What are Adaptogens and Why Are People Taking Them?

A lot is going on in the world that is distressing, however, that is not anything new. We have always had stress, and the stress that we have makes it hard to sleep and hard to cope with other issues in life. Adaptogens are coming more into the mainstream as people are getting to know them as a way of relieving that stress.

What are Adaptogens?

They are a natural source of medicine that helps to relieve stress by helping the body adapt to it. That is why this form of stress relief is known as an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants such as roots, herbs, fungi, fruits, and berries that have grown, survived, and adapted in a difficult, challenging environment. These natural ingredients become medicines that are considered stress relievers because they can lower the effects of stress on the body and help the body cope with those issues in its way. In other words, adaptogens make the body stronger by helping the body cope.

Adaptogens are not new, and they are not unnatural. All over the world, people have been using these herbs for many things. What is new is their increasing popularity as we all start to learn more about them and research their benefits.

Not every herb or natural substance is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants that grow in harsh climates where the plant must struggle and adapt to survive the conditions. Most of the ones we use now are from South America and Asia. The flora and fauna of the Brazilian rainforest, the Amazon, do have to be strong to survive. That does not mean that every plant from there is healthy. To be considered an adaptogen, the plant must be non-toxic at normal doses, and support the body as it copes with stress and support the body as it returns to stability.

What are Adaptogens, specifically?

Adaptogens help the body regulate and balance. They help with sleep, improve mood, give energy, and give the body an overall boost of well-being. Green tea and Yerba Mate tea are healthy choices for adaptogen drinks, but other roots and herbs are also part of the blend. Many mushrooms are adaptogens. Ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety and Reishi mushrooms boost the immune system. Ginseng Suma root can help fight fatigue and improve well-being.

Adaptogens also help the body adapt to the stress that is put on it through exercise and that is why adaptogens and adaptogenic teas are healthy exercise drinks. Exercise is good for us, of course, but it also puts stress on the body, so taking adaptogens in this form help to train the body to handle that stress to make it stronger.

Adaptogen drinks are finding their way to popularity as well. Taking adaptogens in the form of an energy drink is a convenient and enjoyable way of getting these nutritional supplements. Even if there is no specific ailment, the adaptogens are meant to help and are still good for the body. They are a better choice than an energy drink containing artificial flavors, added sugars, and caffeine.

Why Are People Taking Adaptogens

People take adaptogens for a little boost. They help with mental and physical performance and by giving the immune system a boost, the adaptogens can help the body fight off a multitude of problems and health worries. They also help against the things we worry about and give us a good night’s sleep. People who are taking control of their health care looking to traditional methods and finding new ways to handle stress and fatigue.

Adaptogens are available as capsules, as teas, and in powders that can be added to other foods. Although they are healthy, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to be sure the dosages are safe, like anything, they can react to other medications. Thanks to the research that is being done today on these plants, healthcare professionals can suggest them as additional help for people who are recovering from surgery, heart failure, pulmonary disease, and other conditions. Click on this link to know more details.

What UTI Treatments Are Effective and Which Ones Should Be Avoided?

A urinary tract infection is a health issue that you should not take lightly. If left untreated, it is likely to spread and affect the kidneys, possibly leading to kidney damage. It is advisable to see a doctor in person or seek online treatment for UTI. There are many treatment options, but they may not all be effective, and you may want to avoid a few things to prevent further health complications. It is essential to know about these before you begin any treatment course. It will also help to understand what triggers urinary tract infections.

What is a urinary tract infection?

Urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary tract that the E Coli bacteria cause. This bacteria attaches itself to the walls of the bladder and the urinary tract, proliferates rapidly to replace the good bacteria in your body, and that can cause the infection. Women tend to contract UTIs more than men because women have shorter urethras, and the bacteria do not have to travel far to reach the bladder.

The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are the need to urinate more frequently than usual and experiencing a painful or burning sensation while urinating. Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine, abdominal pain, fatigue, and fever are also symptoms of UTI.

What is the treatment for urinary tract infection?

