Cough Drops and Lozenges

Cough Drops and Lozenges

A cough drop is a medicated candy, also called a lozenge, designed to soothe throat irritation such as that caused by a cough or cold. Most cough drops include sugar, menthol, flavors and colors. Sugar free varieties have an artificial sweeter added and contain no sugar so that diabetics may have them. There are many popular cough drop brands in the United States including Halls, Fisherman's Friend, Vicks, Cepacol and Ricola.

Ricola is a Swiss brand of cough drop that includes herbal extracts with the menthol in their different flavors of cough drops. Cepacol cough drops include the numbing analgesic, benzocaine, with menthol. The Cepacol brand is available in a throat spray as well.

Vicks cough drops are manufactured by Procter and Gamble. These triangular-shaped drops are sold in boxes of 20 and are available in cherry or menthol flavors. According to the information on the box, Vicks cough drops are a "cough suppressant/oral anesthetic." The cherry flavor contains 1.7 mg of menthol per drop, while the menthol flavor has 3.3 mg of menthol per drop.

Fisherman's Friend cough drops began with a liquid form first made by pharmacist James Lofthouse in 1865 for fisherman working the Icelandic waters. The solid candy form was created much later by Lofthouse of Fleetwood, Lancashire, England and is now available in many different flavors in over 100 countries. Menthol and eucalyptus are featured in Fisherman's Friend cough drops and the drops are available in Strong, Extra Strong and Super Strong. The sugar-free version of the Fisherman's Friend cough drop is available in flavors such as lemon, mint and cherry.

Halls cough drops are manufactured by Cadbury-Schweppes. The Halls brand of cough drop dates back to the 1930s. The first cough drop, Halls Mentho-Lyptus, was invented by the British company, Halls Brothers. These cough drops were available in the United States by the 1950s. Like Vicks, the Halls label also identifies the product as a "cough suppressant/oral anesthetic." The Halls Plus cough drop, released in 1990, has a syrup center. Sugar Free Halls were introduced in 1994 and many more Halls cough drop variations followed such as the Halls Defense Vitamin C cough drop in 1999 and a new flavor, Sugar Free Kiwi-Apple in 2006.

Honey Cough Drops
Honey cough drops are among the most popular alternative remedies for daytime coughing, or to ease the frequency of coughing before retiring for the evening. There are a number of reasons why cough drops made with honey are effective, including the presence of a substantial dose of antioxidants, the vitamins found in the honey, and the antimicrobial properties of the substance. This nutritional content not only helps to ease the coughing, but also contributes to the general welfare of the body in several important ways.

The use of honey cough drops not only helps to ease the irritation in the throat that leads to coughing but also provides another source of nutrition. There are several vitamins that are found in honey that are also present in the cough drops. Varying amounts of niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid are a few examples. In addition, the drops contain several minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and iron. For people who are struggling with the common cold, all these nutrients provide nourishment for the immune system. Several of these nutrients also help to promote an even mood and restful sleep, which both help the body to overcome the underlying cause for the cough. Along with vitamins and minerals, honey cough drops provide a significant dose of antioxidants as well as having antimicrobial properties. This means that the body is able to make use of the nutrients with greater efficiency, which in turn expedites the healing process. As a result, the frequency and the pain associated with the coughing begins to ease soon after using the honey cough drops.

Lemon Cough Drops
Lemon cough drops are frequently beneficial to people suffering with a cold, because they can naturally soothe the throat and suppress coughing. Drops made of real lemon juice are also likely to contain vitamin C. This is often thought to help in preventing the common cold, flu, and pneumonia, as well as helping to speed the healing an affected person. Lemon-flavored cough drops typically taste better than plain menthol cough drops, so children are usually more likely to take them. A person generally does not suffer any side effects from using the drops. Cough medicine that is flavored with lemon usually helps to soothe the raw, inflamed throats of sick people. Lemon cough drops also tend to suppress the coughing that is associated with these infections. These drops normally work well during the day, or at night, to relieve the tickle in the back of a person's throat that can sometimes trigger deep coughing spells.

Drops that are made with natural lemon juice rather than a lemon flavoring can be very healthy for a person to use, because they usually contain a high amount of vitamin C. This substance is sometimes taken, in supplement form, to prevent an individual from catching a cold. Natural lemon drops can give a person the additional dosage of this essential nutrient needed to fight the viruses that cause colds and many different strains of flu. Lemon cough drops might be more appealing for children to take than plain menthol drops. Many times, this medicine also contains honey. The addition of this natural sugar can sweeten the cough drop just enough to reduce the tart citrus taste so that children may think it tastes more like candy than medicine. Kids are usually more inclined to suck on such a cough drop than unflavored or unsweetened ones.

People suffering from heavy coughing, wheezing, or a sore throat might want to consider using lemon cough drops to help relieve these symptoms. The drops usually ease such conditions rather quickly, and generally have a very pleasant taste. The treatment can be inexpensive and usually does not cause worrisome side effects. This means these drops are generally safe even for children to use.

Use of Cough Drops During Pregnancy
Cough and cold are only minor health problems, which may sometimes subside without treatment. But, cough can cause a little bit of difficulty during pregnancy, as persistent and forceful cough may lead to miscarriage or may induce labor. If you can avoid medication, well and good. Otherwise, go through the ingredients, before consuming any cough medication. In general, cough drops with dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are considered safe during pregnancy. A combination of both may also be taken. While cough medication with pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are said to be safe during pregnancy, it may sometimes affect the blood flow to the placenta. This is one of the cough drops side effect during pregnancy.

Cough medicines with iodine and codeine should be avoided at any cost. If you can contact your gynecologist, then he/she will be the best person to prescribe you a pregnancy-safe cough medicine. However, minimize the use of cough drops during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. You may also resort to some harmless home remedies, like steam inhalation and a mixture of honey and ginger juice. If your symptoms are severe or are accompanied by other symptoms like fever and pain, then medical attention is needed.

So, be cautious and refrain from taking cough drops while pregnant. If you can contact your gynecologist, then it would be the best solution. Your doctor knows your condition better than anyone else. So, act as per the doctor's advice rather than going for over-the-counter medicines.

Throat Lozenges
Throat lozenges, also commonly referred to as cough drops, are used to moisten and soothe a person's throat. People frequently use throat lozenges when they have throat irritation resulting from a cold, the flu or allergies. Cough drops can help to ease a sore or dry throat and can temporarily keep a person's cough at bay. Classic throat lozenges are hard, the same consistency as a piece of hard candy. They are meant to be sucked on until they dissolve and should not be chewed or swallowed whole.

Some types of throat lozenges contain vitamin C. This kind of cough drop can be beneficial if a person has a lingering cold, because vitamin C can help to boost a person's immune system. Many throat drops also are available in sugar-free versions that can be ideal for diabetics.

Herbal Lozenges
Herbal lozenges are similar in size, and sometimes in flavor, to hard candies but are intended to ease sore throats and help people recover from colds, influenza, and similar illnesses. There are a number of such lozenges on the market, but herbal lozenges are usually made with primarily natural ingredients such as eucalyptus, chamomile, fruit extracts, and honey. In addition to herbal lozenges for cold and flu season, there are also lozenges that are intended to help people who are trying to quit smoking.

In most cases, herbal lozenges can be found in drug stores and pharmacies with other types of lozenges as well as cold medicine and fever reducers. There is quite a variety of lozenges and there are many flavors. Common flavors include cherry, honey, and various citrus flavors. The purpose of these lozenges is sometimes twofold. Although all herbal lozenges are meant to soothe sore throats, some of them are also formulated with vitamin C in order to help people recover from their illness as quickly as possible. Some lozenges are also made with zinc or echinacea for the same reason.

