Toenail fungus infection is one of the most common issues that people encounter. Usually, it does not cause pain; but when the condition is left untreated, it can cause pain when you wear socks or shoes or when you walk. When the infection becomes worse, it can cause the nails to thicken and become crumbly on the edges. Another medical name of the condition is onychomycosis and tinea unguium. It is said to affect about 3 percent to 12 percent of the population. This is also more prevalent among older adults than younger ones.
What are the symptoms?
There are some signs and symptoms that appear once a toenail fungus infection develops. These include changes in the shape of the nail; a whitish, yellowish, or brownish discoloration of the infected nail which often occurs on the big toe; the infected nail also sets off from the nail bed; at times a dark color may appear due to the nail and debris buildup underneath the nail; white patches and sometimes small or large blotches appear on top of the nail; in some cases, this condition may bring about pain; and the infected nail may give off a foul smell.
What are the causes?
Fungal infections in general occur when there’s an imbalance of good and bad bacteria within the body. When the body has insufficient good bacteria, there’s likely a probability to develop higher levels of fungus and yeast that may manifest on the skin. Three different types of fungus can cause the infection. These are dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. Dermatophytes can grow on the hair, skin, and nails. Molds can grow in the soil but can also develop on the nails and skin. Yeasts are grown on the nails and skin. This type of fungus is commonly found in the human body. These microscopic organisms do not require sunlight to thrive. They grow in warm and moist environments. There are certain conditions that may increase the risk of developing toenail fungus infection. These include psoriasis, athlete’s foot, diabetes, blood circulation problems, weakened immune system, and a genetic predisposition.
What are the treatments?
There are many ways of treating a toenail fungus infection. The doctor may prescribe oral antifungal pills. They are known to have the highest efficacy rate. Sometimes the doctor may also prescribe topical nail medications. This can be painted on the nails like regular nail polish. You can also buy nonprescription nail creams, gels, and polish that can be bought over the counter and used as a home remedy. For severe cases, the doctor may prescribe a partial or total nail removal. A breakthrough nail fungus treatment that is relatively new is the use of laser technology. Your toenails will be destroyed through the use of laser light.
You can also change some areas of your lifestyle that may contribute to the infection. These include your diet. Changing your diet can address the overgrowth of yeasts in the body. One of the things you can do is to avoid conventional grain products, sugars, fruit juices, and alcohol. It’s better to eat foods that are rich in fiber which helps get rid of body waste, toxins, and cholesterol particles. You can start eating foods that bring good bacteria to your body. Examples of these are cultured vegetables like kimchi and sauerkraut. These foods can also boost your body’s immune system.
1Why is kimchi good for toenail fungal infections?
Kimchi is South Korea’s national food, which is a spicy pickled vegetable dish. It is made of scallions, cabbage, and radishes in brine and mixed with garlic, chili pepper, fish sauce, and ginger. These ingredients are allowed to ferment. Kimchi is crunchy and filled with flavor. It also has a lot of health benefits.
Kimchi is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are credited for its multiple health benefits. Choline is a natural compound found in kimchi. This compound is essential for the cells, muscles, nervous system, and even one’s mood. Choline is also great for memory maintenance. Kimchi is also loaded with vitamin K, which helps in blood clots and avoiding the bones from becoming brittle. The following are some of the health benefits of kimchi.
First off, it can replenish the good bacteria in the body. It’s best for you to have a daily serving of kimchi along with other probiotic foods, such as kombucha or fermented dairy. Yogurt and kefir can help enhance the body’s immune function and restore one’s gut health. You can also take a probiotic supplement that will help make the healing faster.
As mentioned previously, kimchi is a great probiotic. Lactobacilli bacteria found in yogurt and other fermented dairy products can also be found in kimchi. Through consuming kimchi’s good bacteria you can maintain healthy digestion. By consuming such fermented foods, you can fight off the negative symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like colon inflammation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Maintaining a healthy gut is essential to your body’s general health.
Kimchi also provides immune system support, and it reduces the body’s inflammation, which is caused by disease. Kimchi is also loaded with vitamin C, which helps boost the body’s immune system. This fermented food is also packed with beta-carotene and other antioxidant compounds that help reduce your risk of serious ailments like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Heart health is also one of the benefits of kimchi. It provides this by reducing the body’s cholesterol levels and inflammation. Studies also revealed that kimchi can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis due to its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-reducing properties.
Kimchi is a good source of vitamins A, C, K, folate, choline, potassium, calcium, and beta-carotene. It is important to prepare and store kimchi the right way or else it may cause food poisoning. People who have compromised immune systems have to be careful in consuming kimchi and other fermented foods.
When making kimchi, the most important aspect to remember is to store it at a cool and stable temperature. This temperature will allow the food to ferment before any bad bacteria can grow.
