Mattress covers may not help with dust mite allergies

Based on two dozen clinical trials, U.S. researchers find that expensive mattress covers make no difference in reducing dust mite allergies or their symptoms.

Up to 40 percent of the world population has allergies, and dust mites are thought to be one of the most common causes. Doctors often tell patients to buy special mattress and pillow covers despite a lack of evidence they relieve the problem, the authors say.

"Based on this analysis which combines data from many different studies, there doesn't seem to be any benefit to using dust mite covers to prevent allergic disease or to prevent symptoms," lead author Whitney Arroyave told Reuters Health.

Arroyave, a researcher with the Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, and her colleagues combined results from 24 trials of methods to reduce dust mite exposure and prevent allergy signs and symptoms

The study team found that use of the mattress covers had a large effect in reducing exposure to house mite dust levels - about 20 percent - but this reduction had no statistically significant impact on house dust mite sensitization, or symptoms such as wheezing, asthma, runny nose or dermatitis.

The results are published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Arroyave said it isn't clear why dust mite covers don't seem to be effective in relieving allergies, but it's possible they don't lower mite levels enough to improve symptoms, or maybe beds aren't the main source of exposure for the dust mites.

"Or maybe it's not the dust mite at all - maybe they're not causing the problems," she said.

Arroyave said that dust mite covers cost around $100, which is a burden, particularly for very low-income people.

"It's expensive to ask them to pay for this," she said.

She added that other researchers have done bigger studies, looking not just at dust mite covers, but all kinds of dust mite prevention measures.

"They didn't find any results either," Arroyave said, "so I think we're just saying, you know, look at this again - maybe we need to revisit the recommendations." Dr. Samuel Friedlander, an allergist with University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, said he doesn't plan on giving up recommending dust mite mattress covers.

"What's important to understand is that avoidance measures are very important for allergy controls, and one of the three ways we treat allergies by avoiding your allergies, medication and immunotherapy or allergy shots," said Friedlander, who was not involved in the new study.

"This article is helpful to show a single measure to control allergies is not always effective - we have to use multiple measures," he said.

"So the take home message for me is that dust mite covers are still very important, but they should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan," he said.

Researchers try to modify one thing at a time, to show a cause and effect, but in real life, allergists make multiple recommendations necessary to resolve patients' symptoms, Friedlander said.

"If you do a single thing like dust mite covers, but you're still exposed to dust from other sources in your house or work, or if you have other allergies like pets or pollens, then of course a single measure like dust mite covers is not going to be effective," he said.

Friedlander said he doesn't want people to think that dust mite covers are not important.

"I think the point is that we need to make multiple recommendations to relieve multiple allergies that our patients are allergic to," he said. "Dust mite covers are very important, but they have to be part of a comprehensive treatment plan."

It's important to see an allergist to determine what your allergies are, Friedlander added, so the allergist can make a treatment plan to take care of all of your allergies.

Healthy habits you can acquire in 60 secs

If you think good health takes time to build, follow healthy habits that you can acquire in less than 60 seconds

From buckling your seat belt and washing your hands, getting healthier may take less time than you think. Both, the positive and negative choices you make every day factor in. Here are eight good habits that will help you achieve optimum health.

Sneeze into your arm 
When you don't have a tissue or a napkin handy to cover your mouth and nose, your best bet is to cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, or upper arm. The point is to avoid using your hands, which can easily spread germs around. Covering your nose also prevents germ-laden droplets from launching into the air, where they can land on frequently touched surfaces and infect others.

Give your eyes a break 
Many office goers and students spend several hours a day staring at computer screens, where a combination of glare, slumped posture and poor lighting can trigger a strain the eye and headaches. To protect your eyes from the daily screen time, build in frequent rest stops. Eye specialists recommend the "20-20-20 rule": For every 20 minutes you spend at the computer, glance away from the screen for at least 20 seconds by looking at an object located 20 feet away. Giving your eyes a breather allows them to focus on something else. It is also a good idea to stand up, put your hands in the air, and take a long stretch to promote blood flow in the body.

Apply sunscreen all year round 
Applying sunscreen on a regular basis can protect skin not only from a tan, but also from the visible signs of aging, and can reduce the risk of skin cancer. So rain or sunshine, make sunscreen part of your daily morning routine.

Drink lots of water 
Drinking eight glasses of water a day is a must, but we suggest avoid keeping count. Your body is composed of 60 per cent water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature. Adequate hydration also keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don't get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration — and the result is constipation.

