Who doesn’t like peanut butter? It is an amazing product to start your day! You might find this expensive, but it is worth buying. Pintola Peanut butter is natural and nutritional as well. It is a perfect treat for those who don’t have time to roast peanuts and then grind them in the jar.

You can also mix it in a protein shake and give it a unique taste. Furthermore, if you are on a keto diet, then you must go for it. To use it as a healthy snack, apply peanut butter on rice cakes, and use fruits as the topping.

For smoothies, add two tbsp of peanut butter, 1tbsp honey, and a cup of milk into a shaker and shake it until it becomes smooth. You can also add pintola peanut butter in fruit salad and oatmeal. It also comes in different flavors like dark chocolate, almond butter, cashew, and more.

It Contains Fibre and Fat That Are Required by the Body

Pintola Peanut Butter contains digestive fat and fiber that are a must for the body. Plus, it is a great source of protein. It is made from 100% roasted peanuts and doesn’t contain additives. You can have it anytime with other food.  

It is best for runners, joggers, athletes, and gym-goers. What’s more amazing is it is ready to eat food, and no preparation is required. It contains 30grams of protein in 100 grams serving. This smooth and creamy nut butter comes in a jar that contains 350g to 1kg butter inside. There is no hydrogenated oil used to prepare the butter.

Not a Great Alternative for Nutella Lovers

It doesn’t have any cons as such, but if you are finding an alternative to Nutella, then this peanut butter won’t be a good option for you.

It doesn't contain artificial flavors and sugars. So, if you like flavoring agents, then choose other spreads. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is to keep it away from sunlight.

Verdict

Pintola Peanut Butter gives you instant energy anytime. It is made up of nutritious peanuts from an ISO 22000, BRC, HACCP, and FSSAI approved factory. It is completely vegetarian and has a shelf life of 9-10 months. It is cholesterol- and soy-free and boosts the energy level of the body.

Pintola is a reputed brand: so you can rely on its products. It is the best product for people of all ages as it has zero trans fat. Eating Pintola peanut butter promotes brain health and is the best product to have with bread and sandwiches.

If you are looking for the best peanut butter with no side effects, then you must buy Pintola Peanut Butter anytime soon. It is recommended to refrigerate the butter to preserve its freshness for longer.  

Are you looking for a yogurt that is nutritional and flavorful as well? Then do not look further as Nancy's Probiotic yogurt is a good option for you. The label lists out probiotic strains such as L. acidophilus LA-5 and B. lactis BB-12, which are added after fermentation.

It is a nice creamy yogurt and contains different probiotics in it. It is a little sour than other yogurts and is a perfect treat to add to smoothies.

Nancy’s Yogurt delivers a range of probiotic strains and offers several health benefits. It contains probiotics and yogurt cultures and has different roles to offer.

People find this yogurt flavorful and not too thick like other yogurts available in the market. It is a great alternative to yogurt that is prepared with chemicals. This popular brand is a member of the International Probiotic Association.

Available in Four Different Flavors

It is a new line of single-serve Organic Whole Milk and is available in four flavors, including Mixed Berry, plain, peach, and strawberry vanilla. The yogurt is prepared with organic milk from cows pasture-raised on family farms and is made without gelatin.

These flavored yogurts are USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. It also offers six flavors in Oat Milk Yogurt, including plain, vanilla, blueberry, apple cinnamon, passion fruit, and more. Furthermore, it also helps in weight loss and strengthening bones.

It is Soy-Free

What’s amazing about Nancy’s Probiotic Whole-Milk Yogurt is it is soy-free. Plus, it has nearly 40% of less sugar than other dairy yogurts. It comes in a size of 5.0z and has pricing between $1.79-1.99.

This Whole-Milk Yogurt is packed with live probiotics and is prepared with pectin. It is lower in fat and has an amazing neutral taste.  

Additionally, it also offers different non-fat yogurt. The yogurt is prepared with fresh milk. The live cultures then consume the milk’s naturally occurring lactose and transform it into a richer brand.

How is it Nutrition Wise?

All the products sold by Nancy’s Yogurt are organic and contain hormone-free milk. They are prepared without preservatives and colors. The products from Nancy’s Yogurt offer delicious gluten-free options and contain calcium, iron, and other essential ingredients. It is rich in flavor and helps in promoting heart health.

Enjoy this probiotic yogurt in breakfast or add it into recipes that you are preparing for dinner. Nancy’s yogurt is not only rich in calcium, but it is also high in protein. Plain yogurt is liked by people, but everyone prefers to have a flavored one.

Verdict

Overall, the product is delicious and nutritional as well. It is a must-buy product for those who are looking for yogurt that does not contain gelatin and is also a perfect snack to satisfy your hunger.

You can find Nancy’s Probiotic Whole-Milk Yogurt across the US. If you are a die-hard fan of yogurt, then you should try this out.

Glutathione is known as a powerful antioxidant that has gained a lot of popularity through the years for its proclaimed health benefits.

Some people claim that it’s the best anti-oxidant ever, some swear by its healing properties and claim that it can treat autism, increase fat metabolism and prevent cancer.

Well, what is it and how does it impact the system of our body? Read on for more information about this claimed master antioxidant and what has been said about its effectiveness.

What is Glutathione?

Glutathione is the powerful antioxidant produced naturally by the liver which is one of the unique features that most antioxidants don’t possess. It is found in fruits, veggies, and meat. It is present in every cell of the body and is made up of three types of molecules constituting the amino acids.

Amino acids form the proteins in the body by combining different patterns. It is known for its important functioning in the body. Having a close observation at the biological aspect of Glutathione then, it is a molecule made up of three amino acids namely: L-Cysteine, Glycine, and L-glutamic-acid that has a wide-ranging effect.

The key difference between glutathione and other antioxidants is that you are dependent on other supplements for most of the antioxidants. While your body makes Glutathione on its own in a natural way and this is the reason that it is called an “essential nutrient.”  This unique feature impacts the body positively.

What Does Glutathione Do?

Now that you know about this miraculous antioxidant, the time is to know about the functioning of this master nutrient. Scientists have been exploring this magical substance from quite long, and the results have been so far impressive. PubMed is a free search engine primarily accessing the Medicine database of abstracts and references on life sciences and biomedical topics. Around 130,000 studies have been published on PubMed regarding glutathione and its effects.

Benefits of Glutathione

Now let’s have a look at some of the most crucial benefits of glutathione:

• Safeguard Against Oxidative Stress

Glutathione, being a powerful antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules, and heavy metals within the body. This helps in avoiding a large number of negative consequences such as premature aging, fatigue, gut disorders, and neurodegenerative issues. Moreover, it has great importance in biological processes.

• Strengthens the Immune System

The proceedings of the Nutrition Society had published one fascinating study that describes how this process works. Glutathione balances the lymphoid cells which in turn strengthens the immune system. It facilitates biological processes such as DNA synthesis, that is “exquisitely sensitive” to reactive oxygen. And, even a slightest of the change can disrupt the entire system. Moreover, Glutathione protects the activated T-cells which helps in strengthening the immune system.

• Aids Cardiovascular Problems

Endothelial dysfunction is a major risk factor for cardiovascular problems. And, the reason behind the problem is the failing functionality of endothelium. One study gave glutathione to its patients with atherosclerosis. It significantly improved endothelial function which enhanced the nitric oxide activity.

• Works As a Great Detoxifier

Glutathione helps detoxify the liver and the liver, in turn, detoxifies the body. It plays a huge role in helping the body to process the toxins from the food and your environment. According to a candid study where people suffering from liver cirrhosis and those leading a healthy life were compared, the key findings were the reduced glutathione levels in the body of the patients suffering from liver cirrhosis.

Another study conducted in Sweden focused on 200 people who ate fish more than once a week. Mercury exposure was one factor that was tracked by many researchers. And, found that the level of mercury exposure in the body was directly connected to the genes regulating the synthesis of glutathione. The less is the glutathione made in the body, the greater is the mercury exposure.

• Helps in Preventing Cancer

Glutathione revealed a lot about some of the exciting researches that wholely focused on anticancer effects. A review published in the journal Cell Biochemistry & Function gives a great idea of the miraculous properties of glutathione. The researchers noticed that glutathione is crucial for the removal and detoxification of carcinogens, thanks to all the antioxidant effects of this magical nutrient.

Glutathione is an abundant natural tripeptide found within almost all cells and is highly reactive. Well, glutathione can work both ways by acting protective and pathogenic. However, by conferring resistance to various chemotherapeutic drugs, elevated levels of glutathione in tumor cells can protect such cells in bone marrow, breast, colon, larynx and lung cancers. Moreover, it prevents the collapsing of the antioxidant systems that lead to cell regeneration.

So these were some of the benefits of the magical nutrient glutathione which is considered as the mother of all antioxidants.

The Bottom Line

Glutathione forms the most important antioxidant which is produced naturally in the human body. And, it is crucial for our health that our body produces it naturally. This humble composition of amino acids helps you from oxidative stress along with all the health conditions that come with it. Moreover, raising glutathione levels in the body by completely depending on the diets that are rich in glutathione is not the only way.

You are advised to do everything that can optimize the level of glutathione in your body. That’s because the relationship between the powerful antioxidant and other aspects of your health is complex and interdependent, and let nature take care of the rest!

Are you worried about the glutathione levels in the body? Do share your experience with us!

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Coconut oil is the magic elixir that is used from ancient times for different purposes and its application for various skin and hair problems could be a new concept for some. It is that miracle ingredient which can cleanse your face without stripping your skin of its natural lipids. Moreover, it hydrates the hair cuticles, imparting it the natural shine.

Coconut oil is extracted from raw and dried coconut kernels. It is found to be extremely helpful in curing most of the major issues of skin and hairs. There are various coconut oils that you will see in the market, but this beauty oil is the purest when it acts like a wax which makes it extremely comedogenic and occlusive.

Why is Coconut Oil Good for Hair & Skin?

Coconut oils are important considerations to be made for a healthy living nowadays. The purest form of the coconut oil is extracted from the raw coconuts which come in canisters or bottles after processing in the laboratories and are finally sold in ounces. Coconut oil has numerous benefits to offer because of its biological composition and high nutritional value.

Coconut oil is full of healthy saturated fats that have different positive effects on one’s body. Triglycerides are the medium chain in the coconut oil responsible for burning fat and calories faster. The fatty acids present in the oil kill harmful pathogens which include viruses and fungi as well. It manages to maintain the top spot when it comes to keeping your skin and hair healthy.

When we look at the biological composition of the beauty boon, it has Vitamin E, essential amino acids, lauric and caprylic acid which forms a part of barrier function and helps to maintain the healthy and luminous skin.

Moreover, it acts as an excellent moisturizer for your hair without making them feel greasy. However, when applied in excess, it can be a little difficult to wash it off. It hydrates the dry hair and deeply conditions them which transforms the dull, dry locks into shiny, swishy gorgeous looking hair.

Beauty Uses of Coconut Oil

So, the hype that was created about this beauty boon was somewhat true and now that you know the benefits, let’s quickly move forward to the best beauty uses of this great emollient:

1. Best Makeup Remover

Coconut oil acts as an excellent natural makeup remover as it penetrates the deepest layers of the skin. Its greasy texture solubilizes the water-resistant materials found in makeups. It glides into the skin and moisturizes the skin while removing the makeup.

You need to warm it a little and apply it directly on the face as a cleanser and wash it off with some warm water. It is mild and works on all skin types; however, some skin types may be allergic and may have clogged pores after the use. This is the reason why using organic or cold pressed coconut oil is always advised.

