Health

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that results in dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with eczema are more likely to have other allergies or asthma. 

 

Eczema Symptoms

If you have eczema, you may experience dry, itchy, red skin. You may also see cracked, scaly skin or blister-like bumps. In severe cases, the skin can become infected.

Eczema is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It is more common in children than adults, but adults can get it, too.

 

Is There a Cure for Eczema?

There is no cure for eczema, but there are treatments that can help to control the symptoms. These include moisturisers, corticosteroid creams or ointments, antihistamines, and light therapy. Local pharmacies carry a wide variety of over the counter eczema cream. In severe cases, oral or injected corticosteroids may be necessary.

Living with eczema can be difficult, as the symptoms can be very uncomfortable and interfere with daily life. However, there are ways to manage the condition and keep the symptoms under control. With proper treatment, people with eczema can live normal, healthy lives.

 

Eczema Relief Tips

If you’re struggling with eczema, you’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from this uncomfortable skin condition. But the good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to find relief.

 

1. Keep your skin hydrated. This is one of the most important things you can do for eczema relief. Use a gentle, unscented moisturiser often, and after bathing or showering.

 

2. Avoid irritants. Certain things can trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups. These include harsh soaps, detergents, and fabrics like wool or synthetic materials. If you know what your triggers are, try to avoid them.

 

3. Soothe your skin. There are a number of over-the-counter products that can help ease the itchiness and inflammation associated with eczema. Look for ones that contain ingredients like colloidal oatmeal or zinc oxide.

 

4. Take care of your nails. Scratching can worsen eczema and even lead to infection. Keep your nails trimmed and clean, and wear gloves when you know you’ll be tempted to scratch.

 

5. Be gentle with your skin. When you’re washing or drying your skin, be sure to use gentle motions. Rubbing or scrubbing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.

 

6. Don’t sweat it. Literally. Sweating can trigger an eczema flare-up, so it’s important to stay cool and dry. Wear loose, breathable clothing, and avoid strenuous activity during hot, humid weather.

 

7. Get some sun. Believe it or not, a little sun exposure can actually help reduce eczema symptoms. Just be sure to limit your time in the sun, and always use sunscreen to protect your skin.

 

8. Try a topical corticosteroid. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t providing enough relief, your doctor may prescribe a topical corticosteroid cream or ointment. These are powerful medications that should only be used as directed.

 

9. Consider light therapy. In some cases, light therapy (or phototherapy) may be recommended. This involves exposing the skin to controlled doses of ultraviolet light under the supervision of a doctor.

 

10. Talk to your doctor. If you’re struggling to control your eczema, make an appointment to see your doctor. They can help you find the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

Your thyroid is a small gland located at the front of your neck, near the Adam’s apple that helps the body to regulate its vital processes. When a problem arises with your thyroid and it becomes either overactive or underactive, it can have dire effects on your overall health. Things like your breathing, metabolism, cellular processes, and more are all dictated by your thyroid. These are our best tips to help keep your thyroid healthy and functioning at its optimal level.

 

Get Plenty of Iodine

Your thyroid loves iodine! Your thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, are named as such due to the number of iodine molecules they contain. Without consuming enough iodine, your body won’t be able to produce enough of these vital hormones. Eating iodine-rich foods is one way to keep your thyroid functioning properly. Examples of iodine-rich foods include seafood, seaweed, and fortified dairy products. 

 

Snack on Some Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts in particular are very rich in selenium, which plays an important role in the metabolization of T4 to T3. Selenium is also a known antioxidant, which helps to protect your body from free radicals and oxidative stress. Other foods that are rich in selenium include broccoli, garlic, onion, seafood, and alfalfa.

 

Stay Away from Gluten

The evidence is piling up that many autoimmune thyroid issues are caused by a gluten intolerance. If you suffer from an ailment such as Grave’s Disease or Hashimotos, it’s extremely important that you give up gluten entirely. 

The protein in gluten is similar (molecularly) to that of your thyroid. When you ingest gluten and it absorbs into the bloodstream, your immune system attacks it. Well, for people with Grave’s or Hashimotos, your body mistakenly identifies the thyroid as this ‘bad’ protein and attacks it as well.

