Surprisingly, sinus infection symptoms are one of the most common reasons for a doctor to prescribe antibiotics, despite the fact that they’re almost always caused by a virus, which antibiotics don’t  effect. Specifically, about 80% of sinus infection symptoms are treated with antibiotics, and that makes up about 20% of all antibiotics prescribed.

Studies have even confirmed that sinus infection symptoms don’t improve when antibiotics are used compared to a sugar pill. New recommendations suggest that doctors wait to see if sinus infection symptoms worsen before writing a prescription.

What Does That Mean For People With Sinus Infection Symptoms?

-Call your doctor before heading in. Sinus infection symptoms include pain in the nose, and above or below the eyes accompanied by mucus, and sometimes fever and sore throat. Depending on the severity of sinus infection symptoms as well as their progression, you may save yourself the cost of an office visit by just giving them a call.

-Treating sinus infection symptoms at home has been shown to help people feel better. A pain reliever (OTC medicine or a warm washcloth on the face), and sinus rinsing have been shown to help reduce sinus infection symptoms and improve the wait for the body to heal itself.

-You’re sick: act like it. Many people experience mild enough sinus infection symptoms to go to work—and that may be okay sometimes, but if your fever picks up, or you start to feel fatigue, head home and rest. Since there’s not much a doctor can do, it’s up to you. Give your body the support it needs fight the infection: rest, regular meals, amd plenty of fluids.

-Still sick after 10 days or getting worse? Call your doctor again—it’s probably time to go in.

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A forthcoming study shows that nano silver particles are capable of killing microfilariae, a tropical roundworm parasite that causes filariasis. Scientists hope that it will lead to an improved treatment or prevention of the disease (which can cause elephantiasis).

Of course, before treatment is approved for western travellers, future studies of nano silver’s effect on the parasite will have to examine the mechanism by which it causes the roundworms to die. Microfilariae has its own beneficial bacteria, and other studies looking for improved treatment have focus on using high doses of powerful antibiotics to kill those bacteria, and, in turn, kill the roundworms.

Since that would also kill all the beneficial bacteria in the patient, if the nano silver has a mechanism to kill the roundworms (or even more efficiently kill the bacteria), it would be a huge leap forward in preventing, and treating the disease.

And if nano silver has antimicrobial properties that can be demonstrated against parasitic pathogens, that would also have large implications in the US, where roundworms are still very common (though not as serious, in most cases).

Share your thoughts below:

A new Canadian study has confirmed that bed bugs carry diseases, including the antibiotic resistant staph infection strain MRSA. ABC reports in the video below.

Although there’s no evidence yet that bed bug bites spread MRSA, doctors should now be on the lookout.

In recent months MRSA has shown itself capable of being life-threatening even in strong, young student athletes. For people with a weakened immune system, getting rid of MRSA is an even bigger battle.

It doesn’t help that bed bug bites are spreading across the country as the creatures stow away on suitcases (even if your hotel room doesn’t have bed bugs, because of how they breed having the room next door be infected makes taking a pregnant one home with you just as likely.)

Unfortunately, just like antibiotic resistance, there’s growing pesticide resistance. As the video recommends, getting professional help early may help reduce bed bug bites, but calling for pesticides may not be worth it.

Here’s how to prevent bed bug bites:

-Use an allergin cover on your mattress—the plastic makes it harder for bed bugs to move in.
-If you’re at risk for bed bug bites (you live in a city like NY where it’s a major problem, or someone in your family travels) use natural scents like eucalyptus to deter bed bugs from your soft materials. Other pests are also repelled by such scents, including mint.
-At the first sign—bed bug bites on your skin, blood spots on your sheets/mattress—take action. Wash everything that can be in the hottest water possible, and use steam elsewhere. If it will be ruined by steam, take it to the dry cleaners (call first! they may not want to handle bed bugs or may be able to recommend a specialist) and leave it there until you’re sure they’re gone.
-Stay vigilant—eggs may hatch weeks after the bed bug bites stop appearing.

