internal medicine

Six to nine million Americans are affected with toenail fungus and athletes tend to be affected at a higher rate.

Toenails can become thick due to: genetics
fungus infections
some systemic diseases
poor circulation
natural aging process
or injury. The toenail fungus creeps underneath the nails and causes ugly discoloration and crumbling. It's the same fungus that causes athlete's foot
jock itch and toenail fungus
but it generally affects the scalp
body
feet
or nails. One of these complications is when the fungus toenail is allowed to become abnormally thick. If your toenail fungus is so bad that your nails are 1/4" thick and curling
you will need to have them surgically removed.

Keeping toenails clean and trim is important because fungus can make a home under the toenail. While there's no sure way to prevent growth of toenail fungus
be sure to keep your feet dry and clean. It also may be necessary to discontinue using toenail polish as it can trap moisture under the polish and encourage the growth of fungus. As the fungus grows
it will continue to spread until the entire toenail becomes thick and yellow with crumbling edges.

Fungus Home Treatments
Infection with nail fungus occurs more often in toenails than in fingernails because toenails are often confined inside dark moist socks and shoes. It is best to treat toenail fungus or nail fungus from the inside out. Garlic powder can also be used to combat toenail fungus. Tea tree oil has recently received much attention for its ability to combat toenail fungus. Sporanox is the first advance in the treatment of toenail fungus. More often than not
a month of daily effort is needed to rid yourself of the toenail fungus.

But like most topical agents
the toenail fungus ointment alone has never proven effective against persistent nail fungus. The best form of treatment is prevention and preventing the fungus from spreading to other toenails may be the best treatment option. A medical professional can prescribe powerful drugs for treating toenail fungus the most common of which is: LamisilTM (terbinafine hydrochloride tablets).

Did you know that there are proven methods to help you stop snoring immediately? No more restless nights. No more arguments with your spouse or sleeping in separate rooms. Individuals who snore are all too familiar with these scenarios
but it doesn’t have to continue.

Tip 1
Eliminate the presence of dust
pet hair and cigarette smoke from your home. These types of allergens make it difficult to breathe and especially bothersome for individuals who have been diagnosed with allergies. When breathing becomes difficult
air passages are restricted and this leads to snoring. Lying down at night can make these problems worse
so it’s best to rid your home of allergens and always use air filtration units in every room of the home
especially in the bedroom.

Tip 2
Use an anti-snoring device
such as the Sleep Genie from Odyssey Direct Solutions
Inc. This product is doctor tested and approved. It is made of a nylon lycra blend so that it fits comfortable on the head and below the jaw. Comfortably supporting the jaw while keeping the mouth closed during sleep is it’s primary goal. Individuals who sleep with their mouth closed do not have the ability to snore
which is why the Sleep Genie is a product that has former-snoring sufferers snoozing without a peep.

Tip 3
Sleep on your side instead of your back. Studies show that people who sleep on their back tend to be more likely to snore than those who are side or stomach sleepers.

Tip 4
If you suffer from allergies
sinus infections or have been diagnosed with a cold or the flu
try inhaling steam from hot running water before bedtime. This will help to open up the air passages naturally and allow you to breathe easier
which may reduce snoring

Tip 5
Try using two standard pillows instead of one. With your head elevated slightly
your air passages may not become as restricted. Often
passages become blocked when fatty tissue in the throat relaxes and makes it difficult to breath. Snoring is often the result
but having an extra pillow may help to curb the problem.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as
or in place of
professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring
please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

If you have tried everything
but still seem to suffer from snoring
don’t give up. Before turning to surgery
consider shopping for anti-snore devices. These products do not typically require a prescription
are economically priced and may just be the answer that you are looking for. However
as is the case when shopping for anything
there are a lot of anti-snore devices out there and knowing what to look for will make your selection process a lot easier.

Tip 1
Read the packaging
or information
carefully. Is the product doctor recommended or approved? If you see that the product is
in fact
doctor recommended
then you know that it is one of the quality anti-snore devices. For example
the Sleep Genie made by Odyssey Direct Solutions is a product that is doctor recommended. It has been proven to be effective
so you know you are getting value for your dollar.