Some herbal lozenges are even intended to help people prevent illnesses such as colds and influenza. This is especially true with lozenges that are made with ingredients such as vitamin C, echinacea, and zinc. Not only can these ingredients help to shorten the duration of illnesses, they can also help to prevent them. As such, some people use these lozenges all throughout cold and flu season in an effort to reduce their risk of getting sick. Sugar-free herbal lozenges are also available. These lozenges are often used by people who are diabetic and people who are trying to keep their calorie intake low. Although these sorts of lozenges are not as common as herbal lozenges that are sweetened with sugar or honey.

Best Cough Lozenges
One of the most important aspects of choosing the best cough lozenges is reading the ingredients. By checking out what is in the ingredients, you can reduce the likelihood of consuming something that is not good for you and increase the likelihood of eliminating the cough. You should look for ingredients such as menthol, zinc, or honey in the cough drops. You should check customer satisfaction ratings online and then eventually try out some of the cough lozenges yourself.

There are many different brands of cough lozenges available today. All of them have different flavors, different active ingredients, and different levels of effectiveness. In order to choose the proper cough lozenges for you, you need to read the label and do a fair amount of research about the product. When looking at a particular brand of cough lozenges, you should see what the ingredients are in the lozenges. You want to look for ingredients that could potentially be unhealthy for you. For example, you may want to avoid treatments which use high-fructose corn syrup.

In addition to looking for harmful ingredients, you should pay attention to the active ingredient in the cough drop. Many of these products use menthol as the active ingredient while others prefer to use zinc. You could even choose a cough drop which has honey in it to soothe the throat. Choose a cough drop that has an active ingredient that is to your preference.

Zinc cough drops have been shown to help shorten the amount of time it takes to heal. By taking zinc cough drops, you could potentially cut down on the number of days you are experiencing symptoms. Menthol cough drops are also good because they soothe the throat and help eliminate the coughing overall. You may also want to look for cough lozenges that have an ingredient in them that helps with soar throats. Several cough drops not only help stop coughs, but they also relieve the throat pain that comes with it. Many of these products will help numb the throat so the pain is minimal.

Best Cherry Lozenges
It can take one to two weeks to recover from the common cold. In the meantime, cherry lozenges can help relieve some of the the symptoms. When choosing the best cherry lozenge, you should take into account your symptoms and whether you will be doing a lot of speaking or singing while you are taking them.

Cherry lozenges and other throat lozenges are used to temporarily relieve a sore throat. They are useful to relieve symptoms caused by cold, influenza, or voice strain. Some may also provide the body with essential vitamins, such as vitamin C. Although the cherry lozenge is still a staple of medicine cabinets in many places, lozenges now come in a multitude of flavors and colors. The active ingredient in cherry lozenges varies from brand to brand. They can contain natural ingredients like menthol and pectin, vitamins and minerals like zinc and vitamin C, or stronger drugs like benzocaine.

When taking cherry lozenges or any other health-care treatment, it is best to use the gentlest treatment possible. This will minimize the occurrence of side effects. Although throat lozenges and cough drops are generally safe, side effects can occur, especially if they are used for extended periods of time. For sore throat accompanied by congestion or coughing, menthol may be a better choice. Menthol is a natural cooling agent extracted from mint. It interacts with sensors in your nose to reduce the frequency and severity of cough. The only drawback to menthol lozenges is the strong taste. The only known side effect is a rare hypersensitivity.

Lozenges containing benzocaine are best for treating the most severe sore throats. This is the same drug used by doctors as an oral anesthetic. Although generally very safe, benzocaine does have some documented side effects. These include swelling, rash, and hives. To avoid voice strain, it is best to minimize speaking and singing with a sore throat. If you must must do a lot of speaking or singing, it is best to avoid lozenges that contain menthol. Menthol dries the throat, making singing and speaking more difficult. The numbness cause by benzocaine-based lozen

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Nasal Strips and Snore Relief Aids

Nasal Strips and Snore Relief Aids

Nasal strips are simple devices that are employed to help minimize snoring as well as open nasal passages when a cold or flu is present. In both scenarios, the strips make it easier for the individual to breathe with at least some degree of comfort. As a result, it is easier to get a good night’s rest without disturbing others in the home. The configuration of most types of nasal strips is fairly simple. Most types consist of a thin rectangular body that is just long enough to reach across the area of the nose just above the nostrils. This thin body is usually made of flexible material. The underside is coated with an adhesive that makes it easy for the nasal strip to be placed into position and hold that position for several hours.

A breathing device of this type is applied to the exterior of the nose. By positioning the strip across the nose above the nostrils, it is possible to press the adhesive backing to the skin. When the strip in place, the thin body gently but firmly pulls the nostrils open. This in turn makes it easier for air to pass through the nostrils.

There are two main applications of nasal strips. The first has to do in minimizing the incidence of snoring. Because the strips help to open the nostrils, they work as a simple nasal dilator. The greater flow of air in and out of the nose means less noise when attempting to breathe. From this perspective, using the strips for snoring relief not only helps the individual achieve a deeper and more recuperative sleep, but also minimizes the noise that is likely to keep others sleeping in the same room for getting the rest they need.

A second application of nasal strips is to aid in breathing when a cold or the flu is present. Because nasal congestion is one of the most common symptoms of a cold or flu, using a nose strip to open the nostrils a little wider will make breathing easier. The strips not only help make it easier to deal with the cold during waking hours, but also make it possible to get a good night’s rest, one of the essentials when recovering from a cold.

Snore Relief Aids
Are you one among those individuals who had to move out of your bedroom due to the problem of your snoring? Snoring has been one of the main causes of marriage splits. Regular loud snoring can lead to intimacy issues between couples and can lead to personal health issues to the snorer. Loud snoring can make your partner deprived of sleep and this will lead to many issues within your marriage. Snoring has been troubling millions of people around the world. Even though many snoring solutions are available in the market, it is necessary that you understand the causes of snoring before you choose one. In this post, we will find out the various causes of snoring.

In a world where the days are busier than ever before, the time shared at bedtime is the only time that the couples can get to sleep. Snoring can ruin this time and if snoring has taken your marriage hostage and left both you and your spouse feeling tired and frustrated, then it is high time that you start working on finding the best anti snoring remedies available.

There are a few things that you can try before going for the anti snoring mouth guard devices. You can try raising your head by a couple of inches. To do this, you can make use of a wooden board or some old books under the bed. You can use the old telephone directories that may be waiting out in your garage for recycling. Another method that you can try is to sleep on your side. When you sleep on your side, the throat muscles will be prevented from falling back to the air passage and causing obstruction to the flow of air. You can make yourself sleep on your side by placing thick pillows at the front and back of your body.

It is suggested that the snorers buy a special pillow that is made from memory foam, but these can prove to be quite expensive. You may use a pillow with the correct firmness and thickness as a substitute for the special pillows.

1. Obesity
Obesity is considered as one of the major causes of snoring. If you are an obese person, you are likely to develop snoring at an early stage. Obese people have more fat deposits in their throat region compared to others. This means that the space for air to travel to your lungs narrows. In this condition, air starts to put pressure on the soft tissues on the upper portion of the mouth and makes them vibrate. This results in the annoying snoring sound. However, obese persons can put a check on snoring by using an anti snoring mouth guard or with the help of regular exercises.

2. Congestions in nasal passageIf you have congestion in your nasal passage, you will find it difficult to breathe, and during night, you may suffer from snoring. The effective remedy for nasal congestions is to use nasal strips. This will widen the nasal passage and provide sufficient space for air to pass. You may also use an anti snoring mouth guard along with the nasal strip for immediate results.

