April 25, 2013

Chronic Diseases and Sitting For Long Hours

Filed under: Chronic Disease — Tags: Chronic Diseases, risk of disease, sitting — pdhillon @ 10:03 am

chronic-diseases-sittingAre you concerned that your office job means that you do little else but sit on you bottom all day? Worried that your occasional stint from your desk to the photocopier may not be enough to keep you healthy?

Well, you could be right.

According to recent research published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, you should be concerned about sitting down for long periods of time.

The study, which compared the activity levels (how long individuals remained seated for) and comparative chronic disease rates of over 63,000 Australian men, claims that sitting for long periods of time is directly related to a greater risk of chronic health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

The turning point, according to the study, was at the four-hour mark. The results showed that men who sat down for over four hours a day drastically increased their risk of chronic disease. Whereas, those that sat down for fewer than four hours experienced no significant difference.

Worryingly, men who sat down for longer than six hours were classified as being at a ‘high risk’ of diabetes. In fact, researchers reveal that there is a ‘stair case’ effect, where the more you sit, the more likely you are to experience chronic diseases.

Previously it was believed that as long as you fit in your regular daily exercise of at least 30 minutes, you were safe. This study is one of the first to indicate that this is actually not the case – that regular physical activity has no impact on reducing the risk of chronic disease if you spend a large component of your day sitting down.

Researchers suggest that if you want to decrease your risk of chronic diseases, you need to find alternatives to working in a seated position all day.
But for many office workers, this may seem like an impossible request. The amount of time we spend on computers has dramatically increased in recent years, to the point where some occupations purely involve computer use for at least eight hours of the day. So, how are you meant to sit down for less than four?

Well, you could start with your trip to work. Why not park a little further away, if you drive to work? Or you can get off a stop earlier if you take public transportation. This decreases the amount of time you spend sitting in a car, bus or train and boosts your physical activity.

And throughout the day, why not give some of these ideas a try:

  • Use your stress ball for more than an anxious squeeze every now and then. Stress balls can be a great tool to build up your arm and hand strength as well as flexibility. Best of all, you can use them whenever you like; on trains or buses, during meetings and even while you’re on the phone. They are great for quick breaks and very useful for individuals who type a lot.
  • Invest in a stability ball (the big round, inflatable balls used for stretching and core exercise) and switch it with your desk chair. You can either do this in one go (i.e. permanently replace your desk chair), or take it in turns in using the ball whenever you feel like you need to get some extra leg and core work in.
  • Okay, so it might look a little silly, but this one is guaranteed to get your heart racing and your biceps burning: desk push-ups. Every hour or so, take a break to pump out some desk push-ups. All you have to do is stand facing your desk and then with your hands shoulder width apart, lower yourself down.
  • If you like the idea of strength training at work, why not slip in some wall push-ups, squats and lunges too? You can even add in some light stretching!
  • Ensure that you get up and move at least every hour. Go for a walk outside, have a coffee or just do a few laps of the office. Taking regular breaks will also help you decrease that ‘sitting’ time.
  • You can even have trial a ‘standing meeting’, instead of just sitting down in a boardroom, or take a few phone calls standing up.

And remember, we’re not designed to sit down for long periods of time. So if you start feeling grumpy, anxious or fidgety, it could be time for a brief break. Listen to your body and pay attention to how much better you feel after you insert short breaks into your day.

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April 8, 2013

Egg Consumption and the Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke

Filed under: health,health food,healthy food,heart disease,stroke — drwatson @ 3:14 pm

are eggs healthyWe have all heard the rumors that a diet high in eggs can increase our risk of heart disease and stroke. But is this actually the truth?

In an attempt to uncover the facts, we went searching for the research around egg consumption and the risk of heart disease.

Here’s what we found.

