Category: Health

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The Benefits and Uses of Cica Cream

Centella Asiatica, or cica, is a common ingredient in psoriasis, eczema, wound and other treatments. Recently, the compound has been showing up in European pharmacies as a scar treatment and K-beauty products. People are now praising the ingredient as a solution for dry and sensitive skin, encouraging the manufacture of creams.

What Is Cica Cream?

You might see cica cream under several names, including tiger grass and gotu kola. Regardless of the name, it is an antioxidant-rich skin moisturizer. The actual ingredient — Centella Asiatica — is an herb native to Africa and Asia. Over the past several hundred years, it has been a primary component in traditional Asian medicine, used in creams and ointments for wound healing. Three thousand years ago, the herb was a folk medicine cure-all.

In the 19th century, the herb made its way into Western medicine as a treatment for superficial scratches and burns and psoriasis and eczema flare-ups. Now, you can find it in a variety of skin creams and sensitive skin care products. You might find the cream sold as asiaticoside cream or medecassoside cream because of its primary ingredients: Asiatic acid, asiaticoside and medecassoside acid.

How Does Cica Cream Work?

Centella Asiatica contains fatty acids, amino acids, phytochemicals and beta-carotene. The combination of all the nutrients produces a product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, helping to calm inflammation and repair the skin. Also, some research suggests it can stimulate collagen production.

Several studies also point to cica cream as beneficial in treating psoriasis and eczema, acne, scars, wrinkles and dry and irritated skin. Despite the promising outcomes of various studies, the data is not conclusive. Most of the research involves animals, not people; there are currently no peer-reviewed or high-quality studies on the cream's advantages for treating acne, eczema or psoriasis.

How Do You Use Cica Cream?

Most cica creams only require you to wash your face and apply the cream; it is not a complicated process. However, some people are allergic to Centella Asiatica, which means testing a small spot on the skin before regular use is advisable. Also, you may want to ease into the everyday use of the cream. Some dermatologists recommend using the cream every other night and gradually working up to nightly use. Eventually, you can begin using the product twice per day as recommended.

Also, if you apply several other products to your skin, it is best to use those first, saving the cica cream for last. The cream essentially acts as a thicker moisturizing barrier. Dermatologists also recommend applying a layer of sunscreen on top of the cica cream as the final layer of skin protection.

Cica cream is not new; societies have used the primary ingredient for centuries to treat various skin conditions. Today, producers and medical professionals recommend using the product as a moisturizer but also encourage caution because some people may be allergic. If you would like to use cica cream, you might want to consult your dermatologist first. They can help you better understand if the cream is beneficial for your skin type.

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Do You Need Help with Your Anxiety?

Most people experience a good deal of anxiety on a daily basis. Work is often the basis of stress for many people, while others might feel anxious about their home life and family obligations. Others still experience a genuine anxiety disorder, which can cause constant bouts of anxiety and panic attacks.

When attempting to get a handle on your anxiety, you must first know what you're dealing with. Understanding the difference between daily anxiety and a more serious disorder is the first step to getting help and improving your life. Here are a few things to consider if you experience a great deal of stress on a regular basis.

Normal Anxiety vs. Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety plays a very crucial role in assessing and preparing for risks. For instance, anxiety about a big work project can motivate you to do your best and ensure you're truly prepared. In this case, the feeling is proportionate to the event or task you're facing. These feelings are relatively easy to manage, meaning they don't impede your life in any way.

On the other hand, an anxiety disorder can cause intense feelings of panic and stress within ordinary situations. Additionally, feelings of anxiety are so intense that they make it challenging to function normally. Anxiety disorder can manifest in a few ways, including:

  • Generalized Anxiety - Generalized anxiety causes a chronic feeling of worry about everyday events. Worry often becomes excessive and prevents a person from living life to its fullest.
  • Panic Disorder - Panic attacks involve intense bouts of fear and anxiety that seemingly come from nowhere. They can also cause physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, and dizziness. 
  • Phobias - Phobias are irrational fears related to specific objects or events. When you encounter the subject of your phobia, you're likely to experience intense fear and panic. 
  • Social Anxiety - People can also be intensely fearful of social situations. This can entail difficulty speaking with people one to one, as well as fears about speaking in public or being surrounded by a crowd. 
  • Separation Anxiety - While children are most susceptible to this form of anxiety, adults can also experience it. It's characterized by intense fear when being separated from a loved one, even for a short period of time.