Since some types of urinary tract infections can spread rapidly to other parts of your body, it is crucial to seek the proper treatment as soon as the initial symptoms appear. Here are some of the available treatment options:

Taking antibiotics

When you research online treatment for UTI, you will see that many doctors recommend antibiotics. These can be effective in getting rid of the E Coli bacteria. However, they may also end up destroying the good bacteria that your body needs to combat infections. That could make your body vulnerable to further infection. That is why many people often suffer from repeat complaints of urinary tract infections after being put on an antibiotics course. Some E Coli bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics, rendering them ineffective as a treatment option.

Improving your diet

A popular and effective online treatment for UTI is amending your diet to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other natural foods. Cranberries are especially recommended for UTI sufferers since they are rich in antioxidants and A-type proanthocyanin (PAC) compounds. The PACs can effectively deter the E Coli bacteria since they prevent them from attaching to the bladder and urinary tract walls.

Parsley is also a good choice since it contains antiseptic apiol oil. Another very effective food against the E Coli bacteria is garlic. Increasing your garlic intake can help clear a UTI, even an antibiotic-resistant UTI.

You will also benefit from consuming probiotic foods like curd, yogurt, cheese, kimchi, kefir, and sauerkraut. Foods high in Vitamin C such as lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits, potatoes, peppers, kiwi fruit, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupes, and tomatoes are excellent in warding off urinary tract infections. Additionally, drinking a lot of water throughout the day will help.

An improved diet with a lot of water can help to flush out toxins, clear up the urinary tract symptoms, and strengthen your immune system to ward off further infections.

Practice good hygiene

Poor hygienic habits are also often responsible for the occurrence of urinary tract infections. It is essential to clean yourself properly every time after using the toilet. Wiping front to back may prevent the E Coli bacteria from entering the vagina, the urethra, and the anus. Empty your bladder whenever you need to go, and do not rush. Clean your genitals before sex and empty your bladder afterward to flush away any bacteria that may have entered your urethra. Wear comfortable underpants with a cotton crotch.

What to avoid during UTI treatment?

Avoid tea, coffee, and processed foods as much as possible until the UTI clears. Take showers instead of soaking in hot baths. Avoid using personal hygiene sprays, douches, and scented bath products. It is advisable to give up using diaphragms, lubricated condoms, or spermicidal jelly. These things can cause irritations in your private parts, encourage bacterial growth, and aggravate urinary tract infections.

What Types of Yoga Mat Bags are There?

A yoga mat bag makes it easy to carry a yoga mat up and down while traveling to yoga class or to keep it tidy at home in an organized way. If the bag’s exterior is a cloth material, it becomes easy to wash and keep it clean always.

In this article, let us discuss various types of yoga mat bag for use.

1) Full-Zip Yoga Mat Bag – This yoga mat is easy to carry. The full-zip yoga mat has a full-zip opening and is available in many patterns. It has enough space to place any yoga mat of standard size along with a yoga towel. Also, it comes with an adjustable shoulder strap and outer pocket to place a smartphone and small essentials.

2) Buckets Yoga Mat Bag – A bucket yoga mat bag comes with a traditional shape that is ideal to carry a yoga mat of standard size. This yoga mat bag style has a wide and round opening to slide in the yoga mat and fits in easily. Some of these models come with two front pockets that can fit a water bottle, towel, and any other products. The wide strap can sit on your shoulder comfortably and it has various patterns.

3) Duffle Type Yoga Mat Bag – This yoga mat type is like a duffle gym bag but sleeker than it. It is fitted with a large compartment and has many compartments inside the bag. This yoga mat bag is preferred by anyone who wishes to carry many yoga accessories. It mostly comes with a front zipper that goes through the entire bag length at the top. Some yoga mats come with waterproof so that you can also carry your sweaty clothes after a yoga class.

4) Bag Pack – Bag pack type of yoga mat helps you to keep every yoga accessory in an organized way. It comes with the main pocket to carry the laptop, side pockets to carry water bottles, keys, wallets, etc. It has clickable straps at the bag bottom to keep your yoga mat organized in a position and remain away from other items. This bag pack yoga mat bag has a two-strapped pack to carry easily on your back.