The link between eggs, heart disease and stroke
Typically, it was believed that the high cholesterol levels present in eggs could potentially lead to a significantly increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

However, the results of a meta-analysis from BMJ revealed that this may not be the case. The meta-analysis reviewed information from almost half a million participants from eight clinical studies and showed no direct link between high consumption (one per day) of eggs and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

The meta-analysis did illustrate though, that further research was needed on the impact of egg consumption on those suffering from diabetes, as this relationship appeared to result in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol and eggs
So why then are individuals with high cholesterol levels often recommended to decrease their egg consumption?

The clinical review team from the BMJ meta-analysis believe this is because it is often assumed that no other dietary changes will be made, so in order to impact cholesterol levels you should reduce egg intake. This is largely because eggs do actually pack a whopping cholesterol punch. There is almost 210 mg of cholesterol in every large egg!

Despite this, the meta-analysis confirmed that in their opinion, egg consumption did not lead to a risk of heart disease and stroke.

Benefits of egg consumption
In fact, the researchers on the BMJ research panel insisted that the consumption of eggs led to a variety of health benefits.

They suggest that eggs are both inexpensive and readily available, and are a great low-calorie option for the public.

Eggs also contain nutrients, proteins and minerals, which the BMJ team say could actually decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are full of calcium, iron,
potassium, and vitamins A, D, E, B2, B6 and B9.
So don’t scratch eggs off the weekly shopping list just yet!

It looks like that egg a day for breakfast isn’t actually so bad for you after all. To increase the quality of the eggs you consume, look for barn-laid eggs or free-range eggs. Not only is this a cruelty-free option, but eggs produced this way are also less likely to be contaminated by salmonella and are considered to be a better quality.

Happy egg eating!

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March 25, 2013

Taste: Are you a superataster?

Filed under: discount canadian prescriptions,food,food intolerance,Senses,Taste — Tags: sense of taste, taste, taste buds, taste receptors, tasting — drwatson @ 9:00 am

All tongues are not created equal. Certain individuals are blessed (or cursed, as we’ll discover) with what is colloquially called ‘supertasting.’ As the name implies, it means that these individuals have the ability to taste in a range that extends beyond the average person.

This discovery was made in the 1960′s when a researcher discovered a compound, phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), that was tasteless to most of the population, but bitter to a few. Several subsequent studies were done over the following decades that confirmed the discovery: it is in some individuals genetics to be ‘supertasters.’

Top 6 Ways You Know You’re a Supertaster

1. Vegetables – Studies show that supertasters are particularly sensitive to the bitterness of vegetables, especially Brussels sprouts, kale, and broccoli. According to studies, the avoidance of (certain) vegetables by supertasters exists to such a degree, that they show a higher incidence of colon cancers than non-supertasters due to their lack of vegetable intake. So don’t let your kids get off that easy in the event they learned about this before you. The bad taste says nothing about the nutritional content, which stays unaltered.

2. High Fat Foods – Supertasters are generally lighter than their counterparts due to the fact that they find high fat content somewhat unappealing. Conversely, people with normal taste tend to absolutely love the taste of fat. It is interesting that such a difference in taste intensity constitutes a qualitative change, but it seems to do so.

3. Wine – The degree to which you find (mostly red) wine bitter and acidic will correlate to your taster status. Supertasters favor flavors that are not overflowing with a tart essence. Since wine (and alcohol in general) is one of the most acidic substancesyou can consume, supertasters, on average, consume less liquor due to this propensity.

4. The Tongue – Fungiform papillae are the structures on the tongue responsible for tasting. While they are visible with the naked eye, dying one’s tongue blue will expose the fungiform papillae for easy visibility. In other words, count ‘em up and compare them to your friend’s. Have more? You might just be a supertaster.

5. Candy – If the thought of dropping a blue jawbreaker in your mouth to test the theory above sends your tongue into unpleasant knots, then you may be a supertaster anyways. More commonly seen in children, an aversion to sweets is a common sign that indicates that a tongue is equipped with extra buds.

