Health Tips & Fact – About Stomach Acidity

Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an inequity. More names for acidity are hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia. Acid reflux or Acidity is one of the most normal diseases that cause heart burns in the upper body.

Acidity can be a result of inappropriate dietary regimen or stress.It is a problem which when left unattended to, results in peptic ulcer and other complications.It is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken critically.It means the excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach.

The usual signs of heartburn are a burning sensation or pain in the stomach after one to four hours of a meal. The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Acidity can be a result of improper dietary regimen or stress.

The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Some causes of acidity include Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, citrus, tomato, peppermint, fried and fatty foods, over-eating, stress, some medications, and being overweight.

Acid Reflux Disease causes harms to the esophagus as the acidic contents from the stomach, containing acids and pepsin, pushes back to the esophagus since the sphincter develops into weak and can no-more prevent the contents from stomach from gushing back in esophagus.

Skipping meals, not eating on time, fried and spicy food, stress, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, and wearing tight clothes can give you hyperacidity and heartburn.

Acidity is a problem that occurs very commonly; so going in for allopathic medications every time doesn't seem to be a very good thought. Some herbal remedies are very effective in the treatment and Preventation of Acidity.

Symptoms of Acidity :-

The main symptoms of acidity are,

(1) Dyspepsia and heartburn
(2) Discomfort, burning sensation in the upper part of the gut area, especially after eating.
(3) Regurgitation of the gastric contents
(4) Loss of appetite
(5) Nausea,vomiting
(6) Feeling of Sickness
(7) Flatulence accompanied by burping
(8) Constipation

Causes of Acidity :-

Acidity may be caused by many conditions such as :-

(1) Medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach ulcers.
(2) Hyperthyroidism - excessive secretion of the thyroid gland.
(3) Anxiety, anger and stress.
(4) Constipation, flatulence or intestinal gases.
(5) Artificial stimulants or the thought of nearing the food time can create acidity.
(6) Excessive intake of stimulants like tea, coffee etc.
(7) Excessive intake of fried foods, spicy or pungent food.
(8) As a side-effect of some used for treating other illnesses.
(9) Overeating along with bad food combination. Overeating puts extra load on the stomach, liver, kidneys.
(10) Eating too rapidly, therefore improper salivation of food.
(11) Excessive smoking, intake of alcohol.
(12) Tendency to eat and drink together.
(13) Insomnia.
(14) Lack of exercise.
(15) Long gaps between meals leads to acidity, as it gives the acid in the stomach more time to act.

Home Remedies for Acidity :-

1) Eat a cup of vanilla ice cream or drink a glass of cold milk to get rid of acidity. This is an easy Home Remedy for Acidity.

2) Raita prepared with fresh curd, grated cucumber, fresh coriander, tomato is a sure shot remedy in aiding digestion, and helps eliminate acidity.

3) Mint: Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sipped slowly after meals also helps to keep the stomach acids at bay.

4) Mint juice before meals keeps acidity at bay. This is another good Home Remedy for Acidity.

5) Chewing 5-6 basil leaves relieves flatulence and acidity.


6) Half a glass of fresh pineapple juice should be taken after a meal for treating and preventing acidity.

7) A piece of jaggery or gur after lunch and dinner prevents acidity.

8) A very simple remedy for acidity is thin butter-milk mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder.

9) One of the common Home Remedies for Acidity - Onion (pyaz): The juice of onions is an excellent remedy for acidity.

10) Habitual eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity.

11) Drink plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day) and other fluids to maintain the acid balance in the stomach.

12) A sherbet made with kokum and jeera gives relief from acidity.

13) Lemon rind can also be eaten to prevent heartburn.

14) A glass of cold milk provides instant relief. This is an effective Home Remedy for Acidity.

15) Eat almonds to give relief to symptoms of acidity.

16) Chew a few holy basil (tulsi ) leaves to get relief.

17) Bananas, watermelon and cucumber have protective action against the acidity and heart burn.

18) Lemon: Juice of one lemon mixed in half glass of water and ½ teaspoon sugar if consumed before meals helps to relieve acidity.

19) When suffering from acidity, drink five to eight glass of coconut water a day. This is another effective Home Remedy for Acidity.

