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  • Benefits of Eating Pork: Is Eating Pork Meat Beneficial for the Body?

    Benefits of Eating Pork

    Forget all the stories that tell you that pork is a common cause of stroke and many other ailments of the cardiovascular system. In reality, there are many other healthful benefits of eating pork more than what your grocer knows. Forget also what vegans tell you that it is not a good source for nutrients.

    Health Benefits of Eating Pork

    • Pork meat is very high in thiamin. This element is known effective in healthy functioning of the brain.
    • Compared to other meat, pork is very low in salt. This is good news for those suffering from kidney ailments.
    • One of the health benefits of pork meat is that it has very high protein content. Pork is so rich in protein that a hundred grams of it is equivalent to almost half of what you need every day.
    • For those suffering from anemia, pork is your best source of iron. A hundred grams of pork is around 15% of the protein you need each day. And the better news is that protein in pork is of the type that is easily absorbed by the body.
    • Pork is rich in vitamin B12, and this is what the vegans miss. A hundred grams of pork is enough to cover a whopping 70% of your daily needs.
    • Pork is also rich in zinc. In fact, the zinc in pork is better preferred by nutritionists because it is of the type that is easily absorbed by the body.

  • What Sign to Look for if Seed Ticks Bites & Its Remedies for Treatment

    Seed ticks are the tiny larvae of ticks. It is smaller than adults and only has 6 legs as compared with 8 in adults. Still, even though these are smaller, they are as potent as adults. Like their adult counterparts, seed ticks also burrow into the skin and feed on blood. Likewise, they can also pass to humans those diseases caused by full grown ticks.

    Seed Ticks Bites

    • The bites of seed ticks can be as painful and itchy as those of the adult ticks. However, because the seed ticks are much smaller, the way that these are removed from the body will greatly differ from when the adults are being removed.

  • Treatment and Simple Relief Remedy for Sweat Bee Sting

    There are a wide range of simple home remedies and simple treatments that can be used to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with a bee sting.

    Sweat Bee Sting Symptoms

    Some of the common symptoms associated with sweat bee sting include,

    • Severe itching and at times pain at the site of the sting are common symptoms
    • Formation of an elevated papule, which is red and sore to touch. This papule is often associated with the formation of vesicles, due to accumulation of fluids following the inflammation
    • Burning sensation at the site of the sting is also common
    • In children, bee sting is often associated with fever and malaise, due to spread of the venom into the blood stream.

    Sweat Bee Sting Treatment

    The first and the most essential thing to do after a bee sting is to check if the stinger is removed. If the stinger is not removed, it would continue to release venom into the body and aggravate the symptoms. Here are some simple tips to remove the stinger,

    • Scrap the skin gently with a knife or your finger nails. While doing so ensure that the knife or your nails are clean in order to avoid any secondary infection
    • Alternatively one can remove the stinger by washing the area with soap water and wiping it with alcohol or any antiseptic solution. This is useful when the stinger is not visible.
    • In case the stinger is visible one can try to remove the stinger using a clean tweezer. Immediately after removing the stinger apply cold compress at the site to reduce pain and inflammation

    Sweat Bee Sting Remedy for Relief

    Here are some simple home based remedies that can be used to reduce the inflammation, itching and pain associated with bee sting,

    • Rub the affected site with baking soda or alternative apply a paste of baking soda mixed in water. Baking soda is alkaline in nature and helps pull the heat from the site. This aids in cooling the site and reduces inflammation and irritation at the site
    • Household ammonia is also very useful in reducing the pain associated with bee sting.
    • Local application of apple cider vinegar is also very beneficial. Add a few drops of apple cider vinegar to your toothpaste and apply at the site of the sting. This helps in reducing the inflammatory response and provides instant relief
    • Homeopathic remedies like ledum and apis mel are considered very beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation associated with bee sting. Take low potency of these remedies, repeated over four times during the day. Drinking 2 tea spoons of honey mixed with one cup of water about twice a day also tends to have a soothing effect on the skin and reduces itching and irritation at the site of the sting.

