronger than others, which means that not the same dosing rules apply.
Next, don’t take doubles – if you’re using ibuprofen, don’t use another NSAID. If you’re using acetaminophen, make sure you don’t take it with some other product that also contains acetaminophen.
Finally, if you have a history of any gastrointestinal, kidney, or cardiovascular problems, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.

Conclusion

Now you should have a clearer idea of who wins in the dilemma of ibuprofen vs acetaminophen. What are the advantages of each may not be as important as how your body reacts to them. Still, be cautious and don’t overuse if you want to avoid the negative effects.

References:

https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?id=915d8982-a92e-411e-b5dc-c40e0f43f352
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/04/pain-relievers-the-pros-and-cons-of-4/index.htm

Health

How Much Does IVF Cost

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 8, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

Most people want to have a family eventually, but for some, it’s a bit more difficult than for others. IVF (in vitro fertilization) is nobody’s first choice. However, when it comes to that, it’s good to have all the information available. The price is one of the important factors you need to account for when you start considering IVF. It determines how many times you can try, or if you can try it all. So, how much does IVF cost? Here’s an overview to get you started.

1. Basics

The price for one cycle ranges from $10,000 to $15,000, but on average, you’ll need to pay about $12,000. This does not include the medications, the price of which ranges from $1,500 to $3,000.

According to research, the average couple needs to cough up $19,234, plus an additional $6,955 for every next cycle they may need. The price depends on the clinic and your insurance.

Health insurance plans often don’t cover IVF, but there are still ways for them to cover at least part of your expenses. See if they can cover monitoring and medications, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to lessen the blow to your budget.

2. Ask the Clinic

Don’t just randomly choose a clinic. Price shop for as long as you need, because you want to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money. Consider the quality and past success as well as the cost before you decide which clinic you want to give your trust to.

Be careful, though – confirm that the price offered is all inclusive. The complete expenses are much higher than the cost of the IVF procedure alone, so you should take that into account as well.

The price should include the following:

Fertility testing and consultations before the IVF itself. You may have to repeat some tests and you might be able to skip the others, but it should all be included in the price;
Mock embryo transfer;
Ultrasound monitoring and pregnancy testing;
Fertility drugs and other medication;
Preservation of extra embryos and the storage fee;
Anything else you may need.

If you’ll have to take days off work to travel to the clinic, stay in hotels, etc, don’t forget to factor that into the final price.

3. The Difference in Types

There are two types of IVF – the conventional IVF procedure and mini-IVF. Mini-IVF is much less expensive, and on average you’d have to pay about $5,000 to have it done.

Mini-IVF requires much less monitoring and fewer fertility drugs, which is part of the reason behind the lower price. Couples who want to try IUI (intrauterine insemination) treatment may opt for mini-IVF instead. It is far less likely to end up with a multiple pregnancy if you choose mini-IVF. You can opt to transfer just one embryo, which is not possible with IUI.

Still, mini-IVF is probably better than IUI, but sometimes you need the conventional IVF. Make sure you know what you need so that you’ll know what you’re getting into.

4. Additional Costs

In case you need additional assisted reproductive technologies, the price is going to go up. PGD or preimplantation genetic diagnosis, a procedure for checking if there are any genetic defects with the embryo, varies greatly in price. It goes from $1,800 to a whopping $7,500. On average, it’s around $3,000. ICSI or intracytoplasmic sperm injection can cost you $1,000 to $2,500. Storage fees for frozen embryos range from $200 to $800 a year and you’ll need about $3,000 to $5,000 for a frozen embryo transfer.

Using an egg donor will increase the price of the procedure to $25,000 to $30,000 per cycle. Using a sperm donor is less expensive and in this case, the price per cycle ranges from $13,000 to $17,000. Surrogacy will cost you an arm and a leg – with all the fees included, you’ll have to pay between $50,000 and $100,000. For an embryo donor cycle, you’ll have to part with a sum between $5,000 and $7,000.

Always make sure you fully understand everything that is and isn’t included in the price that the clinic offers you. As you can see, the additional expenses can really make your head spin.

5. How to Make Do

First of all, choose a clinic based on their success rates. Don’t waste money on cheap but inefficient attempts. Price needs to be a factor, but don’t forget to factor in quality as well.

Ask around and find out which fertility clinics offer good payment plans. A good plan can make everything more affordable. Also, it is a good idea to look into the refund policy. Some clinics may charge a set fee, but they’ll refund part of it after three or four unsuccessful cycles. There are terms and conditions to this option as well and they differ from one clinic to another, so make sure you do your homework.

The price in this case ranges from $20,000 to $30,000, and there are upsides and downsides to this option. If you need three or four attempts to get pregnant, it pays off. If you get pregnant on the first attempt, you’ll have spent much more than you had to.

Another cost reduction option is by looking into your insurance and seeing what you can get. Sometimes health insurance plans may cover IVF, but mostly they don’t. Still, they probably cover the expenses of medications and monitoring at least partially, if not completely.

Taking out a loan, or dipping into your retirement savings, can help you afford IVF too. Applying for a grant and crowdfunding are also options to get enough money to pay for the procedure.

The Last Push

How much does IVF cost? Quite a lot. But don’t despair – you’re not without options. There are several ways to reduce the expenses and to gather the funds you need. Arm yourself with patience and cold logic, and good luck!

References:

https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(09)00873-5/pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3043157/#targetText=Median%20per%2Dperson%20costs%20ranged,%2Ddonor%20egg%20groups%2C%20respectively.

Health

Natural Congestion Remedies

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 7, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

No matter what you do and how much you take care of your body and health, chances are you’ll get sick at some point. Many things can weaken your immune system and allow little airborne buggers to infect you. Irresponsible lifestyle is one common culprit, a bad diet is another. If you take care of your health, stress is probably the thing that’ll get to you. Of course, even if nothing is wrong whatsoever, you can suddenly find yourself with a headache and a runny nose.

The Scouting Report on Congestion

Colds, the flu, or even allergies, can cause a blocked-up nose. What causes congestion is the blood that rushes to your nose when it’s irritated, causing swelling and making it difficult to breathe.

As we all know from experience, this can make a person quite desperate. Congestion causes irritability and bad mood in general. It makes sleeping impossible, and it’s often accompanied by splitting headaches, sneezing, and other unpleasant symptoms.

Many of us will reach for over-the-counter remedies in this situation. While decongestants will probably solve your problem in the short term, there is always a risk of becoming dependent on them. Besides, there is a whole range of problems they can cause, so you shouldn’t use them if you have any other choice.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t do anything, though. There’s a plethora of natural congestion remedies to try before you resort to over-the-counter solutions. Here are some of them.

1. Use a Humidifier

Moisture in the air will help thin the mucus in your nasal passages. This will allow you to blow it out more easily, so you’ll unblock your nose to some degree.

In addition, it can help with other symptoms. Humidity will provide relief for your headache, and it’ll do a lot of good to your congested sinuses.

However, you’ll need to keep it clean, otherwise, it’ll just be a breeding spot for bacteria and fungi. Make sure you read the cleaning instructions that come with it and follow them once a day.

2. Breathe in Steam

Breathing in steam is a great way to deal with a blocked-up nose. There are many ways to do it easily. Take a hot shower, and try to breathe in as deeply as you can to make the most of it. Make yourself a nice cup of hot teas, and inhale the steam while it cools down enough for you to drink it.

If those ideas are not enough, you can always pour hot water into a bowl, put your head over it and cover up with a towel to make a kind of curtain around your face. The towel trick will direct the steam to your face and prevent it from escaping. However, be very careful if you do this because there is always a risk of burns when hot water is around.

3. Drink a Lot of Water

Because the membranes of your nasal passages get inflamed when you have a cold, you need to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will lessen the symptoms of a cold to a degree.

More importantly, hydration is very important for all your body processes – especially while your system is fighting an illness. Basically, if you drink more water, you’ll get better faster.

The main problem with this is that many people simply forget about it until they’re thirsty. You can solve this and encourage yourself to drink more fluid by having a bottle of water with you at all times. Finally, remember that a cup of tea is just as good as a glass of water when it comes to hydration – so there are options.

4. Use Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is a very useful tool in combating congestion. It relieves the problem almost instantly, and it may also kill a germ or two in your nasal passages.

You can put it in a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam, or you can put a few drops onto a tissue and keep it close to your nose. However, you should never apply it to the skin directly because it can cause burns.

5. Apply Wet Towels

You can help yourself by putting a warm, wet towel over your face. This will lessen the inflammation of your sinuses, which will reduce the swelling inside your nose. Besides, this will create moisture around your nose, which can help your nasal membranes function properly. It will also thin out the mucus and make it easier to extract.

6. Get a Neti Pot

A Neti Pot is a small device that looks like a teapot. You use it by filling it with a saline solution, putting it into one of your nostrils, and tilting your head to the opposite side. The saline solution goes in through one of your nostrils and out the other.

This is an excellent way to keep the inflammation under control. It keeps the membranes moist, and it can flush out any buildup of mucus or allergens. It is a great tool when you use it well.

However, because a Neti Pot is a container of fluid that you put in your nose, you need to keep it squeaky clean. If you allow bacteria or fungi to grow there, you may give yourself an infection – you definitely don’t need that on top of your current problem.