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In 2007 a Nevada clinic infected patients with Hep C—something that most often occurs in clinics as a result of one of two things: a staff member borrowing drugs and refilling the syringe with saline, or improper use of needles/equipment.

Now, one of those Hep C victims is giving his deposition on tape—because the Hepatitis C symptoms (liver destruction)—has left him terminally ill.

Ironically, he came to the United States because he thought it would be safer—from war, at least. It’s a lesson that even though we already spend more money on health care than most other countries, our system is failing in many ways, and patients need to be vigilant, and highly involved with their own health and care.

Hep C is a highly contagious virus that, if not tested for early and often, may silently destroy the liver over decades before Hepatitis C symptoms become apparent. Although the risk of getting Hep C from a hospital is low, there are other, higher risks. Any activity that involves exposure to even a microscopic amount of blood can result in Hepatitis C transmission, even mundane things like sharing a toothbrush or a razor.

A significant portion (estimates vary, but range up to 1 in 4) of those infected with Hep C don’t know it. Since there may not be an obvious event that leads to exposure to the virus, and since it may not show up on a test for up to 6 months, testing for Hep C periodically throughout life is important to preventing liver disease.

Share your thoughts below:

In the past twenty years, the rate of gout has doubled—mostly due to a change in diet and exercise habits in the American population. If you remember your history, you may also remember that gout symptoms are traditionally thought of as affecting king’s and rich men, and that Benjamin Franklin, who suffered from gout symptoms, had a bit to say about it:

“Be temperate in wine, in eating, girls, and sloth, or the Gout will seize you and plague you both,”

As was clearly known back then, there are lifestyle changes that help to naturally treat gout symptoms that affect almost 2% of the population at some point in their lives.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by the build up of uric acid crystals. It is sometimes the underlying cause of osteoarthritis.

Gout is properly diagnosed by having a joint fluid sample examined for high levels of uric acid crystals.

Gout becomes more likely with age, but there other other risk factors for symptoms. Some people are genetically predisposed to having higher uric acid levels, others have health or lifestyle risk factors.

Metabolic syndrome is a good example of why gout symptoms are becoming more common in Americans: it includes aging, being overweight, diabetes (specifically insulin resistance, so pre-diabetics would also be at risk), heart disease, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.

For gout, diet is a huge risk factor as well. Meat, seafood, sugary drinks, and alcohol consumption increase the risk for gout symptoms. Other risk factors include not urinating enough, low-body temperature (especially at night) and sleep apnea.

Gout Symptoms

Symptoms of gout include a red, painful, swollen joint, most commonly the big toe; although knees, wrists, and fingers can also be affected. Other gout symptoms may include fever and fatigue.

In some cases, gout symptoms may require immediate medical intervention rather than natural gout treatment. Even acute gout can cause a decrease in kidney function, for example. Gout symptoms can be responsible for uric-based kidney stones, and if they’re too big a doctor may need to assist in removal (or too many may cause the decrease in kidney function by blocking excretion).

If left untreated, gout can cause more severe complications over time. Larger uric acid crystals, called tophi, can start to build up in the body.

Natural Gout Treatment

Ultimately, gout is cured by lifestyle change, even if immediate medical intervention may be necessary (see above). For most people, gout symptoms will go away within a week, but without gout treatment they will recur within the year.

-Avoid diet triggers like too much meat, seafood, alcohol, or sugary drinks.
-Drink more water to help keep the kidneys flushing out uric acid build up.
-Hate water? Try coffee (not tea). Coffee is a diuretic, which helps with urine output (watch for dehydration), and it’s been shown to help with gout symptoms. Tea, on the other hand, has nutrients that may increase kidney stone production if you’re at risk.
-Make sure you’re getting enough Vitamin C—increasing Vitamin C levels may immediately reduce uric acid levels.
-Dairy products may help, and can substitute for what you’re reducing in your diet (just watch fat consumption)
-Exercise is crucial: not only does it help maintain a healthy weight, it eliminates the risks of a sedentary lifestyle.
-For those severly overweight, a low-calorie diet will have immediate effects.
-In some cases, baking soda may be recommended to increase pH levels—consult a specialist.
-Cherry juice (or dried cherries) may help decrease uric acid levels.