  • What to do for Itchy Lungs and What are it Symptoms?

    Having itchy lungs is a common sign of several respiratory diseases, most common of which is asthma. Asthma causes the air passage ways to swell, become narrow, and produce a large volume of mucus which often causes the patients to feel as if their lungs are itchy.

    Patients that have itchy lungs may often have breathing difficulties that can be a minor nuisance or can be a major problem that can disrupt daily activities.

    Those that have asthma sometimes can be at risk of a life-threatening asthma attack.

    Causes of Itchy Lungs

    There are several factors that cause lungs to feel itchy and these often differ from one person to another. Below are some of the factors that commonly trigger itchy lungs:

    • Allergens that are spread in the air like pollen.
    • Animal dander, dust mites, molds, and cockroaches.
    • Infections that attack the respiratory system like the common cold.
    • Strenuous physical activities like too much exercise.
    • Cold air.
    • Pollutants and irritants in the air like smoke and chemical fumes.
    • Certain drugs which include aspirin, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with beta blockers.
    • Strong emotions of anger, fear, sadness, and anxiety along with stress.
    • Additives, preservatives, and sulfites that are added to beverages and foods.
    • GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is a condition that brings back stomach acids into the throat.
    • Allergic reactions to certain foods like shellfish and peanuts.
    • Menstrual cycle.

    Itchy Lungs Symptoms

    Although having itchy lungs is a symptom in itself, it is usually accompanied by several other symptoms. These symptoms include the following:

    • Shortness of breath.
    • Tightening and pain in the chest area.
    • Patients will often have trouble sleeping which is mainly due to breathing difficulties, wheezing and coughing.
    • Audible whistling sound when a patient exhales. This is a common symptom experienced by children.
    • Bouts of wheezing and coughing that can get worse when the respiratory tract is being attacked by viral infection like when a patient has a cold or flu.

    What to Do for Itchy Lungs

    Treatment options usually depend on the causative factor or the one that triggered the symptom to arise, age of the patient, and the symptoms that are observed.

    • Those that have asthma will need long-term medications to control symptoms along with lung itchiness. Medications include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, beta agonists, and a combination of inhalers.
    • Allergy shots and medications can also be applied to control itchiness and accompanying symptoms especially when triggered by allergic reactions.
    • It is always best to avoid things or substances that trigger the symptoms. This can be done by using an air conditioner, maintaining good humidity, maintaining clean air indoors, decreasing pet dander, regular clean-ups, and covering the face in cold surroundings.
    • It is also best to maintain a healthy weight, do regular exercise, eat fruits and vegetables and manage gastroesophageal reflux disease.

  • Common Causes Of Scratched Esophagus: Symptoms & Home Remedies

    The esophagus is a muscular tube which connects the mouth and the stomach and the food in to the stomach via esophagus. Several conditions can afflict the structure and the working of the esophagus, leading to pain and irritation. Common reasons for a scratched esophagus are:

    • Acid reflux: Recurrent regurgitation of food from the stomach in to the esophagus irritates the esophagus. A back flow of gastric contents causes pain in the esophagus, given that it cannot cope with acidic conditions.
    • Esophagitis: Inflammation of the esophagus due to undue alcohol and tobacco intake, vomiting, viral, fungal and bacterial infections, as well as certain medications trigger swelling.
    • Irregularities in the sphincters of the esophagus: A malfunction in the 2 esophageal sphincters will afflict the passage of food through the esophagus, and can result in pain, scratching, swelling, vomiting, and infections if the food bolus stays in the esophagus for long.
    • Ulcers in the esophagus: Makes the esophagus scratchy and painful. Ulcers or sores in the esophagus arise due to damage of the esophageal mucosa by acidic contents, bacteria and certain medicines. Such ulceration causes scratchiness, pain, particularly when the food passes through the esophagus. If untreated, these ulcers can bleed and cause a lot of tissue impairment.
    • Esophageal varices: Enlargement of the veins at the lower end of the esophagus is known as esophageal varices.
    • Cancer of the esophagus: Chronic gastro-esopagheal reflux disease, excessive intake of spices, tobacco and alcohol may produce cancerous growths. This manifests as scratchiness, discomfort, pain, swallowing difficulty, weight loss, and general malaise.
    • Chemical or physical trauma to the wall of the esophagus is another significant cause.
    • Tissue damage because of excessive exposure to radiation.
    • Hypersensitivity of the esophagus.
    • Undue alcohol consumption, chronic and long term smoking, eating too much spicy food, nicotine and caffeine are important causative factors too.
    • Autoimmune disorders such as systemic scleroderma may be an etiological factor as well.