6. The Test – Testing in the scientific arena eventually moved away from the more toxic PTC to a far healthier compound which displays the same taste mechanics (so as to allow the same type of testing), Propylthyracil (PROC.) The latter compound is commonly used to treat thyroid cancer symptoms, but is also the definitive solution to ascertain a proclivity for supertasting. If you would like to get to the bottom of your taste potential you can grab a package of Propylthyracil 50mg and see for certain. (And then save the rest for a potential thyroid issue!)

About 25% of the population is classified as supertasters. Are you one? Let us know!

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March 11, 2013

The 6 Most FAQ About Kidney Disease

Filed under: health,kidney,kidney failure,kidney stones — Tags: kidney disease, kidney health, kidney problems — drwatson @ 9:00 am

March is National Kidney Month. In order to bring awareness to kidney disease, here are the six most frequently asked questions about the kidneys and kidney disease.

What do kidneys do?

They help balance chemicals and fluids in your blood by removing waste and toxins through urine.

Is kidney disease hereditary?

Diabetes and blood pressure can run in the family. Since these two conditions affect the kidneys, if not properly managed, they can lead to kidney problems. The only kidney condition that is known to directly pass from parent to child is Polycystic Kidney Disease.

 

How do I know if I have Kidney disease?

The best way to find out is to ask your doctor to test you for it. If you have diabetes and high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop kidney disease. Other symptoms might include:

  • Brown urine
  • Swelling of the ankles, hands, or face
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Back pain below the rib cage
  • Fatigue
  • Itchy skin

Is there a cure for Kidney Disease?

Currently, there is no cure for kidney disease. However, there are treatments like dialysis and proper diet that can help combat kidney disease.

What is kidney dialysis?

Dialysis is a process that replaces the functions of the kidneys. It cleans a patient’s blood by eliminating waste and excess fluids.

Can I sell one of my kidneys?

It is illegal to sell a kidney. If you would like to donate a kidney, you should sign up to become a donor.

For more information about National Kidney Month visit the National Kidney Disease Education Program.

 

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January 3, 2013

What is a Head Cold?

Filed under: head cold — Tags: causes of head cold, head cold, head cold treatment, respiratory infection — drwatson @ 2:40 pm

An average person is likely to go through a cold or a head cold two to three times a year. It’s one of those diseases that are not considered serious, do not have cure, but cause aggravation and pain to more people than any other disease in the world.

Some say that “head cold lasts one week without any remedy and seven days with medicines.”

 

What is a Head Cold?

A head cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It affects your nose, throat and head.

For a long time, people believed that we get the cold when the weather turns chilly and we, well, get cold. The name stuck, even though we know you can get a cold any time of the year. Even in tropical countries.

The same is the case with the term ‘head cold’. About half of the people who have the common cold suffer from headaches, which come from congested sinuses.

Head colds and colds are the same. The same virus is responsible, whether you have a headache or not.

 

Head Cold Symptoms

Interestingly, the cold virus is not actually responsible for all of the annoying symptoms that come with a head cold.

The virus is causing damage to our cells. It is our immune system that reacts to the presence of the virus and causes all the symptoms we suffer.

That’s why colds look so much like allergies.

While not every person will get all of these symptoms, the most recognizable head cold symptoms are:

  • Fatigue
  • Sore muscles
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Slight fever (high fever with children)
  • Headache
  • Lack of appetite

The symptoms develop slowly, and you will feel them about two to three days after you have been exposed to the virus.

 

How Do You Get a Head Cold?

Head colds are usually transmitted via airborne droplets. We can be infected when someone who has a cold sneezes near us.

We can also get infected by touching a contaminated object: something that was touched by an infected person. People with colds are most contagious during the first two to three days of the disease.

Why are head colds more common in winter? We spend more time indoors, in a close environment. There are just more chances to spread colds that way.

Knowing how the virus is transmitted helps us to stay away from it. One of the most effective ways to not get a cold is regular hand washing and avoiding touching your face with your hands. Hands are the first to pick up contaminants.

 

Head Cold Treatment

While there is no real cure for the head cold, there are many ways of alleviating the symptoms.

Some people swear that the best head cold treatment is good old chicken soup. Others prefer hot tea with lemon and honey.

