The body stores blood fats, triglycerides, in order to give you energy throughout the day. The extra calories, sugars, and alcohol that you consume convert into triglycerides. And if you need a little extra energy between meals, hormones release triglycerides. That sounds wonderful, and it is necessary for the body to function, but too many triglycerides in the bloodstream can be dangerous to your overall health. 

The liver can convert triglycerides into glucose, but excess triglycerides end up in fat cells, or adipose tissue. Fatty buildup in the arteries can stem from excess triglycerides in the bloodstream. Higher triglyceride levels can also cause pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. 

Are There Symptoms Of High Triglycerides?

There are many lifestyle habits that can cause high triglyceride levels, also known as dyslipidemia. You typically won’t develop symptoms if you have high triglyceride levels, though. That said, there are several complications that can result from high levels, some of which include:

• Pancreatitis
• Stroke
• Coronary heart disease
• Multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome 
• Lipemia retinalis, a condition that changes how the blood vessels in the eyes look

Risk Factors For High Triglycerides

You may have a higher risk of high triglyceride levels because of the following: 

• Menopause
• Lipid metabolism disorder
• A family history of high triglyceride or cholesterol levels
• Pregnancy
• Being of Mexican or South Asian ancestry

What Causes High Triglycerides But Normal Cholesterol?

This is a bit of conundrum because the two usually go hand in hand, or so you’ve been told. Despite what some people say, cholesterol and triglycerides are two different substances in the bloodstream. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, storing extra calories and converting them into energy. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver that produces hormones and builds cells, among other functions. If you have normal cholesterol levels but high triglyceride levels, consider the following:

• Obesity
• Insufficient exercise
• A diet high in carbohydrates, saturated fats, and calories
• Heavy alcohol use
• Smoking cigarettes
• Liver or autoimmune diseases

Knowing all of this information can help you make better lifestyle choices to avoid high triglyceride levels. You may be unaware of certain lifestyle habits that are raising triglycerides. Learn more about these habits below. 

Lack Of Exercise

You burn off excess calories when you exercise, which means those calories don’t convert into triglycerides. Exercise boosts the production of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme that aids with the removal of triglycerides from your bloodstream. According to a small study of 38 people with coronary heart disease, participants who performed moderately intense aerobic exercise for eight weeks significantly reduced triglyceride levels compared to the group that didn’t exercise. 

What And How Much You Eat And Drink

A diet high in sugar and simple carbohydrates can raise triglyceride levels. These foods contain hydrogenated oils, trans fats, or white flour. Oils, butters, and fats that you eat also create triglycerides, and the extra calories from those foods produce more triglycerides. Drinking a lot of alcohol can also raise triglyceride levels. In fact, one study monitored people who had eight or more alcoholic drinks per week. Their odds of developing high triglyceride levels increased two- to eightfold. 

Certain Health Conditions

There are several health conditions that can cause high triglyceride levels, some of which include:

• Liver disease: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and cirrhosis can cause metabolic issues that affect the liver’s ability to secrete triglycerides and increase their production.
• Thyroid disease: An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), can slow hormone production and the rate at which you burn calories. Together, those two things can raise triglyceride levels. 
• Chronic kidney disease: If your kidneys are damaged, they may produce more triglycerides and decrease the body’s ability to clear them from your bloodstream.
• Obesity: If you are obese, the excess body fat, especially the body fat around your stomach, can release free fatty acids that convert into triglycerides when they enter the bloodstream.
• Type 2 diabetes: Diabetes is a metabolic condition that can raise triglyceride levels because of insulin resistance, which can potentially cause buildup in the bloodstream. 

