There are a variety of reasons why a person can fall sick. A good number of these illnesses cannot be prevented though a person may take general precautions. Having said that, in the case of influenza, it can be prevented to a large extent and it does not seem all that smart to avoid taking easy precautions when one has an option, right?

Every year, thousands of people die from influenza, which is so unfortunate because an annual shot can reduce that number by almost 60 percent. So what exactly makes a flu shot or vaccine work? As a result of the vaccine, after about two weeks or so, antibodies begin to develop in the body. These antibodies help fight off infection, specifically the kind that is targeted by the vaccine. It is important to get vaccinated for this flu on an annual basis.

Choosing the right flu shot
Considering the great number of options there are when it comes to flu vaccines, which are the ones to be injected? It is a good idea to get the opinion of a doctor to see which one to choose. This is because the choice is dependent on a variety of factors, which a medical professional would be able to assess appropriately. Note that it is important not to use the nasal spray version of the vaccine as the medical authorities have recently found that it is not as effective a method as it once was.

When should you get it?
Flu season does vary across the world, but in the US, it starts in about October and goes on till May. During this time, the flu viruses are a lot more active. When one gets a flu shot, it is this period that one needs to look out for. So, it is better to get vaccinated in late September or the start of October, so that there is minimal unprotected exposure to the viruses.

Who is it for?
It is to be kept in mind that every individual who is older than six months should be vaccinated. While it is said that getting a vaccine shot year after year reduces its effectiveness, it is still important to do so. This is because each year, the shot is altered to reflect the biggest virus threats in that year. There might be few side effects of the flu vaccine such as redness in the injected area, soreness or swelling. However, as long as one gets a flu shot in time, it is almost a given that there will be almost no time spent  down with the flu .

Flu Shot - Why Is It So Important?

Allergic rhinitis is characterized by symptoms of a runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes and sneezing. This disorder is usually caused by allergens such as pollen and dust. Commonly known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis may exhibit the following symptoms:

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
1. You may experience a runny nose and congestion in the nose
2. You may have allergic conjunctivitis where your eyes turn itchy and watery
3. Persistent coughing
4. Symptoms of sneezing
5. Swelling may develop underneath the eyes
6. You may have an itchy nose
7. Constant signs of fatigue

Causes
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever causes the immune system to recognize certain airborne substances as harmful. The immune system in the body starts to form antibodies to combat these irritants. The antibodies cause the body to release  histamine , a chemical that triggers the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

The various triggers that may cause allergic rhinitis are:
1. Dust mites
2. Tree pollen
3. Grass pollen
4. Spoors from outdoor and indoor fungi
5. Ragweed pollen

The treatment for this disorder is to avoid exposure to the triggers. Mild symptoms of this disorder may be treated with over-the-counter medications whereas severe symptoms may require prescription medications.
The various medications for allergic rhinitis are:

Antihistamines: Antihistamines may be administered as pills or nasal sprays; these medications can help with itching and sneezing. Antihistamines help in limiting the effects of histamine in the body.
Nasal corticosteroids: These prescription medications can help treat itching and inflammation in the nose. They are usually the first medications that are administered.
Decongestants: Decongestants are over-the-counter medications that can be used to treat congestion in the nose. You should be careful not to overuse these medicines as they can increase blood pressure.
Allergy shots: If medications do not relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, the doctor may prescribe allergy shots to treat the disorder. The injections contain allergens in small amounts which are injected over a period of time; this causes the body to get used to these allergens, resulting in a reduction of the symptoms.

Allergic Rhinitis - 7 Signs You Are Suffering from it!

Indigestion spares nobody. No matter how healthy you are, at some point or the other, everyone suffers from acidity, bloating and gas. On its own these problems are rarely serious but they can leave you feeling quite uncomfortable and can be embarrassing as well.

Homeopathy can be very effective when fighting against indigestion of any kind. This form of treatment has negligible side effects and hence can be given to both children and adults. Homeopathy does not address only the symptoms but goes to the root of the problem. Thus it also stops the problem from recurring. Here are few common homeopathic medicines that can help ease indigestion.