Two existing antiviral drugs used for flu – Tamiflu and Relenza – may help with the symptoms and might shorten the time spent being sick.

Antibiotics are of no use. Still, some doctors prescribe them because patients expect something.

The best head cold treatment is to treat each individual head cold symptom separately.

Congested sinuses, which cause the headache of a head cold, can be cleared with a decongestant or with a saline rinse. A sea water rinse is the latest craze.

Sore throats can be treated with cold syrups or lozenges. Hot tea or hot toddy would probably do equally good job.

If you can, give your head cold a rest. Try to sleep it off, rest as much as you can, and drink a lot of liquids. While it might not make your head cold disappear, it will help you feel better, faster.

Of course, the best way to deal with a head cold is not to get it in the first place. Try boosting your immune system and letting it deal with any and all viruses that might come your way. Echinacea is widely used to help with immunity, but there is not much scientific support for its efficacy. The same is the case with garlic and honey. Zinc is also recommended as an immune system booster.

Don’t forget that the best way to keep your system strong and ready to resist viral attacks is regular exercise and healthy balanced diet.

November 23, 2012

The Facts on Chronic Nasal Congestion

Filed under: nasal congestion — drwatson @ 3:10 pm

The occasional stuffed nose is no big deal. But, living constantly with a stuffy nose is very unpleasant.

Breathing through your nose is important, after all. Your nose filters, warms up and humidifies the air you breathe. The mucus that lines the inside of the nose traps dirt, mold, pollen, and any other pollutants that might get into your lungs.

So, when your nose is chronically misbehaving, the consequences can be serious. Unfortunately, it is often very difficult to figure out the causes of chronic nasal congestion.

 

Common Causes of Chronic Nasal Congestion

The most common cause of nasal congestion is swelling of the membranes lining the nose. The trick is finding out what causes that inflammation.
Hay Fever or a seasonal allergy to various environmental triggers such as pollen, grass or trees can cause chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, a runny nose and watery eyes.
And while nasal decongestants help with the symptoms, they will not cure the allergy. You might need to consult your doctor to determine what exactly is causing your allergic reaction.
Allergies to other allergens such as pet dander or mold can also cause chronic nasal congestion. Nasal decongestant or allergy shots may help to relieve your symptoms.
Chronic rhinosinusitis or inflammation of the nasal lining and sinuses is another frequent cause of chronic nasal congestion. This is a serious condition and if untreated, can cause respiratory problems, sleep apnea and can affect your sense of smell and taste.
A deviated septum means that the bone dividing the nasal cavity in half is significantly off-center. This can definitely cause chronic nasal congestion, making breathing difficult.
Some people have a deviated septum from birth. Others get it from a nose injury or other trauma.
Medications or adhesive nose strips can help you to manage symptoms, but surgery is often the only way to fix the problem permanently.
Nasal polyps, sac-like growths in the inflamed lining of the nose, can cause chronic nasal congestion, but can also completely block air from passing through the nose. Polyps are caused by many factors, such as asthma, chronic sinusitis, allergies or cystic fibrosis.

Some medications, such as steroid nose sprays, can help with the symptoms. But, these sprays are unlikely to get rid of the polyps. Often, surgery is necessary.

Chronic Nasal Congestion Symptoms

The most common chronic nasal congestion symptoms are:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sleep apnea
  • Fatigue
  • Sore or dry throat
  • Headache
  • Sinus pressure

While each of these chronic nasal congestion symptoms can be relieved by various medications, particularly nasal decongestants, they do not treat the problem.

 

Chronic Nasal Congestion Treatment

An effective chronic nasal congestion treatment depends on the underlying cause.  While this can be tough to find, especially if it’s an allergy, once you know the cause, you can find the appropriate treatment.

Until you can find the true cause for your chronic nasal congestion, you can make your life, and breathing, little easier by a range of decongestants available on and off the counter. However, one problem with decongestants is that you can get used to them. They can start having the opposite effect and make you more congested.

