• Peripheral vertigo or central vertigo?
• How to tell if vertigo is from the ear: symptoms
• How is vertigo of the ear cured?

Suddenly feeling like the whole is moving or spinning around you (when it’s actually still), having unsteadiness, nausea, and a feeling like you’re drunk may be due to vertigo.

It is an alteration of the vestibular system (responsible for controlling balance and posture, coordinating movements and fixing the gaze) that 80% of Spaniards have suffered at least once in their lives, according to the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC). In this article we explain the differences between peripheral vertigo and central vertigo and how to know if vertigo is of the ear by analyzing the symptoms.

PERIPHERAL VERTIGO OR CENTRAL VERTIGO?

Vertigo and dizziness are considered balance disorders but, although they may seem very similar, their symptoms and causes are different and should not be confused. While vertigo has to do with the vestibular system and causes an unreal sensation of movement of things or oneself (such as a hallucination of movement), dizziness consists of a general feeling of imbalance.

• The vestibular system is located in the inner part of the ear and its neurological center is in the brain stem.

There are two different types of vertigo, one related to the structure of the inner ear and the other to the brain.

PERIPHERAL VERTIGO

Peripheral vertigo is the most common and has to do with injury to the inner ear itself and the vestibular nerve (which carries information from the inner ear to the brain).

Although its causes are mostly benign, it can greatly alter the quality of life of people who suffer from them. The most common pathologies associated with peripheral vertigo are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis and Ménière’s disease. According to the Clínicas Universidad de Navarra, these three pathologies represent 54% of consultations due to dizziness and vertigo.

Peripheral vertigo can also appear from other causes such as a tumor pressing on the area, lesions or infections.

CENTRAL VERTIGO

Central vertigo affects the neurological mechanisms of the vestibular system and is due to injury to the brainstem or back of the brain (cerebellum).

The most common causes of central vertigo are vascular diseases (such as stroke) and multiple sclerosis. It may also be due to tumors in some areas of the brain, vestibular migraine, epilepsy …

HOW TO TELL IF VERTIGO IS FROM THE EAR: SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of vertigo are unpredictable and can appear at any time of the day or night, either while at rest or doing some activity. The symptoms can give you clues as to whether your vertigo is due to a problem in the inner ear (peripheral vertigo) or in the brain (central vertigo).

• In the case of vertigo of the ear, the peripheral, the main symptoms are the sudden appearance of an intense sensation of movement, as if you were spinning or your environment was circling around you. There may also be nausea, vomiting, pallor, nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes) in a direction that disappears when you fix your eyes, hearing loss, ringing, or pain in the ear.
• In central vertigo, on the other hand, there may not be a sensation of turning, but rather of instability, dizziness, weakness or trouble walking. The nystagmus that occurs in this type of vertigo is in multiple directions and does not disappear when you look up. There may also be severe headaches and neurological signs such as double vision, disorders of consciousness or swallowing, etc.

Typically, attacks of vertigo do not last more than a few minutes. However, in severe cases, vertigo can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months.

HOW IS VERTIGO OF THE EAR CURED?

The treatment of vertigo, whether of cerebral origin or in the inner ear itself, always depends on its cause and it is important to go to the doctor to be able to have a diagnosis as soon as possible. Treatment may include the use of medications (for example, if the cause is an infection) or, in some rare cases, surgery.

If vertigo is due to a problem in the inner ear, vestibular rehabilitation can help reduce symptoms. It is a type of physiotherapy that helps strengthen the other senses so that they can compensate for episodes of vertigo.

In addition, turmeric, ginkgo biloba or ginger root are folk remedies that can help relieve the symptoms of vertigo.

Also keep in mind these tips to avoid injury when the episode of vertigo occurs.

• When you notice the first symptoms of vertigo, sit or stretch.
• Seek help to hold on or walk.
• Once you feel that the episode has passed, do not get up suddenly, do it slowly and with gentle movements.

The post How to tell if vertigo is from the ear appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

Performing a roller facial massage has a rejuvenating effect on the skin. It is a technique with thousands of years behind it. How to do it? Jade or rose quartz facial rollers are very simple facial massagers that are very effective in promoting the beauty and good condition of the skin of the face naturally. In this article we tell you how to use this type of facial massager to take care of the skin.

Remember that effective skincare is not just about applying expensive cosmetic products, but about following a holistic approach: the skin is cared for in many different ways and the facial roller is an ideal beauty supplement for even more lawful, youthful skin.

JADE ROLLER FACIAL MASSAGE: BENEFITS

• It improves blood circulation in the skin of the face, which can help the skin look brighter.
• It decreases swelling (such as bags under the eyes) by stimulating lymphatic drainage.
• It improves the appearance of the skin, especially if used in combination with an anti-aging cream.
• Refreshes and soothes your skin if the roller has been left in the refrigerator.

HOW TO USE A JADE-TYPE FACIAL MASSAGER: STEP BY STEP

The skin of the face is one of the main markers of biological age, that is, your real age, which is often not the same as the one that puts your identity card. The skin reflects the state of health and the level of inflammation in the body, therefore, the most effective way to beautify it is to take care of the entire body with good nutrition, physical exercise, hydration and rest.