3. Sleeping postures
Some people have a sleeping posture that aids snoring. One such common position is sleeping on their back. Therefore, if you are one of the snorers who sleep on your back, change your sleeping posture today. However, it is not an easy task and you may change the position accidentally during your sleep.

Snoring - a threat to healthy family life
The effects of snoring are multi-dimensional. Sometimes, snoring can just be a personal problem. However, in majority of the cases, snoring causes disturbance and annoyance to the peaceful sleep of others sleeping in the hearing distance.

Imagine, how dreadful it will be if you keep your partner awake all night because of the annoying snoring sound? No matter, how loving your spouse is, you cannot expect them to be humble and polite enough to tolerate your snoring forever.

Certainly, there is nothing to feel guilty about your snoring problem. If you doubt that, you have snoring problem and think that it should be treated, consult a specialist for the same immediately.

How to Stop Snoring by Using Self-Cure Methods
If the snoring is a mild problem and is not associated with sleep apnea, home remedies can alleviate it. Curing your problem will lead to an improvement in the quality of life both for you and the people who live with you. Given below are some tips that will help you to prevent snoring or at least provide some relief.

1. Get into Shape: One of the best remedies is shedding excess weight will help in reducing fatty tissue accumulations around the air passages. By exercising and eating healthy food, you can improve the ability of breathing easily and freely while sleeping.

2.Stop Smoking: Quitting smoking or reducing being exposed to second-hand smoke can go a long way to providing relief by helping with the intensity and noise.

3. Improve Your Sleeping Posture: If you sleep lying on your back, chances are high that you are aggravating your snoring problem. In this position, the soft tissues that are at the base of the throat along with your tongue have a propensity of sliding backwards, thus obstructing your air passages. If your problem is mild, changing your sleeping position by lying on your side may be one of the best remedies.

4. Change the Position of Your Head: Try doing without a pillow while sleeping. Because your neck is bent when you use a pillow, it blocks the air passages. Or, you may opt for an anti snoring pillow which keeps your head at an elevated position during sleep and thus reduces snoring.

A better idea is to lift your bed's head by 4 inches, which will make it easier to breathe and help your jaw and tongue to shift forward. It is better to lift the whole head of the bed rather than using a pillow, which bends the neck thus constricting the air passage. The angle of the mattress can be changed easily by putting rolled towel under the top end of the mattress.

5. Avoid Sedatives, Alcohol, and Certain Foods Before Bed: If you are in the habit of drinking alcohol in the evening, it is best to try to cut it down. Alcohol relaxes the muscles, including those in the air passages, which will exacerbate the snoring. Similarly, if you take tranquilizers or sleeping pills as sleeping aids, you need to be aware that these too relax the muscles.

It is also advisable to avoid soymilk products and high-fat dairy milk products before going to bed. The reason being that these products, due to their thickness, can prevent mucus from getting drained properly. Mucus in the throat causes the same problem of obstruction of air passages, leading to snoring.

6. Keep Your Nasal Passages Clear: Breathing becomes difficult if you have a stuffy nose, which leads to noisy breathing. As a matter of fact, non-snorers or those who snore occasionally will find themselves snoring when they are afflicted by a cold or allergies that affect the nasal passage.

In order to clear the nasal passages, nasal decongestants or homeopathic solutions, such as nasal strips, can be used. Nasal clips and nasal braces also help in the same way. Inhalation of steam and nasal irrigation could also prove beneficial in the treatment of nasal congestion. However, you need to avoid using antihistamines for stuffiness or allergies because these will relax the muscles of your throat, resulting in snoring.

7. Try a Chin Strap: Using a simple chin strap is the best way to stop snoring. It has been noticed that people breathe through their mouth while sleeping, creating the annoying sound. The specially designed U-shaped chin strap helps keep the mouth shut and promotes nasal breathing.

8. Throat Exercises: One of the easy ways to stop snoring at night is to do some throat exercises. There are many throat exercises to cure this problem, one of the easiest exercise is to say the vowels out loud. Even if you do not say them loud, it is fine. Another best way is to stick out your tongue and then move it from left to right, without bending it. The best part of these exercises is that they can be performed anytime.

Diagnosing and treating snoring problem
Your partner can help diagnose your snoring problem. Instruct them to be awake for a night or couple of nights and monitor your snoring problems and sleeping patterns. If the observer tells you that you snore on a regular basis, do not delay to see a snoring expert who can help you out to deal with the problem.

Stop snoring aids
Most snoring problems can be treated effectively with stop snoring aids, although certain complicated snoring issues require the patients to undergo surgical treatments. Common anti snoring devices include mouth guards, nasal sprays, anti snoring pillows, and stop snoring ointments. However, most physicians prefer anti snoring mouth guards like SnoreDoc to other stop snoring aids.

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Cough Medications and Syrups

Cough Medications and Syrups

Coughing is the body's natural response to any kind of irritation in the throat. It is the natural process through which it eliminates mucus from the respiratory tract. Cough is characterized by sudden and repetitive spasmodic contraction of the throat and bronchial cavity. Cough that does not throw out mucus from the respiratory tract is known as dry cough. If it is not treated and cured in time, it can lead to serious conditions like bronchitis, asthma and chest congestion. Cough may also be an important indicator of underlying serious medical conditions like chronic bronchitis and asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, etc.

Medication for cold and cough are used mainly as a remedial measure to relieve excessive mucus or phlegm caused by common cold or influenza. The same medicines are not used for getting rid of excessive phlegm that may be seen in people suffering from asthma or emphysema. Till date, a cure for common cold has not been found. However, the symptoms can be alleviated with the help of certain drugs. A range of over-the-counter medicines as well as home-remedies have proved to be effective in providing relief from acute cough that may be caused due to respiratory infections significantly. Here are some medicines that may make you feel better in a short period of time.

Causes of Cough
Cough may be caused due to various factors, such as an allergic reaction to dust, smoke and pollution, inflammation of the larynx or pharynx, medical conditions such as lung cancer, asthma and bronchitis, smoking and alcoholism and changes in weather. Cough may be accompanied by cold, sore throat and sometimes even fever.

Over-the-counter or OTC drugs are the medicines that you can buy from any pharmacist without any prescription.

Combination Cold and Cough Medicines
There are medicines available to treat both cold and cough, generally known as cough and cold combination medication. These types of medicines contain more than one or combination of different ingredients. So before you take any medication, it is advisable that you research on the ingredients present in the medicine. These medicines may include antihistamines and decongestants.

1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medicines used to combat various types of allergies such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, amongst others. They also play a major role is relieving certain symptoms of common cold and cough. These prevent histamine that is formed during an allergic reaction from acting on the tissue. There are two types of antihistamines which are available over the counter; first generation OTC antihistamine and second generation antihistamine. Some of them are given below.

First generation antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine show symptoms of drowsiness and are used to cure runny nose related to cold. However, the first generation antihistamines have more side effects as compared to the second generation as they tend to affect your motor skills and at times affect the ability to operate machines and other such devices. They also cause dryness in your eyes and mouth, along with headaches. Thus, second generation antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine are usually recommended since they do not have adverse side-effects.

Decongestants: Decongestants are medicines that narrow down the blood vessels in the nose, throat and the sinuses. This reduces the swelling in the nasal passages, thereby clearing nasal congestion. Available as tablets or nasal sprays, decongestants can be taken by a person experiencing symptoms of common cold and cough, hay fever, sinusitis or flu. However, the narrowing of the blood vessels to relieve nose blockage can raise the blood pressure of people suffering from hypertension. Some decongestants include;

• Ephedrine
• Phenylephrine
• Pseudoephedrine

Decongestants are generally not recommended for pregnant women, patients with high-blood pressure and children who are less than 12 years of age. Usually, adverse side effects are not observed on the intake of decongestants; they are usually mild and include headache, dry mouth and overall weakness. They can also cause temporary loss of sleep, and a feeling of dizziness.