Some of the more popular natural nasal decongestants are:

  • rinsing your nose with saline water or sea water
  • eating spicy foods
  • smelling garlic
  • smelling horseradish
  • smelling onions
  • smelling peppermint and eucalyptus oil
  • A simple steam bath, with your head over a tray with hot water

November 15, 2012

Mold Allergy Symptoms: What to Watch For

Filed under: food,mold allergy — Tags: eliminating mold, mold allergy, mold prevention — drwatson @ 9:20 am

Molds are everywhere. They are fungi that spread and reproduce by spores.

Most of us are constantly exposed to some type of mold without even being aware of it, and with no problems. But, molds are among the most powerful allergens and can cause severe allergic reaction to some people.

Mold allergies are common, but have to be treated seriously. An untreated mold allergy can cause more serious health issues such as anaphylactic shock, sinus problems or frequent earache.

 

A Little Background On Mold Allergies

Allergies are an over-reaction of our immune system to some substance that is normally harmless. Once the immune system is alerted, inflammation usually results.

The inflammatory response can be a little uncomfortable (a skin rash), or it might be life-threatening (anaphylactic shock).

Allergies to mold are no different from allergies to other thing. Mold allergies differ in intensity from person to person. It has to be treated just like any other allergy.

People who are allergic to other environmental allergens such as smog or dust are more likely to be allergic to mold. Mold allergies can be particularly dangerous for people with asthma or some other respiratory ailment.

 

Mold Allergy Symptoms

In most cases, the allergic reaction to mold is immediate. The most common mold allergy symptoms are:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Tearing and red eyes
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nose and throat itching
  • Skin rash
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Sinus pressure

If the allergic symptoms are not treated and mold is not eliminated from an allergic person’s environment, an unpleasant allergic reaction could turn into a life-threatening anaphylactic shock.  Every year more than 1,000 people die in the US from anaphylactic shock.

It is very difficult to separate mold allergy symptoms from common cold symptoms. And often, it’s even more difficult to find out what is actually causing the reaction. If the symptoms keep coming back, try to figure out what might be causing it. Or, consult your doctor, who can conduct allergy tests.

 

Where Mold Lives

Some molds are capable of living just about anywhere. Most kinds of mold, however, prefer warm, moist, dark spaces where they feed on decomposing organic matter. You can find molds in libraries, attics, laundry rooms or closets. And they are happily living in our gardens and sun rooms.

We do not need to know which of the hundreds of thousands of types of mold we have in our environment. If anyone in our household is sensitive to them and has mold allergy, we need to get rid of as much mold as possible, limiting their exposure.

 

Preventing Mold Allergies by Eliminating the Mold

Make a general inspection of your home to look for telltale signs of mold. Look for dark spots.

These mold spots are most commonly found in humid spaces like bathrooms, showers and basements. There are a few common, but very effective actions you can do without much trouble:

  • Make sure all rooms are dry and well ventilated. In typically humid rooms such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, use a dehumidifier.
  • Check your closet. If clothes do not have space to breathe, they can get moldy, especially during damp and rainy weather. Install fan or dehumidifier if needed.
  • Throw away moldy carpets, clothes, or books. They’re not worth keeping around if they can make people feel ill.
  • Try using synthetic fabrics for clothing and household furnishings whenever possible.
  • Make sure bathrooms are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
  • If anyone in your family is asthmatic, he or she should not sleep in the basement. Humidity tends to accumulate here, creating the perfect environment for mold.

 

Mold Allergies from Food

Some foods contain molds on purpose. People pay good money for blue cheese, after all.

If you are suffering from a mold allergy, you should stay away from foods that might contain mold:

  • Cheese
  • Sour cream and butter milk
  • Mushrooms
  • Vinegar and pickled foods
  • Meat or fish older than 24 hours
  • Breads and anything else made with yeast
  • Sauerkraut
  • Smoked meat and sausages
  • Dried fruits
  • Soy sauce

Unfortunately, not much can be done to cure a mold allergy. All we can do is stay away from foods that might contain mold, eliminate mold from our environment, and carry an EPI-pen if anaphylactic shock is a danger.

