Nail fungus is also called onychomycosis, which is a chronic fungal infection that can affect both the fingernails and toenails. The infection may be caused by dermatophytes which are a type of fungi as well as yeasts and molds. The infection often leads to the destruction of the nail plate.
It is a common condition that affects almost half of the total population of people who are 70 years old. Fungi are responsible for 50 percent of the total cases of nail infections.
Symptoms of nail fungus infection
An infected nail usually will lead to yellow, white, brown, or orange patches or streaks. This may also make the nail thicker, ragged, crumbly, or dull. There are cases when the infected nail may smell foul and may separate from the nail bed. This is also known as the process of onycholysis.
Most of the time, people don’t like how it looks; but aside from this, the nail may become friable, break up easily, and fall off. The infected nail may also become thick and hard to clip. It causes inconvenience if the infected nail catches on one’s clothes.
Nail fungus infection often starts as a skin infection, like an athlete’s foot.
Diagnosis and Testing
It is not always possible to diagnose a disease by simply looking at the symptoms. Other conditions like psoriasis may also end up in similar nail abnormalities. That is why lab tests like microscopy and mycological culture may help in identifying the species of microbes that caused the infection, giving a more definitive diagnosis.
Treatment and Medication
Nail fungus infections are not self-healing. A person cannot treat the infection by covering the nail with a nail polish or fake nails. Oral antifungal medication is the most preferred nail fungus treatment because of its ability to penetrate the nail plate and nail bed, giving it the ability to sustain its efficacy.
1All about Jujuba Seeds
Jujube or ber is a popular sweet fruit that brings us back to our school days when they are sold by vendors outside the school gates. It offers a different kind of thrill to each bite. During the spring season in India, this fruit is abundant. It is also cultivated in many tropical countries including China, Africa, and Australia. This wonder fruit is popular for its impressive nutrient profile that provides a host of health benefits. For centuries, this fruit has been known to relieve sorrow. This largely resembles palm dates, and it is also known as red dates, Indian jujube, Chinee apple, Chinese date, Indian date, dunks, Indian plum, and Korean date.
If we are going to trace the history of Jujube, you would know that it originated in the Classic of Odes. This is a Chinese anthology of poems that dates back to the 6th century BC. It is a highly valued medicinal plant in China and also in the southern part of Asia for 2,500 years.
Nutritional Facts
Jujube seeds are rich in the following nutrients: calories, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, protein, calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, B6, B12, and C.
Jujube has a high fiber content with low calories, making jujube an excellent healthy snack. Jujube fruits have carbs that are in the form of natural sugars which give the body energy. Dried jujubes are usually eaten and used for cooking in many areas around the world. They are known to be higher in sugar and calories compared to jujube fruit.
During the drying process, the sugars found in the fruit become concentrated. Additional sugar may be added during the processing.
Antifungal or Antimicrobial
Jujube seed and pulp extracts have been observed to inhibit various bacterial strains such as E. coli, S. aureus, B. cereus, and S. typhi. Among these microorganisms, E. coli was the most susceptible to the said extracts. Based on a study, it is believed that phenolic compounds can change the permeability of the cell walls, resulting in microbial growth and toxin production. It was also known that phenolic compounds found in jujube may have varied mechanisms and targets when it comes to their antimicrobial activities.
Other Health Benefits
The following are some of the health benefits of jujube fruits and seeds:
Treating Insomnia
If you have insomnia and other rest concerns, consuming jujube may remain a good idea since it has a soothing nature coming from the organic compounds that are found in its fruit. As a result, it can calm the mind and body greatly which makes it easier for you to achieve a good quality sleep. A Chinese study showed that saponins found in jujube have been proven as an effective sedative and hypnotic, which are both required for you to attain deep sleep.
Boosts the Immune System
Jujube is a natural antioxidant, which is capable of boosting one’s immune system. It is known for its rich vitamins A and C content, not to mention its different organic compounds and acids. These antioxidants drive away free radicals that can cause chronic conditions and stimulate the creation of white blood cells that function as front liners when it comes to the body’s defense system.
Detoxifies the Blood
Jujube is loaded with saponins and alkaloids that are associated with blood purification and the elimination of the body’s toxins. This in itself is an antioxidant process too. This specific process may help in preventing several diseases in the long run. It also helps in easing the burden and stress that lymph and the immune system carry.
For Skin Treatment
The juice and seed extracts from jujube are often used for treating different derma infections or skin irritations which include eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It also helps prevent the occurrence of wrinkles, reduces scarring, and oxidizes the skin. The same skin benefits may also be enjoyed by consuming fresh jujube fruits.
Precautions and Warnings
Jujube may not be safe for diabetic people because this possesses a substantial amount of complex carbohydrates, negatively affecting the body’s blood sugar levels. Jujube does not have other adverse effects except when one is allergic to the fruit. The following symptoms occur when you are allergic to it: diarrhea, abdominal pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, red itchy eyes, suffocation, and sneezing and wheezing.
