15 Warning Signs from Your Nails

Your body communicates when something is wrong. The color and state of your fingernails can let you know when something is going awry inside your body. Sometimes they can be minor vitamin deficiencies and other times more serious conditions. These changes can be subtle, or blatant and it’s worth noting any differences because many diseases are reflected on your fingertips. As always these are warning signs and it’s important not to rely solely on your nails for a health check. Consult with a medical professional who can consider other symptoms and run blood tests.

1. Red nails
If your nails go from a pink shade to a darker red, you might have heart disease. If the redness extends to the sides of your nails and cuticle, this might be a sign of the autoimmune disease Lupus. There are other possible explanations for this reddening, but it’s best to consult with your doctor, who can run tests.
 

2. Unusually white nails
This phenomenon is often called Terry’s nails and has three possible explanations. One is that you have developed a fungal nail infection, often accompanied by reddened or dark fingertips. Another reason could be that your nails have begun to detach from the nail bed and the blood supply is interrupted. Thirdly, this is also a side effect of chemotherapy. Terry’s nails also might indicate that you have a more severe illness like anemia, iron deficiency, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, organ failure or hyperthyroidism.
 

3. Thick or overgrown nails
If your nails are growing thicker and faster than usual, you might be suffering from a serious fungal nail infection. You might also notice that the nails have become discolored. These symptoms are common results of having either psoriasis or arthritis.
 

4. Detached from the nail bed
When nails begin to detach from the nail bed without trauma or pressure, you might have a hormonal imbalance. Similarly, if your nails have separated, you might be suffering from hyperthyroidism – a condition where your thyroid gland is releasing too many hormones into your system. For both scenarios, a doctor can recommend treatment to reverse these conditions.
 

5. Dark vertical stripes
Many people ignore stripes on their fingernails because they don’t cause any pain however some can indicate very serious illnesses. If you find that you have dark vertical stripes, known as linear melanonychia. This could be a sign of Subungal Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that only affects the nail bed.
 

6. Blue nails
If you find your nails suddenly have changed to a blue or purple tinge, it’s likely you have developed hypoxia, a lack of oxygen, often triggered by poor circulation to your feet, ears, and hands. Impaired circulation is easily reversible and is not a serious health issue unless it goes untreated.
 

7. Dents or Depressions
If you start seeing dents or depressions on the surface of your nails this might be a sign of eczema, psoriasis, or reactive arthritis, a form of arthritis that like Lupus, finds your immune system attacking your joints. More than half of psoriasis sufferers experience nail depressions or dents, and therefore it’s recommended that you consult with a dermatologist.
 

8. Discolored nails
Nails should naturally by a healthy pink color and when you notice them altering shades you should take note. If they turn brown, this may indicate that you have a thyroid disease or are malnourished. Green nails indicate a severe fungal nail infection, nail psoriasis or even jaundice, tuberculosis, sinusitis, or lympheodema. If you are taking prescription drugs like antimalarial pills, you might find yourself with grey tinged nails.
 

9. Spoon nails
In medical circles, this is called Koilonychia, a condition known for causing nails to become excessively soft and appear scooped out, much like a spoon. This symptom commonly indicates hemochromatosis, a liver condition where there is too much iron being produced in your system. Spoon nails also commonly indicate hypothyroidism. There are other diseases such as heart disease, anemia and impaired blood flow that are associated with this phenomenon.
 

10. Brittle nails
Characterized by thin, frail, crumbling nails this common nail problem often indicates a deficiency in vitamins, with vitamin B7 being the usual culprit. This can be easily reversed with an over-the-counter multivitamin supplement. Frail nails are also often associated with nail psoriasis, thyroid disorders, or fungal nail infections.
 

11. White stripes
While dark striped nails usually indicate cancerous growth, white stripes are more commonly seen as indicative of a disorder. It usually indicates an imbalanced or a non-nutritious diet, lacking in proteins. This problem can easily be resolved with an increase in proteins rich foods such as fish, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and lean meats.
 