Certain Medications

Sometimes, you have to consult your doctor about the different side effects of medications, especially if you have elevated triglyceride levels. Common medications that increase triglycerides include:

• Retinoids for acne
• Diuretics and older beta blockers that treat high blood pressure
• Corticosteroids that reduce inflammation
• Estrogen in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
• Antiretroviral drugs that treat HIV

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If you experience migraines, you know when one is about to occur. You feel the pain creep across your forehead or up the back of your neck. People have different triggers for migraines, and determining what your trigger is can be a big obstacle to overcome. Once you identify your trigger, you can do your best to avoid it and reduce the frequency of migraines. 

Not a lot of people suspect their diet to trigger migraines, but certain foods can easily cause your head pain. According to research, a variety of foods and beverages contribute to nausea, throbbing, pounding, and some visual symptoms of migraines. If you want to experiment with your diet to be free of migraines, consider eliminating the following foods, which have been known to set off pain. 

Alcohol

This is a beverage that’ll give you a headache whether you get migraines or not. An evening cocktail is relaxing while you casually sip it, but it can contribute to migraine tension. The Association of Migraine Disorders lists alcohol as one of the most common dietary triggers. There are certain compounds in alcohol, such as histamine and congeners, which may be to blame. Alcohol is also a diuretic, which can cause dehydration (another migraine trigger). Regardless of what the research says, it may be a good idea to avoid beer, wine, and spirits if alcohol is your trigger. 

Foods With Phenylalanine

What is this compound? Well, it is an essential amino acid that exists in myriad protein sources. You can find it in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes. High doses of this amino acid have been linked to headaches, including migraines. Because phenylalanine exists in many healthy protein sources, avoiding it completely may prove difficult, not to mention a questionable decision for your overall health. Avoiding all foods that contain phenylalanine creates a highly restrictive eating pattern. If you suspect this to be your migraine trigger, just consider cutting down on these foods, or make sure that you don’t overeat them. 

Caffeine

Caffeine is a mixed bag for migraines. It is a common trigger food for migraines, but some people drink a cup of coffee or soda and know relief is on the way. Unfortunately, there is not a sufficient amount of research on this matter, so scientists cannot give a definitive recommendation on caffeine consumption or avoidance for migraine relief. That said, if you experience migraines and know that drinking caffeine negatively affects you, avoid it to the best of your ability. If you exceed 200 milligrams of caffeine daily and you suddenly stop drinking caffeine, you may experience a migraine as a withdrawal symptom. 

Food Intolerances

Occasionally, headaches can stem from certain food intolerances. According to research, migraines are very common in the setting of gluten, soy, and other food intolerances. If you have a food intolerance, be it to gluten, soy, or something else, you will usually experience symptoms within 12 to 24 hours after eating. 

Foods With Tyramine

If you have never heard of this compound, don’t be hard on yourself because you won’t see it on ingredient lists. It exists in both plant and animal foods and is a byproduct of the breakdown of tyrosine, an amino acid. Some people experience headaches from foods that contain tyramine, such as red wine, figs, aged cheese, and smoked fish. Whether or not you get a headache depends on how much of these foods you eat or drink, according to health experts. Preliminary research shows that people who are prescribed monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) may experience migraines after eating tyramine-containing foods because of the chemical interaction that occurs.

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From diet and alternative remedies to deep breathing and exercise, many things can boost immune function. A new study found that short bouts of exercise (just 15 minutes at a time) can improve the immune system. The findings come from the American Physiology Summit, which recently took place in Long Beach, CA. Short bursts of exercise increased the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which are white blood cells that fight both cancerous and infected cells in the body.

As of right now, the study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Even still, this isn’t the first study linking exercise to higher levels of NK cells in the bloodstream. Additionally, the number of NK cells appears to increase just minutes after engaging in physical activity. Researchers from the new study said that findings only add to the growing mound of evidence that increasing NK cells may offer better protection against diseases and infections. That is why short bouts of exercise are enough to activate the immune system and increase NK cells in the bloodstream.