7. Use Extra Pillows

One of the biggest problems that congestion causes is the inability to sleep well. The buildup in the nose gets worse, and it’s almost impossible to breathe, let alone sleep. This happens because when you’re lying down, the mucus pools in your sinuses.

A simple solution is to add an extra pillow or two. It’ll keep your nasal cavities at an angle that won’t let the mucus pool at the sinuses, and you’ll be able to breathe a bit more easily.

Snort It All Down

While there are many over-the-counter options you can fall back on, they might not be the best idea in every situation. Try natural congestion remedies first. Even if they don’t work for you completely, they’ll help at least to some degree. If you still don’t feel any better, it might be time to pay a visit to your doctor instead.

References:

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003049.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nasal-congestion/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050644

Health

List of Gluten Free Candies

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 4, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

If there is one undoubtedly good thing about the world of today, it’s the fact that the awareness of many issues is getting higher and higher. This applies to Celiac disease as well.

Food manufacturers understand the problems that gluten causes and the reasons people want to avoid it. Naturally, they have started coming up with ways to keep their products available and attractive to everybody. Their desire to stay competitive works nicely for consumers as well.

If you’re a parent of a kid with Celiac disease, you know the heartbreak of having to deny your child the very thing you adored when you were their age. If you’re a grown-up patient, you know the devastation of denying yourself one of the smallest but most delightful pleasures of life – candy.

If you’ve ever met anyone who claimed that they didn’t like any type of candy, they’re probably aliens and you should beware. Even if you don’t like chocolate, you’ll like cookies. If not, then gummy bears. But everyone enjoys some kind of candy – and you’ll need a comprehensive list of gluten free candies if you are to make the best of holidays and birthdays.

A word of caution, though – always check the label. This list will give you a general overview, but the ingredients and the manner of production can change any time. Besides, if the same company produces candy in two factories, one of them may be producing gluten-free candy, while the other may not. The fact is that you won’t know for sure until you’ve checked the label.

1. Hershey’s

Hershey’s boasts an impressive list of gluten-free products. The complete list comprises about 150 products, and some of the most popular are:

Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Kisses, Special Dark Kisses, Filled Chocolate Kisses (but not all flavors, so be careful);
All Mounds;
Almond Joy (but not Almond Joy Pieces candy);
Hershey’s Nuggets (again, not all flavors, so make sure you read the label);
Hershey’s Hugs.

There are many others as well, but don’t just assume that all Hershey’s products are gluten-free. Their list may be a bit tricky too, because many products have similar names, which can cause confusion. Still, they list their ingredients and shared equipment on the label, so as long as you read it carefully, you’re good to go.

2. Nestlé

The company tests the products they produce and labels them gluten-free if they find less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Products with the label are the following:

Butterfinger (fun size, singles, and share pack only);
Nips, Goobers, and Raisinets;
Toll House morsels and chunks (but not all of them – read the label).

There are other Nestle products that don’t contain gluten ingredients, but the company doesn’t label them as gluten-free for fear of cross-contamination. Some of those are:

Bit-O-Honey;
Oh Henry!;
Milk Chocolate;
Baby Ruth;
Sno-Caps;
SweeTARTS;
Wonka Pixy Stix.

The good thing is that Nestle is one of the most transparent companies in this regard. Their labels are very clear, and there is little chance of confusion. Any products that have no gluten ingredients, but are produced in a factory that also processes gluten, are not on this list.

3. Mars

Mars, Incorporated is the company that also produces Snickers, Dove, M&M’s, and others. They do not have a list of gluten-free products. You’ll need to read the label. On the bright side, they’ll usually list the ingredients in plain English, so any wheat, rye, and barley should be very easy to spot.

Here is a list of their products that in general don’t contain gluten ingredients.

M&M’s (but not all flavors. Be especially careful with seasonal flavors, and always read the label before purchase)
3 Musketeers
Milky Way Midnight and Caramel (but not the original)
Dove Chocolate products (depending on the flavor)
Snickers

None of the other products are gluten-free, but that doesn’t mean that those listed above are always safe. Make sure you consider every purchase carefully.

4. Tootsie

Here is some good news for the fans: Tootsie Roll Industries have stated that all their products, except Andes cookies, are gluten-free. They claim to use corn and soy, instead of gluten-rich ingredients.

Tootsie Rolls and Fruit Rolls;
Junior Mints;
Frooties;
Dots and Tropical Dots;
Crows;
Cella’s Milk and Dark Chocolate Covered Cherries;
And many others.

The company also mentions that gluten-free products don’t contain nuts and peanuts, which makes them great for people with allergies.

5. Smarties

If you enjoy Smarties, you’re in luck – almost all of their products are safe to eat. Not only are they gluten-free and vegan, but they are also produced in gluten-free facilities, significantly lowering the chances of cross-contamination.

The only exception is Smarties Gummies, which are made in a place where they also process wheat. In addition, many of their products from Canada contain wheat, so make sure to read the label carefully before you buy anything.

One problem that can occur with Smarties is that they sell their products to re-baggers. Because of that, the re-bagger is the only one who can verify that the place they use to repack the goods does not allow a chance for cross-contamination. To be on the safe side, you can check the UPC number on the packaging. If it starts with 0 11206, you’ll know that it comes from one of Smarties’ facilities. In that case, it’s almost certainly gluten-free.

6. Jelly Belly

If Jelly Belly beans are your guilty pleasure, you can breathe a sigh of relief – they’re all gluten-free. They are also vegan. They offer other gluten-free products as well, such as licorice-flavored beans and candy corn.

As for their other products, such as Chocolate Malt Balls and Licorice Pastels, they are not gluten-free.

The Last Bite

Even though people with Celiac disease are still restricted by their illness, the situation is not all that gloomy. Sure, you have to be careful all the time, but in the end, you can come home with a big bag of candy from the supermarket and drown your day-to-day stress and sorrow in the sweet pleasure that is Snickers bars. Still, mind this list of gluten free candies and don’t forget to read the labels – just in case.

References:

https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/gluten-free-foods/gluten-free-candy-list/

Health

How to Manage Anxiety Without Drugs

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 3, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

Everyone has a moment of weakness. You know the feeling of tension before a job interview, or when you’re getting ready to hear the news from your doctor? Even though everything might turn out well, you still can’t help the feeling of impending doom that washes over you.

In such situations, it is perfectly normal to feel stressed and worried. If it is objectively possible that something bad will happen, anxiety is not only perfectly understandable but expected as well. However, if you get the same feeling in everyday situations – for example, when your boss invites you to their office for a chat, or while riding a bus, or even just waiting in line in a supermarket, you likely have some kind of anxiety disorder.

People who suffer from this kind of issues find themselves facing their everyday lives while simultaneously combating stress and a sense of dread disproportionate to the problems they have. A typical course of treatment includes medication and talk therapy. However, if you want to help yourself, aside from the visits to a therapist, you’re probably wondering how to manage anxiety without drugs. Luckily, there are several things that you can do.

1. Move it

Physical exercise is one of the best ways to combat anxiety. The activity helps your body produce more endorphin and serotonin, which make you feel happier and better in general. The exercise itself can take your mind off your problems. Also, the happy feeling it gives you can help you improve your outlook.

You really don’t have to go through terribly demanding cardio sessions. Any type of exercise will help. Dance around in your home, or go for a walk when the weather is nice. Ride your bike to work, or take your dog for a long walk. 30 minutes a day is enough to lift your mood – and it’s great for your physical health and your shape too!

2. Get Your Beauty Sleep

Sleep deprivation is one of the things that can creep up on you and ruin your life without you being aware of it. It causes a plethora of problems with both your psyche and your body. On the other hand, a well-rested mind is a strong mind – it deals with the emotional burden and stressful situations much more easily than a sleep-deprived one.

Getting enough sleep can equip you with more patience and objectivity, both of which are necessary skills for survival when you have an anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, anxiety disorders don’t encourage sleep – but the contrary. On the bright side, this is easily fixed by sticking to a routine.

Your body loves routines. Therefore, a bedtime routine will make it much easier for you to actually fall asleep. Set a bedtime, and take it seriously. Set up a series of tasks to complete before going to bed. Don’t eat and don’t do exercise before bedtime, and everything else is pretty much a safe bet – take a shower, have a cup of tea, read a book. It’ll take your body a few days to fall into a routine, but soon you’ll look forward to your bedtime – and sleep like a baby.

3. Eat Healthy

You need to eat regularly. If you don’t, your sugar levels will drop, and that will increase the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. Seeing that you don’t need any more stress in your life, it’s easy to understand why you shouldn’t skip meals.

Of course, it matters what you eat, not just how often you do it. Have you ever heard the expression you are what you eat? If you eat healthy, you’ll be healthy. More importantly, if your sugar intake is too high, you’ll likely go through what we call sugar rush – your body’s response to an increased amount of sugar. Physically, it can look a lot like anxiety. Your body starts shaking, and you feel nervous. Since this is obviously too close to home, you should try to limit your sugar intake.

4. Skip the Coffee

Caffeine boosts energy levels – that much is common knowledge. However, it also stimulates your nervous system, which can trigger a panic or anxiety attack. Therefore, you should restrict your intake of caffeine if you possibly can. Don’t quit cold turkey, but at least swap a couple of your daily moccas for decaf, and see how it goes.