12. Curved nails
This condition is sometimes called nail clubbing and involves an unnaturally large nail bed, curving around the tips of the fingers. It is not an overnight condition and can take several years to form. The cause is often hypoxia, a lack of oxygen. It is not a symptom to ignore as it can be associated with serious diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, liver disease, lung problems, AIDS and cardiovascular concerns.

13. Loose nails
Loose nails not caused by injury can signify fungal nail infection, nail psoriasis, amyloidosis (excess protein in the blood), hyperthyroidism, sarcoidosis or Raynaud’s disease a.k.a. poor blood circulation. In rarer cases, severe allergies to some antibiotics are known to loosen nails from nail beds.
 

14. Blue nail base
If you find your nails are a white shade on a blue nail base, this might be a sign of a nutrient deficiency such as a lack of iron. When the nails are extremely white and the base blue or purple, this could denote a problem with the liver or pancreas. It is also a common symptom in the initial stages of diabetes when your body is not able to process and metabolize sugars correctly.
 

15. Yellow nails
Usually, yellow nails are a sign of an unpleasant fungal infection and it’s advisable to purchase anti-fungal tablets or a topical cream to treat this. You can also treat it with a more natural solution such as applying essential oils. Yellow nails can also be indicative of more serious illnesses namely a lung problem, such as fluid accumulation around the pleurae (a lung membrane) or emphysema.

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

10 Snacks Made of Petroleum Based Chemicals Linked to ADHD, Nervous System Issues, Allergies, and Even Cancer

Chemical food dyes are added to many foods to improve their color or give them a vibrant appearance. These synthetic food dyes are made from petroleum and are a complex mixture of chemicals. It’s not just sugary cereals and candies such as Lucky Charms, Trix, and Skittles that have food dyes. Artificial food colors are found in many products such as sodas, breakfast cereals, candies, processed foods, and baked goods.

Many people are concerned about the potential dangers of food coloring in our food. Some studies have linked artificial food dyes to hyperactivity in children, allergies and possibly cancer. There is also concern that food dyes made from chemicals could have other potentially harmful side effects.
In this article, you will learn about scientific research into the potential danger of artificial food dyes.

At the end of the article, you will find out which popular products have chemical food coloring lurking in them.

What are Food Dyes and What are They Made Of?

Synthetic food dyes are made from petroleum and are a complex mixture of chemicals. Research published by the “Center for Science in the Public Interest” said that food dyes may also contain many impurities. For example, Yellow 5 could contain up to 13% of organic and inorganic compounds.

One of the reasons that synthetic food colorings are used is to make food more appealing. The American Chemical Society says that in the U.S., 70% of all food consumed is processed. Food colorings are added to make food more appealing. For example, without artificial food dyes, hotdogs would be a gray color!

Although there is a trend towards using natural food coloring, artificial food dyes are still very popular in processed foods. Artificial food colorings are cheaper to make, brighter than natural colors, and are more stable. 

Most Common Food Dyes Used Today

Artificial food dyes used in food processing are blue, orange, green, red, and yellow.

The most popular chemical-based food dyes are Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6.  However, popular synthetic dyes for food also include Blue 1, Blue 2, and Red 3.

In order to create the right color for food, various artificial food dyes are combined to help color food and make it more attractive.

Food Coloring Dangers

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), artificial food colors must be tested and certified before being used in foods and drinks.

Since 1955, there has been a 5-fold increase in the number of foods that are colored by dyes. Artificial food coloring is found in snacks, baked goods, frozen desserts, pickles, salad dressing, candies, and breakfast cereals.

If the production of artificial food dyes is strictly regulated, are there really dangers associated with food colors?

There is much debate on the side effects of food dyes and their potential risk to your health. On the one hand, artificial food dyes used in food processing go through rigorous testing for toxicity. The FDA and other regulatory bodies say that the food colors are safe for consumption within the recommended levels.