2. Lice Remedy

Coconut oil is considered the safe and all-natural treatment for head lice. Coconut oil has a fatty content which makes it hard for the head lice to stick to the hair follicles and suffocates them.

You shall start the remedy by staying natural with a rinse of apple cider vinegar. Once the vinegar dries out, apply the coconut oil to the scalp and hair and let it sit for 30 minutes. Brush your hair with a fine-toothed comb and then shampoo them with your regular shampoo.

3. Body Moisturizer

You can use coconut oil as a body moisturizer as it is rich in fatty acids and your skin absorbs it very quickly, making it look healthier, shinier and more luminous. Moreover, it is a great way to make your skin soft and supple because it seeps deep into the skin and treats the dry and rough skin very well.

You don’t need to follow any procedure to reap the benefits of this magical potion rather apply it directly on the skin and enjoy a healthier and glowy skin.

4. Face Moisturizer

Other than body moisturizer, coconut oil is also great for moisturizing your face. It acts as a great primer to soften rough and dry skin before makeup. It helps to attain a soft, natural and dewy look when applied before putting on the foundation.

You can apply it directly to the face and massage it for 15-20 minutes which would help it deeply sink into the skin. It is effective in treating dry skin and acts as a great exfoliator without abrading it. Moreover, applying a thin layer of coconut oil would form a physical barrier between your skin and dust or other environmental pollutants. This way it locks the moisture and gives you soft and glowing face.

5. Lip Balm

Using coconut oil is an ideal way to treat dry, chapped lips. If your lips are sensitive to moisture loss due to exposure to certain environmental elements causing dryness on lips, then coconut oils are the best solution to all the problems.

Grab some honey and coconut oil at room temperature in a jar, mix them well and apply it directly on the lips. It would help soothe dry lips and reduce inflammation.

6. Tinted Lip Gloss

Reach out for coconut oil for a glossy sheen on your lips that is nourishing which comes with Vitamin E and essential fatty acids and soothe the irritated skin on your lips. Take your homemade coconut oil lip balm on the next level by turning it into a tinted gloss.

You need to mix the coconut oil lip balm with some bits of an old lipstick of the color of your choice and combine it with some essential oil of your choice to give it an extra “oomph.” Apply it on the lips and enjoy soft and tinted lips all day long.

7. Under Eye Cream

Coconut oil is a powerful natural ingredient which is anti-inflammatory and a great skin lightening agent. It acts as a great under eye cream and due to its biological composition; it helps prevent wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes.

You need to take some virgin coconut oil in hand and let it melt through the body heat. Apply the pea-sized amount under both the eyes and let it sit overnight. Rinse it off with warm water.

8. Body Scrub

Let the coconut oil be your friend inside and out of your skin. Being a great moisturizer, it percolates into the skin and benefits the deepest layers through its healing properties by creating new cells in the skin and pushing the old and dead ones out. It prevents the oxidative stress from the building and leaves your skin looking and feeling fresh throughout.

Take some coconut oil in a jar and combine it with some coarse salt or sugar. Exfoliate your whole body and see the change within a few months. Your moisturizing body exfoliator will last long after the grains have melted away.

9. Shaving Cream

Who says every shaving cream lathers? Well, it is not a universal rule and doesn’t happen to be the case with coconut oil. It will never gunk up your razor blades with lather as other shaving creams do, rather it would help the razor glide smoothly on your skin. Not only it makes your skin feel fresh and soft, but it also moisturizes your skin very well.

Slather some coconut oil. Use your hands to rub it on your skin if it has solidified to melt it. Use a sharp razor to get a close shave and there you go with soft and beautiful looking skin. It will revitalize your skin and help the razor to give a close shave. It will also avoid razor bumps.

10. Dandruff Treatment

Dry scalp and dandruff are common and go hand in hand. Coconut oil is the best remedy to treat dry, damaged hair and is ideal for treating dandruff. Coconut oil is great for moisturizing the dry scalp and helps to restore the health of a dry scalp which eventually reduces flaking.

Replace your shampoo with coconut oil for treating dandruff. Apply it directly to the scalp and on the hair, comb through your hair for extra benefits. Leave it on overnight to make sure that the oil has completely penetrated the hair and scalp and then rinse it with a mild shampoo the next morning.

11. Itch Relief

Coconut oil is the best way to avoid itching caused by burns, bug bites, and bruises. Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which help soothe the irritated skin. Further, it reduces inflammation, itching, and flaking and prevents the skin from any infections.

Take some coconut oil with turmeric or camphor and directly apply it on the affected area to assuage the irritated skin.

12. Leave-In Conditioner

When it comes to coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner, it is slightly difficult to give an absolute yes or no regarding the effect it has. However, it provides extra conditioning to the hair when combined with other ingredients like milk or curd. It has thousands of uses and conditioning is one such use.

You can use coconut oil as a leave-in conditioner straight after shampooing when the hair is damp. Apart from this, it can also be used after styling the hair or on rough hair.

13. Frizz Tamer

Since coconut acts as a great moisturizer, it is the best frizz fixer. The fatty acids present in it seal the moisture in the hair strands, and it is the next best beauty potion for frizzy flyaways. Use coconut oil to smooth down those stubborn flyaways and treat frizzy hair.

Take a pea sized amount in the hands, rub to warm it up a little and apply it directly on the hairs. You will love the transformation that your hair would have; it's easy, healthy and affordable to tame your mane with coconut oil.

14. Body Oil

When it comes to having a soft and flawless body, then why to go for other body oils? The invigorating tonic needed to maintain a healthy and beautiful body is coconut oil. It is naturally antibacterial and antifungal to which people swear by for pampering their body. It is a very light moisturizer which sinks in the body very quickly and gives great results.

Keep the oil near the bath area and slather some on the wet skin quickly after a shower and then pat it dry. You would love your supple and glowy skin with a beach smell all day long. Moreover, it would protect your skin from sun damage to some extent as it has natural SPF 4.

15. Cuticle Oil

Have you got cracked cuticles because of rough and frowzy nails? If yes, then coconut oil is the solution to your problem. It lubricates your cuticles, making them healthy and less prone to dryness. It treats the dry and damaged nails in the best way while giving it an extra boost of moisture and preventing it from breaking.

Take some coconut oil and rub it directly on the cuticles. It will help to condition and revitalize the rough, ragged and torn cuticles. It also soothes painful hangnails along with strengthening the nail bed and nails which help in stimulating their growth.

Final Thoughts

Coconut has always been the jack of all trades making its way from cooking to beauty utilities. People have discovered many uses of this magic elixir and now, what’s left that coconut oil can’t do?

You need a coconut, and you can be creative coming up with a hundred uses. Coconut oil is the beauty cure that is needed. Moreover, it has a longer shelf life, and numerous benefits and uses of beauty abound inside each of the sweet smelling coconut kernels.

So now that you know that how advantageous this beauty staple can be, what are you waiting for? Go grab some coconut oil, a jar and get creative with it.

All the best!

Shigellosis or Shigella (Shih-GEHL-uh) infection is a bacterial infection affecting the digestive system. As per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it is a common infection in the United States. Nearly 500,000 cases reported each year in the US are of Shigellosis. In poorer countries, it is even more deadly with nearly 165 million cases and causing around 1 million deaths all over the world each year.

It is common among young children especially those below age five who get infected at daycare or school. The illness’ symptoms can have varying intensity. A mild case of Shigella infection might go unrecognized or unreported. Shigellosis might even occur when you travel to developing countries where poor hygiene could result in traveler’s diarrhea.

The disease typically resolves on its own within 5-7 days with rest and fluids. But in severe cases, you might need to visit the hospital. The doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for the treatment. Know more about the signs & symptoms, causes, risk factors, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Signs & Symptoms of Shigella Infection

The signs and symptoms of Shigella infection typically start within 1-3 days after contact with the Shigella bacteria. However, in certain cases, the signs of the infection might be seen even after a week. Some infected people might not even show any symptoms but can still pass the bacterial infection to other people.

The major symptom of Shigellosis is several bouts of diarrhea that is often watery and bloody. Other signs and symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sharp pain or cramp in the stomach and lower abdomen
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Tenesmus (the persistent feeling or urge to go to the bathroom even when you have your bowels empty). You might go to the bathroom as many as 10-30 times a day like in food poisoning.

These signs of shigellosis typically last for about 2-7 days. A person having a mild infection that lasts a couple of days may not need treatment, and their symptoms would clear by its own within a week.

Consider calling a doctor when diarrhea is severe (contains blood and mucus and causes weight loss) and continues for over three days. Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, lips or lightheadedness) associated with shigellosis can be a real problem. Moreover, a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher is an alarming situation.

Causes of Shigellosis

Shigella bacteria is the bacteria species responsible for Shigellosis. The Shigella bacteria leave the body through feces and enter the stomach of a person through the mouth, the multiplying in small intestines and spreading in large intestines or colon. It releases the toxins which lead to irritation in the intestines.

When you accidentally ingest Shigella bacteria, Shigellosis occurs. It can happen in the following cases:

• Touching the Objects

After changing the diaper of a child infected by shigellosis, a person might get the infection if hands are not washed. Also, touching any of the objects like doorknobs, toys or tables after that would transfer the infection. Direct person-to-person contact is the most common way in which the disease spreads.

• Eating Contaminated Food

The shigellosis-infected people handling or preparing the food can transmit the bacteria to people who eat that food. The food can also get contaminated when grown in a field with sewage or contaminated feces.

• Drinking Contaminated Water

The pool or pond water can get contaminated either through sewage or by a swimmer with shigellosis. So, someone who swims in it would catch this infection.

• Making Sexual Contact

You may have the exposure to Shigella infection during a sexual activity involving oral-anal activity.

Risk Factors

These are the factors that aggravate the risk of getting shigellosis:

• Age

The children below the age of 5 are highly likely to get shigella infection, but it can take place at any age regardless of race, ethnicity or community social circle. The toddlers and preschoolers in childcare settings and schools are more likely to get shigellosis. However, shigellosis can have worsened effect on elderly, infants and people of other age groups with chronic illnesses and a weakened immune system.

• Living in or traveling to areas with bad sanitation

People from developed countries who travel to developing countries or those already living there are more susceptible to contracting Shigella bacteria. The sources may be drinking water, recreational water,  food, and other places containing Shigella germs.

• Sexual habits

The gay or bisexual men having sex with men are at a greater risk of shigellosis due to direct or indirect oral-anal contact.

• Weak immune system

The immunocompromised individuals (due to illnesses like HIV or medical treatments like chemotherapy) are vulnerable to even serious illnesses. A severe form of shigellosis illness that involves spreading of infection into the blood can become life-threatening.

• Living arrangements and activities

Close contact with the infected people can spread the bacteria from one person to another. The Shigella outbreaks are commonly observed in child care centers, nursing homes, community wading pools, military barracks, and prisons.

What are the Chances of Re-Infection?

Shigella consists of a group of different bacteria. After you have been infected by a certain type of Shigella bacteria, you wouldn’t be affected by the same bacteria again. Although, you may get infected by a different bacterium from the same family.

Complications

In most cases, there are no long-lasting effects of shigellosis. Moreover, the cases of complications may be rare. Some common complications include:

• Reactive or Post-Infectious Arthritis

According to the CDC reports, nearly 2% of people who are infected by Shigella flexneri (one of the many types of Shigella species) and have genetic predisposition develop a condition called post-infectious arthritis or reactive arthritis.