Some Foods to Avoid for Heartburn :-

There are many foods that are commonly known to cause acid in the stomach and heartburn. These are citrus fruits, tomatoes, fatty foods such as pork chops, deep fried meat, or potatoes, aerated cold drinks, coffee, hot milk and so on. These are just some of the foods one should avoid for heartburn as consuming any of these in excess can cause acute discomfort.

However, not all the items named above react in the same way on everyone. People have different reactions to different stimulants and hence, one will need to carefully watch and identify which foods cause the greatest harm. Once you have a list, eliminate those foods from your diet to the extent possible. For example if you find that hot milk causes acute heartburn, then either stop having it altogether, or have it at room temperature or ice cold.Similarly, with fatty foods - either totally stop having them or have a Tums right before or after the meal which will neutralize the excess acid formed in the stomach.

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Acupuncture-Acupuncture Body Points,Treatment & Health Benefits

Acupuncture is based on the theory of yin and yang, which are not absolute but relative.

Yin and yang are the opposites that make the whole.Yin is conceptualized as being cold, dark and female.Yang is warm, light and male.Neither of them can exist in isolation.

These two opposites are not stationary,but in constant motion.The interaction of yin and yang produces "Qi", the bipolar energy.

Life is possible only because of the interplay between these forces.The body, mind and emotions are all subject to the influences of yin and yang.

Each organ has an element of yin and yang within it.The histological structures and nutrients are yin, and the functional activities are yang.Some organs are predominantly yang in their functions, such as the liver, while others are predominantly yin, such as the kidney.

Even though one organ may be predominantly yin (or yang) in nature, the balance of yin and yang is maintained in the whole healthy body because the sum total of the yin and yang will be in a balance.

Historically, acupuncture body points were believed to be the holes that allow entry into channels.These holes provide us gateways to influence, redirect, increase, or decrease body's vital substance,Qi, thus correcting many of the imbalances.

The efficacy of acupuncture, especially for relieving pain, has been proved beyond doubt and is no longer a question today.

According to the Gate Control Theory , pain signals pass through a number of high-traffic 'gates' in the spinal chord, as they move from the area of injury upward into the brain.

Like a road or highway, these nerves can handle only a limited number of nerve signals at a particular time. Under normal circumstances, this gate is wide open and pain impulses get through very easily. But when acupuncture needling is carried out, another stream of non- painful impulse flow towards the spinal chord.

This causes overcrowding at the gates, resulting in jamming. This competitive inhibition of pain impulses leads to an analgesic effect and no pain is felt at the level of brain.

Chemical or humoral mechanisms are also involved in relieving pain.These substances, called endorphins, are present in the brain, spinal chord and the intestines.

The pituitary responds to acupuncture by releasing this painkiller, into the blood and cerebro-spinal fluid. This indirectly decreases the pain by reducing the firing rate of the pain impulses by the nerves at a distance.This phenomenon is described as pre-synaptic inhibition.

The electrical theory of acupuncture states that acupuncture works by influencing the electromagnetic field in the body. This electrical field influences the growth, maturation, and functioning of some types of cells.

The body also continually generates tiny, but detectable electrical discharges. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between the electromagnetic fields in the body and the channels or meridians. Acupuncture points, which lie along the meridians, when stimulated, alter the amount of neurotransmitters, leading to an altered sensation of pain.

The important effects produced by acupuncture are analgesic, sedative, homeostatic or regulatory (an effect important for the body to adjust itself to the external environment), immune- enhancing, tranquilizing __apart from mere sedation, and motor recovery in paralytic patients.

Apart from controlling pain, acupuncture can treat a wide variety of common and uncommon disorders.

It has been shown to improve the circulation of blood, decrease high blood pressure, stabilize the rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, control the secretion of the gastric acid, increase the production of red and white cells.

It also stimulates the release of a variety of hormones that help body to respond to injury and stress.

The following is a list of disorders that can be treated by acupuncture: -

Respiratory :- Acute Sinusitis, Acute rhinitis, Common cold, Acute tonsillitis, Acute bronchitis, Bronchial asthma.