Microwave the kitchen sponge 
The toilet seat may seem like the most germ-infested item in the home, but studies have shown that the kitchen sponge supersedes the list. A kitchen sponge's frequent use to clean dal or sabzi spills, as well as, its moist and porous texture, make it a breeding ground for foodborne bacteria, and mildew. To stop the spread of germs, make sure it is wet, then leave it in the microwave for 45 seconds every evening.

Count up to 20 when angry 
If you are seething with anger, count up to 20 and take a slow, deep breath between each number. This simple technique can reduce your temper and cool your nerves. Counting distracts your mind, which gives you some time to distance your emotions from the situation that is ticking you off. If you are still angry, keep on counting and deep breathing until you feel calmer, and more in control. Taking slow, deep breaths helps to switch the nervous system from a sympathetic system response, to making you feel more relaxed.

Brush your tongue 
Preventing tooth decay and gum disease requires daily brushing. However, cleaning your tongue is an important step to keep your mouth clean. Research shows that a periodontal disease is not only a threat to your oral health but its effects go well beyond the mouth. The back of the tongue is also a popular site for bacteria and germs that can give you bad breath. After you've brushed your teeth, brush the surface of your tongue from back to front. Doing this once a day removes plaque-causing bacteria and food particles trapped in the tongue, and freshens your breath.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Health benefits of Indian spices

If spices are consumed in moderation you can derive health benefits, but an overdose of any spice can lead to indigestion or even ulcers. Media portals are flooded with the health benefits of turmeric or haldi, but today we list out other Indian spices that are healthy and are kept under wraps.

Cinnamon:
This spice is aromatic and has a refreshing taste. You can add cinnamon in curries, pulao and even desserts; it adds spark to a bland dish. But research on this woody spice tells us that it is also diabetes-friendly and if you show symptoms of insulin resistance, cinnamon will help reduce it.

Besides, cinnamon is used to give you relief from indigestion,common cold, diarrhea, poor blood circulation and tension during menstruation.

Cloves:
Clove is the spice to treat tooth problems since it contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Due to these healthy characteristics cloves are an important ingredient in natural tooth pastes.

Perfumers use the oil extract from cloves but it has its health benefits. If you are feeling queasy after indulging in too much food or alcohol, cloves have the properties to put you at ease. Cloves can relieve you from vomiting, indigestion, an upset digestive tract and loose motions.

Cumin:
Cumin is known to relieve you from digestive problems, reduce your chances of anemia and alleviate common cold.

Surprisingly it can reduce the problem of piles, serves as a laxative and provides your body with iron, manganese that helps in the absorption of calcium and controls blood pressure.

Black Cardamom:
Do not confuse it with green cardamom; black cardamom is a common spice in briyani. Apparently this spice is also used as anti-venom for snakes and scorpions, but try it out at your own risk.

Black cardamom eases out digestive problems and reduces flatulence, it is known to relieve you from throat problems, chest congestion, and gum infection. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the fact that it can alleviate muscle spasms, black cardamom is a saving grace for asthmatics. It is a great ingredient for respiratory problems.

Saffron:
Kashmir is synonymous with the production of the best quality of saffron in India. This ingredient adds colour and spice to briyani or dessert. Saffron is expensive but the health benefits are priceless.

Saffron has the ability to treat depression, prevents loss of vision, and improves memory. The stigma of the flower can relieve you from digestive issues with the help of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-depressant properties.

Nutmeg:
Like cloves, nutmeg too has anti-bacterial properties. It helps fight tooth decay. Besides, nutmeg can fight Alzheimer's and improves your memory. This lesser known spice has the ability to reduce flatulence and improve appetite - a problem that all mothers face when it comes to their child's fussy eating habits. It can also release the tension in your muscle.

According to the Chinese, this spice can improve impotence; worth a try for those looking for a natural alternative.

Black Pepper:
Once upon a time, black pepper was considered gold, a precious commodity for trade. A dash of pepper can create an explosion of flavours to a bland dish. But consume this fiery spice in moderation.

Black pepper has the ability to increase the production of hydrochloric acid that the stomach needs to help in digestion. You can save yourself from digestive problems, flatulence and constipation. It is also anti - bacterial in nature, reduces blood pressure and contains iron that is beneficial for the body.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Foods to reduce belly fat

A bloated stomach not only hampers your personality but also makes you uncomfortable.