Tip 2
Is the product safe? If the label doesn’t feature any product warnings
then look at the features and ask yourself if you think it looks safe for you. There is simply no reason to consider a product with safety warnings. While you are asleep
how much attention can you be paying to the safety of anti-snore devices? A good anti-snore device will protect you while you sleep and not cause additional need for concern.

Tip 3
Take a moment to consider if this is one of the anti-snore devices that appears comfortable. Among the things to consider are it’s design and materials. For instance
the Sleep Genie is very sleek in it’s design and is made from a comfortable nylon lycra blend. With this product
the snoring sufferer won’t have to worry about tossing and turning in discomfort. Comfort is key and is a must-have to avoid further sleep deprivation.

Tip 4
Affordability is a factor. Take some time to think about the cost of the item and it’s qualities. The majority of anti-snore devices are affordable
but others can be very costly. Before spending big bucks on anything
ask yourself if a more affordable product can produce the same results.

Tip 5
Does the product offer a guarantee or warranty? This is a sure sign that the product is backed by the company who makes it
which says a lot about their belief that the anti-snore device will work for you. Odyssey Direct Solutions
for instance
offers a 90-day money back guarantee on the Sleep Genie. By selecting a product that is backed by a company guarantee
you can feel good in knowing that you are getting value for your dollar.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as
or in place of
professional medical advice. Before beginning any treatment for snoring
please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and remedy.

Dry skin is a problem that not only occurs during the cold winter months
but also during summer as well. The increased humidity indoors in the winter and outdoors in the summer add to the problem that affects many sufferers around the world.

Symptoms of dry skin include redness and a tight feeling when you attempt to bend your fingers or even in the slightest movement of your hand. In the case of extreme dry skin
cracking and bleeding may occur. This is the most unpleasant part of dry skin as it can be very embarrassing and
as expected
very painful. While it often seems that there is no way to end this discomfort
there are several tips to help individuals who suffer from dry skin.

Dry Skin Tip # 1
Use a soap that has moisturizing lotion. This will be gentler on your skin and will add moisture back where it has been otherwise removed. If possible
avoid harsh soaps that dry out the skin or strip it of it’s natural moisture.

Dry Skin Tip # 2
While it is important to maintain proper hygiene
overly washing your hands or showering multiple times each day may promote dry skin. After washing
it is equally important to dry your skin thoroughly to prevent it from chapping.

Dry Skin Tip # 3
One of the most effective dry skin treatment products is Pacquin Plus Dry Skin Cream
which is sold in 8oz. bottles. This thick white lotion provides instant relief for dry skin and can be applied to not only the hands
but the entire body as well.

Dry Skin Tip # 4
Use a quality exfoliation product to remove dry and/or dead skin cells. By removing the old cells
you will expose the healthy cells and may be better able to fight against nature’s harmful effects.

Dry Skin Tip # 5
If problem worsens or persists
consult a dermatologist. In some instances
over-the-counter products may not be able to treat severe cases of dry skin. A dermatologist has the ability to recommend stronger treatment products
which may be needed in some instances.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as professional medical advice. The information contained herein should not be used in place of
or in conjunction with
a doctor’s recommendation . Any individual who develops severe dry skin or that which does not respond to over-the-counter treatment
should consult a licensed dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

While dentures aren’t the best substitute for your own teeth
they are certainly helping some people keep their smile. With these tips on finding the right dentures for you
you don’t have to stop grinning.

Talk with your dentist

Though it might seem that your dentist might be the one to talk to you about dentures
you also may want to broach the subject before it becomes an immediate issue. Perhaps you have to take certain medications that can affect your dental health—epilepsy drugs
calcium channel blockers
or transplant drugs.

Or perhaps you have troubles taking care of your teeth due to some other illness or memory problem. The best way to get the dentures that you need is to have an honest and open discussion with your dentist to discuss your options.

Find out the types of dentures

Information is your best weapon in the fight to choose the right dentures. Realize that there are partial
complete and overdentures available for each individual situation.

