Dealing with common cold and flu can often get tiresome, mostly because of the presence of excessive mucus in the body. Usually mucus is present in our body in a healthy quantity, and its primary job is to protect your body from infections. But an overproduction of mucus in the lungs can happen because of bacterial infections or some malfunction in the lungs. This can result in congestion, stuffed nose, and inconvenience while breathing or swallowing. If you are dealing with a viral cold or flu then you should definitely maintain a stringent diet regime for a few days.
If you are wondering about what kind of diet you should follow, then here are some of the food elements that you should include in your plan.
Ginger If you are experiencing any inflammation in your lungs, then have some ginger to relieve it. Include this element in warm fluids like tea, broths, or soups. Apart from reducing international swelling, ginger also strengthens the overall immunity of your body.
Chicken soup Grandma’s first choice, a bowl of hot chicken soup can help you clear your irritated throat and lungs. The warm soup will help in thinning mucus in your body, gradually soothing your internal organs. Make sure that you avoid a canned chicken soup product, as a soup prepared at home will be more effective in healing you.
Onions Onion is a brilliant anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial food element that helps the lungs to successfully expel the overproduced mucus. You can make a tonic using onion and sugar, or include in your meals. You can also make use of an onion as an inhalator.
Herbal teas If you are a tea connoisseur, it’s time that you put it into some good use. Regularly having a cup of herbal tea can calms down the lungs and reduces your tendency of coughing up mucus excessively. Including flavors in your tea like ginger, lemon, honey, clove, peppermint, chamomile, etc. can subdue your cold.
Spicy food Spicy food helps breakdown the mucus in your lungs at a faster rate. You can relish spicy chilies or sauces in your meals. Just ensure that you don’t overdo this process. Only have small portions of these hot elements until you gain some relief.
It would be great if all your meals are prepared at home. Along with the above-mentioned ingredients, have plenty of fresh greens, vegetables, and fruits. Remember to stay hydrated and get an adequate amount of sleep as well. Make sure that your anti-mucus diet plan excludes all milk products, chocolates, oily/fried food, refined sugars, bananas, oranges, alcohol, and red meat.
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FAQ’s on Social Security account answered
Read moreCreating a ‘my Social Security’ account not only helps you plan for your retirement, but it also has numerous practical benefits too. Prime among them are requesting for a Social Security card replacement and checking the status of your application/ appeal. Creating ‘my Social Security’ account is the first step in the process of applying for a Social Security card replacement online.
In case you’ve lost the card, a replacement may be needed in few instances where you need to show the card. In most cases, as long as you remember the number and quote it correctly, it’s enough. If you feel a replacement card is a must, ssa.gov website has all the pertinent information on procuring one.
To apply for a replacement card:
- The first step is getting the necessary documents in order. You are required to provide a document that proves your identity (driver’s license, passport or any state issued ID proof). All documents have to be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.
- Fill the application (SS-5) and along with the original documents, send it by mail to your local office.
- The replacement card is delivered within ten business days.
Pertinent facts on card replacement:
- Your Social Security card can be replaced up to 10 times in your lifetime and up to 3 times in a year.
- These limits do not apply to legal name changes and modifications in immigration status.
- If you can prove that the card is needed to prevent a significant hardship (victim of domestic violence or identity theft), the limit is not applicable.
In growing number of states, a replacement request can be placed online as long as you’re not seeking a name change or any other change in your card. It is a safe and convenient process, and the information you enter is protected. Built in features can confirm your identity and detect fraud. Once the account is set up, just follow the simple steps listed to apply for a replacement card.
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Sjogren’s Syndrome- Causes and Symptoms
Read moreWith the progress in medical science, people are hoping that one day, even the most formidable of the diseases can be cured. When we know what causes that particular disease, only then can an antidote for the same be developed. There are still a plethora of diseases the cause of which is yet to be determined. However, though we are supposed to lead our lives with such long-term diseases, we can definitely take measures to control it.
Sjogren’s syndrome is one such disorder that the affected person has to learn to coexist with for their lifetime.
What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects an individual when their immune system goes haywire and starts attacking the normal cells in the body instead of the bacteria and viruses that pose as the real threat. It is a lifelong disease, and since there is no proper method to cure Sjogren’s Syndrome completely, people resort to methods to adapt and coexist with the disease. Usually, Sjorgen’s Syndrome accompanies other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.What are the causes of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Though the causes of Sjogren’s Syndrome remain a mystery, it has been identified that some bacteria or virus is known to trigger this disorder. It disrupts the functioning of the immune system, causing the white blood cells to attack healthy cells especially in the glands that produce saliva and tears. Even though the cause of Sjogren’s Syndrome remains unknown, the symptoms of the same become more prominent unless they are treated.What are the symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
- As mentioned earlier, Sjogren’s Syndrome causes the immune system to attack healthy cells and glands that produce saliva. As a consequence of the same, the production of saliva is affected. The individual suffering from Sjogren’s Syndrome experiences dryness in the mouth. The mouth has a chalky feeling, and he may experience trouble chewing and swallowing food. Also, the dryness of the mouth results in yeast infections.
- Sjorgen’s Syndrome also affects the glands that produce tears. This will leave the eyes dry. Dry eyes are more prone to burning and itching sensation. Unless this condition is treated with eye drops and other medications, it will affect the person’s cornea. If left untreated for quite some time, it can have an adverse impact on one’s vision.
- The effect of Sjogren’s Syndrome isn’t limited to the mouth and eyes; it can affect other parts of the body such as throat, skin, lips or nose. Also, since the immune system wages war against the glands in the body, there are chances that the glands in the face and neck might swell up.