Eye :- Acute conjunctivitis, short sightedness (in children), Cataract (without complications).

Mouth :- Toothache, post extraction pain, Gingivitis (gum disease), Acute and chronic pharyngitis.

Gastrointestinal Disorders :- Hiccups,Gastritis, Gastric Hyperacidity, Ulcers, Colitis,Constipation,Diarrhea, and Paralytic ileus.

Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders :- Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, Paralysis following stroke, Meniere's disease, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), Intercostal neuralgia (pain in the ribs), Cervicobrachial syndrome (pain radiating from neck to arm), "Frozen shoulder" or "tennis elbow", Sciatica, Low back pain and Osteoarthritis.

Acupuncture is used frequently for the treatment of chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, headache, athletic injuries, and post traumatic and post surgical pain.

It is also used for treating chronic pain associated with immune function dysfunction, such as psoriasis (skin disorders), allergies, and asthma.

Acupuncture is also found to be effective for the treatment of mind-body disorders such as anxiety, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, hypertension, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, and depression.

Acupuncture has become popular throughout the world in the past few decades.
It is now recognized as a simple, safe, effective and economical form of therapy, besides being free from side effects.

It has not only been used as an anesthetic agent, but also in many diseases that are resistant to conventional forms of therapy.

Some modern application of acupuncture is in the treatment of disorders such as alcoholism, addiction, smoking, and eating disorders.

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Dental Care – About Tooth Decay

Soon after brushing your teeth, a thin, sticky layer forms on the surface of all your teeth. This layer contains many bacteria and is called plaque.

When you eat anything sugary, the bacteria in plaque turn the sugar into the energy they need, producing acid at the same time.The acid softens and dissolves the hard surface covering the tooth (enamel) to slowly produce a cavity (demineralisation). This is called tooth decay or "caries".

Enamel doesn't contain any nerves so you won't feel any pain at first. Eventually a cavity may reach the dentine - the white substance underneath the enamel that forms the bulk of a tooth.Dentine is sensitive to pain so you will feel advanced cavities,especially when eating or drinking hot, sugary or acidic things.

Saliva helps to wash away and neutralise the acid. It also contains minerals to replace those lost from the enamel during acid attack (remineralisation).

Demineralisation and remineralisation are repeated every time we eat or drink something sugary. It's an ongoing battle between the acid and our saliva. If sugary food or drinks are consumed too often, the saliva doesn't get long enough to fully remineralise the teeth, making tooth decay more likely.

Gum Disease :-

Gum disease is very common, affecting most adults in the UK to some degree.

When plaque remains on the teeth for too long, it collects near your gums and turns into a hard substance called tartar (or calculus). Tartar, and plaque, causes your gums to become irritated, red and swollen. This is the early stage of gum disease and is called gingivitis.

The most common sign of gingivitis is your gums may bleed when you brush them.This should be a sign you need to clean you teeth more thoroughly rather than less.

If gingivitis isn't treated, the tissue and bone supporting the teeth is gradually lost. This is called periodontal disease. After a long time teeth affected by periodontal disease can become wobbly, and may eventually fall out. To prevent gum disease you need to regularly brush your teeth and clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. This reduces the build up of plaque and tartar.

Dental Erosion :-

Dental erosion is the loss of the enamel, caused by acid attacking the surface of your teeth. This time the acids aren't from bacteria. Instead, they usually come from drinks such as fruit juices, fizzy drinks and squashes - even fizzy water.

These drinks are so popular that nearly half of the children in the UK have some dental erosion by the age of six.

Dental erosion is irreversible and can result in sensitivity and pain if the dentine becomes exposed. This also makes tooth decay more likely, and it can be unsightly as eroded areas of teeth are darker.

Erosion can be prevented by drinking acidic drinks less often, and only at meal times. You may be able to reduce the amount of contact your teeth have with acidic liquids by drinking through a straw.

How to look up after your teeth :-

Maintaining good oral hygiene is critical to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.This means cleaning your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, visiting the dentist and hygienist regularly and controlling how often you consume sugar.

Brush Your Teeth :-

Brushing is the most effective way of removing plaque.Here are some tips for getting the most benefit out of toothbrush :-

brush at least twice a day.

use fluoride toothpaste to protect against.

decay use a toothbrush with a small head and soft or medium synthetic bristles.

start at one side of your mouth and move round to the other side.

brushing all the tooth surfaces thoroughly pay particular attention to the gum line,angling the bristles into the crevices where the gum meet the teeth replace your toothbrush at least every three months.

Some people prefer an electric toothbrush. There is some evidence that certain types of electric toothbrush are more efficient at removing plaque than brushing by hand. However, the thoroughness of the cleaning is much more important than what type of brush you use. You must clean every surface of every tooth and a small toothbrush, whether electric or not, will help.

Clean between your teeth :-

Dental floss or inter dental brushes remove plaque and particles of food from between the teeth and under the gum line,These are areas that a toothbrush can’t reach.Correct technique is important,so ask for advice from your dentist or hygienist.You may find inter dental brushes easier and more convenient then floss.

Consider mouthwash :-

Fluoride mouthwashes can help to prevent tooth decay.Some antiseptic mouthwashes reduce the number of plaque bacteria and help prevent gum disease.If you are regularly using mouthwash to freshen your breath,talk to your dentist for advice,as this may be sign of poor oral hygiene.Always read the instructions on the box or bottle.

Chew gum:-

Chewing sugar-free gum after meal stimulated the production of saliva,which helps to neutralize plaque acid.Some chewing gum contain a sugar-free sweeter called xylitol,which suppresses certain types of plaque bacteria.

Control sugar in your diet :-

Sugary foods and drinks encourage tooth decay.But it’s how often these sugars are eaten-rather than the amount-that is important.Avoiding sugars meals gives your teeth a chance to be remineralised by saliva.Limiting sugar between mealtimes is particularly important for children.Children who eat sweets or drink sugary juice over a long period are more likely to develop tooth decay.Its also good for your general health to reduce your sugar intake.Do not frequently ear acidic food or drink,like fizzy drinks or citrus fruit juice,as these also encourage tooth decay and erosion.

Alcohol and tobacco :-

Drinking alcohol and smoking or chewing tobacco is associated with an increased risk of developing mouth cancer.Smoking also stains the teeth and increases the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

Alcoholic drinks,and the mixers used with them,often contain lots of sugar,and also increase the risk of tooth decay.

Visiting the dentist and hygienist :-

Dentists and hygienists play an important role in preventing problems such as tooth decay,gum disease and erosion.At check-ups,they will be able to detect any problems early,and provide advice and treatment.

Dentists :-

Your dentist will give your advice about how often you should have a check-up.For adults,this should be at least once a year.

Children,and adults who are at high risk of developing dental disease,need to see a dentist more often.You may be at high risk if you smoke,have a diet high in sugar,or have had lots of dental treatment in the past.

Hygienists:-

Even through brushing and flossing can’t remove every trace of plaque.Most of People have irregularities in their teeth where plaque can accumulate out of reach of brushing and harden into tartar.This can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist using a special scaling instrument.Polishing,using a rotating brush and abrasive paste,removes stains from teeth.

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Health Benefits & Ideas - Health Improvement with Herbal Life

We can enjoy a natural and effective way of maintaining or improving your health with help of herbal life supplements and over the years,Herbal supplements have become hugely popular.Herbal Life is nothing but one of the very large, worldwide diet and Herbal Nutrition Company.

If we need to become a bit healthier, then you should also think about improving your diet and working out regularly.Another things is that we might want to take some herbalife vitamins or supplements to make sure that you are getting the right amount of nutrients.If you eat well and get a bit more exercise then you will be well on your way to making some improvements,no other quick and easy way of getting healthy.

Whenever need to purchase Herbal Nutrition Supplements,its very important to make the checks discussed with regards to quality and ingredients, as this will ensure that the vitamin you take is safe and of good quality.

You want to get good value on your supplements, and with the discount prices available online you can enjoy getting herbal supplements that are of high quality and at reduced prices.

Here its some common but very important checklists on purchasing of Herbal Supplements,

(1) For a Woman,if she is pregnant or breastfeeding,please do not take herbal supplements.

(2) Do not give Herbal Supplements to Children under 3 to 5 years of age.