Like the names imply
partial and complete dentures are those that may take up only portions of the mouth (partial) while the complete dentures are taking the place of removed teeth. Overdentures are those that can fit over the teeth that remain.

With your dentist
you can determine what option will work best for your mouth’s situation as well as for your overall comfort.

Have your dentures immediately

One of the newer ways to have your dentures fitted is to look into immediate dentures. These are dentures that are created before you have your teeth removed so that you don’t have to go through any embarrassment of having gaps in your smile.

While these will need to be adjusted as the jaw bone heals
these can be the right dentures for those that may have gaps in their front visible teeth.

Go the conventional route

While conventional dentures require that you be without teeth for a few months as the dentures are being made
these dentures tend to fit a lot better than the immediate dentures.

You will have your teeth extracted and your gums will have time to heal as your new set of teeth is being made. There may be times of discomfort and self-consciousness
but overall
this is the better way to get dentures.

Take into consideration what you want

When it comes to choosing the right dentures for you
you want to take your time with your decision. This might mean consulting several dentists in order to see what each can do for you. Look at pictures of the dental work that they have previously done to see if you like the results that they have achieved.

If you have troubles after receiving your dentures and find that you are using adhesive on a continuous basis
your dentures may need to be refitted.

Dentures can be a fresh start to a great smile
but only if you take the time to find the best dentist and the best dentures for you.

While some ailments require specific medications
others may be treated with simple home remedies that have withstood the test of time. Generations ago
people began using home remedies and have passed their knowledge on to their families as time progressed. Still
many are unaware of the large number of home remedies that can provide instant
safe and effective relief. Best of all
home remedies do not cause side effects as other conventional medications often do.

Anyone who suffers from allergies or a cold may find themselves increasingly congested throughout the night. In order to relieve breathing and open the airway passages
an individual may find success in running hot water in the sink and slowly inhaling the steam from the running water. This will help to relieve blocked nasal passages and may help the sufferer to breathe easier at any time of day
including at night.

Snoring is a big problem
but few know how to treat it. In addition to a number of anti-snoring devices
medications and even surgery for extreme cases
there are also a number of home remedies that may help to eliminate this nighttime nuisance. Anyone who snores may find that sleeping on their side
instead of their back
may help to eliminate the problem. Adding an extra pillow may also help to curb snoring due to the fact that the head is raised slightly higher and may help to prevent air passages from becoming restricted
which is a leading cause of snoring. In the event that snoring worsens or does not seem to respond to home remedies
it is possible that the individual has developed sleep apnea. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

With warmer months just ahead
the bees will be buzzing and this means the potential for bee stings. To lessen the itching of a bee sting
a combination of baking soda and water can be combined to create a paste that will ease some of the discomfort. Many individuals find this to be just another part of summer but to others
it can be life threatening. For people who are allergic to bee stings
medical help are not always close enough. Therefore
over the counter Benadryl is often recommended as a temporary aid to keeping the allergy under control until the bee sting sufferer can get to a doctor or hospital for further treatment. Individuals who are allergic may find that carrying Benadryl with them is a good idea.

Everyone is scared of the dentist
but it’s a part of life that everyone must face. Whether a recent tooth loss
cleaning or other procedure that may cause bleeding
rinsing with warm salt water on two to three occasions daily will help lessen the chance of infection and will ease soreness.

Anyone who paints their fingernails is probably familiar with the smell of nail polish remover. Well
for anyone who finds the smell unbearable or simply feels lightheaded in its presence
there is a much simpler way to remove nail polish. Simply applying clear nail polish to each nail and allow it to sit for 3-5 seconds before wiping it away with a napkin or paper towel. This will help to remove any trace of nail polish.

If you’ve got an itch on your foot that you can’t help scratching
then you might have a dreaded case of athlete’s foot. But there’s no need to worry because here are five ways that you can treat yourself—no doctor and no prescriptions needed.

Head over to the store

Your best cure for athlete’s foot might be available at your local grocery mart or drug store. Look for creams and ointments that contain clotrimazole or miconazole as their active ingredient. These are topical creams that can be directly applied to the feet.

All you need to do is reapply the cream after you shower to clean
dry feet and then cover with a pair of cotton socks. The cream should be reapplied two to three times a day after that for about two to three weeks.

Going the natural route

Another great way to treat athlete’s foot is similar to the store method
but with a more natural oil. Tea tree oil is known for its antifungal properties and works to destroy the fungus on the feet.

You’ll need to start with clean and dry feet and then apply the oil to the affected areas. You can do this several times a day for as long as it takes to cure the symptoms.

And it makes your feet smell great.

Cures from the kitchen

When you want to get rid of your athlete’s foot
you may just have to open up a few cupboards. Both baking soda and vinegar have been shown to help with treating this fungal condition—though not at the same time.

For the baking soda
you can soak the feet in a mixture of the powder and warm water. And if you have apple cider vinegar around
use that instead of the baking soda.

Getting your feet clean of fungus

Some will tell you that soaking your feet in bleach is also a good alternative for treating athlete’s foot. However
this has to be done carefully or you might injure your feet. You should only use two tablespoons of regular laundry bleach in a gallon of warm water.

Soak your feet for ten minutes and you can see results within a week’s time.

Scaring away the itchiness and redness

And while garlic is great for vampires
it’s even better for athlete’s foot. This is because the antibiotic ingredients in the garlic help to cure the infection. Just rub a clove of garlic (one that’s been cut in half) over the affected area a few times per day.

But with all of these ways of treating athlete’s foot
the best advice is to avoid getting it in the first place. Make sure that your feet are kept dry and avoid walking on your bare feet in conditions that are likely to harbor the fungus—public showers and shoe stores where you try on the shoes without a barrier.

And of course
good hygiene will always keep your feet clean and happy
and hopefully free from itching.

Have you had your lycopene today? If you ate a green salad with fresh chopped tomatoes
then you not only got a healthy dose of this powerful antioxidant
but you have also taken significant action toward lowering your blood pressure. A recent double-blind study conducted in Israel has confirmed what hearth-healthy Italians have enjoyed for centuries - tomatoes (and tomato sauce) lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

Dr. Esther Paran
head of the hypertension division of Soroka Medical Center
led up the Israeli study. It involved patients who were already being treated for hypertension
but were not responding well to the medications. Dr. Paran had patients take a supplement of tomato extract. The results were a significant drop in blood pressure after just four weeks.

Tomatoes are so effective at lowering blood pressure because they contain lycopene. This potent antioxidant is even the focus of some hybrid tomatoes grown by the Israeli company
Lycomato
in order to have higher concentrations of lycopene in each piece of fruit. Other antioxidants found in tomatoes make this one super-food in the prevention of heart disease. It can even help keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing which makes it stick to the arteries and narrow the passage way causing blood pressure to increase.

Even during the peak growing season it can be difficult to consume four whole tomatoes each day
which is the recommended amount for having a positive impact on blood pressure. Here are some ways to get the benefits of tomatoes without having to eat them straight off the vine.

1. Make Chili. Using tomato puree
which is a concentrated form of tomatoes
as the base for your chili utilizes the antioxidants without the bulk of a whole tomato. Add some ultra-lean and high protein ground bison and kidney beans with minced garlic and onions
and cayenne pepper and you have a heart-healthy main course and a full day's allowance of tomato.

2. Since using olive oil with the tomatoes enhances the curative quality
make your pasta sauce red with tomatoes
tomato paste and olive oil to saut้ the garlic and onion. Tomato paste used in making sauce contains more than 10 times the nutrients of a single tomato.

3. Have a fresh salad as a side dish to either of these entrees and cut one whole tomato on top. You'll get one-quarter of you tomato intake right there.

4. Drink tomato juice. It is better to make your own fresh juice so that you can control the sodium. Store bought juices can be high in sugar and sodium-based preservatives. If you have a juicer
you can make some incredible veggie juices to suit your own tastes by adding carrots
celery and some low-sodium seasonings.

5. Take a tomato supplement. If you just can't stomach tomatoes
then a 200 mg supplement provides the equivalent of more than the recommended four tomatoes.