15 Minutes Of Exercise May Improve Immunity

The recent study involved 10 participants between the ages of 18 and 40, making it a very small study. Each participant rode a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes at moderate intensity. Before the participants started cycling, the researchers drew blood samples. The researchers drew more blood after 15 minutes on the bike, and then again after 30 minutes on the bike. After 15 minutes of cycling, researchers observed that levels of NK cells increased. They did not continue to increase after 30 minutes of cycling. Researchers note that these findings suggest that 15 minutes of physical activity is enough to boost NK cell production, which aids immunity.

How Do NK Cells Keep You Healthy?

NK cells do not require previous exposure to a pathogen to identify and attack it, which makes them different to other immune cells. NK cells help destroy infected and diseased cells, such as cancer cells. These cells are always on the lookout for malignant cells, meaning that higher levels of NK cells in the body may improve the prognosis of different types of cancer. One report found that different NK cells were associated with survival in people with colorectal cancer. 

Exercises Boosts Immunity In Other Ways

In addition to boosting NK cells in the body, physical activity causes the body temperature to rise. Most viruses and bacteria can easily survive in normal body temperature. Research states that heat makes it harder for these viruses to survive. Physical activity also helps to lower stress levels, and lower levels of cortisol has been linked to better immune function. Reducing stress levels can also improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Depression and stress can lead to chronic inflammation, which impacts the body’s ability to fight off infections. 

Conclusion

Prolonged bouts of intense exercise can suppress immune function, which is why allowing the body to rest between workouts is paramount. Create a thoughtful approach to your exercise regimen, with the goal of exercising regularly with proper rest and recovery time. Keep in mind that just 15 minutes of exercise can help improve immune function by enhancing the production of NK cells. Elevated levels of these white blood cells can help fight infected or cancerous cells in the body, which may offer better protection against diseases and infections.

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Self-care is a buzzword that comes up a lot in the emotional and mental health spheres. More than just a wellness term, self-care is often a key component to any activity that helps you make your body feel better. Think of self-care for atopic dermatitis like alternative remedies that help lessen your need for medication in the long run.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopica dermatitis (eczema) is a skin condition that causes dry, inflamed, and itchy skin. It is very common in young children, but it can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that can flare up occasionally, causing red, irritated areas on the skin. Although it is irritating, atopic dermatitis is not contagious. Moisturizing regularly and following an anti-inflammatory diet, among other things, can help reduce the risk of flare-ups and irritation. Continue reading to learn more about some science-backed self-care tips of atopic dermatitis. 

Moisturize Twice A Day

Dermatologists encourage people with atopic dermatitis to moisturize within three to five minutes after a bath or shower. The reason for this is because the moisturizer helps to lock in moisture when the skin is still slightly damp. That creates a protective barrier and allows your skin to heal. Not all moisturizers are beneficial, with some being better than others for eczema-prone skin. Choose a moisturizer that is dye- and fragrance-free, and consider a skin barrier cream, which contains lipids and ceramides, both of which are present in a healthy skin barrier. Moisturizers that feel “greasy” are usually the most effective at protecting the skin.

Take Shorter, Cooler Showers

You don’t have to think about conserving water just because you have atopic dermatitis. That said, dry skin (a common trigger of atopic dermatitis) is commonly caused by hot water, especially if you are in it for a long time. When you shower in cool or warm water (not hot), the water is less likely to dry out your skin. Another tip is to limit the time you spend in a bath or shower to about five to 10 minutes maximum. Too much time in the water can irritate the skin. If you have a flare-up, a lukewarm oatmeal bath will help soothe the skin.

Try An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Inflammation is a healthy response to injury or infection, helping to heal the body. In people with atopic dermatitis, the immune system remains triggered, even when there is no infection or injury. That excess inflammation is a contributing factor to atopic dermatitis. The foods you eat can either help or harm inflammation levels, regardless of overall health. Dietary strategies, such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, may help relieve symptoms. It isn’t a specific diet; rather, it is an eating pattern that focuses on more foods that help reduce inflammatory markers in the body. Click here to learn more about an anti-inflammatory diet. 