5. Say NO

Every person needs to know their limits. You have only so much time and strength – don’t give it to others if you need it yourself. Always be aware of the fact that you don’t have to do favors to anyone. Don’t let others usurp your time and energy, no matter how much you love them. It’s okay to say no when you need to.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should be a selfish individual who only cares for oneself. However, you need to be your first priority. Look at it this way – if you’re unwell, you can’t help anybody. Make sure you have the energy to spare before you dive into somebody else’s problems, and you’ll avoid quite a bit of stress.

6. No Past, No Future

Live in the moment. It’s no use worrying about something that happened in the past. You can’t change it anymore. When you catch yourself reliving a situation in which you felt bad or embarrassed, give yourself a slap on the wrist and redirect your train of thought. Similarly, don’t let yourself worry about the distant future. You don’t know how things will play out. The farther in time the situation is, the less you should think about it. It requires discipline and hard work, but you can train yourself to simply stay in the present – and thus avoid the unnecessary stress.

The Final Straw

If you know that you have an issue, you need to address it. Adjust your lifestyle to your needs. Don’t put yourself through any unnecessary stress, and choose your battles. Don’t let your problem trick you into thinking that you’re helpless – you’re most definitely not. Try to use some of these tips and see how it goes – we’re all rooting for you!

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/treating-anxiety-without-medication
https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/03/understanding-anxiety-disorders
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/anxiety

Health

How to Relieve Gas Pains

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 2, 2019 Last Edited: October 29, 2019

Arch

Passing gas is easily one of the most unpleasant bodily functions, and it’s certainly one of the most embarrassing as well. Still, it’s there for a reason, and like it or not, we do have to go through with it, on average about 13 to 21 times a day. However, sometimes we find ourselves unable to, and often this temporary inability will cause discomfort and even pain. So the question that we all have to face at some point in our lives is: how to relieve gas pains?

What Causes Gas Pains?

When you eat, you naturally swallow a bit of air with your food. The food that reaches the large intestine undergoes a kind of breakdown process, a side effect of which is – more gas. You’ll let a part of the air out through your mouth before it goes through your intestine. However, once the air gets to the large intestine, the only way out is through the other side.

Unfortunately, not everything goes so smoothly all the time. For various reasons, your body will trap the gas. When enough of it accumulates, it’ll start giving you grief. You’ll start bloating, getting cramps, and feeling a kind of pressure in your abdomen. So, what can you do to deal with the problem? Here are some ideas.

1. Let It Go

The simple truth is that farting is not something you’d do in polite society. It would be mortifying. And yet, that is exactly what you need to do when you feel the need. Obviously, you should try to find a more appropriate place to do it, but in case of emergency, just embrace your inner Elsa and let it go. The awkwardness won’t last long, and it is far less likely to leave longer-lasting consequences than holding it in for a prolonged period. Don’t worry too much, though – holding it in isn’t likely to make you seriously sick, only really uncomfortable for a while.

However, sometimes you’ll find yourself unable to pass gas, even if you want to. If that is the case, try some of the following pieces of advice.

2. Do Yoga

We all know how wonderful yoga is and what benefits it can provide. Still, I’d bet you never thought of it as a tool for passing gas. Some yoga positions can help you relax your intestines and bowels, and that can be enough to help you pass gas. This is a good solution for temporary blockage, and it can offer immediate relief.

Here are some asanas you might want to try:

Ananda Balasana, also known as happy baby pose, will stretch your inner groin as well as your lower back;
Balasana, i.e. child’s pose, can aid in relaxing your hips, legs, and lower back;
Pawanmuktasana, or (very descriptively) wind-relieving pose, which can help you relax your abdomen and thighs.

3. Adjust Your Diet

Yoga and exercise in general can provide temporary relief, but if gas pain is a common occurrence, you might need to consider changing your diet. Some foods produce more gas in the digestive system than others. Foods that are high in fiber are the most common cause of an increase in gas. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, apples, pears, prunes, and other fruits and veggies are incredibly healthy, so you shouldn’t remove them from your diet completely. Rather, you should try to limit your intake of those for a couple of weeks, and then gradually re-introduce them into your diet.

Dairy products are another possible cause of your discomfort. Opt for lactose-free versions of your favorites, and restrict your intake of the rest. The cutback should ameliorate your symptoms. Sweet, fried, and fatty foods, as well as overly spicy dishes and carbonated beverages, are likely contributing to and increasing your problem. Avoid all of them as much as you can.

Finally, don’t forget to increase your intake of water, because it’ll prevent possible constipation.

4. Try Out Some Home Remedies

In addition to adjusting your diet, you can speed up the process by using some known home remedies. Firstly, you can try peppermint or chamomile tea. Have a cup with or before your meals, and they should ease the symptoms. Both are great for digestion and bowels, and they taste great, so what’s there to lose?

Other easy fixes you can try are apple cider vinegar and activated charcoal. Add a tablespoon of vinegar to a warm glass of water, and drink it before meals. It should alleviate gas pain quickly, and it will help your digestion in general. Taking activated charcoal before and after a meal can prevent trapping gas in your system. A word of caution: make sure you introduce the supplement into your diet gradually to avoid side effects such as nausea and constipation.

Heating your stomach may help as well because it encourages your muscles to relax. This can help pass gas, which in turn can ease your discomfort.

5. See a Doctor

Several health conditions might be making it difficult for you to pass gas. Intestinal disease and overgrowth of bacteria in your digestive system are possible causes. Food intolerance and constipation are other possibilities. Therefore, if everything else fails, you should schedule a visit to your doctor.

To help the doctor diagnose you correctly, make sure you are ready to present your case. What do you normally eat and drink? Have you started eating something new recently? Do you feel better after you pass gas? Do you take any medicines or dietary supplements? Have you lost a lot of weight recently? Have you noticed any changes in your bowel movement? All of these are the questions that your doctor will likely ask, so observe your state closely and be ready to answer.

Going Out with a Bang

If you’re suffering from this issue, the question of how to relieve gas pains may not be an easy one to answer. Some exercise and adjustments to your diet and lifestyle are likely to work well. However, If they don’t, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor. And, of course, don’t hold it in if you can help it – let it go out with (or without) a bang.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372714
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gas-and-gas-pains/symptoms-causes/syc-20372709#targetText=Gas%20pain%20may%20occur%20if,habits%20can%20lessen%20bothersome%20gas.
https://medlineplus.gov/gas.html

Health

How to Stop Getting Sick All the Time – 6 Ways to Avoid Common Illnesses

Written By: Arch

Published Date: October 1, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Getting sick is never fun. Quite a few people experience minor colds and flus from time to time. In fact, chances are you’re fighting off a very light cold right now even if you feel completely fine.

The viruses that cause colds and flu are always around. Instances increase during the fall and winter months mostly because people tend to be cramped together for longer periods of time.

Staying healthy isn’t all that complicated. It’s about fostering good habits and being consistent with prevention. There’s no real secret or panacea. If you’re wondering how to stop getting sick all the time, use these six tips.

1. Stay Hydrated

Fluids are essential for your body to remove metabolic waste. If you don’t get enough, it could lead to many problems. It might even weaken your immune system if it continues for a prolonged period of time.

A good rule of thumb is to drink around 64 fl. Oz. every day. Stick to water, mostly, but there are significant benefits that have been linked to drinking green tea.

Researchers have found several positive correlations between the antioxidants in green tea and some important health indicators. These antioxidants, also called flavonoids, may reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Green tea is about as close as you can get to a superfood — or drink in this case.

Another important aspect of drinking enough water is dealing with stress. The stress hormone, cortisol, can increase when we are dehydrated. Drinking enough fluids can play a central role in reducing stress as well.

2. Make Sure You Get Enough Exercise

The wide-ranging benefits of staying physically active are well documented. Besides the obvious benefits of helping to maintain a healthy body fat percentage, exercise can also help you maintain overall health.

Keeping a regular routine of physical activity can improve your immune system and reduce the effects of chronic diseases.

Moreover, exercise has been shown to reduce stress in several ways. It improves your body’s ability to allocate oxygen and also increase the production of endorphins. There is even some evidence that exercise can have a calming effect on people, similar to meditation.

3. Don’t Skip Flu Shots

Flu shots aren’t just for the naive. There’s a provable inverse relationship between people who have been vaccinated and those who contract the flu.

If you want to know how to stop getting sick all the time, flu vaccines are among your strongest weapons.

The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is the vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older get vaccinated before the flu season. It takes around two weeks to the antibodies to develop in your system. That makes the early fall ideal time to get vaccinated.

Flu vaccines are offered in most doctor’s offices, as well as clinics and some schools and pharmacies. An annual vaccine provides an ideal protection because the number of antibodies decreases over time and flu viruses adapt to vaccines as well.

4. Proper Hygiene Goes a Long Way

At the end of the day, most illnesses are caused by germs. If you reduce your exposure to germs, you will also reduce your chance of contracting an illness.

Covering your mouth when you cough is a common courtesy for those around you. If you’re really concerned about not getting sick, wearing a surgical mask has been shown to reduce the chance of contracting the flu.