    What Does A Scratched Esophagus Feel Like?

    Symptoms of the scratched esophagus include:

    • There will be discomfort and irritation whilst swallowing food.
    • Difficulty and pain whilst swallowing.
    • Reflux of acid and food.
    • Occasional spiting of blood.
    • Occasional chest pain
    • Water-brash
    • Vomiting

    Home Remedies To Heal A Scratched Esophagus

    You could try these tips and remedies to manage the symptoms; however, after about 5 to 7 days if you do not see any amelioration, it is vital that you consult your doctor.

    • Experts advise taking medications such as anti-histamines and proton pump inhibitors to reduce the release of acid in the stomach.
    • Consumption of very hot foods and beverages must be avoided; it increases the pain and discomfort.
    • Quit smoking completely.
    • Cut down on spicy foods altogether.
    • Make sure you manage the reflux effectively – have small frequent meals daily, never lie down after a meal, exercise at least 3 times a week.
    • Certain foods trigger acid release – keep a diary of the offending foods and steadily avoid them.
    • Stress, alcohol and tobacco have been identified as the contributing factors for all esophageal problems. Steer clear of smoking and alcohol. Stress management is as important.

    Esophageal dilation is necessary when there is an abnormal constriction of esophagus. Surgical excision of damaged and/or cancerous parts of the esophagus may be required.

  • Popcorn Shell Stuck In Throat: Home Remedies To Get Rid Of It

    Removing a foreign object stuck in the throat of a choking person is no easy task. Popcorn shells are known to stick to the lining of the throat and, in occasional cases, they may even block your throat. It can be a terrifying experience for some.

    Whilst coughing is the simplest way of dislodging any small object from the throat, the Heimlich maneuver (that powerfully expels air from the lungs and may also induce vomiting) may need to be used in case it gets lodged further and coughing does not help in its removal.

    How To Get Rid Of Popcorn Shell Stuck In Throat?

    Drink lots of liquids first. Start with one glass of water and see if it helps wash down the popcorn shell. In case it fails to work, you could try soda pop. At times, the fizzing action of soda helps to wash down the piece of popcorn; try something that is very frothy, like ginger ale; it will propel the popcorn shell in to the stomach.

    • Experts also suggest eating something that will grab on to the popcorn shell if the liquids do not work. A slice of fluffy bread, a banana or a morsel of cooked, sticky rice will yield quick results. The popcorn shell will hold on to these foods and move down. Most of these will definitely grab on to the foreign object and help it slide down.
    • Alternating coughing and swallowing will also help to dislodge the stuck popcorn shell / kernel from the throat.
    • Some experts also recommend drinking a little bit of olive oil to extricate the stuck shell from your throat. You may also gulp egg yolk, which is slippery and removes the lodged popcorn shell effectively.
    • If all these measures fail to work and you are feeling uneasy, you need to go to the emergency room or the nearest clinic immediately. Popcorn shells neglected and left in the throat can cause irritation, inflammation, swelling, swallowing difficulty, breathing difficulty and infections.
    • Never leave the shell in, thinking that it will work its way out. Neglect worsens the situation. Manage the problem right away.