Usually, Pseudoephedrine is sold only with prescription, sometimes along with photo identification, to prevent the use of a drug called methamphetamine or meth. This is because of the increase in the number of cases where people were found preparing meth by illegally combining pseudoephedrine and other substances.

2. Antitussives
These are cough suppressants that relieve your cough by acting on the cough reflex of your brain. There are two types of antitussives, narcotic antitussives and non-narcotic antitussives.

If the narcotic-based antitussives are used over a long period of time, you may easily develop a habit and the physical and psychological dependence will tend to increase and will result in withdrawal symptoms once you stop the intake.

Codeine and Dextromethorphan are the most commonly used antitussives. Found in opium, codeine is a habit-forming narcotic drug. In solid form, it is used as a pain-reliever and as a cough suppressant in liquid form. If taken in correct amount, codeine has mild side effects which go away once your body is adjusted to it. These include vomiting, headache, drowsiness and nausea. Dextromethorphan, on the other hand, is a non-narcotic antitussive but may cause adverse side-effects when taken in excess. The side effects include hallucinations, excessive sweating, vomiting or blurred vision.

3. Expectorants
Expectorants thin the phlegm or mucus so that the chesty coughs are brought up, making it easier to cough. Although they do not speed up the recovery, following expectorants are unlikely to have any side effects even when mixed with other medicines.

• Guaifenesin
• Eucalyptus
• Potassium Iodide

Amongst these, guaifenesin is the most common and important expectorant used in the treatment of cough. Others, such as Eucalyptus and Potassium Iodide have not proven to be effective at every instance. Thus it is always advised to drink plenty of water to loosen the mucus.

4. Analgesics
Commonly known as pain-killers, analgesics help in relieving pain and other aches that are related with common cold and cough. These medicines include:

• Aspirin
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

Large amount of these analgesics can lead to severe damage to the kidney and cause cancer. Also, children below 4 years of age and those in their teenage should strictly refrain from these medicines as they can cause Reye's syndrome.

Remember, babies or children below 4 years of age should not be given over-the-counter cold and cough medication as they may lead to some grave or life-threatening side-effects.

Cough Medicine During Pregnancy
It is often said that one should not suffer from any respiratory illness such as common cold or cough during pregnancy. This is because the medicine that one uses for treatment can influence the baby's health. Pregnant women are extremely worried to take any medicine as they are concerned about its effects on the baby. Their concern is indeed feasible as it is observed that certain medications used for the treatment for cough can harm the fetus.

Following are the medications found to be reliable during pregnancy:
1. Robitussin: When it comes to relieving cough during pregnancy, Robitussin is a trusted brand. Robitussin is commonly recommended by doctors and pharmacists to reduce cough in pregnant women. Depending upon the cough syrup strength, different ingredients have been added. However, to be on the safer side, doctors often recommend cough medicine that contains only one ingredient. So, go for 'Robitussin plain' as the only ingredient in it is dextromethorphan, which assists to suppress the cough. This ingredient has been analyzed carefully in laboratories and found to be safe for consumption in pregnant women. Studies show that pregnant women taking dextromethorphan in the right dosage does not cause any birth defects. Pregnant women suffering from dry cough can take this medicine.

2. Mucinex: This is yet another FDA approved medicine that can provide a considerable amount of relief from chest congestion during pregnancy. This is one ingredient medication and contains guaifenesin. Guaifenesin is basically an expectorant that helps in thinning mucus secretions, which can be easily expelled through coughing.

3. Hytuss: This cough medicine is available in a capsule form and also helpful to bring down the cough. It contains only guaifenesin which can relieve the discomfort associated with unproductive cough. The accumulation of sticky mucus in the lungs as a result of cold or flu, causes chest congestion. The guaifenesin ingredient in Hytuss, is quite effective to thin the mucus, so that it can be coughed up easily.

4. Vicks VapoRub: Well, this cough medicine is not a syrup nor an oral tablet. It is available as a topical ointment and one has to simply apply it on chest to lessen coughing. It contains medicated vapors that help to relieve cough. VicksVapo drops is also a useful remedy for cough and sore throat.

Always keep in mind these cough medications which provide temporary relief have to be used for a maximum of 2-3 days. Using it for a longer duration is certainly not advisable. Also, these are over the counter cough medicines and can be purchased without prescription. However, consulting the doctor is extremely important, so as to know the exact dosage of these medications.

It is observed that taking cough medication that contain antihistamines or iodine are not safe in pregnant women. Even prescription cough medicines contain either dextromethorphan or guaifenesin. On the whole, remember that the overdose of any cough syrup can cause health problems in the unborn baby. So as a precautionary measure, one should first contact a health care provider to know which cough medicine is FDA approved and safe during pregnancy.

Home Remedies for Cough
1. Ginger: Ginger is a natural pain killer and possesses anti-inflammatory agents that help relieve irritation of sore throat. Thus, drinking ginger tea or juice or simply chewing a ginger root helps thinning the mucus in the lungs, and acts as an excellent cough suppressant. Pregnant women should refrain from using ginger medicinally.

2. Garlic: Garlic helps tackle the root cause, that is common cold and flu. Take a handful of garlic cloves and chop them. Place the chopped garlic in a mason jar and cover it completely with honey and close the jar with the lid. Refrigerate and marinate it for at least 24 hours. Take a tablespoon of this syrup whenever you have the sensation of cough. Ideally, it should marinate for at least 2 weeks, however, 24 hours is enough.

3. Honey and Lemon: Add a tbsp of honey to quarter cup of hot water and stir the mixture thoroughly. Add a tbsp of lemon and drink it at one go. Honey is antibacterial and will kill germs in the respiratory tract and lemon clears the passage.

4. Cherry: Get hold of a cherry bark (around 2 oz.) from a wild cherry tree. Boil the bark in the saucepan for 10 minutes in about 2 cups of water. Place a lid on the pan after it boils. Let the bark transfer its medicinal properties to the water. For making the bitter solution on account of the cherry bark, add sugar or honey for sweetening it. Have it every four hours.

5. Steam/Saltwater: Add half a teaspoon of salt to warm water and gargle. This will surely provide relief. You can also take hot water in a bowl, add a few drops of menthol oil or eucalyptus oil, place a towel over your head and inhale the trapped steam. If you are vary of using any type of oil, inhaling steam of plain hot water will also work.

6. Chicken Soup: Chicken soup accelerates the movement of the mucus or phlegm thus relieving chest congestion and severe bouts of cough. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that subdue the movement of the immune system cells (neutrophils), which can cause inflammation.

Natural cures would have no side effects unless you are allergic to them. If it is a chronic case, it is always advisable to consult your physician immediately.

Myotcstore Related Products:

Zicam cold remedy plus oral mist, arctic mint - 1 oz

Similasan Non-Drowsy Mucus Relief Syrup For Adults - 4 Oz

Boericke and Tafel Cough and Bronchial syrup - 8 oz

Delsym Night time cough and cold liquid - 4 oz

Robitussin Lingering long acting cough syrup, 4 oz

Nasal Sprays, Drops and Inhalers

Nasal Sprays, Drops and Inhalers

Many conditions including infections such as cold and flu, allergies or irritants can irritate nasal tissues and blood vessels, causing them to swell up. In order to get rid of the foreign substance that is causing the inflammation, the mucus membranes produce excess fluid. And this excess fluid causes congestion of the nasal passages. The affected person usually has a stuffy feeling in his/her nose thus, the condition is also known as "stuffy nose". Nasal condition is a symptom rather than being a medical condition in itself. Ailments like acute sinusitis, chickenpox, common cold, deviated septum, dry air, food allergies, measles, medications, etc., commonly have stuffy nose as one of their symptoms.

