Being sick is not fun at all. The combination of headache, fever, cough, malaise and nasal congestion can be enough to make anyone miserable. Managing common cold can be extremely difficult, especially if you have children. People might say ‘It is just a cold!’ but you know the suffering only when you experience it yourself. As common as a cold is, it is one of the easiest ailments to treat with home remedies. In this article, we shall be discussing about some natural home remedies for cold. Keep reading!
What is Common Cold?
The common cold, also known simply as a cold, is a viral infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract that primarily affects the nose. Throat, sinuses, and larynx may also be affected. Signs and symptoms may appear less than two days after exposure to the virus. These may include coughing, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache and fever. People usually recover in seven(7) to ten(10)days but some symptoms may last up to three(3) weeks. Occasionally, those with other health problems may develop pneumonia.
What are the natural home remedies for cold?
Ginger
Ginger root is another folk remedy for a cough, colds, and sore throat. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat coughs and is also for colds accompanied by a runny nose with a clear nasal discharge, headache, white tongue coating, neck and shoulder aches. In Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, ginger is also used for coughing and colds. Ginger can be helpful in treating common cold and its symptoms due to its antiviral, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic
Garlic contains the compound allicin, which may have antimicrobial properties. Garlic has long been a home remedy for colds and the flu. People can eat raw garlic, incorporate cooked garlic into meals or take as supplement. Unless a person has a garlic allergy, it is usually safe to use.
Honey
Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. The World Health Organization recommends honey as a treatment for cough and sore throat, including for children, stating that no reason exists to believe it is less effective than a commercial remedy. Honey can be recommended for children over the age of one for the treatment of coughs, as it is deemed as effective as dextromethorphan and more effective than diphenhydramine. Please note that honey should not be given to children under 1year.
Mint leaves (menthol)
Menthol can help relieve blocked sinuses and congested airways which are common symptoms of a cold. The decongestant properties in menthol allows more air to be inhaled by nose by breaking up the build-ups of phlegm and mucus, in turn rendering them easier to expel. Menthol comes from many types of mint plant. It has antibacterial and pain-relieving effects. It is an ingredient in many vapor rubs and lozenges.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known to help ease the pain of a dry or sore throat. You can try boiling one teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of water, and then mixing it with some pepper powder and raw honey for extra effect or you can add a little extra cinnamon to your child’s food. Cinnamon has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that treat the infection and give relief from cold symptoms.
Echinacea
Echinacea is best known for it’s beneficial effects on the immune system. Numerous studies have found that this plant may help your immune system combat infections and viruses, which could help you recover faster from illness. It is one of the reasons why echinacea is often used to prevent or treat common cold. Other studies have found that certain Echinacea products may reduce a person’s likelihood of getting a cold by 10–20 percent. People can purchase Echinacea as a supplement or herbal tea.
Eucalyptus steam inhalation
A steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil may help to alleviate symptoms from colds and flu. It is thought to work by thinning mucus in the respiratory tract. When inhaled into the respiratory system, it is believed to reduce the muscle spasms that can narrow your airway and make it difficult to breathe. It is also said to be a gentle expectorant and to promote drainage from congested sinuses.
Vitamins
You will need vitamin C and vitamin D supplements. Both vitamins are essential for the immune system to perform to its best abilities. They promote immune response when they are present in the required amounts in the body.
Lemons
Lemons are high in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant that enhances the immune system and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. By boiling an entire cut-up lemon and half an onion in two cups of water, you can make a decoction that will help cut through and reduce mucus in the chest. Slicing a lemon into about 1 cup of water for 8 minutes makes a base for a soothing cough remedy.
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Disclaimer: Please note that this information should not take the place of your doctor’s advice. Victory drugs is not liable for any action you take as a result of reading this article
Breastfeeding, as we all know, is feeding of babies or young children with milk from a woman’s breast. Breastfeeding plays an important role in nursing a child. In this article, we will be discussing the importance and benefits of breastfeeding to both the mother and child. So sit back, grab a glass of fresh, healthy juice and let’s proceed.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. As your baby grows, your breast milk will change to meet his or her nutritional needs. Breastfeeding can also help protect you and your baby against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. The composition of breast milk changes depending on how long the baby nurses at each session, as well as on the child’s age. The first type, produced during the first days after childbirth, is called colostrum.
Colostrum is easy to digest although it is more concentrated than mature milk. It has a laxative effect that helps the infant to pass early stools, aiding in the excretion of excess bilirubin thereby helping to prevent jaundice.
Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), recommend breastfeeding exclusively for six months. This means that no other foods or drinks, other than possibly vitamin D are typically given. Breast milk containsall the water a baby needs. After the introduction of foods at six months of age, recommendations include continued breastfeeding until one to two years of age or more. Globally, about 38% of infants are breastfed only during their first six months of life! Meanwhile, breastfeeding has many benefits to both mother and baby, which infant formula lacks.
What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding to Your Baby?
Breast milk contains antibodies that help your baby to fight viral and bacterial infections. Breastfeeding lowers your baby’s risk of getting allergies or asthma and may improve cognitive functions. Babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, without any formula, have fewer respiratory illnesses, ear infections and diarrhea. They also have fewer hospitalizations and trips to the doctor.
