Gut Bacteria May Predict And Prevent Rheumatism

The intestinal bacterial flora of our gut is known to affect our gastrointestinal system, but according to a new study, it can help predict the risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), thereby helping us to prevent the symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory rheumatic condition characterised by the symptoms of joint pain and swelling with stiffness. RA is an autoimmune disorder that affects nearly millions of people, elders being the common victims.

A renowned immunologist found that intestinal bacteria are a common cause of rheumatoid arthritis. The studies suggest that investigating a specific intestinal gut bacterium – microbiota – can help doctors predict the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, thereby helping in preventing the condition. There are nearly 1,000 different species of microbiota.

The study revealed that certain bacterial lineages lead to gut microbial imbalance, which are found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers were able to identify gut microbes that were rare and low in healthy individuals, but high in RA patients.

The finding of this study can help in drawing out a probable diagnosis in susceptible people. Evaluation of intestinal microbiota can help predict the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis. This can further help in early treatment and prevention.

People with chronic rheumatoid arthritis need proper medical attention. Pain relief medicines are often prescribed to reduce inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling. Physicians also prescribe topical creams or gels that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They help reduce joint pain and stiffness. At the same time, patients are advised to follow healthy diet and perform mild physical activity. Physiotherapy helps immensely in preventing pain and stiffness; it is advisable to consult a qualified physical therapist.

Other renowned medical experts suggest more number of studies to find the exact link between gut bacteria and rheumatoid arthritis. To know more about rheumatoid arthritis medicines, visit pain relief section of pharmacyoutlet.co.uk.

Multivitamins For Children

Do you feel the need of giving vitamins to your baby? You are feeling right! Growing kids sometimes do not get enough vitamins, especially those who do not eat a varied diet. It is difficult to get all the essential vitamins through food alone. That’s why health department always recommend that children (6 months to 5 years) should be given supplements rich in essential vitamins and minerals, in the form of multivitamin drops.

Your GP is the right person to advice suitable vitamin drops and suggest you from where to acquire them. Some dietary supplements that contain essential vitamins can be purchased over the counter from local or online pharmacies. It is better to talk to your doctor about the supplement that is more effective and suitable for your baby.

Too much of vitamins in the body can be harmful. Therefore, it is imperative to follow suggested dose and do not give more than recommended dose at a time. For instance, do not give supplement that contains vitamin A & D and cod liver oil, because cod liver oil already contains both the vitamins. Talking to a medical professional before using food supplement is essential.

Vitamin A, C & D are the most important micronutrients for your child’s growth. Vitamin A strengthens the immune system, improves vision and maintains healthy skin. Dairy products, carrots, sweet potatoes, mangoes, swede and dark green leafy vegetables are few common sources of vitamin A. Vitamin C is essential for your child’s overall health and immune system. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers and broccoli are sources of vitamin C. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones and the best source is sunlight on the skin.

It is important that your growing child get essential vitamins for growth and development. All babies and young children should take a daily supplement like Abidec Multivitamin Drops For Babies and Children to meet the daily requirement of essential nutrients. In addition, children should eat healthy foods that contain macronutrients and micronutrients in order to grow and develop appropriately.

To know more about dietary supplements, visit Vitamins & Minerals in pharmacyoutlet.co.uk

Inflammation: The Reason Behind Period Pain, Study

Do you know why you experience pain in abdomen or back during menstruation? Well, scientists have found that inflammation is the main reason why periods are so painful. A new study revealed that period pain is caused by acute inflammation. When inflammation is increased, the liver secretes a substance called C-reactive protein (CRP). This could be the reason why a woman experiences menstrual pain.

Menstrual cramp or pain, also known as Dysmenorrhea, is a common condition experienced by millions of women, worldwide. There are few plausible causes of period pain, while inflammation is one of them. Scientists have revealed that a raised CRP level is responsible for acute inflammation before or during menstruation. Many women feel pain in abdomen and back before menstruation, which is commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

PMS is characterised by the changes in physical, psychological and behavioural pattern that can occur nearly two weeks before the commencement of menstruation.

What study says?