Nasal congestion occurs due to the inflammation of membranes lining the nostrils and blood vessels. This inflammation leads to obstruction of the nasal passages and proves to be quite an annoyance to children. Nasal congestion due to a common cold, is the body's way of protecting and healing itself. It can also be caused by food allergies or allergens from the surrounding environment
.

Getting Rid of Nasal Congestion
Mostly, stuffy nose can be managed with the help of a few self-care measures at home. Note that, for younger children and adults, the condition is nothing but a mere annoyance. But for infants, it can interfere with their breathing, and nursing. And in rare instances, it can also cause life-threatening respiratory problems.

1. Inhaling steam is a natural and effective way to relieve a stuffy nose. Bring some water to boil, and pour it in a wide container. Now using a large towel, cover your head and ensure that it drapes itself over the container. This way it will trap the steam rising from the water. Inhale the steam deeply but slowly. Keep dong this for about 15 - 20 minutes. If you feel too much warmth inside, then take off the towel for sometime, before inhaling the steam again. Putting a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the water and inhaling the steam adds to the benefit of this steam therapy.

2. Increase the level of moisture in your living room by using a humidifier or a cool mist vaporizer. You can apply saline nose drops in your nostrils. This will help loosen the dry secretions. To get rid of the nasal mucus, you can insert a nasal aspirator in the nostrils. Take care not to make too much use of such products, as they may cause irritation.

3. Increase your fluid intake when you face problems such as stuffy nose. Drinking plenty of water helps loosen thick mucus thus, encouraging nasal drainage. Also, it helps flush out pathogens such as bacteria or virus from the system.

4. Nasal irrigation is a popular home treatment method to relieve congested nasal passages. For this, you need to make a solution with table salt (1/8 tsp.) and 8 ounces of lukewarm water. Using a bulb syringe, draw some of this solution. Now lean over a sink and tilt your head to one side; left side for instance. Insert the tip of the syringe in your right nostril. Gently squeeze the bulb to squirt the liquid into your nose. Hold on to the same position until the solution drains out from the nose or mouth. Irrigate the other nostril too. You can repeat the irrigation until the fluid that comes out is clear. This process works because it flushes out mucus and irritants. (Note: always make use of distilled water, and a clean bulb syringe to avoid any infection. Also, after each use, the syringe needs to be cleaned, and rinsed with clean water.)

5. Nasal congestion can keep a person from getting enough sleep. For this, experts recommend keeping the head elevated than the rest of the body. This could be done by sleeping on two pillows or more according to the level of comfort. This encourages drainage. Also, taking a warm shower before going to bed at night, reduces congestion and helps in sleeping.

A blocked nose is not a very serious problem, however, neglecting it can conduce to other problems like hearing issues, headaches, mild facial aches, etc. A substantial amount of nasal obstruction in children can lead to sleep disturbances, snoring and other sleep disorders. Children with nasal obstructions, that have been caused by dilated lymphoid tissues, have been observed to suffer from chronic sleep disorders, with depleted levels of oxygen supply and even heart failure. To avoid all these extreme conditions from arising, nasal congestion remedies for children are important.

Home Remedies for Nasal Congestion in Children
1. Plenty of Rest, Sleep and Water: During incidents of nasal congestion, allow the child to have plenty of sleep and rest. Have your child drink plenty of warm water, vegetable broth and fresh fruit juice. It is important to get your child to consume plenty of fluids (more than usual) throughout the day, so as to flush out the irritants in the nasal passages. The child may not be able to drink too much at one go, so keep giving small amounts of hot liquids throughout the day. The congestion causing the blocked nose will also get cleared. Avoid giving your child beverages like tea and coffee.

2. Blowing the Nose: For nasal clearance, have your child blow his or her nose frequently. Smaller children may not know how to blow their noses. Parents should show them how. Many pick up after imitating their parents. However, have them blow their noses gently, as forceful blowing can cause a lot of pain and even bleeding.

3. Nasal Suction: For children unable to blow their noses, nasal suctions can be used before sleeping and feedings. However, limit the nasal suction to 4-6 times a day. This nasal suction process can be facilitated by using a nasal saline. Just place a few drops of nasal saline in each nostril and wait for 5 minutes before using the nasal suction. Then make sure you get a good seal between the nostril and the bulb suction. Occlude the other nostril with your finger and repeat this procedure as needed.

4. Humidifier and Hot Bath: People living in dry climatic conditions could use a cool mist humidifier, to increase the moisture in the air. Children are also more sensitive to dry air, which can dry out the child's nasal secretions. Thus, it would be a good idea to get a humidifier that dispenses cold mist. This is especially beneficial for smaller kids. A hot steam bath or shower is also a good nasal congestion relief measure for children, whereby, the discomfort is assuaged. However, make sure you check the temperature of the water before exposing your child to it.

5. Wiping off the Mucus: One common nasal congestion remedy that pediatricians gravely discourage, is inserting cotton swabs down the baby's nostrils. Cotton swab has the tendency to push the nasal blockage further into the child's nostrils. Instead wiping off the mucus or phlegm, from the nostril tips is recommended. Moreover, when one is ignorant about the kind of blockage causing nasal congestion, it is best not to use cotton swabs.

6. Breastfeeding: One simple nasal congestion remedy for infants would be to breastfeed the baby as much as one can. Breastfeeding not only soothes the inflamed nasal passages, but also helps loosen the dried mucus, blocking the nasal passages. If it becomes difficult to breastfeed, supplement with Pedialyte (an oral electrolyte solution manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, that is designed to replace fluids and minerals that are lost). Pedialyte keeps the child from dehydrating and is also easier to swallow.

7. Sleeping at an Elevation: Often parents notice that their child's nasal congestion problem is worse when the child lays down, however, seems to get better when the child sits upright. This is because congestion is worse in the lying position and in the elevated position, the airways are free for breathing to take place. Prop your child's head off the bed while sleeping, or else let your baby sleep in the car seat. Propping the head keeps the drainage from running back into the throat and assuaging the gagging and coughing.

8. Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil has decongestant properties, which heal the nasal passages and reduce the swelling. Pour two to three drops of the oil into a napkin and have your child inhale the vapors, throughout the day. For smaller children, pour a few drops of eucalyptus oil on the pillow, so that the child inhales the eucalyptus vapors while sleeping and has no nasal congestion at night. You can even add it to the humidifier. However, it is important to note that eucalyptus oil should not be taken orally or applied to the skin.

If your child does not show any signs of breathing difficulty or dehydration, then there is no need to visit the pediatrician. However, if despite all nasal congestion remedies, your child still has breathing difficulties, then you need to take your child to a pediatrician. Call upon your pediatrician if the nasal congestion lasts beyond 7 days. If the congestion is being caused by some allergy, then elimination of those allergens from the diet or the environment has to be done.