In addition, we can use natural cosmetics to perform hygiene and skin care routines. The jade facial roller is ideal to complement our beauty routines. But how is the facial roller used? Here you have the step by step to use it.

1. CLEAN THE FACE

Cleaning the face before any other care is basic. It helps remove dirt from the skin and thus provides a good foundation on which to work.

2. MOISTURIZE THE SKIN

Then you have to apply a moisturizer. Then, if you wish, you can apply a little oil, which will help the roller move easily.

You can choose your oil from some of those described in this article: The 10 best vegetable oils for skin and hair.

3. START FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CHEEKS

Start moving the roller over the skin from the inside of the cheeks, just under the eyes and next to the nose. Use the smallest roller (the rollers usually have two pieces, one small and one somewhat larger, precisely to adapt to the different areas of the face) and roll it out, towards the temple passing over and below the cheekbone. Repeat three times each pass.

By the way, some people like to put the roller in the refrigerator before massage to incorporate the anti-inflammatory and astringent effect of cold.

4. SWITCH TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FACE

Use the largest tool roller on the bottom of the face. Move the roller with a sweeping motion outward and continue to do so until you feel the tension release from the face.

5. MOVE TO THE NECK PART

Start gently next to your collarbones and roll up (only up, not up and down) until you stop at your jaw. You can continue rolling down the edge of the jaw towards the ear. Do this by applying gentle force.

6. FINISH WITH YOUR FOREHEAD

Finish the process by applying light upward passes from the eyebrows to the hairline. When working on the forehead, it is essential to pay special attention to tension in the area, as massage could also help relieve headache pain.

The post How to take advantage of the simplest facial massager: the facial roller or jade roller appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

The ease with which we move the hip and pelvis, the base of our spine, will depend on our position and our movement in life. If your muscles are stiffened and shrunk, so will your posture. That is why it is common to suffer from hip pain and, related to this, back pain. And how to remove hip pain? Some exercises to make the hip more flexible may help.

WHY EXERCISE HELPS REDUCE HIP PAIN

When we observe hip movements we perceive the strength, grace, balance, harmony of the person’s movement or their weakness and clumsiness. In judo, hip movement (O_goshi) was one of the favorites of its founder, Jikoro Kano, and one that is still taught in the first classes. It is an essential movement in a sport based on flexibility. At the same time, it is one of those that transmits more strength in its execution.

When we observe belly dancing or, simply, the harmonious gait, we see how the smooth, agile and graceful movement of the hip transmits strength, security and physical power at the same time.

Those of us who work sitting tend to suffer from lack of mobility in the hip. Therefore, it is good that from time to time we become aware of their movements and feel their position in relation to the spine.

Let’s learn from this part of our body represented by the biggest and strongest bones we have.

Let’s see how the largest and strongest muscles of our body are inserted into it: the abductors of the leg, the buttocks, the anterior square, the sartorius, the hamstrings, the iliac psoas, the muscles of the abdomen (anterior recti, oblique and transverse), the special ones of the pubis, such as the superficial transverses, the anus and bladder sphincters, you make them puborectal…

Among the functions of the hip is to support our whole body and mobilize it, to walk and run, and also to dribble and avoid dangers.

At the same time, it is a place for flexibility and a place of passage (through it pass feces, urine, pleasure and babies who are about to be born).

These functions of the pelvis make its movements represent strength, support and flexibility at the same time, and that it is a center of sensory and motor coordination.

To become aware of the pelvis:

• For a few minutes a day, try to perform slow movements with her sitting in a chair. looking for all its possibilities and the points of maximum flexibility.
• Watch when walking if we feel the hip loose or contracted. In case of rigidity, relax it and check that the march is thus more agile.

EXERCISES TO STRENGTHEN THE HIP

Bipedalism is a strange form of locomotion even in primates. The feat of balance and coordination involved in walking on two feet is made possible largely by the flattened structure of the pelvis.

Similar to a saddle, the pelvis distributes the weight of the trunk to the legs and allows the insertion of large muscles: the upper and posterior leg, those of the abdomen and those of the buttock, which contract at each step to prevent us from falling to the side by having all the weight supported on one foot.

The human body has been designed to perform circular movements, without following a perfectly linear trajectory. Gymnastics that integrates simple joint rotations stimulates and relaxes the muscles in a more natural and spontaneous way.

Drawing imaginary circles with your hips, wrists, or ankles produces small twists and muscle stretches that activate circulation. One way to put these ideas into practice and that they are not mere theory is to exercise with a large ball.

The so-called Swiss ball also allows you to play with balance, tone muscles that are little used with a sedentary lifestyle and gain flexibility.

In addition, hip swinging rotations on Swiss ball, performed with little resistance (hands and feet supported), provide a massage that can relieve lumbar pressure.

They also help strengthen core and back muscles, benefit connective tissue and significantly reduce postural fatigue.

When sitting on the ball:

• Place your feet flat on the floor, your thighs in parallel, and your hips and knees at a 90-degree angle.
• The hands should be resting on the thighs or sides of the ball and the back remain upright and relaxed, right in the center of the ball to avoid imbalances.

