Probiotics May Help People With Dementia

A recent study has found that probiotics in yoghurt or supplements may help improve memory in people with history of Alzheimer’s disease. The report has suggested that people who were under good bacterial supplement had significant improvement in there brain function tests.

Probiotics are good bacteria and yeasts that are known to have certain health benefits. The natural source of probiotics is yoghurt. Probiotics are also available in the form of supplements.

A medical research team advised people with serious Alzheimer’s to have probiotic drink on a daily basis for 12 weeks. They measured the alterations in the brain function test before and after the supplementation. Eventually, they found mild improvement in people who took probiotics than people who did not. However, it is not clear whether the improvement is sufficient to approve it clinically or therapeutically.

While the findings are not so conclusive, researchers opine that there should be some association between the gut health and the brain function. Exploring the association between these bodily systems could help draw out new insights and plausible treatments for Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia.

At present, there are no possible safety concerns about the use of probiotics. More studies are required to claim that probiotics are an evidence-based treatment for Alzheimer’s.

The current study concluded that the probiotic supplementation for 12 weeks has favourable effect on the brain function. It may also help improve cognitive function in people with dementia after 12 weeks of therapy. In addition, probiotics are known to have effects on metabolism and inflammation in the body.

Apart from improving brain function, probiotics have beneficial effect on a person’s gastrointestinal system, as they improve bacterial intestinal flora that enhances digestion.

Dietary recommendation for people with Alzheimer’s disease is exactly the same as for other people, such as eating a well-balanced diet.

Stay Healthy In Cold Weather

In England, the health department officials have alarmed the probability of severe cold weather, heavy snow and icy conditions. Extreme cold weather can make you vulnerable to certain health issues. It is important that you take utmost care of your health during extreme cold weather conditions, especially if you are old.

People with pre-existing cardiac issues, chronic respiratory illness, seasonal allergies and rheumatic disorders are advised to take special precautions during icy cold conditions. Also, infants and young children are at the risk of developing health issues caused by cold weather. Hence, it is important to care of yourself and your family members to prevent medical issues that are aggravated by icy conditions, such as cold and cough, sore throat, allergies, asthma, etc.

How to stay healthy in icy cold weather?

Dress heavily and cover the exposed part

Cover your skin as much as possible, as frostbites may develop within a shorter duration of exposure to icy weather. Wear warm, waterproof jackets, waterproof gloves/boots and hat. Choose silk or wool inner layers, as they retain more heat than cotton.

Keep yourself dry

Do not wear wet clothing, as you are more prone to hypothermia in cold and wet conditions. If you get wet, make sure you change into dry clothing.

Be aware of outdoor conditions

Before going outdoors, make sure you check the weather report. This will help you take necessary precautions so that you can prevent health issues caused by extremely cold conditions. If possible, reschedule your outdoor activities or spend little amount of time.

If you experience any kind of sickness during extreme cold weather conditions, immediately see your GP. Meanwhile, you can follow the above mentioned safety tips. If you experience cough, cold, allergy or frostbites, you can use over-the-counter cough and cold treatment, allergy medicines or skin care medications, but after consulting your medical advisor.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can buy OTC medicines online that are useful in treating common health issues caused by extreme cold weather.

Overcome Allergic Rhinitis With Galpharm Tablets

Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is one of the most common allergic conditions in the UK. It usually affects people with weak, poor or underdeveloped immune system. An allergy is an exaggerated response between a sensitive immune system and an allergen. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nose caused by the invasion of pollen.

When an allergic reaction takes place, the body releases chemical called histamine. Histamine plays a great role in giving rise to inflammation and irritation, producing excess mucus in the nasal passages and allergy symptoms such as:

• Frequent sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Nasal blockage
• Post-nasal discharge
• Nasal itching
• Red, watery and itchy eyes
• Mild fever with cough and dry throat

How to overcome allergic rhinitis?