Medical experts from renowned university carried out a study that included approximately 3,300 women of different ethnic groups. The history of reproductive health, lifestyle and demographic factors were taken into consideration. Participants were also asked about other symptoms of PMS and menstruation, such as –

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Abdominal bloating
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Weight gain
• Mood changes
• Increased appetite
• Severe headache
• Anxiety, fear, nervousness

Apart from these parameters, their CRP levels were also analysed. In many cases, elevated CRP levels were reported. However, scientists suggest that other physiological mechanisms may also give rise to PMS or period pains. The results indicate that inflammation plays a great role in causing PMS and Period Pains. This finding can help prevent and treat the symptoms with period pain medicines or anti-inflammatory agents.

Conclusion

The study revealed that elevated CRP levels could give rise to the symptoms of PMS, especially in middle-aged women. However, the levels may differ from person to person. The findings of this study cannot be applied to young girls, as it was chiefly conducted on middle-aged women.

The researchers opine that this study could help in analysing and implementing potential preventive and therapeutic measures. Women with severe dysmenorrhea should seek medical assistance, as they may need prescription medicine.

Skin Care: Protect Your Largest Organ of The Body

Do you know that your skin is one of the largest organs of the body? In fact, it is the first organ that protects your body from external toxic elements and infection. It is imperative to protect your skin in order to prevent various skin conditions. Let’s take a look at some of the most common ways of keeping your skin healthy and flawless.

A good skin care regimen is what you require to get healthy glowing skin. You can look and feel good by maintaining healthy skin on a daily basis. It is essential to prepare your skin before using any cosmetic procedure or treatment. This will definitely help you experience satisfactory results.

General Skin Care Management

• Cleansing – Wash your skin in the morning and evening with a high-quality cleansing agent. This helps in eradicating excess oil, debris and other toxins. Moreover, it stimulates blood circulation, giving you a rejuvenating look.
• Exfoliating – It is the most important part of your skin regimen. Scrubbing your skin with an exfoliating agent removes dead skin cells and oil from the deeper pores of the skin. It also prevents acne and scar formation.
• Toning – Use a quality toner to enhance collagen production. Make sure you use products that contain Retinoids, Hydroquinones, Kojic Acids and Coffee-berry extract. You will get rejuvenated and youthful skin.
• Hydrating – Hydrate your skin with a water-based moisturiser that helps heal the skin. Moisturising helps in maintaining pH balance of your skin, thereby making it look supple.

Protecting Your Skin

After following all the above-mentioned steps, apply a sunscreen if you are going outdoors. And if you are outdoors for longer duration, reapply sunscreen every 60 minutes or so. In addition, you can apply a skincare cream that contains antioxidant. This helps promote healing, enhance collagen production and prevent wrinkles.

You can take care of your skin better after consulting a cosmetologist or dermatologist. To acquire effective skin care products, visit Pharmacyoutlet.co.uk.

Use Sunscreen To Prevent Skin Cancer

Don’t forget to apply a high-quality sunscreen while having fun this summer! The incidences of skin cancer are rising and millions of cases are being diagnosed annually. In fact, the number is more than lung, colon, prostate and breast cancer cases combined. Would-be sunbathers should take special precautions.

A comprehensive skin protection regimen is essential, which includes hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, seeking shade and staying away from the sun during peak hours. Clothing is, of course, the key, but if you can’t cover up all the time, sunscreen comes to the rescue. According to a recent survey, nearly 53% of people never or rarely use sunscreen. It is imperative to think about using sunscreen the way you brush, bath and groom daily.

Are sunscreens really effective?

Many sunscreen products are prepared by using different methods. Few are effective, while few are not. There are approximately 8,000 sunscreen products available in the market with different ingredients and sun protection factor (SPF).

According to renowned dermatologists, it is important to choose a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30. However, it depends on the amount of the sun exposure. For instance, a person exposing to the sun light for 10 minutes needs an SPF of 30, plus he/she should reapply regularly and correctly. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a dermatologist to know which type of sunscreen is suitable and effective.

While sunscreens with higher SPF provide more sun protection, many of them fail to block the harmful ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. SPF 30 sunscreen blocks nearly 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. A broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect you from UVA and UVB rays, the former being more potent.