EXERCISE TO GAIN HIP FLEXIBILITY

To improve hip flexibility, do this exercise:

1. Sit on the ball with your hands on your legs and ensure balance.
2. Then move your arms back and rest them on the ball.
3. Start gently rotating your hips to the right drawing an imaginary circle in slow motion.
4. Shift your weight over your right ischium, the bone under your buttock.
5. Then move the pelvis back and complete the circle by shifting the weight on the other ischium.
6. Complete the rotation by moving the pelvis forward.
7. Repeat the exercise five times.

To relax the hip and lower back, it is also important to relax the adductors. This other back stretch is a great complement to this exercise.

HIP YOGA EXERCISE: “CRADLING THE BABY”

To stretch your hip and upper thigh muscles, sit cross-legged, lift one leg toward your chest, and support the outside of your ankle with one arm, while wrapping the other around your bent knee.

Then, with your back straight, push your leg toward your chest gently until you feel the back of your thigh stretching.

Swing it gently as if you were cradling a baby, between 10 and 15 seconds, and change legs.

EXERCISE TO RELAX AND STRETCH THE PSOAS

Also, in the pelvic region extends, from the last dorsal vertebra and the five lumbar to the thigh, a small deep muscle, the psoas, which constitutes the main connection between the upper and lower body, and controls stability in movements.

An exercise indicated to relax and stretch it consists of lying on the back, with the legs stretched in line with the hip and femur joint.

He lifts his right leg and brings his thigh to his chest to gently embrace the knee, bringing it closer to the trunk. The pelvis must align with the trunk. Then the left leg is opened by slowly sliding it out.

You have to feel how the left psoas is stretched: first concentrating on the upper area of the hip joint and, little by little, moving mentally through the muscle. It is repeated with the other leg.

The post How to remove hip pain: exercises to gain flexibility appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

• What is hiccups?
• Why does hiccups occur?
• How to remove hiccups quickly with home remedies

Surely you have had more than once those annoying chest spasms so annoying and is that most people have hiccups sometimes. Normally, it disappears naturally in a few minutes, but sometimes it can lengthen. If it happens to you and you want to know how to remove hiccups quickly with home remedies, we propose some effective ideas.

WHAT IS HICCUPS?

Hiccups occur when there is a sudden involuntary contraction of the diaphragm (the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays an important role in breathing) that repeats several times a minute.

• Normally, the diaphragm goes down when we inhale air to allow it to enter the lungs and relaxes when we exhale so that air can leave the lungs and we can expel it through the nose and mouth.

The contractions cause us to suck in air suddenly and the vocal cords close abruptly, which causes the characteristic sound of hiccups.

Hiccups can occur at any age and may even begin to be noticed in fetuses around the 18th week of pregnancy.

WHY DOES HICCUPS OCCUR?

Many times, hiccups do not have an obvious cause, but the most common is that it appears after a large meal, drinking alcohol, after drinking a carbonated drink, laughing a lot or swallowing air when chewing gum or sucking candy.

It also happens when we experience nerves or a stressful situation or when there is a sudden change in temperature.

Keep in mind that hiccups are a symptom and that, in some cases, it can be a sign of a disease, such as:

• An injury or irritation of the nerves connected to the diaphragm that can have many different causes, from hair rubbing against the eardrum to a sore throat. It can also have more serious causes such as a tumor, an enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter), or a cyst in the neck.
• Central nervous system disorders such as encephalitis or meningitis.
• Metabolic disorders such as diabetes or kidney failure.
• Disorders of the digestive system gastroesophageal reflux or hiatal hernia.

Some medications such as corticosteroids or some tranquilizers can also cause longer hiccups than normal. And it has also been seen that it can appear after an operation, especially those that require general anesthesia or involve the abdominal area.

Normally, hiccups disappear after a few minutes, although sometimes it can last longer (even months). If your hiccups last more than two days or are very intense, you should see your doctor.

• Prolonged hiccups can lead to problems feeding, sleeping, breathing, or speaking.

HOW TO REMOVE HICCUPS QUICKLY WITH HOME REMEDIES

If hiccups are caused by a disease, it will need to be treated to eliminate it. However, in most cases, a hiccup that does not go away on its own can disappear with home remedies like these:

• Holding your breath for a few seconds is perhaps the best-known trick to remove hiccups and the truth is that it works in most cases. Breathing inside a paper bag is another common trick. Both techniques cause carbon dioxide to build up in the blood, which is thought to relax the diaphragm.
• Drinking small sips of cold water or gargling are ways to stimulate the vagus nerve, which links the brain to the stomach and coordinates breathing. This “tricks” the brain and causes it to notice the new sensation. Putting slight pressure on your eyes or temples works the same way.
• Being given a scare makes our breathing stop momentarily and increase the production of adrenaline. This causes the diaphragm to contract, the respiratory rate to normalize, and hiccups, in some cases, to disappear.

Some plants can also help remove hiccups:

• Rock tea is digestive and, in addition to eliminating hiccups, it is of great help in case of gas, bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
• Another remedy of folk medicine is an infusion of a teaspoon of dill seeds.

Acupuncture and hypnosis are techniques that in some studies have shown some effectiveness in cases of persistent hiccups.

On the other hand, if you tend to hiccup frequently, try to avoid carbonated drinks and flatulent foods and eat smaller portions.