November 5, 2012

Coughing Up Yellow or Brown Mucus? This Will Help

Filed under: cough,coughing,respiratory — Tags: coughing mucus, mucus cough, phlegm colour — drwatson @ 1:41 pm

Coughing up mucus or phlegm is fairly common. Unless it lasts a long time, we rarely pay much attention to it. But, if you cough up mucus that is colored, it might be a sign of a more serious ailment. Consult your doctor as soon as possible.

 

Why Do We Cough Up Mucus?

Phlegm or mucus is a watery, viscous substance produced by our trachea (windpipe.) It normally keeps our throat and nose lubricated

When we have an infection or some type of disorder, mucus starts getting thicker and accumulating in our throat. This irritates the windpipe and causes us to cough to get rid of it.

We normally start coughing up clear phlegm if we have some small health ailment. Clear mucus means that there is no pus.

Once your mucus turn yellow, green or brown, you probably have a more serious problem and should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to tell you if your yellow, green or brown mucus is caused by an infection, smoking, or air pollution.

 

Coughing Up Yellow Mucus

There is a range of conditions that can turn your mucus yellow:

  • The common cold
  • Bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Asthma
  • Tuberculosis
  • Allergies
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Smoking

Any of these conditions can cause an inflammation of your respiratory tract. Inflammation leads to an accumulation of white blood cells in your mucus. That’s what turns it yellow.

If you tell your doctor that you are coughing up yellow mucus, he will most likely tell you that you have an infection and will give you antibiotics. The problem with that is that viral infection like common cold cannot be treated with antibiotics.

If you are coughing up yellow mucus, look for other symptoms to find out what might be causing it. The best option is to talk to your doctor and let the experts give their opinion.

 

Coughing Up Brown Mucus

If you are a smoker, coughing up brown mucus should be familiar to you. It could even be part of your morning routine.
Heavy air pollution can also cause your mucus to turn brownish.
Bacterial infections often cause mucus to turn greenish-brown.
But, mucus might look brown if it contains blood particles.
In any case, unless you are a smoker, if you are coughing brown mucus, go see your doctor. Blood in mucus is a sign of a serious lung infection.
The only way to get rid of yellow or brown mucus is to cure the underlying cause. Once your doctor gives you a proper diagnosis and the right treatment, it should only be a matter of time until you feel better.

September 11, 2012

What is a Sneeze?

Filed under: flu,respiratory — drwatson @ 8:55 am

A sneeze is one of the fastest reflexes the human body has. Everyone sneezes, but not many people know what makes you sneeze or what causes sneezing.

In scientific terms, a sneeze is a “sudden, spasmodic expulsion of air from the lungs, which finds freedom through the nose and mouth.”

Did that clear things up? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Definitions like that are great for doctors, but not-so-great for blogs.

What Causes Sneezing?

A sneeze can be caused by several different factors, most of which are environmental.

The main thing that causes sneezing is a foreign particle trying to enter the body through the nasal cavity. Other common triggers are looking into the sun or another bright light, having a full stomach, or having a viral infection. A sneeze can also be a symptom of nasal congestion or allergies.

Sneezing from the sun or a bright light is known as a Photic Sneeze Reflex. Not everyone does this, but it’s fairly common.

A rarer condition is sneezing due to a full stomach.  This is a disorder called snatiation and is hereditary.

When sneezing is a symptom of allergies or nasal congestion, the cause is most often something in your environment.  Certain particles in the air, called allergens, can aggravate the nasal mucosa. And that causes a sneeze!

Unfortunately there isn’t a cure for sneezing, but the frequency of sneezing can be dramatically decreased simply by controlling the allergens in your house and workplace.

What Makes You Sneeze?

A sneeze happens when particles make it past the nasal cavity hairs and into the nasal mucosa. This triggers the release of the hormone histamine, which then stimulates the nerves in the nasal cavity. These nerves send messages to the brain to initiate a sneeze.