Its signs and symptoms include joint pain and inflammation (knees, hips, feet, and ankles), painful urination (urethritis), and red, watery and itchy eyes (conjunctivitis). This (ReA) condition can become chronic lasting for many months, years or lifelong.

• Dehydration

Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration. There’s not enough fluid in the system. Adults may have signs like dizziness, sunken eyes, lightheadedness, lack of tears. And in children, dry diapers may be observed. Severe dehydration may even result in shock and death.

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

E. coli bacteria is the common cause of this condition. It can result in a low RBC count (hemolytic anemia), low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) and acute kidney failure. In this infection, a toxin that is produced destroys the RBCs.

• Seizures

It is rather common in young children. Some children having a high fever due to shigellosis get seizures. Call emergency number 911 or reach out to a doctor immediately when your child has a seizure.

• Rectal Prolapse

In the case of rectal prolapse, the straining occurring at the time of bowel movements may cause the mucous membrane or lining of the rectum to get out through the anus.

• Toxic Megacolon

It is a rare complication that happens when your colon paralyzes and prevents you from a bowel movement or passing gas. Its symptoms are fever, abdominal pain, swelling and weakness. If you do not get it treated, your colon may break open (rupture) and cause peritonitis (a life-threatening infection that needs emergency surgery).

• Bloodstream Infection

When the lining of the intestines becomes damaged at the time of illness, the germs or Shigella bacteria might infect your bloodstream. These infections are commonly seen in people having illnesses like HIV, cancer, or malnutrition.

Diagnosis

As there are many causes of diarrhea and bloody diarrhea, a lab test is often recommended to determine if you have shigellosis. A doctor would more likely ask for your stool sample to check the presence of Shigella bacteria or their toxins and provide confirmation. Other lab tests may also be required to figure out the antibiotic that would be most effective.

Shigella Treatment

In most of the cases, shigellosis resolves on its own within 5-7 days. Countering the dehydration resulting from diarrhea is the major treatment goal in most of the cases of shigellosis. In moderate to severe cases, medical treatment may be required.

In very rare and serious cases, even hospitalization may be needed.  Here are some common ways to treat shigellosis:

• Taking Rest & Enough Fluids

Usually in healthy adults and those with mild shigella infection, drinking a lot of water and other fluids especially electrolyte solutions (available over the counter) may be enough to prevent the dehydrating effects of diarrhea. In the case of children, an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte can help.

The children and adults with severe dehydration require to be treated in a hospital emergency room. They are given salts and fluids through a vein (intravenously) instead of the mouth. The intravenous hydration helps in providing the body with water and essential nutrients even more quickly than the oral solutions.

• Antibiotics

Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate Shigella bacteria from the digestive tract. But, some Shigella bacteria have been known to develop resistance to drugs, resulting in the treatment not working. It will make them stay in the system for longer and may aggravate the infection. So it is recommended not to take them unless it’s a severe case. They may also be required for infants, older adults and people affected by HIV where shigella infection is widespread.

In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics for shortening of the illness. The available drug options are powerful antibiotic meds like ciprofloxacin (Cipro), azithromycin (Zithromax) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim). Inform your doctor when certain prescribed antibiotics do NOT help you feel better despite taking them for many days.

Moreover, avoid taking drugs which prevent diarrhea and slow down the intestinal tract like diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) or loperamide (Imodium) as they can worsen your shigellosis.

Is it Preventable?

Well yes, you can prevent shigellosis by developing good personal hygiene habits as there’s no cure or vaccine for shigellosis. These include:

• Washing hands frequently and thoroughly using warm water and soap especially when traveling to developing countries before eating, cooking food, changing diapers, and using the bathroom
• Guiding and supervising small kids with proper handwashing
• Not allowing children with diarrhea to go to playgroups, childcare centers or school and keeping them home
• Disposing of dirty diapers properly in a closed bag or trashcan
• Avoiding consumption of water from lakes, ponds, and untreated pools
• Avoiding sexual contact with someone having diarrhea or recently recovered from it
• Disinfecting diaper changing areas after use
• Not preparing food for others when affected by diarrhea and not eating food prepared by those with the disease
• Avoiding close personal contact with people infected by Shigella bacteria for at least two days after diarrhea has ended
• Avoiding raw food and only eating boiled, peeled and cooked when traveling abroad
• Cleaning the changing tables and kitchen countertops using antibacterial wipes before and after use

We all know that how beneficial superfoods and healthy fats can be to us. Many times we have heard about how including healthy foods can affect us but, did you know that these healthy ingredients have double the effect as a beauty product?

It is better to check your pantry before running to a pharmacy store when you need to fix all your beauty blunders. So, the next time you need an effective and affordable remedy for all your beauty issues, turn to your kitchen. There you will find olive oil, one of the superfoods that are popular because of its beauty benefits. It can help you achieve healthy and luminous skin.

Olive oil deserves all the glory as it is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. Extra virgin olive oil is great for combating the problem of dry skin and dry scalp, also protects us from cancer-causing sun damage. This oil is a little pricier than other oils but a few little drops can help you get a long way, and it is worth the price.

“In all oils, there is a ratio of oleic acid to linoleic acid,” explains Dr. Satish Bhatia, Mumbai-based dermatologist, and cutaneous surgeon. “Olive oil contains a high percentage of the good oleic acid and a low ratio of linoleic acid. This makes it’s a light oil which allows the skin to breathe if applied topically. It is medically proven to moisturize dry skin and even treat atopic eczema in kids.”

“When it comes to the application on the scalp, all oils, whether coconut or castor, give sheen, volume, and texture. But (warm) olive oil is the only one scientifically proven to penetrate the core of the hair fiber. This is because the oil has mono-saturated fatty acids (MUFA) in place of the poly-saturated fatty acids, which are commonly found in other oils. Deep penetration into the scalp increases blood circulation, thereby even preventing hair fall,” adds Dr. Bhatia.

Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, when it is mixed with other ingredients can make for some amazing beauty products. It’s been quite a time that we had been harping over the beauty benefits of olive oil but, did you know that it is in use since ancient times? It was the secret behind Cleopatra's beautiful face.

Olive oil is considered the closest oil to match the chemical structure of our skin and the natural oils of it. Here are some of the olive oil based beauty recipes that you should definitely try:

DIY Beauty Recipe #1: Olive Oil Face Mask

When you feel that your face is insanely rough, dry, and flaky, then you don’t need to spend too much on your face. Although we girls love it, there are some awesome olive oil based DIY masks that soothe your dry and irritated skin.

A combination of olive oil+honey is great for your skin as honey has antibacterial properties and olive oil is rich in antioxidants. They both make for an ultra-hydrating face mask which acts as a moisturizer for your flaky and raw skin.

Olive oil+Milk+Termeric face mask would provide you with great skin benefits as it is antibacterial, antiseptic, and antioxidant rich. It would lighten and brighten your skin along with reducing pimples and soothing your irritated skin. Thereby, providing you with soft, supple and healthy skin.

DIY Beauty Recipe #2: Olive Oil Body Scrub

It is important to exfoliate your body for supple and glowing skin. Olive oil is the best ingredient when applied topically on the skin can provide you with numerous benefits. Here are some olive oil based DIY body scrubs that turns your dry skin into beautiful and luscious one.

Olive oil+brown sugar+oatmeal is a great combination for your skin and acts as an exfoliator which helps in removing all the dead skin and dirt. This can last up to 4 weeks and should be applied on wet skin as it emulsifies quickly into the skin when applied slowly in circular motions and gently exfoliated.

Olive oil+lemon juice+granulated sugar+lemon zest combines for a great cleansing scrub. All the ingredients used in the scrub are invigorating and stimulating which increases the blood flow of the skin which cleans the clogged pores and keeps the oily skin at bay.

Olive oil+green tea+epsum salt+baking soda makes for an anti-aging body scrub. We all are aware of the numerous benefits of green tea that it provides internally and externally. It has a greater impact when infused with other natural ingredients. You should apply it in circular motions and then rinse it off after some time.

DIY Beauty Recipe #3: Olive Oil Hair Mask

Maintaining healthy hair is a supremely tedious task, and people often tend to spend a huge amount on it. But, do you know that the money you slather on chemical hair masks has the same result as using a few natural ingredients. Using olive oil in your beauty regime can do wonders to your dry, damaged hair. Here are some hair masks that can be easily made at home using olive oil.

Olive oil+honey+vitamin E capsules is a rich combination recommended for dry and damaged hair. Honey has the anti-inflammatory properties, while olive oil is rich in antioxidants which helps to trap moisture in your hair. It repairs the damage and reduces split ends. It should be applied for one hour, and your hair must be covered with a shower cap which will seal the moisture in the hair strands. After that, you can rinse it off with a regular shampoo.

Olive oil+Mayonnaise hair mask is a good one for dry, damaged or combination hair. To apply this mask, you need two tablespoons of mayonnaise and some olive oil, mix these two ingredients until it gives you a creamy mixture. You need to wash your hair and let it dry before applying it, leave it for some time and wash it off with regular shampoo and conditioner. Mayonnaise contains the goodness of eggs and fatty acids which nourish your hair and vinegar that helps remove dirt from hair. This pack would condition your hair and create a protective layer around your hair shafts which locks the moisture.

DIY Beauty Recipe #4: Olive Oil Lip Scrub

Have you ever used those pricey lip balms to make them soft and supple? But this can be done using some simple ingredients from your kitchen with a little money. Here are some of the effective lip scrubs that you should definitely try to have beautiful kissable lips. Use them to exfoliate your lips at bedtime followed by a good lip balm.

Olive oil+granulated sugar+lip balm is the major ingredients, mix these three to get a grainy consistency and apply onto your lips and massage it in circular motions. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. It should be applied for 3 to 4 times a week for better results.

Olive oil+sugar+honey+peppermint oil is some ingredients that you need to mix to make a coarse paste. Hold a warm cloth over your lips for 3 to 5 minutes to soften them before applying the minty scrub. Massage it on to the lips for a few minutes and then rinse it off. Lastly, apply a lip balm for tingly, fresh and plump lips.

DIY Beauty Recipe #5: Olive Oil Foot Scrub & Soak

We tend to make a lot of efforts to make our face glow but how much time do we give to pamper our feet? It is important to get a foot scrub to reduce the rough patches for soft and smooth feet. Here are some olive oil based DIY beauty recipes to have those beautiful sandal-ready feet:

Olive oil+lemon+coffee grounds+sugar is a great combination that works for rough feet. Mix these ingredients to form a thick paste and apply it on your feet. Massage it for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off. It would help you to improve the texture of your skin around the feet. The coffee grounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve swelling and pain. Massaging helps improve blood circulation in your feet.

Treat your dry hands and feet with olive oil. Green tea+lemon+honey+olive oil is a great combination and can be used as a foot soak to soften the dry and rough feet. Mix these ingredients and warm the mixture a bit then soak your feet in the mixture for 30 minutes. It would help to soften the feet and remove the callous easily to have clean and beautiful looking feet.

Olive Oil- The Fine Print

When it comes to olive oil, then there is no simple way to test whether your olive oil is unadulterated or not. You need to ensure that the oil is cold pressed and it should freeze as it solidifies when put at a temperature of 1-degree Celsius as it is extracted without heat and chemicals. Well, even the freeze test is flawed because there are other factors that contribute to it. It depends on the external climatic conditions and the type of olives used in the process.

However, the last way to ensure that it is unadulterated is to buy it directly from the small growers.