The post How to remove hiccups quickly with home remedies appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

After an illness it is normal to go through a period of recovery or convalescence. In older people this phase can be longer and heavier after a flu, pneumonia or a urinary infection, for example. Measures should be taken to restore strength, physical health and morale after this period of illness.

6 STEPS TO REGAIN STRENGTH AFTER AN ILLNESS

During days of bed rest, muscles degenerate rapidly, appetite is lost and mood is touched. On the road to recovery, older patients should pay attention to some measures that can accelerate the return to normal health. But it is not as important to shorten the time as to strengthen the whole organism.

1. GIVE THE BODY TIME TO REGENERATE

Whether in the bronchi, bladder or intestines, repair and regeneration processes take place throughout the body after overcoming an illness. It is a cleaning job that consumes energy.

The older the affected person, the more time is required. To truly overcome an infection, it can take six to eight weeks, with or without antibiotics. Therefore, older people must be urged to be patient. Feeling very weak or dizzy when you get up is completely normal at first after leaving a health problem and you should not be overwhelmed by it.

2. SUPPORT YOUR RECOVERY

They may be helpful in recovering:

• Sucking lozenges with hyaluronic acid or Icelandic moss that keep the mucus moist. You also have to drink enough.
• Inhale essential oils (such as eucalyptus) or pure water vapor, as it helps relieve irritated airways and bronchi.
• Donutes are also helpful even after the symptoms of sinus infection have disappeared.
• Coconut lip balm with lemon balm protects against cold sores in the mouth.
• Vitamin supplements and protein drinks provide nutrients if you eat too little.
• Probiotic capsules strengthen the microbiota, reduce inflammation and stabilize the intestinal mucosa after taking antibiotics.

3. GET OUT OF BED

Staying in bed is not the most desirable. Older patients quickly lose muscle mass if they remain bedridden. Strict bed rest can be compared to weightlessness. People over the age of 75 lose up to 1.5 kilograms of muscle mass in ten days. This extreme loss is why a flu or prolonged infection can lead to permanent fragility.

4. EXERCISE TO PREVENT MUSCLE BREAKDOWN

So as soon as possible get out of bed. Even if it costs you a lot, and if you only go to the dining table three times a day, at first that’s better than nothing.

Lying down for prolonged periods also weakens the respiratory muscles. The shallower the breath, the less oxygen reaches the tissues. So, get back to normal as soon as possible, not with strenuous sport, but with smooth movement.

For physical recovery it is important that the diet is correct. Experts advise eating a balanced diet throughout the day, even if you do not have an appetite. Protein-rich foods, such as eggs or legumes, are particularly important now.

Extensive tests or lab checks aren’t usually necessary unless you continue to feel very weak and not better after six weeks. If body weight decreases, it is necessary to consult your doctor.

5. TRY TO DO THINGS WITH OTHER PEOPLE

For many older people, being physically exhausted for a long time also means sinking into mental depression. Luckily, some older people have enough basic congianza to help them survive such a crisis.

Others, on the other hand, fall into a deep hole. Grief, worries, but also the fear of not recovering keep them stuck in the disease. They lose the motivation to get up again, to eat, to participate again in life. Just a few steps can help them out of the depths.

Mentally challenging yourself and seeking social contacts can encourage you again. For the next day, for example, make it a point to go to the bakery. The walk, with the shopping list in your head, the conversation in the store, are a good start.

6. DAYDREAM: IMAGINE WHAT YOU’LL DO IN THE NEAR FUTURE

• Stay realistic. You don’t have to imagine a big trip, first formulate small goals: dare to go outside or to the park or invite your grandchildren for tea.
• Create structure. Rituals, such as reading the newspaper every morning or having a cup of tea in the afternoon, help structure the day and counteract depressive moods.
• Accept help, it can do you a lot of good. Singles or widowers can ask for help from family, friends, or neighbors. It is a way to meet your needs and be in contact with other people.

The post How to regain strength after an illness in older people appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

Conventional medicine still acts as if most antibiotics have little effect on gut microbiota, at least not in the long term. The intestinal flora would recover completely within a few weeks of stopping taking antibiotics. That is why doctors do not usually accompany the prescription with another of probiotics or feeding tips.

However, at least two studies have shown that this is not the case. Antibiotics modify the intestinal flora over a significantly long period of time.

THE GUT MICROBIOTA DOES NOT RECOVER COMPLETELY

Researchers at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, Massachusetts (USA), under the direction of Dr. Mitchell Sogin, demonstrated with the help of a very precise genetic analysis method that after six months of antibiotic treatment part of the microbiota had not recovered.

For this study, conducted in collaboration with Stanford University (in Palo Alto, California), scientists analyzed the composition of the gut microbiota in healthy adults who had ingested an antibiotic over a period of 5 days.

At the start of treatment, between 3,300 and 5,700 different types of bacteria could be detected in the participants. In the course of antibiotic treatment, one-third of the bacteria were severely depleted.

For all other types of bacteria, the proportions changed, so that bacteria that were once rare, then were more common, while strains that were once common suddenly became rare.