 

Make Sure You Are Cooking Your Brassicas

Brassica vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower, all need to be cooked for optimum health. When you leave these vegetables in their raw state, they can negatively impact the thyroid gland. These vegetables are known as goitrogens. They are able to hinder the function of the thyroid gland by blocking the absorption of iodine when left uncooked. Lightly cooking is sufficient, just be sure they are not raw!

 

Load Up On Antioxidants

Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich foods such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and all sorts of colored veggies. Your thyroid is particularly sensitive to the negative effects of oxidation. Ingesting plenty of antioxidant-rich foods allows your body to protect itself against free radicals and other oxidative stress. Antioxidants and B Vitamins can be ingested easily – simply aim to eat fruits and veggies of every colour.

If you suspect you have a thyroid disorder, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. If you have an overactive thyroid, you may be prescribed medication containing thionamides. If you have an underactive thyroid, you may be prescribed medication containing levothyroxine. Both thionamide medication and levothyroxine in NZ is available at your local pharmacy. Take as directed by your healthcare provider.

 

Have you been extremely tired lately? Maybe you can hardly make it up a flight of stairs without losing your breath, even though your fitness level is good? You might be iron deficient, particularly if you’re a woman. 

Low iron levels are among the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide. Why is iron so important and what happens when your body isn’t getting enough?

 

Why Do We Need Iron?

Iron is an essential nutrient that aids in the transport of oxygen throughout our bodies. It is an essential component of haemoglobin, which is what transports oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies in red blood cells. 

As you can imagine, an iron deficiency means the body is unable to produce enough healthy red blood cells. When we don’t have enough red blood cells, it creates a condition known as iron-deficiency anaemia. Without the right amount of red blood cells, the body isn’t getting enough oxygen, which can create fatigue or exhaustion. 

This fatigue and exhaustion can affect everything, including the body’s ability to fight off infections through a healthy immune system. 

Iron is also important in the production and maintenance of healthy skin, nail, and hair cells. 

 

How Much Iron Do We Need?

Iron requirements vary depending on factors such as gender, age, and overall health.

Babies need more iron than adults do since their bodies are growing fast. During childhood, boys and girls need the same amount of iron – between 10-8mg daily between ages 4-13. 

Beginning at puberty, females need more iron than males due to the monthly blood loss with menstruation. Women from ages 19-50 require 18mg of iron daily, while men only need 8mg. 

Post-menopause, women need only 8mg of iron daily.

Other factors also influence daily iron needs. Some instances where you may need more iron include:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Kidney failure or dialysis
• Ulcers
• Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
• Use of antacids
• Bariatric surgery
• Intense exercise
• Vegetarian or vegan

 

Signs You Might Have An Iron Deficiency

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Cold hands and feet
• Strange cravings such as clay or dirt
• Brittle nails and hair
• Sores near the corners of the mouth
• Sore tongue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tired or exhausted

 

Do You Need to Take an Iron Supplement?

Iron is contained in many of the foods we eat on a daily basis. Red meat, beans, dried fruit, spinach, and fortified cereals all contain iron. Still, this may not be sufficient depending on your iron needs. An iron supplement might be the right option for you after discussing it with your doctor. 

 

Side Effects of Iron Supplements

Unfortunately, ferrous iron supplements cause a lot of unpleasant side effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation are all common. Pregnant women are particularly prone to the side effects of iron supplements. 

 

For people who can’t tolerate the side effects of ferrous iron supplements, Maltofer iron tablets in Australia are a good alternative. 

Always consult with your doctor when adding iron supplements to your diet. Your doctor should monitor your iron levels with blood tests while taking the supplements to see if there is an improvement.

 

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) to be released into your bloodstream. It is a relatively common condition that is sometimes referred to as underactive thyroid disease. When left untreated, hypothyroidism could become life-threatening.

 

What does the Thyroid do?

Your thyroid is a small gland located near the voice box in your throat. The thyroid is responsible for releasing thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormones, which collectively make up the thyroid hormone. These hormones are responsible for regulating metabolism. When too little or too much thyroid hormone is produced, the entire body is affected. 

As metabolism dictates to your body how much energy to use, the most common effects of irregular amounts of thyroid hormone include body temperature, heart rate, and weight. 

Your pituitary gland controls the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to produce based on the activity of the thyroid, which is why problems with the pituitary gland could also lead to hypothyroidism. 

 

What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

Depending on the severity of the condition, symptoms of hypothyroidism may go unnoticed. Once the condition begins to worsen, however, common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, weight gain, constipation, muscle weakness or soreness, elevated cholesterol, depression, intolerance of cold temperatures, dry skin and hair, low libido, puffy face and eyes, hoarse voice, and brain fog or forgetfulness. 

When the levels of your thyroid hormones are excessively low, you can develop a life-threatening condition known as myxedema. Symptoms of myxedema include anaemia, confusion, low body temperature, coma, or heart failure. 

 

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

The number one leading cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune disorder. Occasionally the immune system attacks an infection and indirectly attacks and damages the thyroid gland. 

Other conditions that may cause hypothyroidism include thyroid gland surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, insufficient dietary iodine, congenital hypothyroidism, problems with the pituitary gland, and some medications used to treat other conditions.

Medications that are known to have an adverse effect on proper thyroid function include lithium, amiodarone, and interferons.

 

How is Hypothyroidism Treated?

In general, hypothyroidism is easily managed and treated. The most common and effective treatment of underactive thyroid disease is with hormone replacement tablets containing levothyroxine. This is a daily hormone replacement therapy that is, in general, very effective. 

Eltroxin is a common medication used to treat hypothyroidism. Eltroxin in New Zealand is available by prescription at your local pharmacy. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine whether hormone replacement therapy with Eltroxin is right for you. 

 

Risks of Untreated Hypothyroidism

When left untreated, hypothyroidism may become serious or life-threatening. An increase in the number and severity of symptoms may arise without proper treatment. More severe symptoms include trouble breathing, inability to regulate body temperature, mental health issues, development of a heart condition, or development of a goitre (enlarged thyroid gland).

As mentioned above, untreated hypothyroidism may also lead to a life-threatening condition known as myxedema.

 

Senna is an herb that is widely used to relieve constipation and empty the bowel before a number of medical procedures. The fruit and the leaf are both used, and marketed in either pill or tea form. 

It is often touted as a weight-loss aid and included in many teas, though this claim lacks significant research. 

If you’re seeking immediate constipation relief in Australia, your local pharmacy is sure to carry over-the-counter senna pills or tea.

 

What is Senna?

Senna is an herb that is derived from over 200 species of Cassia plants. Flowers, fruits, and leaves of the senna plant all have applicable uses as a stimulant or laxative going back hundreds of years. 

The most common species of the Cassia plants that are used as laxatives or for constipation relief are the C. acutifolia and C. angustifolia plants. These come from India and the Middle East. Senna is also cultivated in the Americas and Africa, though in lesser quantities.

 

How Does Senna Work?

Senna glycosides (sennosides) are the main active compounds that are found in the senna plant. These are not able to be absorbed during digestion. Instead, your gut bacteria break them down, which causes a slight irritation in the colon cells. This, in turn, stimulates the movement of your intestines to produce a laxative effect.

 

Senna Uses

Senna is primarily used as a laxative and for constipation relief. Thanks to its stimulative laxative effect, some medical professionals recommend senna pills or senna tea during preparation for a colonoscopy. It usually takes between 6-12 hours for senna to cause a bowel movement.

Some individuals may use senna pills or tea to ease the pain associated with haemorrhoids as well. However, the use of senna for relief of haemorrhoid symptoms does not have sufficient research to provide a definitive answer as to its efficacy. 

Over the past two decades or so, senna has been increasingly touted as a metabolism booster and weight loss aid. There are teas on the market that contain senna which are often called ‘skinny teas’. However, there is minimal research and no scientific evidence that supports the use of senna for weight loss.

 

Is Senna Safe?

Mild side effects of senna include stomach cramps, discomfort, and diarrhoea. 

While senna is safe when used as directed, there can be risks and complications associated with misuse. Senna is safe for short-term use (less than one week) and in small doses (below 34mg of sennosides twice per day).

Exceeding these recommendations may cause normal bowel functioning to slow or stop completely, resulting in laxative dependence. Long-term use of senna may also lead to liver damage. 

It is crucial to ingest enough water and electrolytes (including Gatorade and Pedialyte) while using senna as a laxative or for constipation relief. This prevents excessive fluid loss, particularly if you have diarrhoea. 

Senna can also interact with certain medications. Contact your healthcare provider to be sure.

 

How to Take Senna

Senna can be ingested either as a tea or, more commonly, as an ingredient in a supplement used for constipation relief or laxative. The fruit is generally more gentle than the leaves, so the supplements using fruit may be a better option.

 

Takeaway

Senna is an effective option as an active ingredient in supplements for laxatives and constipation relief. Be sure to use senna supplements and teas as directed, and drink plenty of fluids.

 

Picture this: it’s the weekend, you’ve planned out your whole day, but you’ve got a raging headache. What do you do? Do you put your schedule on hold? Or do you try to tough it out? Or maybe you might take something to alleviate your headache?

There are several solutions for a headache; paracetamol is one of the most common options available. It’s a painkilling pharmaceutical drug that is available over the counter. It’s used for a variety of different ailments. Keep reading to learn more about it.

 

Paracetamol Defined

Paracetamol is an extremely popular painkiller that can be used to alleviate lots of conditions. For instance, the drug can be used to treat headaches of all kinds, such as tension headaches and migraines. Paracetamol can also be used for fevers, flu, and colds.

You can consume paracetamol in a variety of different ways. For example, it can be taken in a tablet, pill, capsule, liquid, suppository, and even soluble powder. The easiest way is to simply swallow a capsule. It is easily bought over the counter at any pharmacy.

 

The Dangers of Paracetamol

Paracetamol is no different than any other drug: if it’s overused or overdosed, it can be hazardous to one’s health. In fact, paracetamol has been known to be used as a self-harm drug. You have to be careful when using it.

 

Side Effects to Look Out For When Using Paracetamol

So, yes, paracetamol can be dangerous when overused or overdosed. So, what side effects can this cause? The most common ones are feelings of fatigue, as well as drowsiness. The skin can also rash, causing itchiness.

Long term usage of paracetamol can also have dire health consequences. Damage can occur to the liver and kidney. Poor blood flow can arise, primarily due to weak red blood cell count. This can leave individuals feeling tired chronically, and always out of breath.

When it comes to the short term, overdose is a serious issue. Extremely large dosages of paracetamol can actually cause death. Although it’s unlikely to happen; more common are seizures. Typically speaking, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain are standard side effects.

When someone does die from an overdose, it’s because of their liver failure. This is a process that can take around 3 and a half weeks. 

 

Paracetamol Mechanism of Action

So, how does paracetamol work? What is its mechanism of action? Well, the truth is that we don’t really know. Scientists have failed to find a clear answer to this question. The drug reduces pain, but it’s not clearly understood why.

The conventional explanation is that pain signals are numbed due to using paracetamol. That’s the best answer we have, but even that’s not scientifically backed.

 

Paracetamol Uses

What can you use paracetamol for? It can be used for all types of headaches. If you have a tension headache, it can be used to remedy that. It can also be used for migraines. If you’re ill with a cold, flu, or fever, you can use it; infant paracetamol nz is used by mothers for fevers, as an example.

More than 4.9 million Australians suffer from migraine, 71% of which are women and 86% are of working age. 

With migraine’s exact cause not being fully understood yet, treating those suffering from migraine has been a huge challenge for medical professionals.

 

But what doctors and healthcare providers know is that there are factors that can trigger a migraine headache based on studies conducted over the years:

Lack of sleep

Many studies have linked lack of sleep or sleep disturbance as one of the most common migraine triggers. Most patients who suffer from insomnia also report experiencing chronic migraine, which increases their risk for anxiety or depression. 

However, some studies have also revealed that excessive sleep may cause an insomnia attack.

 

Hormonal changes

Women experience more migraine attacks than men mostly because of hormonal changes. Estrogen fluctuations before or during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause have been reported to trigger migraine headaches in women, and the use of oral contraceptives can also make migraines worse. 