Anxiety disorders typically last six months or more. They can lead to additional symptoms, such as problems sleeping, ongoing fatigue, tension in the muscles, and irritability. They can often be confused with regular anxiety or some other health issue.

How to Get Help When Feeling Stressed and Anxious

There are a number of techniques you can use to manage daily stress and worry. If you feel anxious at work, take frequent breaks to clear your head. If possible, take a walk around the office or around the building. At home, incorporate relaxing activities into your routine to unwind after a long day. Things like yoga and meditation are easy to perform at home and offer numerous mental health benefits.

When it comes to anxiety disorder, you must seek professional assistance. Mental health counseling is beneficial for identifying negative patterns in thinking and overcoming them. A counselor can also help you develop healthy coping mechanisms to use during times of stress and worry. While it can depend on the severity of the symptoms, medication is also beneficial for people experiencing panic attacks and extreme bouts of anxiety.

Take Control of Your Health and Wellness

No one should have to live their life mired in a cloud of worry. It is possible to lead a happy life and reduce stress when you take the right steps. By taking control of your mental wellness, you'll experience greater fulfillment personally and professionally.

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6 Benefits of Avocado for Your Skin

As a superfood, people know avocado has several health benefits. However, the fruit is capable of much more than tasting delicious and contributing to overall health and nutrition. With its impressive list of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, avocado can bolster skin health, making it an effective addition to your skincare regimen.

The beauty industry is aware of the many benefits of avocado, which is why avocado oil is a primary ingredient in many skincare lines. The unique makeup of the fruit, including the incredible stores of vitamin A, C, and E, helps the oil penetrate the skin more efficiently than other oils. Also, avocados are high in healthy fats. The nutritional punch and concentration of avocados combine to create a powerful skincare ingredient that promotes several benefits.

1. Avocado Can Soothe Skin Irritation

According to researchers, avocados' fats, vitamins, and compounds help ease surface inflammation and skin irritation. The ingredients can also help repair the skin from chronic conditions like acne and eczema. Some studies also suggest that avocados can even out skin tones and improve chapped skin.

2. Avocados Reduce Acne and Breakouts

Avocado oil also has antimicrobial properties, meaning you can use it as a cleanser. Using products that contain avocado oil can reduce the number of breakouts you experience and their severity. Also, the ingredient can help moisturize the skin, providing a more supple texture.

3. Avocados Prevent Skin Damage

Most people know the sun's UV rays can harm their skin. The damage from too much sun exposure can include premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. According to reports, the combination of vitamin C and E, along with other compounds in avocados, can protect your skin against oxidative stress, which is often a result of sun exposure and other environmental factors.

4. Avocados Can Improve Elasticity

A high intake of healthy fats, primarily monounsaturated fats, can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. A 2010 study looked at the relationship between diet and skin condition. The study of over 700 women examined the intake of micronutrients, including fats and antioxidants, to determine the effect on the skin, and the results were positive, suggesting improved elasticity.

5. Avocados Prevent Dry Skin and Brittle Hair and Nails

Avocado oil is a wonderful moisturizer and can benefit dry skin. The primary reason for this benefit is biotin. Biotin is part of the vitamin B complex and, when applied topically, prevents dry skin. The compound also contributes to the strength of hair and nails, meaning it can help treat or correct brittleness.