Breastfeeding provides your child with ideal nutrition and supports growth and development. It encourages important skin to skin contact between mum and baby which helps to create a close bond, what a privilege!
What Are the Benefits of Breastfeeding to the mother?
Breastfeeding burns 300 to 500 calories daily so it can help you lose some weight. Breastfeeding causes a mother’s uterus to contract, post-birth, helping her body to recover from pregnancy more quickly. Breast milk is low-cost, safe, always in the right temperature and ready prepared. SO YOU HAVE GOT NO WORRIES. When Breastfeeding, eating a variety of different foods will change the flavor of your breast milk. This will expose your baby to different tastes. Breastfeeding delays the return of menstruation and fertility, a phenomenon known as lactation amenorrhea. Long-term benefits for the mother include decreased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.
In conclusion, breast feeding is very vital, as it contains all the nutritional needs, many antibodies and growth factors for babies especially during their first six (6) months of life, while it also helps mom to be healthier.
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Disclaimer: Kindly remember that as much as we ensure we provide sound information or advice, the information or advice given here is not intended to replace your doctor’s advice and Victory Drugs is not liable for any decision you make based on the information or advice provided here.
Sperm count is important in reproductive health. It determines your chances of having children. Sperm is counted against semen or every ejaculate. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy sperm density against a semen sample is 15 million sperm per milliliter. When measured per ejaculate, it should count at 39 million sperm per milliliter. That does not mean the end of the road for you. Any sperm count that falls below these numbers is considered low.
Some foods we eat help in fertility of sperm in men, either in production, motility, bonding or prevention from attacks. Below are some foods that boost fertility in men.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in vitamin E and protein which help in the movement of sperm. Consumption helps to double the chances of fertilization. Eggs are also rich in zinc which also help in sperm movement. They can be eaten in various ways to increase sperm count.
Bananas
This is an obvious choice to increase sperm production, rich in vitamin B1, C and magnesium. They also contain a rare enzyme called bromelain which increases sperm count and motility. Note that, they help to regulate sex hormones and there by cheer a man up.
Garlic
Garlic contains allicin which helps to increase the blood circulation to the right organs. This means that blood flows freely to the sexual organs and protects them from damage. An important enzyme found in garlic, Selenium, helps to improve sperm movements.
Walnuts
For its richness in omega -3 fatty acids, walnut improves, greatly, the vitality of sperm.
Ginseng
This known aphrodisiac root used for various cooking purposes is said not only to aid erectile dysfunction but also increase testosterone. It can be taken in fresh or dried form.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant, which helps to maintain healthy sperm. It may be consumed as a snack or vegetable.
Olive oil
Olive oil consumption helps to reduce bad cholesterol levels low. The flow of oxygen to the testicles increases and aids formation of healthy sperms.
Tomato
This is a wonderful fertility food containing lycopene, an antioxidant that improves the structure and activity of the sperm. Men are advised to consume lots of tomatoes to increase fertility.
Berries
Any type of berry, blueberries, and strawberries do contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients like quercetin and resveratrol which increase the quality and production of sperm.
However, with the consumption of the listed above, men should learn to live healthy life styles to enable all these fruits, nuts and foods function properly to achieve desired results.
Some of these healthy lifestyles are as follows but not limited to
Smoking: Affects fertility levels in men, so it is very important you quit smoking (if you do smoke).
Poor sex life: To increase chances of having a baby, have sex frequently with your wife especially during her ovulation to increase the chances. Also, regular sex helps to improve fertility levels.
Intake of unhealthy fats: Reduce intake of unhealthy fats while increasing the intake of healthy fats like Omega-3 and omega -6 to help in development of sperm membrane.
Prolonged sitting period: Avoid sitting for long periods which increases scrotal temperature which can affect fertility levels, also, avoid long hot baths.
Overweight and being sedentary: Exercise regularly and avoid being overweight or obese. Obesity hinders hormonal balance and as well lowers sperm count.
Poor sleep: Get enough sleep
Excessive alcohol and drug use
Exposure to environmental and occupational contaminants (chemicals and highly industrial areas).
Who says healthy eating has to be boring? Certainly not. Do you have trouble losing weight? Or would you like to lose faster? You’ve come to the right place. Get ready for weight loss without hunger. By losing just a few pounds with healthy eating and exercise, you’ll start to feel better. You’ll have more energy. And it will get easier to manage your diabetes, all while reducing your risk of developing other related problems.
Things to know about weight loss
Weight loss refers to a reduction of the total body mass, by a mean loss of fluid, body fat (adipose tissue), or lean mass (namely bone mineral deposits, muscle, tendon, and other connective tissue). Your weight is a balancing act, and calories are part of that equation. Weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you take in. You can do that by reducing extra calories from food and beverages, and increasing calories burned through physical activity.