Olive Oil is a Miracle

When it comes to olive oil, it does wonders to your hair and skin, and these beauty treatments are worth giving a shot. If you wish to have healthy glowing skin, then you don’t need to spend tons on chemical treatments, olive oil is here to your rescue. It would help you to achieve a healthy and younger looking skin.

Now, that you know how to use olive oil, then what are you waiting for?

Fluoride is a mineral naturally occurring in water, soil, and foods. When the natural fluoride levels in drinking water are significantly higher than the recommended range, the risk for a crippling chronic condition called fluorosis to occur increases. In the places or communities where the natural levels are over 2 ppm, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends water intake for children from other sources.

The ingestion of excess fluoride mostly drinking water causes fluorosis that affects both bones as well as teeth. Dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis are the two types of fluorosis.

While the low levels of fluoride intake prevent tooth decay, the moderate amounts result in dental effects (dental fluorosis) and long-term ingestion of great amounts to potentially severe skeletal problems with accumulation of fluoride in the bones over time (skeletal fluorosis). The clinical dental fluorosis is identified by staining and pitting of teeth. In more severe cases, the enamel can damage.

Let’s learn about the scope, distribution, causes, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and preventions.

Scope & Distribution of Fluorosis

The prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis is not sufficiently known. It is thought that fluorosis affects millions globally, but mild or very mild forms are most frequent.

The presence of fluoride in water is mostly based on geological origins. The water with a high level of fluoride content is often found at the foot of high mountains and regions where sea’s geological deposits are made.

The fluoride belts where fluorosis has been reported include the land across Syria through Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Algeria, Libya, and Jordan; and another one stretching from Turkey through Iran, India, Afghanistan, northern Thailand, Iraq, and China. The Americas and Japan also have similar belts.

Due to the concern that the children may be ingesting too much fluoride, the Health and Human Services Department in January 2011 decreased the recommended level of fluoride in drinking water. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency is evaluating these rules on the upper limit of fluoride levels in drinking water.

Causes & Risk Factors

Fluorosis is caused by exposure to excessive fluorides in food, air (gaseous industrial waste), excessive toothpaste use and especially drinking water. It is primarily a water-related disease as fluorosis is usually because of accidental contamination drinking water. Fires or explosions could also be the causes, and acute high-level fluoride exposure is rarely a cause.

As per the WHO guideline value for fluoride in water that is above 1.5 mg per liter of water, the moderate level chronic exposure is more prevalent. The general state of health, an individual’s diet, and body’s ability to remove fluoride affect the way fluoride exposure manifests.

A major cause of fluorosis is the improper use of fluoride-containing dental products like mouthwash and toothpaste. In some cases, children love the taste of fluoridated toothpaste so much that they swallow it rather than spitting it out. Also, during the early years of childhood, consuming higher-than-prescribed amounts of fluoride supplement can result in fluorosis. Moreover, consuming a fluoride supplement when fluoridated can cause fluorosis when fluoride-fortified fruit juices and soft drinks or fluoridated water already provide the required amount.

Some of the other risk factors comprise:

• A malnourished individual or one having calcium deficiency is more susceptible to developing dental and skeletal fluorosis.
• Chewing tobacco or betel nut (areca nut or supari)
• Intake of fluoridated beverages, black rock salt (kala namak)-rich and red rock salt-rich foods, beverages, and snacks
• Fluoride-rich foods like gelatin, tea, chicken’s skin, ocean fish, fluoridated salt, and food contaminated with pesticides and post-harvest fumigants
• Fat-rich diets are found to increase fluoride deposition in bones.
• Studies show that brushing of teeth with fluoridated toothpaste can cause fluoride absorption within minutes. The saliva from the oral cavity also reveals high fluoride content when checked for fluoride content.
• During the early years of life when teeth formation occurs, the fluoride exposure can lead to dental fluorosis.
• The fluoride coming from environmental sources such as industrial pollution and cigarette smoking
• Fluorosis is more likely to occur in severe forms in semi-arid tropical areas of the world. That’s because people here have a higher drinking water consumption, making them more prone to the disease when compared to other colder areas with lower water consumption rate (even when the fluoride levels in water are same).
• Taking certain steroids, anti-fungal drugs, fluoroquinolone antibiotic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, antacids, antidepressants, and drugs for arthritis, cholesterol-lowering drugs, drugs for osteoporosis and otosclerosis and many other drugs containing fluoride can be responsible for fluoride toxicity.
• Brick tea and fluoride-contaminated food (during dying chilies or corn with coal briquettes) are behind fluoride toxicity in China

So what’s the mechanism after fluoride intake? As soon as the fluoride enters the body either through the gastrointestinal route or blood vessels in the mouth, it reaches several organs and body tissues. Bone and tooth which have the highest calcium content in the body attract the maximum fluoride amount and is deposits as calcium fluorapatite crystals. Simultaneously, from certain areas in the bone and tooth, the unbound calcium disappears.

Signs & Symptoms

It’s not essential for all symptoms to occur simultaneously. The severity and duration of fluorosis symptoms may vary based on a person’s age, environment, nutritional status, the likelihood of allergies, kidney function, genetic background, amount of fluoride intake, and other factors like water hardness because of calcium and magnesium presence.

The signs and symptoms of fluorosis range from specks or streaks (may not be noticeable) to dark brown stains and rough, pitted enamel (hard to clean).

The severity of fluorosis is rated on the following categories since the 1930’s:

1. Questionable: Slight changes are seen in the enamel, from a few white flecks to occasional white spots.
2. Very mild: The small opaque paper-white areas get scattered in more than 25% of the tooth surface.
3. Mild: The opaque white areas over the surface cover a larger area but still affect nearly half the surface.
4. Moderate: The opaque white areas affect more than half the enamel surface.
5. Severe: All the enamel surfaces become affected. The teeth also have discrete or adjoining pitting.

The different symptoms of fluorosis include:

1. Dental fluorosis symptoms

The clinical dental fluorosis can be noticed through pitting and staining of teeth. In even severe cases, the whole of enamel may become damaged. The fluoride ingestion after six years’ age won’t lead to dental fluorosis. The teeth could be chalky white and black, white, yellow, or brown spots or streaks may be present on the enamel surface. Discoloration occurs away from gums and is bilaterally symmetrical.

2. Skeletal fluorosis symptoms

Skeletal fluorosis’ early symptoms are stiffness and joint pain. In severe cases, the bone structure may change, and ligaments may calcify, leading to pain and muscle impairment. The contraction of vertebral and intervertebral foramen lays pressure on nerves, blood vessels which leads to pain and paralysis.

3. Other symptoms

• Neurological: Depression, excessive thirst, tingling sensation in fingers and toes, nervousness, tendency to urinate, seizures

• Allergic: Perivascular inflammation and skin rashes that fade and clear within 7-10 days

• Effects on the fetus: A mother consuming water/food having a high fluoride concentration during pregnancy/breastfeeding may experience fetal damage. Stillbirths, abortions, and children with birth defects are common in endemic areas.

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, excessive saliva

• Muscular: Muscle spasms, stiffness, pain, and weakness, loss of muscle power, difficulty in carrying out normal routine activities.

• Lowered hemoglobin levels

• Ligaments and blood vessel calcification: Hardening and calcification of soft tissues like blood vessels and ligaments, resulting in blockage of blood vessels.

• Lesser volumes of urine (yellow-red color), itching in the urinary tract region

In fluorosis-endemic and rural regions, these early signs help in early detection of several cases. Prompt intervention programmes like provision of safe drinking water in such cases have given considerable relief within a short time.

Diagnosis

All the substances which contain fluoride must be avoided at the time of diagnosis. If the symptoms are due to fluorosis, they should go away to an extent in a week and vanish completely in weeks. The gastrointestinal signs resolve within 15 days.

1. Physical Examinations

These tests are done to detect skeletal fluorosis in endemic areas:

• Chin test: The individual has to touch the anterior wall of the chest with the chin. If he/she experiences pain or stiffness in the neck, he or she might not be able to bend the neck, touching the chest with chin isn’t possible.

• Stretch test: The individual has to stretch the arm sideways, fold at the elbow, and touch the back of the head. In case of pain and stiffness, it wouldn’t be possible to touch the back of the head.

• The individual has to lift a coin from the floor without a knee bend. A person having skeletal fluorosis won't be able to lift a coin without bending the large joints of the lower extremity.

2. SA/GAG (Sialic Acid/GlycosAminoGlycan) Test

It is for early detection or diagnosis of fluoride toxicity. SA/GAG value is decreased in fluorosis and is considerably high in ankylosing spondylitis. This value shows no great change in arthritis, osteoporosis, and spondylosis.

3. Radiographs

An X-ray would help in identifying the increased girth, calcified ligaments, and bone density & thickness. A majority of ill-effects of fluoride are identified in the knee, spine, shoulder, knee and pelvic joints. It also affects small joints of the hands and feet.

4. Estimating Hemoglobin Levels

It is used to detect anemia.

5. Estimating Fluoride Content

• Drinking water: 1 ppm is regarded as the allowed upper limit for fluoride content in drinking water.
• Blood (serum): The serum fluoride levels may or may not be useful as fluoride in circulation isn’t ever steady. So it gets diverted to other tissues and is absorbed by tissues and excreted.
• Urine (go for 24 hours collection if possible): The urinary fluoride level proves more useful in comparison to the blood fluoride level. If an individual ingests water, food, drugs or any other substance with fluoride contamination, urinary fluoride will be high.

Fluorosis Treatment

In a lot of cases, fluorosis is so mild that no treatment is required. Also, no treatment is available for severe cases of skeletal fluorosis, and only efforts can be made to lessen the disability.

Both skeletal fluorosis and dental fluorosis are irreversible, and there isn’t any specific treatment. The only cure is prevention which includes keeping fluoride intake within safe limits.

In dental fluorosis, it may only affect the back teeth where it’s not invisible. The teeth’s appearance due to moderate/severe fluorosis can be considerably improved through several techniques (masking the stains). The dental fluorosis treatment techniques include composite bonding, MI paste (sometimes combined with microabrasion), tooth whitening (mild fluorosis cases), dental crown, and porcelain veneers.

Fluorosis Prevention

Fluorosis can be prevented by avoiding high intake of fluoride by individuals or communities. To minimize and prevent excessive fluoride intake and its harmful effects, adopt measures like use of alternative sources, improvement of nutritional status of people at risk and defluoridation of water (removal of excessive fluoride from drinking water). Proper dental care is the key to dental fluorosis prevention.

Moreover, parental vigilance plays a crucial role in the prevention of fluorosis. If water comes from a public system, your dentist/doctor and your local water authority/public health department can tell you about its fluoride content. After finding out about the fluoride your child gets from drinking water and other fluoride sources (soft drinks and fruit juices), you should ask the dentist if the child needs a fluoride supplement.

Keep all the fluoride-rich products like mouth rinse, toothpaste, and supplements out of young children's reach. Make sure the children are encouraged to spit out the toothpaste while brushing teeth and avoid flavored toothpaste that children are more likely to swallow. Monitor their toothpaste use. Though fluoride toxicity typically does not have serious consequences, it sends many children to emergency rooms every year.

Some other important points to be kept in mind:

• Imparting health education regarding fluorosis and the right consumption of fluorides in drinking water & food is essential to prevent and control the condition.

• The mothers in affected regions should consider breastfeeding as breast milk is usually low in fluoride.