    Treatment For Popcorn Shell Stuck In Throat

    In case someone is choking over the popcorn shell, rush to him immediately; he will show bluish lips, wheezing or will place his hands on his throat as if he was choking himself to death. Call 911 immediately, if the victim is choking.

    • Ask the person “shall I help you?” it is imperative that you ask the person for permission and receive permission. If you do not, you could be held liable for anything you do to the victim. If he agrees, proceed with the Heimlich maneuver.
    • For the maneuver, you need to place yourself behind him and wrap your arms around his waist. Make a fist with your dominant hand. You have to place your fist on the person’s upper abdomen, i.e. above the navel and below the rib cage. With your other hand push upwards rapidly, in a propelling manner, towards the abdomen. Do not squeeze the ribcage. If it’s a child, do it even more gently. Repeat the thrusts till the foreign particle is expelled or the victim becomes unconscious. If he gets unconscious, you have to rush to the ER.
    • Do not slap the victim on the back as this could aggravate the whole thing.

  • Why Is My Eyebrow Twitching And How To Stop Involuntary Twitching

    Eyebrow twitching is a common problem experienced by all of us at some point in our life. It is the spasms of muscles situated around the eyebrows. Usually twitching is an involuntary process, it occurs spontaneously without giving any prior indications. Sometime the twitching is mild and lasts for few minutes or seconds, many times it may be a constant process and a person can feel the sensation for many days.

    The continuous or occasional throbbing sensation in and around the eyebrows is not a serious problem, but definitely an annoying condition that may disturb your routine activities.

    Actually there is no definite reason known for eyebrow and upper eyelid twitching, it is assumed that the brain sends signals to the nerves that control contractions of the eyebrow muscles.

    What Causes Twitching Of Eyebrows?

    There are many reasons that are blamed to trigger twitching of eyebrows and eyelid. Some of the causes are not grave; they go away as fast as they have come. When twitching of eyelids continues for weeks, there may be other reasons that need attention. The most common causes are;

    Fatigue and tiredness: a fatigued and tired eye due to lack of sleep or extreme strain to the eyes due to overwork can lead to spasms of muscles around the eyes.

    When your energy is completely drained, it causes weakness of muscles and spasms. However, twitching caused due to lack of sleep or overwork is self limited and heals by taking break during work or by sleeping for 7 to 8 hours regularly.

    Dehydration: loss of body fluid can cause spasm and twitching of eyebrows. Dehydration can affect any muscles of the body; it can also affect the muscles of the eyebrows. Since muscles need enough amounts of water and electrolytes to carry out its functioning, neglecting to correct water and fluid loss can cause spasms of eyebrow muscles.

    Stress: stress can cause tiredness and fatigue. Reducing stress from your life is one way to get relief from repeated involuntary twitching of eyebrows. If the problem is chronic, try to identify the cause behind your stress and try to solve it. Yoga and meditation are very useful for relieving stress and strain.

    Why Is My Eyebrow Twitching?

    Deficiency of certain minerals such as calcium, magnesium in your diet can lead to twitching of muscles. This may also affect your eyelids and eyebrow muscles. Eat foods rich in calcium such as milk, and dairy products, fish, tofu, peas and baked beans, and calcium fortified cereals. Magnesium rich foods consist of rice, wheat and oats, pumpkin, sunflower and watermelon seeds.

    Drinking excess of coffee, tea, alcohol, and other stimulating drinks can be responsible for muscle spasms, as the nerves and muscles get over stimulated. If that is the triggering factor try to reduce the intake or avoid drinking and observe the change.

    Some medical problems are also suspected to cause twitching of eyebrows. Hypothyroidism, influenza, sinusitis, Cushing’s syndrome, anemia and food poisoning are known to cause spasms of body muscles including that of eyebrows and eyelids.

    How To Stop A Twitching Eyebrow?

    Though spasm of eyebrows is not a serious condition, sometimes it can be a sign of some underlying ailment that may need medical attention.