5) Strap Yoga Mat Bag Type – If you are looking for a minimum design, you can go for a strap yoga mat bag type. This yoga mat bag type is a hybrid style may and comes with a durable strap, zipper, and a weather-resistant pouch. The pouch in this bag is big enough to keep many essentials like money, phone, keys, and glasses. The bag also comes with good fabric that is easy to clean. It also has buckles and adjustable straps. This yoga mat bag is designed in such a way that it holds yoga mats of any size.

6) Sling Yoga Mat Bag Type – This yoga mat bag is easy to carry and pack. It provides you with all comfort even though this bag fits over your shoulder. Even though this yoga mat bag is packed to the top, it feels lightweight due to the adjustable and double shoulder strap. Also, the straps have a small pocket to carry small items like keys, phones, etc. The compartment on its side holds the mat for about 5 pounds, while the top strap fits the yoga mat vertically.

7) Sling Carrier Yoga Mat Bag Type – This yoga mat bag has a center compartment that is big enough to hold two yoga mats along with yoga accessories. Also, it has a holder for a water bottle and almost four additional pockets with a zip to hold essential small items. This yoga mat bag is durable and machine-washable and easy to carry.

8) Gym Bag with Yoga Mat Holder Type – If you are a yoga and gym-goer, then you can consider this bag type. It is a structured and spacious bag with enough space for many workout sessions. It has a comfortable shape that has a duffle structure and that of a tote. It has a large compartment and many side pockets that will help you to keep your items in an organized way.

Norethindrone Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Periods have the ill repute of playing spoilsports when planning vacations, camping activities, or even your honeymoon. If you have been wanting to delay your period, you are likely to have searched for the keywords Norethindrone stop period. However, simply knowing the name of the drug is not enough. You must acquaint yourself with all the relevant details about the drug too. Right from its uses, mode of action, side effects to warning signs, you must know it all. Well, that is exactly what this article aims to achieve with regards to Norethindrone, the drug to stop periods.

What is Norethindrone?

Norethindrone is a form of progesterone, a hormone that plays a role in regulating ovulation and menstruation in women. Norethindrone is used for birth control, also known as contraception, to prevent pregnancy, or to stop periods in layman’s terms. Norethindrone is also used to treat menstrual disorders, endometriosis, or abnormal vaginal bleeding caused by a hormone imbalance.

However, it is important to know that not all brands of norethindrone are prescribed for the same purposes. Some brands are for use only as contraception, while others are for use in treating endometriosis or vaginal bleeding disorders. Medication errors in such cases can be avoided with a doctor’s prescription.

How Does Norethindrone Delay Your Period?

Taking the prescribed dose of norethindrone stabilizes your uterine lining so your body gets the message to hang on to it rather than shed it as you do during your period.

How to Use Norethindrone

Norethindrone to stop periods must be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Taking this medication after your evening meal or at bedtime may help if you have stomach upset or nausea with the medication. No matter what dosing schedule you follow, it is important to take this medication at the same time each day, 24 hours apart.

It is suggested to begin taking this medication on the first day of your menstrual period. If you take it on any other day, you are required to use an additional form of non-hormonal birth control, such as condoms or spermicide, for the first 48 hours. This is done to prevent pregnancy until the medication has enough time to work.

Continue taking one tablet every day. After taking the last tablet in a pack, start a new pack the next day. There is no break between packs. Pregnancy is more likely if you miss pills, start a new pack late, or take your pill at a different time of the day than usual.

Norethindrone Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, heavy breathing; swelling on your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following. Sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, or severe headache; swelling or rapid weight gain; unusual vaginal bleeding; missed menstrual periods; pelvic pain, particularly on one side; a breast lump; a light-headed feeling; increased thirst, increased urination. Liver problems such as loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), dark urine, jaundice are also worrisome symptoms. Lastly, signs of a blood clot, which include sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, or redness in an arm or leg must be taken seriously too.

