Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Silent Signs Of Allergies You Should Look Out For

Nowadays, allergies are more common than ever, with almost half of the population worldwide having experienced an allergic reaction at least once in their lifetime. Often, we can simply misattribute an allergy symptom as an age-related change in our body, a flu or some other health condition. 
 
I myself suffer from allergies all the time, and know how a breakout or swelling can be easily blamed on hormonal changes or lack of sleep, even though it’s most likely my dust allergy acting out. That’s the main reason why it’s important to know how allergies can manifest themselves, and hopefully, you’ll be able to catch the culprit behind those swollen eyelids, itchy skin and fatigue, and get rid of it and the uncomfortable symptoms it triggers once and for all. 
 
These are some silent signs of allergies that you might mistake for something else.
 
1. A (Kind Of) Stuffy Nose and Sore Throat 
Do you know that feeling when you wake up in the morning with a stuffy nose, but then, in the morning, it seems to subside? It can be really frustrating, as you never know if it’s the beginning of a cold or nothing serious, especially when it’s accompanied by a dry or slightly sore throat. 
 
If you know what we’re referring to and experience these symptoms all the time, no matter the temperature and humidity levels in the bedroom, you might be having an allergy. silent signs of allergies common symptoms
silent signs of allergies common symptoms

2. Itchy irritated swollen skin
Does your skin feel itchy and irritated, even though you’re moisturizing it and don’t see any rash or breakouts? Or do you wake up with a somewhat swollen face or eyelids in the morning? These signs may be a symptom of an allergy

And though it is true that people with dry skin can also experience skin itching, especially in the winter, a constant itchiness should still be a warning sign for you. If swelling and itchiness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, a stuffed nose, or any other symptom we mention on this list, it may be caused by an allergy.

Foods, medications, supplements, fragrances, detergents, or anything else, really, can provoke these symptoms. You can be allergic to specific laundry detergents, for example, which can cause headaches, irritability, swelling and skin itching because we use it to clean our clothes, sheets and towels.


3. Experiencing headaches, fatigue and irritability
Like many other physical conditions, allergies can take a toll on your mental health, too, causing irritability and nervousness. It makes sense, too, if you think about it, as it is very nerve-wracking indeed to feel slightly sick, itchy and swollen without a definite idea if it’s just a new normal for you, or a cause of concern.
Other related symptoms are exhaustion, mental tiredness and headaches. These two symptoms make you feel less focused and alert, too, which can really affect your productivity and life satisfaction.



4. Persisting rash or a Recurrent flare-up
If you experience skin rashes that flare up from time to time, possibly every season, it may indicate that you have an undiagnosed allergy. It doesn’t have to be allergic hives either, rosacea, eczema, acne and other skin conditions can all worsen due to an allergy. 
 
Also, keep in mind that allergies are often systemic, which means that a rash on your back or on the tops of your hands, for example, can be caused by a food allergy or even an allergy to cat fur, and not necessarily a product that contacted with your hands or back.


5. A persistent cold or sinus infection
A cold or sinus infection that doesn’t go away for a long time may be an allergy in disguise, especially when a treatment with antibiotics proves ineffective. This is especially true about seasonal allergies. 
 
In fact, patients with serious undiagnosed allergies often mistake them for a respiratory infection and complain to the doctor about a cold or sinusitis, when in reality they just have an allergy. 
 
 
6. Sensitive or Watery Eyes  
One of the most common contact allergy symptoms are uncontrollably itchy eyes, but it rarely happens that you have such a strong reaction to an allergen that your eyes immediately turn red and start itching like crazy. If you feel that your eyes become more sensitive or watery when you’re outside and it’s windy, for example, it may indicate a dust allergy. 
 
It is also often the case that some skincare or makeup products can make your eyes watery or red. As it is the case with all of these symptoms, you should observe and see if any other allergy symptoms accompany it, and if so, it may be worth a visit to a doctor. 
 
 
 
7. Feeling Sick Only Outdoors or In a Specific Building

Are you experiencing headaches and itchiness only when you’re in a library? Or, on the other hand, you feel tired and your nose is runny only when you spend time outside? It can mean that you have an allergy to a specific object found outdoors or indoors, be it pollen, mold, animals or anything else. 
 
If you’re lucky, it can be seasonal, especially if it’s an allergy to a specific pollen. If not, it may something more general, like dust, in my case, which can trigger an allergic reaction both indoors and outdoors. 
 
 
The Bottom Line. 
 If you experience a combination of the symptoms we outlined in this article for an extended period of time, try to look for patterns and understand what product, object or animal could be triggering these symptoms. We tried to provide you many pointers and examples, but it is up to you to understand your own body’s reactions. 
 
You physician or an allergologist will also help you figure out what might be causing your allergy and if it’s maybe something else, as well as be able to prescribe a suitable treatment. In the end, it is important to treat even minor allergy symptoms, as they can really affect your daily life, confidence and life satisfaction.