Myotcstore Related Products:

NeilMed SinuFrin Nasal Decongestant Spray - 15 ml

Bioforce A.Vogel sinna homeopathic nasal spray, 20 ml

Simply Saline Sterile Nasal Mist, Super Size - 3 oz

Ayr Saline Non-Medicated Nasal Drops - 50 Ml

Halo Oral Antiseptic Spray 35 Adult Doses, Berry - 1 oz

Ear Health Supplements

Ear Health Supplements

The ear is a very important constituent unit of the human anatomy. It is our duty to take care of our anatomy, because when they stop functioning we stop operating all together. It is through our ability to hear that we can decipher between different sounds, ignore noises and pay heed to voices. We, by no means, could be in the position to neglect our hearing ability. An ear infection can make your life painful and abominable. The activities you indulge in daily go for a perpetual toss. They come to a stand still, for you to further behold that the condition has escalated to heights that only worsen the situation.

Causes
In order to understand the ear infection treatment, it is necessary to comprehend, what causes the same. An ear infection could occur when you have an influenza attack accompanied with cold, cough, severe body ache and fever. When we are suffering from a terrible bout of cold, we inhale or breathe in with force. The mucus thus gets transported to the inner ear and stagnates, causing the ears to get blocked. This blockage causes the infection of the ear. The fever persists when you have an ear infection.

Another cause could be the water seeping into the ear while taking a shower or during a swimming session. The water that seeps in, has no outlet. It remains there and creates fungus. The fungus that the water stagnation creates inside the ear, is referred to as the swimmers ear. An illness in relation to the respiratory system such as congestion and heavy blockage of the nasal tract, may also be the cause. Once you gather you suffer an infection, it is wise to consult a physician or a medical practitioner to help you deal and treat the pain. Consulting the physician and following the medication route prescribed by him along with home remedies, will help you counter the condition effectively.

Remedies - Provide relief and help in curing the agonizing condition
• Take a soft cloth, (a muslin cloth would be preferable) and heat water in a container. A cotton ball could also be employed. Dip the cloth into the hot water. Dab it on your palm to check if the water is not piping hot, lest your ear sustains burns. Slowly dab the piece of cloth on the affected exterior area of the ear. This will prove helpful with regards to rendering relief. The swelling will subside if this remedy is followed religiously for a few days. Keep in mind, that the ear should be wiped dry. We are not aiming to complicate matters further, are we!

• Ingesting vitamin C, either in the form of a pill or through foods that are rich in this particular vitamin. This will make the immune system stronger and aids the same in fighting infections.

• In order to derive relief from the ear infection pain, use a heating pad. Swelling and pain can be countered when the affected ear is covered with heating pad. If you are using a hot compress water bottle, make sure that you do not pour boiling water. Boiling water may lead to the bottle blasting. Intermittent and consistent exposure to the water bottle or the heating compress is what is required to soothe the ear.

• Make sure that you rest well. Read your favorite author, knit a tea cozy, listen to soft music or simply loll in bed.

• For a lasting relief, mix lobelia oil (Indian Tobacco) with olive oil and drip two to three drops of the same concoction in the ear. Snug a cotton ball at the ear canal opening for the oil to stay and not trickle out.

• Gargle with salt water, at least twice during the day, to unclog the Eustachian tubes.

• Make sure that you walk, stand and sit erect. Slouching lets the fluid stagnate, however whilst maintaining an erect posture, the pus-like fluid drains out.

• Rest your head by sleeping on an elevated stack of pillows. This practice will aid in fluid drainage.

• To treat an ear infection naturally, concoct a mixture by adding 1 tbsp of almond oil, 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil and 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil. Heat this concoction and put 2 to 3 drops of this oil in the infected ear two to three times a day to garner relief.

• Another way to use this oil is to dip the cloth or cotton ball into the hot oil container and dab it on the affected area.

• One way to relieve the pain in the ear is to apply the oil concoction on the insides as well as outsides of the affected ear. Cover the ear with a muffler or woolen scarf for sometime, to gain quick and effective relief.

• Stop smoking, as the fumes pollute the air around, leading to blockage in the Eustachian tube.

• Sip water at regular intervals. This practice allows the Eustachian tube to unclog and drain the trapped fluid.

• This remedy has the potential to sound weird and uncanny, however, ironically is very effective and procures good results. Chewing gum or food will help exercising the ear muscles and the act of opening and closing the mouth will allow the eustachian tube where the infection has set in, to loosen up the mucus or the fluid in ear, thereby resulting in a possible movement of the same.

• One could resort to avoiding excess consumption of fatty foods. Individuals may also be prone to allergies from certain dairy products, such as soy and egg whites.

• A proper intake of vitamin and protein supplements will help in preventing ear infections from residing in your ear. Consuming these supplements will boost the immunity levels of the individual, arming him adequately to fight such infections.

• Treating an ear infection would remain incomplete, if the use of antibiotics is not mentioned. On a serious note, an antibiotic course is the fastest way. To treat the condition without antibiotics, is a long-term process. An antibiotic course coupled with the above-given home remedies for ear infection, is a wise and the safest route to eradicate the infection.

For swimmer's ear, the following home remedies would prove useful:
• If the infection is mild, avoiding swimming and washing hair for some time.
• Topical solutions containing antibacterial or antifungal antibiotics acidify the ear and suppress bacterial growth
• If there is severe soft tissue swelling, then oral antipseudomonal antibiotics are prescribed
• Drops containing anti-inflammatory steroids enable to minimize swelling and itching
removing debris like wax, pus and shed skin from the ear canal causes direct contact of the medication with the infected skin and hastens recovery

Other remedies include:
• Increasing zinc intake to reduce ear infections
• Increasing vitamin C to prop up the immune system for tackling infection
• Arranging a healthy diet with large amount of calcium
• Avoid eating processed foods and hydrogenated oils
• Avoid passive smoking and contact with people having cold
• Avoid touching nose and ears
• Wash hands periodically

Natural Remedies
• Pressing a warm water bottle or warm bag of salt against the ear. This will help relieve the pain.
• Put drops of tea tree oil in the ear, as it has mild anti-bacterial properties, but could irritate the skin. This essential oil will help cure mild bacterial infections.
• Garlic juice is an age-old remedy that helps cure microbial infections of the ear. Just put 2 to 3 drops of garlic juice in the ear and lie down on your side for some time. This will help the juice drain down into the ear and reach the point of infection.
• Avoid ear candles to remove wax from the ear. This is because it may push the infection deeper into the ear as you try to clean the outer ear.

Sometimes, the following home remedies may prove useful:
• Goldenseal and echinacea are herbs that cleanse the body.
• Consumption of dairy products must be avoided.
• Essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus are mixed with hot steaming water in a bowl. A towel is held over the head and the steam is inhaled
• Elevate the mattress and do not use pillows to place under the head. This will help in draining the fluids from the ear.

Myotcstore Related Products:

Lipoflavonoid Caplets, An Unique Ear Health Formula - 500 ea

Ring Relief Homeopathic Fast Dissolving Tablets - 70 ea

Lipoflavonoid Plus Unique Ear Health Formul, Extra Strength Caplets - 100 ea

Nutritional Concepts Tinnicare Auditory Relief Tablets - 100 ea

Digestive, Colon Health

Digestive and Colon Health

Digestion is necessary to facilitate metabolism of food. The food that we eat contains various nutrients like proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, etc. that provide energy, immunity, serve as building blocks, and nourishes the body. In the food that we eat, nutrients are in the form of large molecules that are physically and chemically bound together. Digestion breaks down this bond of complex molecules into simple nutrient molecules that can be absorbed by the body to support its day-to-day functions. For example the complex protein molecules are broken down into simple molecules of amino acids, which can be easily absorbed by the intestinal walls, and then can be diffused into the blood.

The colon in our digestive system needs to undergo a major cleaning operation every once in a while, to eliminate the presence of harmful wastes that are deposited in the colon. It works better when it is clean, and is rid of all that makes it hinder our digestive system from managing the digestion process. It prevents constipation above all, from taking place and curbs health problems like muscle and joint pain, fatigue, depression, skin problems and even making your nails shinier and less brittle.