Use Gentle, Fragrance-Free Cleansers

Certain hand soaps, dish soaps, and face or body washes, especially those with fragrances. Soaps can remove the natural oils on the skin, and damage it as well. Mild, fragrance-free soaps or cleansers are the best for sensitive skin, or for people with atopic dermatitis. Try experimenting with non-soap cleansers that do not contain dyes, fragrances, sulfates, or alcohol, all of which can increase the risk of flare-ups. 

Find Ways To Reduce Stress

Stress affects many aspects of your health, and is a common trigger for atopic dermatitis symptoms. Finding effective ways to manage stress can not only benefit your mental health, but also your atopic dermatitis. Mindfulness is a great technique to help manage stress, as it helps you focus on the present moment. There’s no sense in worrying about the past or future when you can only control the present. Scientific studies have proven that practicing mindfulness regularly can reduce atopic dermatitis flare-ups. Along with lowering stress, mindfulness can help reduce itch perception, which triggers the urge to scratch. Meditation, journaling, and yoga are three great ways to practice mindfulness. 

Exercise is another great way to ease stress, but it isn’t advised for everyone with atopic dermatitis. Too much heat and sweat can increase itching and inflammation. Some helpful ways to exercise with atopic dermatitis include:

• Wearing loose, cotton clothes, which are less irritating than moisture-wicking fabrics
• Choosing activities that elevate your heart rate without making you sweat as much, such as Pilates
• Moisturizing your skin before and after your workout, and showering in lukewarm or cool water after a workout
• Making sure to hydrate with plenty of water during exercise to keep the body and skin hydrated
• Doing workouts indoors in climate-controlled environments so as not to heat up too much

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It is impossible to avoid all stressors as you go through life, but it is possible to minimize them. Stress, at times, can heighten your senses and better equip you for the situation at hand. Chronic stress, however, can negatively impact your mental and physical health in several ways, such as increasing your risk of anxiety, depression, and even heart disease. 

Believe it or not, the foods you eat have a powerful influence on your mental health. According to many studies, prioritizing foods with certain nutrients can help improve your mood and may even reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. If you regularly battle with feelings of stress and need help regulating levels, focus on the following nutritious and stress-reducing foods. 

Berries

Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, berries should be a mainstay in everyone’s diet. They contain essential vitamins and minerals, some of which are involved with mood regulation, stress response, and cognitive function. One study from 2022 monitored the mental health of participants in relation to their fruit intake. Compared to those with the lowest fruit intake, the participants with the highest fruit intake had 16%, 25%, and 27% lower odds for lack of joy, worries, and tension, respectively. Diets rich in berries have also been linked to higher levels of optimism. 

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are loaded with stress-reducing plant compounds, including carotenoids, magnesium, and vitamin C. Great examples of these vegetables include Swiss chard, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, romaine lettuce, and Brussels sprouts. Many dark, leafy greens contain magnesium, which plays an integral role in the body’s stress response. Insufficient amounts of magnesium in the body can impact your ability to deal with stress. Stress can actually increase magnesium loss via urine, which increases the risk of magnesium deficiency. Eating more magnesium-rich foods, such as leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, can increase magnesium levels and may help reduce stress. 

Avocados

Speaking of magnesium, avocados are also great sources. They also contain a lot of fiber, which works to decrease inflammation in the body, which may help lower stress levels. According to research, people under high stress have exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers. Eating more fiber-rich foods may help reduce inflammation in the body, which may alleviate stress. A 2021 study of over 3,000 people found that eating more fiber reduced the risk of psychological distress and anxiety. A seven-ounce avocado contains 13.5 grams of fiber, which fulfills 48% of the recommended daily intake (RDI).