Adding tomatoes to your diet can reduce systolic blood pressure by 10 points and diastolic pressure by 4 points as was evident in the Israel study. Whatever way you slice it
tomatoes will keep strengthen your immune system and lower blood pressure.

Let me ask you something. What do Tyra Banks
Camille Grammer and Cybil Sheppard all have in common? They all suffer from irritable bowel syndrome – along with about 20% of the rest of the population
according to recent studies.

I’m the IBS Diva. And I say having irritable bowel syndrome doesn't have to be a death sentence. There are ways not only to cope but to thrive and live a happy
healthy life. Yes
I know
it can be a bit embarrassing at times – always searching for the nearest bathroom whenever you go out
getting up in the middle of movies and only eating certain foods.

The IBS Diva doesn’t let that get in the way of her good time
though. And you shouldn’t let get in the way of yours
either.

Here are the IBS Diva’s three simple pieces of advice for coping with irritable bowel syndrome.

1. You’re still fabulous
honey. Act like it. Change your mindset about this functional disorder. You’re not an outcast. You’re a tough
no-nonsense leader. Believe it.

2. Don’t stress – just rest. Just like the IBS Diva
you need your beauty sleep. Make sure you get at least eight hours per night. Let your body rejuvenate and heal during the night. Then you can wake up fabulous like the IBS Diva.

3. Keep searching. Even the IBS Diva searches for solutions for irritable bowel syndrome. Let’s face it. Having this disorder is no walk in the park. But there are ways to cope and live a happy
healthy life. Search for them while you’re on your journey to self acceptance. It can only help.

Honey
you have to look at irritable bowel syndrome as a challenge that you must overcome
not as a death sentence. With the proper mind set and a willingness to try new and effective dietary changes and medical solutions
you can live a healthy and happy life with IBS.

While 26 percent of Americans has used a Search Engine for finding drug information online
still only a few are venturing into the online prescription drug marketplace.

The prescription drug market is enormous and includes millions of Americans who go online to get information about the medicines they consume.

According to the new Pew Internet & American Life Project "Prescription Drugs Online" report
64
of American households contain a regular user of prescription drugs
and one in four Americans (26%) has used the Internet to look for information about prescription drugs.

However
just 4% of Americans have purchased prescription drugs online
because
simply
most Americans do not fully trust the online prescription drug marketplace.

While 62% of Americans think purchasing prescription drugs online is less safe than purchasing them at a local pharmacy
only 20% think online purchases are as safe as local purchases. The remaining 18% responded that they did not know or that it depends on the situation.

In fact
even though one in five said online drug purchases are safe
only a fraction have ever bought prescription drugs online. The survey found a mere 4% of Americans have ever actually purchased prescription drugs on the Internet. To put that in actual numbers
of the 2
200
American adults surveyed just 93 people said they had purchased prescription drugs online.

When it comes to why people purchase drugs online
even though the sample size was small
Americans who have ordered prescription drugs online cited convenience and cost savings as the main reasons why they decided to take the leap. Privacy was the least likely factor of the choices offered in the survey.

When asked about the last time they purchased prescription drugs online
the majority of Rx purchasers said they visited a site that was based in the United States
and only a few visited a site based in another country. In addition:

-- Three-quarters of Rx purchasers said the last time they purchased prescription drugs online
they bought a drug for a chronic medical condition such as high blood pressure or arthritis.

-- One-quarter said their last purchase at an online pharmacy was to aid weight loss or sexual performance.

-- Most were satisfied with their last contact with an online pharmacy and plan to order prescription drugs online in the future.

All in all
the survey was upbeat about the future of the online drug market
stating that "Ignorance and mistrust of the online prescription drug market may be dispelled by further research and good experiences
and indicating that many Americans may soon change their minds about the safety of online prescription drug purchases.

Drawing an analogy to the growth in another large online category, the report stated:
[Prescription drug purchasers] who research a product online often become customers.

Convenience is the number one reason why banking became the fastest-growing activity between 2000 and 2002 — and it is the main reason why current Rx purchasers made the switch from offline to online ordering."