Your colon, also known as your large intestine, plays an essential role in your health. As part of your digestive system, your colon helps to remove water, salt and certain nutrients from indigestible food matter, and helps to form and eliminate solid waste from your body.

When your colon is healthy, you will have regular bowel movements that are well shaped (like a torpedo), soft and easy to pass; subsequently, this means toxins and waste are being effectively eliminated from your system. However, your digestive system, including your colon, is easily impacted by a number of factors, from your diet to environmental chemicals, and as a result can easily become imbalanced.

For instance, if the walls of your colon become damaged, toxins from your food can be absorbed into your bloodstream instead of eliminated. It’s also common for disease-causing bacteria and yeast to proliferate in an unhealthy colon, leading to an extensive array of mental and physical conditions. While constipation, diarrhea, gas, and bloating are the most common symptoms of trouble in your colon, small growths known as polyps can also develop.

What Is the Function of the Colon?
Responsible for the final stages of the digestive process, the colon's function is threefold: to absorb the remaining water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter; to accept and stores food remains that were not digested in the small intestine; and to eliminate solid waste (feces) from the body.

The colon works to maintain the body's fluid balance. It absorbs certain vitamins, and processes indigestible material (such as fiber), and stores waste before it is eliminated. Within the colon, the mixture of fiber, small amounts of water, and vitamins, etc., mix with mucus and the bacteria that live in the large intestine, beginning the formation of feces.

As the feces makes its way through the colon, the lining absorbs most of the water as well as some of the vitamins and minerals present. Bacteria within the colon feed on the fiber, breaking it down in order to produce nutrients that will nourish the cells that line the colon. This is why fiber is such a vital part of a diet geared toward the colon's long-term health.

Feces is moved along until the walls of the sigmoid colon contract, causing waste to move into the rectum. Known as peristaltic action, this wave-like motion encourages feces to move closer to the rectum and, finally, be expelled through the anus.

A Delicate Balance
The specialized cells of the colon and microorganisms (bacteria) in the gut exist in a delicate balance that can easily be upset by food, stress, chemicals in the environment, and diseases such as parasites, candida, and others.

If digestion and colon function are not working well, the body operates in a state known as auto-intoxication. This means the body is working hard to get rid of toxins, but it cannot keep up because the toxins are being recycled, rather than expelled.

An out of balance colon may be at the root of chronic diseases such as arthritis, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even heart disease, or cancer. To avoid long-term health problems, it is essential to maintain proper colon function.

Tips For Healthy Digestion
* Eat lots of fibre rich foods: Fibre promotes healthy digestion by helping to remove waste from your body. It may also help lower your risk of colon cancer, help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar and help manage your body weight.

* Get your body moving: Regular physical activity helps keep food moving through your digestive system. Try taking short walks during the day and use the stairs instead of the elevator to stay active. Adults need at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.

* Eat regularly: Eat light, regular meals and snacks throughout the day to help move food through your digestive system. Take time to eat, even if you are having a busy day.

* Avoid foods that may upset your stomach: You may find that some foods are more likely to upset your stomach than others. If you have heartburn, gas, celiac disease, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome, you may find that specific foods trigger your symptoms, though this is different for everyone.

7 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Colon
1. Fiber: Fiber-rich food is a great choice for a healthy colon. Eating a good amount (about 25-35 grams daily) of high-fiber foods like raspberries, bananas, prunes, peas, broccoli, beans, celery and whole-wheat pasta is a great start to cleanse the body. Other fiber-rich whole grains include brown rice, whole-wheat and whole-wheat breakfast cereals. Fiber keeps food waste moving along your digestive track, which helps your intestines stay squeaky clean and can decrease your risk for diverticular disease.

2. Vitamin D: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that a steady intake of Vitamin D is advantageous when trying to prevent colon cancer and maintain a healthy colon. You can get Vitamin D from a variety of sources including the sun (15-20 minutes of daily exposure is sufficient) and foods like bread, fatty fish, milk and cereal. If your foods do not supply enough Vitamin D, taking a supplement may be warranted. Vitamin D may also help prevent osteoporosis.

3. Don't hold it: If you feel a bowel movement coming, head for the bathroom and let it go. If you try to hold it in, built-up fecal matter can release toxins into your body, which has the potential to cause diverticulosis and IBS. Regular bowel movements is one of the ways your colon keeps itself clean and healthy.

4. Water: Inadequate hydration can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body. As those toxins accumulate, the risk for constipation, bloating, gas, IBS and fatigue increases. If you're trying to keep your colon healthy, try to drink eight eight-ounce glasses of water in a day to cleanse your body.

5. Exercise: When you're trying to keep your colon healthy, exercise is a huge part of the equation. By increasing blood flow and circulation through exercise, your colon (and entire gastrointestinal system) gets more oxygen. This may help ward off colon cancer and other diseases. Your fitness routine doesn't need to be extreme. Stretching, doing yoga or walking for 10-15 minutes a day is sufficient to help keep your colon healthy.

6. Colonoscopies: Although a colonoscopy is by no means a fun experience, it's essential in the prevention and early detection of colon cancer. For individuals over age 50, a colonoscopy is a necessary step in maintaining colon health. Also, ask your doctor about a colonoscopy if you are experiencing on-going diarrhea or constipation, as these can be signs of colon and intestinal problems. A colonoscopy can aid in proper diagnosis of your condition.

Cleansing Your colon
There are also natural ways to keep your colon clean. Pay a visit to your local alternative medicine center to learn about the colon-cleansing treatments they have to offer.

Colon flushes are a popular procedure, and are believed to wash out toxins and waste material that have become trapped in your colon. If you suffer from constipation, a colon flush can be the best way to regain regular bowel movements and restore your colon to health. With a variety of special herb and mineral infusions available, colon flushes can be tailored to suit your unique needs. Although self-administered colon cleansing kits are available, you should seek advice from a health professional before attempting your first treatment.

Myotcstore Related Products:

Floranex Dietary Supplement Tablets - 50 Ea

Health plus super colon cleanse day/night system - 1 ea

Natrul Health Cleansing Formula Capsules - 180 ea

Fiber Choice Sugar Free Chewable Tablets, Orange Medley - 90 Ea

Enzymatic Therapy Artichoke Extract Tablets - 45 ea

Laxatives Stool Softener

Laxatives Stool Softener

Constipation is a condition that is characterized by difficult evacuation of the bowel due to hardening of stool. It is a common health problem that causes a host of distressing symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements, bloating, abdominal pain, feeling of incomplete evacuation of the bowel, etc. Since the fecal matter becomes very hard and dry, the lining of the rectum and anus may get damaged during bowel movement, thereby resulting in pain, bleeding, or hemorrhoids. This medication is commonly prescribed for people, who are not in a situation to strain during defecation due to some health conditions, like hemorrhoids, pregnancy, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Stool softeners, called emollient laxatives, prevent hardening of the feces by adding moisture to the stool. The active ingredient in most stool softeners is a medicine called docusate. Agents containing docusate do not by themselves stimulate or increase the number of bowel movements. They are used more to prevent constipation than to treat it. Stool softeners are used on a short-term basis to relieve constipation by people who should avoid straining during bowel movements because of heart conditions, hemorrhoids, and other problems. They soften stools, making them easier to pass.

What is the Best Stool Softener?
The incidences of constipation and hardened stool are common in all people, irrespective of the age group. For use in both children and adults, the best stool softener is natural based or plant derived formulations. Though, medications available in the form of liquid, syrup, tablets and capsules work well in serving the same purpose, they are not recommended for regular use. This is because our body becomes habitual and gets used to them very easily. And the outcome of frequent use of medications is dependence on them for constipation treatment.