This pathological bacterial imbalance is called dysbiosis. All participants in the Woods Hole study were diagnosed with dysbiosis after completing antibiotic treatment.

GUT FLORA REMAINS ALTERED 6 MONTHS AFTER ANTIBIOTICS

In another study, published in Nature Microbiology, researchers from the University of Copenhagen confirmed the above results. They gave 12 healthy young men 3 different antibiotics for 4 days. The drugs led to an almost complete loss of gut microbiota.

Subsequently, harmful bacteria from the Clostridial family recovered faster, while beneficial bacteria were slow to arrive. Over the course of the next 6 months, the gut microbiota slowly recovered, but did not reach its original state, as 9 beneficial bacterial strains were missing.

Study leader Professor Oluf Pedersen, from the Novo Nordisk Foundation’s Center for Basic Metabolic Research, explained that “broad-spectrum antibiotics affect the diversity of gut flora and should therefore only be administered when there is evidence of an infection.”

WHAT PROBIOTICS SHOULD BE TAKEN AFTER ANTIBIOTICS?

Probiotics are preparations (capsules or fermented liquids) that contain live strains of gut bacteria. If the gut microbiota has been severely depleted by antibiotics, ingested bacterial strains settle and help rebuild healthy gut flora.

It is best to start taking probiotics while taking antibiotics and continue afterwards, as in some cases they can prevent antibiotic-related diarrhea.

• Recommended probiotics are the yeast Saccharomyces (S.) boulardii, Lactobacillus GG, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus (L.) reuteri, L. case, L. rhamnosus, L. delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium animalism and S. thermophilus.

It is advisable to purchase a supplement that includes several of these strains or combine at least two supplements with a single strain. As for the dosage, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed. You can also ask your doctor for a guideline.

Antibiotic supplementation may be extended for 4 weeks after the end of antibiotic treatment.

In any case, it is advisable to take the probiotic as far as possible from the antibiotic (for example, one in the morning, the other in the evening) and ideally just before meals or directly with meals.

IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO TAKE PREBIOTICS

Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are not probiotic bacteria, but substances that serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria. The better the diet of beneficial gut bacteria, the better they can multiply and the faster the microbiota as a whole will recover after taking antibiotics.

• Prebiotics can include foods rich in inulin such as artichokes, onions, garlic, asparagus, leeks, dandelion leaves and oats.
• Prebiotically active substances can also be taken as a dietary supplement, for example, GOS (galactooligosaccharides) and FOS (fructooligosaccharides).

Inulin can cause swelling in sensitive people. Therefore, if you take it as a supplement, start with very small amounts, which are often sufficient, and increase them slowly, if desired, to the dosage recommended by the manufacturer.

WHAT NOT TO EAT AFTER TAKING ANTIBIOTICS?

Proper nutrition is very important during and after antibiotic consumption. Sweets, sugary drinks, cakes, pastas and white bread favor colonization by potentially pathogenic fungi. Products with sugar and white flour are taboo during and after taking antibiotics.

It is also advisable to limit the consumption of salt and fats, as in excess they are related to dysbiosis.

WHAT TO EAT TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTESTINAL BACTERIA?

• A vegetable diet, low in salt and fat, containing probiotic foods (sauerkraut, vegetable yogurt, kombucha, etc.) and that is rich in fiber (from vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains such as oats) is especially indicated after taking antibiotics).
• Turmeric can also be integrated into the diet, as it promotes the balanced development of the intestinal microbiota.
• Omega-3 fatty acids favor the diversity of the intestinal flora, with the settlement of many different strains of bacteria. These fatty acids are found in walnuts, flax and chia seeds, and algae supplements with EPA and DHA.

WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INTESTINAL FLORA?

You should also ensure a lot of physical exercise, as it has a decisive influence on the composition of the intestinal flora, even with a less favorable diet.

The post How to recover the microbiota after antibiotic treatment appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

• What is a burn and what are its degrees?
• How to act in the event of a burn?
• How to cure a burn without blister?
• How to cure a blister burn?
• What can be applied to a burn?

Most burns occur at home (especially in the kitchen): a splash of oil, touching a burning pan, picking something from the oven, a rubbing of the iron…

Severe or very extensive burns require medical assistance, but what happens when you get a minor burn? We explain how to act and what can help you.

WHAT IS A BURN AND WHAT ARE ITS DEGREES?

A burn is an injury to the skin or other tissue caused by heat, electric current, radiation, or contact with chemicals.

As indicated by the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), there are 3 degrees of burns:

• First-degree burns affect the outermost layer of skin and are usually not serious. They cause pain, redness, and swelling.
• Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer and some part of the dermis. In addition to pain, redness and swelling, they provoke the appearance of blisters.
• Third-degree burns involve the deep layers of the skin and are the most serious. The skin may be whitish, dark, or blackish and numb.

Depending on the areas affected, burns can be more severe, for example, if they occur on the face, genitals, hands, or feet. Also, in children and older people they tend to be worse, since their skin is thinner.

HOW TO HEAL A BURN: FIRST STEP

The first and most obvious thing is to move away from the heat source. Then, according to the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), you have to put the affected part under a stream of cold water for about 10 or 15 minutes to cool the skin and prevent the burn from going deeper and remove jewelry or clothing and everything that can keep the heat.