The best way to get rid of such a disgruntled belly is by following a low-calorie diet and practising regular exercise.

Food to reduce belly fat # 1: Almonds

This tiny food is not only rich in skin-boosting vitamin E and protein, but their richness in fibre content helps you to stay full for a longer duration. Even though they are slightly high in calories but that will not contribute to belly fat, so keep swapping a handful of almonds as snacks to curb your hunger.

Food to reduce belly fat # 2: Watermelon

The name says it all - this giant fruit contains 82 percent water, which helps to keep you full for a longer duration and also removes excess sodium present in the body. This super sweet fruit, is also rich in vitamin C and contains barely 100 calories in one cup. So start eating this delicious fruit as a snack, if you wish to have a body like your favourite celeb.

Food to reduce belly fat # 3: Beans

Consuming means on a regular basis helps to get rid of the body fat, develop body muscles and improves digestion. Beans also help to feel full for a longer duration, thus avoiding over indulgence. Add beans to your diet, if you want your middle to be sexy and firm.

Food to reduce belly fat # 4: Green leafy vegetable

Want to get a flat tummy instantly? Then fill for plate with green leafy vegetables. All types of green leafy vegetables are extremely low in calories, full of fibre and offer several vital vitamins and minerals that help to ease water retention without causing the bloating and tummy discomfort.

Food to reduce belly fat # 5: Cucumber

Cucumber is an extremely refreshing and low-calorie food. They contain approximately 96 percent water content, which makes it a cooling food. One full cucumber contains just 45 calories, making it sexy stomach food.

Food to reduce belly fat # 6: Avocado

This is a truly magic fruit, due to their richness in various vital nutrients. Avocado is rich in fibre, which helps to keep hunger at bay and the presence of monounsaturated fatty acids helps to burn belly fat easily.

Food to reduce belly fat # 7: Oats

The best way to start your journey to sexy stomach is by having oats for your breakfast. Oats are filling and thus help you to lose weight. Besides, it is also low in calorie and provides energy to your body slowly. It is a very good source to provide energy to your body all throughout the day, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer and can even lower your cholesterol.

Food to reduce belly fat # 8: Water

The best way to avoid stomach bloat is by keeping yourself very well hydrated. Drinking ample amounts of water helps to flush excess fluid and toxins out of your system.

Food to reduce belly fat # 9: Apples

Apples are packed with fibre, which makes your belly feel full. Thus, avoiding over eating; besides it also fills your body with maximum nutrients.

Food to reduce belly fat # 10: Peppermint

Peppermint has great healing and calming digestive properties. It is also good for removing belly fat. The easiest way to do this is to drink it in tea form. Besides, it also helps in cleansing your skin.

For questions specific to your health conditions, please write down in the comments section and we will answer it as soon as possible. Thanks

Skin Ageing: Factors that cause it

Here are a few factors that will cause your skin to age premature and make you look older:

-Apart from your increasing your weight, sugar is also responsible for boosting ageing. When your blood sugar is high, it causes a process called glycation which harms elastin and collagen in our skin. This leads to the wrinkling of the skin.

-Did you know, excessive exercising, especially running is known to cause the skin to sag? Known as runner's face, it is caused by the breakdown of collagen. So keep your morning runs short.

-Excessive alcohol leads to dehydration and also lowers the salt content in the body, which is known to be bad for the skin.

-If you have an erratic lifestyle and are not getting enough sleep, this is another reason that will make you look older than your years. Lack of sleep causes dark circles and the skin on your face to look sallow. It makes the skin weak and susceptible, thus making it age faster.

-In winter, the cold dry air saps all the moisture from the skin, making it prone to fine lines and wrinkles. To combat this, apply a moisturiser as soon as you are out of the hot shower.

Marijuana may stop HIV spread

A new study has shown that chronic intake of THC, the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, can protect critical immune tissue in the gut from the damaging effects of HIV infection. 

Patricia Molina and coauthors from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, report that chronic THC administration was associated with greater survival of T cell populations and reduced overall cell death in the gut in monkeys, which is known to be a key target for simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication and infection-related inflammation.

"To better treat HIV infection, we need a better understanding of how it causes the disease we call AIDS. We also need alternative approaches to treatment, This study is important because it begins to explain how THC can influence disease progression in SIV-infected macaques.

It also reveals a new way to slow disease progression," Thomas Hope, Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, said. The study was published in the journal AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses.