Here’s why probiotics are good for health

Here’s why probiotics are good for health

Probiotics or “friendly bacteria” are known to have health benefits if taken in the right proportion. These live microorganisms or probiotics are naturally present in the body. However, they can also be taken in the form of food or probiotic supplements. Fermented food is usually rich in probiotics. For good digestive health, it is important to maintain a balance of bacteria. One of the primary probiotics benefits of a balanced presence of probiotics is good digestion. This also positively impacts your overall health and well being. Probiotics balance the bacteria present in your gut and have a positive impact on your health. Probiotics benefits include good digestive health, loss of excess weight, a healthy immune system, and much more! Maintain Healthy Digestion with Probiotics Probiotics include and foster the growth of good bacteria in your digestive system. You should consume food that contains a fair amount of probiotics. It will help keep your gut healthy by restoring the natural balance of bacteria. These friendly live microorganisms come with the benefit of putting a check on the growth of bad bacteria. Probiotics do not let the harmful bacteria overpower the good bacteria. These bacteria help reverse the effects of illnesses and certain medicines.
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Causes, symptoms, and treatments of nasal polyps

Causes, symptoms, and treatments of nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are benign growths that cover the lining of the nose tissues and sinuses. A polyp is a bulging teardrop-shaped formation that blocks the nasal path, and it usually hangs from the nasal lining. Prolonged irritation of the sinus and inflammation of the lining can trigger the growth of these polyps, but the condition can be easily managed with medications. That said, a mild surgical procedure may be required in some cases to provide long-term relief. Read on for a brief overview of the condition. What causes nasal polyps to form? Inflammation, also referred to as chronic rhinosinusitis, is one of the primary triggers associated with this condition. Inflammation may be deemed chronic if it persists for over 12 weeks. Also, an abnormal response of the immune system and resulting problems in the mucus membrane can trigger the growth of nasal polyps. That said, the direct cause is unknown. What are the noticeable symptoms of nasal polyps? A person may initially experience difficulty breathing and struggle with a reduced sense of smell. Due to the blockage, a sensation of nasal congestion always exists, along with pressure in the forehead or face. Stuffiness can also result in excess mucus running back down the throat, a symptom that is medically referred to as postnasal drip.
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5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

5 common medical conditions causing osteoporosis bone loss

There are certain common medical conditions that are specifically linked with osteoporosis bone loss. Here’s what you need to watch out for. The bone is a living tissue, and as such it is constantly being broken down to create new bone. However, when the rebuilding process is slower than the breaking down process, the bones become fragile and brittle. This is what happens when you develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is more common in women than men, and affects about 200 million women all over the world. Even though this disorder affects women of all age and races, it is more common in older white and Asian women. When you are suffering from osteoporosis and it reaches an advanced stage, fractures become a part of daily life. The fractures that are associated with osteoporosis usually occur in your spine, hip, and wrist. The bones become so brittle that even everyday activities like bending over or stepping on to the pavement can result in fractures. Early stages of osteoporosis do not show any symptoms, but when it reaches an advanced stage, symptoms like loss of height, back pain, neck pain, fractures, and stooping posture can be seen. A simple bone density test that shows the extent of osteoporosis bone loss is used when you want to diagnose this disorder.
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4 best foods for hemophilia

4 best foods for hemophilia

Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that is mostly diagnosed at a young age. The blood doesn’t clot as it should in people with this disease, causing excessive bleeding, which can turn life-threatening. The condition largely occurs due to the absence of certain blood-clotting proteins (called clotting factors), although it can also be acquired due to an immune system issue. Physical therapy, clot-preserving medications, and vaccinations are viable treatment options. Alternatively, certain food choices can also help manage the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the beneficial foods to eat for people with hemophilia: Whole grains Oatmeal, brown rice, and barley are a few of the healthiest whole grains to eat for hemophilia patients. These foods contain fiber and nutrients that help stabilize blood glucose levels. By lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke, these foods prevent serious complications associated with hemophilia. Whole grains also reduce chronic inflammation, which can be touted as a major contributor to internal bleeding. Calcium-rich foods Important for the growth and maintenance of the bones, calcium is paramount for hemophilia patients. The nutrient helps keep tooth and bone health in check, preventing damage and subsequent blood loss.
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Common symptoms and treatments for non-small cell lung cancer

Common symptoms and treatments for non-small cell lung cancer

Lung cancer begins when the lung cells grow to be abnormal and multiply uncontrollably. As there is a rapid growth of the cancerous cells in the body, tumors form and start spreading to other areas of the body. There are different types of lung cancer such as Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and other subtypes such as sarcomatoid carcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. This non-small cell lung cancer is less common as compared to the other types. Adenocarcinoma Majority of lung cancer cases are of adenocarcinomas. They can occur in many parts of the body. These cancers occur in current or former smokers mainly, however, they are found in non-smokers as well. This cancer affects women more than men, and among other cancers, this cancer affects younger people more. Squamous cell carcinoma Of all the lung cancers, the occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma is 20% to 30% in people. This cancerous cells start affecting the flat cells and lie inside the lung airways. This cancer is linked to the history of smoking and is mostly found in central part of the lungs. Large cell carcinoma This cancer covers 10% to 15% of all lung cancers. This cancer can occur in any part of the lung.
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Top mattresses of 2021

