5 home remedies to treat sprained ankles

To alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by an ankle sprain, it is convenient that we combine external and internal remedies to reduce inflammation.

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments that can be caused by excessive stretching or straining of the joints. Each year, one million people seek medical attention for ankle injuries. Forty percent of ankle sprains can cause chronic problems. Read on and learn more about them.

An ankle sprain can happen to anyone who rolls or twists their ankle while doing something as simple as walking. Its appearance is also related to the use of high heels, trauma, or running and walking on uneven ground. In some cases, an ankle sprain does not require medical intervention. A severe bone sprain or fracture requires medical treatment.

Ankle sprains can manifest with multiple symptoms, which can be difficult to alleviate. Its main symptom is pain, although it is usually accompanied by:

• Sudden pain after twisting or rolling your ankle.
• Swelling
• bruising
• Inability to walk with a normal gait
• flaccid when touched
• Limited range of motion in the ankle joint.

In addition to these symptoms, an ankle fracture can also include:

• Pain and swelling that does not subside after a day or two.
• Inability to bear weight on the injured leg
• numbness or weakness
• reduced circulation

Top 5 Home Remedies for a Sprained Ankle

If you are in any doubt as to whether your ankle is sprained or fractured, seek immediate medical attention. However, if you have a mild or moderate injury, consider these ankle sprain remedies:

1/5 RICE Therapy

This ancient remedy for minor sprains and strains is known to all athletes, and is recommended by doctors because it works.

• Rest: Stay at rest for a few days and get plenty of rest.
• Ice – Apply cold to the ankle several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling.
• Compression: Apply a static or elastic compression bandage to help limit swelling.
• Elevation – Reduce the flow of blood and other fluids to the injury site by elevating the ankle above the heart.

It may seem simple, but RICE therapy can be very helpful during your recovery. Try to start it as soon as possible after the ankle sprain occurs to help control the body's natural inflammatory response.

2/5 Cold compression therapy

If you want to take RICE to the next level, consider renting a cold therapy system for home use.

Cold and compression therapy uses the same concepts as RICE therapy, but adds modern technology and the ability to elevate the extremity to the mix.

Instead of holding an ice pack to your ankle, a cold and compression therapy system uses a form-fitting wrap with built-in chambers that allow cold water and pressurized air to flow through the wrap.

The water circulates constantly, so it maintains a constant temperature throughout the therapy.

The pressurized air creates a pumping effect that mimics the natural “clench and release” contractions of muscles to help reduce swelling.

The result is a longer lasting, deeper penetrating cold that aids in the overall recovery process. Cold therapy systems are also convenient because all you have to do is add ice and water to the system's reservoir, apply the wrap, and rest with your leg elevated while the device does all the work.

3/5 Over-the-counter pain medications

Although an ankle sprain is not usually a serious injury, it can still be painful. If you find it too difficult to handle the discomfort, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever that can help reduce pain and swelling.

Check with your doctor if you are taking any other medications and always follow dosage instructions to ensure proper use.

4/5 Epsom Salt

After a few days, you can soak your ankle in a warm Epsom salt bath. It is important to apply cold for the first few days after an injury.

Epsom salt can help soothe sore muscles and connective tissues, and can help with joint stiffness.

Try adding Epsom salts to a warm bath or something hot, 1-2 times a day.

5/5  Natural Ingredients

A variety of natural anti-inflammatory ingredients can be found in your pantry.

If you want to try a traditional poultice to help reduce swelling, consider turmeric, garlic, onion, castor oil, or olive oil.

Gently heat any of these ingredients and apply it to a sprained ankle, then wrap it in a bandage for several hours.

Research on the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory foods widely varies, but these foods are unlikely to harm you and may promote healing.

Read More

6 Best tips to prevent kidney disease if you have diabetes

Diabetes is the main risk factor for kidney disease and the main cause of kidney failure. Almost half of all cases of kidney failure are caused by diabetes. Learn more about diabetes, how it damages your kidneys, and what you can do to help prevent or control diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetes is a pervasive problem in almost every home now. Hence, diabetes is spreading rapidly in the world. Once diabetes is diagnosed, it gradually begins to adversely affect the rest of the body. That is why kidney problems can be observed in patients who have been suffering from diabetes for a long time. However, diabetes patients can also stay healthy if they become aware of the disease before it is too late.