• Avoid the high-fluoride products

• Promote the intake of foods that are rich in Calcium, Iron, Vitamin C and other antioxidants like milk, curd, green leafy vegetables, and fruits

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is the most common eye problem in which the inflammation or infection of the blood vessels of the conjunctiva (outermost layer of the white part of the eye) and the inner eyelid surface. Due to this, the eye looks red or pink.

Nearly 3-6 million people in the US are affected by conjunctivitis. In the adults, the viral causes are more prevalent, while among children, bacterial causes are more common. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for people to get better.

In case the symptoms like significant pain, light sensitivity, herpes signs, and visual loss do not improve after a week, further diagnosis and treatment may be needed. Conjunctivitis that occurs in a newborn is called neonatal conjunctivitis.

Let’s know more about the signs & symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of the pink eye disease.

What are the Types of Pink Eye?

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Bacterial conjunctivitis is common type conjunctivitis caused by bacteria which infects the eye through different contamination sources. The bacteria can transmit when you come into contact with an infected individual, exposure to contaminated surfaces or other means like sinus or ear infections.

The most common types of bacteria causing bacterial conjunctivitis are Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. It typically produces a thick eye discharge or pus and affects one or both eyes.

• Viral Conjunctivitis

Viral conjunctivitis is also a common type of conjunctivitis which is highly infectious as airborne viruses can be transmitted through sneezing and coughing. It can also occur with viral upper respiratory infections like flu, measles and the common cold.

Viral conjunctivitis typically leads to watery discharge, and the infection begins from one eye quickly spreading to the other. It is self-limited and will go away by itself after some time. The third, fourth and fifth days are the worst, and subsequently, eyes begin to improve on their own.

• Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis due to eye allergies is highly prevalent. Like other different types of allergies, eye allergies can be triggered by allergens like dust mites, animal dander, and pollen.

The most common symptom of allergic conjunctivitis is itchy eyes. It may be seasonal or perennial based on allergen that causes the reaction.

• Neonatal Conjunctivitis or Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Neonatal conjunctivitis is a type of conjunctivitis occurs in newborn babies and may even result in blindness if left untreated. If a mother infected by neonatal conjunctivitis is not treated, a newborn infant might develop a related eye infection.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 can also cause a type of eye herpes which leads to pink eye. A pregnant woman suspecting STD (sexually transmitted disease) requires to be checked and treated for the infection before the baby’s birth.

• Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

Giant papillary conjunctivitis or GPC typically affects both eyes and people who wear soft contact lenses. It may cause itching, a heavy discharge, contact lens tolerance, tearing and red bumps on the underside of eyelids.

• Gonococcal & Chlamydial Conjunctivitis

They are bacterial forms linked to infections from STDs including gonorrhea and chlamydia. Newborns may become exposed when they pass through the birth canal of an infected mother. Trachoma is a kind of chlamydial infection that causes scarring on the surface of the eye.

• Non-Infectious Conjunctivitis

The many sources resulting in pink eye symptoms include certain chemicals, smoke, diesel exhaust, and perfumes. Some forms of conjunctivitis also occur due to sensitivity to certain ingested substances like turmeric and eyebright.

Reaction to preservatives in eye drops, ointments, wearing contact lenses or ocular prosthetics can also cause toxic conjunctivitis.

Conjunctivitis is part of the triad of reactive arthritis (associated with HLA-B27) which is thought to be caused by autoimmune cross-reactivity following certain bacterial infections.

Conjunctivitis is linked to the autoimmune disease relapsing polychondritis.

What Causes Pink Eye?

As we just mentioned above, here are the most common conjunctivitis causes:

• Bacteria
• Virus
• Fungi, amoebas, and parasites
• Irritants like shampoos, smoke, pool chlorine and dirt
• Reaction to eyedrops
• Allergic reaction to smoke, pollen, dust or contact lens
• Sexually transmitted diseases

The viral and bacterial infections are infectious and can transmit from one person to another through contaminated water or objects. Despite spreading from one individual to the other, it is not a serious health risk if diagnosed properly.

Conjunctivitis Symptoms

The pink eye symptoms depend on inflammation type but typically include:

• Swollen eyelid or conjunctiva
• Higher sensitivity to light
• Burning eyes
• More tears than usual
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Green or white eye discharge
• Swollen lymph nodes (often due to a viral infection)
• Redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid (stye)
• Thick yellow discharge that covers the eyelashes, especially after sleep. It can make the eyelids stick shut upon waking up.
• Eye twitching

How to Diagnose Pink Eye Disease?

It is not difficult to diagnose pink eye disease. The doctor will carefully look at your eyes and ask certain questions such as about your symptoms.  If need be, the doctor will take a tear or fluid sample from your conjunctiva and send it for further physical examination in the lab.

Cultures aren’t often required as most cases resolve either with time or antibiotics. If there’s a chance of bacterial conjunctivitis but no response to topical antibiotics is seen, the cotton swabs for bacterial culture should be taken and tested. Viral culture may be suited for epidemic case clusters. Patch test helps identify the causative allergen in allergic conjunctivitis.

The conjunctival incisional biopsy is sometimes conducted when granulomatous diseases or dysplasia are suspected.

Not all red, irritated and swollen eyes are pink eye. The symptoms may also be caused by a stye, seasonal allergies, chalazion, iritis or blepharitis.

• Don’t assume that all red, irritated, or swollen eyes are pinkeye (viral conjunctivitis). Your symptoms could also be caused by seasonal allergies, a sty, iritis, chalazion (an inflammation of the gland along the eyelid), or blepharitis (an inflammation or infection of the skin along the eyelid). These conditions aren’t contagious.

A more comprehensive differential diagnosis for the red or painful eye comprises:

• Uveitis
• Keratitis
• Episcleritis (an inflammatory condition that appears similar to conjunctivitis, but without discharge or tearing)
• Blepharitis
• Dacryocystitis
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)
• Herpes simplex
• Corneal abrasion
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Pinguecula
• Herpes zoster
• Acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Endophthalmitis

Pink Eye Treatment

In 65% of the cases, conjunctivitis resolves on its own without any treatment or antibiotics prescription within 2-5 days. The conjunctivitis treatment depends on the type.

For bacterial conjunctivitis, no treatment is required usually. But when no improvement is seen after three days, topical antibiotics may be recommended to eliminate the bacteria. The treatment is usually achieved through topical antibiotic eye drops and/or eye ointments. Depending on the severity of the condition, the treatment usually takes 1-2 weeks.

The antibiotics are also recommended for people wearing contact lenses, those who are immunocompromised, have chlamydia or gonorrhea disease, experience pain, or have copious discharge. Gonorrheal or chlamydial infections need both oral and topical antibiotics.

When viral conjunctivitis doesn’t resolve on its own, antihistamines (reduce occasional itching), vasoconstrictors (whiten the eye),  or mast cell stabilizers, and decongestants (reduce the surface swelling) are typically used for relieving the pink eye symptoms. They are given for 1-2 weeks depending on the severity of the infection.

Allergic conjunctivitis can be relieved by using special eye drops (over-the-counter or prescription) containing antihistamines, artificial tears, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or pouring cold water over the face with head inclined downward narrows capillaries, depending upon the severity of the condition.

Chemical conjunctivitis is treated through irrigation with Ringer's lactate or saline solution. The chemical injuries, especially alkali burns, are medical emergencies as they can result in severe scarring and intraocular damage.

The use of antibiotic depends on the strain or suspected strain of bacteria causing the infection. Sodium sulfacetamide, fluoroquinolones, or trimethoprim/polymyxin may be used, typically for 7–10 days. The cases of meningococcal conjunctivitis can also be treated using systemic penicillin if the strain is penicillin-sensitive.

In places where topical antibiotics are unavailable or expensive, the Povidone-iodine ophthalmic solution is known to be somewhat effective against bacterial and chlamydial conjunctivitis.

Preventions

• Practice good hygiene and keep the eyes clean
• Do NOT touch or rub the affected eyes with hands to avoid spreading the infection.
• Wash your hands more frequently especially when spending time at school or in other public places
• Switch from the soft contact lens to permeable ones or go for disposable contact lenses that can be replaced more often
• Do NOT share towels or washcloths if you’re infected by the disease
• Avoid eye cosmetics like mascara and don’t share them with others
• In newborns, the ointment can help prevent eye infection.
• Use a warm compress
• Protect eyes from dirt and other irritants
• Restrict the usage of eyedrops
• Wear swim goggles while swimming to protect yourself from bacteria and other microorganisms in water which causes conjunctivitis infection.
• Before going for the shower, using a hot tub or staying in the water, make sure you have your contact lenses off to avoid trapping of bacteria between the eyes and the lenses.

Jaundice, also known as ‘icterus’ in technical terms, is a medical condition in which an individual experiences yellowing of skin and eyes because of raised bilirubin levels in the system. It is usually indicative of a problem in red blood cells, gallbladder, liver, pancreas or bile duct. The color of skin or whites of the eye may vary based on levels of bilirubin. While the moderate levels appear yellow, the brown color shows high levels.

Though the word ‘jaundice’ comes from the French ‘jaunisse’ which means ‘yellow disease’, it is not considered as a disease itself but rather as a symptom of many potential underlying illnesses.

Jaundice can occur in people of all ages. However, jaundice is more common in infants especially premature babies than adults. In nearly 50% of cases, jaundice occurs in the first week following birth and does not lead to complications in most of them. In newborns with very high bilirubin levels for a long time, a type of brain damage called kernicterus may take place.

Let’s know more about the types, causes, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment and preventions of jaundice here.

How Many Types of Jaundice are There?

The jaundice types include:

1. Hemolytic Jaundice

This type of jaundice results from hemolysis (rapid destruction of red blood cells) which leads to an excessive bilirubin production.

2. Hepatocellular Jaundice

Some liver disease or injury causes this type of jaundice.

3. Obstructive Jaundice

Obstructive jaundice occurs when there is an obstruction or blockage in the bile duct. Due to this, bilirubin is prevented from leaving the liver.

Jaundice Causes & Risk Factors

The causes of jaundice can be non-serious to potentially fatal. The levels of bilirubin in blood are usually below 1.0 mg/dL (17 µmol/L). The levels above 2–3 mg/dL (34-51 µmol/L) usually lead to the condition of jaundice.

As the yellowing of skin and eyes occurs due to excessive bilirubin production (or improper processing of bilirubin), jaundice may be caused due to a certain problem in the liver. When the old and dead red blood cells reach the liver, they go through a breakdown process. The yellow-colored waste ‘bilirubin’ remains in the blood after the iron removal takes place.

When bilirubin is in excess amount, it can leak into the surrounding tissues. This condition is known as hyperbilirubinemia, thereby causing the yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Conjugated (direct) and unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin are the two types of high bilirubin. In the liver, other chemicals may attach to the bilirubin, and a substance called conjugated bilirubin forms as a result. It may be caused by liver diseases, medications, bile duct blockage or medications. Whereas, high unconjugated bilirubin may result from excessive RBC breakdown, thyroid problems, genetic conditions or newborn jaundice (jaundice in infants).

Other possible causes of jaundice in adults include alcohol misuse, different types of hepatitis such as hepatitis A, B, C, D & E, Weil's disease, liver cancer, side-effect or overdose of a medication, sickle cell anemia, and gallstones, among others. The other rare conditions that may cause jaundice include Pseudojaundice, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, and Crigler-Najjar syndrome.

The major cause of jaundice in a newborn baby is that their liver is not fully developed, also known as breast milk jaundice. It is a frequent occurrence in newborns, especially premature babies.