Matcha

Matcha lattes have surged to popularity within recent years, but let’s just leave the milk out of the equation for a moment. This powdered green tea contains a lot of mood-boosting and stress-regulating properties. Researchers note that the L-theanine in matcha has anti-anxiety and stress-reducing effects. L-theanine is an amino acid that acts on the central nervous system, influencing receptors in the brain to help reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. For example, L-theanine works to reduce the release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate, which increases the release of GABA. A 2019 study found that participants who consumed cookies containing 4.5 grams of matcha per day for 15 days had significant reductions in the activity of certain stress markers. 

Apples, Pears, And Citrus Fruits

Not every fruit helps to regulate stress levels, but a 2022 study found that increasing intake of bananas, oranges and other citrus fruits, apples, and pears contributed to lower stress levels. In fact, each of those fruits lowered the risk of having high perceived stress. Researchers suggest that the high concentration of minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals found in those fruits contribute to the stress-reducing properties. More research is necessary on this matter.

Hemp Seeds

Similar to avocados and leafy greens, hemp seeds are rich in magnesium, with a three-tablespoon serving covering 50% of the RDI of magnesium. Hemp seeds also provide omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, another nutrient involved in stress response. Low zinc levels can affect your mood and have been linked to anxiety symptoms. Zinc may reduce anxiety and stress by acting on GABA and glutamate, among other neurotransmitters. Low levels of GABA and glutamate may result from low zinc levels, all of which worsen anxiety. A 2023 review of nine studies found that people with anxiety exhibited lower levels of zinc in their blood compared to people without anxiety.

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A lot of people welcome the warm weather of spring, while others dread the pollen that also arrives. From one morning to the next, people wake up sneezing, develop runny noses, and have itchy eyes. To avoid these miserable allergy symptoms, many people reach for the allergy medication bottle. There is nothing wrong with allergy medication, but some people may prefer to experiment with natural remedies that don’t cause the same unwanted side effects that accompany certain medications. 

If the immune system reacts to something, which may not bother other people, that indicates an allergic reaction. The most common culprits of allergic reactions include:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Insect stings
• Food
• Medications
• Pet dander
• Mold spores

Although everyone many not experience the same allergy symptoms, the most common ones are:

• Sneezing
• Itching
• Rashes
• Swelling
• Asthma
• Runny nose
• Dry eyes

Natural Remedies For Allergies

The best natural remedy for allergies, well, is to avoid allergens at all costs, but this isn’t always possible. Allergens, especially pollen, are difficult to avoid during the spring. If your symptoms to certain allergens are relatively mild, you may be able to fight them off with natural remedies. Experiment with the following remedies to see if they help your spring allergies. 

Clear The Air

Dust, dander, and pollen particles can trigger allergy symptoms, and filtering indoor air may help eliminate them from your home. Your best bet is to look for a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter because it can remove 99.97% of problematic airborne particles. Putting a HEPA filter in your bedroom can make a huge difference, especially if you have allergy attacks at night or early morning. Air conditioning may also help because it removes moisture from indoor air, which eliminates mildew growth. 

Saline Nasal Rinse

According to a 2012 review of studies, saline nasal irrigation benefitted both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Flushing the sinuses out with a neti pot or squeeze bottle can help wash away pollen, or other allergens, that may cause allergy symptoms. Studies show that a good saline nasal rinse can provide relief from both allergy symptoms and symptoms of the common cold. 

Vitamins And Supplements

A healthy diet helps encourage optimal immune response, but some people require supplementation to meet daily nutritional requirements. That is where dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and herbs, come into play. These supplements may help limit inflammation that accompanies allergic reactions. According to health experts, the following supplements may encourage better immune function:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Quercetin
• Stinging nettle (a natural antihistamine)
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Acupuncture

Are you surprised to see acupuncture on this list? Don’t be! Historically, the practice of ancient needling boosted immune function and combatted hay fever. Additionally, a fair amount of research indicates the efficacy of acupuncture for treating symptoms of allergies and sinus disorders. In fact, a 2015 review of studies concluded that acupuncture demonstrated positive results for people with seasonal allergies. 