However, some research has shown that synthetic food dyes may contain cancer-causing chemicals. Some carcinogens in artificial food dyes include 4-aminobiphenyl, 4-aminoazobenzene, and benzidine.

The FDA says that testing means that potentially dangerous cancer-causing chemicals in food colorings are kept to safe levels. However, what is worrying is that there has been an increase in consuming foods that contain synthetic food dyes. Since 1990, when levels of dyes were established, there had been a 50% rise in food consumption that includes artificial chemical colorings.

Another concern about the dangers of food dyes is their effect on children. For example, children tend to consume more artificially colored foods and beverages than adults. Also, their smaller body weight means that children proportionally consume more food dyes than adults. Children’s bodies are also more sensitive to carcinogens than adults.

So, there is concern that adults and children are consuming more artificial colors than before. This could mean that it is possible to consume more than the recommended amount of food dyes.

There may also be dangers associated with a mixture of food coloring chemicals in food. For example, one scientific study found that a combination of Red 40, Yellow 4, Yellow 5, Red 2, brilliant blue, or tartrazine can negatively affect the central nervous system. However, few studies have been carried out on the synergizing effect of mixing artificial food dyes.

The “Center for Science in the Public Interest” raises other concerns about the potential dangers of artificial food dyes. Studies on the effects of synthetic food coloring done on rats generally have not been long enough to see what the long-term consequences of consuming food colors could be.

Another reason why it can be confusing to know if food coloring is bad for you is that some food dyes are banned in some countries but not in others. For example, McDonald’s use Red 40 to color their strawberry sundaes in the U.S. but in the United Kingdom, only strawberry extracts are used.

Many studies have shown the possibility of artificial food dyes being linked allergies, and attention deficit disorders. Some studies discovered that artificial food dyes could be contaminated with cancer causing chemicals.

Let’s look at the link between artificial colors and these 3 conditions in more detail.
Food Dyes and Cancer

One of the reasons why many people claim that food coloring is bad for you is due to a link to cancer.

A 2012 review on the danger of food dyes in food found that certain colorings approved for use in the U.S. are contaminated with carcinogens. Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 were found to contain benzidine which is a known cancer-causing compound.

The scientists who conducted the study recommended that all food dyes be removed from the market as they provide no nutritional value.

Research from 1999 found that tartrazine and Sunset Yellow FCF (Yellow 6) can also be contaminated with benzidine.

One study involving hamsters found that Blue 2, Green 2024, and Red 4 increased the incidences of tumors in animals. 

Red 40 and the cancer link

Red 40 is among some of the most common artificial food dyes used in food processing.

The journal Toxicology reported that Red dye No. 40 showed toxicity when given to rats. (7)

Other studies have shown that the food color Red 40 can contain p-Cresidine which is another potential carcinogen.

Red 40 food dye has also been linked to other health concerns such as hyperactivity in children.
Yellow 6

Another food dye that contains potential cancer-causing contaminants is Yellow 6, or Sunset Yellow.

Tests on the effects of synthetic Yellow 6 have found that it may be contaminated with 4-aminobiphenyl and benzidine. These compounds have been shown to increase the incidences of adrenal and testicular tumors.

The journal Toxicology reported that sunset yellow has an estrogen-like effect in the body. Researchers have found that exposure to these types of compounds can increase the risk of primary biliary cirrhosis and breast cancer.
Yellow 5

Yellow 5 is also called tartrazine and studies have shown that it can be contaminated with the carcinogen benzidine.

Some studies have shown that Yellow 5 can affect the gastric mucosa of rats and is a possible food carcinogen.
Red 3

Animal studies have shown that the food dye Red 3 may affect thyroid function and increase the risk of breast cancer.

One study found that Red 3 has an estrogen-like activity in the body. This could be a risk factor in the development of human breast cancer. 

Studies on rats found that Red 3 and Red 105 increased the risk of thyroid cancer.
FD&C Blue 1

Brilliant Blue (also called FD&C Blue 1) can affect the stability of cell development and how the body reacts to inflammation.