This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
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Counting nutrients and recipes with millets by Nandita Iyer

I am amazed by the maddening diversity of food Karnataka has to offer. North Karnataka, Dakshina Karnataka, Kodagu, Mangaluru, Udupi, Saraswat and Navayath Muslim being some of the cuisines in the sate. I have tasted, cooked and delved into recipes from almost all these regions and there is probably just one dish that has eluded my love.

It is ragi mudde.

The 1st time I had it, I almost choked. The mudde was probably too dense, or as newbie, I greedily took off too a large bite, or I didn’t soak it in enough curry to soften it. I still stay away from this very popular millet-based dish from Karnataka.

On the other hand, there are a couple of ragi dishes from Karnataka that I can’t have enough of- one being ragi ambali, which is a savoury beverage or porridge. The other is ragi roti. Unlike the thicker millet bhakris made in Maharashtra, these rotis from north Karnataka have aromatics like chilies, onion, coriander, dill leaves and other spices. These can also be made plain but as soft rotis that puff up on the tawa and remain soft for 1-2 days when kept wrapped in a muslin cloth.

The Dietary Guidelines for Indians by the ICMR along with the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) released on 8th May gives a strong nudge to include millets as a part of one’s daily diet.” My Plate for the Day” which was published in the guidelines is a visual guide to what a balanced diet looks like.

It recommends that half of the cereal component in a day should be from whole grains like millets because they provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, fiber and bioactive compounds that improve gut health.

It also emphasies that all cereal or millet-based diets should be had with adequate pulses or beans for good quality protein and fiber.i’m glad they’ve clearly mentioned the addition of a protein source. A common myth circulated on social media is that millets are a great source of protein.

While they do have higher protein content than rice, as per the Indian Institute of Millets Research website, the protein in millets ranges from 7.5-13 gm per 100 gm of most raw or uncooked millets. One ears roughly 25-30 gm of raw millets per serving which becomes 75-90 gm of cooked millet ( most cereals triple in weight when cooked). It has around 2-3 gm of protein. Look at millets as a whole grain or complex carbohydrate and a source of dietary fiber and micronutrients, with some added protein and not as a protein source.

The Dietary Guidelines for Indians also advises eating a variety of millets as each has different nutrient profile. For e.g. among millets, ragi has the highest amount of calcium, pearl millet is rich in iron and brown top millet has the highest dietary fiber.

A practical tip is to buy 1-2 kinds of millet in a month in small quantities and use them by rotation along with rice or any other grains, as they tend to go rancid quickly. Soak before cooking for at least an hour for varieties like kodo and foxtail and do an overnight soak for pearl millet. Grinding soaked millets along with pulses and fermenting them to make idlis and dosas is a a good idea. Use the ratio of 1:2 with water for fluffy millets that go into salads and upma ) foxtail, little and kodo millet work well for both) and 1:3 for a mashed soft consistency.

There’s a barely a dish I’ve not use millets in- salads made using a combination of millet (usually foxtail), beans, veggies and greens along with a flavourful citrus dressing being my favorite. It speaks of the versatility of this grain and how it can be used in both traditional and modern dishes. Check out the beautifully produced Millets Recipe Book by United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation on their website, which has a bunch of recipes from chefs around the world.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

 

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Monday, May 27, 2024

The science behind red light therapy: What you need to know

 The science behind red light therapy: What you need to know    

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photo biomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function. This non-invasive therapy is employed to treat a variety of conditions, including skin issues, pain and inflammation. Here’s a closer look at the science behind red light therapy and its potential benefits.

Red light therapy works by emitting wavelengths of light ( typically between 600-1000 manometer) that are absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles in cells.

The absorption of light enhances the mitochondria’s ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that carries energy within cells.

This innovative procedure transforms your skin while stimulating cellular activity with light energy, say experts.

 

Benefits of Red Light Therapy

It rejuvenates skin health

RLT promotes collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It accelerates the healing of wounds and reduces scarring by enhancing cellular repair processes. By reducing inflammation and killing acne-causing bacteria, RLT can improve acne symptoms.

 

Pain management

RLT has been shown to reduce chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, and lower back pain by decreasing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. Athletes use RLT to speed up muscle recovery and reduce soreness after intense workouts.

 

It improves circulation.

RLT increases nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and improves circulation. This enhanced blood flow can help in delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues, facilitating healing and recovery.

 

It improves mental health

Exposure to red light can stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, potentially helping alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

 

It stimulates hair growth

RLT can promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating hair follicles. This is particularly beneficial or individuals experiencing hair thinning or loss.

 

Safety and side effects

RLT is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. Some people may experience mild, temporary redness or irritation at the treatment site. It is important to use appropriate devices and follow recommended guidelines to avoid potential damage from excessive exposure.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement
https://cancersupportindia.blogspot.com  for infor on cancer and health related topics
https://GSiyers home remedies.blogspot.com   is the latest addition to my blogs. I'm going to add posts there, do give me your valuable feed back on my blogs. Thanks a lot, take care, be healthy and be happy.

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