There are any number of ways to limit your exposure to bacteria and viruses. First and foremost, washing your hands thoroughly before touching or preparing food should be a constant practice. Frequent showers are also a good habit to develop. Don’t go overboard, though, showering once a day is enough for most people.

Also, it’s a good idea to wash your hands before coming into contact with any type of a mucous membrane. This includes eyes, nose, and throat.

Hand sanitizer is another good way to stave off contact-based diseases. You can use the sanitizer on any shared surface or, for best effect, on your hands when you finish using any shared items.

5. Eat a Diverse Diet

Maintaining a diverse diet is as important as getting enough food every day to maintain your caloric needs.

Leafy greens are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They help maintain a healthy immune system. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, have been shown to boost immune health in mice.

Eating three balanced meals every day is a great way to maintain metabolic health, immune health, and the overall physical well-being. If you, however, follow a specialized diet, make sure you’re still getting all important nutrients.

One nutrient that is commonly absent from most people’s diets and lifestyle is vitamin D. Our body has Vitamin D generators that are powered by sunlight. Getting enough vitamin D can be as simple as increasing your exposure to sunlight. Dietary sources of vitamin D include egg yolks, salmon, beef liver, and most types of tuna.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Whether you’re already sick or not, getting enough sleep is imperative to maintaining overall health.

According to research, getting enough sleep has been linked to increased resistance to cold and flu symptoms. And it’s a very simple intervention, as easy as sleeping six to eight hours every night.

Adults who get the recommended amount of sleep show greater resistance to the flu virus as well as the common cold.

Cytokines are a protein that helps regulate the immune system and fight off disease. During long periods of sleep, our bodies release significant amounts of cytokines. This may as well be the mechanism by which sleep helps maintain a healthy immune system.

An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

The key to staying healthy is leading a healthy lifestyle. If you stick to some basic guidelines, your chances of contracting an illness will be greatly reduced.

Make sure you wash your hands often and take a shower every day. Bad hygiene is a gateway for all sorts of diseases.

Getting enough sleep and plenty of fluids are great ways to keep your immune system healthy and working properly. This, along with regular vaccinations and a good diet, should be enough to keep you free from the common cold and flu viruses.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2855614/
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fprotect%2Fkeyfacts.htm
https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/appendix-2/
https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(11)01136-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867411011366%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/stress/drink-water-reduce-stress/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/414701

Health

Why Do You Feel Dizzy When Standing – All You Need to Know

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 30, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

It’s not uncommon for people to experience light-headedness when standing up from a seated or recumbent position. On the whole, there’s no reason to panic over this, as it’s rarely associated with a serious condition.

If you’re wondering why do you feel dizzy when standing, the short answer is due to fluctuations in blood pressure. There is more to it than that and in some cases it could merit medical attention. Keep reading to find out why it happens and when to start worrying.

Physiology

Blood pressure plays a crucial homeostatic role in the human body. If the pressure drops below a certain normal range or shoots above it, you can experience a slew of problems.

When blood pressure is significantly higher than what is considered normal, it’s called hypertension. Blood pressure below the normal range is called hypotension. When we stand up, we experience what’s known in medical terms as orthostatic hypotension.

Orthostatic Hypotension

Also called postural hypotension, orthostatic hypotension is essentially caused by gravity and inertia. Blood, as distinct from many other components of the body, is liquid and therefore doesn’t move when our muscles move. Human body can be construed as sort of a container with blood in it.

Imagine a balloon filled with water. If you put that balloon on the floor and then yank it quickly into the air, it will stretch many times its normal length before the water is pulled up with it. This is because of inertia and gravity. In a similar way, inertia and gravity pull the blood down towards our legs when we stand up quickly.

This pooling in the lower extremities reduces blood pressure in the upper body. That reduced pressure in the organs, especially the brain, briefly deprives it of oxygen and causes slight dizziness.

What Causes It?

The inertial pooling of blood in the legs is the proximal cause of dizziness when standing. However, that begs the question: why doesn’t it happen every time we stand up?

The truth is that it shouldn’t be happening at all in an ideal scenario. Our bodies have a series of safeguards to prevent this reaction that come online before you even become aware of the decision to stand up.

It’s also a good idea to remain active, in general. An active lifestyle can help improve overall cardiovascular health and help alleviate problems with orthostatic hypotension.

The heart beats faster to saturate your system with oxygen when you stand up. And blood vessels in the legs constrict to both increase blood pressure and prevent blood from pooling within them. In elderly people, these safeguards are much slower to react and so the dizziness can be exacerbated.

If you’re experiencing dizziness every time you stand and over long periods of time, there may be some other things aggravating the condition.

Other Causes

If it’s just mild light-headedness or if it happens occasionally, there’s no cause for alarm. It doesn’t even need to be treated, nor paid special attention. That said, if it’s becoming a nuisance, it may have something to do with one of the following confounding factors.

Medications

Since the problem is related to a dip in blood pressure, it stands to reason that blood pressure medications can make it worse.

This can be somewhat complicated in terms of removing the cause. The medications may be necessary but it could also be that a lower dose could alleviate the problems with orthostatic hypotension.

This includes medications such as diuretics, which indirectly lower the blood pressure by reducing blood volume.

Dehydration

By the same token, not getting enough fluids can contribute to lower blood pressure as well. This is especially true for people who experience orthostatic hypotension when they wake up. During the night, we lose significant amounts of water which also lowers blood volume.

If you’re chronically dehydrated, the fix could be as easy as making a habit of drinking more water. Adults should get around two liters of water a day to maintain proper hydration. You might also experience dehydration after exercising, so additional fluid intake is recommended if you’re physically active.

If the problem is overnight dehydration, it’s not quite so simple. Chugging a lot of water before going to bed can interfere with sleep. If you’re waking up every few hours to go to the bathroom it’s hardly a solution.

Instead, take your time getting out of bed. Go from a recumbent position to a seated position for a few minutes before standing up.

Eating Big Meals

Digestion is an energy-intensive process for the body. A lot of blood and other resources get diverted to the digestive tract which means there’s less resources available to other areas of the body.

If you are wondering why do you feel dizzy when standing after a meal, this could be the cause. Any period of extended immobility can also contribute to the problem. If you’re seated for a long time while eating, these factors can reinforce each other.

The solution to this problem isn’t very complicated. Try to eat smaller meals or try spacing them out. If you’re trying to generate a calorie surplus, it may be better to just space out your meals than to reduce them.

Chronic Kidney or Heart Conditions

The chances that you have a chronic heart or kidney condition that has remained undiagnosed aren’t very high. However, you should know that there is a potential link between orthostatic hypotension and serious chronic illnesses.

If you’re experiencing moderate to severe dizziness accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, heart palpitations, headaches, and or blurred vision, you should consult with a physician. It’s better to be on the safe side, even if it ends up being something benign such as too many visits to the fridge.

Don’t Ignore the Signals

The fact that you’re reading this article is an indication that you’re taking your health seriously, even when it comes to something as harmless-sounding as light-headedness.

If you’re only experiencing it occasionally or when you first wake up in the morning, it’s not likely to be anything other than dehydration. On the other hand, if the problem persists and starts to impact your quality of life, it’s probably time to consult with a doctor. It may be a question of adjusting your medications or introducing some healthy lifestyle changes.

References

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/dizzy-spells-when-you-stand-up-when-should-you-worry
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/symptoms-causes/syc-20352548
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/symptoms-of-heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/dizziness-or-light-headedness-when-standing-up

Health

Best Food Sources for Glutamine

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 27, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Though it sounds similar, glutamine should not be confused with the neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamine is a key component of proteins for humans and performs a host of functions in our bodies.

Research is pretty clear on the fact that glutamine is important, but not so clear on the amounts we need on a daily basis. It is present in many common foods in varying degrees, as well as in food supplements. In this article, you’ll find some of the best food sources for glutamine.

What Is Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid. That means that it plays a role in a lot of metabolic functions. It is a property it shares with most other dietary amino acids.

Let’s take a step back and look at amino acids. For the purposes of a human body, they’re compounds that form proteins. They come in two broad categories – essential and non-essential. Essential amino acids are those that we must ingest through our diet. Non-essential amino acids are those that the body can produce on its own, as well as ingested through food.

Glutamine is one of the non-essential amino acids. As the most abundant amino acid in humans, we rarely lack it. Cases of extreme starvation, injury or illness are notable exceptions.

Also like most other amino acids, glutamine comes in two forms – L-glutamine and D-glutamine.

A Tale of Two Glutamines

The difference between the two types is in their molecular arrangement. Humans only use L-glutamine. Therefore our list of best food sources for glutamine will be restricted to those that provide L-glutamine.

There has also been research into the role of glutamine in building muscle and enhancing sports performance. The research is inconclusive, but L-glutamine supplementation has gained significant traction in the sports community.

Glutamine in Sports

Most of the research about muscle building and performance hasn’t really panned out. However, some studies have concluded with a fair level of certainty that glutamine does act as a glucose precursor in humans. In this way, it does aid in exercise recovery as an agonist of carbohydrates in the metabolism.

Additionally, a link between glutamine supplementation and immune health has been suggested. It’s likely that it plays a role in immune function as well as intestinal health.

How Much and Where Do You Get It?