 

How to avoid kidney disease when you have diabetes

Now let’s see 06 tips diabetic patients can follow to keep the kidneys functional:

1/6 Controlling the blood sugar level

Keeping diabetes under control reduces the risk of kidney disease. Blood sugar levels should be controlled through diet, exercise and medication. Diabetic patients are advised to check their blood sugar at regular intervals. Always try to maintain HBA1c below 7.

2/6 Managing high blood pressure

Many diabetics also have high blood pressure, which increases the risk of kidney disease. But keeping blood pressure under control can greatly reduce the risk of diabetes patients. It is best to keep blood pressure below 130/80 at all times.

3/6 Say “no” to tobacco

Tobacco consumption not only increases the risk of heart disease but also causes kidney disease. So it is always advised to stay away from tobacco.

4/6 Change in lifestyle

Low salt intake and weight control help reduce the risk of kidney disease in diabetics. Also, low protein intake and avoidance of junk food are also recommended in case of existing kidney disease. Exercise or walk for at least 30 minutes every day. Weight should be kept under control. It will keep the body healthy. On the one hand, blood sugar levels will be under control and kidneys will also be good.

5/6 Think twice before taking medicines

In addition to the above steps, all diabetic patients should be given two groups of drugs, which help in treating kidney disease. However, diabetic patients should not take medicines without a doctor's advice. It will further increase physical complications. Diabetic patients should not forget to take any medicines that have bad effects on the kidneys.

6/6 Choose a healthy diet

Eat fruits and vegetables regularly. You can also eat lean meat, nuts, and low salt foods. Add low-fat dairy foods to the diet. Avoid bakery products. It will keep kidney healthy and sugar will be under control. You will get better benefits if you eat and drink according to the doctor's advice.

 

Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Read More

Why green tea is good for you?

There was a time when Green tea was unknown to many of us. But now it has become an essential part of millions of people. A cup of smoked green tea after waking up in the morning is enough to make your mind refreshing. It has multiple benefits for maintaining good health. Moreover, it is the most widely consumed milkless tea in the world. It flushes out all the toxins in your body, storing a lot of energy for the whole day.

Green tea is made from the leaves or buds of a tea tree and its scientific name is Camellia sinensis. The producing of green tea is slightly different from the black tea that we usually drink. Green tea is not weathered or oxidized. Green tea was first discovered in China and gradually spread to other Asian countries. Green tea is a nutritious and antioxidant drink. According to experts, it can work surprisingly fast.

Green tea is made without fermentation so that its green color remains intact. First the tea leaves are partially dried, then evaporated, then dried and finally the green tea is made with heat.

Green tea is one of the most beneficial drinks in the world. Taking green tea is good for health. Green tea is a nutritious and antioxidant drink, especially for those who want to lose weight.

This drink is rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Beta Carotene which protects the body from various diseases. In addition, it contains an active ingredient called catechins which increases metabolism and helps in weight loss.

The catechins present in green tea are known to burn fat and increase exercise performance. It boosts metabolism. It has fewer calories, so it can be eaten more than 2 to 3 times a day.

It increases metabolic rate and fat oxidation and also improves insulin processing. Due to the presence of theanine in green tea, it helps to calm and relax the mind and body and reduce stress. It helps in the treatment of fluid retention in the body.

The role of green tea in health protection is immense. Green tea contains flavonoids such as caffeine, theophylline, theanine, catechin, thearubigin, essential oils and phenolic compounds.

It also contains soluble ingredients such as amino acids, fluoride, vitamin B1, B2, natural sugar, pectin, saponins and vitamin C.

On the other hand, the insoluble components include chlorophyll, carotene, cellulose and vitamin-E. These components are mainly found in the leaves.

Green tea helps to prevent cancer. It contains a lot of antioxidants that help to keep the skin smooth and prevent ageing.

Green tea contains a lot of caffeine which helps to keep our nervous system and body fresh. Also eliminates the weakness of the body.

Reduces the risk of asthma, stroke and heart disease. The fluoride and polyphenols present in green tea help to prevent tooth decay.

Helps to control diabetes. Helps  to reduce harmful cholesterol. Protects tooth from infection. Accelerates digestion.

Acts as an antiviral agent. Strengthens tooth enamel. Helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the mouth.

Reduces the risk of esophageal cancer. It reduces the risk of arthritis. Works against allergies. Helps to remove facial acne. Increases the body's immune system.