(3) We Should not apply self-treatment methods to serious medical conditions with medicinal herbs.

(4) Always We should purchase herbal supplements that display an expiration date, as well as a lot or batch number.

(5) The herbal products should state which part of the plant was utilized, such as root, leaf, or blossom.

(6) Always check A Supplement Is FDA-Approved or not.

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Health Benefits – Fast Natual Rapid Weight Loss Tips

(1) Fruits and Green Vegetables are low calorie foods, so over weight persons should use these more frequently.



(2) One should avoid intake of too much salt.Salt may be a factor for increasing the body weight.



(3) Milk products like cheese, butter should be avoided because these are rich in fat.Meat and non-vegetarian foods should also be avoided.



(4) Spices like dry ginger, cinnamon, black pepper etc. are good for loosing weight and can be used in a number of ways.



(5) Rice and potato which contain a lot of carbohydrates should be avoided among cereals wheat is good.



(6) Vegetables like bitter gourd (Karela), and bitter variety of drumstick are useful for loosing weight.



(7) Taking of honey is an excellent home remedy for obesity. It mobilizes the extra deposited fat in the body and puts it into circulation, which is utilized as energy for normal functions. One should start with small quantity of about 10 GMs. or a tablespoonful to be taken with hot water. It is good to take it in early morning. A teaspoonful of fresh lemon juice may also be added.



(8) Fasting on honey and lime juice is highly beneficial in the treatment of obesity without the loss of energy and appetite. In this mode of treatment, one teaspoonful of fresh honey should be mixed with a juice of half a lime in a glass of lukewarm water. It can be taken several times in a day at regular intervals.



(9) Cabbage is considered to be an effective remedy for loosing weight. This vegetable inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat. Hence, it is of great value in weight reduction. It can be taken raw or cooked.



(10) Exercise is an important part of weight reduction plan. It helps to use up calories stored in body as fat. In addition, it also relieves tension and tones up the muscles of the body. Walking is the best exercise to begin with and may be followed by running, swimming, rowing.



(11) Lime juice is excellent for weight reduction.Juice of a lime mixed in a glass of warm water and sweetened with honey should be taken every morning on an empty stomach.



(12) Measure the portions of your food every meal and make sure that the portions are small. For example one portion of rice should not be more than the quantity which can fit in your fist. Smaller meals at a regular interval of 4 to 5 hours will keep your metabolism high and prevent your body from converting the food you intake into fat. You must also include regular exercise in your daily routine to help enhance weight reduction.

(13) Mix equal quantity of honey, garlic and vinegar.It provides a double effect for weight reduction.

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Health Guide & Talks – About Health & Skin Products Selection

As there are all know that,different peoples have different types of health condition,hair types different,skin type different or can also say that only some peoples have perfect conditions of health,skin and hair types.

Now as we are talking about our skin type,then all people have different types of colors skin.Our Skin’s Sensitivity is determined by our Skin Color.If there is fair skin then its more sensitive to allergens compared to darker skin.

There is also one more important step when choose any products of hair care is that have to know about hair type,take advice from experts about this.Different Peoples have types of hair like frizzy, curly, dull,brittle,fine,thick,oily,dry etc.

Generally,When its time of any Skin Care Products, Hair Care Products purchase,first of all most peoples will compare the prices of different products,but Gentler and Non-allergenic Results will come from only expensive and branded Products.

So,when we require any product realted to improve to our health,skin or hair care,have to follow steps related to product before purchasing it.There are so many resources available online realted Health & Beauty Guides.

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Health Care – Protect Yourself with Medical Alarm in Emergency

Today,In our daily routine fast life schedule,at any time and any where,just not decided,when we caught by many health risks like heart attacks and other medical emergency.Specially,for elders these types of condition become more dangerous.

At that time,One wireless electronic device can help us which is called Medical Alarm or also known as medical alert systems.This is one very small,light weight emergency medical devices which monitor us at 24x7.

As we know that Medical Alarm is very helpful for specially protection for old aged and who are in other health risk.

Purpose of the use of this alert device is only that it will help us to feel safe at anywhere and we can get help anywhere as we might need immediately.