Now that we’re clear on what it is and what it does, you’re probably wondering how much glutamine you need on a daily basis. That’s another grey area, as a non-essential amino acid, glutamine intake can vary widely from person to person.

Reliable research has shown that around three to six grams per day is the typical daily intake. However, the actual figures depend heavily on the diet, given that some of the best food sources for glutamine are absent from some people’s daily menu.

Glutamine Rich Foods

As an amino acid, glutamine will notably be present in foods that are rich in protein. However, not all proteins are created equal. Every protein source has a different amino acid profile.

Just because a food source is protein-rich, doesn’t make it a good source of glutamine. Conversely, some foods that are low in overall protein have very high glutamine content.

Meat and Fish

The most complete source of protein in our diet is meat. Meats typically have the most well-rounded amino acid profiles.

Because glutamine is a component of protein, it isn’t present if fats. Glutamine concentration will be higher in lean cuts of meat and white fish.

Cooked red meat has the highest glutamine content in the form of glutamic acid. Up to 16.5% of the protein found in red meat is glutamine. That translates to around 1.2 grams per 100 grams of meat and even more in leaner cuts.

Most fish are also a great source of both protein and specifically glutamine. Saltwater fish has higher glutamine content on the whole, but not by much. White saltwater fish such as mahi-mahi has as much as 3.5g of glutamic acid per 100g of meat.

Eggs

Eggs are another great source of complete protein. They are one of the healthiest foods in a lot of respects. They’re also one of the most versatile foods when it comes to preparation.

In terms of bang for your buck, eggs are probably the cheapest source of glutamine. 100 grams of eggs contains between 0.6 and 1.6 grams of glutamine. If you need to increase your daily glutamine consumption, eggs are a great way to do it affordably.

Roughly speaking, most eggs have similar glutamine content. However, duck eggs edge out chicken eggs by a small margin and goose eggs contain the most. If you have access to goose eggs, they rank among the best food sources for glutamine.

Cabbage

Cabbage is an outlier on this list in that it isn’t a good source of protein, nor is it a source of complete protein. Nonetheless, it has significant amount of glutamine.

If you’re in the market for glutamine in a low-calorie delivery system, cabbage is the food for you. 100 grams of cabbage contains 0.2 grams of glutamic acid.

That doesn’t sound like much, but consider that 100 grams of cabbage only contains around 25 calories. Compare that to 100 grams of beef with 250 calories and around one gram of glutamine. You can easily see how cabbage can provide more glutamine per calorie.

If you’re following a vegetarian or a vegan diet, you should also know that tofu and legumes have high glutamine content.

Dairy

Dairy products contain two types of protein – casein and whey. Whey is a particularly good source of glutamine, but both casein and whey contain significant amounts of glutamic acid.

Whey is also commonly found in protein supplements. In dairy products, as with meats, the best sources of glutamine are those with low fat content. Skim milk is an excellent source of glutamic acid with around 0.8 grams per 100ml.

A Glut of Glutamine

Those are some of the best food sources of glutamine. This versatile amino acid is important for a lot of bodily processes. It’s conditionally essential, but it never hurts to have it in ample supply.

Meats, seafood, and dairy are your top choices for glutamine in the form of glutamic acid. But most sources of complete protein will also do the trick. For vegetarians and vegans, tofu and cabbage provide ample amounts of glutamine, as do most legumes.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2080048
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002222.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22028151
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0085253815460260
https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/138/10/2045S/4670120
https://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1053&context=hbspapers

Health

How to Stop Farting so Much

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 26, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Even though many are embarrassed to talk about it, the fact is that everyone farts. Gasses are a normal part of the digestive process. Without letting the gas out, your intestines would bloat and fill up with air. Most people fart about five to 15 times a day, though everything up to 23 times is considered normal.

However, if you think you are farting too much, or if your gasses have a particularly bad smell, there are a few things you can do. So, if you were wondering how to stop farting so much, try the following tips.

Eat Slowly and Chew Your Food Thoroughly

Your body produces more gasses when you swallow air, which is why you should take your time when eating. Of course, you won’t be able to not swallow air completely, but chewing your food longer and eating slower will help decrease the amount. Avoid eating while walking, biking, driving or talking.

Forget About Chewing Gum

Since we all swallow air while we chew, try to avoid chewing gum as much as possible. If you chew them to stave off bad breath, you can switch to mints instead. Most people who chew gum all the time do it while talking, walking, and other activities, swallowing even more air and producing more gas.

Avoid Foods That Produce Gasses

It is no secret that some foods produce more gasses than others. Foods rich in carbohydrates, lactose, fructose, starch, and insoluble fiber can increase the production of gasses. The carbohydrates ferment in the intestines and apart from just producing more gas they can also cause all kinds of other digestive problems.

For example, people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are advised to eat foods without fermentable sugars. However, the problem is that most of the foods that produce gasses are essential to a healthy diet. You won’t be able to ditch them completely, but cutting down on them will help you reduce farting. These foods include:

Starches: Pasta, wheat, corn, potatoes, beer.
Lactose: Dairy products, cheese, ice cream, milk.
Fructose: Pears, fruit juice, sodas, artichokes, and other fruit.
Insoluble fiber: Oat bran, beans, peas, fruit.
Complex sugars: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, whole grains, cabbage, and many other vegetables.

Check for Food Intolerances

Food allergies and intolerances are not the same things. Allergies can cause more serious symptoms and even death in some cases, while the foods you are intolerant to can lead to bloating, increased gas, diarrhea, and other digestive problems. You probably know a few lactose intolerant people and know they have digestive problems when they eat dairy products.

You can experiment with your diet by removing some foods to see if you fart less. Altering and shuffling your diet is your best bet if you have problems with gasses. Therefore, use the list above to find the problematic items.

After finding them, try to ditch them completely. If you can’t, minimize their intake. You should visit a gastroenterologist to see whether you have any food intolerances or not. Also, consult with a nutritionist if you want to a precise list of foods to eat and foods to avoid.

Say No to Fizzy Drinks and Alcohol

Similar to swallowing air, drinking excessive amounts of carbonated drinks can ramp up the production of gasses. You often burp after drinking soda or beer, and that’s because of the piled-up gasses. You can release some of the air that way, but a good portion will pass through your digestive tract and come out on the other side.

So, instead of carbonated beverages, you might want to drink more wine, water, and non-carbonated fruit juice. That should help you fart less.

Introduce Probiotics to Your Diet

If you are still wondering how to stop farting so much after trying the methods above, you should try introducing probiotics to your diet. The healthy bacteria in your gut can break down gasses produced by bad bacteria. Regular intake of probiotics will raise the number of good bacteria and, in turn, they will be able to break down more gasses.

Enzyme Supplements

You can find enzyme supplements in any drug store. They are available without a prescription, and their purpose is to help your digestive system better break down certain compounds. If you combine them with probiotics, the food you eat will break down more efficiently, lowering the production of gasses and farts.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is a nasty, unhealthy habit as it is and increased gas production is one of its milder side-effects. Even if you smoke e-cigarettes, you will be swallowing a lot more air than a non-smoker. Quitting cigarettes altogether will reduce the production of gasses and help you fart less.

Exercise Will Help Too

The best way overcome constipation is to start moving. Physical exercise should kick-start your digestive system and you will most likely release the built-up gasses in your gut. A short morning jog or a walk around the block can go a long way when it comes to regulating farting.

Stress

Increased stress levels can cause a huge range of health problems. The modern way of life can create a lot of stress on a daily basis, and that can result in increased production of gasses. Do what you can to reduce the stress in your life and your digestive system will produce less gas.

Constipation

Naturally, if you are constipated, the food stays longer in your body. The carbohydrates will have more time to ferment within the bowels, and that will lead to frequent and stinky farts. Try normalizing your poop schedule and you should fart less.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Wondering about how to stop farting so much and whether it’s time to seek professional help? In general, most problems with excessive farting are caused by bad eating habits, smoking, increased alcohol intake, stress, and irregular bowel movement.

That being said, if you start experiencing nausea, pain, vomiting, or chronic diarrhea, paying a visit to a specialist is definitely a must.

The Takeaway

So, how to stop farting so much? The bottom line is that we all fart. If you think that you fart more than it’s normal or if your farts smell very bad, you should try making some changes to your diet and lifestyle choices. If, on the other hand, there are additional symptoms, you should pay your doctor a visit.

Health

How Often Should You Be Pooping

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 25, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Pooping is a critical biological process that removes fiber, bacteria, water, cells, and indigestible matter from the body. Everyone needs to do it, but the frequency differs from person to person. Some people poop every morning while others don’t have a predictable schedule.

So, how often should you be pooping? Read this article and you’ll find the answers you are looking for. There is far more to pooping than most people think.

What Is Considered Normal?

There’s no one schedule that fits all when it comes to bowel movement. This is because everyone’s body is different and works at its own pace. However, everything between pooping every day and three times a week is considered normal frequency.

That being said, regular bowel movement is absolutely critical for your overall health. The frequency is important, but the consistency of the stool can often be a more significant indicator of your bowel health.

Frequency

What is considered normal bowel movement for some people could be completely abnormal for others. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2010 concluded that 98 out of 100 people interviewed pooped between three times a day and three times a week. Most people had a routine and they went to the bathroom pretty much at the same time every day.