6. Avocados Improve Overall Skin Health

When looking for an avocado-based product to help with overall skin health, look for a topical product with cold-pressed avocado oil as a primary ingredient. Cold-pressed oil maintains an abundance of plant sterols, antioxidants, minerals, omega-9, and vitamins, including C and E. The combination of compounds, nutrients, and minerals increases collagen production and cell turnover and reduces inflammation.

Avocados are more than a superfood. The fruit is also a premier skin treatment and ingredient. If you have not yet used avocado-based skincare products, you should. Talk to your doctor before trying new products or supplements to learn how they might interact with your current health.

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My Love Letter to Cranberries (Plus Recipes!)

When it comes to berries, strawberries and blueberries get all the love. Cranberries are like that eccentric cousin who only visits once a year. It's a shame because these vibrant berries have some phenomenal health benefits.

The Underappreciated Superfruit

At first glance, cranberries don’t look like a superfood. They’re mainly fiber, water and sugar. They have decent vitamin C, but it’s nothing to write home about.

Then, you look at the list of antioxidants in cranberries and your mind is blown away. Antioxidants are special substances that protect your cells, the building blocks for every part of your body: skin, heart, bones, eyes, nerves and more.

Few foods have as many different antioxidants as these bright red bombshells:

  • Peonidin
  • Ursolic acid
  • Quercetin
  • Myricetin
  • A-type proanthocyanidins

Some of these nutrients are only found in cranberries. Others are more abundant in cranberries than in other foods.

Delicious Health Benefits

Even if you never remember the scientific names of cranberry antioxidants, you’ll remember the amazing things they do.

Fighting Inflammation

Cranberries and cranberry juice contain potent antioxidants for fighting chronic inflammation. Other dark fruits, such as grapes, have these same anti-inflammatory compounds, but cranberries blow their numbers out of the water. Take that, blueberries.

By the way, the idea that only seniors have to worry about inflammation is a myth. Nearly 20% of middle-aged Americans have diabetes, and many others have arthritis, joint pain or heart problems. All in all, over half of Americans have some type of chronic inflammation.

Protecting Urinary Health

If you have urinary tract infections from time to time, give cranberries a try. Do you remember those A-type proanthocyanidins mentioned earlier?

It turns out that they’re really good at blocking the bacteria responsible for many UTIs. They make it harder for microbes to stick to your urinary tract or bladder.

Cranberry juice isn’t going to treat an infection, but it can significantly reduce your risk of getting a UTI. For recurring UTIs, cranberries were nearly as effective as medication, and they come without harsh side effects.

Supporting a Healthy Gut

Those same A-type whatchamacallits are also good for your digestive health. By making it harder for harmful microbes to take over your gut, cranberry antioxidants support a healthy digestive tract filled with good bacteria.

This may provide many benefits, from smoother bowel movements to improved mood. Some scientists think that cranberry juice can lower your risk of stomach cancer, colon cancer and ulcers. Take this with a grain of salt, though.

Tart and Sweet Treats

One way to enjoy cranberries in your diet is to drink cranberry juice, preferably one without added sugars. What if you're not exactly addicted to the dry flavor of cran? Some people dilute it in sparkling water for a refreshing drink that’s not too tart.

Add the power of cran to your favorite smoothies. Mix half a banana with 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries. Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of your choice of berries. This refreshing breakfast smoothie gives you fiber and energy for the day.

Dried cranberries can supercharge “boring” health foods. Why eat plain oatmeal when you can spice it up with little red bundles of pure joy? Unsweetened cran raisins make tasty granola and trail mix to conquer your snack cravings.

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My 5 Favorite Winter Soups (With Recipes)

Winter can be amazing, with beautiful snow-covered vistas and plenty of warm moments as a family. It also brings some challenges, such as cold weather and flu bugs. At these times, you need a hearty bowl of soup. Check out these delicious winter soup recipes to skip the bad and celebrate the good.

Supercharge Your Immune System With Garlic & Ginger Chicken Soup

This recipe combines many superstar ingredients for immune health, including garlic, ginger, turmeric, carrots and spinach.