Use Essential Oils

If you have sinus issues, adding essential oils to a diffuser may help you breathe better, or at least limit the intensity of allergy symptoms. Many people benefit from using eucalyptus oil because it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Others find frankincense essential oil to provide protection against some allergy symptoms. One study found that frankincense essential oil helped fight against perennial allergic rhinitis. A 1998 study found that inhaling the aroma of peppermint essential oil had enough anti-inflammatory effects to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.

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As of now, the general treatment for hypothyroidism is taking a daily thyroid hormone replacement medication. Naturally, medications invite a long list of side effects, some of which do or don’t affect people. Forgetting to take the thyroid medication, however, can lead to other unwanted symptoms. 

If thyroid medication causes side effects, you may want to experiment with natural remedies. Some of these remedies may cause fewer side effects and better suit your overall lifestyle. That  said, they may not be able to replace a thyroid medication, so consider talking with your healthcare professional about the natural remedies in this article. 

Natural Remedies

The primary reason to experiment with natural remedies is to see if they address the root cause of the problem. Thyroid problems typically start because of the following reasons: 

• Stress
• Poor diet
• Lacking nutrients in the body

If you change your diet and start taking certain supplements, you may benefit your thyroid health. Those options tend to have fewer side effects than taking a thyroid medication. Additionally, taking an herbal supplement to address an under-active thyroid may be an alternative option if you do not respond positively to medications. That said, if you have Hashimoto’s disease, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S., alternative remedies may not be effective. If you want to experiment with natural remedies, consider adding the following to your treatment plan. 

Consider Some B Vitamins

As you will learn in this article, there are certain vitamins and minerals that positively affect the thyroid. Low thyroid hormones can affect the body’s B-12 levels, so taking a B-12 supplement may help repair some of the damage done by hypothyroidism. Additionally, taking a vitamin B-12 supplement may counteract the tiredness that is common with hypothyroidism, which can also affect B-1 levels. Consider eating more peas, asparagus, beans, sesame seeds, wild caught tuna, and eggs if you want to add more B vitamins to your diet. 

Adopt A Gluten-Free Diet

Many people with hypothyroidism tend to maintain a gluten-free diet because a significant number of them also have celiac disease. If you have celiac disease, gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. As of now, research does not support a gluten-free diet as a viable treatment option for hypothyroidism. That said, many people with Hashimoto’s disease tend to feel better after adopting a gluten-free diet. More research is necessary about the relationship with gluten and hypothyroidism. 

Take Selenium

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that selenium is a trace element that plays a part in thyroid hormone metabolism. In Hashimoto’s disease, the immune system attacks the thyroid and typically reduces the amount of selenium in the body. Researchers note that supplementing with selenium may help balance thyroxine (T4) levels in some people. If you decide to take a selenium supplement, consult your healthcare professional because every person requires a different amount. If you want to eat more selenium, focus on flaxseeds, chia seeds, broccoli, cabbage, lima beans, Brazil nuts, spinach, sunflower seeds, and brown rice. 

Sugar-Free Diet

Although people with hypothyroidism may be sensitive or allergic to gluten, they are not necessarily allergic to sugar. Upon eating sugary or processed foods, you can develop higher inflammatory markers in the body. Inflammation slows the conversion of T4 into triiodothyronine (T3), which is another thyroid hormone. If this conversion is slow, then you may experience worse symptoms. Sugar only leads to bursts of short-term energy, so eliminating it from your diet may regulate energy levels. Removing sugar from your diet may also help regulate stress levels, which can impact thyroid function. 

Add More Probiotics To Your Diet

One NIH study found a link between hypothyroidism and problems in the small intestine. Study authors noted that altered gastrointestinal motility that was common with hypothyroidism caused small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. That ultimately leads to chronic digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea. Researchers suggest that probiotics promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach and intestines. Although there are probiotic supplements available, many dietary sources offer beneficial probiotic strains. Fermented vegetables, kombucha, miso, natto, kefir, and some yogurt are useful probiotic foods.