If your pooping schedule is not so regular, that doesn’t mean that you’re unhealthy, but it could be a sign of some bowel problems. Even then, if you poop around three times a week, there is no reason to be worried. Are you still wondering how often should you be pooping? Here are some factors you should consider.

What Are the Factors?

Your pooping habits depend on many different factors. Your age, diet, hormone levels, and other factors all contribute to your pooping habits. If you suspect that you might have a problem, consider changing some unhealthy habits and routines, and you should see an improvement in a few weeks.

Fluid Intake

You probably already know that the level of hydration significantly affects your stool. The large intestine absorbs water from your system, so if you don’t drink enough fluids your poop will become harder than normal.

That will make going to the bathroom painful and unpleasant and prolonged dehydration can even lead to constipation. Keep yourself hydrated and it will help you normalize your poop schedule.

Physical Activity

The more physical activity you have, the better your colon tends to works. The poop will move through the intestines easier and faster than when you are inactive. One of the best ways to help with constipation is taking a walk or going for a run. A bit of activity will activate your bowel and help you poop regularly.

Age

Older people tend to have more problems with constipation than younger people. The aging process slows down most bodily functions, including bowel movement. Also, older people often take drugs for various health issues, and that can also impede the digestion process and impact pooping habits.

Diet

The food you eat plays a huge role in your pooping habits. People who eat plenty of fibers tend to have the best pooping habits. Human intestines can’t digest fibers all that well, so they will move quickly through your digestive system, forcing you to go to the bathroom regularly. If you suffer from constipation or have irregular pooping habits, eating more fibers will definitely help you sort things out.

Medical Conditions

If you suffer from certain medical conditions or take certain types of medication, your bowel movements might become irregular. Many different viruses and auto-immune diseases like Chron’s disease can contribute to an unpredictable or irregular poop schedule.

Social Factors

You probably experienced having problems pooping in a public bathroom or at the office. The psychological element often creates constipation and prevents you from going to the bathroom, no matter how hard you try.

Some people just choose to wait until they get home to empty their bowels, and that’s not a very healthy practice. If you keep doing that, you will form a habit and your body will prevent you from pooping until you feel completely relaxed and safe.

Hormones

Progesterone and estrogen levels can affect the pooping habits in women. Many women poop more frequently just before and during the period due to increased hormone levels in their body.

What Is Normal and What Is Not?

Normal bowel movements mean that you go to the bathroom regularly and you don’t have a hard time pooping. You shouldn’t feel pain or discomfort and your poop should be consistent. On the other hand, abnormal bowel movements are something entirely different. There are many types of abnormal poop.

For example, if your poop is watery or too soft, that means that it passed through your digestive system too quickly. There are many potential reasons, including inflammation, infection, or irritation. Chronic diarrhea is often a sign of a serious bowel problem. It can result in dehydration, lack of nutrients, and various other health problems.

Disproportionately small poop is also not considered normal and it’s usually a sign of constipation. It is hard to pass and can cause all kinds of problems, including stool impaction and hemorrhoids.

Can You Poop Too Much?

Pooping three times a day is normal as long as your poop is consistent and easy to pass. That means that you’re doing ok and you have nothing to worry about. But if the poop is too watery or soft, you are probably lacking fluids in your system.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

Sometimes, it’s normal to experience minor changes in bowel movement. If they don’t last more than a few days, there’s no reason to go to the doctor.

However, if the issue persists for more than a week or two, and if you have symptoms like black poop, weight loss, abdominal pain, or bloody stool, you should visit the doctor’s office as soon as possible.

Listen to Your Body

Normal bowel movement patterns are different for every person. There’s no universal answer to the question how often should you be pooping. It all depends on how you feel, your lifestyle, and habits.

So, no matter if you poop three times a day or three times a week, as long as you don’t have problems with passing the poop, you are fine. You should be worried only if the pooping schedule varies too much and if you have a hard time pooping.

Health

Here Is Why You Should Avoid Vegetable Oil

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 24, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Vegetable oil has long been thought to help reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood cholesterol. When patients get diagnosed with these two conditions, diet changes are always the first recommendation.

Moving away from cooking with animal fats and butter to cooking with olive, corn, and vegetable oils have long been touted as a healthy lifestyle choice. New studies and reassessing the older data show that this may not be true, after all.

While the health benefits of olive oil continue to be proven in study after study, those of vegetable oil have largely been disproven. New results show that it isn’t as healthy as it was thought to be. Keep reading to find out why you should avoid vegetable oil.

Why Was Vegetable Oil Held in High Regard?

Vegetable and other seed oils had been held in high regard based on scientific research highlighting their benefits. Vegetable and other seed oils were viewed as good for the heart because they contain polyunsaturated fats. They are also known as Omega-6 fats and are deemed “good fats.”

Saturated fats, on the other hand, are known as the “bad fats.” They are found in animal byproducts like meat, cheese, and dairy. To improve your heart health and lower cholesterol, doctors strongly suggest avoiding or limiting the consumption of these foods. Since they are not animal byproducts and don’t contain saturated fats, scientists and doctors considered vegetable and seed oils safe and healthy.

Types of Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil and other seed oils are part of the same food group. They are man-made and come from plant sources. Other oils that fall under this category include:

Sunflower oil
Soybean oil
Canola oil (aka rapeseed oil)
Safflower oil
Corn oil
Peanut oil

While some also include olive oil and coconut oil in this group, they do differ from the listed oils. Both of can be procured by directly pressing olives and coconuts. The process doesn’t require any additional industrial processing or chemicals.

What Changed the Minds of the Medical Community?

The medical community began to rethink vegetable oil after a team of researchers took data from previous studies and reexamined it. Researchers found that there were several crucial finding that the original researchers held back. As it turned out, the connections between vegetable oil and heart health weren’t so accurate.

The review showed that vegetable oil most certainly is useful in lowering cholesterol. However, the claim that it also lowers the risk of heart disease proved to be on a shaky ground. What the reviewers found when they re-examined the results was that vegetable oil could actually increase your risk of heart disease.

Participants in the original study had cut back on cooking with animal fat and replaced it with vegetable and seed oils. Participants who switched to oil showed a decrease in cholesterol. However, they also had a 22% increase in death rates.

Those who did not make the switch to primarily vegetable and seed oils did not see the same decrease in their health metrics. However, they actually lived longer than those that did.

Benefits of Decreasing Your Intake of Vegetable Oil

You shouldn’t ditch vegetable oil completely. It’s just that there is too much of it in the average diet. The quantity in an average person’s diet has steadily increased since the 1960s.

However, the new suggests that it could actually be beneficial for your health to reduce the intake of vegetable oil. Let’s look at the health benefits and other reasons why you should avoid vegetable oil.

Vegetable oils contain a high level of Omega-6 acids. While Omega-3s are well-known for being super-healthy fatty acids with cancer-preventing properties, Omega-6’s are the complete opposite. They have actually been linked to a higher risk of cancer. Most prominently, Omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer in men.
Since vegetable and other seed oils are man-made, they are extracted through an industrial process that also uses unhealthy chemicals. The list of bad chemicals includes BHA, which is a well-known carcinogen.
Vegetable oils oxidize quickly, which makes them extremely volatile. This makes them somewhat risky to use in the kitchen, as they can heat up and spark rapidly.
What some vegetable oil manufacturers do not tell consumers is that the oils they produce may be high in trans fats. Trans fats are incredibly harmful to human health as they can slow down the blood flow and encourage plaque growth in the arteries.

What Oils Should I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil?

There are several healthy alternatives available on the market that you can switch to right now. Most of these are either plant-based oils produced without the use of chemicals or animal-based fats. Some oils and fats are suggested for selected cooking styles.

Coconut oil
Olive oil
Applesauce (for baking only)
Mashed fruit (for baking only)
Ghee
Butter
Tallow/beef fat
Avocado oil
Palm oil
Pork fat (bacon or lard)
Duck, goose or chicken fat

All of these options are great substitutes for vegetable and other seed oils. While some of them may be higher in other fat content than vegetable oils, this is offset by the health benefits you get from eliminating the unhealthy chemicals present in vegetable oils.

The Takeaway

So, why should you avoid vegetable oil? As you can see, there are many reasons to remove vegetable oils and their variants from your kitchen. While once thought to have a plethora of health benefits, recent research has found that it is not the case. For improved heart health, avoid vegetable and other seed oils and replace them with animal-based fats.

Vegetable oils that are processed without chemicals are still considered healthy. Olive oil and coconut oil are considered the best options among plant-based oils. For some types of cooking, animal fats such as lard, butter, or ghee are recommended. While animal fat is higher in cholesterol, that is offset by the amount of unhealthy chemicals one ingests when consuming vegetable and seed oils.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-vegetable-and-seed-oils-bad
https://www.bmj.com/content/353/bmj.i1246
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-truth-about-fats-bad-and-good
https://time.com/4291505/when-vegetable-oil-isnt-as-healthy-as-you-think/

Health

Why Do People Stutter? An Insight into This Highly Misunderstood Speech Problem

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 23, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Stuttering is a condition that happens when an individual struggles to speak clearly. Their brain has no issue forming words; the individual just has issues pronouncing them. This condition can also be called stammering or childhood-onset fluency disorder. Individuals who experience stuttering are classified as having a speech disorder.