Acts as a memory enhancer. Prevents food poisoning. Eliminates bad breath. Helps to prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Drinking 2 to 3 cups of warm green tea throughout the day reduces weight and increases metabolism. Depending on taste and needs you can choose from a variety of green teas, including green, black, white and oolong tea,

It is important to keep in mind that green tea helps to burn fat, but along with it, physical exercise and proper diet are equally important to reduce fat and maintain your overall fitness.

Read More

The Best & the Worst Choice of Masks against Coronavirus

The outbreak of coronavirus has not yet decreased and there are many deaths every day. But still, many people are not concerned about the situation. They are not wearing masks as per the rules. Again, many have started buying fashionable masks online. Some people are buying fabric masks of different colors and design sold in boutique houses matching with sari or Punjabi. But how safe are these stylish masks?

The Corona storm is not over yet. From the very beginning, the emphasis was put on wearing masks. Scientists have found evidence that the mask initially prevents KOVID-19 infection.

Researchers at Atlantic University in Florida first tested on the mannequin to see the effectiveness of masks protecting coronavirus. During the test, a series of artificial sneezing was performed. The laser was then used to see how those airborne particles are being thrown into the air. The results of the test were also published in the journal Physics of Fluid.

Which Types of Face Masks Are Best for Coronavirus?

Now it is important to know which mask can provide more protection from this deadly virus: surgical mask, fabric mask, valveless N-95 or valve fitted N-95?

How safe is a mask? How many times can a mask be used? Doctors have some suggestions; let’s see them at a glance.

According to experts, wearing a mask is mandatory. It is better to wear a surgical mask or a valveless N-95 mask that covers the nose and the mouth. Walking on the street without a mask means putting yourself in danger and calling others into danger. So three-layer surgical mask must be worn that can prevent contamination. But there is no scientific basis for proving the capability of the fashionable mask to prevent the virus.

Doctors of infectious disease have said that the mask should be made according to the standards set forth by the World Health Organization (WHO). You should, therefore, wear only quality products that match the standards of WHO and avoid any fashionable masks sold either on the street or online.

The right mask is one of the best ways to protect yourself from infection. Wearing an unrecognized mask is even more dangerous.

How much protection each type of mask can provide?

• As directed by the World Health Organization, three-layer surgical masks are now the best. People over the age of 60 or those who have a complex illness or co-morbidity should never use fashionable masks or fabric masks. Never go to the crowd. Maintain social distance.
• Valveless N-95 and the three-layer disposable surgical mask will provide 90 percent protection. The outer layer of the mask is made of polyester material, the middle layer consists of non-woven polypropylene material and the inner layer is cotton. Wearing such a mask will provide 90 percent protection.
• The three-layer disposable surgical masks are also capable of providing good protection. Wearing two single layer surgical masks provides about 90 percent protection. However, there is no such scientific basis for fashionable fabric masks.

Things to consider about masks

1. Everyone must wear a mask.
2. The mask must be three-layered.
3. Surgical masks are acceptable. According to experts, fashionable fabric masks do not provide any protection.
4. The mask cannot be taken out here and there. On emergency, it should be removed carefully with the back of the head or the back of the ear.
5. The inside of the mask cannot be touched by hand.
6. Wearing valveless N-95 is recommended where there are many people or there is a possibility for aerosol formation.
7. Wearing a fabric mask will not ensure any kind of protection.
8. The effectiveness of the surgical mask is about 8 hours. So after using it, you have to dispose of it. It cannot be used more than once.
9. For those who do not have a surgical mask, two fabric masks should be used at the same time. After coming home, it can be washed in soapy water and dried in the sun. Such masks can be used again after five days.

 

Image by Juraj Varga from Pixabay

Read More

6 Benefits of Hilsa Fish

Hilsa is the national fish of Bangladesh. It is by far the most delicious as well as expensive fish in Bangladesh. However, its fame is not restricted within Bangladesh, rather hilsha has worldwide popularity.

Hilsa is a marine fish and lives mostly in the sea but it migrates to rivers in the Indian subcontinent over a distance of about 1200 km for breeding. Except Bangladesh, this fish is also found in 11 countries: India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. However, Bangladesh is the highest hisha-producing county in the world. The Bangladeshi hisha is much more delicious than any hilshas.

Hilsha fish is full of nutrients. Each 100 grams of hilsa contains about 21.8 grams of protein, high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, tryptophan, vitamins, B12, sodium, calcium and magnesium and other vitamins and minerals. Below, learn about the 6 benefits of hilsa fish:

1/6 - Keeps the heart healthy

You should eat hilsha to keep your heart healthy. It contains a lot of omega-3 fatty acids which helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels. As a sea fish, hilsa is low in saturated fat. As a result, the heart stays healthy.