Jaundice Symptoms

The common signs of jaundice are:

• A yellow tint to the skin and the whites of the eyes is the characteristic symptom of jaundice. It usually starts at the head and spreads down the body. In severe cases, the whites of the eyes may become orange or brown.
• Pale Stools
• Itchiness
  Dark urine

Some other symptoms of jaundice which might occur as a result of low bilirubin levels are:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Fever

Some people tend to diagnose themselves incorrectly when they have yellow skin. However, those affected by jaundice have both yellow skin and eyes.

If you only have yellow skin, it may be due to too much beta-carotene in your body. And an excess of this antioxidant is not a cause of jaundice.

So is jaundice contagious? Well, it’s not but the underlying conditions causing it can be!

Complications

When the complications occur, they’re usually due to the underlying problem and not jaundice. For instance, in case an obstructed bile causes jaundice, uncontrolled bleeding may occur. That’s because of the blockage which leads to a vitamin shortage required for clotting.

The itching accompanied by jaundice can sometimes be so intense that the patients might tend to scratch their skin raw, experience insomnia or have suicidal thoughts in extreme cases.

Hyperbilirubinemia, more specifically hyperbilirubinemia because of the unconjugated fraction, may cause bilirubin accumulation in the gray matter of CNS (central nervous system) and potentially cause irreversible neurological damage eventually resulting in a condition called kernicterus.

Depending on the exposure level, the effects range from clinically unnoticeable to severe brain damage and even death. The newborns are particularly susceptible to hyperbilirubinemia-induced neurological damage. So it’s a must to monitor the changes in children’s serum bilirubin levels carefully.

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of jaundice, the doctors are most likely to seek the patient’s history and physical examination to identify the bilirubin levels. They will closely notice the firmness of the liver, abdomen, and feel for tumors.

A firm liver could be an indication of cirrhosis or scarring of the liver. A rock-hard liver suggests cancer. Many tests can help in confirming jaundice. The primary test is a liver function test (a series of blood tests for measuring levels of certain proteins and enzymes produced by the liver when healthy or damaged) for finding out whether it is functioning properly or not.

If a doctor can’t find the cause, a doctor may ask you to get blood tests for checking bilirubin levels and blood composition. It will firstly help determine the cause of jaundice and also identify signs of other diseases like hepatitis.

Some other tests include:

• Bilirubin tests: A high level of unconjugated bilirubin compared to levels of conjugated bilirubin indicates hemolytic jaundice.

• Full blood count (FBC) or complete blood count (CBC): It is used to measure levels of RBCs, WBCs (white blood cells), and platelets. It may also provide evidence of hemolytic anemia (if any).

• Hepatitis A, B & C tests: They include various liver infections.

• Liver biopsy: It is carried out for checking inflammation, cancer, cirrhosis, and fatty liver. It involves the removal of small liver tissue samples by needle insertion for testing and microscopic examination.

• Imaging tests: They may include abdominal ultrasounds, MRI or CT scans to examine the liver structure if an obstruction is suspected.

• An endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may also be carried out which is a procedure combining endoscopy and X-ray imaging.

A blood test is done to diagnose the severity of jaundice in newborns. A small blood sample is obtained by pricking their toe. The pediatrician will recommend going for treatment if the results or reports suggest moderate to severe jaundice.

Jaundice Treatment

The jaundice is not typically a disease in itself but a symptom of many underlying illnesses. It or its symptoms aren’t usually treated but the condition causing it is treated. The type of treatment recommended for jaundice depends on the cause. Once the treatment starts, the yellow skin might return to normal.

• Anemia induced jaundice is treated by boosting the iron amount in blood by either taking iron supplements or consuming foods rich in iron.

• Hepatitis-induced jaundice needs the patient to take antiviral or steroid meds.

• If some medication use has caused jaundice, the treatment will involve a change of medication.

• The moderate jaundice is usually treated using phototherapy in a hospital or home for removing excess bilirubin. The light waves used in phototherapy get absorbed in skin and blood. The light helps the body to change bilirubin into waste that requires elimination. As a common side-effect of the therapy, the frequent bowel movements with greenish stools occur (indicating release of bilirubin from the body). A lighted pad may be placed over skin that mimics the natural light.

• Many cases of jaundice are treated with blood transfusions for removal of bilirubin.

• In the case of acute viral hepatitis, jaundice by on its own as soon as the liver starts healing. When a blocked bile duct is responsible for the condition, the doctor may typically ask for surgery to open it else medical management occurs. The medical management may include treatment of infectious causes and discontinuation of meds that might be aggravating the condition.

For newborns, depending on the age and prematurity, a bilirubin level higher than 4-21 mg/dL is treatable with phototherapy or exchanged transfusion. The itchiness can be controlled through draining of the gallbladder or ursodeoxycholic acid. As per the American Liver Foundation, most of the jaundice cases in infants get resolved within 1-2 weeks.

And if you prefer going for jaundice treatment at home, the home remedies for jaundice are sunlight, essential oils and inclusion of carrot & spinach juice, sugarcane juice, wheat grass juice, lemon juice, ginger, yogurt, tomato, basil leaves, papaya, barley water, and garlic in the diet.

Jaundice Precautions

Jaundice is associated with liver function. It’s necessary for people to maintain a healthy condition of this vital organ through eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and avoiding consumption of alcohol more than is recommended.

Are you pissed of the blemished skin and damaged hair? If you are searching for a magic ingredient that can solve your problem in a go then, you are the lucky one. You have got one solution to all your beauty issues. If you are reluctant to invest in expensive beauty treatments and looking for a cheap quick fix then, this is definitely for you.

The green colored gel capsules of Evion 400 are a substitute for Vitamin E. They are widely used in numerous beauty recipes. Although you might not have heard it before, it is prescribed as a beauty ingredient.

They are very cost effective and are available at chemist shops. They have a topical application: you need to pop it to squeeze out the gel. Then apply the gel on the skin or hair wherever you desire. They have a therapeutic effect on your skin and hair. It is advised to use it regularly to see the difference.

Here are some advantages and application methods that you can use to get the incredible results. They include-

1. Removes Acne and Scars

Vitamin E capsules are full of antioxidants and provide relief to the acne prone skin. They help in fading away scars and blemishes to keep your skin clean and glowing. They are also known for their cell regeneration properties that fasten up the process of treating the fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.

You can apply them directly, or you can use them with a lotion or cream for soft and supple skin. You can use them as an under eye cream to reduce the dark circles. You can apply it by mixing it with aloe vera gel and leave it overnight for better results.

They also have a skin tightening effect, and this is the reason they are widely used to treat aging. They are a little greasy in nature. So, you are advised to use it sparingly otherwise you may wake up with an overly oily face the next morning.

2. Nourishment to Nails

Every girl wishes for healthy and beautiful nails but fails to maintain them due to lack of time and proper resources. Often manicure seems to be an ideal solution for the frowsy, and brittle nails but it is not a great idea always.

You can use the serum of the capsule on the cuticles of the nails, and massage it for a few minutes. It is a great way to heal flaky nails. Try using it regularly, you will soon notice a big difference, and the skin around the nails will start getting softer and shinier.

3. Prevents Psoriasis and Extremely Dry Skin

If you are suffering from eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin, then Evion 400 vitamin E capsules are the best supplement to retain the moisture of the skin. Generally, in psoriasis, the dry and flaky skin is shed. It overproduces quickly as the regeneration process is faster than the normal. So, to retain the moisture and fasten the healing process, it is advised to apply vitamin E gel on the skin directly.

People suffering from psoriasis, or dry skin have low selenium concentration. Applying Vitamin E capsules on the skin may improve the selenium. It may help in reducing the severity of the condition. It does not give instant results and might take a time of a few months but, you have to be patient during the process to reap the benefits.

4. Tame Your Manes, Treat Dandruff, and Nourish the Hair Roots

Monsoon is the right time to tame the frizzy flyaways, and then, Vitamin E comes in the picture. It helps to tame the frizzy manes. You need to have a right mix of oils to pamper your locks. To reduce the frizzes, you can mix jojoba oil with Vitamin E gel, and apply it sparingly. It will make your hair look glossy and soft, and will flatten them.

You can also use a Vitamin E mask twice a week to get rid of dandruff. Mix it with any oil of your choice but, coconut and tea tree oil would give better results. Apply the mixture onto the locks and have the beautiful and healthy hair.

5. Treat Chapped Lips

Vitamin E capsules are an excellent remedy to treat dry and chapped lips. Puncture the capsule and apply the gel directly on the lips or mix it with the lip balm and apply. It hydrates the lips and gives you soft and supple lips.

It also lightens the dark lips. Mix it with a little lemon juice and apply it on the lips twice a day and you will be shocked to see the results. Also, it is an exceptional way for reddening your lips and makes them look healthy.

Conclusion

You have seen that how these green colored capsules help you in getting beautiful and flawless hair and skin. Conclusively, it is not wrong to say that they can form an incredible part of your beauty regimen.

Use it in any other way and tell us how your experience was.

When it comes to beauty, you cannot beat Iranian ladies. They are obsessed with their beauty regimen and try hard to maintain their flawless look.

Iranian culture and beauty rituals have always been a matter of interest among all the lovely ladies. Iranian ladies have always been in the spotlight for their sharp features, luscious hairs, and polished skin. The secret to their flawless beauty lies in the beauty rituals passed on from generation to generation by their mothers.

The comfortable life they lead is another reason for their pretty faces and attractive figures. They have experienced the exquisite things in life and have been accustomed to the rich culture always.

Here are certain beauty rituals that they abide by.

1. Bathing Rituals

Kiseh and Sefidah are the most essential parts of the bathing routine in Iran. Sefidab is made up of animal fat and minerals and is used with kiseh, a scrubbing glove or a mitt. They are then used on the body. They act as an excellent exfoliator for the entire body which helps in getting rid of the dead skin and dirt.

It is advised to use it before using soap on the body for better results. This way you can have beautiful smooth skin without investing in expensive spas and beauty treatments at costly salons and clinics.

2. Hair Care

Sedr is a powder used as a shampoo to wash off the dirt from the hairs to get smooth, soft and shiny hairs. The powder is made of leaves of the lotus tree(Zizyphus). This natural shampoo cum conditioner is known from ages in Iran and offers great relief to the dry and damaged hairs. Further, the powder is also useful for the dandruff prone hairs.

It is used by simply mixing 2-3 tablespoon of powder with water. As the mixture turns thick in consistency, apply it all over the hairs. It is recommended to let it sit for an hour after then rinse it off with water. Enjoy the strong and shiny hair after regular use.

3. Taking Care Of The Feet

Sang-e-pah is a black volcanic rock used by most Iranians to clean their feet. It is a pumice stone widely used in Iran to remove the dead skin and calluses from the feet. It acts a great exfoliator for your feet to polish the heels, turning them into beautiful looking soft, smooth, and salon-ready.

4. Henna & Hijab

Henna acts as a natural conditioner, and Persian women love their lovely luscious hairs with deep red hues. Henna is known as a natural dye in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia from ages. Henna is a great way to provide moisture to the hairs and treat the brittle and damaged hairs. It provides you with the healthy and glossy hairs naturally.

Next comes the hijab which is an inevitable part of the tradition in the Middle East. The garment has cultural and legal status in the middle east and women tend to wear it as a strict adherence of the religion and tradition. Women are required to wear it to conceal their manes from any male outsider, and it acts as a protection against dirt and pollution.