• If the clothes have stuck to the skin, you should not remove it. Refresh the area with water and go to a health center.

When the skin is cool, dry with small touches (don’t rub it) and examine the area to assess the severity of the burn. To treat third-degree burns, very extensive or very painful, it is essential to go to the hospital to receive the appropriate treatment, which depending on the severity can even consist of skin grafts. But if the burn is mild and affects a small area, you can treat it yourself by taking some precautions.

HOW TO CURE A BURN WITHOUT BLISTER?

After cooling and drying the burn area as we have discussed above, if it is a first-degree slight burn, it is convenient that you cover the burned area and check it from time to time to see its evolution. You can also apply a specific ointment for burns.

Depending on the areas affected, burns can be more severe, for example, if they occur on the face, genitals, hands, or feet. Also, in children and older people they tend to be worse, since their skin is thinner.

HOW TO HEAL A BURN: FIRST STEP

The first and most obvious thing is to move away from the heat source. Then, according to the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES), you have to put the affected part under a stream of cold water for about 10 or 15 minutes to cool the skin and prevent the burn from going deeper and remove jewelry or clothing and everything that can keep the heat.

• If the clothes have stuck to the skin, you should not remove it. Refresh the area with water and go to a health center.

When the skin is cool, dry with small touches (don’t rub it) and examine the area to assess the severity of the burn. To treat third-degree burns, very extensive or very painful, it is essential to go to the hospital to receive the appropriate treatment, which depending on the severity can even consist of skin grafts. But if the burn is mild and affects a small area, you can treat it yourself by taking some precautions.

HOW TO CURE A BURN WITHOUT BLISTER?

After cooling and drying the burn area as we have discussed above, if it is a first-degree slight burn, it is convenient that you cover the burned area and check it from time to time to see its evolution. You can also apply a specific ointment for burns.

HOW TO CURE A BLISTER BURN?

The blisters, characteristic of second-degree burns, should not burst in any case, as they could become infected.

Once you have cooled skin and have dried it gently, cover it with a clean dressing that does not stick to the burn and keep it covered, without exposing it to the sun, as it could worsen healing and leave a signal in the form of darker skin.

Normally, the blister heals in a few days. If the blister breaks on its own, gently clean the area with soap and water and cover it again with a clean dressing (if it is specific for burns, better).

• If the blisters are very painful, they should be evaluated by a health professional.

WHAT CAN BE APPLIED TO A BURN?

Surely you have heard many popular tricks to cure burns, but not all work or are recommended.

Toothpaste is one of the best known, but from the SEMES they warn that not only does it not help, but it can be dangerous. Although at first it can provide a refreshing sensation, over time it dries out the skin.

Butter, in addition to retaining heat, can infect the skin so you should not apply it on a burn.

Ice is also not recommended because in contact with the skin it can also cause a cold burn, which would further aggravate the burn you already have.

What can be useful in superficial burns, but once the skin is healed, is rosehip oil or aloe vera, as it is shown to improve healing.

The post How to heal a burn appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

There are those who think that doing outdoor sports in winter can favor the development of colds or colds. However, the reality is that bodily activity turns on the inner “boilers” and increases the production of endorphins. These are hormone-like substances that induce feelings of euphoria and well-being, and enhance the effectiveness of the immune system against viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory disorders.

Those who run can do so with a smile and feeling the heat generated by their body, while other people walk warm and shrunk. In addition, in winter, fatigue appears as a result of the activity, not of having to endure the embarrassment as it happens in summer.

To avoid unwanted side effects – even the healthiest activity has them – you just have to take a few steps to adapt to the characteristics of the season.

1. DO WARM-UP EXERCISES AT HOME BEFORE GOING OUT

The winter season invites you to retreat. There is a tendency to decrease outdoor activities and people live more in seclusion. It is very good, but it is not an excuse to postpone until the arrival of good weather the regular practice of physical exercise. This is in winter as necessary and beneficial as the rest of the year and if anything offers added advantages. However, it is true that measures must be taken so that the body adapts to the cold and dryness of this season.

At low temperatures and in resting conditions, blood tends to concentrate into the body, reducing the temperature in the skin and muscles, as well as in the joints of the legs and arms.

This redistribution of body heat does not prevent you from exercising without risk even at temperatures of up to 10 degrees below zero, but do not fall into the temptation of wanting to warm up quickly.

If you start doing intense physical exercise in these conditions, performance is low and the risk of injury increases.

However, if the activity is started gently, progressively and with simple gestures, the muscles are heated by the production of energy and receive an increase in blood flow. It immediately improves the speed of response of the nervous system and consequently refines neuro-muscular coordination.

On colder days the heating can be done at home, so that once outside the perception of temperature will be about 10 degrees above the real one. Although the thermometer marks 5 degrees, we will feel as if they were 15, which is much more pleasant.

Body elasticity is also conditioned by outside temperature. As in cooking with butter, which melts in summer and hardens in winter, with cold body fluids become denser and muscles and tendons resist stretching.

A good heating also manages to reduce the viscosity and the body stops behaving as if it were a “trunk”. The preparation, of about 10 minutes, should consist of stretches and exercises that tone the muscles, such as jogging, jumping and movements typical of Swedish gymnastics with push-ups of arms and legs.