1. Nux vomica
Nux vomica is known as the remedy for overindulgence. This homeopathic medicine can be used to treat stomach problems of all kinds. It is very effective against bloating and gas and is also often used to treat constipation. Nux vomica is also known as the best homeopathic remedy for heartburn associated with excessive alcohol or caffeine.

2. Pulsatilla
This is often used to treat gastric problems that follow eating heavy food like pastries, ice cream and food fried in ghee or butter. It can also be used to treat loose motions.

3. China
China is an effective form of treatment against bloating and build up of gas. Abdominal pain caused by gas can also be treated with china. This homeopathic remedy can also be used to treat diarrhea that is accompanied by extreme weakness.

4. Arsenic album
Gastric troubles that are triggered by food poisoning can be effectively treated with arsenic album. Some of the symptoms it treats are nausea, loose motions, abdominal pain and vomiting. Acidity and a burning sensation in the stomach can also be eased with this medicine. Arsenic album is also used in cases of chronic vomiting where the stomach does not retain any food.

5. Lycopodium
Sometimes even eating a light meal can leave you feeling bloated and with a heavy feeling in your abdomen. This bloating and excessive gaseousness accompanied by burning burps can be treated with lycopodium. It also treats acidity triggered by starchy and flatulent food.
Along with taking homeopathic medicine, making a few changes to your eating habits can also help treat chronic gastric problems. Chew your food and eat slowly. Avoid eating anything that is too hot or too cold and drink plenty of water. Ideally you should hydrate your stomach half n hour before eating a meal.

Remedies for Stomach Acid, Bloating and Gas

We all look forward to the burst of rain after a long hot summer and the cool autumn breeze that follows the rains. What we don t look forward to is the sneezing runny noses and coughs that accompany this change in weather. Seasonal flus are very common but they can be prevented by eating right. Some foods that can help prevent colds and coughs include:

Garlic: Garlic is a powerful antioxidant that can boost the immune system and help you fight the flu. One of the major compounds found in garlic is known as allicin. This has antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Garlic also promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria that keeps your digestive system functioning efficiently and prevents toxins from accumulating inside your body. Garlic can be easily added to your diet by using fresh garlic pods to flavor your food.
Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the healthiest spices known to man. This is rich in anti-oxidants and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric helps remove toxins from the body and is known to boost the immune system. It is a popular ingredient in many curries and is typically used in its powdered form.
Green Leafy Vegetables: Green vegetables such as kale, spinach, and arugula are rich sources of vitamin C. This vitamin is known to fight viruses and reduce the risk of catching a cold. These vegetables are also rich in fiber and aid in digestion and removal of waste from the body. When picking green vegetables it is important to note that the darker the shade of green, the higher the nutrient content.
Chicken Soup: Chicken soup is a popular home remedy for the flu. It can also be used to prevent a flu and boost the immune system. This is because a clear chicken soup or broth has concentrated amounts of proteins and vitamins that boost the immune system. Chicken soup should always be consumed while it is hot so that the hot liquid can loosen mucus secretions soothe an itchy throat.
Salmon: Fish such as salmon, canned tuna and sardines and egg yolks have a high level of Vitamin D. As the length of a day reduces and grey clouds hide the sun, it is important for your body to get enough vitamin D through your diet. This vitamin helps fight colds and coughs and helps those suffering from it to recover faster.
Water: In addition to eating right, it is also important to keep your body hydrated. This allows the nutrients to reach all the parts of your body and aids in the removal of waste and toxins. Thus, though you may not feel thirsty, it is essential to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

Foods That Help Fight The Flu!

Bacteria are the organisms that people must avoid. But is that true for all bacteria? According to many researches, the Gut Bacteria present in the digestive tract of the human body help in digestion and play an important role in the well-being.

These bacteria help to lower the probability of diseases like obesity, diabetes, colon cancer, depression, etc.

What is Gut Bacteria?

Gut bacteria live inside the gut and is a mixture of 300 to 500 different kinds of bacteria. These bacteria contain approximately 2 million genes. Not only bacteria, but they may also combine with other organisms like Fungi and Viruses to make Microbiome or Microbiota.