5. Egg Yolk

Do you wish to have silky shiny hairs without investing in expensive spa treatments? Then egg yolk is a fix to all the problems of fragile hairs, and it is a great natural conditioner. Beat two egg yolks and mix it with olive oil. Then leave it on hair for 1 hour before shampooing and conditioning to enjoy the silkier, shinier, and softer hairs.

6. Body Oils

Body oils are also a part of the rich culture of Iran and have never gone out of trend. Iranians use scented essential oils to protect their body from getting rough. Body oils are applied before performing further bathing rituals and is a prerequisite for Iranians before getting into the hammam. They are helpful in moisturizing the skin. This is the reason why Persian ladies have softer and shinier skin than other women.

7. Saffron & Honey

Another way to beautify your skin is including saffron and honey in your beauty regimen. Saffron has antioxidants and honey is rich in enzymes. They both penetrate the skin and keeps the skin soft and supple. They help in removing dark spots and blemishes on the skin to keep it clear and lock the moisture of the skin.

Follow these tips and enjoy the beauty you hold. Do share your experiences with us.

Eye twitching is a condition in which the upper eyelids blink frequently and create an involuntary spasm. It is also called blepharospasm. There is an uneasy movement in the upper lid but, lower eyelids also flicker sometimes.

Eye twitching can be classified into three categories, each one associated with a different set of reasons. Myokymia is a type where only eyelid is affected, either the upper or the lower. It affects one eyelid at a time. The eye twitching lasts for a short time but, it may reoccur within a few hours. It is easily noticeable and can be bothersome if not treated correctly.

The next is Benign essential blepharospasm, in which the severe blinking of both the eyelids occurs. This condition can lead to squeezed shutting of the eyelids. This type of spasm in the eyelids is not common but, it may turn worse affecting other aspects of life adversely.

The last is the Hemifacial Spasm which involves spasm in the muscles on one side of the face including the eyelids.

What Causes Eye Twitching?

There are several factors responsible for triggering eye twitching from time to time. The general causes of eye twitching include:

• Eye irritation
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Excessive intake of alcohol
• Exertion
• Excessive caffeine intake
• Smoking
• Exposure to bright light

These are some common causes of the eye twitching. But they may progress from minor eye twitching to benign essential blepharospasm called as dystonia.

Other than this, there is Hemifacial Spasm. It irritates the facial nerve due to an artery.

Other conditions include:

• Glaucoma(damage to the optic nerve)
• Sensitivity to light
• Trichiasis
• Blepharitis (inflammation in the eyelids)
• Dryness in the eyes (decrease in the production of tears)
• Uveitis (inflammation in the middle layer of the eyes)
• Entropion (eyes turned inwards)
• Corneal abrasion (scratch) first aid

Eye twitching can also indicate specific brain and nervous system disorders when accompanied with these symptoms, including:

• Bell’s palsy (paralysis of the facial nerve that causes muscular weakness)
• Multiple sclerosis
• Tourette Syndrome
• Cervical dystonia
• Oromandibular dystonia and facial dystonia

Other medications and drugs which are used to treat epilepsy and psychosis can also result in chronic spasms. This can also result in the chronic movement disorder when accompanied with other facial spasms.

What Is The Treatment?

The minor twitching may go on its own but, in severe conditions, the treatment depends on the type and intensity of spasms. Dry eyes cause minor twitching. Artificial tears can cure this problem.

Botulinum toxin is most commonly used to treat hemifacial spasm where small amounts are injected into the eye muscles to ease the blinking that lasts for a few months. You may need to go for repeated treatment to cure it.

However, the doctors have not been successful in finding a proper cure for benign essential blepharospasm. There are some treatments to reduce the severity of the condition.

The general medications are used for curing minor cases to help relieve it for a short time. These include:

• Clonazepam(Klonopin)
• Lorazepam(Ativan)
• Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride (Artane, Trihexane, Tritane)

Apart from the above mentioned, there are other treatments used alternatively. These include-

• Biofeedback
• Acupuncture
• Hypnosis
• Chiropractic
• Nutrition Therapy
• Tinted Glasses

In case the above treatment does not work, then your doctor may recommend you surgery. The procedure is called myectomy. It involves the removal of some muscles and nerves around the eyelids.

Surgery may relieve the pressure of arteries exerted on the facial nerves, one of the reasons for hemifacial spasm.

How To Prevent This Condition From Getting Severe?

You can prevent these spasms from getting severe at an initial stage. There is no particular treatment to stop minor spasms but, there are some preventions that you can follow to lessen the impact.

• Cut down on caffeine
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Stay away from the stress
• Take proper rest
• Take adequate sleep
• Try lubricating your eyes if you are suffering from dry eyes
• Apply a warm compress to stop sudden spasms from reoccurring
• Use the right type of eyewear
• Keep track of the nutrition intake
• Massage your eyes
• Go for regular eye check-ups

Incorporate these healthy habits to stop sudden eye twitching and lead a fit life by making such lifestyle choices.
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Diabetes Insipidus is a rare form of diabetes which has nothing to do with high glucose in the blood. It is a type of condition which is identified with the increase in thirst and urination. It makes you extremely thirsty and makes large amounts of urine. This is the reason what makes you pee more in diabetes insipidus.

It is seen that one individual from every 25000 people suffers from diabetes insipidus in the general population and this is what makes it very rare in nature. It disrupts the normal routine life and causes bedwetting.

What Are The Types?

There are four types of diabetes insipidus, namely-

1. Central Diabetes Insipidus

This is the most common form caused due to any damage to the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. It hinders the production of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) in the body often as an outcome of any trauma, brain swelling, surgery, tumors and loss of blood supply.

2. Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus

In such a condition, the kidneys stop responding to the ADH produced in the body. It may be caused due to any blockage in the urinary tract, kidney diseases, high levels of calcium, low levels of potassium in the body.

3. Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus

It is often associated with mental illness and other medications which causes you to feel extremely thirsty. It is a result of dysfunction in the thirst mechanism and the person tends to drink excessive liquid. This leads to Dipsogenic diabetes insipidus.

4. Gestational Diabetes Insipidus

Gestational diabetes insipidus happens during pregnancy where the placenta destroys a mother’s ADH, making the kidneys less sensitive to the ADH. This condition is resolved after the gestation period.

What Are The Symptoms?

Diabetes insipidus has two main symptoms. Firstly, an individual may feel extremely thirsty at regular intervals, and secondly, urinating in enormous quantities. The urine excreted is in a pale diluted form. It is observed that a normal healthy individual urinates at around 3 quartz, but a person suffering from diabetes insipidus urinates up to 16 quartz a day.

Other symptoms that indicate diabetes insipidus are-

• Polydipsia
• Polyuria
• Dehydration
• Irritability
• Lethargy
• Muscle Pain
• Weakness

How Is It Diagnosed?

There are certain symptoms other than polydipsia and polyuria, They distinguish diabetes insipidus and help in the diagnosis of the disease. Certain tests would help in determining this condition such as urinalysis (demonstrates a dilute clear liquid with specific gravity), urine with low osmotic concentration, and low electrolyte levels. A series of blood and urine tests are performed, and the quantity of sodium is measured in the blood and urine with the help of tests.

Other than this, a fluid deprivation test is helpful in determining the exact cause of the disease, whether it is due to lack of ADH produced or a defect in kidney’s response to the ADH produced. The test measures the urine output, and its composition also determines the reason for sudden weight loss and low energy levels.

How Is It Treated?

Diabetes insipidus is treated by maintaining the amount of water content in the body and reducing your constant need for the bathroom. Your doctor may recommend a specific amount of fluid and regulate the intake of water per day. However, it depends on the severity of your condition.

• Hormonal Treatment

This is the most common type of treatment which involves intake of a synthetic hormone called desmopressin(DDAVP) through a pill, nasal spray, and injections as a substitute of ADH. During the treatment through desmopressin, it is important to regulate the water intake and patients are advised to drink water only when they are thirsty.

• Drugs & Medication

Drugs and medication are helpful in the case of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. There are certain other drugs taken with desmopressin such as diuretics, either alone or with aspirin or ibuprofen. When these medications are taken it is important to regulate your water intake.

• Treating Underlying Conditions

There can be many underlying causes for this condition. It can be damage or tumor in the pituitary gland which disturbs the functioning of the gland. Your doctor would determine the reason first, and then he would arrive at conclusion whether diabetes insipidus is needed to be treated or not.

• Lifestyle And Dietary Modifications

Your lifestyle and diet also play an important role in treating this condition. It is important to prevent dehydration and regulate the water content in your body to cure the disease. Your doctor would suggest you the quantity of water to be taken per day to maintain a healthy balance.

Consequences Determining Diabetes Insipidus

Diabetes insipidus is related to a substance called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which is stored in the pituitary gland. It is produced in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. ADH is responsible for sending signals to the kidney to hold on to water which makes your urine more concentrated.

When you are thirsty or dehydrated, it indicates a rise in the ADH levels. This process signals the kidneys to absorb water, and the urine comes in a concentrated form. But when the kidneys stop absorbing enough water and the urine that comes out is in more diluted form, then the normal then this is an indication of a fall in the ADH levels.

The consistent fall in the ADH levels is termed as Central Diabetes Insipidus. Sometimes your brain produces enough ADH but your kidneys stop responding to it, that condition is called as nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. In both the conditions, the result is the same. Your kidneys stop responding and release a pale liquid in diluted form even if you are dehydrated.

Differences Between Diabetes Insipidus And Diabetes Mellitus

There is a difference between the above two categories of diabetes. The following points would cover the main differences between them.

• Diabetes mellitus is a condition which affects the pancreas, while diabetes insipidus is a hypothalamic disorder.
• Diabetes mellitus is caused due to lack of insulin in the body cells and diabetes insipidus is caused due to hyposecretion of ADH(Antidiuretic hormone or Vasopressin).
• Diabetes mellitus causes the rise in the level of glucose in the blood. While on the other hand, diabetes insipidus has nothing to do with rising blood sugar, neither it indicates such a symptom.
• In diabetes mellitus, it is seen that the excess glucose is excreted with urine, but this is not the case with diabetes insipidus as the sugar is not excreted in urine.
• In diabetes mellitus, the urine excreted is in excess and it is of normal concentration; while the case with diabetes insipidus is slightly different, urine excreted is in a diluted form and the quantity is enormous.
• Diabetes mellitus results in polyphagia(excessive eating due to extreme hunger) while diabetes insipidus does not attract the condition of extreme hunger.
• Diabetes mellitus results in the rising cholesterol level of the blood, while diabetes insipidus does not raise the cholesterol levels.
• Ketone bodies are a type of antibodies that weaken the immune system of the patient, and it is often seen in the patients with diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is not seen with ketones in the blood, and it has nothing to do with ketosis.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects the pancreas and reduces the body’s capability to produce insulin and process glucose effectively. It is a chronic disorder that occurs due to prolonged high blood sugar.

The exact cause of diabetes is difficult to determine but there are certain risk factors that contribute to this condition. Lifestyle is one of them. If you are leading a sedentary lifestyle, then you are at the risk of getting diabetes. This is the reason diabetes is called a lifestyle disorder.

Lifestyle forms a crucial part in managing diabetes. People are often confused about which lifestyle to follow in order to lead a healthy life with diabetes. Here are certain modifications that can be done in the lifestyle to reverse diabetes naturally such as:

1. Dietary Modifications

Dietary changes form the most important part of diabetes management. Most diabetes can be cured by making major dietary modifications which include strict indulgence in raw and organic food. Your diet must include all the essential nutrients without triggering the sugar levels. It is always advised to take a balanced diet which is high in fiber content and less in carbohydrates.