2/6 - Increases blood circulation

Hilsa fish is very useful in maintaining good health of blood vessels. It contains EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. And that is why consuming hilsa fish improves blood circulation in the body.

3/6 - Keeps the skin healthy and radiant

The omega-3 fats in hilsa fish help to keep the skin looking good. The protein contained in it is one of the components of collagen. This collagen helps to keep the skin flexible and reduces the impression of age.

4/6 - Keeps eyesight good

Hilsa helps to keep good eyesight. It contains Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids which help in maintaining eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce the problem of vision loss.

5/6 - Source of essential minerals

Hilsa is rich in minerals like iodine, selenium, zinc and potassium. Iodine keeps the thyroid gland healthy, helps to secrete the enzyme selenium that can fight cancer. The minerals in hilsa, especially phosphorus and calcium are important for maintaining bone health. Sodium, potassium, magnesium and iron are essential elements for normal body growth and mental development.

6/6 - Contains vitamins

Hilsa contains vitamins A, D and E. And vitamin D is found in very few foods. Vitamin A prevents night blindness and D protects children from rickets.

Read More

The sour orange, its benefits and uses

On many occasions, we make the mistake of thinking that food can only be consumed at a certain point or at a certain time. When it comes to fruits it happens with ripening. Only when they are ripe they do seem to be one hundred per cent ready for consumption. But this is not always the case. Many love to try oranges, apples or strawberries when they are not ripe enough because they offer a different kind of flavor, and even some enhanced benefits for our health.

You can also find different varieties within these fruits, which offer other types of benefits or different flavors than usual. Bitter or sour orange is one of the best examples, a fruit that does not have much to do with its flavor with the usual sweet orange. It is used both in cooking, and even medicinal ointments, thanks to its properties. And sour orange also offers curing benefits to our body, which we will see below.

Why you should eat sour oranges?

Bitter orange is well known for the following benefits:

• It helps to get rid of nasal congestion.
• Great remedy against insomnia.
• It helps to digestion.
• Soothes skin eruptions. You can apply its peel directly to the skin to soothe swelling.

Differences with sweet orange

As we have already seen, the benefits of sour orange have allowed it to spread, not only as a food or extract for other recipes, but also in its uses as an extract for perfumes, soap, medicinal ointments, jams or even honey, with all the benefits described above.

Despite the properties of sour orange, that does not mean that sweet orange has lost its place in our diet. Sweet orange is also often used in some perfumes, as an extract for other foods and even in soaps.

Sweet orange is a good solution against colds or fever, better even than sour orange, and its more citrus flavor is perfect for making certain essential oils. It helps to calm the problems of stress and depression and has a large amount of antioxidants, in addition to being one of the most famous foods in terms of its contribution to vitamin C. In the same way, sweet orange is a cleansing food, which helps our body to filter unnecessary things, so that we are much healthier and we can boast of good health.

Read More

5 reasons to add honey in your every day diet

Natural honey is one of the purest, most natural foods with the greatest amount of benefits on our health.

Thanks to its contribution of antioxidants and other nutrients, organic bee honey can help us both internally and externally, so it is convenient to take advantage of its properties.

The natural honey is a product with many benefits for health. Unlike the industrial one, it is not pasteurized and has not been subjected to processes in which it loses many of its beneficial properties.

Through pasteurization, the product is prevented from crystallizing and it is managed to retain a fresh appearance for longer. However, the procedure involves the destruction of its enzymes, antioxidants and many other nutrients that make it healthy.

Although it is a bit more expensive and difficult to acquire, natural or organic honey is one of the best options. The reasons? We will tell you about them below.

Five reasons to add natural honey in the diet

1/5- Regulates blood sugar

It seems strange, but it is. The secret is in the fructose and glucose balance. When honey is consumed, the fructose portion allows glucose to be taken up by the liver to form glycogen which becomes available to the brain, heart, kidneys and red blood cells. This improves the functioning of essential organs and tissues, removing glucose from the circulation and therefore lowering blood sugar.

2/5- Reduces metabolic stress

Emotional, psychological, or physiological stress transforms to metabolic stress in the body. It occurs when the brain thinks it is in danger of running out of fuel - when exercising or during nighttime sleep, for example.