Although in winter it is necessary to take special care of the warm-up, the intensity and duration of the exercise session can be the same as in the warmer times of the year. In general, a minimum of two weekly sessions of half an hour to an hour and a half duration is recommended.

2. BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE AND HYDRATE WELL

It is widely believed that breathing cold air can cool the lungs with terrible consequences.

It is not as dangerous as they say to breathe cold air because it heats up before reaching the lungs. You just have to breathe in through your nose.

The truth is that the air begins to heat up when it enters through the nose and reaches the lungs at almost body temperature. However, the air gains heat and humidity by stealing water from the mucosa that lines the respiratory system, from the nose to the pulmonary alveoli, passing through the mouth, throat, trachea and bronchi.

From this route it follows that it is mandatory to inhale through the nose to favor air conditioning.

At rest the body is enough to breathe less than 10 liters of air every minute. During physical exertion, that volume is multiplied and, at medium intensity, a person of 70 kilograms can ventilate between 50 and 70 liters of air every minute.

The volume can reach up to 150 liters or more when the effort is maximum. Heating all this air costs the body a lot of water, water that reappears in the form of a cloud of steam every time we exhale.

As during physical exercise, we breathe more, we also lose an extra amount of fluid in this way. In winter you may not be as thirsty as in summer, but it is equally or more important to replace the lost liquid.

For this we can resort to fruits, juices and warm infusions that can be carried on top in a small thermos.

3. DRESS TO AVOID GETTING COLD OR HOT WHEN EXERCISING

An important detail that should not be forgotten is the wardrobe to exercise in a cool environment.

The clothes should be enough not to be cold and not so cold as to sweat excessively, which would be even worse.

Many sports have their corresponding winter clothing -a runner does not dress the same as a canoeist, a mountaineer or a skier-, however in all cases it is advisable that the main muscle groups and joints are covered.

Equally important is to cover “the chimney” (the head) through which the heat escapes, and the hands, the part of the body that costs the most to heat.

The scarf is not necessary and, except in extreme cases, should not cover the tip of the nose. The body has outside temperature sensors there. If it is deceived, it does not adapt successfully and a lowering of defenses may occur.

Sweat is one of the greatest dangers for the winter athlete: it soaks clothes, cools and cools us.

To avoid this, it is advisable that the garment that is in contact with the skin is made of cotton or, why not, of a sports technical fabric designed to expel water. On this garment you can wear a sweatshirt and above, only if it is very cold, a wide and light or breathable raincoat.

Wearing several light garments, one on top of the other, is a very good idea, since the space between them acts as an effective air chamber. The “onion style” allows you to put on or take off clothes so as not to be cold or sweat too much.

You can conclude the exercise in an interior space, reducing its intensity and performing the most appropriate stretches.

He takes a not too hot shower, which may be followed by a few seconds of cold water, and rubs the skin vigorously with a towel before getting dressed.

What should not be done is to walk with cold sweat on the skin because there may be a drop in body temperature that reduces immune resistance.

4. LISTEN TO THE BODY

Hidden under layers of clothing continues to be the body, which favors the oblivion to which it is so often subjected. No need to wait for the symptoms of a disorder to remember that it exists.

We can strive to be aware at all times of what happens to him: Is our breathing rushed or slow and deep? Does any tension build up in a particular part? Does it move harmoniously or trip over itself?

The proposals listed throughout this article help to feel the body, but there are many other ways to recover the connection in an active way: self-massage or couples massage, any physical therapy (reflex therapy, shiatsu, osteopathy …), dance, swimming, work in the garden or garden …

5. ADAPT THE DIET TO PROTECT THE BODY

In winter it is necessary to choose the right type of food so that the healthiest fatty acids predominate.

As it is not advisable to increase the intake of foods with a higher proportion of saturated fats – meats, dairy products, pastries – the extra winter ration can be achieved with a couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil – rich in monounsaturated fatty acids – and a daily handful of nuts, rich in polyunsaturated.

As for carbohydrates and proteins, the best sources to add a few grams to the usual rations are whole grains (oats, rice, wheat, rye …) and legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, beans, soybeans…

It’s important to start your day with an energetic breakfast. It is ideal and easy to prepare a combination of muesli (with oat flakes and raisins) with milk (soy, almond, rice …), fresh fruits and yogurt.

You can add some “superfood” with concentrated nutrients: honey on a slice of bread, a teaspoon of royal jelly, pollen in yogurt or brewer’s yeast in muesli.

Finally, do not forget to consume a good portion of varied salad and seasonal fruit, especially citrus fruits and kiwis, for their contribution of vitamin C and flavonoids, which prevent colds and flu.

Traditional Chinese dietetics recommend hot foods from an energy point of view. For example, roots and tubers (carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips), celery, fennel, buckwheat, millet, figs, nuts…

He also points out that it is convenient to cook food and take it hot, because cold or raw acquire a cold character.

