Nail fungal infections are quite common. They are not usually serious, but they can be unpleasant and may require a long time to heal. Such nail infections often affect the toenails more than the fingernails. But they do occur on the fingernails too.
The Symptoms
A nail fungal infection may not show symptoms at first; but as the infection spreads, it may cause the following symptoms: nail discoloration, nail thickening and distortion, pain or discomfort, and crumbly or brittle nails. In some cases, the surrounding skin may also be infected. It may become itchy, cracked, red, and swollen.
The Causes
Most nail fungal infections occur as a result of the same fungal spread that causes athlete’s foot. Fungi often thrive on your skin, and they don’t cause any harm. There are cases though when these fungi will multiply and result in multiple infections. Fungi often prefer warm, moist, and dark environments just like the environment inside your shoes.
The Risk Factors
It is possible for you to be more prone to nail fungal infections when you have the following factors: You don’t make sure that your feet are clean and dry. You use footwear that does not cause the feet to become sweaty and hot. You are fond of walking around barefoot in public places like pools and locker rooms. You have damaged nails.
The Treatment
When you suspect that you have nail fungus, consult your doctor right away. Treatment is more likely to be successful when it is a prescribed one. An oral antifungal is the most aggressive type of nail fungus treatment. It is often the best way to get rid of a nail fungal infection. For milder cases, a topical antifungal may be rubbed on the infected nail. There are cases though when these two types of nail fungal medications are combined.
1All about Desert Dates
Desert date or Egyptian balsam (scientific name Balanites aegyptiaca) is a tree species, which is classified as a member of either Balanitaceae or Zygophyllaceae. This tree is native to the many woodlands of Africa especially along the Sahara southern border and around the areas of the Middle East. It grows widely in Jordan, Israel, India, drier areas of Pakistan, and the Arabian Peninsula. Moreover, this is cultivated in the Dominican Republic, Cape Verde, and Puerto Rico. Desert date is also known by many names such as Jericho balsam, Balanite, Egyptian balsam tree, Egyptian myrobalan, simple thorned torch tree, thorn tree, and zachum oil tree.
Desert dates are dry and soft fruits that are known for their sweetness and delectable taste. They come from palm trees that grow in the arid desert. The date palm is one of the ancient fruit trees that have been growing naturally in the Middle East and Indus Valley for centuries. It was considered a staple food in the areas mentioned.
There are numerous varieties of date palms. They are often classified as semi-soft, soft, and dried dates. These are also seasonal which means that fresh dates are of a limited supply. Dates are often considered survival food when hiking or during long trips. This is due to their nutritional content, and the energy boost they can offer. Dates are also easy to bring and ready for consumption.
Nutritional Profile
Dates are highly nutritious, particularly dry ones. Dry dates are loaded with calories especially carbohydrates at 74 grams. It is also loaded with fiber and various vitamins and minerals. They are also known to be rich in antioxidants that are valuable for your pulmonary and cardiac health. This is why dates are one of the most ideal foods that are good for the heart.
The following vitamins and minerals are found in dates: protein, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, and magnesium.
As an Antifungal or Antimicrobial
The antimicrobial activity of various parts of desert dates has been proven by several studies. The leaf extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against the pathogen: Salmonella typhi. A preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, phenols, as well as anthraquinones, which may be attributed to its antibacterial activity.
The flavonoid extracts of the dates’ callus tissue showed antimicrobial activity against the following pathogens: Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus lylae, Citrobacter amalonaticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Sporolacto bacillus.
Other Health Benefits
Apart from the aforementioned, desert dates also contain the following health benefits:
Promotes brain health
Desert dates may help enhance brain functions. Lab studies have shown dates to help reduce inflammatory markers in the brain like interleukin 6. High levels of interleukin 6 are associated with a higher possibility of having neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Alzheimer’s. Moreover, animal studies have also exhibited the ability of desert dates to reduce the activity of amyloid beta proteins, which are capable of forming plaques in the brain. Plaque formation in the brain can hinder communication that takes place between brain cells, which may eventually lead to brain cell death and Alzheimer’s disease.
Supports bone health
Dates contain a couple of minerals that may help with bone health such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. All of these minerals have been studied for their potential to prevent bone-related health conditions like osteoporosis.
Controls blood sugar levels
Dates have also shown potential in regulating the body’s blood sugar levels because of their fiber, low glycemic index, and antioxidant content. This means that consuming dates may help with diabetes management.
Helps in detoxifying the body
Dates and extracts from them help support liver health and prevent liver fibrosis. Due to its capacity to support liver health, dates allow the body to detoxify naturally. Remember that the liver is that part of the body that keeps waste and prevents harmful substances at bay. This is why liver fibrosis is greatly reduced by regular consumption of date extract. This results in a reduced risk of developing liver cirrhosis.
Helps with skin health
Dates are a superb source of vitamin C and D which helps in maintaining skin elasticity and making one’s skin smooth. Dates also contain anti-aging properties, and they also prevent melanin accumulation.
Helps with weight loss
Dates are high in fiber, making you feel full longer and preventing you from consuming more.