Natural honey produces glycogen in the liver: an energy reserve that the brain needs for its normal functioning. We will have sufficient glycogen stores if we consume natural honey at breakfast, before going to bed and at regular intervals throughout the day (especially before and after exercising).

3/5- Promotes sleep recovery

The natural sugar contained in honey produces a slight secretion of insulin, which allows the secretion of melatonin, a vital hormone for the daily regulation of sleep and wakefulness. For this reason, it is advisable to consume warm milk with a tablespoon of honey before going to bed.

Melatonin also regulates heart rhythms, helps to improve immunity and facilitates the rebuilding of tissues during the night.

4/5 - Fight constipation

Honey has a high content of fructooligosaccharides (FOS), although they mainly have an energetic function, when they reach the colon they behave in a similar way to vegetable fiber.They capture water by increasing the volume of stool and cause gases that increase peristalsis or intestinal mobility. This is why they have a mild laxative effect.

In addition, it is the preferred food of the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the colon (our intestinal flora) responsible for the fermentation and putrefaction of food waste that will give rise to stool.

5/5- Improves brain function

In order for the brain to function properly, it must be supplied with energy. The function of calcium in the brain is extremely important since neurons use calcium to originate the electrical signal that is conducted from one neuron to another to communicate messages. If there is not enough calcium, the brain does not work properly. There is scientific information that shows that natural honey helps to absorb and fix calcium in the body, promoting proper brain function.

To conclude

Honey is a good ally for certain stages of life, and of the day. It benefits athletes, growing children, older adults, people with forced labor or those who have an extra intellectual load, since it provides an additional dose of energy that is consumed quickly and easily. It can be used by people who are losing weight, if they control the amounts.

The only exception is babies: It is advisable to consume it from 18 months of age, since the composition of honey can bring a toxin that the gastric juices of children cannot dissolve, which could ultimately cause botulism.

Photo by Mareefe from Pexels

Read More

8 Health Benefits of Life Plant

Life plant leaves are more or less known to everyone. It is also known by other names such as leaf of life, air plant, Goethe plant, cathedral bells, and flower of earring. Its botanical name is Kalanchoe pinnata Pers. This leaf has been used in medicine since ancient times. It is very useful for treating various health problems. Let us see in detail the benefits of life plant.

Life plant is the cure for many diseases

1/8 Removal of kidney stones

Life plant helps to remove kidney and goiter stones.

2/8 Eliminates flatulence

In case swollen stomach and stuck urine, heat up one or two teaspoons of life plant leaf juice with sugar and mix it with water and drink it.

3/8 Epilepsy problems

If someone is suffering from epilepsy, apply 2-10 drops of life plant leaf juice in the mouth. This juice will cure the disease as soon as it enters the stomach.

4/8 Abdominal pain in children

To alleviate abdominal pain in children, take 30-60 drops of life plant leaf juice and massage in the abdomen.

5/8 Beneficial for the skin

Life plant leaves contain a lot of water, which is quite beneficial for the skin. It also works great in solving skin burn problems.

6/8 Piles problem

Drink the life plant leaf juice mixed with black pepper. It will relieve piles and hemorrhoids.

7/8 To cure jaundice

Rely on this leaf to get rid of any liver-related problems. Juice prepared from fresh life plant leaves is useful in curing jaundice.

8/8 Body burns

If you are suffering from body burns, mix two spoons of life plant leaf juice with half a cup of hot water and drink it twice a day.

Also drinking the juice of life plant leaf helps in controlling high blood pressure and relieves bladder problems.

Read More

Can Milk Cure AIDS?

Milk is widely considered to be the ideal of all foods especially for its versatile nutrition value. It plays an important role in our physical as well as mental growth. Female mammals produce milk to nourish their newly born babies.  Humans drink the milk produced from a variety of domestic mammals, including cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Human milk (breast milk) is uniquely different from the milk acquired from other mammals. It is designed to enhance and maintain the infant’s health as well as producing antibodies. These antibodies help the infant to fight against various infections and bacterial diseases. But recent researches have proven that the regular milk is also no less unique than breast milk itself. Milk of all sorts has the power to fight against various deadly bacterial infections like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, etc. The scientists argue that milk consists of monocaprin which is capable of destroying microbes. Monocaprin is found in milk fat (also found in coconuts). The scientists are trying to process Monocaprin to make vaccine for AIDS. If they become successful then it will be one of the biggest achievements of the century. For this accomplishment the whole humanity will be benefited.

Read More