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds of chicken (thighs or breasts)
  • 2 heads worth of garlic (the whole bulb), peeled and chopped
  • 1 large piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
  • 1–2 tablespoons ground turmeric
  • 2 medium onions
  • 4 medium carrots
  • 1–2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 8 cups of water
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Put the water, chicken, garlic, ginger, turmeric and onions in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt.
  2. Simmer for about 35 minutes. Remove the chicken and chop or shred it. Let the soup cook for another 15–20 minutes.
  3. Add carrots and cook for five minutes or until tender.
  4. Return the chopped chicken meat to the stock. Add green onions and baby spinach and cook for one minute. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Celebrate the Power of Pumpkin With Spicy Winter Squash Soup

It’s impossible not to think of pumpkins whenever cold weather rolls around. This aromatic recipe is comforting, perfect for curling up with your favorite movie during snowstorms.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole pumpkin, minus the seeds
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 onion
  • Medium ginger piece, chopped up
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup of double cream or evaporated skim milk

Instructions

  1. Chop the pumpkin into large sections and remove the seeds. Toasted pumpkin seeds are nutritious and delicious, so feel free to toast and enjoy. Cover pumpkin with olive oil, garam masala and half of the coriander and cumin.
  2. Roast pumpkin in the oven for 45 minutes or until very soft.
  3. In a large pot, stir fry ginger, garlic, onion and other ingredients with olive oil. Add vegetable stock and let it simmer.
  4. Add soft pumpkin filling and remove soup from heat. Blend.
  5. Add evaporated skim milk and simmer for a minute. Serve warm.

Try Other Fantastic Winter Soups

Here are a few runners-up for family-favorite winter soups with tons of flavor:

  • Pasta e Fagioli: A filling Italian soup with tomatoes, white beans, pasta, veggies and rosemary
  • Smoky potato soup: A colorful twist on potato soup with roasted red bell peppers, turkey bacon, red pepper flakes, chives and red onions
  • Sweet potato and chocolate soup: A spicy, rich soup inspired by Mexican mole, with chicken, sweet potatoes, bittersweet chocolate, cinnamon, cilantro and avocado

If you’re in a hurry, don’t worry. You can cut the prep time on many of these recipes by starting with low-sodium veggie broth. In just 30–60 minutes, your family can be happily sniffing the enticing aromas of wintertime soup.

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4 Reasons Fresh Foods Are Superior to Processed Foods

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, processed foods seem to reign supreme. Fast food and pre-packaged meals offer families more of what they often lack: time.

Unfortunately, while processed foods might give you a few extra minutes today, chronic use can result in less time later. Overly processed foods can lead to overeating, obesity, and chronic health conditions, which is why medical professionals encourage people to eat a diet of primarily fresh foods.

Fresh foods contribute to your overall health and well-being. They provide superior nutrition compared to processed foods and encourage healthy lifelong habits. According to nutritionists and other medical professionals, there are many reasons to eat fresh.

1. Fresh Foods Boost Immune Defenses

As the seasons change, winter gets closer, as does cold and flu season. While no foods can magically cure illnesses, consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can prevent infection or reduce the likelihood of sickness. Several studies suggest a healthy and balanced diet promotes good health and fortifies the immune system.

Obviously, your diet is not the only contributing factor to your level of infection risk. You will also want to maintain good hygiene and sleep practices.

2. Fresh Foods Teach Healthy Habits

Childhood obesity is a disturbing issue, and many studies suggest it is a dangerous trend that continues into adulthood. According to one study, two-year-old obese children are more likely to become obese adults. Obesity puts children at risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer as they age.

Most children can adopt healthy eating habits easily; parents only need to expose them to a healthier diet. By including plant-based foods with every meal, your child will learn its importance. Also, providing a balanced diet helps children develop a healthy relationship with food.