 

Stress

According to a study conducted by Danish researchers, most people who suffer from migraine reported that their attacks are related to stress. Another study also revealed that 50-80% of people with migraine said headaches were triggered by stress, with some experiencing them in the middle or right after a stressful event.

 

Beverages

Certain beverages like wine, alcoholic drinks, and too much caffeine have also been reported to trigger a migraine attack, especially if taken in excess. 

According to a 2008 Brazilian study, one-third of all people who regularly consume alcoholic beverages have reported having migraine attacks while intoxicated. This is why patients suffering from migraines are advised against consuming excessive alcohol, coffee and soda.

 

Hunger 

Anyone suffering from migraine should never skip meals or go without drinking sufficient fluids in a day. According to research, people who skip meals are more likely to experience attacks as compared to those who eat their meals regularly. This is mostly related to a sudden dip in glucose levels due to hunger, which triggers the migraine attack. 

Dehydration has also been linked to migraine attacks because insufficient fluid intake can lead to the onset of headaches that eventually turns into a full-blown migraine attack.

 

Medication abuse

Some people tend to overuse medications such as painkillers, analgesics, and opioids, not knowing that they can trigger a migraine attack. Medication overuse can make headaches progress from acute migraines to chronic migraines that are more debilitating and harder to treat. 

Pain relievers such as NSAIDs have also been reported to cause more frequent and more painful headaches because they tend to be abused by people who suffer from migraine but don’t want to get themselves checked by a doctor.

 

The conclusion

Migraines can be extremely painful and debilitating. So, if you suffer from frequent migraines, you should start avoiding these triggers to make sure that you don’t get as many headaches. It’s also very useful to have some migraine tablets Australia at home since they are proven safe and effective.

 

Do you have a headache? Maybe your muscles are aching, or perhaps your teeth? The right medication can alleviate your pain. Aspirin, for example, is a blood thinner that can decrease blood pressure.

If you’re interested in learning more, read on. We’ll cover 5 things you need to know.

 

1. What Is Aspirin?

Aspirin is an “antiplatelet,” which is a form of blood thinner that helps stop the cells of your blood from clumping together before clots are formed. Aspirin is commonly used in low doses for heart attack prevention.

 

2. How Does Aspirin Work?

In more complex terms, aspirin works by blocking a couple of enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2. What this does is prevent the creation of prostaglandins, which can influence blood pressure mediation.

 

3. Why Is Aspirin Needed?

Aspirin is needed because it’s one of the best ways to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. It has also been shown in low doses to reduce the risk of having a heart attack. It can also decrease the chance of having a stroke.

 

4. The Benefits of Aspirin

Aspirin has several benefits; it can be used to remedy a headache and other short term issues. If you have a fever it can be used to help that. Aspirin can only be used for toothache, a cold, and muscular injuries. For women, aspirin can help with menstruation.

For those with rheumatoid arthritis, aspirin could provide relief for your illness. It could also help with several forms of arthritis. Small dose aspirin can help specific areas of the body revascularize after certain forms of surgery.

If you have a history of stroke or have experienced a stroke before, using aspirin can decrease the chance of having a stroke in the future. The same is true for heart attacks; taking aspirin can lower your risk of experiencing a heart attack.

 

5. What Are the Risks of Using Aspirin? 

Aspirin, like many other drugs, can have side effects. This could be stomach pain or even stomach bleeding and hemorrhaging. However, this is a rare side effect and is extremely uncommon at lower dosages.

Aspirin does contain some ingredients that certain people are allergic to. So, for those individuals, taking aspirin would lead to an allergic reaction. It’s always advised to read the label of any medication, over-the-counter or prescription, before consumption.

If you’re taking any other drugs, aspirin could interact with those in a negative manner. For instance, alcohol when taken with aspirin can increase bleeding in individuals. If you’re taking an SSRI or NSAID this could also be affected by aspirin.

Aspirin is also not usually recommended for children. Why? Well, it can increase the chances of a condition known as Reye’s syndrome. This is a rare illness that can cause swelling in the liver and the brain. It is life-threatening, potentially leading to a brain injury or even death.

 

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for blood thinners nz, you should consider using aspirin. It’s one of the more popular blood thinners on the market. It’s an “antiplatelet,” which is an effective form.