There are various medicines effective in treating hay fever, while Cetirizine is one of them. Galpharm Hayfever and Allergy Relief Tablets contain 10mg Cetirizine, which is an ideal dose for adults with allergic rhinitis. Cetirizine is an antihistamine drug that looks after inhibiting the histamine receptor cells in order to stop the body from releasing histamine. Once histamine is reduced, the inflammation and irritation subside, relieving the symptoms of hay fever.

You need to take one pill once a day for seven consecutive days to achieve cure. Physicians often advise patients to take the dose before going to bed. That’s because the drug has the ability to produce mild to moderate dizziness. Although Cetirizine is available over-the-counter, it is important to see your GP before using it.

Do not give Galpharm Hayfever and Allergy Tablets to children, as they need this allergy medicine in lower potencies and in syrup form. Keep this allergy medicine away from direct heat and sunlight; otherwise, the drug may lose its efficacy. More importantly, store this allergy relief medicine out of the reach and sight of children.

Contact your GP if you experience any unwanted side effects such as skin rashes, breathlessness, headache, swelling of face of extreme dizziness.

Use Galpharm Hayfever and Allergy Tablets to get relief from allergic rhinitis! 

Get Rid of Bloating Or Trapped Wind

Stomach or abdominal bloating is a common problem. Most of us often experience the feeling of bloating or gaseous distension, making our tummy puffy, uncomfortable and stretched. It is usually experienced after a big weekend or during a festive season, as we tend to overeat such times. However, for some people, it is just an occasional problem.

Following are the causes of bloating or trapped wind:

• Excess wind
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Swallowing too much air while eating or talking
• Food intolerance
• Coeliac disease
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

How to get rid of bloating?

Treating and correcting the underlying condition can help overcome trapped wind or bloating. For instance, cutting out fizzy foods and drinks can help you get rid of trapped wind. Eat healthy and perform regular exercise to overcome bloating.

Cut down foods that cause bloating, such as onions, beans, cabbage, sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Make sure you eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in dietary fibre. If you have chronic constipation, eat fibre-rich diet, drink plenty of water and do regular exercise. Brisk walking for 20 minutes daily would help improve bowel function.

Do not swallow too much of air while talking and eating. Sit down to eat and chew the food thoroughly before gulping. Reduce or avoid the intake of fizzy drinks and stop chewing gum.

When your bowel fails to empty properly or the food produces gas, you experience trapped wind due to food intolerance. Wheat (gluten) and dairy products are the main culprits. The best way to get rid of bloating caused by these foodstuffs is to avoid or reduce the intake of such foods.

Coeliac disease is a digestive condition where the intestines fail to absorb gluten. Apart from trapped wind, you may experience diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and weakness. Gluten-free diet is the best way in such cases. IBS causes bloating with alternate diarrhoea and constipation.

If bloating persists even after following the aforementioned steps, make sure you see your GP, because it may indicate some serious medical issues. Over-the-counter medicines containing calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate may help reduce trapped wind or bloating.

Know About Winter Vomiting Bug

Here comes the winter that can increase the risk of norovirus infection in the UK. It is one of the common stomach bugs that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Norovirus is also called winter vomiting bug, as it is more commonly seen in winter. However, people can catch it at any time of the year.

The infection caused by winter vomiting bug usually clears up within a couple of days. You can look after yourself or your child at home. Most of the experts advise people to avoid visiting a GP, as the infection can spread very easily. It can spread through close contact and by sharing towels of flannels. The other modes of transmission are eating contaminated foods and touching infected objects.   

Signs and Symptoms

• Suddenly falling sick
• Profuse watery diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Body pain
• Stomach cramps
• Fever

These symptoms typically last up to a couple of days. If they persist for more than three days, you need to check with your GP.

Managing the condition

The best thing you can do to is take adequate rest if you experience projectile vomiting and diarrhoea. This is a viral infection, so do not take antibiotics. You need medical attention only if the symptoms aggravate. Meanwhile, you can –

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay away from dehydration; have fruit juice or soups
• Eat plain foods such as rice or bread
• Take Paracetamol to reduce fever and aches
• Use anti-diarrhoeal or anti-emetics to treat diarrhoea or vomiting, respectively

Special attention should be given to babies, as they may easily get dehydrated due to fluid loss caused by diarrhoea and vomiting. Ask your doctor to know more about managing the symptoms in babies.