For our safety,we have to just carry small button type device which called

transmitter at 24x7 and whenever help needed,just press it at other end like our home telephone line.

Through this we can talk with medical alarm monitoring center and just after few seconds we get the help.This center also help us to talk directly with our relatives.

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Skin Care – About Acne & Acne Treatment

Here,I want to share something about Acne & Its Treatment with all my blog visitors.

Acne – One Skin Disease has proper name is Acne Vulgaris.As almost all we know that Acne is nothing but one type of skin disorder,by which our skin can damage,it cause disfigure our specially face skin.

Its one common condition that most of affects ages between 14 to 40. Generally Teenage suffer from this skin disorder a lot.Acne can affect not only our face skin but also other body points like neck,chest,our back,on shoulders side and also on our upper arms.

By this disease not only our skin infected but,lot of mental stress causes,affects confidence by spoiling the looks.

Today’s in market and also at Online,there are lots of Health Companies,Pharmaceutical present for Acne Treatment but as I heard from other experts, we have not follow blindly others advice about Acne Treatment Products.We have to discuss with our dermatologist about various treatments.

There is one of the most famous acne complex for treatment of this skin disorder present is known as Murad Acne Complex.Murad Acne complex treatments have natural products which work effectively for Acne solution.

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Causes,Symptoms & Treatments for Common Cold

What is the common cold?



The common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper airways including the nose, voice box, throat, windpipes and the lungs.



There are more than two hundred viruses that can cause colds and are commonly known as rhinoviruses or the nose viruses.These viruses cause inflammation or swelling of the mucous membrane lining the airways.



The symptoms of common cold include sneezing, a scratchy throat, a stuffy nose, coughing, etc.



What are the causes?



The cold virus is spread via air particles that are expelled while coughing or sneezing. It also spreads when someone with a cold rubs his eyes or nose and then touches an object such as a doorknob, towel, bed linen and other such commonly used articles.Colds are very contagious. The viruses are airborne and are transmitted when one sneezes or touches infected objects. Anyone can get a cold. Children are more likely to get a cold than adults because they are not immune to certain viruses that cause the cold.



What are the symptoms?



Symptoms generally show up about two days after a person becomes infected. Early signs of a cold are a sore, scratchy throat, sneezing, and a runny nose.Other symptoms that may occur later are :-



(1) Headache

(2) Stuffy or runny nose

(3) Watering eyes

(4) Chills

(5) Weakness

(6) Cough and congestion

(7) Sore throat

(8) Fever and muscle ache.



The symptoms generally last for 2 to 7 days and in some cases may last for weeks.



What is the diagnosis?



There is no specific test to diagnose common cold.The diagnosis is based on the symptoms reported and the physical examination made by the doctor.



What is the treatment?



There is no cure for the common cold but managing symptoms is the best that can be done for the cold, as there is no specific treatment. Antibiotics will not cure colds, as they are caused by viruses and not bacteria. A person with a cold should drink plenty of fluids and take rest. Cold remedies are almost as common as the common cold, and many are nearly as ancient. Some cold remedies include:-



(1) Water and other fluids - drinking plenty of liquids can help. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which make dehydration worse.

(2) Salt water - a saltwater gargle — 1/2 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat.

(3) Saline nasal sprays - over-the-counter saline nasal sprays combat stuffiness and congestion. Unlike nasal decongestants, saline sprays don't lead to a rebound effect — a worsening of symptoms when the medication is discontinued — and most are safe and nonirritating, even for children.

(4) Soup - scientists have found that soup does seem to help relieve cold and flu symptoms in two ways. First, it acts as an anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils — immune system cells that participate in the body's inflammatory response. Second, it temporarily speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose, helping relieve congestion and limiting the amount of time viruses are in contact with the nose lining.

(5) Over-the-counter cold medications - nonprescription decongestants and pain relievers offer some symptom relief, but they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. If used for more than a few days, they can actually make symptoms worse. Keep in mind that acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage or liver failure if taken in high doses.

(6) Humidity - cold viruses thrive in dry conditions — another reason why colds are more common in winter. Parched air also dries the mucous membranes, causing a stuffy nose and scratchy throat. A humidifier can add moisture to your home.

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