Do you have any tricks for getting rid of gout symptoms? Share below!

In an analysis of past studies, the CDC concluded that amatuer tattoos (those performed by friends and family, or not in a tattoo parlour) carry a high risk of Hepatitis C transmission. While the risk may seem obvious, it needs to be said that teens may not be aware of the risk of Hepatitis C transmission, and are more likely to experiment with amateur tattoos and, in particular, piercings—which is also a risk for Hepatitis C transmission.

The CDC stated that there’s never been an outbreak of Hepatitis C transmission from a professional tattoo parlour in the US, despite the occasional circulating urban legend.

Just for an interesting comparison: there’s about 20,000 tattoo parlours in the US, and a little less than 6,000 hospitals. Of course, hospitals are huge compared to a tattoo parlour, where any patient may interact with half a dozen or more individuals. And pain medication—which is often the source of Hepatitis C transmission in hospitals—isn’t a factor at tattoo parlours.

Still, the difference in sterilization and accountability is stark—not only would a tattoo parlour shut down in the event of Hepatitis C transmission being sourced to it, every other parlour in the community and many across the country would suffer at least a temporary loss of business. There are fewer options when you need a doctor (and it’s mandated so—only about 16,000 doctors graduate each year, despite an increasing US population).

What are your thoughts on Hepatitis C transmission, hospitals, and tattoo parlours?

One of the most asked questions we get is about silver studies…and we try to keep you updated on all the colloidal silver and nano silver research right here on the blog! But if you missed some of the more exciting silver articles, or you want an easier reference guide, here’s a few quick tips for staying in the know about colloidal silver…

First:
-Stay up on the blog by using the RSS feature or putting your email address into the bar at the right to get it emailed to you directly!
-Make sure to bookmark articles that you find helpful about colloidal silver or other health topics, so they’re right there when you need them! Just hold down CRTL + D. You can make a folder for them by clicking Bookmarks in your web browser’s menu.
-Or, sign up for the newsletter! (Located at the top of the Colloids page).  Not only do you get a selection of articles from the blog, you’re the first to know when we have a vitamin/colloidal silver coupon!

Want to browse through silver studies we’ve found?
-Make sure you click the “articles” tab at Colloids For Life. Not only are their colloidal silver studies, but a few about some key vitamins and minerals!
-Don’t forget to check out the bacteriological studies of silver, including a few that feature MesoSilver specifically.

And here’s three of the most interesting studies we’ve found:
-In 2010 research came out of Hong Kong looking at potential medical applications for colloidal silver. One of the big findings? Particle size is crucial for efficacy.
-Last year scientists did a study using nano silver, ionic silver, and cells to see how they would behave in the body. Non-ionic nano silver does a better job at getting through cells.
-And just recently British researchers started experimenting with silver and cancer cells, and may soon develop a new chemotherapy treatment with less side-effects if further testing, including safety of silver in the body and human trials, goes well.

We love to talk to you in the comments, or you can talk to us on Twitter where you’ll also get more health tips!

That’s the argument of Dr. Lustig, a bit of a sugar eccentric who pops up on the internet every few years with attention grabbing flare.

His latest opinion piece, printed in Nature, suggests that sugar is so toxic it should be regulated outright. He’s not entirely wrong—Americans in particular consume far too much sugar, causing obesity, inflammation, diabetes, and untold other health problems (sugar often takes the place of nutrients). Dr. Lustig argues that sugar is addictive, and we need saving from ourselves and the damage that too much sugar causes.

Dr.Robert Lustig talks to CNN about toxicity of… by BeyondPixBroadcast

But will regulation solve the problems caused be “the American diet”? Probably not—regulating tobacco, alcohol, and other substances doesn’t stop their abuse. And then there’s the fact that once we start regulating food, it’s a slippery slope. Currently, if you buy low-fat or fat free foods, you’re typically eating more sugar—if sugar is banned, will fat be added to improve taste to many foods? Salt? Or, potentially worse, artificial sweetener, which the body can’t even process?