3. Fresh Foods Reduce Family Costs

A common argument for consuming a diet mainly comprising processed foods is cost. People assume fresh foods are more expensive, which is false in most instances. According to experts, fresh food is cheaper than processed foods with proper meal planning and effort.

The problem most people have is they attempt overly complex meals. Keep in mind that your dinners do not have to meet Michelin star restaurant standards. Using an affordable lean protein like chicken and a decent portion of fruits and vegetables is enough to make a satisfying and affordable meal at home.

4. Fresh Foods Taste Great

Clean eating is a palate awakening. Society is so used to overly salted, sugar-covered snacks that it's forgotten the delicacy of natural foods. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can offer a whirlwind of flavors, and the combinations are vast. If you are only willing to open up your palate to clean foods, the overwhelming available flavors might surprise you.

Fresh foods are more nutritious than most processed foods and present reduced health risks in the short and long term. While you might turn to fast food or other overly processed meals to save time, consider the potential risks of consuming such foods routinely. Fresh is best, especially where your health is concerned.

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The Role of Oral Hygiene in Your Overall Health

Oral hygiene is vital to your overall health and well-being. While you might not see the connection immediately, there is a direct link between oral health and health in general. Unfortunately, many Americans do not take adequate care of their teeth and gums. Nearly 30% of Americans have untreated tooth decay, and over 92% of the population between 20 and 64 have cavities.

Like other areas of the body, the mouth contains countless bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, as the mouth serves as the entry point to the digestive and respiratory tracts, harmful bacteria, despite being few, can cause disease or illness.

Adopting good oral habits, then, has health benefits beyond the teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental appointments can reduce the number of harmful bacteria and resolve or treat dental issues before they evolve into decay and disease. While the relationship between oral hygiene and health seems strange, it is real and well-established.

How Inadequate Oral Hygiene Contributes to Health Concerns

When a person adopts good oral hygiene practices, the body's natural defenses are usually enough to combat any harmful bacteria that make it into the respiratory and digestive systems. Unfortunately, when a person does not use proper oral hygiene, harmful bacteria in the mouth can reach such levels as to lead to infection, tooth decay, or gum disease.

Also, some medicines can reduce the flow of saliva. Saliva plays a vital role in washing away food and neutralizing acids produced by bacteria. When saliva production is normal, it protects against the multiplication of harmful microbes, reducing the risks of illness and disease. Medications that may lead to reduced saliva or dry mouth include:

  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Antidepressants
  • Diuretics
  • Painkillers

Finally, studies suggest inflammation caused by periodontitis and oral bacteria can contribute to some diseases. Also, certain conditions can lower the body's resistance to infection, such as diabetes.

How Certain Conditions Link To Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can lead to minor and temporary illnesses and infections, but it can also contribute to diseases and long-term conditions. For example, studies link poor oral health to heart diseases like endocarditis.

Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium — the inner lining of the heart valves and chambers. The condition usually occurs when bacteria from another location in the body spreads through the bloodstream, attaching to areas in the heart. Bacteria from the mouth can access the bloodstream and transfer to the heart.

Research also suggests a link between oral bacteria and other health crises. While the link is not clear, researchers note that stroke, clogged arteries, and heart disease seem connected to infections and inflammation caused by oral bacteria in some cases.

Also, poor oral health can cause pneumonia and pregnancy and birth complications, such as low birth weight. Oral hygiene can also play a role in the management of certain conditions, like diabetes.

Oral hygiene is a crucial aspect of your overall health. Maintaining good oral habits, such as brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist, can reduce the risks of bacterial infections and disease development. If you have any questions about proper oral care, contact your local dental practice.

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Supplement and Prescription Interactions: 4 Supplements To Avoid

Many people take supplements to ensure they meet nutritional guidelines. Often, you can take supplements, such as a multivitamin, without little concern. Still, many people take supplements while taking prescription medications. While potential interactions are rare, several supplements do not mix well with medications.