Ginger Healing Detox Tea with Turmeric

There has been a lot in the news lately about the amazing healing properties of turmeric
a free-radical-fighting antioxidant-rich curry spice that has been hailed as a defense against both cancer and Alzheimer’s. When we found this tasty recipe for a warming
detoxifying ginger-turmeric tea
we were thrilled: after the holiday season
we figured we could use some detoxing and healing!

Then we tasted it
and were totally hooked: it’s delicious! Ginger and turmeric combine with citrus and maple syrup to make the perfect blend of healing nutrients. We streamlined the recipe to make it ultra-easy
too:

INGREDIENTS
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Juice of 1/2 lemon

1. Bring water to a boil
then add powdered herbs. Simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Strain tea into a mug
add maple syrup and lemon
stirring to combine. Drink warm.
Makes 1 serving.

Spa Cuisine: Peachy Iced Green Tea – Recipe

Drinking green tea may help you lose weight. According to clinical studies conducted by Dr. Abdul Dulloo
of the University of Geneva in Switzerland
green tea raises metabolic rates and speeds up fat oxidation. Green tea is also a great immune-enhancing health-booster and anti-cancer agent
with flavonoids and polyphenols thought to inhibit tumor formation.

So here is our easy-to-make recipe for green tea
but this one tastes so good you’ll never guess how good it is for you! A great
healthy thirst-quencher for hot summer days.
Simple Solution:

INGREDIENTS

6 green tea teabags
6 cups cold water
2 ripe peaches
pitted and sliced
1. Place teabags in a large teapot or pitcher.
2. Put sliced peaches in a saucepan
add cold water
and bring to a brisk boil
then pour water and peaches over teabags.
3. Steep for 6 minutes
then add sweetener (maple syrup
honey or Succanat are recommended). Allow tea to cool
then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.
4. Include a few peach slices in each glass and serve with a spoon
garnished with a sprig of mint
if you like.

Even Easier Alternative Method: Make a pitcher of green tea and add the contents of a can of organic sliced peaches. Chill thoroughly.
Makes 6 servings.

The “best” flu remedy seems to vary by who you talk to. Some people think that certain over-the-counter medications are the best way to get relief. Others feel homeopathic remedies work the best. Still others feel that only their doctor can help make them make the appropriate choice.

If you talked to my husband he would tell you the best flu remedy is to not get the flu (he’s not always the most helpful person). He talks smart because he hardly ever gets sick. I’m very jealous of him. I think his genes must be better than mine because he doesn’t eat healthier or exercise any more than I do yet I get sick a lot more often than he does.

I catch the flu nearly every year. I’ve tried over-the-counter medications
some homeopathic remedies
and have gone to my doctor when I’ve gotten bad cases of the flu.

Below I’ve listed some common
and some not so common remedies for the flu. Some of the remedies are homeopathic; others involve taking over-the counter medications; while others are prescription.

1) This first item is more of a suggestion to keep yourself from getting sick again rather than a remedy but I think it’s a really good tip. Put your toothbrush in a cup with hydrogen peroxide in it to prevent you from re-infecting yourself (especially if you have a cold). Toothbrushes are a haven for germs and the hydrogen peroxide will kill the bacteria on your toothbrush. You may decide to put your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide every day to kill the bacteria that accumulate.

2) In addition to putting your toothbrush in a cup of hydrogen peroxide you may want to put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ears. It can help kill flu (or cold) germs. Sometimes the hydrogen peroxide will sting a little. The process is to put a few drops in one ear with a cotton ball or a Q-tip. After a few minutes drain the excess fluid out onto a Kleenex or paper towel. Then do the same thing in the other ear. Repeat the process after an hour or two. Continue to repeat until the hydrogen peroxide doesn’t bubble when it’s put into the ear (usually after 2 or 3 times). The hydrogen peroxide is said to be most effective if it’s used as soon as possible after getting sick.

3) Elderberry extract can lessen the duration of the flu according to studies done in Israel. Talk to your doctor
pharmacist
or herbalist for advice on how much and how often to take it
and also to make sure it will not interfere with any other medications or supplements you may already be taking.