Realize why you are eating
We eat all the time when we’re not hungry, and it’s often tied to emotions we may not even be aware of. This kind of ‘emotional eating’ can quickly sabotage weight loss efforts. If you can pinpoint the emotions that cause you to reach for food, you can stay on track. Emotions can influence what, when, and how much we eat. For instance, you have probably heard that some people eat to cope with stress. Others eat to preoccupy themselves when they feel bored. When you eat based on your emotions, it can hinder your weight loss efforts. Often, situations that trigger certain negative emotions prompt eating. If you have recently eaten and find yourself craving food again, do a quick emotional check. Do you want food because you are hungry or to fill an emotional need?
Some tips to consider when you are trying to loose weight
Stay positive
Those things we tell ourselves? They really do matter. And the way we frame our weight loss journey can have a big impact on progress whether it is good or bad.
Positive self-talk
Self-talk is the internal conversation that you have with yourself. Believe it or not, the way you talk to yourself can have a big influence on how you feel and act. Your words matter. That’s why it is so important to be aware of the conversations you have with yourself about your physical activity and your fitness abilities and it can impact on your performance.
Lighten the Foods You Already Love
One of the easiest ways to cut back without feeling denied is to switch to lower-calorie versions of the foods you crave. A pizza tastes just as good with reduced-fat cheese, and when you garnish low-fat ice cream with your favorite toppers, who notices those missing calories?
Stay hydrated!!
Take some water before a meal and you won’t feel so famished and also keeping your body refreshed with plenty of water may also help your workout.
Choose a dietary approach that works for you.
In spite of all the hype around various diets, there really is no “one best way” to eat for weight loss, says Yeung. The key is to choose a dietary approach that fits easily into your lifestyle.
Eat slowly
Eating quickly can lead to weight gain over time, while eating slowly makes you feel more full and boosts weight-reducing hormones.
Find an exercise you enjoy
Physical activity is an important part of losing weight. Not only does it help you burn calories, but it also improves your well-being. There are many different types and ways to exercise, and it’s important to explore different options to find one you enjoy.
Living with diabetes can be a challenging. You don’t get to eat or drink what you like. Sometimes, it can get very frustrating but just keep calm and take a deep breath as we will be discussing about some tips to help manage high blood glucose (diabetes) in this article.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Commonly known as (diabetes). Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or death. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, damage to the nerves, damage to the eyes and cognitive impairment.
What are the causes of high blood sugar?
Too much food
Too little exercise or physical activity
Skipped or not enough diabetes pills or insulin
Insulin that has been marred after being exposed to extreme heat or cold
Stress, illness, infection, injury or surgery
A blood glucose meter that is not reading accurately
Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:
Type 1 diabetes results from the pancreas’s failure to produce enough insulin due to loss of beta cells. This form was previously referred to as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (IDDM) or “juvenile diabetes”. Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin injections.
Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses, a lack of insulin may also develop. The most common cause is a combination of excessive body weight and insufficient exercise. Prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes involves maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, a normal body weight, and avoiding use of tobacco. Type2 diabetes may be treated with medications such as insulin sensitizers with or without insulin.
Gestational diabetes is the third main form, and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby.
How you monitor your blood sugar?
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by recurrent or persistent high blood sugar, and is diagnosed by demonstrating any one of the following:
The good thing is that we can monitor our blood sugar using blood glucose meters at home or anywhere
This is a table of how you can monitor your reading
Condition
2-hour glucose
Fasting glucose
Unit
Mg/dl
Mg/dl
Normal
< 140
< 110
Impaired fasting glycaemia
< 140
110 -126
Impaired glucose tolerance
> 140
< 126
Diabetes mellitus
>200
>126
You should not wait for the numbers to get so high. If you notice any increase in your blood glucose, please consult your doctor.
How can we properly manage high blood glucose?
Diabetes management concentrates on keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal, without causing low blood sugar. This can usually be accomplished with dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, and use of appropriate medications (insulin, oral medications).
Weight loss
Weight loss can prevent progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes type 2, decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, or result in a partial remission in people with diabetes. No single dietary pattern is best for all people with diabetes. Healthy dietary patterns, such as the mediterranean diet, low-carbohydrate diet, or DASH diet are often recommended, although evidence does not support one over the others. For overweight people with type 2 diabetes, any diet that achieves weight loss is effective.
Medications
Most medications used to treat diabetes act by lowering blood sugar levels through different mechanisms. There is broad consensus that when people with diabetes maintain tight glucose control and keeping the glucose levels in their blood within normal ranges they experience fewer complication.
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be treated and controlled. The goals of managing diabetes are to:
Keep your blood glucose levels as near to normal as possible by balancing food intake with medication and activity.
Maintain your blood cholesterol and triglyceride (lipid) levels as near the normal ranges as possible.
Control your blood pressure. Your blood pressure should not go over 140/90.
Decrease or possibly prevent the development of diabetes-related health problems.
Lastly, drop a comment, share your experience and let’s know what you think! Contact us via phone or whatsapp with the following numbers:
08094289951 Sola
08094289947 Josephine
08094289944 Gbenga
Or chat with us by touching the green circular icon at the bottom right corner of your screen.
Stay safe!!
Disclaimer: Please note that this information should not take the place of doctor’s advice
