These Tips for Relieving Flatulence Are Quite Helpful

 Flatulence is a natural and normal part of the digestion cycle. If we didn’t release the excess air through the intestinal tract, our intestines could pop. Even though the subject of flatulence has been a topic of jokes for ages, passing gas is a sign that you have a healthy digestive system. In fact, most people fart between 14 and 23 times per day, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Still, excessive flatulence can be quite uncomfortable and unpleasant. Here are a few simple but effective ways to help you control it. 

 What causes excessive gas?

Most of the gases in our body are actually the air we swallow while eating and drinking throughout the day. Gases are also formed in our digestive tract when the foods we eat are broken down. Usually, the breakdown of many undigested foods in our body is done by friendly bacteria that are naturally present in the GI system. The air we release is primarily made up of odorless vapors like carbon dioxide, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and even methane, at times.

Excessive gas can build up in your system if your intestines have become a little weak and are passing foods too slowly. When foods keep sitting in our system for a long time, it can cause more gas-producing bacteria to grow, thus leading to abdominal discomfort. 

 

We also produce more gas as we age because our metabolism slows down and that slows down the movement of food through the intestines. Usually, there’s no need to worry about farting. But some may feel that they are almost always unusually bloated or are passing an unreasonable amount of gas. Even though gas is a normal part of human digestion, excessive flatulence could make you feel uncomfortable. 

Below, we list 9 simple ways you can manage it. 

 

Tips To Help Control Excessive Gas 

 

1. Eat meals slowly and mindfully

As we mentioned earlier, most of the gases we produce are the air we swallow while eating and drinking. So, the next time you eat, avoid chewing your food too fast, as this could be allowing too much air to enter your body. This is especially common when you are in a hurry to finish your meal. 

 

Practice eating slowly with your mouth closed, and make sure that you avoid having your meals when you are engaged in other activities. Sit down and take your time while chewing your food. 

 

2. Avoid chewing gum

Chewing gum keeps our breath fresh. However, if you are chewing gum throughout the day, you are also continuously swallowing air, which will then lead to excessive gas in the body. If you are worried about bad breath, try sugar-free mints instead, and make sure that you use mouthwash twice a day after brushing and flossing.

3. Opt out of gas-producing foods

The friendly bacteria in our gut that help our body break down foods and produce gas can have trouble doing that job with certain foods. Many foods, particularly those containing fructose, lactose, insoluble fiber, and starch, can cause gas, as they can be tough for the digestive system to process. The types of foods that cause the most gas include: 

 

* Beans, lentils, and leafy green vegetables, such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and asparagus. These veggies contain complex sugars that the body finds a little hard to break down. 

 

* Dairy products contain lactose, which can lead to the build-up of gas. 

 

* High-fiber diets that include foods like cereals, bread, oatmeal, oat bran, berries, whole grains, dried fruits, and cabbage can also cause increased gas. All fiber-rich foods can cause flatulence, regardless of their source. However, “since bacteria vary in their ability to digest different types of fiber, different sources of fiber may produce different amounts of gas,” says Jay W. Marks, MD. 

 

* Starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, wheat, and corn. 

 

* Soft drinks, fruit juice, and other foods rich in fructose. 

 

Most of these foods are healthy and essential to your body, and you need not eliminate them entirely from your diet just to minimize flatulence. However, reducing their amount in your diet may provide some relief to your gas problem. Start by adding just one or two servings of high-fiber foods a day to your regular diet for a week, and see if that makes a difference. Also, try and maintain a food diary. Every time you feel bloated or gassy, note the foods you’ve eaten within the last few hours. Those foods might be the culprit, and opting out of them might help.

 

4. Check to see if you have any food intolerance

Many people are sensitive to foods that contain dairy or gluten, which might lead to digestive upset like diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, or bloating. Lactose and gluten intolerance are two of the most common food intolerances. Lactose is found in almost all dairy products. Gluten, though, can be hidden in many food products like soy sauce, deli meats, and even salad dressings. Generally, it’s found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. 