One 2016 study found that FD&C Blue 1 has a potential risk in the development of cancer and affect the nervous system. However, more research needs to be carried out. (13)
Blue 2

Blue 2 food additive is found in candies, colored sodas, and other foods. Some reports indicate that Blue 2 increases brain gliomas and breast tumors in rats. More research needs to be done; however, the researchers recommended that Blue 2 be removed from the list of approved food additives due to safety concerns. 

Food Dyes May Cause Hyperactivity

One of the claims why food dyes are bad for children is that they can cause hyperactivity.

The side effects of red, blue, and yellow dyes could be more pronounced in children than in adults. FDA guidelines for the safe use of food colorings are usually for adults. Because children are smaller, and the side effects of food dyes may be dose-dependent, children may be at a greater risk from the negative effects of artificial food colorings.

What does science really say about the health risks posed by food dyes on children and adults?

A study of nearly 1,900 3-year old children found that artificial food coloring adversely affected their behavior. Parents noticed that consuming drinks containing synthetic colorings resulted in their children becoming more hyperactive.

One study found that artificial food dyes can adversely affect children who have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Researchers noted that eliminating foods containing artificial dyes can improve behavioral patterns in children. 

A randomized double-blind trial involving nearly 300 children found that artificial colors resulted in hyperactivity in children. The trial involved 3-year old children and 8/9-year old children.

Another trial found that Yellow 5 (tartrazine) creates a dose-dependent negative effect on behavior. Even 1 mg of Yellow 5 food dye was enough to cause restlessness, irritability, and disrupted sleep in children aged 2-14 years. 

Studies over a period of 35 years have found growing evidence that synthetic food colors negatively affect the behavior of children whether they have ADHD or not.

Food Dyes and Allergies

Consuming food and beverages containing synthetic food dyes may be bad for you because they can cause allergic reactions.
One study found that artificial food colors such as Sunset Yellow, Brilliant Blue, Red 3 (erythrosine), and tartrazine resulted in allergic reactions. Interestingly, some natural colors also caused hypersensitivity when consumed.

A report from 2015 found that artificial food dyes made from petroleum may be linked to an increase in allergic and immune reactive disorders. For example, the tiny molecules in synthetic dyes can disrupt the immune system and bind to body proteins. This can result in autoimmune reactions and other health problems in children and young adults. 

One study found that azo dyes (food colors derived from petroleum) can result in allergic vascular purpura. This condition results in large skin rashes with red or purple blotches. Eliminating artificial additives from the diet resulted in an improvement of the condition. 

Artificial food dyes may also cause you to develop itchy red rashes on your body. Researchers have found that removing foods containing artificial dyes can help to lower the frequency of these allergic skin reactions. 

Should You Stop Consuming Foods with Artificial Dyes Added?

Of course, some agencies play down the risk to your health that food dyes pose. However, it is good to remember that, in the past, certain food dyes that were deemed safe were later banned due to toxicology issues.

For example, a review on the history of food coloring and its regulation reported that health concerns have led to some food dyes being de-listed. For example, Orange 1, Orange 2, and Red 32 were certified as harmless in 1935. Subsequent research found that these coal-tar food dyes were causing children to become sick. (24)

In the U.S., laws require that certain artificial colors are listed on the list of ingredients. For example, on a box of Lucky Charms, you will see Yellows 5 & 6, Red 40, and Blue 1 on the ingredients list. The cereal classic Trix has Red 40, Yellow 6, and Blue 1 as well as “other color added.” (28, 29)

In other countries, government laws require that warnings about synthetic food colorings are on the packaging. This has led many multinational companies to remove all artificial food dyes from their products.

It is good to remember that artificial food dyes provide no nutritional value. They are chemicals produced from petroleum products that have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may be contaminated with cancer-causing compounds.

Children’s Snacks Containing Food Dyes

If you want to avoid buying foods that contain artificial food dyes, which are the ones you should avoid?