Top mattresses of 2021

A good night’s sleep is necessary for overall health and well-being, but conditions like back pain can disturb sleep. The National Institutes of Health says that about 80 percent of adults in the country suffer from backache. Its exact cause may vary, but one of the most common issues is sleeping on the wrong mattress. Choose from these top mattresses for managing back pain for restful sleep: Helix Midnight LUXE This mattress has zoned lumbar support coils to support the spine and soft foam for optimal comfort. It is a popular choice for side sleepers as the luxury memory foam provides pressure point relief on the hips and shoulders. It is an ideal choice for relieving lower back pain without compromising on comfort. The Helix Midnight LUXE is a medium-firm mattress and comes with an ultra-breathable cover to keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep. You can get a 100-night trial and a 15-year limited warranty on the mattress. Saatva Classic Mattress This mattress has a durable dual-coil design that allows more airflow to keep you cool through the night. The responsive innerspring balances weight and the spinal zone technology provides excellent back support and aligns the spine in all sleeping positions, making it one of the top mattresses for managing back pain.
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Things to know about the Novavax vaccine

Things to know about the Novavax vaccine

Novavax, a leading biotechnology company, has gained worldwide attention with its innovative COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2373. This vaccine has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials utilizing cutting-edge nanoparticle technology, with 90% effectiveness in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the rate of hospitalizations. It has a favorable safety profile and the capacity for storage at standard refrigerator temperatures, which is helpful. Here are some things to know about the vaccine in detail: Development and technology The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine employs a novel nanoparticle approach to stimulate an immune response. This nanoparticle is designed to mimic the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The vaccine does not contain a live virus, making it a non-replicating viral protein vaccine. This approach allows the immune system to recognize and develop defenses against the spike protein without causing the disease. Efficacy According to some clinical trials, the vaccine’s efficacy has been positive. In a phase 3 trial conducted in the country, the vaccine demonstrated an overall efficacy of around 90% against COVID-19. Importantly, it has also exhibited significant protection against severe disease, including variants of concern. Safety profile Safety is a paramount concern in vaccine development. According to reports, Novavax’s vaccine has shown a favorable safety profile, which means that the vaccine’s side effects are generally mild, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain.
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11 early warning signs of pneumonia

11 early warning signs of pneumonia

Pneumonia, a widespread respiratory condition, majorly affects the lungs and is triggered by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The body’s response to pneumonia is unique to each individual. Some may exhibit mild symptoms that could be mistaken for a common cold, while others may experience severe signs requiring immediate medical attention. Pneumonia may particularly affect those with weak immune systems. Recognizing the early warning signs of pneumonia is essential for timely intervention. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection that causes swelling in the lungs. Pus or other fluids due to external infections build up in the organ, leading to several health issues. Early warning signs of pneumonia Cough and breathing issues Persistent cough, wheezing, or noisy breathing, particularly when inhaling, accompanied by noticeable breathing difficulty, are some of the most common signs of pneumonia. Increased heart rate An accelerated heartbeat can be an indicator of pneumonia as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygen levels. Chest discomfort Individuals might experience sharp, stabbing chest discomfort that is exacerbated with deep breaths. Sweating and fever Profuse sweating and high fever that can go up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit are some other telltale signs of pneumonia. Fatigue Pneumonia often brings extreme fatigue in individuals.
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US Government secures additional doses of Novavax

US Government secures additional doses of Novavax

As the country continues its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has taken a significant step to secure additional doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The federal government has recently adjusted its existing agreement with Novavax to secure extra supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2373. Within the framework of this amended agreement, Novavax has committed to delivering an additional 1.5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine and ensures continued public access to it. The need for extra doses The decision to purchase more doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine reflects the nation’s commitment to bolstering its supply. This move acknowledges the need to offer the American people a diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio. It underscores the importance of Novavax’s partnership with the U.S. government to ensure continuous access to a protein-based option as part of public health measures. About the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, or NVX-CoV2373, is a protein subunit vaccine designed to stimulate an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It differs from the mRNA and viral vector vaccines as it uses a different approach. Novavax’s vaccine uses a harmless piece of the coronavirus’s spike protein to trigger an immune response without using live or weakened virus components.
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3 strategies for managing atopic dermatitis

3 strategies for managing atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, can be a challenging skin condition to deal with. Itchy, inflamed skin can make day-to-day life uncomfortable and frustrating. But with the right strategies, one can take control of their skin’s health. If someone is dealing with atopic dermatitis, it’s important to know that there are ways to help manage and alleviate its symptoms. Here are three effective strategies for alleviating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis: Moisturizing Dryness is a common trigger for atopic dermatitis flare-ups, and one of the best ways to combat it is through consistent moisturizing. One must opt for thick, fragrance-free moisturizers or emollients. Moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter can provide long-lasting hydration. Ideally, moisturizer should be applied within three minutes of bathing or showering to lock in moisture. It is also advisable to keep a small, travel-sized bottle of water on hand for on-the-go hydration. Switching to an ointment-based moisturizer for extra protection in colder, drier months will also help. On a side note, it is essential to avoid hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils, worsening eczema symptoms. Instead, switching to lukewarm water when bathing or washing hands would be better.
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