4) Boneset is another herb said to help lessen the intensity and duration of the flu. It is usually added to boiled water
along with honey and lemon (to make it easier to drink) and then sipped. Again
consult with your doctor
pharmacist or herbalist for the recommended dosage.

5) Oscillococcinum is a popular homeopathic/natural product taken to help with the flu symptoms of body aches and pains
fever
and chills. One of the reasons it is so popular is that it does not cause drowsiness.

6) Naturoksinum is another natural flu remedy available. It is touted as being able to cut the severity of flu symptoms in half. It is one of the most popular flu remedies in France and is available for purchase in the United States.

7) Echinacea is another popular natural remedy for the
flu. Again
because it is an herbal product
check with your doctor
pharmacist
or herbalist to make sure it is safe for you to take and that it does not interfere with any other medications or supplements you are currently taking.

8) Tamiflu and Relenza are two prescription medications available for treating the flu. For either medication to work best it should be taken with two days of the onset of flu symptoms. Both Tamiflu and Relenza work by preventing the flu virus from infecting cells in the body that are still healthy
and they both work against influenza A and B.

9) Drink health juices such as mangosteen
noni
goji
aloe vera
or acai berry. They are not only great juices to drink if you get the flu
but they can also help prevent it because the juices are good at boosting a person’s immune system. My personal health juice of choice is a mangosteen juice. It tastes great and helps me feel better overall.

10) There are several products available to use in your bath or even your shower to help with the symptoms of the flu. Abra Bath for colds and the flu is a product you add to bath water. It is said to help relieve congestion
reduce body aches
and help relieve the chills associated with the flu. The makers of Sudafed offer a product called Sudacare Shower Soothers. They are tablets that react with warm shower water to create vapors of eucalyptus
menthol
and camphor to help with congestion.

11) Nasal sprays to help relieve flu symptoms are available over the counter. One product is called Flu Relief. Nasal sprays aren’t as popular as most other remedies though because many people dislike using nasal sprays.

12) Fever
headaches
and aching muscles are common symptoms of the flu. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
both available over the counter can help lessen the pain.

13) A persistent cough may be present when a person has the flu (http://www.microflu.com/flusymptoms/). There are many over the counter cough medicines
such as Robitussin (which has specific formulas of its products for helping with flu symptoms)
to help quiet a cough associated with the flu.

14) Congestion is another symptom that a person may get with the flu. An oral decongestant can help loosen the congestion. Again there are many over the counter products available to fight flu symptoms such as congestion. Vick’s vapor rub can also help ease congestion.

15) A sore throat can be another bothersome symptom of the flu. Throat lozenges or sprays can help with the pain. I gargle with warm salt water every hour when my throat is sore. It’s a remedy my Mom used when I was little. It worked for me then and it still works for me now.

16) Rest is a very important part of fighting the flu. Your body needs rest to help it fight the infection in your body. So give in to that urge to cuddle up under the covers and rest. You’re likely to feel better faster if you do.

17) Drink as many fluids are you can when you have the flu. Avoid drinks with caffeine because caffeinated drinks act as mild diuretics. Water is the best liquid but can be hard for someone who feels sick to drink enough of. Other good choices of liquid are clear juices
Gatorade (or any of the other sports drinks available) as well as flavored water and Pedialyte. When I was a child and had the flu my Mom always gave me 7-up to drink. I could drink it without feeling sick to my stomach and it tasted good so I was able to drink enough of it to keep myself from getting dehydrated.

Always remember that the flu (depending on what strain you have contracted) can be a life-threatening illness if not treated properly. Don’t be afraid to contact your doctor if your symptoms don’t start to get better in a few days or if they are very severe.

Another thing to remember when you have the flu (or are sick with anything else) is to only treat the symptoms you have. There are lots of over-the-counter products available to treat flu symptoms. Many of those products relieve multiple symptoms. But sometimes you don’t have all the symptoms that particular medication treats. Look for products that treat the symptoms you have
but nothing more. You don’t want to over-medicate yourself.

Disclaimer: this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat illness and disease; nor is it intended as dispensation of medical advice.