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My teenage son is an avid sports fan and lives in sweaty socks and sandshoes. Unfortunately he also suffers from Athlete’s Foot? What can he do to help control this problem?
Tinea is a fungal complaint that is quite common and seems to affect men more than women. It is characterised by itchy, red, scaly skin on the afflicted areas. Tinea pedis is the form of tinea known as Athlete’s Foot. It occurs particularly on the skin between the toes.
The fungi that cause Athlete’s Foot thrive in moist, damp environments. The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers and you can get some transmission within a household as well. Here are some tips to help you avoid Athlete’s Foot and ease the symptoms:
Avoid Sharing
Avoid sharing towels and shoes between household members.
Bathroom Hygiene
Spray tub and bathroom floor with disinfectant after each use to help prevent reinfection and infection of other household members.
Frequent Laundry
Wash sheets, towels, socks, underwear and bed clothes in hot water (at 60°C/140°F) to kill the fungus.
Change towels and bed sheets at least once per week.
Personal Prevention
Wear open toed shoes as often as possible and air your feet when you can to reduce the amount that your feet sweat.
Keep shoes dry by alternating which shoes you wear each day.
Change socks and shoes after exercise.
Wear socks that are made of natural materials such as cotton or wool.
Public places
Wear sandals/thongs in the showers in locker rooms, public showers and public baths.
Wash feet, particularly between the toes with soap and dry thoroughly.
Topical
Topical applications of tea tree oil can help to clear Athlete’s Foot. Tea tree oil has anti-microbial activity.
If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional.
What is the difference between fish oil and cod liver oil?
Fish oil is sourced from the flesh of the fish and is high in Omega 3 fatty acids (particularly eicosapentaenoic acid – EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid – DHA).
The fish often sourced for their omega 3 content include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and tuna. These fish do not actually produce omega 3 fatty acids, but instead accumulate them from their diet by either consuming microalgae that produce these fatty acids, or by eating prey fish that have accumulated omega 3 fatty acids from microalgae.
Some of the many benefits of fish oil include:
• helping to maintain general health and wellbeing
• anti-inflammatory action which helps to increase joint mobility as well as help to reduce joint swelling and stiffness
• helping to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and healthy cholesterol levels in healthy individuals
• supporting the normal development and functioning of the retina and brain, particularly before birth, so fish oil is beneficial for pregnant women
Cod liver oil comes from the liver of the cod and is naturally high in Vitamins A and D which are important for eye health, skin health and bone strength. Vitamin A is also beneficial to help maintain a healthy immune and respiratory system.
You may get very small amounts of Vitamin A in your fish oil, and vise versa – very small amounts of omega 3 fatty acids in your cod liver oil – but these are minimal amounts, so depending on the actions that you want, you will need to take one or the other, or both.
At this time of year my nose is constantly running. I sneeze a lot and have itchy eyes. Is there anything I can take to help alleviate these symptoms of hayfever?
Spring is a time for fresh beginnings and new growth. Unfortunately for hayfever sufferers, it is not as exciting as it sounds. Spring brings with it an onslaught of pollens that can cause this problem. The pollens (or other allergens) trigger the release of histamine into the body which causes inflammation in the nose leading to the common symptoms of watery eyes, congestion, and sneezing.
Hayfever usually occurs during the spring and summer months. Exactly when you get it depends on which pollens you are allergic to. Grass pollen is a common culprit. A tendency to suffer allergies is often hereditary but it is possible to reduce your symptoms by reducing your exposure to allergens as well as supporting your immune and respiratory systems.
Control your environment by avoiding the pollens and molds that are making your spring miserable. Try some of the following changes:
• Utilise your air conditioner if you have one, to filter the outdoor air. In addition, change your heating and air conditioning filters regularly.
• Limit your outdoor activity on windy days. Keep the windows closed at night to prevent pollens or moulds from drifting into the home.
• Wash bedding in hot water and use a low allergen washing detergent.
• Dry your clothes indoors.
• Wear sunglasses to help to reduce the amount of pollens entering the eyes.
Take Vitamin C regularly as it supports the immune system and helps lower histamine levels. It can also help to relieve the symptoms of hayfever. Combinations containing the herbs garlic and horseradish can also help to provide relief for allergy sufferers as they help to clear mucous congestion. Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy immune function.
Pay a visit to your allergy specialist to try and pin point what you are allergic to. Avoidance is much easier if you know what to stay clear of. It may even be something within your house that is causing you grief.
I have been suffering recurrent colds throughout winter. I am feeling better now, but what can I take to help support my immunity again?
Some people may get a few colds throughout the year, and these days it can be difficult to get through the winter months without coming down with something. Although having a healthy immune system may not necessarily prevent you from getting a cold, it is certainly a good start, but as you mentioned, if you do happen to succumb to a cold, it is important to support your immune system afterwards.
Some people may choose a multivitamin/mineral formula. A good multivitamin/mineral will provide you with little bits of most nutrients to help support your diet to help meet nutritional needs. Make sure you have a healthy nutritionally balanced diet.
If you have been prescribed antibiotics, a course of probiotics after antibiotic use is beneficial. They not only support your digestion but also help maintain healthy intestinal flora. Always keep some Vitamin C on hand and take it regularly during the winter months.
At the first sign of a cold or if suffering from one, increase the daily does to help reduce the duration and severity of the cold. The herb Echinacea can also help to enhance the immune system.
If still feeling rundown after a cold, try some natural energy boosts such as Coenzyme Q10 or Siberian Ginseng. They can help to assist your stamina as well as support the immune system. Get off the stodgy foods and back into eating a fresh food diet full of antioxidant containing fruit and vegetables. Try to include immune assisting garlic in your diet as well.
I have heard that Iodine can help support metabolism. Where can I get it and is it safe for me to use?
Iodine is a mineral and was one of the first trace elements to be identified as essential. The reason it can help support metabolism is that it is an important component of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland (located at the base of the neck) and play a vital role in the regulation of metabolic processes and your metabolic rate.
Iodine is also important during pregnancy for normal growth and mental development of the baby.
Iodine can be found in seafood, but its highest sources are iodised table salt and kelp. The recommended daily intake for adults is 150mcg. Multivitamins may contain some iodine, as many of the weight management formulas on the market. For higher amounts of iodine, kelp can be taken as a supplement.
Although iodine can help support metabolism, if you want to regulate your body weight then regular exercise and healthy eating are the most important factors to maintaining a healthy weight range.
There are instances where iodine may not be advisable - if you have an overactive thyroid, or are on medication such as thyroxine to boost your thyroid function, seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
If you have a health query you would like Leanne to answer, please write to: Leanne Thiedeman
Golden Glow Natural Health Products
PO BOX 45
Virginia Qld 4014
or email: askleanne@goldenglow.com.au
Please note that space does not permit all letters to be answered. All names and addresses are withheld and questions may be edited.
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