The brain then tells the muscles of the trachea and pharynx to activate. These muscles force the mouth open and expel the air and particles out through the nose and mouth.

All of that can take less than one second.

What is a Sneeze Supposed to Do?

Sneezing is a very important immune response that clears up any harmful bacteria or pathogens from your nasal cavity.

But while it’s great for your immune system, it is not so great for everyone else’s.

Sneezing without proper hygiene can spread harmful pathogens that may infect others. The safest way to sneeze is: cover your mouth and nose with the bend of your arm, then turn away from objects or other people.

Using your hand isn’t enough. Hands are used to open doors and pass things to others. Sneeze into your hand and you’ll be passing bacteria too.

What to Do about Sneezing?

If allergens, rather than pathogens (germs) are making you sneeze, there really is no cure.

However, there are several things you can do to be less miserable (if you don’t like sneezing). The use of over-the-counter allergy medicines is the most common solution, but there are also several preventive measures you can take. Frequent dusting and vacuuming, changing air filters regularly and using a HEPA filter can all reduce allergy symptoms and frequent sneezing.

Sneezing can be annoying, but it’s a natural reaction meant to protect you. If you can determine what makes you sneeze, though, you can most likely do something to something to alleviate the problem.

September 4, 2012

How Does Tylenol Work?

Filed under: pain relief — drwatson @ 4:10 pm

Most people have taken Tylenol at some point in their life to either ease pain or reduce a fever. But, have you ever wondered how does Tylenol work? Here’s everything you need to know about Tylenol, including what kind of pain that it can relieve and just how Tylenol works.

What Does Tylenol Do?

Acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol, is a fever reducer and pain reliever. The benefit that it has over other pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen sodium is that it is not likely to cause stomach irritation, making it a safer option for many people who have medical conditions or are taking certain medications.

What is Tylenol Used For?

Tylenol can be used to temporarily relieve minor aches and pains such as headaches, toothaches, muscle aches, arthritis pain, menstrual cramps and pain caused by the common cold. In addition, it can help reduce your fever.

For chronic aches or pain lasting longer than 10 days or a fever lasting more than 3 days, you should contact your doctor to determine if additional treatment is necessary.

Tylenol does not provide relief for swelling or migraines.

Are There Different Kinds of Tylenol?

Actually, yes.

There are many different types of Tylenol to serve several purposes such as:

  • Regular Strength Tylenol
  • Extra Strength Tylenol
  • Tylenol PM
  • Tylenol Allergy
  • Children’s Tylenol

Depending on which type you choose, the dosage instructions will differ.

For standard Tylenol, which is Regular Strength Tylenol, you can take 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. While you don’t need to eat something along with the pills, you should take them with a full glass of water to help speed up absorption.

How Fast Does Tylenol Work?

Whether it is in liquid, tablet, chewable, capsule or caplet form, Tylenol is designed to quickly break down during contact with your stomach acids. It then is absorbed into the wall of your stomach and into your bloodstream.

While everyone is different, it can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes on average for you to feel the effects of Tylenol.

The more water you drink when you take Tylenol, the quicker it is absorbed and the sooner you will feel its effects.

If your pain is still strong after 30 minutes, then you may want to take another tablet; however, ensure that you don’t exceed your daily limit of acetaminophen because excessive amounts can cause liver damage.

How Tylenol Works

Time to get a little technical.

Once absorbed into the bloodstream, Tylenol works by stopping the cyclooxygenase enzyme from making prostaglandins. Prostaglandins produce feelings of pain and fever so by stopping the conversion of prostaglandins, pain and fever can both be reduced.

This doesn’t mean that Tylenol cures the injury you are experiencing pain from or the illness you have. It just temporarily blocks your pain receptors so you don’t feel it.

If you are pregnant, suffer from liver disease, drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day or are taking other medications, be sure to check with your physician before you take Tylenol. Otherwise, Tylenol is a great choice to relieve pain and reduce your fever.

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