Common side effects include irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, headache, breast pain or swelling, stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, weight gain, or vaginal itching or discharge.

Other Useful Information

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Before undergoing any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking norethindrone. You need to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

Treating UTIs: Antibiotics, Medication, and Home Remedies

UTI comprises the problem in the parts of the urinary system – kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The main reason for UTI is the imbalance in vaginal bacteria and other external causes such as dehydration and chemicals used for douching.

In this post, let us talk about various UTI treatments, medication, and home remedies to gain relief from UTI.

UTI Condition and Treatments

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) occurs in almost every woman at some stage of her life. In general, it goes away on its own. The main bacteria responsible for UTI is E.coli.

UTI symptoms range from itching in the vaginal and urinary tract, excessive discharge than normal, along with a foul smell. Women with UTI also find an urge to urinate more often and experience a burning sensation while urinating. In severe cases of infection, fever, vomiting, pelvic pain, and nausea are also noticed.

Doctors suggest antibiotics to treat UTI. One has to use them for full-term prescribed to make sure the infection is completely treated.

Home Remedies for UTI

UTI is often recurrent in many women. If the condition is persistent, try incorporating the following home remedies for UTI in your daily routine.

Remedy #1: Check your diet

From the diet point of view, there are some reasons for the occurrence of BV: dehydration, excessive sugar, inadequate vitamin C, and lack of probiotics.

Dehydration can irritate your vaginal part and make it prone to infection at large. Similarly, a diet lacking in probiotics can cause an imbalance in vaginal bacterial culture. A sugar-rich diet is also another reason for BV.

Ensure that your diet is rich in probiotics such as yogurt, homemade pickles, and fermented foods. Likewise, remember to consume adequate water to keep yourself hydrated well. Cut down on added sugar to heal the vaginal area and replenish the healthy bacteria.

Another expert piece of advice is to increase vitamin C in the diet. It increases the acidic amount in the urine that kills harmful bacteria and promotes healthy ones.

Remedy #2: Try OTC Boric Acid Treatment

Boric acid is a tried and trusted UTI treatment. It is available OTC as capsules. You can safely use vaginal capsules for BV to gain relief from persistent infection, provided the dosage does not exceed 600 mg per day. It is also not a go-to treatment for BV.

Instead, it is only a home remedy. In case of any irritation with BV treatment at home, please discontinue it immediately and seek your doctor’s advice. Pregnant women should never use boric acid. Boric acid can be poisonous if consumed orally.

Remedy #3: Keep the part clean

Unhealthy bacteria flourish in wet and unventilated parts. Keep the vaginal part clean and ventilated by wearing cotton panties to absorb the sweat and natural discharge and allow airflow. Avoid synthetic underwear that can encourage unhealthy bacteria by preventing airflow and trap sweat.

Refrain from too much douching. Otherwise, it can kill the healthy bacteria that protect the vaginal part. Simply clean the part with plain water after passing stools or urinating. If you are concerned about vaginal health, use vaginal washes in limited amounts. In general, normally clean and plain water would suffice for cleaning the vaginal part.

Remedy #4: Replace tampons and soaps

Tampons and menstrual cups increase unhealthy bacteria. If you use tampons and experience persistent BV, keep changing the tampons and menstrual cups often while using them. For better relief, switch to sanitary pads and replace them regularly.

Another main culprit for BV can be the chemicals in the soaps and shampoos. Avoid too using chemical soaps to clean the vaginal part. Similarly, the shampoo water might irritate the area.

Replace the chemical-laden soaps with gentle ones for your bubble bath to find relief from BV.

Remedy #5: Urinate often

Holding on to urine can for longer encourage harmful bacteria. Pass urine when you feel the urge and clean the part with water after doing so. Similarly, urinate after having sex and wash the area with plain water.

Conclusion

For UTI, prevention is often better than cure. Incorporate these tips in daily routine to prevent and to find relief from UTI. In cases of persistent UTI, consult your doctor to diagnose the actual reason behind the same.