Natural Stool Softener
Coming to the home remedy, you will find many options. In order to select an effective alternative, examine the working mechanism of the stool softener and after effects that take place in the body. After taking natural stool softener, one may experience significant changes in bodily functions. In case of any sudden change in bowel movement that lasts for a longer period, one should seek medical attention.

For Children
When it comes to natural stool softener for children, feeding lukewarm water is the best remedy. Water softens the stool and induces bowel movement on a regular basis. For constipated baby, fill the feeding bottle with warm water and feed it occasionally. In case of constipation in toddlers and children, milk of magnesia can be fed in appropriate amounts. As it tastes bland, one can mix milk of magnesia with fruit juices at the time of serving.

Regarding Pregnancy
So, is it safe to use stool softener during pregnancy? Yes, using stool softener by pregnant women is safe, provided that it is based on natural ingredients. In addition to drinking ample amounts of water and adding high fiber diet, one should incorporate mild physical activities. Other natural stool softener choices that can be used during pregnancy are mineral oil and psyllium husk. Though over-the-counter stool softener is considered safe for the mother and baby, it is best to avoid it as far as possible.

For the Elderly
The best stool softener for elderly is consuming stewed prunes and figs. These are natural laxatives effective for softening stool and regulating bowel movement. Ingesting mineral oil just before going to bed helps in lubricating and softening stool. Similar to constipation treatment in children, drinking lots of healthy fluids and adding fiber rich foods are suggested for managing constipation in elderly people.

Natural Remedies
1. Psyllium Husk: It is derived from the gel-coated seeds of a herb called Plantago ovata. It has a high fiber content, and also absorbs water, thereby ensuring the passage of stools. It is also effective when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, etc. While taking fresh psyllium husk or the powdered version, drink ample amounts of water. You can also take psyllium seeds to cleanse your colon.

How to Consume...
Mix the seeds in 8 ounces of water. Have a glass of water after drinking the mixture.

2. Flaxseed: It contain omega-3 fatty acids. It attracts water in the bowel and breaks down the hard stools, making it easier to excrete them. It is extremely important to drink a sufficient amount of water for this remedy to work. It is always better to use seeds instead of flaxseed oil because the seeds add necessary bulk to the stools, thereby facilitating passage of stools. Grinding the seeds before consumption will be more effective as powdered form contains more fiber than the seeds.

How to Consume...
Swallow 1 tbsp. whole seeds, followed by 2 cups of water. Or, mix 1 tbsp. ground flaxseeds with 2 cups of water and drink. Drink plenty of water at regular intervals for better results. If you want to use flaxseed oil for relieving constipation, mix 1 tbsp. flaxseed oil with low-fat yogurt. You can add ½ tsp. honey for a better taste. Take this mixture 1 hour before bedtime for better results.

3. Fenugreek: It falls under the category of bulk herbal remedies for constipation treatment. The seeds of fenugreek are a rich source of mucilage (a thick, sticky substance produced by plants), which prevents constipation by softening hardened stools and promoting their elimination. They also soothe the inflamed mucus membranes.

How to Consume...
Take 1 tbsp. fenugreek seeds and soak them in water for at least an hour. Make a paste of soaked seeds and consume it with a glass of warm water. Boil the seeds several times to get rid of the bitter taste. Take 1 tsp. of seeds followed by a glass of water, before bedtime.

4. Rhubarb Root: It is a type of purgative herb that can provide relief from constipation. It is considered as the safest amongst all purgative herbs, because other herbs of this category cause forceful elimination of the wastes from the body, irritating the lining of intestines. These herbs should not be used on a daily basis.

How to Consume...
Take ½ tsp. rhubarb root tincture 3 times a day. You can also add 1 tbsp. of the herb to 2 cups of water and drink the extract followed by another glass of water.

5. Aloe Vera Juice: An effectual home remedy for softening stool is consuming aloe vera juice. As per medical research, aloe vera juice contains anthraquinone glycosides, which are active components of most laxatives.

How to Consume...
For treating hard stools and constipation, you can drink ½ cup of aloe vera juice twice daily. Drink it in the morning, and before going to bed. Also, make sure you drink adequate amount of water after consuming the juice.

6. Barley: Barley is also touted as a good laxative. It contains 6 grams of fiber, out of which 1.5 grams are soluble fibers and the remaining 4.5 grams are insoluble. The insoluble fiber soften the stool, making it more bulky, thereby helping it move easily through the digestive tract.

How to Consume...
First, boil clean barley seeds in water for some time and drain the water by using a muslin cloth. Drink this barley water for stimulating bowel movements. In case, you do not feel the urge to defecate even after 3 hours, drink another glass of barley water.

7. Mineral Oil: It is often considered as one of the most effective remedies for temporary treatment of constipation. After mineral oil enters the body, it lubricates the stool and helps in smooth waste excretion without inflaming the rectum and anus.

How to Consume...
You can take mineral oil during bedtime. Bowel movements are expected within 6-8 hours after taking this natural laxative.

8. Water and Healthy Fluids: One should drink at least 6-8 glasses daily. If there is enough body fluid, the colon will not absorb water from feces, thereby allowing smooth bowel movement. For severe constipation, prune juice is also a great remedy. For many people, drinking hot beverages also helps to relieve constipation. Coffee and tea make good stimulants for metabolism and allow smooth bowel movements.

Healthy Foods
Consume lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are rich sources of dietary fibers. Avoid refined food products. It would be best to take whole grains, cereals, brown bread, and rice. Identify foods that relieve constipation and try to include them in the diet.

Avoid Foods that Cause Constipation
Usually, foods that are low in fiber cause constipation. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you avoid foods that are low in fiber. Cut down on the intake of the following food items:

• Dairy products- ice cream, cheese, butter, milk
• Red meat such as beef, pork, etc.
• Foods high in sugar- cookies, pastries, cakes, pies, etc.
• Frozen meals
• Caffeinated drinks- coffee, black tea, hot chocolate
• Fried foods

In addition to the aforementioned remedial measures, you should also follow self-care tips. Fix a particular time for bowel movement every day to minimize the risk of passing hardened stool. Follow the right lifestyle choices. Exercise regularly and refrain from the consumption of unhealthy food items.

Stool softeners Benefits and Draw Backs:
Stool softeners help by adding moisture to the stool, allowing for easier passage through the bowel. Stool softeners come in liquid or pill form, and usually contain docusate. They do not actually increase or stimulate bowel movements. Stool softeners are recommended for preventing constipation and for relieving the straining associated with constipation, but not for relieving constipation.

Benefits:
• Safe for elderly and pregnant patients
• Effective for relieving pain associated with anal fissures and/or hemorrhoids

You can expect to see results from a stool softener one or two days after initial use. However, every individual is different so it can take from three to five days for results. While stool softeners are generally safe and effective, be aware that there can be some interaction with other over-the-counter medications.

Draw Backs:
• Not recommended for use in conjunction with mineral oil or other lubricant laxatives.
• Stool softeners can increase the toxicity and absorption of ingested lubricant laxatives.
• Once absorbed into the body, they can cause an increase in inflammation of the liver, spleen, and lymph glands.

Myotcstore Related Products:

Peri Colace Tablets relieves Constipation - 30 Each

Stool softener softgels 100mg (generic colace) - 100 each

Natrul Health stoolsoftener softgels 100 mg - 100 ea

Silarx Silace docusate sodium 10 mg Liquid - 16 oz

Dulcolax Stool Softener Liqui Gels - 25 ea