One way to add heat to any dish is to add spices such as ginger, black pepper, cinnamon, Chilli …

6. PREVENT COLDS WITH A NATURAL BOOSTER

Respiratory infections can force us to interrupt winter activity. To prevent them or reduce the intensity of symptoms, it is worth trying some proven natural remedies

Preventing colds and other respiratory illnesses is more effective than treating them once contracted. Tanning through outdoor activities is one way to strengthen defenses. Another, take medicinal plants or supplements that have proven effective.

ECHINACEA

Its properties make it a champion of prevention: it prevents flu, cold, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and bronchitis.

10 to 20 drops of fluid extract are taken, diluted in a little water, two or three times a day before meals.

Other plants taken in infusion or dry extract can play a complementary action.

• Rosemary is a general tonic and antiviral.
• Thyme is indicated against irritative cough, angina and asthma.
• Sea buckthorn and rose hips have revitalizing effects.
• Eleuthero coccus or “Siberian ginseng” increases resistance to harsh conditions and lifts the mood.

VITAMIN C

The body cannot accumulate it, so it is advisable to ensure its daily intake.

Starting the day with a juice of freshly squeezed oranges is a way to ensure the dose and balance the winter diet with a seasonal fruit. Kiwis and raw red peppers are other excellent sources.

ZINC

Taking 25 to 50 mg of zinc as soon as the first symptoms of cold or flu appear can activate the healing process. It is also taken to prevent. If you catch a cold you have to let it mature, without trying to stop it with symptom-suppressing drugs.

In most cases, antibiotics are unnecessary and only serve to weaken the body’s defenses. Resting and drinking infusions and fruit juices is usually enough.

The post How to do outdoor sports when it’s cold without risk of cold appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.

How to cut diarrhea fast? The most appropriate treatment of diarrhea is to eat an astringent diet and Drink plenty of fluids to compensate for the loss of hydration (in children it may be necessary to take saline solutions). However, if you want to know how to cut diarrhea quickly there are plants and natural remedies that are an effective alternative to consider.

4 NATURAL REMEDIES THAT HELP CUT DIARRHEA QUICKLY

Due to their properties, these natural remedies help effectively in case of diarrhea:

1. WHITE RICE BROTH

One of the oldest and most effective remedies is boiled white rice broth, which can be ordered in a restaurant or inn.

PROPERTIES OF WHITE RICE BROTH

• Demulcent.
• Astringent.
• Antidiarrheal.
• Antiinflammatory.
• Nutritious.

HOW TO TAKE RICE BROTH IN CASE OF DIARRHEA

The broth of white rice boiled, or in flour.

2. WATER WITH LEMON

No less useful and easy to obtain is lemon (Citrus limonum), which taken in pure juice or with previously boiled mineral water helps fight infection and relieve nausea and vomiting, if they occur.

PROPERTIES OF WATER WITH LEMON

• Demulcent
• Antiseptic
• Antidiarrheal
• Antibacterial
• Febrifuge
• Vitamin
• Remineralizing
• Analgesic
• Hydrating.

HOW TO DRINK WATER WITH LEMON IN CASE OF DIARRHEA

The fresh fruit in juice. Decoction of the bark, in tincture, fluid extract and essential oil, in drops. Lemon juice, with or without water, also fights infections.

3. AGRIMONY (EUPATORIA AGRIMONY)

An excellent astringent and antidiarrheal plant is agrimony, which can be carried in the travel kit in the form of capsules or in a bottle of tincture or liquid extract.

PROPERTIES OF AGRIMONY

• Astringent
• Antidiarrheal
• Antiinflammatory
• Choleretic
• Local hemostatic.

HOW TO TAKE AGRIMONY IN CASE OF DIARRHEA

About 50-60 drops a day in three doses, dissolved in lemon juice, are enough.

In addition to tincture and liquid extract is the dried plant for infusion, and in capsules and tablets.

4. TURMERIC (CURCUMA LONGA))

A well-known spice, turmeric, provides all its bactericidal power to neutralize in a short time the effect of bacterial infections such as that caused by Escherichia coli and is also very effective in relieving gastrointestinal spasms and abdominal heaviness.

PROPERTIES OF TURMERIC

• Hepatoprotective
• Bactericide
• Antiseptic
• Antidiarrheal
• Lipid-lowering
• Choleretic
• Antispasmodic.

HOW TO TAKE TURMERIC IN CASE OF DIARRHEA

In capsules, tablets, tincture and liquid extract. It can also be used as a condiment. The rhizome and root of turmeric help to tackle diarrhea.

DIARRHEA: WHY IT OCCURS

The most frequent agents that cause diarrhea are bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, but also protozoa such as Giardia lamblia, or infections by cholera, schistosomiasis, etc.

You travel further and further: exotic and adventurous destinations attract an increasing number of people. But traveling to attractive places in Southeast Asia, tropical Africa or South America can carry some risks that must be taken into account.

One of the most frequent health problems in this type of tourists is the so-called “traveler’s diarrhea”.

It is believed that between 20 and 50% of people who travel to these destinations with a tropical or subtropical climate suffer from it, and in many cases, it can be an annoying disorder that significantly alters the rhythm of the trip.

The sanitary conditions of water purification and the inadequate conservation of food are the main causes that explain the appearance of infections.

The post How to cut diarrhea fast: the 4 most effective natural remedies appeared first on FreeLifeHealth.