Most people develop a nail fungal infection in their lifetime. It is not often a serious condition, but it can be unpleasant and challenging to cure. The infection may take time to develop and cause the nail to change in color and become thick and misshapen. Toenails are more affected than fingernails. This nail infection goes by the medical name onychomycosis.
Signs and Symptoms
At first, a nail fungal infection may not show any symptoms. Only when this progresses that the following symptoms can be seen: nail discoloration, the nail grows in an unusual shape that makes it difficult to trim, pain and discomfort felt when pressure is placed on the affected parts of the nail, and having crumbly and brittle nails that come off completely. In some cases, the surrounding skin may also be infected. It can become swollen, itchy, and red.
How Do You Get Infected?
Fungi thrive naturally in our bodies without causing trouble unless they become widespread. Fungi thrive in a warm and moist environment just like the inside of your shoes. Most nail fungal infections are caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. But nail fungal infections may also be caused by yeasts and molds. Your risk of getting infected is also increased by several factors which include old age, diabetes, having a weakened immune system, a nail injury, wearing shoes that make the feet sweaty, not trimming the nails, and walking barefoot in public places like swimming pools and locker rooms.
Treatments
A nail fungus treatment depends on the pathogen that caused the infection and the severity of it. This requires a clinical diagnosis which entails sending a nail sample to a lab. The doctor usually prescribes antifungal tablets that must be taken for months up to a year. An alternative would be topical antifungals that must be applied directly to the nail surface.
1All about Water and Honey
Honey and warm water are a combination that is packed with multiple health benefits. In most cases, this combination is used as an emergency cure. Honey is often used as a natural and healthier alternative to processed sugar due to its sweetness. Honey is also loaded with vitamins, minerals, and even antioxidants.
As an Antifungal/Antimicrobial
Honey itself is known for its antimicrobial properties. Honey has been used traditionally against several human pathogens like Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli (E. coli), S. aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium. Honey is known as an effective treatment for chronic wounds that are resistant to antibiotic therapy. Locally produced honey is more effective as an antibacterial compared to commercial-grade honey.
Other Health Benefits
You may want to replace your morning tea or coffee with honey water. Most people drink honey water in the morning to shed off pounds, but they don’t know that this can do more than just that. This great combination has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and medicinal properties that can ward off several ailments. It is also known traditionally to help with digestion, liver cleansing, weight loss, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The following are some of the other equally amazing health benefits of honey and water.
Heart Disease Prevention
Consuming honey water helps prevent the formation of blood clots in the body and with that the cholesterol level as well. If you are aiming to bring down your cholesterol, blood pressure, and hypertension, start the day right with this healthy drink.
Boosts the Immune System
One other benefit of drinking honey water is that it boosts the body’s immune system against various infections like cold and flu. If you want more benefits, you may add lime or lemon to honey water. Drinking this three to four times every week can keep your body protected from several infections.
Helps Weight Loss
In several cases, weight gain is caused by several factors namely constipation, poor digestion, slow metabolism, and other digestive issues. Honey water helps you deal with such digestive issues and improves metabolism, which in turn allows you to shed off those unwanted kilos.
Supports Skin Health
Drinking this healthy combination has a lot of benefits to skin health. Primarily this is because it flushes out toxins from the body, keeping the body smooth and fresh. It also contains superb anti-inflammatory properties that allow your body to deal with swelling and inflammation often manifested as acne and pimples. This health drink can reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes on the skin.
Reduces Allergies
By using raw local honey, your body can easily acclimate to the pollens found in your immediate environment. As a result, it makes you less susceptible to environmental allergies. You might think that warm water has no place in the grand scheme of things, but it keeps the body hydrated and that is not bad at all.
Helps Boost Body Energy
Drinking honey water can boost your energy level, which makes it a great day starter. This is so because this drink is a great source of carbohydrates. It has approximately 17 grams of carbohydrates and 64 calories for every tablespoon, giving you a boost of carbohydrates and fueling the body with energy.
Helps with Detoxification
Drinking this healthy mixture can help the body detoxify. It is normal for toxins and free radicals to get through the body and contaminate the body’s healthy cells. This may lead to several infections and serious conditions like cancer. Honey is loaded with antioxidants that can help to flush out toxins, free radicals, and germs from the body.
Helps Cure Coughs and Throat Infections
When you have a cough and cold, drinking honey and water may help soothe the throat and provide relief. This may also serve as a remedy for sore throat and other types of throat infections.
How to Make Honey Water at Home
Stir a teaspoon of raw honey, preferably organic, raw, and Manuka, into 8 ounces of water. Don’t let the water boil since this will ruin the delicate nutrients found in honey. You may also want to try half a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon and/or turmeric. You may also have other healthy ingredients like cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients support digestion and robust metabolism.
