When you have a nail fungus infection, the nail may become thick and yellow. It may also have white streaks or spots. This condition which is also known as onychomycosis becomes more common as one gets older. A nail fungal infection is quite a challenge to treat.
Defining a Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a widespread nail fungal infection that affects one’s toenails. It affects the fingernails as well although less commonly. Toenail fungus occurs once fungi get through that space between the nail bed and the nail itself. This usually happens when you have a cut or crack in the toes.
Is It Common?
Toenail fungal infections are quite common, especially among older people. It affects 2 in every 10 people who are 70 years and above while 1 out of 10 is affected in those who are younger.
The Causes
Numerous types of fungi may affect the toenails. Dermatophytes, a group of fungi, may cause several nail fungal infections. Dermatophytes are microorganisms that can’t be seen by the naked eye. They thrive because of the keratin found in the toenails and fingernails. Keratin is the protein that makes the nail hard.
How Do You Get Infected?
Most nail fungal infections are contagious. A person may become infected through contact with someone who has been infected or through contact with an infected surface. The following are the most common ways for one to be infected: walking barefoot around public swimming pools, using the public locker room and shower, and sharing personal items like nail clippers and towels.
The Nail’s Appearance
Nail fungus may change the appearance of your nails in several ways: nail discoloration, the nail becomes cloudy and chalky on its surface, the nail may become thick and distorted, and the nail may set off the nailbed, and the nail may break and crack in one or more spots.
How Is Nail Fungal Infection Treated?
A nail fungus treatment can be in the following forms: oral antifungal medications, topical medications, laser treatment, and in severe cases a nail removal.
1All about Pomelo
Pomelo is a popular large Asian citrus fruit that closely resembles grapefruit. This has a teardrop shape, and it comes with a thick green or yellow flesh and a pale and thick rind. It can grow up to the size of a cantaloupe or even larger. Pomelo has the same taste as grapefruit but only sweeter. The fruit contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthy addition to your diet. The pomelo is quite tangy and juicy, much like tangerine. They are known to have originated from China around 100 BC. it is widely cultivated in Southern Thailand, Taiwan, New Guinea, Southern China, Southernmost Japan, Southern India, Tahiti, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Pomelo is also known as the paradise apple, citrus species, forbidden fruit, pummelo, Chinese grapefruit, pamplemousse, pumello, and pummelo.
Nutrition Facts
Pomelos are known for being nutritious and a superb source of vitamin C along with various minerals. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said that pomelo contains the following: energy, protein, fiber, vitamin C, carbohydrate, and potassium. The fruit is also known to possess vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, healthy fats, fiber, protein, bioflavonoids, enzymes, and antioxidants. It is also loaded with beta-carotene and folic acid that pregnant women need.
As Antifungal and Antimicrobial
Pomelo has been established to contain antibacterial and antifungal properties that help treat various types of infections. The Vietnam National University conducted a study that revealed the pomelo essential oil to be effective against Penicillium expansum. The University of Bucharest also conducted another study that showed pomelo essential oil’s capacity to inhibit bacterial biofilm from developing on soft contact lenses. More studies have to be done to establish its effects on other microbial infections.
In another study, the ethanolic extract from Indonesian pomelo seeds and pulp has been investigated for its antimicrobial effects. The pomelo seed and pulp extract have shown inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The pomelo seed and pulp ethanolic extract make for a great natural preparation as a food and cosmetic alternative.
Other Health Benefits
Pomelo is known for its multiple health benefits. Apart from the aforementioned ones, pomelo is also known to provide the following:
Weight loss support
This is one other area where dietary fiber in pomelo plays an important role. High-fiber foods stay in one’s stomach for a longer time, reducing hunger pangs. These also need more chewing which gives the body a long time to feel full, eliminating the urge to overeat.
Heart health support
Pomelo is known for its antioxidant content, which includes flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid that have been considered to reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and consequently cardiac arrest. Nevertheless, more research is needed to establish its effects on humans.
Bone health support
Pomelo is rich in minerals such as manganese, iron, copper, calcium, and zinc. Such minerals are needed for bone health improvement and maintenance. You can keep your bones healthy and strong by adding pomelo into your daily diet along with physical exercise.
May Boost One’s Immunity
The pomelo fruit is loaded with vitamin C. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant and fights off free radicals in the body. This helps enhance phagocytosis and microbial elimination. The fruit’s high dose of ascorbic acid may enhance the body’s white blood cell activity, which prevents and fights off infections. It may also prevent and cure systemic infections as well as many respiratory problems. Hence, you may strengthen your immune system by adding pomelo into your diet.
May Help with Digestion
Pomelo is loaded with dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps ensure regular bowel movements. It also prevents constipation and avoids the formation of hemorrhoids. A study conducted in China suggested that adding dietary fiber into one’s diet may support the health of one’s intestinal microbes.
Helps Fight Off Aging
Pomelo is known for its spermidine content. This protects the cells from processes that are closely related to aging and also cell damage. It is capable of fighting off wrinkles and skin aging, allowing the skin to appear youthful, soft, and fair.
A pomelo can be consumed fresh or turned into a juice, marmalade, or beverage. The fruit may also be mixed into salads, preserves, and desserts. Soups and meat stews may also contain fresh or dried pomelo rinds.
