Our mucous membranes secrete a thick liquid substance called phlegm. It is generated to support our respiratory system. The phlegm-secreting membranes are present in the mouth, nose, throat, sinuses and lungs.
Excessive phlegm may cause coughing. We mostly become aware of its presence at the back of the throat when we have a cold or flu.
What causes phlegm?
Here are some of the most common causes of phlegm:
Excessive mucus accumulation
Phlegm might build up overnight due to excessive mucus accumulation in the throat or the nose. Throat irritation and coughing are common symptoms. It might also lead to congestion.
Cold, flu and allergies
Clear, thin mucus is produced in the nose and the throat when you catch a cold. This mucus starts to turn yellow or green when the body reacts with the virus. You might also develop phlegm if you have seasonal allergies. You must get yourself checked if you experience symptoms like coughing, itchy eyes or sneezing.
Dairy Products
If you’re prone to phlegm and developing excessive throat mucus, you should avoid consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. Milk items contain protein molecules called casein. Casein increases mucus secretions. You should also avoid drinking excessive caffeine beverages and non-herbal teas as well.
Effective home remedies for treating phlegm
If phlegm is causing you irritation or making you uncomfortable, you should take steps to remove it.
Here are three effective natural ways to get rid of phlegm:
Stay Well-Hydrated
You might be getting this advice often for a lot of ailments. As clich as it sounds, it is indeed effective! Water helps in thinning the mucus and relieving congestion. You should have warm fluids at frequent intervals to get rid of the uncomfortable symptoms of phlegm.
Try drinking warm apple juice and having warm soups or broths. Lemon water keeps you hydrated as well. The warm fluids can relieve congestion caused by phlegm by helping the mucus flow.
Follow a diet that is good for your respiratory health
You should consume a diet containing ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and lemon. These ingredients have medicinal values. They help relieve the symptoms of phlegm by curing excess mucus and treating colds and coughs.
Spicy foods such as cayenne and chilli peppers contain capsaicin. Including these in your diet helps in thinning the mucus. Eat berries, licorice roots, pomegranates and oral zinc and drink guava tea.
Humidify and moisturize the air: Have a sauna bath
Steam is known to treat congestion caused by phlegm. This is also one of the most effective ways to get rid of phlegm. Let the bath water run till it begins to steam. But be careful not to burn yourself. Have a steam bath with the shower head pointed away from you. You may also lean over a bowl of steaming water. Trap the steam by placing a hand towel over the head. Be careful not to scald your skin.
You may consider buying a humidifier from the drug store. If you live in a warm climate, choose a cool mist humidifier.
These are some easy home remedies for treating phlegm. If symptoms persist despite these natural remedies, you must consult your doctor and take medicines.
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Athletes need balanced diet and sportswear like New Balance shoes
Read moreAny sport requires you to embrace a balanced and nutritious diet, proper sportswear, and a healthy dose of mindfulness. With the right kind of food and good sportswear like New Balance shoes and similar brands, you can achieve your athletic goals easily.
Apart from the training you get and sportswear you put on for the game, it is important to keep a good mind and body balance with the help of a balanced diet. This is because nutrition is the other side of the coin when it comes to a fit body and a well-functioning mind. Read on to know more about a balanced diet that athletes must follow.
Carbohydrates
Yes, you heard us right. The glycogens that are released when the body absorbs carbohydrates ensures that the muscles have plenty of strength and stamina. This also helps in the constant replenishment of the body, failing which there may be adverse effects in the long run. Therefore, one is supposed to have plenty of carbohydrates so that one can get the right amount of calories while indulging in heavy duty physical exercise.Protein
While many people make the mistake of thinking that protein is required only to bulk up, there are many other benefits of having the right kind of protein. This food group is meant to be taken in a balanced way with carbohydrates, so that the body has plenty of energy and endurance. One can get protein from milk and whey as well as other dairy products and plenty of green and lean vegetables. Meat is also a popular source of protein, although this should not be taken in a large quantity. Casein and calcium are the two elements which are present in protein.Fats
While good fats like mono saturated fats are known to be good for the body, one should remember to avoid fats in general and have it in small doses, if at all. Unsaturated fats like avocados and oil which is not refined will also help in getting the right dose of fat without harming the body. Fat ends up turning into carbohydrates which is not good for the body. Fats and sugar end up giving the body a quick energy rush, but the energy falls just as quickly. Therefore, it is best to have more carbohydrates and proteins for a more constant level of energy. This guarantees better stamina and endurance.Fluids
Dehydration is a reality for many athletes. It is important to keep having fluids so that you can replenish the fluids lost on the field. This will ensure that your energy does not fall and you don’t fall sick.Other measures
Apart from the right kind of diet, it is important to wear the right kind of sportswear and shoes so that injuries may be prevented and comfort can be guaranteed. New Balance shoes, for instance, can be used so that your body gets the necessary push on the field. -
How to maintain a septic system
Read moreSeptic systems help dispose of household waste, treat the wastewater, and help prevent the contamination of surrounding land, groundwater and surface water. Proper maintenance of the septic system helps prevent these health hazards.
Understanding septic systems
Your septic system consists of many different parts that control the flow of wastes.Septic tanks
All the waste water from your house flows into the septic tank. Solids sink to the bottom where bacteria breaks them down and converts the solids into gases and sludge. Lighter substances float up to the surface, forming a layer of scum on top.The outlet
A T-shaped outlet regulates the outflow and prevents scum and sludge from flowing out of the tank.The drain field
This is the area where pumped out wastewater is safely disposed. A network of pipes is laid out on a section of land with gravel-filled trenches. The water flows through the pipes, through the gravel, and then enters the ground.How to go about maintenance
Proper septic system maintenance not only benefit individual households, but they prevent land and water contamination too.Inspection
You should preferably have a maintenance contract with a septic system maintenance provider. Every year, you should call a professional to inspect the tank, sludge and scum levels. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the T-shaped outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of this outlet, the inspector will alert you about the need to pump the tank.Besides this, if you notice any seepage, detect foul smells, have blocked drainages, hear gurgling sounds in the drain pipes and so on, call your septic system maintenance provider to carry out an inspection.
Pump the tank
Every three years, you need to pump the tank as this will keep the septic system in good working order.Good practices to help maintain the health of your septic system
All the wastewater you generate, from your bathroom, toilets, your kitchen, and every other area that has a drain outlet, flows into the septic tank. This tank has a limited capacity. To prevent overflows, control your water usage. A typical household of three is said to generate around 300 gallons of wastewater each day.- If you have an old flush system in your toilet, switch to a new system that uses lesser water.
- Use water regulators like faucet aerators and flow regulators in showers to restrict water usage.
- Use your washing machine only when you have enough clothes for a full load.
- Never flush down solids like diapers or napkins, cigarette butts, oils, paints, chemicals, egg or nut shells, etc. down the toilet.
- Restrict the usage of chemical drain cleaners.
- Don’t use your drain outlets to dispose of substances like solvents, paints, floor cleaners, etc. These can destroy the good bacteria that reside in the septic system and also contaminate the surface and groundwater.
- Do not cover your drain field with concrete or plastic. They restrict the flow of air and cut off the oxygen needed by the bacteria to break down waste. Grass is the ideal cover for a drain field.
- Divert water that flows from the roof, patios, paved walkways, etc. away from the drain field.
- Never use the drain field as a parking area for vehicles.
Adopting these good practices, scheduling periodic inspections, and pumping the septic tank can all work together to keep your septic system functioning well.