 

Thus, someone struggling with too much gas may have an intolerance to some food. You can try a gluten-free or lactose-free diet to control excessive gas. But first, try and remove all the gas-inducing foods from your diet for a while, and then add them back in one by one. This will let you know which foods are the culprits. 

 

If you continue to experience abnormal gas, an appointment with a gastroenterologist is in order. He or she will help you know if there is any other issue causing the problem.

5. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes during mealtime

Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes, particularly during and after eating, as that can constrict your stomach and put pressure on the intestines. This compression can then hinder your normal digestion, causing symptoms like abdominal pain and flatulence. Try to wear comfortable pants while having a meal, as that will allow gas to leave the body freely later.

6. Cut back on drinking carbonated beverages

Consuming carbonated beverages like beer, soft drinks, and soda may taste good, but they cause a lot of harm. Apart from leading to tooth decay, increasing your obesity risk, and reducing bone strength, having these carbonated beverages regularly may also lead to excessive flatulence. 

 

These drinks contain dissolved carbon dioxide, which becomes a gas in the stomach. While a lot of this air is released from the body through burping, some of it can exit through the rectum after passing through the digestive tract. Also, soft drinks and high-fructose corn syrup can make you feel gassy, as they contain artificial sweeteners, such as sorbitol, acesulfame potassium, and aspartame. 

 

Replace these drinks with water, green tea, or sugar-free juices.

7. Try enzyme supplements

Some over-the-counter supplements contain digestive enzymes that help break down hard-to-digest foods. Beano, for example, consists of natural enzymes and is known to prevent flatulence, abdominal bloating, and stomach pain by breaking down complex carbohydrates. 

 

If dairy products give you gas, you can buy lactase enzyme supplements like Lactaid. Lactase is the enzyme that’s responsible for the breaking down and digestion of lactose, and it can make people sensitive to dairy products less gassy. 

 

Research has already shown that enzyme supplements can assist in the breakdown of proteins and complex carbohydrates. If you are unsure about taking enzyme supplements, consult your gastroenterologist. 

 

8. More exercise will help

One good way to keep your digestive system in good shape is to increase your physical activity. Moderate exercises like swimming or cycling four or five times a week will be good. Going for a short walk after your meal every day can also really help improve blood flow through the body. But more importantly, physical activity helps move the food along the gut smoothly. Start with 10-minute walks every day and then slowly increase the momentum once you are comfortable with it. 

 

9. Quit smoking

We are all aware that smoking cigarettes is bad for health and can cause issues like cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and more. However, smoking can also make you gassy, as people who smoke frequently tend to swallow more air than people who don’t. 

 

Regular smoking can also irritate the digestive system and cause excessive gases to form in the body. So you have much to gain from quitting smoking altogether.

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

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Face Masks: 10 Tips to Help Skin Irritation and Acne

Face masks have become an essential item during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical staff members wear tightly-fitting respirators or surgical masks throughout their work shift, and the rest of us typically wear cloth masks, bandanas, or single-use surgical masks when we go about our daily tasks outdoors. What most people hadn’t anticipated is the amount of skin irritation, acne, bruising, and other skin problems daily mask-wearing would cause, no matter the kind of mask you use. 

If you find that wearing a mask makes your skin break out, or you notice that it makes your skin red and irritated, know that you’re not alone, as many people are facing the same problem these days. That being said, don’t feel like you’re powerless because there are several things you can do to help your skin recover from irritation and prevent future breakouts and rashes. In this article, we’ve collected 10 essential tips from dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike that will soothe and protect your skin from mask-related irritation. 

 

Why Do Face Masks Irritate the Skin?  

Skin irritation when wearing protective equipment like face masks is extremely common. Irritation can appear as red bumps or patches on the skin, patches of sensitivity that will burn when you wash your face, or even pimples. There are several reasons why this happens. To begin with, the skin on your face is thinner and significantly more sensitive than the skin on your body, and so it is more susceptible to sensitivity, redness, and blemishes than the body. 