Before taking any supplement, you should talk to your doctor, even if you are not on any medications. However, talking with your physician is more crucial when taking a prescription. There are at least four supplements you should avoid when taking specific medications.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is an ancient spice. Many nutritionists and researchers praise the supplement for a few reasons, including:

  • Improved memory 
  • Reduced inflammation 
  • Decreased risk of heart disease

Unfortunately, turmeric also possesses anticoagulant effects. If you take a blood thinner, you want to avoid turmeric because it can result in internal bleeding. You should also avoid vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba, two supplements that can also thin the blood.

Still, experts explain that turmeric is still acceptable to use in foods and cooking. Doctors and researchers do not believe herbs and spices have much effect on the body when used in foods.

2. St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort comes from a flowering shrub that is native to Europe. The supplement is often praised for its ability to treat moderate or mild depression. Additionally, many women use it to reduce symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes.

Despite the usefulness and potential effectiveness of the supplement, St. John's Wort does not mix well with many prescriptions. Some of the many medications the supplement interacts with include:

  • omeprazole 
  • alprazolam 
  • Birth control pills 
  • Hormone replacement therapies 
  • Some statins 
  • Some antihistamines 
  • Paxlovid

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a common nutrient in various foods. A person can meet all vitamin C requirements by consuming:

  • Broccoli 
  • Strawberries 
  • Tomatoes 
  • Oranges 
  • Kiwi 
  • Bell peppers 
  • Kale 
  • Snow peas

Despite the number of natural sources of vitamin C, many people still take supplements. Supplements are popular because people believe the additional vitamin C can ward off the common cold and reduce the risk of cancer.

Unfortunately, high-dose vitamin C supplements can interfere with some forms of chemotherapy. Additionally, the supplements can disrupt the effectiveness of niacin and statins. Some people will also experience a disruption in estrogen levels.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are essentially good bacteria that make up the gut microbiome. People take probiotic supplements to restore balance to the microbiome and aid digestion. Still, while probiotic supplements might be good for most people, they can interfere with certain medications, specifically antibiotics.

Doctors strongly recommend that patients stay away from probiotic supplements when taking antibiotics. More specifically, physicians tell patients not to take a probiotic supplement within two hours of taking their medication.

Supplements can help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Still, taking the wrong supplement can result in problematic interactions with your prescriptions. Your primary care physician should know what you are taking, including supplements. If you feel that some nutrients are missing or lacking in your diet, your doctor can point you toward safe and effective supplements or foods that can help without risking your health.

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Can Probiotics Prevent Diarrhea?

One of the best ways to deal with temporary bouts of diarrhea also happens to be one of the easiest to follow: probiotics. These healthy microbes are surprisingly effective for calming trips to the bathroom and preventing problems in the first place.

What Causes Diarrhea?

Often, digestive troubles such as diarrhea happen because of an intestinal infection. Maybe the restaurant you ate at wasn’t as clean as you thought or the food at your family barbeque was sitting out for too long. Forgetting to wash lettuce, tomatoes or other raw produce can also trigger foodborne illnesses and diarrhea.

Traveler’s diarrhea in tropical locations can be caused by microbes in the water as well as food. That’s why using bottled water and washing your hands regularly matters.

Antibiotics: Good or Bad for Diarrhea?

Unless you have a high fever or other serious symptoms, taking antibiotics for intestinal infections can do more harm than good. Viral infections don’t respond to antibiotics, and minor problems with diarrhea usually clear up automatically in a few days. Plus, antibiotics are hard on your immune system, destroying good bacteria with bad ones.

Why Are Probiotics Helpful for Diarrhea?

Probiotics are your body’s good microbes. They’re tiny gut defenders that help protect your digestive system and fend off invaders. With healthy levels of probiotics, you’re less likely to get stomach infections in the first place. Studies say that probiotics may reduce the chances of having diarrhea by up to 75%!

To understand why this is helpful, imagine a bank with lots of security. With lots of guards, cameras, locks and secure vaults, the chances of criminals successfully breaking in are much lower. In the same way, the stronger your probiotic defenses, the better prepared your gut is to fend off viruses and bacteria.

