There are adverse side effects of antibiotics and they may vary from one person to another. Aside from their varying effects, the effects’ severity may vary too. In this article, you will learn more about these effects so you can tell whether the symptoms you’re experiencing could actually be from the antibiotics you are on.

Most Common Side Effects of Antibiotics:

The very common side effects when taking antibiotics are disorders of the digestive system. You may feel nauseous or even start throwing up. You may also experience constipation or lose bowel movement. Antibiotics have this way of irritating the the digestive tract’ mucous membrane so these effects are often felt.

Usually, the abdominal discomfort, vomiting, and nausea occur right after taking the drug. As soon as it passes the intestine, it starts to trigger the side effects. To prevent them from happening, one of the best things to do is take the drug after having a meal. You see, the food that you just ate could protect the mucous membrane to be in direct contact with the antibiotic.

Allergies may also occur when taking antibiotics. In fact, there are quite a number of people suffering from this form of drug allergy. In some cases, they can have severe reactions that may endanger their health. Some of these serious allergies are Stephen Jones syndrome, hemolytic anemia, and anaphylactic shock. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention when any of these allergies occur.

So far, the greatest risk of taking antibiotics is its ability to defeat the liver and the kidney. When these drugs are consumed in large doses and for quite a long period of the time, they can negatively affect both organs. This is specially true if the patient have pre-existing diseases connected to them such as hepatitis, pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidney and pelvis which is caused by bacterial infection), and glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease characterized by edema and hypertension). Typically, the defeat of the liver results in the appearance of jaundice, dark urine, discolored feces, and fever. At the onset of any of these symptoms, you should see the doctor at once.

These are some of the most common adverse side effects of antibiotics known to date. It is important to take note that antibiotics are medicines and they are primarily used to treat bacterial infections. They are not really bad. However, they may come with possible side effects. This is the reason why it is wrong to insist on your physician to prescribe you the drugs when they are not really needed.

Once prescribed with these drugs, it is important to take them according to the doctor’s instructions. Even if you are already feeling so much better, you should finish the course as the doctor told you to. This is to ensure that the bacteria causing the infection would all be eliminated.

Finally, you should never give these drugs to other family members or pets to cure their own symptoms. Adverse side effects of antibiotics are more likely to happen if they were taken by the wrong people.

More than a third of American adults use some form of complementary or alternative medicine, according to a government report. Natural remedies have an obvious appeal, but how do you know which ones to choose and whether the claims are backed by science? In this occasional series, Anahad O’Connor, the New York Times “Really?” columnist, explores the claims and the science behind alternative remedies that you may want to consider for your family medicine cabinet.

The Remedy: Tea tree oil.

The Claim: It fights acne.

The Science: Acne can be one of the most embarrassing and stressful skin conditions for both teenagers and adults.

Most over-the-counter creams and gels for the condition employ benzoyl peroxide, a compound developed decades ago that helps slough off dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide works for many people, but for those who find it ineffective or want an alternative, some experts recommend tea tree oil. The pleasant-smelling essential oil is extracted from the leaves of a tree native to Australia, Melaleuca alternifolia, and has been shown to have both antibacterial and cosmetic properties.

A small number of studies have found it particularly effective against mild to moderate acne. One study carried out by researchers at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia, for example, involved 124 acne patients. Some were assigned to apply a 5 percent tea tree oil treatment daily, and others used a 5 percent benzoyl peroxide solution. Both treatments, the researchers found, “had a significant effect in ameliorating the patients’ acne by reducing the number of inflamed and noninflamed lesions.” The tea tree oil worked more slowly than the benzoyl peroxide, they concluded, but it also produced fewer side effects.

A smaller, randomized study published in 2007 involved 60 patients with mild to moderate cases of acne. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, one treated with a gel containing 5 percent tea tree oil and the other given placebo for 45 days. The scientists found the tea tree oil worked far better than placebo in reducing the number and severity of acne lesions. And a study published in The British Journal of Dermatology in 2002 involving 27 subjects reached a similar conclusion on tea tree oil’s anti-inflammatory effects.