Doctors and researchers have studied this issue for years, but there is no conclusive answer to the question of why do people stutter. They have developed several theories and devised several helpful treatments for the condition. However, the definitive cause of the issue hasn’t been nailed as of yet.

Keep reading to learn more about stuttering and effective treatment strategies.

What Is Stuttering?

Stuttering is a condition in which an individual has difficulties speaking fluently. The issue does not lie with the ability of one’s brain to form speech. The problem is that when the individual start talking, they find it difficult to speak the words clearly. Sometimes the person can’t make any sound at all when they attempt to speak. This event is called blocking.

Stuttering is somewhat common in children. As children are learning to speak, some may exhibit the classic symptoms that are recognized as stuttering. Most children grow out of their stutters as their ability to speak and form sentences improves.

Here are some basic facts about stuttering that you might find helpful:

Stuttering is common in children and most of them naturally grow out of it.
According to NIDCD, stuttering affects between 5 and 10% of kids, and about 1 in 4 of them will continue to stutter into adulthood.
There are no known causes of stuttering outside of head trauma, only several theories and precursors of the condition.
Stuttering is more common in boys than in girls.

What Are the Symptoms of Stuttering?

A stutter or stammer can present itself in a few different ways. When you think of someone who stutters, the image of someone being stuck on a word comes to mind. However, other symptoms also indicate stuttering.

Issues with starting certain words, as well as phrases and sentences.
The person might hesitate to utter specific sounds.
They might also repeat the same word, sound, or syllable of a word.
The person may speak in rapid spurts.
Certain sounds may be dragged out or prolonged.
While speaking, the person may blink rapidly, clench their face, jaw, upper body, experience trembling of the lips, or tap their foot

As has been mentioned, stuttering is common in children. While it is learning to speak, a child could stutter as it learns new words and sounds. Most children stop stuttering as they become more adjusted to speaking those particular words or sounds. For a child that continues to stutter over an extended period, some doctors say six months, a visit to a speech & language pathologist would be the next step.

How to Get an Official Diagnosis

An official diagnosis of stuttering can only be made by a speech & language pathologist. At an appointment with your specialist, they will conduct a few different evaluations. They will need to know how often the stammer occurs and if it is tied to a specific trigger. They will also take a look at the patient’s speech & language skills and also how the individual copes when they stutter.

Age plays an important role in what types of evaluations and tests will be conducted. The older a child is, the higher the odds are that the stutter could be a lifelong condition. They will also want to see if and how the stutter impacts the child’s daily activities and interactions.

Causes and Risk Factors

There is no clear answer to the question why do people stutter. However, multiple factors can play a role in how the condition manifests. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common.

Age – When children are learning how to speak, a stutter can appear. This is common and can go away as a child becomes more accustomed to speaking and creating words and connecting them into sentences. Children under 3-1/2 years are the most likely to see the stutter disappear.
Neurological factors – Things like brain tumors, head trauma, or even meningitis can trigger a stutter.
Sex – Boys are more likely to stutter than girls.
Family History – While the “stuttering gene” hasn’t been found, it is common to see this condition run in families. If a child has a close relative that stutters, they themselves are more likely to develop the condition.

Long ago, psychological issues such as anxiety and stress were thought to cause stutter. Doctors now know that the opposite is true and having a stutter can actually trigger those conditions. However, it is not caused by them.

Treatment Strategies for Stuttering

Several treatment strategies can be applied at home without the assistance of an SLP. Patients with this condition should practice speaking slower and avoiding words that trigger the stutter. They are also advised to use relaxation and stress relieving techniques, so they do not become overly agitated or upset should the stutter emerge.

An SLP can also work with a patient if the condition warrants that. The SLP can work with them on slowing down their speech patterns and how to obtain fluidity in those patterns. Also, the SLP can recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for patients who experience a highly emotional reaction to their stuttering.

Taking Everything into Account

So, why do people stutter? As you can see, there is no one reason or cause. Unless the condition resulted suddenly from a head trauma, the doctors have no clear idea of what might have triggered the condition. Multiple theories have shown some areas of correlation with numerous potential causes, but there’s still no conclusive evidence.

While the definitive cause hasn’t still been discovered, it is clear that the condition is common in younger children as they learn how to speak. With most, it resolves itself within a couple of months or years. For those that continue to struggle with the condition, an SLP can help you with techniques to reduce your stutter and manage the stress and anxiety that can come with this condition.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stuttering/symptoms-causes/syc-20353572
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10608.php
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321995.php
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/stuttering.htm

Health

What Does It Feel Like to Get High on Acid?

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 20, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Acid is the common term for lisergic acid diethylamide or LSD. Indulging in acid is usually called a trip. Trips can last anywhere between 15 minutes and 12 hours, according to the drugabuse.com. Negative experiences are called “bad trips.”

LSD is made from a fungus that typically grows on grains such as rye naturally, but is most often produced in laboratories. Most often, acid is soaked in paper and cut into small strips called tabs or hits, and taken orally. But exactly what does it feel like to get high on acid? This is a question that we will dive into in this article.

Acid Is Random

It is important to remember that the effects of acid on the brain and body can vary. One person might feel good while the other feels bad, making it a very random drug. The randomness doesn’t stop there, however. The same person may have a good experience one trip and a bad experience on another. There really is no way to tell for sure how the drug will affect you at any given time.

People often report having very profound spiritual experiences while on acid. There is usually a strong sense of inner peace and interconnectedness with the world at large and the people around. It can give off a sense of being one with the entire universe.

Expansive Thoughts

People also report having very deep and expansive thoughts while on the drug. They might make mental connections that they haven’t made before. Also, train of thought might start moving at an alarming speed.

The activity in the thalamus also slows down during a trip. This is the region that is responsible for voluntary movement and muscle control. It is located in the center of the brain and it processes sensory signals. When acid enters the brain it can make you aware of thoughts that you weren’t aware of before. This may be one of the reasons that people report having such profound and unusual experiences with the drug.

Seeing Sounds and Hearing Smells

People on acid can sometimes experience a phenomenon called synesthesia. Since perception can get pretty messed up when on acid, it is possible for the brain to start making new connections that you may never have experienced before. Sometimes people taste sounds, see sounds, or hear smells during their trips.

Creativity Spikes

Some people experience a heightened sense of creativity when tripping on acid that can really take them to new levels in artistic expression. People may want to paint, draw, or write songs. Scientists think that since the brain is better connected than usual that an acid trip can lead to the spike in creativity. Neurons might start to fire and sync up in ways that they never have before, resulting in a creativity boost. Some famous rock artists claim creating their greatest masterpieces and best improvisations while on acid trips.

Hallucinations May Occur

Hallucinations, visual, auditory and tactile, are a very common side effect of an LSD trip. What does it feel like to get high on acid? Well, you will likely experience a visual hallucination. Be prepared to see things that aren’t there, and to experience things that are there in new ways. You might see swirls of colors floating in midair, or see common objects like sofas and tables shrink and expand before your eyes. LSD increases the blood flow in the visual cortex which may explain the high presence of visual hallucinations for most users.

Fear and Paranoia

As explained before, unfortunately, not all trips are positive ones. The user can experience negative side effects while on acid, an occurrence usually called a bad trip. People can become agitated easily, and get scared. They may experience frightening hallucinations or even paranoia.

This seems not to occur as often as positive trips, but negative trips, even for experienced LSD users, happen every now and then. There is no real way to predict when a bad trip might occur. If you experience negative symptoms from acid, it is best to stay still and let them wear of on their own. Try to keep your wits about you as much as possible and realize that what you are experiencing is just a side effect of the drug.

Safety First

It is not recommended to try acid, nor do we encourage it. However, if you are going to try acid, especially for the first time, it is important not to do it alone. Being alone during a bad trip can be dangerous, as there will be no one to help you. Always call for help if you notice someone wander off by themselves when on acid, as they might get into a situation where they could be unsafe.

The hallucinations could easily lead to a situation where someone might fall from a high place or wander out into traffic not realizing what they are doing. LSD can seriously impair someone’s judgment, so please remember to be as safe as possible if you decide to try the drug.

Things to Remember

Acid can produce negative and positive experiences, and there is no way to tell which one will hit you or at which time. Acid can produce profound experiences of being one with the universe and people at large. It can increase your creativity and give you a sense of joy, euphoria, and wonder. But it can also cause you to feel fear, depression, and paranoia. Some studies have even suggested that use of LSD can trigger dormant mental disorders including schizophrenia. More research is required in this area, however.

If you choose to experiment with acid, please remember to stay safe and never do it alone. Keep a trusted friend with you at all times and make sure that they monitor you keep you safe. Experimenting with the drug alone could lead to injuries or even death if you have access to heights or get into traffic. If you get a bad trip, ride it out, stay still, and remember that the effects will not last forever.

References

drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/hallucinogens
drugabuse.gov/publications/hallucinogens-dissociative-drugs/how-do-hallucinogens-lsd-psilocybin-peyote-dmt-ayahuasca-affect-brain-body
nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/protein-structure-reveals-how-lsd-affects-brain
https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/lsd.html

Health

Treadmills vs Elliptical Trainers: Advantages and Disadvantages for the Non-Athlete

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 19, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

For those looking to improve their overall cardiovascular health and aerobic capacities, treadmills and elliptical trainers are the most common choices. They work in a similar fashion, but how to decide between the two? There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the right approach to you cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

What Is the Difference Between Treadmills and Elliptical Trainers?