Breakfast cereals with artificial food dyes

According to the “Center for Science in the Public Interest”, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Red 40 are found in Fruity Cheerios, Trix cereals, Lucky Charms, and Cap’n Crunch’s Crunch Berries. (25)

It is also good to remember that apart from containing potentially-harmful colorings, many breakfast cereals marketed for children are laden with sugar.

Another breakfast-time favorite is Kellogg’s Hot Fudge Sundae Pop Tarts that contain a collection of yellow, blue, and red dyes. 

Candies with synthetic food colorings

M&M’s and Skittles contain Blue 1, Blue 2, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6. (25)
Beverages with artificial food colorings

You may be surprised to find out just how many artificial colorings are found in sugary sodas and beverages.

For example, Kool-Aid Burst Cherry has 52.3 mg of artificial dyes per serving. Other beverages that contain artificial dyes that can cause hyperactivity include Powerade Orange Sports Drink, Crush Orange, and Sunny D Orange Strawberry. 

How to Avoid the Dangers of Food Colorings

The best way to avoid any of the side effects of consuming foods containing food dyes is to carefully check package labeling.

Some of the most common artificial food dyes used in the food and drinks industry are Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and Blue 2.

You can also look for healthier alternatives that contain natural food coloring. For example, beet powder, paprika, turmeric, beta-carotene, and annatto extract are all used to give food and drink a natural vibrant color.

Interestingly, some multinationals such as Mars, Kraft, McDonald’s, and PepsiCo use natural colorings in products they produce for Europe whereas the same ones in the U.S. contain chemical colorings. 

Also, choosing whole foods rather than pre-prepared, processed food will not only help minimize your exposure to food dyes but will also be nutritiously better for you.

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 

EVERYTHING YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT ASTHMA

What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a lung disorder that interferes with breathing. It can cause serious, recurring episodes of wheezing and breathlessness, known as asthma attacks. The trouble stems from chronic inflammation in the tubes that carry air to the lungs. While there is no cure, there are highly effective strategies for keeping asthma symptoms at bay.


Symptoms of an Asthma Attack
Symptoms of an asthma attack include:
Wheezing
Coughing that won't stop
Shortness of breath
Tightness in the chest

In severe cases, an untreated asthma attack can be life-threatening.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some asthma attacks require emergency treatment. Call 911 if:

You are too breathless to walk or talk.

Your lips or fingernails look blue.

Using a rescue inhaler doesn’t help.

These are signs that your body is not getting enough oxygen. Emergency treatment can help open the airways and restore oxygen levels.

Asthma Early Warning Signs

Sometimes asthma causes more subtle symptoms that don't interrupt your daily activities. But these can be warning signs that a full-blown asthma attack is imminent. Red flags to watch for include frequent coughing (especially at night), difficulty sleeping, unexplained fatigue, and feeling out of breath.

What Causes an Asthma Attack?

In people with asthma, the airways are chronically inflamed. Certain triggers can make the inflammation worse and cause a narrowing of the airways. At the same time, the body may produce extra mucus that clogs the airways. These changes work together to restrict the flow of air to the lungs. As too little air gets through, wheezing and breathlessness occur.

Asthma Triggers: Allergies

Allergens that can trigger an asthma attack include:

Mold

Dust mites

Cockroaches

Pollen from trees or flowers

Foods such as peanuts, eggs, fish

If pollen is one of your triggers, you'll probably notice your asthma symptoms are worse at certain times of year.

Asthma Triggers: Pets

Pet allergies are another common asthma trigger. The problem is dander -- dead skin cells that collect on clothing, furniture, and walls. When pet dander is inhaled, it can cause an asthma attack in as little as 15 minutes. People with cat allergies react to a protein in the cat's saliva, skin, and urine. This protein accumulates in the air or on surfaces and can trigger asthma attacks in 20% to 30% of people with asthma.

Asthma Triggers: Air Pollution

Outdoor and indoor air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse. Top irritants include smog, cigarette smoke, paint fumes, and even hairspray. These are known as non-allergic asthma triggers. They don't cause an allergic reaction, but can prompt an asthma attack by irritating the airways.