The Risks: Tea tree oil should be used only topically because it can have severe side effects if swallowed. It is generally safe when applied to the skin in moderate amounts, but according to the Mayo Clinic, some people may develop allergic rash, blistering or itching. People with eczema and other sensitive skin conditions should be particularly cautious.

A healthy diet can combat the disease. It takes more than an apple a day to keep away from doctors. Apparently, eating some nutrients enough to help keep the immune system against viruses and harmful bacteria.

As reported by prevention.com, the following materials can add extra strength to fight the flu in winter.

1. Yogurt
Probiotics in yogurt are healthy bacteria that keep the intestines and digestive tract free of disease-causing germs.

Though already available in supplement form, a study from the University of Vienna in Austria found that 7 ounces of yogurt each day is as effective as an immune tonic.

In a Swedish study of 181 factory employees, those who take daily supplements of Lactobacillus reuteri (special probiotic that works to stimulate white blood cells) have a number of 33% fewer sick days than those given placebos.

Optimal dose: Two 6-ounce servings per day.

2. Wheat and barley
According to reports a study in Norway, these grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities more potent than echinacea.

When animals eat this compound, they tend to be less frequently attacked by influenza, herpes, even anthrax. In humans, the benefits can enhance immunity, memeprcepat wound healing, and help antibiotics work better.

Optimal dose: At least one of three daily servings of grains.

3. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin, the active ingredient that fights infection and bacteria.

British researchers gave 146 people a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks. The result, participants who ate garlic two-thirds less likely to get the flu.

Other studies have shown that people who chew garlic more than six cloves a week have a colorectal cancer rate 30% lower rate of stomach cancer and 50% lower.

Optimal dose: Two raw cloves a day and add crushed garlic in cooking for a couple of times a week.

4. Fish
Selenium is contained in shellfish, lobster, and crabs. Its function is to help white blood cells produce proteins that help cytokine flu virus out of the body.

Salmon, mackerel, and herring rich in omega-3 fats that bergyuna reduce inflammation, increase air flow, and protect the lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

Optimal dose: Two servings a week (unless it is or planning to become pregnant).

5. Chicken soup
Researchers from the University of Nebraska found that chicken-flavored ramen noodle block the migration of the inflammation caused by white blood cells.
This finding is important because cold symptoms respond to the accumulation of cells in the bronchial tubes. Cysteine ​​amino acid is produced from chicken during the cooking process. These chemicals resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine.

If the added spices such as garlic and onions, may boost immunity.

Optimal dose: One bowl when feeling tired.

6. Tea
A Harvard study found that people who drank five cups of black tea a day for 2 weeks has the ability to fight 10 times as much virus in their blood than other people who drank a placebo beverage.

L-theanine, an amino acid that is responsible boost immunity, much abundant in black tea and green tea either.

Optimal dose: A few cups a day.

7. Beef
Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiency in American adults, especially for vegetarians and people who have reduced portions of beef, the main source of minerals that strengthen immunity.

Mild zinc deficiency in its early stages it can increase the risk of infection. Zinc in the diet is essential for the development of white blood cells, cells of the immune system that functions to recognize and destroy bacteria, viruses, and various other substances.

Optimal dose: 3 ounces of lean beef provides about 30 percent of the Daily Value of zinc. If you do not like beef, can try oysters, fortified cereals, pork, poultry, yogurt, or milk.

8. Sweet Potato
Sweet potato serves as first-line fortress against bacteria and viruses that do not want.

To stay strong and healthy, skin needs vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a major role in the production of connective tissue, a key component of the skin.

One of the best ways to get vitamin A in the diet is from foods containing beta-carotene (such as sweet potatoes) are converted by the body into vitamin A.

Optimal dose: One-half cup serving provides only 170 calories but 40 percent daily value of beta carotene. Other foods rich in beta-carotene: carrots, pumpkin, canned pumpkin, and melons.

9. Mushrooms
For centuries, people around the world have made use of mushrooms for a healthy immune system.

Research has shown that mushrooms increase the production and activity of white blood cells, making them more aggressive. This is good when the body is exposed to infection.