Like everyone s fingerprints are different, Gut mixture of bacteria also differs from person to person.

It depends on many factors like a person s lifestyle or diet. It also partly depends upon his/her mother s Microbiota.

How Gut Bacteria is Helpful to Lower the Risk of Diseases -

According to research, people who are sick have less amount or lack of bacteria variety as compared to a healthy person.

Although bacteria live throughout the body, bacteria inside the gut, intestine, or colon may be helpful for well-being and have the biggest impact on digestion. They also play a major role in everything from immune systems to hormonal balance to metabolism.

These friendly bacteria are helpful in the following illness:

1. Provides Immunity

According to a study published by the University of Chicago, bacteria play a vital role in the immune system. In this study, researchers introduced a bacteria strain with melanoma in the digestive tract of mice. These bacteria prompted the immune system of mice to fight against tumor cells. Bacteria in the body help the immune system make natural antibiotics. These natural antibiotics help fight against diseases.

2. Controls Mood

People may often think about how gut bacteria help maintain hormonal balance, but many studies and researches exist that shows the impact of these bacteria on the human mood or mental disorders. The doctors may call this link a "gut-brain axis.  According to Prof Dinan, people who are suffering from depression or any mental disorders have less microbiota than healthy people. Another scientist from McMaster University said that based on the mouse study, gut bacteria may play a major role in depression and anxiety.

3. Manages Appetite and Body Weight

Gut bacteria may also affect the metabolism of the body. They determine the calories the person gets from food, and the kind of nutrients he/she draws from it. High amount of Gut bacteria in the body may change fibers into fatty acids, which lead to the deposition of fats in the liver, and cause  metabolism syndrome.  This can even cause obesity. This shows that by maintaining gut bacteria, one can maintain his/her body weight.

4. Aids Nutrient Absorption

It is important to eat properly, but what if the food is not absorbed in the bloodstream of the body? According to a study at Washington University School of Medicine, gut bacteria play an important role in absorbing nutrients from food. This study indicates that irrespective of one's proper diet, gut bacteria are required to absorb vitamins and nutrients from food. These bacteria help in breaking down the food to provide nutrients to the body.

There are trillions of bacteria that live inside the digestive tract and contribute in many functionalities to the body. One should always eat healthy foods and exercise well to maintain the balance of these gut bacteria.

What Are The Benefits Of Gut Bacteria?

Stomach problems are one of the most common issues you face. Irrespective of what your age is, it is highly likely that you have an upset stomach once in while. A stomach upset has a distinguishable characteristic -  that stomach linings as well as the small and large intestines tend to swell. This is called inflammation. The following are the most common causes of an upset stomach.

1. Viruses
Viruses are the most common causes of an upset stomach. It is highly likely that your stomach upset is because of a virus since there are so many types of them.

2. Parasites or bacteria like Salmonella and Escherichia coli
This is also a very common cause of stomach upset. Salmonella infections are usually caused by eating raw eggs, meat and meat products whereas Escherichia coli infections come from raw vegetables as well as milk and dairy products.

3. Allergic reactions
These happen very specifically to people who have a reaction to a certain type of food.

4. Excess alcohol
Most people think that alcohol will only make you pass out or get liver cirrhosis. Many people do not know that alcohol can actually adversely affect your stomach as well.

5. Excess caffeine
Caffeine is also dangerous to your stomach as taking too much of it can cause a stomach upset.

6. Fatty foods
Fatty foods such as cheese, dark chocolates, whole eggs, fatty fish, etc. are dangerous because they are harder to digest than many other types of food. This means that eating even a small amount of fatty foods are enough to cause a stomach upset sometimes.

7. Eating too much
This is also a major cause of stomach upset simply because your stomach can only digest a certain amount of food.

You must also be able to distinguish when you have a stomach infection and when you have Chron's disease as it is basically a chronic stomach upset. Chron's disease causes the whole digestive tract to be inflamed.

Common Causes Of Stomach Problems

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