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People with lactose intolerance are unable to fully digest the sugar (lactose) in milk. This can result in diarrhea, gas and bloating after eating or drinking dairy products.

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As the body’s largest organ, the skin provides a physical barrier that protects you from the outside world. If the skin isn’t functioning optimally, you may notice irregular or unpleasant symptoms, including pimples, lumps, bumps, and infections. You may not need to worry about some symptoms, while others may be cause for concern. Some may even require medical treatment to prevent symptoms from worsening. 

Underarm bumps, for example, are one such symptom that can be quite annoying. There are several cases to these bumps, so understanding how they came to be is integral to getting rid of them. To get to the root cause of symptoms and find the right course of action to take care of the issue, continue reading. 

Acne

If you have had acne before, you know that it typically occurs on the face, chest, back, and arms. Those little blemishes can rear their heads under the arms too, according to dermatologists. Acne has several causes, the most common of which include clogged hair follicles, excess oil, skin inflammation, or bacteria. Because the armpits have oil glands, you may see blemishes in those areas. Dermatologists recommend seeking out washes with active ingredients that fight acne. If you cannot clear up underarm pimples with an acne wash, a topic cream or oral medication may be necessary. 

Ingrown Hairs

Certain cultures, especially here in the United States, have normalized getting rid of body hair. If you shave, wax, or move your armpit hair in other ways, you increase the risk of ingrown hairs. Commonly associated with shaving, ingrown hairs, or razor bumps, resemble small pimples. As the hair grows between shaves, the hair shaft can curl back and penetrate the skin. That causes red, irritated skin and the pimple-like appearance. Although anyone who shaves can experience ingrown hairs, they are more common in people with curly or coarse hair. You can click here to learn about a lot of home remedies for razor bumps, which tend to clear up on their own. In some instances, you may need to treat ingrown hairs with dermatologist-recommended products. Word to the shavers out there: replace your blades because shaving with dull blades can easily cause ingrown hairs. 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

The what now? Commonly known as HS, hidradenitis suppurativa is a lesser-known cause of underarm bumps. This commonly occurs where skin touches skin, making the armpits a prime spot for the issue to occur. HS also goes by acne inversa, which can be mistaken for acne, even though it is not a type of acne. The underarm bumps are similar to lumps, but they can appear painful and drain pus, according to experts. Failure to treat them can result in scarring. HS is a chronic skin condition and there is no cure, unfortunately. Consult your dermatologist to determine the best course of action to take, i.e. antibacterial creams, oral antibiotics, or medical cleansers.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump or swollen area in your armpit area, you may have swollen lymph nodes. The lymphatic system’s primary functions are to filter out foreign substances and fight off infection. You have hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the body, some of which are under your arms. Swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area can cause bumps or lumps, which you may be able to move with your fingers. There is always an underlying cause to swollen lymph nodes, as they don’t swell up on their own. Certain cancers, autoimmune disorders, and medications can cause lymph nodes to swell up. Because swollen lymph nodes are common, they aren’t always cause for concern. Your immune system may not be in its best working order and the swelling will calm down once it fights off the infection. Should swollen lymph nodes persist, especially if they are hard or tender to the touch, you may want to consult your healthcare professional.

Folliculitis

If you suspect that acne is the cause of your underarm bumps but the pimples don’t go away with over-the-counter treatments, folliculitis may be the culprit. Folliculitis is a common skin infection of the hair follicles, and the pus-filled bumps resemble acne. Bacteria can get into damaged hair follicles and cause folliculitis bumps, which mimic ingrown hairs. Hair follicles are easily damaged by shaving, wearing tight clothing that causes friction, or spending too much time in sweaty clothes after a workout. In mild cases, folliculitis will go away on its own. You can apply a warm compress to your underarms several times per day to help accelerate hair follicle recovery. You can also experiment with peroxide washes or antibacterial treatments, should folliculitis persist.