 

A mask creates a barrier between the environment and your skin, and excess heat and humidity get trapped in the mask - creating the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. Apart from that, a face mask will fit more tightly in some areas, typically the jawline, chin, and nose, and the friction it creates harms your skin's barrier and makes it even more susceptible to irritation and blemishes. So, heat, humidity, and friction combined make masks a potential skin irritant. 

 

Needless to say, tight-fitting respirators like the widely-known N-95 will be more suffocating and irritating for the skin, which is why only essential workers, specifically medical staff, are recommended to wear these masks. Respirators can even cause bruising on the skin, which sadly cannot be prevented. 

 

That being said, not wearing face masks is not an option, for the safety of others and our own are more important than having beautiful skin. Thankfully, you can make certain tweaks in your self-care routine to prevent and treat mask-related skin irritation. We list these tips and tricks, along with a soothing face mask recipe you can do at home below. 

 

1. Use a lighter moisturizer when wearing a mask  

As we've mentioned previously, one of the reasons skin irritation occurs is excess moisture that gets trapped in the skin. If you're using a thick moisturizer every day before wearing a face mask, it can make irritation worse, as it creates an occlusive layer on the skin that traps moisture and heat in the skin. Instead, opt for a moisturizer with a more lightweight texture, maybe even a gel moisturizer when you know you'll be wearing a mask. This is especially true for those of you who have oily, combination, or normal skin, as wearing a heavy moisturizer can cause acne and breakouts. 

 

2. Cleanse your face with lukewarm water only  

If you wash your face immediately after returning home and taking off the face mask, this may actually be causing even more irritation. While washing the face, you're actually somewhat stripping your skin of its lipid barrier, which is fine when your skin is in good shape but might be harmful when it's irritated by the face mask. To calm your skin and decrease the amount of redness, breakouts, and dry patches that might appear after wearing a mask, try only using lukewarm water on the face - no soap or cleansers, no cleansing wipes, and no micellar water. To finish off, gently pat-dry the skin with a clean towel. 

 

3. Replace or wash your mask regularly  

It doesn't matter if you're using a disposable surgical mask, a respirator, or a cloth mask, you have to replace or clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually after a single use. When it comes to reusable cloth face masks, you should wash them, preferably in the washing machine, after every use.  

 

In addition, be mindful of the detergent you're using to wash a cloth mask. Opt for hypoallergenic detergents, like those intended for infants and kids, and avoid highly-fragranced options and fabric softener, since fragrance can cause further irritation or even an allergic reaction. If you suspect that your face mask is causing an allergic reaction and you see swollen red spots or patches on your skin, red or irritated nose, mouth, or eyes, you need to call a doctor. 

 

4. Lay off the makeup when wearing a mask  

If you're a makeup wearer, consider not applying any complexion products like foundation, blush, concealer, etc. on your skin when wearing a mask, at least not in the areas where the mask sits on your face. You can still wear some mascara or undereye concealer, of course, if you so wish, but avoiding any extra layers of product on the skin will make it more resilient against irritation. 

 

Dermatologists point out an additional concern: wearing makeup underneath a mask may increase your risk of developing a skin allergy towards some of the ingredients in the makeup you're using in the long term.

5. Shave off the beard

Facial hair can further irritate the skin, and it can trap more moisture and heat than smooth skin, so it's best to shave your face clean if you're wearing a mask regularly and experiencing some irritation as a result. In addition, some face masks can be rendered ineffective when you have facial hair, which is why the CDC even published facial hairstyle guidelines for those who wear respirators, such as medical workers.

6. Choose a face masks made of natural fabrics

Obviously, not everyone can choose the type of face mask they wear, with certain occupations being forced to wear respirators on a daily basis. However, many people do have the option of selecting the type of fabric they want their face mask to have, and if you find that surgical masks are quite irritating for your skin, we recommend you try a face mask made of a natural type of fabric, like cotton. 