The key to everything in life is moderation, whether we’re talking about sugar, salt, or fat. While added sugar does pose a health risk, it’s a risk that primarily affects people eating processed foods and fare from low end restaurants—a group who also tends toward being under educated and economically disadvantaged, though not absolutely. There are always those who choose to have unhealthy lifestyles, people who advocates of regulation want to save from themselves.

A first, less extreme step, should probably be educating people about reading nutrition labels, specifically looking for hidden sugar and other additives. Another step would be to encourage and build upon the current movement toward natural, clean eating, and how it can be cheaper (especially per nutrient), as well as delicious, once your taste buds adjust.

Do you think added sugar should be banned or regulated? Share below!

A new study has found that while diet alone doesn’t cure ADD, a nutritional diet will improve many ADD symptoms.

Elimination diets (eliminating a category of food like sugar, fat, gluten, meat) are becoming increasingly popular, but they don’t work for the majority of cases of ADD symptoms, leading many parents to feel inadequate when so many are praising the benefits of eliminating foods.

A paper published in Pediatrics reports that while elimination diets may not be the cure parents think, adding nutrition can improve ADD symptoms and compliment behavioral therapy or medication to get better results.

So what should be added? Omega-3 fatty acids seem to work well (and even if they don’t—studies can be mixed—Dr. Benjamin Prince is quoted at NPR as saying they can’t hurt, since Omega-3 fatty acids have heart and other dietary benefits).

Kids with ADD symptoms should also take a multivitamin and be tested for zinc and iron deficiency, common problems that can be easily remedied (although you can supplement with iron, it’s usually better to get it from food—dark leafy greens and small portions of meat).

In addition to making sure that key foods are in kids with ADD symptoms diet, it’s important to make sure that the foundational diet is not only balanced with whole grains, lots of fruits and veggies, and small portions of different meat sources, but that it’s structured. Some ADD symptom medications suppress hunger, so kids can get hungry without knowing it.

Regular meal times with balanced foods can also improve other aspects of health that help improve ADD symptoms: sleeping, steady energy levels, and a healthy weight (weight can affect hormone balances).

Have you dealt with ADD symptoms? What worked and what didn’t? Let us know in the comments!

A steady flow of Hepatitis C Treatments are being produced, and each is being hailed as the next best thing, either promising to give new hope to those who have unsuccessfully gone through treatment before, offering new ways to attack the toughest Hep C strain, genotype 1, or just better Hepatitis C treatment overall.

But with all these Hepatitis C treatments flooding the market, how do you navigate the new options? There’s always a risk with new treatments—for example, Merck’s new Hepatitis C treatment Victrelis has since been shown to interact with HIV treatments, causing them not to work. And certainly some Hepatitis C treatments are better than others!

I’ve noticed an interesting trend in news for Hep C that might actually add some practical uses: stock market investors have been taking a keen interest in Hepatitis C treatments—presumably because baby boomers have such a high rate of infection, and are about to hit the age where Hepatitis C symptoms begin to become a problem if you haven’t already been tested and aren’t seeking treatment.

What is this trend? With such a high level of interest, you occasionally get a little more information about the new Hepatitis C treatments coming out—people who understand biology, or occasionally a university researcher making armchair commentary in an interview—and that information is immediately absorbed, and investors choose a Hepatitis C treatment champion to back.

It doesn’t remove all the risks and unknown, but it’s an extra piece of research to do.

The current favorite, by the way, is a forthcoming drug from Gilead Science, due to start human trials soon. It works by attacking HCV’s RNA and stopping it from reproducing, and has already shown high promise in Hepatitis C treatment for genotypes 2 & 3, promise which is supposed to carry over to genotype 1.

In the end, we can only hope that all this interest in Hepatitis C treatment will lead to better, safer options.

What have you heard about the new Hepatitis C treatments? Share below!