Optimal dose: shiitake, maitake, and reishi mushrooms appear to be most beneficial for the immune system. Experts recommend at least 1 / 4 ounce to an ounce a few times a day.

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Omega 3 and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known both for the body because it can prevent some diseases such as heart degenaratif. So many people eat omega 3 and DHA. However, one study found that high levels of omega 3 in the body can increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Fatty acids like DHA are found in the cells of your body that fight disease. But a recent study found high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood may be associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. While elevated levels of bad fatty acids can actually reduce the risk of suspected prostate cancer.

According to a study conducted by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, as quoted from Epharmapedia.

For the study, researchers have examined more than 3,400 men in the U.S.. The results mentioned groups of individuals with high then there is the potential for DHA were 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer, compared with a group of people who have low levels of DHA.

This study also suggests that the risk of aggressive prostate cancer was 50 percent lower in men with the highest levels of bad fatty acids.

“We were surprised to see these results, and we spent a lot of time to ensure that analysis is correct,” said Theodore M. Brasky of Hutchinson’s Cancer Prevention Program.

These findings change what is known so far about the diet, inflammation and progression of prostate cancer. Studying the relationship between nutrition and risk of various chronic diseases are very complex.

But, Brasky and his colleagues do not believe that someone who suffered from heart disease should stop using fish oil supplements or eating salmon or other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

“Overall, the beneficial effects of eating fish to prevent heart disease is greater than the losses associated with risk of prostate cancer,” said Brasky.

“This study shows the complexity of nutrition and its impact on disease risk, and that we must learn to do with more detail.”

DHA and omega 3 commonly found in fatty fish. In the study, the men only consume DHA and omega 3 which is mainly derived from fish than from fish oil supplements. So we need to do more detailed research on the relationship of omega 3 with increased risk of prostate cancer

Junk food is the food loved by almost everyone regardless of age. But men should limit their consumption of junk food because it can cause infertility (fertility problems).

A study showed that junk food can make a man healthy young become infertile (infertile) because these foods can damage the sperm that resulted, as quoted by The Sun.

In this case the researchers speculate that the content of trans fats in junk food as the culprit. Trans fats are oils that have been processed and used to enhance flavor but has a low cost.

In this study the fertility doctor from Harvard University in the United States and the University of Murcia in Spain analyzed the sperm of hundreds of men aged between 18-22 years.

Participants are known to have no other problems that could affect the reproductive system and are in optimum condition, and asked to fill out the daily food journal for several months.

Researchers found men who frequently eat junk food whether it’s food from fast food restaurants, fried foods, red meat or processed chips have poorer quality sperm than those who consume less junk food.

In this study researchers found the sperm of men who frequently eat junk food less likely to survive, so it is not able to reach ovum and fertilizes it. Even in men who have a healthy weight and exercising. These conditions make it difficult man to impregnate their partners and disrupt fertility.

Meanwhile, the study also showed that men who eat whole grains, eat plenty of vegetables and fish could produce sperm with the best quality.

The initial symptoms of fever or flu should not be cured with medicine. In the kitchen there are actually some foods or spices that can help relieve symptoms of fever and flu, and can speed recovery.

When experiencing early symptoms of flu or fever, it never hurts to glance at the ingredients contained in the kitchen. As quoted from Epharmapedia, some food ingredients and herbs that can relieve symptoms of fever and flu, among others:

1. Lemon

Lemon can relieve or alleviate the symptoms of sore throat, cleanses the blood, and thin the mucus. Add half a lemon and a teaspoon of maple syrup in a cup of warm water.

2. Chicken soup

The use of chicken soup to relieve colds and flu like back in the 12th century. Where in a 12th century physician and philosopher, Maimonides never recommend chicken soup to treat colds and flu.

3. Mustard

Mustard can reduce fever, eliminate toxins, and helps heal the mucous membranes in the lung.

4. Ginger

Ginger drinks can help kill germs, it can be as antiviral, and can also relieve abdominal pain. Boil two tablespoons of grated fresh ginger in two cups water for 15 minutes. After the boil, wait 10 minutes, then drink as needed.