    • There is no specific treatment for twitching of eyebrows; however few home remedies such as a gentle massage may help more circulation of blood in the muscles and help to reduce the spasms.
    • Alternate hot water and cold compresses helps to relieve muscle spasm. A hot shower may also help in relieving continuous twitching of eyebrows.
    • Many times the twitch goes away after a sound eight hour sleep.
    • Taking a break between works, especially for computer operators is important to prevent eyebrow twitching.

  • Metallic Taste in Mouth during Pregnancy: Causes and Treatment at Home

    A metallic taste in mouth early pregnancy is a condition commonly called as dysgeusia. It is a symptom of early pregnancy wherein the sense of taste of pregnant women alters into something very sour and stinky.

    Reasons for Metallic Taste in Mouth during Early Pregnancy

    Let us trace the causes of metallic taste in mouth and its other related signs:

    • The increase of estrogen level during pregnancy
    • The problem is also linked to the absorption of many prenatal vitamins such as iron and potassium
    • Having heartburn or acid reflux
    • Poor oral hygiene
    • Dental problems

    What to Do for Metallic Taste in Mouth Early Pregnancy

    The home remedies and treatment for enumerated here can help in solving this problem.

    • Take foods that stimulate saliva production like citrus juices, lemonade, and those foods marinated with vinegar to wash away the metallic taste.
    • Brushing your tongue every time you brush your teeth can relieve yourself of the metallic taste.
    • You can also rinse your mouth with water mixed with mild salt or a baking soda solution.
    • The use of mouthwash and good toothpaste can also help.
    • Avoid using wares made of metals and avoid bitter-tasting foods.
    • Temporary relief from metallic taste can be attained by eating foods high in protein and foods slightly flavored with spices and seasonings.
    • Serving the foods cold can lessen any unpleasant odor or taste.
    • Gum or breath mints might help you treat the persisting metallic taste.
    • Consult your doctor.

  • Loss Of Cervical Lordosis Causes: Symptoms And Treatment Options

    The cervical spine is C shaped with its curve facing towards the back of neck. The spinal area in neck is called cervical spine and it is made up of 7 cervical vertebra. A normal healthy cervical spine has a slight lordotic curve and it is anatomically important to bear the weight of head.

    Loss of cervical lordosis can result in straightening of cervical spine or in severe cases it can reverse the curve. The condition is also called cervical kyphosis. Loss of cervical lordosis can result in pain and stiffness in neck. It can also lead to referred pain in hand, vertigo and many other symptoms which we will discuss later on.

    Improper posture and muscular spasm are two important causes for loss of cervical curvature. The problem is usually detected on X-ray of cervical spine and it should be treated soon to prevent further deterioration and complications later on.

    Causes Of Loss Of Cervical Lordosis

    Loss of cervical curvature usually occurs in adults. Children randomly suffer from this problem.

    Both men and women are equally affected. The condition is predominantly associated with long standing spasms of muscles in neck area. Poor neck posture is often the only cause in young individuals.

    • Working on a computer for long periods or doing desk work for long time without taking break can strain the muscles of neck. The strained muscles cause a pull on the cervical vertebra to which they are attached. Prolonged pull will then mechanically disturb the normal alignment of the cervical spine.
    • Injury to cervical spine may also lead to loss of cervical lordosis. A whiplash while driving motor vehicle, direct trauma on the neck can all contribute to muscle spasm and loss of curvature of cervical spine.
    • Osteoporosis is another important factor that may cause abnormality in cervical spine curvature. It is mainly seen among elderly individuals. In osteoporosis the vertebra becomes porus and the bone density is lost. The weight of head and normal wear and tear may put pressure on the spine leading to loss of curvature.
    • Obesity and hereditary skeletal disorders such as achondroplacia can also alter the curvature of spine. Other less common causes of loss of cervical lordosis include tumor of cervical spine, systemic disease such as ankylosing spondylitis etc. Radiotherapy for cancer involving neck can also cause loss of cervical spine curvature.