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According to the current rules, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instructs people to isolate themselves for at least five days once they test positive for COVID-19. That may change in the coming months because the CDC may issue new guidelines. The new guidelines would depend on symptoms and not merely a positive test result. This marks a shift from how people currently attempt to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The new guidelines state that you can end isolation if you are fever-free for 24 hours and have mild or improving symptoms. Changes to existing guidelines would not go into effect until at least April, which is the end of respiratory viral season. Health experts agree that that is a wise choice, given the presence of influenza, RSV, general viruses, and COVID strains that are currently circulating. This would be a big transition from current protocols, with some arguing that the newer guidelines are dangerous. Others agree that not everyone can afford to isolate. Here’s how infectious disease experts feel about the potential upcoming changes. 

New Guidelines Rely On Personal Responsibility

Most infectious disease experts agree that you should not go to work when you are sick, no matter what sickness you have. Taking time to rest and heal is paramount, and not going to work helps reduce the spread of whatever virus you have. Changing COVID-19 isolation guidelines, then, essentially normalizes COVID-19, along with other viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses. 

It is up to the individual to be responsible and honest about symptoms. If the symptoms are bad, they should not go out in public. When symptoms improve, they should continue to take precautions, like wearing a mask inside public spaces, for example. Once the person does not have a fever and symptoms are either improving or generally mild, experts agree that it is reasonable to return back to the outside world. It is, however, possible that the new guidelines will suggest people to wear masks upon returning to work. 

The new guidelines also take into account that more people are protected against severe disease or hospitalization and death. Gone are the early days of the pandemic, when most people didn’t have any immune protection. Infectious disease specialists agree that people have built up a certain level of community immunity, so the new guidelines seem reasonable. 

The Change Addresses The Fact That Most People Cannot Miss Five Days Of Work

If the person works from home, which became a popular method of employment during the pandemic, then missing work doesn’t really factor into the equation. You don’t have to leave your house, therefore you don’t have to worry about infecting fellow employees. If people work in an office or in a physical location, missing work for five days may not be easy or possible. Plus, people tend to rely on at-home testing more so than a test from a doctor’s office. 

Many employers may not be willing to accept an at-home test as a reliable confirmation of COVID-19 infection. A test may be required from a doctor, so it is harder for people to abide by at-home isolation requirements these days. 

Could New Guidelines Threaten High-Risk People?

In some places, more so than others, COVID cases have dropped this year. Additionally, experts note that those who contract the virus have had lower severity of significant illness. That said, some people continue to experience complications, such as severe disease, that require hospitalization, or symptoms from long COVID. Is it true that many people recover just fine from COVID without serious symptoms? Yes, but people with weak immunity, even if they got the vaccine and boosters, may not have a protective immune response against the virus. 

That means that a significant number of people have an increased risk of severe symptoms that result from COVID-19 infection. Because of that, it is the responsibility of the people with stronger immunity to take precautions if symptoms are mild. Wear a mask in public if you don’t have a fever and are no longer isolating. That can go a long way in limiting the spread of the virus to people who are highly vulnerable. 

There is still a risk to reentering the public with active COVID-19 infection. Infectious disease experts hope that masking becomes more of a norm if people come out of isolation with mild symptoms. Masking is more commonplace in other countries, but there is still a general stigma around it in the United States. If you do not feel well enough to go out, wear a mask so that you don’t spread whatever you have to your loved ones, coworkers, or community. 

COVID-19 Isn’t Gone

COVID-19 is not gone forever if the CDC changes its guidelines. Many experts agree that COVID is here to stay, and the public needs to understand that, even if it isn’t the primary news story. Do all that you can to protect and care for yourself and others, especially those who have weaker immune systems or existing health conditions. All experts can do is encourage people to do the right thing, but it will be interesting to see what the CDC’s new guidelines are and how they affect the spread and infection rates. Even though COVID-19 may soon be viewed as an endemic disease, it is by no means an insignificant illness.

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