Add ginger to bath also stimulate lymphatic drainage and stimulate lymph speed. To add the ginger into the water bath, then destroy the first quarter of a cup of fresh ginger. Then place into a cheesecloth and soak in the bath tub.

5. Garlic

Garlic is very often used as a spice in the kitchen, can be used as a preventative and as a treatment for colds and flu. Raw garlic has anti fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.

Researchers in England found that garlic can speed recovery from colds and can increase the resistance. Garlic can cause increased bleeding, so for those who are taking medications for bleeding should be careful when adding garlic to your diet.

6. Peppermint

Beverages with added mint to warm and helpful to be able to sweat. Make a drink with mint and extra bed early, can make the body sweat. So the drink containing mint can reduce fever.

7. Castor oil

Castor oil in containers can be placed on the chest. It can open up the airwaves and bring circulation to the lungs. Castor oil can be placed on the chest, with cover with muslin or flannel, and place a warm hot water bottle over the chest.

8. Orange

Research has shown that vitamin C found in orange juice, which can be taken every day, so it can shorten the duration of the flu. A new study shows that, 1,000 mg of vitamin C every 6 hours can effectively reduce, or even prevent flu symptoms.

9. Horehound

Horehound is often used as an ingredient of cough syrup. Horehound-containing beverages can also be used to relieve coughs.

10. Honey

Honey has tremendous healing effects. Honey can be used to relieve cough and improve immunity. A simple cough syrup can be made with a few tablespoons of honey and a little fresh lemon juice.

11. Salt

Salt solution can be used to rinse his mouth and can relieve a sore throat. Use warm water and may also add a little turmeric which has anti-inflammatory effects. Another use of saline solution for nasal irrigation can.

By using a warm salt water is inhaled through the sinuses to help nasal decongestants. New research shows that, the speed of recovery from a sinus infection can be increased by as nasal irrigation with salt water.

12. Kiwi

Kiwi can be useful for treating upper respiratory tract infections (ARI). Kiwi has a high vitamin C content.

13. Water or hydrotherapy

Bath can improve blood circulation. A warm bath can help reduce fever. Or try a water bath with ginger.

14. Chamomile

Chamomile has been used as medicine for thousands of years, chamomile can be taken as a beverage or inhalants. Inhaling steam of chamomile extracts have been reported to help relieve cold symptoms.

Seek medical attention if symptoms of flu or fever persists or worsens. Moreover, the signs of sudden weakness, or high fever should immediately seek emergency care.

Eating fruits and vegetables known to have many health benefits. Apparently there are other benefits that can stop the effects of genes that affect the heart attack.

Based on the study note that the risk of disease and heart attacks will increase if a person has the gene 9p21 in his body. These genes are usually inherited from a parent or previous derivatives.

Someone is usually considered factors are difficult to dimodifkasi genes. But it turns out by eating vegetables and fruits a person can reduce the risk of heart disease despite having the gene.

“These results are a surprise that a healthy diet can significantly weaken the influence of the gene 9p21 on the risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Jamie Engert from McGill University in Canada, as quoted from Mirror.co.uk.
The study results are reported in the journal PLoS Medicine found that the effect of high-risk genes could be reduced with high dietary intake of 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables.

The study involved 27,000 people who have the gene 9p21 and is derived from five ethnic namely Europe, South Asia, China, Latin America and the Arabs to see the effect of fruit and vegetable consumption on gene 9p21.

The results obtained are the participants with the 9p21 gene that eating vegetables and fruits have the same heart attack risk with low-risk people or with people who do not have the gene.

Even so researchers will conduct further studies to determine how the interactions that occur between the gene 9p21 with vegetables and fruits consumed in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Body odor can get people out of the association. As a result, a million ways done to eradicate the odor. Here are some nutritious foods that can eliminate body odor.

The body produces sweat from apocrine glands and ekrin. Ekrin glands produce most of the ‘salty sweat’ that cools the body. Mayo Clinic noted that the body odor caused by apocrine glands, the sweat of fat in areas with abundant hair, like scalp, armpits and groin.