    Loss Of Cervical Lordosis Symptoms

    Loss of cervical lordosis is an ongoing gradual process. It is rarely a sudden phenomenon. In its beginning phase the condition remains silent. It means there are no obvious symptoms. And frequently it is detected accidentally on X-ray meant for some other purpose. However, after few months or years patient may present with complaints such as pain in neck and stiffness.

    A normal cervical lordosis has 30 to 40 degree curve. Patient may complain on neck pain when the curve becomes lesser than 20 degrees. Later on if the condition remains untreated it may lead to cervical disc degeneration and lead to symptoms such as pins and needles, tingling in hands and fingers. These symptoms are not exactly those due to loss of cervical lordosis, but because of pinched cervical nerve from compression of cervical vertebra.

    Loss of cervical lordosis also leads to tension in the spinal cord and carotid blood vessels which supply blood to brain. Improper blood flow in the brain can lead to dizziness, headaches, confusion, tinnitus etc.

    Treatment Options For Loss Of Cervical Lordosis

    Loss of cervical lordosis can be detected on physical examination as well as from diagnostic tests such as X-ray and MRI of cervical spine. These tests are important to know the extent of loss of cervical lordosis and nerve damage.

    • Medical treatment is only required when pain and stiffness are present. Pain killers and muscle relaxants will help to reduce pain and spasms of neck muscles. This will ease the discomfort and increase the range of motion of neck.
    • Once initial acute symptoms are relieved patient should begin physiotherapy exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles and improvement of posture. A simple neck exercise is to bend the head forward and backward. Second exercise is to turn the neck and head sideways five to six times in a day.
    • Severe case of loss of cervical lordosis may require the patient to wear brace during day time and support pillows while sleeping. Both will help to bring back the altered abnormal curvature of the cervical spine.

  • How to Use Parsley for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common infection that occurs frequently in women. This happens when a bacteria enters the urethra and begins to spread. If left untreated, the bacteria will travel to surrounding organs of the urinary tract and cause more harm in the body. For easy remedy, the use of natural home ingredients as treatment is mainly used.

    Parsley for UTI

    Parsley has many health benefits and has been used as treatment in a number of illnesses including UTI. It contains vitamin C more than any other typical vegetable and known citrus fruits.

    It has an iron content twice as much as spinach and a very good source of vitamin A, manganese, calcium and potassium. It also contains flavonoids that act as antioxidants of the body. Generally, parsley is like an immune enhancing multivitamin and mineral complex in the form of a plant.

    In a urinary tract infection, parsley is used to alleviate the infection as it has certain anti-fungal properties. Fresh parsley also has Apiol which is an essential oil that acts as a urinary tract antiseptic. Moreover, since parsley acts as a diuretic, it helps flush the bad bacteria causing the infection from the body’s bladder and urinary tract.

    How to Use Parsley for UTI

    • Parsley can be used for UTI in a number of ways. It can traditionally be added in the diet as an ingredient in one’s food or it can be boiled in plain water or tea as a drink.
    • The parsley tea is a very good treatment for UTI. A person should drink 4 cups of this tea for at least 7 days to cure urinary tract infection. The UTI symptoms will significantly decrease in just 3 days, but one must continue drinking to complete the 7 days.
    • After the 7-day requirement, taking the parsley tea must be discontinued. Since it is considered a diuretic, continues intake will make the body lose too much water along with its minerals.
    • In cases with pregnant women with UTI, parsley is mainly avoided because it is a uterine stimulant and may cause more harm than cure.

    How to Make Parsley Tea for UTI

    • Boil at least four cups of filtered water.
    • Remove water from the heat.
    • Mince at least four teaspoonfuls of fresh parsley (including stems and roots if available).
    • Soak minced parsley for 20 minutes then strain.
    • Drink four cups of the concoction in one day for 7 days — it can be taken hot or cold. It may be reheated, but must not be boiled.