Effective preventive steps can help the virus from spreading. Stay off from work or school until your infection is completely treated. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after meals. Try to disinfect the contaminated objects and wash your clothes and bed sheets in hot water. Do not share towels and flannels. More importantly, avoid eating raw and uncooked food.

Common Facts About Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a very common infection of gums, which comes under the group of periodontal diseases. It causes redness, irritation and swelling of gums. Most of the cases are mild so you may not be aware of the condition unless you experience pain. However, it is important to take this gum disease seriously, and get rid of it promptly. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to severe periodontitis and even tooth loss.

The most common reason behind gingivitis is poor oral hygiene. You can stay away from this condition simply by following good dental habits such as brushing twice daily, flossing and getting regular check up with a dentist. Professional help is required in advanced cases. Surgery is indicated very rarely.

Signs and symptoms

• Swollen gums
• Puffy and soft gums
• Tenderness on touch
• Bleeding on brushing or flossing
• Halitosis – bad breath

Causes

As said earlier, poor oral hygiene is the main cause of gingivitis, but there are other reasons why you suffer from this gum disease. Plaque (sticky film composed of bacteria) formation on your teeth is what makes you develop gingivitis. The remaining of tiny food particles can lead to plaque formation. Daily removal of plaque is necessary, as it re-forms within 24 hours.

Plaque that adheres to your teeth can harden your gum-line by forming calculus (tartar). Calculus makes it difficult to remove plaque and bacteria. It is not easy to get rid of tartar simply by brushing or flossing; you need professional dental cleansing to get rid of it. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth decay and tooth loss.

Treatment

Early diagnosis helps implement timely treatment and prevent more serious gum diseases. Gingivitis treatment include dental cleansing to remove the plaque and tartar, brushing twice and flossing once daily, regular dental check-up and fixation of filling or crowns.

Gingivitis often clears up after a proper professional cleansing and good oral dental hygiene. Your dentist will help you with an effective dental plan. Make sure you follow the plan to keep your gums away from inflammation and swelling. Oral mouthwashes are a good way to prevent dental problems. In addition, they keep your mouth free from bacteria or plaque and improves your breathing.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can acquire a wide range of clinically proven products that are useful in treating gingivitis. You can get clinically tested mouthwashes, fluoride-based toothpaste and creams for optimal oral hygiene.

Sun Protection Is Extremely Important

The incidence rate of skin cancers, particularly melanoma, has increased over the past decades due to excessive exposure to sun. Overexposure to sunrays is broadly accepted as one of the underlying causes of skin diseases. Medical experts opine that the risk of skin cancer can be dramatically reduced by preventing sun exposure.

The harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted from the sun can cause sunburn and melanoma. So, prevent your skin from the harmful rays by following these vital steps –

• Limit midday sun exposure – The sun emits harmful UV rays more between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. So, try to limit the exposure during these hours; better if you stay away from them.
• Check out UV index – Adopt sun safety measures when UV rays are extremely high or above the normal range.
• Wear protective clothing – Loose fitting clothes provide good protection from the sunrays. Wear a hat or cap that provides all round protection to your eyes, ears, neck and back.
• Use sunglasses – Make sure you use sunglasses that provide 100% protection from UV rays; this prevents eye damage.
• Apply sunscreen – Apply a quality and board-spectrum sunscreen of SPF of at least 15 or 30. Reapply every two hours if you are supposed to stay outdoors for a long time.
• Get under the shade – Look for a shade when you suspect UV rays are stronger.

Special care should be taken when it comes to protecting children from sun. Children are more susceptible to sun than adults are, as they are in a state of growth and development, plus their skin is quite sensitive and delicate. Schools are the most important sources to educate and promote about sun protection by conducting programmes.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can acquire some clinically proven medical products that are useful in protection your from UV rays. To know more about sun protection, you can visit your GP.