Asthma Triggers: Exercise

The health benefits of regular exercise are extensive and well-documented. But physical activity can also trigger asthma symptoms in many people. This is sometimes called exercise-induced asthma. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean you have to give up exercise. There are ways to control asthma so it won't interfere with the activities you enjoy.

Asthma Triggers: Weather

People with asthma may notice that symptoms get worse during certain types of weather. When the temperature drops, the chances of having an asthma attack may go up. Other triggers include air that is extremely humid or very dry.

Who Gets Asthma?

Asthma can appear at any age, but it typically develops during childhood. Those most at risk include people with allergies or a family history of asthma. Having a parent with asthma makes children three to six times more likely to develop the condition. Gender also plays a role. Asthma is more common in boys during childhood but in women during adulthood.

Occupational Asthma

Certain types of jobs can raise your risk of developing asthma as an adult. This includes working in a factory or other environment where you are routinely exposed to certain chemicals or industrial dusts.

Asthma and Smoking

Several studies suggest that adults and teenagers who smoke are more likely to develop asthma. And there is strong evidence to incriminate secondhand smoke as well. Kids who are around people who smoke have a higher chance of getting asthma early in life.

Asthma and Obesity

Asthma is also more common in people who are overweight or obese. In a review of seven studies, researchers found asthma to be twice as common in obese adults and 38 percent more common in overweight adults, compared to people with a healthy BMI.

Asthma attacks on the Rise

Asthma rates have been rising steadily in the U.S. for decades. Some researchers suggest this is the result of better hygiene, which has reduced the number of childhood infections. The theory is that fewer infections may mean a less well-developed immune system, and an increased risk of asthma. Other possible explanations are the increased use of household cleaning sprays, the decreased use of aspirin, and lower levels of vitamin D.

Diagnosing Asthma

If you have symptoms of asthma, your doctor will want to check how well your lungs are working. A lung function test, also called spirometry, measures how much air you can breathe in and out. The results will help determine whether you have asthma and how severe the condition is. Your doctor may also recommend allergy testing to pinpoint some of your asthma triggers.

Managing Asthma: Avoiding Triggers

The first step in controlling asthma is to identify and avoid your triggers. This may mean staying indoors when the smog index is high or getting special bedding to combat dust mites. The most effective way to fight allergens in the home is to remove the source, which may include pets, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Dusting regularly and using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter may also help.

Managing Asthma: Allergy Shots

If you can't avoid some of the allergens that cause your asthma attacks, your doctor may recommend allergy shots. These shots help desensitize you to particular triggers and may lessen your asthma symptoms. An allergist can help determine which shots are right for you.

Managing Asthma: Long-Term Medication

It is virtually impossible for people with asthma to avoid all their triggers all the time. For this reason, many people need to take daily medication to prevent asthma attacks. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most common medication for the long-term control of asthma. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways, making them less sensitive to irritants in the air.

Quick Relief for Asthma Attacks

Even with the use of long-term medication, asthma symptoms sometimes flare up. When this happens, you'll need another type of inhaler to provide quick relief. Short-acting beta2-agonists are the most common choice. These rescue inhalers quickly relax the tightened muscles around the airways, restoring the flow of air to the lungs. Most asthma attacks respond to this medication, eliminating the need for a hospital visit.

Using a Peak Flow Meter

To determine whether your asthma is under control, your doctor will probably recommend using a peak flow meter. You blow into the device, and it measures how well air is moving out of your lungs. Changes in your peak flow score can help warn you that an asthma attack might occur soon.

Asthma Action Plan

Most people with asthma are able to keep the condition under control. The key is to play an active role in developing a treatment strategy.  Sit down with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan.This plan will identify your triggers, list your daily medications, and outline what to do when you have a flare-up. By following the plan (and adjusting it when needed), you may be able to eliminate most of your asthma symptoms.

ps- this is only for information, always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication/exercise/other remedies.

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