Sweat function removes toxins from the body, including those generated through the food you eat, which can develop odors when in contact with the bacteria on the skin. Changing diet can help the body odor.

Here are some foods that can help eliminate body odor:

1. white meat
Eating white meat like chicken and fish instead of red meat (beef or lamb), can reduce body odor. A study published in the journal Chemical Senses in 2006 concluded that eating red meat can have negative effects on body odor.

2. vegetable
Oregon State University stated that fishy odor associated with eating foods that contain high levels of choline. Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume no more than 550 mg of choline per day and women no more than 425 mg per day.

Vegetables are generally low choline and eat a diet rich in vegetables, cooked or fresh (uncooked) can help reduce body odor. Vegetables that contain the lowest amount of choline include kale, carrots, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce and cabbage.

3. fruit
Fruit is another example of a low-choline diet and can help eliminate body odor. Apples, strawberries, pears, orange juice, grape juice, pineapple, banana, blueberries and watermelon contain some of the lowest levels of choline.

Some people there who have a habit of eating or snacking late at night. This habit should not be done anymore, because there are several reasons that make eating late at night should be avoided.

The results showed a tendency often eat late at night because it is triggered by stress during the day or sleep disorder insomnia, so someone divert to food.

Even the activities of eating late at night just to make the body gain weight no matter should not be done. Have a habit of eating late at night is not recommended, especially if done almost every day.

In people who do have a habit of this in medical terms is called a syndrome dinner (late night eating syndrome). People with this syndrome will eat heavy meals after passing through the dinner hour is ideal.

Eating late at night can give a bad consequences for health. The following are reasons that make eating late at night should be avoided, as quoted from Buzzle), namely:

1. Affect sleep

Scientific studies found that eating foods high in calories, high in caffeine and spices can make a person difficult to sleep. This is because the body has difficulty in digesting food high in calories and indirectly make a person difficult to sleep soundly.

In addition these foods can also cause anxiety, irritability and pain in the abdomen, this condition will certainly disrupt sleep patterns or waking up at night.

2. Cause weight gain

Eating late at night is very easy to make a person’s weight, because people generally do not do much activity at night so that the food intake will be stored in the body into fat.

3. Prone to other health consequences

These conditions trigger esophageal reflux (food turned up to the top) because of the food consumed is not fully reached the stomach but it was straight to bed, triggering the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which caused a mild sensation of burning pain in the chest and heart area. Whereas in people with diabetes, it is late at night can affect the ability of insulin resistance.

Have a thin body often gives the impression of lack of nutrition, when in fact it has been fed with the correct pattern. According to research, some people are just born to thin forever because it has the advantages of a gene called gene-16.

Normally, a person inherits the composition of the same gene from both parents. But in some people certain genes could have duplicated that number to 2 times more, or removal so that the composition is reduced.

A study done by scientists from Imperial College London in England and the University of Lausanne in Switzerland reveals, the composition of the gene numbered 16 or so-called gene-16 may affect weight. Someone who had the gene duplication will stay thin despite eating a lot.

In contrast to people who lose some of these genes, their weight is believed to be easier to have increased even though its diet with others. As a result, despite trying to diet, the body tends to still look fat.

Research involving 95,000 people revealed, duplication or doubling of gene-16 experienced by 1 in 2,000 people worldwide. In males, this condition increases the risk of underweight by 23-fold and 5-fold in women.

Underweight or very underweight defined by body mass index (BMI) below 18.5 kg/m2. The opposite of underweight is overweight if the BMI is in the range 25-29 kg/m2 or obese if the BMI has exceeded 30 kg/m2.

Besides increasing the risk of underweight, which makes the composition of gene duplication-16 too much too risky trigger microcephalus or shape of the head is too small. Because small head, brain volume is limited so susceptible to nerve damage and the average life expectancy is shorter.

“About 25 percent of thin people who have a gene duplication-16 also had microcephalus,” said Philippe Froguel of Imperial College London was quoted as saying by Reuters.