How Can Probiotics Help If You Already Have Diarrhea?

Even if you’re careful when you eat out or go on vacation, you may still end up catching a case of digestive distress. There are over-the-counter meds that can put a stop to diarrhea on vacation, but they’re not the greatest option because of the large list of potential side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, constipation and more.

On the other hand, probiotics are perfectly safe. When you eat or drink probiotic-rich foods, it’s like sending reinforcements to your gut. These new “soldiers” can improve your body’s response to infections, often clearing up diarrhea a day earlier than normal. You still need to drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated, too.

What Are the Best Probiotic Foods for Diarrhea?

Lactic acid microbes, or lactobacilli, are excellent infection fighters. You can find these probiotics in many types of yogurt and other fermented dairy products, such as kefir or traditional buttermilk.

What if you’re lactose intolerant? It’s pretty easy to find probiotic supplements that have lactobacilli. Kimchi, miso and other nondairy fermented foods can help, too.

When Should You Visit Your Doctor?

Not every case of diarrhea is the same. If you have a high fever, feel extremely weak or dehydrated, or notice any scary symptoms, visit your doctor. The same thing goes for diarrhea that lasts for days without improving.

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Is Thermal Wellness Worth Your Time?

Temperature is nothing new to wellness therapy. The use of hot and cold to treat conditions like illness, muscle soreness, stress, and tension is a common practice dating back hundreds of years. People have often found comfort, relaxation, or relief in saunas or ice baths, so why is it that thermal wellness is suddenly a new fad term full of promise.

Much of the hype surrounds the advances in science and technology that allow for temperature manipulation, meaning that people can change their body temperature to achieve specific mental and physical health goals with a wearable device. However, before diving into the efficacy of such technology, it is crucial to review the science.

Efficacy of Thermal Therapies

Before discussing how extreme temperature fluctuations can affect the body, it is necessary to understand the difference between positive and negative stress responses. A positive stress response helps improve muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and reduce pain; a negative response works counter to those results.

Exposure to extreme temperatures in controlled settings is said to be a positive stress response. For example, cryotherapy is the process of exposing the body to subzero temperatures for only a few minutes at a time. The sudden and extreme exposure causes rapid and tremendous constriction of blood vessels. The constriction is followed by equally substantial dilation when the body is removed from the cold, improving oxygenation and circulation throughout the system. You can think of saunas and other infrared heat treatments as equally and hypothetically beneficial but working in reverse.

It is necessary to state that evidence to support the theories of extreme temperature treatments is limited. While supporters and even some physiologists see the potential and understand the likelihood for results, the actual body of research is slim, especially when considering these methods as treatments for inflammation, chronic pain, and vitality.

Modern Advances in Technology

While there is insufficient evidence to support extreme temperature therapies, researchers know that temperature plays a vital role in human processes. Newer tech is focusing on subtle temperature fluctuations, only a few degrees in any direction. 

For now, the primary focus is on improving the quality of sleep, as most adults do not get adequate rest. The devices range from full-size mattresses to wearable devices for the wrist.

By manipulating the body and brain into perceiving a room or bed to be hotter or colder than it is, tech brands claim to enrich sleep quality. If true, the tech is sure to be a great success but does research support the idea?

Wearable Tech and Temperature Manipulation

While there is plenty of enthusiasm around temperature manipulation, it is not something most people need to concern themselves with. As long as your body can maintain an average temperature between 97° and 99°, there is no profound benefit to deliberately putting stress on your body. For those suffering from heart or lung disease or who are pregnant, most physicians do not recommend putting any additional stress on the body because of the risk to your health.

While thermal manipulation or wellness is an interesting topic, it still requires research to prove the physical benefits. That being said, if you enjoy the sauna or feel that temperature changes improve your wellbeing, go ahead and try. However, always talk to your primary care physician before starting any new program or routine.