 

Do keep in mind, however, that single-layer cotton masks will not be effective at protecting you and others from germs, so make sure the mask you use has several layers of fabric. Stay away from synthetic fabrics as much as you can.

 

7. Avoid spot treatments and exfoliating products

When you get blemishes or red bumps on the skin, it's only natural that you reach for a spot treatment of some sort, like benzoyl peroxide or sulfur treatment. Or maybe, you're just the type of person who uses an exfoliating cream, toner or scrub from time to time to keep your skin smooth. 

 

If you suspect that the skin problem was caused by a face mask, it's safest to avoid an exfoliating or spot treatment for a few days until your skin regenerates, as these treatments can potentially exacerbate the problem and make your skin sting and leave scars. Stay away from any treatments that contain any active ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin C, or others, as they may likewise sting and dry out your already sensitized skin.

8. Don’t chew on gum when wearing a mask

Chewing gum while wearing a face mask can actually cause skin rashes or bumps around the mouth - a condition called perioral dermatitis. This is because of the mint and other essential oils chewing gum contains, which could be irritating for skin that's already weakened by wearing masks on a daily basis. 

 

The same condition could arise because of your toothpaste, with toothpaste varieties that contain the ingredient SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), peppermint or cinnamon essential oils being the most common irritants. If you get rashes around your mouth or on your lips after wearing a face mask and you don't chew gum, consider changing your toothpaste for a hypoallergenic kind - such as kids' toothpaste or toothpaste low in fluoride and intended for sensitive teeth. 

 

9. Apply a calming treatment at night

During the day, we recommended a lightweight moisturizer to minimize the likelihood of excess humidity and heat in your skin, but the night-time is the time to replenish and restore your skin. To do so, dermatologists recommend using thick, occlusive moisturizers that will replenish your skin's barrier function, which will automatically reduce the redness and any other skin issues you may be experiencing as a result of wearing a mask. 

 

Opt for fragrance-free moisturizers, such that contain skin-barrier-friendly and soothing ingredients, such as but not limited to:

Ceramides 

 

Cholesterol 

 

Centella Asiatica, also known as Tiger Grass 

 

Oatmeal 

 

Panthenol 

 

Nourishing oils 

 

Zinc oxide. 

 

10. Oatmeal water mask for skin irritation

Oatmeal is one of the most soothing ingredients for the skin and the body overall, with colloidal oatmeal baths (ground up oatmeal grain diluted in water) being recommended for all kinds of skin irritation starting with eczema and ending with skin burns. The nutrients, vitamins, and minerals oatmeal contains have anti-inflammatory, calming, moisturizing, and restorative properties, which make it perfect for skin irritation of any kind. 

 

We recommend using colloidal oatmeal as part of your nighttime skincare routine. To use colloidal oatmeal to soothe your skin, follow this recipe: 

 

1. Process about 1 tablespoon of plain oatmeal into a very fine powder in a food blender, add it to 1 glass of warm water and mix until the water is dissolved completely, forming a milky-white liquid. 

 

2. Soak a cotton pad with the solution you've created, gently wiping across your face, as you would with a facial toner. No need to wash off the mixture with water. Your skin will feel slightly moisturized after using colloidal oatmeal, but we recommend applying moisturizer over top to seal in the moisture.

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

Face Masks: 10 Tips to Help Skin Irritation and Acne

Face masks have become an essential item during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical staff members wear tightly-fitting respirators or surgical masks throughout their work shift, and the rest of us typically wear cloth masks, bandanas, or single-use surgical masks when we go about our daily tasks outdoors. What most people hadn’t anticipated is the amount of skin irritation, acne, bruising, and other skin problems daily mask-wearing would cause, no matter the kind of mask you use.

If you find that wearing a mask makes your skin break out, or you notice that it makes your skin red and irritated, know that you’re not alone, as many people are facing the same problem these days. That being said, don’t feel like you’re powerless because there are several things you can do to help your skin recover from irritation and prevent future breakouts and rashes. In this article, we’ve collected 10 essential tips from dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts alike that will soothe and protect your skin from mask-related irritation.

Why Do Face Masks Irritate the Skin?
Skin irritation when wearing protective equipment like face masks is extremely common. Irritation can appear as red bumps or patches on the skin, patches of sensitivity that will burn when you wash your face, or even pimples. There are several reasons why this happens. To begin with, the skin on your face is thinner and significantly more sensitive than the skin on your body, and so it is more susceptible to sensitivity, redness, and blemishes than the body.
A mask creates a barrier between the environment and your skin, and excess heat and humidity get trapped in the mask - creating the perfect environment for bacteria to multiply. Apart from that, a face mask will fit more tightly in some areas, typically the jawline, chin, and nose, and the friction it creates harms your skin's barrier and makes it even more susceptible to irritation and blemishes. So, heat, humidity, and friction combined make masks a potential skin irritant.

Needless to say, tight-fitting respirators like the widely-known N-95 will be more suffocating and irritating for the skin, which is why only essential workers, specifically medical staff, are recommended to wear these masks. Respirators can even cause bruising on the skin, which sadly cannot be prevented.

That being said, not wearing face masks is not an option, for the safety of others and our own are more important than having beautiful skin. Thankfully, you can make certain tweaks in your self-care routine to prevent and treat mask-related skin irritation. We list these tips and tricks, along with a soothing face mask recipe you can do at home below.
 
1. Use a lighter moisturizer when wearing a mask
As we've mentioned previously, one of the reasons skin irritation occurs is excess moisture that gets trapped in the skin. If you're using a thick moisturizer every day before wearing a face mask, it can make irritation worse, as it creates an occlusive layer on the skin that traps moisture and heat in the skin. Instead, opt for a moisturizer with a more lightweight texture, maybe even a gel moisturizer when you know you'll be wearing a mask. This is especially true for those of you who have oily, combination, or normal skin, as wearing a heavy moisturizer can cause acne and breakouts.
 
2. Cleanse your face with lukewarm water only
If you wash your face immediately after returning home and taking off the face mask, this may actually be causing even more irritation. While washing the face, you're actually somewhat stripping your skin of its lipid barrier, which is fine when your skin is in good shape but might be harmful when it's irritated by the face mask. To calm your skin and decrease the amount of redness, breakouts, and dry patches that might appear after wearing a mask, try only using lukewarm water on the face - no soap or cleansers, no cleansing wipes, and no micellar water. To finish off, gently pat-dry the skin with a clean towel.
 
3. Replace or wash your mask regularly
It doesn't matter if you're using a disposable surgical mask, a respirator, or a cloth mask, you have to replace or clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually after a single use. When it comes to reusable cloth face masks, you should wash them, preferably in the washing machine, after every use. To learn more on the topic, follow this link, Know When and Why You Should Change Your Face Mask.
In addition, be mindful of the detergent you're using to wash a cloth mask. Opt for hypoallergenic detergents, like those intended for infants and kids, and avoid highly-fragranced options and fabric softener, since fragrance can cause further irritation or even an allergic reaction. If you suspect that your face mask is causing an allergic reaction and you see swollen red spots or patches on your skin, red or irritated nose, mouth, or eyes, you need to call a doctor.
 
4. Lay off the makeup when wearing a mask
If you're a makeup wearer, consider not applying any complexion products like foundation, blush, concealer, etc. on your skin when wearing a mask, at least not in the areas where the mask sits on your face. You can still wear some mascara or undereye concealer, of course, if you so wish, but avoiding any extra layers of product on the skin will make it more resilient against irritation.
Dermatologists point out an additional concern: wearing makeup underneath a mask may increase your risk of developing a skin allergy towards some of the ingredients in the makeup you're using in the long term.
 
5. Shave off the beard
Facial hair can further irritate the skin, and it can trap more moisture and heat than smooth skin, so it's best to shave your face clean if you're wearing a mask regularly and experiencing some irritation as a result. In addition, some face masks can be rendered ineffective when you have facial hair, which is why the CDC even published facial hairstyle guidelines for those who wear respirators, such as medical workers. To view the infographic image illustrating these guidelines, click here.
 
6. Choose a face masks made of natural fabrics
Obviously, not everyone can choose the type of face mask they wear, with certain occupations being forced to wear respirators on a daily basis. However, many people do have the option of selecting the type of fabric they want their face mask to have, and if you find that surgical masks are quite irritating for your skin, we recommend you try a face mask made of a natural type of fabric, like cotton.
Do keep in mind, however, that single-layer cotton masks will not be effective at protecting you and others from germs, so make sure the mask you use has several layers of fabric. Stay away from synthetic fabrics as much as you can.
 
7. Avoid spot treatments and exfoliating products
When you get blemishes or red bumps on the skin, it's only natural that you reach for a spot treatment of some sort, like benzoyl peroxide or sulfur treatment. Or maybe, you're just the type of person who uses an exfoliating cream, toner or scrub from time to time to keep your skin smooth.
If you suspect that the skin problem was caused by a face mask, it's safest to avoid an exfoliating or spot treatment for a few days until your skin regenerates, as these treatments can potentially exacerbate the problem and make your skin sting and leave scars. Stay away from any treatments that contain any active ingredients, such as retinol, vitamin C, or others, as they may likewise sting and dry out your already sensitized skin.
 
8. Don’t chew on gum when wearing a mask
Chewing gum while wearing a face mask can actually cause skin rashes or bumps around the mouth - a condition called perioral dermatitis. This is because of the mint and other essential oils chewing gum contains, which could be irritating for skin that's already weakened by wearing masks on a daily basis.
The same condition could arise because of your toothpaste, with toothpaste varieties that contain the ingredient SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), peppermint or cinnamon essential oils being the most common irritants. If you get rashes around your mouth or on your lips after wearing a face mask and you don't chew gum, consider changing your toothpaste for a hypoallergenic kind - such as kids' toothpaste or toothpaste low in fluoride and intended for sensitive teeth.

9. Apply a calming treatment at night
During the day, we recommended a lightweight moisturizer to minimize the likelihood of excess humidity and heat in your skin, but the night-time is the time to replenish and restore your skin. To do so, dermatologists recommend using thick, occlusive moisturizers that will replenish your skin's barrier function, which will automatically reduce the redness and any other skin issues you may be experiencing as a result of wearing a mask.
Opt for fragrance-free moisturizers, such that contain skin-barrier-friendly and soothing ingredients, such as but not limited to:
    Ceramides
    Cholesterol
    Centella Asiatica, also known as Tiger Grass
    Oatmeal
    Panthenol
    Nourishing oils
    Zinc oxide.

10. Oatmeal water mask for skin irritation
Oatmeal is one of the most soothing ingredients for the skin and the body overall, with colloidal oatmeal baths (ground up oatmeal grain diluted in water) being recommended for all kinds of skin irritation starting with eczema and ending with skin burns. The nutrients, vitamins, and minerals oatmeal contains have anti-inflammatory, calming, moisturizing, and restorative properties, which make it perfect for skin irritation of any kind.
We recommend using colloidal oatmeal as part of your nighttime skincare routine. To use colloidal oatmeal to soothe your skin, follow this recipe:
1. Process about 1 tablespoon of plain oatmeal into a very fine powder in a food blender, add it to 1 glass of warm water and mix until the water is dissolved completely, forming a milky-white liquid.
2. Soak a cotton pad with the solution you've created, gently wiping across your face, as you would with a facial toner. No need to wash off the mixture with water. Your skin will feel slightly moisturized after using colloidal oatmeal, but we recommend applying moisturizer over top to seal in the moisture.

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