Treadmills allow for stationary walking and running. They have conveyor belts and can use natural resistance or motors move the belt. The most expensive versions are motor-driven while the lighter and cheaper versions use mechanical resistance.

Invented in the 1960s, treadmills have become almost synonymous with home exercise. Besides, almost every medical center, sports club, Olympic training center, and university around the world has treadmills. Even NASA and police use them.

Elliptical trainers allow for stationary walking and/or running exercises, too. However, they can also simulate stair climbing and are generally considered a low-impact form of exercise. Moveable handlebars allow the inclusion of upper body exercises.

Elliptical trainers first entered the market in the 1990s and today there are three types – rear-drive, front-drive, and central-drive. Users can target various muscle groups by adjusting the incline of the roller ramps beneath the pedal-links. Most commonly, elliptical trainers are used for the glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Some also use them for triceps, shoulders and biceps.

Benefits of Using a Treadmill

Treadmills are less stressful for feet, knees and legs than running outdoors
Treadmills allow the user to set and adjust the desired pace
Treadmills can simulate race courses and inclines
Due to running in an obstacle-free environment, treadmills are stress-free and increase mindfulness
Safe, practical, and convenient
Can help with weight loss
Increases both leg and core strength
Boost joint flexibility
Easy to learn and use
Help improve bone density

Disadvantages of Using a Treadmill

You won’t work as many muscles as running outdoors
Running in place can be somewhat boring
Prolonged use can cause loss of some agility
Could detrimentally effect length of stride and the optimum biomechanics of running outdoors

Benefits of Using an Elliptical Trainer

You can burn a lot of calories in short amount of time
Decreased stress on joints
You can work upper and lower body
Elliptical trainers tend to burn more fat
You can target specific leg muscles
Elliptical trainer can help you improve balance
You bear less weight than when running
Lower maintenance than a threadmill

Disadvantages of Using an Elliptical Trainer

Less stress on legs means lower strength gains
Some users note foot numbness due to lack of weight on feet
Inferior to treadmills when it comes to building bone density

What Do You Want to Accomplish?

When choosing between a treadmill and an elliptical trainer, you should first think about your goals. While there no doubt that either machine can improve your overall health and well-being, you should take a number of factors into consideration before you make the final decision.

Style of Exercise

Treadmills closely mimic the movements of running outdoors without uneven pavements/surfaces and without the elements. You can fine tune the speed, incline and running time.

Elliptical trainers place less stress on the joints, so that users can use them for longer periods. They’re also gentler to seniors due to less wear and tear on knees, ankles and feet. Plus, elliptical trainers also offer upper body exercise.

Costs

Most of the popular home treadmills cost between $800 and $1,200, with the most expensive models going up to $3,000. Most of the popular elliptical trainers are also in the $800 – $1,200 range, with the best models running closer to $2000.

Size

The average treadmill is about 7 feet long and 3 feet wide. On the other hand, the standard-size elliptical trainer is about 6.5 – 7 feet long and 3 feet wide. Have in mind that most treadmills can be folded in half for storage while elliptical trainers cannot.

The Verdict

Experts almost unanimously agree that if your goal is to train for outdoor races like 5K, 10K and marathon, then a treadmill is best. After all, it is the closest thing to regular outdoor running. However, if your goal is to increase cardiovascular health and stamina while eliminating as much joint pain and stress as possible, then you should probably get an elliptical trainer.

References:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treadmill
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elliptical-trainer
treadmillreviews.net/health-benefits-of-treadmill-exercise
fitandme.com/benefits-of-treadmill
health.com/fitness/the-pros-and-cons-of-running-on-the-treadmill
healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/elliptical-benefits
healthyliving.azcentral.com/different-kinds-of-treadmills
easytreadmill.com/for-walkers/elliptical-vs-treadmill
the-home-gym.com/treadmills-vs-ellipticals-which-is-better-for-your-home-gym

Health

How to Detox Your Body in a Healthy Manner – All You Need to Know

Written By: Arch

Published Date: September 18, 2019 Last Edited: October 14, 2019

Arch

Detox treatments have become hugely popular in recent years. Quite a number of celebrities are active participants in this trend and many use their social media profiles to share their progress. You can see stars using cleansing juices to detox their bodies, among many other methods.

How to detox your body, and do so safely? A proper detox requires a bit more than juicing or drinking a special tea. While the body is proficient in removing toxins on its own, there are always steps you can take to help the process along or to target specific issues.

Let’s take a look at some of the steps you can take on how to safely conduct this process.

What Exactly Is a Detox?

A detox is a process that removes harmful substances from an individual’s body. A detox refers to a diet or drink used to remove some type of substance or impurity from the system. Also, refraining from harmful dietary and drinking habits can be considered a form of detoxification. The term is also used to describe the process one undergoes when entering drug and alcohol rehab.

Many detox treatments employ juices, cleanses, or special foods. The goal is to remove harmful chemicals or toxins from the body via dietary changes or to force them out via an increased consumption of liquids.

How to Begin a Detox

Before you begin your detox, you must know exactly what you want to remove from your system. Your approach will be different based on what substance you are trying to kick out. A diet to remove sugar will be different from the one that eliminates dairy or carbohydrates. Know what your target is and you will know how to detox your body.

Some plans may have you start with a fasting period. Others do not have that requirement, but you might be required to eat foods and drink liquids that do not contain certain substances. For example, if you are avoiding sugar, you can only consume foods that are sugar-free or in some cases, only contain natural sugars.

Methods of Detoxification

There are many different ways to detox. Here are some of them.

Dietary detox-this method of detoxification involves altering one’s diet. It is a general consensus that sugars, flavor enhancer, dyes, etc. cause harm to the body and should be kicked out.
Colon cleansing- this method involves receiving an enema with salt solution. This is thought to remove impurities from the colon.
Chelation therapy- this treatment is thought to remove heavy metals from the body.
Detoxification devices- multiple detox devices have been used throughout history to pull toxins out of the body. These do not seem to be scientifically sound, so you might want to avoid them.

If you want to detoxify your body without undergoing any of the steps listed above, here are some more natural detox methods you can try.

Increase your water intake – Water is a natural detoxifying agent. As you consume more water, it pushes harmful substances out of your body via urination. This strategy is particularly helpful if you are trying to lower your sodium levels. However, don’t go too far with water intake. Too much water in the body can trigger serious side effects like hyponatremia.
Limit your alcohol intake – Excessive alcohol use impedes the liver’s ability to expel toxins from the body. Cutting back on alcohol allows it to work at its best.
Reduce your consumption of sugar and processed foods – Sugars and processed foods are linked to a huge list of health conditions. It’s in your best interest to remove them, anyway. Consuming them in excessive amounts can prevent your body from functioning properly. Take sugars out or reduce the amounts you eat and reap long-lasting health benefits.

What Are the Benefits of a Detox?

A detox can provide a variety of health benefits. Let’s examine a few.

Weight loss – While not permanent, if you need to shed some weight quickly, a detox is an excellent way to do it. Some detoxes only last 3-7 days.
Improved mental health – People completing a detox report feeling “lighter” and mentally refreshed. This is attributed to the removal of toxins and free radicals from the body.
Improved circulation – The removal of toxins can improve blood flow and circulation. If your body and bloodstream are loaded with too many toxins, they might have slowed down your circulation.
Assist in starting a healthier lifestyle – A detox can help you evaluate your relationship with food and other substances like caffeine or alcohol. After completing a detox, you may not want to add those things back to your diet or may do so in minimal quantities.
Improved skin and hair quality – Human skin and hair always reflect the diet and the overall well-being of the person. After completing a detox, you remove a variety of chemicals from your body that could have a negative impact on your hair and skin. They will radiate this new-found wellness.

Could a Detox Be Harmful?

Doctors are not fond of detoxes. There is a risk involved in reducing your caloric intake or having a solely liquid diet, even for a short period. Some individuals have taken to fasting as a way to detox their body. That method is not healthy if practiced for too long and could be harmful. The human body needs food.

Depriving your body of healthy nutrients doesn’t remove harmful stuff from the body, it only drains energy. A detox can also trigger a drop in insulin levels, causing shock in extreme cases. If you insist on a body detox, try to stick to natural methods.

Wrapping Everything up

Detox treatments are a huge trend right now. However, there are things you need to know to conduct one safely. Make sure you know what you want to remove from your body and learn how to detox your body properly. There could also be things besides a full-blown detox that can help you reach those goals.

While detoxes can have many positive outcomes, there are also some risks involved with the process. Know your body and its health status and make sure to talk to your doctor before undergoing a detox treatment. You want to improve your health, but if done incorrectly, you could cause more harm than good with a detox.

References:

https://bestlifeonline.com/cleanse-detox-differences/
https://www.verywellfit.com/the-one-week-detox-diet-88250
https://www.livestrong.com/article/18969-benefits-detoxing-body/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-detox-your-body
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/better-off-not-doing-a-detox#3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detoxification_(alternative_medicine)