Foods To Be Incorporated

These are certain foods that must be included in your diet to enhance its nutritional value:

• Foods High In Fibre

It is important to consume a diet high in fiber as it helps in slowing down the glucose absorption. You must aim to eat at least 30 grams of fiber per day to detoxify your body. You can incorporate sprouts, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds such as flaxseeds and chia seeds, berries, and avocados.

• Foods High In Chromium

Chromium has normal carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. It helps in carrying glucose to the body cells which makes the body energetic. The foods which are high in chromium include Broccoli (highest content of chromium), raw cheese, green beans, brewer’s yeast and grass-fed beef.

• Foods High In Magnesium

Often diabetes is associated with magnesium deficiency and eating magnesium-rich foods can curb the problem of metabolism. It helps to regulate the glucose level in the blood effectively. Foods rich in magnesium such as spinach, black beans, yogurt, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and chard can help to regulate type 2 diabetes.

• Foods With Low Glycemic Index

You should opt for foods with a low glycemic index. Foods with a high glycemic index convert into sugar more quickly as compared to the foods with low glycemic index. It is better to stick to low glycemic foods, and the sources include nuts, seeds, coconut, raw pastured dairy, wild caught fish, organic meat, non-starchy vegetables, avocados, stone fruits, and berries.

• Clean Protein

Clean proteins have minimal effect on the level of glucose in the body, but it does slow down the process of sugar absorption. Sources of clean protein include wild-caught fish, lentils, eggs, grass-fed beef, organic chicken and bone broth.

Foods To Be Avoided

Apart from these, there are certain foods which affect our health adversely and should be removed from our diet to manage sugar levels. These foods include:

• Refined Sugar

Refined sugar is the major culprit for a sudden spike in the level of blood sugar. You must avoid refined sugar completely in the form of sweetened beverages, soda, and other sugary fruit juices.
You can opt for honey or maple syrup occasionally as a substitute. So the best option is to stick to sugar substitutes such as stevia or sugar which will not have much of an impact.

• Milk

Conventional cow’s milk has lactose which is difficult for the body to digest especially when you are suffering from diabetes. You must avoid milk as this triggers the blood sugar level and harms the body. Skimmed milk can be a good option in place of conventional cow’s milk or full cream milk.

• Grains

You must avoid grains that contain gluten as it has carbohydrates that break into sugar after some time of consumption. Gluten increases the level of glucose in the blood. It is better to remove grains such as wheat from your diet to manage diabetes in a proper way.

• Alcohol

Alcohol of any type such as beer or sweet liquor has carbohydrates which trigger the glucose level in the blood. It also affects the liver adversely. So, it must be avoided completely as a way to lead a healthy life.

Foods That Can Be Included Other Than Regular Foods

Other than these, there are certain foods that help incredibly in controlling blood sugar and proper management of diabetes. Here are some of the foods that can be taken to reverse diabetes:

• Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a popular plant used in most of the beauty recipes, but it can work wonders for the diabetics. It is a high-value medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory properties which fastens the process of healing. Moreover, it helps to regulate the blood sugar levels.

• Jamun

Jamun is a boon for the diabetics as it helps in fighting diabetes tremendously. It lowers down the blood sugar levels. It is best to consume approximately 100 gms of it daily for significant effects.

• Vitamin C

Consumption of vitamin C is not only good for your skin, but it also helps to lower down your blood sugar levels significantly. Best sources for Vitamin C include lemons, tomatoes, oranges, amla, blueberries.

• Cinnamon

Cinnamon can help you reduce your sugar levels as it contains a bioactive compound that stimulates the insulin activity. This helps to regulate the level of glucose in the blood. It is advised to consume it in a moderate quantity. If it is consumed in excess then it can have an adverse impact on the liver. It is better to consume cinnamon with warm water daily, either in the grounded form or raw.

2. Physical Activity

Physical activity also forms an important part of managing diabetes efficiently. It helps in balancing the metabolic rate and keeping up the energy levels high. Any form of physical activity (running, walking, swimming, dancing, yoga, and exercise) can help in stimulating the pancreas.

It triggers the insulin production in the body which lowers down the blood sugar levels by carrying it to the body cells for proper utilization. It has been found that the best form of exercises for diabetics are aerobics and resistance exercises.

• Aerobics

These are a continuous form of exercises that are done repeatedly without stopping. These include walking, bicycling or jogging. It is responsible for elevating breathing and heart rate and thus, maintaining the blood sugar level.

It has been observed that people practicing aerobics have less concentration of glucose in the body and they are more active than the ones who abstain from any form of physical activity.

• Resistance Training

Resistance training involves a series of exercises developed by Diabetes Canada that mostly includes seated exercises. These exercises are performed with the help of a resistance band. This forms a good indoor exercises plan when it's raining outside.

They are to be followed repeatedly for maximum effects. You can start with an easy set of exercises at the initial stage and increase the number of attempts with time. It aids in strengthening the lower back, abdominals, hips and other parts to keep you active and fit.

3. Stay Away From Stress & Take Enough Sleep

This is the last and the best way to keep control of the glucose level of your body. Try to avoid stress as much as possible and take enough sleep. Your sleeping habits have a significant effect on your health. Unwanted stress may invite poor sleep which increases insulin sensitivity and affects the blood sugar adversely.

Relaxation and deep meditation would help in keeping stress at bay. It will also help in correcting the problem of insulin secretion, thus promoting diabetes control and well being.
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Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is a type of diabetes that affects the body’s ability to process glucose and convert it into the energy that the body needs. The body cells are hindered to utilize the insulin properly.

Diabetes mainly affects the metabolism of the body which causes high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is associated with obesity and less physical activity; genes also contribute to this condition greatly.

People are often confused about the type of diabetes they are suffering from, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2. But both the conditions are different, Type 1 diabetes is commonly seen in early childhood while Type 2 is diagnosed in people over the age of 30 years.

The underlying reason for Type 2 diabetes is a sedentary lifestyle, while Type 1 diabetes is a result of beta cell destruction and insulin resistance in the body. Moreover, Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections and pumps, while Type 2 diabetes is treated with tablets and can even be treated without medication initially.

What Are The Symptoms?

Type 2 diabetes is associated with high cholesterol and high blood pressure unlike Type 1 which is determined by the ketone level in the body. It is important to look at the signs and symptoms of Type 2 diabetes for a clear understanding of the disease which includes:

• Some of the classic symptoms of diabetes are polyuria (frequent urination), polyphagia (feeling hungrier than the normal), and polydipsia (increased thirst).
• High cholesterol, obesity and sometimes sudden weight loss is a symptom of Type 2 diabetes.
• Blurred vision
• Itchy and flaky skin
• Strong smell of the urine
• Slow healing of cuts and wounds
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin infections
• Infection in private parts is commonly seen in individuals suffering from diabetes.
• Loss of consciousness, confusion, and depression
• Peripheral neuropathy, a kind of nerve damage which may induce unusual, uneasy sensation and may affect organ function largely depending on the type of nerve that is damaged.
• Darkened skin of armpits, chin, and groins
• Yeast infections are also seen in diabetics

Causes Of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2

Type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance and the inability of the body cells to utilize insulin. The exact cause of diabetes is not clear but there are certain risk factors that contribute to this condition, such as:

• Gestational Diabetes

If you suffered from diabetes in the past and your baby weighed more than 4kg, then you are under the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later on.

• Pre-diabetes

It is a condition where the blood sugar levels are higher than the normal but are not enough to be classified as diabetes. Often this condition progresses to Type 2 Diabetes.

• Age

Type 2 Diabetes is commonly seen in people with an age group of 35 years or above. People tend to avoid physical activity and lose muscle mass at an older age which contributes to gaining weight and Type 2 diabetes.

• Heredity

Since there can be a hereditary factor contributing to this condition, it is important to check your family history. If your parents or siblings have diabetes, then you are most likely to get diabetes.

• Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of physical activity and a lethargic life leads to this condition. Any form of physical activity helps body cells to utilize glucose properly but in its absence, your body is prone to insulin resistance.

• Body Weight

If you are overweight and have inappropriate fat distribution in the body, then your body becomes resistant to insulin. It is also a primary factor that contributes to Type 2 diabetes.

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS)

PCOS is a condition that leads to obesity, excessive hair growth and irregular or no menstruation at all. If you notice any of these, then you are at the risk of getting Type 2 diabetes.

How Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Is Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes starts with certain tests which include:

• Glycated Hemoglobin (A1C) Test

This test measures the glucose attached to hemoglobin. Higher the sugar attached to hemoglobin, higher is the blood sugar. It forms a pattern and the test indicates the average blood sugar level in the past two to three months along with this pattern. 5.7% is considered normal, while sugar levels ranging from 5.7% to 6.4% indicate prediabetes and a level above 6.5% are classified as diabetes. However, the test may not show accurate results if you are pregnant or you have an uncommon form of hemoglobin.

• Random Blood Sugar Test

A blood sample is taken randomly to test the sugar level in the blood. It is expressed in milligrams per deciliter. A sugar level up to 200 mg/dl and above is classified as diabetes. Moreover, when it is coupled with the symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, it makes the condition more obvious.

• Fasting Blood Sugar

A blood sample is taken on an empty stomach after a fasting period overnight. Blood sugar ranging less than 100 mg/dl is normal and slightly higher than this ranging between 100 to 125 mg/dl is considered as pre-diabetes. Blood sugar higher than 126 mg/dl comes under diabetes.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

It helps you determine the pattern of your blood sugar. It comprises of two tests separately. Firstly, a fasting blood sugar is tested. Secondly, you drink a sugary liquid. After that, your sugar levels are measured periodically for the next two hours. This determines your blood sugar trends.

A blood sugar of less than 140 mg/dl is normal while a sugar level ranging between 140-199 mg/dl with a slight rise is a condition of pre-diabetes. Sugar levels higher than 200 mg/dl indicates diabetes when tested 2 hours post meal or post the sugary drink.

According to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, one must go for the regular screening of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 after 45 years. It is also recommended for people who are under 45 years. If you are overweight and you show any of the above-mentioned signs, then it is better to run for the diabetes screening.

How Is Type 2 Diabetes Treated?

Treatment of diabetes is concerned with the management of blood sugar primarily aimed at reducing glucose level. It does not have a specific line of treatment but it can be managed by taking certain remedial measures for a lifetime, which includes:

• Healthy Eating

Keep your cholesterol and blood sugar levels under control by taking a diet with fewer carbohydrates and more fibers. You can include fresh veggies and fruits. It is advised to stay away from processed foods.

• Regular Exercise

Any kind of physical activity in the form of exercise, gaming, yoga, running, walking etc is a must for diabetics. Regular exercise helps in improving the body metabolism and maintaining the blood sugar levels.

• Medication

Medication depends more on the trend of blood sugar. Your doctor may go for an insulin therapy or a combination of drugs to manage your blood sugar levels. It depends on the pattern of your blood sugar and other health problems that you have.

• Monitoring Of Sugar Levels

It is important to chart your sugar levels to have a clear understanding of the trend it forms. This will help in knowing the impact of diet and exercise on your sugar levels. On the whole, keeping a track of your blood sugar levels ensures that the sugar levels remain within the targeted range.

So, conclusively we can say that there is no need to panic if you are suffering from diabetes. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and include some form of a physical activity to enjoy a healthy life.

Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!