UV rays can burn your skin and cause melanoma, a form of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to UV rays damages the skin cells, as they have the ability to penetrate deeper into the skin layers. Professionals recommended people to examine their own skin regularly. If you notice any new mole or discolouration on your skin, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

Early detection and timely medical intervention can help cure melanoma. So protect your skin from these harmful sunrays and prevent skin cancer by using high-quality sunscreen.

Dietary Supplement Can Control Junk Food Desires

Are you a junk food lover? If yes, then there is some good news for you! Scientists in the UK opine that there is a remedial solution to reduce junk food desires. They have found an ingredient in food supplements that may help curb people’s desire for junk or unhealthy foods.

A medical research team analysed a supplement called inulin-propionate ester and found that it dramatically reduced the craving for junk food. In addition, it made the participants eat less in proportions. This is beneficial for people who are obese and suffer from canine hunger.

What is Inulin?

Inulin is a kind of dietary fibre that allows the production of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. They produce a molecule called propionate, which is secreted when a person is satiated or stuffed. The gastric system sends signal to the brain that the person is full now. Few dietary supplements contain inulin-propionate ester that is responsible for encouraging gut bacteria to secrete 2.5 times more filling agent i.e. propionate.

The Study

Researchers selected around 20 participants to analyse the effect of inulin on the appetite. They were provided with milkshake that contained 10 grams of regular inulin and inulin-propionate ester. After feeding, they were shown pictures of low and high calorie-content foods such as salad, fish, chocolate and cake while they were put on MRI scanner. Experts were paying more attention to the centres of the brain that increase or decrease the food desire.

The results were interesting; those who had this compound showed less activity in craving centres of the brain. Their desire for high calorie foods was less. They were less excited after seeing chocolate and cake. The finding helped researchers conclude that inulin-propionate ester helps reduce not only junk food craving but also high-calorie-food consumption.

This explains that people who consume dietary supplement rich in inulin (Seven Seas Multibionta Vitality) may shed extra pounds. Such supplement can decrease the junk food craving activities in the brain, thereby helping in losing weight. Scientists also explain that some people naturally secrete gut bacteria that help them stay slim.

The study was relatively small and experts recommend more studies in analysing the link between inulin and food cravings. However, many researchers are accepting the results and finding food supplements beneficial.

Candidiasis: A Common Fungal Infection

Candidiasis is a common fungal infection characterised by the invasion of fungi (yeast) that belongs to the genus Candida. There are more than 20 species of this fungus and the common one is Candida Albicans. Normally, this fungus resides on the skin without causing an infection; however, excessive growth can affect the skin and cause symptoms. Candidiasis is treatable with effective oral antifungal medicines and creams.

Types of Candidiasis

• Thrush – Fungal infection of mouth or throat
• Vaginal Yeast Infection – Fungal infection of genitals
• Invasive Candidiasis – Yeasts enter bloodstream and spread throughout the body

Signs and Symptoms

• Thrush – White spots on the tongue and inside the mouth, redness of oral cavity, sore throat, difficulty swallowing and ulcers at corners of the mouth and lips
• Vaginal Yeast Infection – Intense itching and burning in the vaginal area, redness and soreness around genitals, vaginal discharge and dyspareunia (painful coition)
• Invasive Candidiasis – Skin rashes, fever with chills and fatigue

Usually, candidiasis is seen in people with low immune system, diabetes and HIV. People taking antibiotics, asthma medicines or steroids are also vulnerable to yeast infections. Other possible causes of fungal infection are warm weather, tight clothing, infrequent undergarment changes, poor hygiene and wet or moist skin.

Candidiasis Treatment

Your doctor, after diagnosing Candidiasis, may recommend using an antifungal medicine or cream, depending on the intensity and part affected. Antifungal treatment kills Candida and stops the spreading of infection. Diabetic subjects are advised to control their blood sugar levels in order to recover from fungal infection. In addition, they need an antifungal pills or cream.

If you are suffering from chronic fungal infection, consult your doctor and get vaginal yeast or thrush medicines. You can buy Candidiasis medicines through pharmacyoutlet.co.uk at relatively reasonable prices. But make sure you seek medical assistance before buying any medicine.