Category Archive: Natural remedies

October 23rd, 2024
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Why Your Teeth Feel So Clean After Eating Apples

Did you know that apples can help clean your teeth when a toothbrush isn’t handy? We’ve all heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but maybe it’s time to tweak that to “keeps the dentist away!” In addition to being great for your overall health, apples are also surprisingly good for your teeth, and they’re delicious. In fact, if you find yourself without a toothbrush, munching on an apple can help fill the gap.

Nature’s Toothbrush

Apples can act like a natural toothbrush thanks to their fiber-rich flesh. As you bite into an apple, the crisp, fibrous texture works like a gentle scrub, not only on your teeth but also on your tongue and gums. This helps dislodge food particles that are stuck between your teeth or clinging to your gums. Essentially, the firm flesh of an apple mimics the brushing action of a toothbrush.

Free Woman in Sports Clothing Eating an Apple  Stock Photo

Say Goodbye to Plaque and Stains

In addition to their scrubbing effect, apples are mildly acidic and slightly astringent. This combination can help to remove plaque and surface stains from your teeth. The acidity in apples works by dissolving food particles, making it easier to clear away debris that could otherwise contribute to plaque buildup. While eating an apple won’t give you the same deep clean as brushing and flossing, it can be a helpful stand-in when you’re in a pinch.

Freshen Your Breath

Not only do apples help clean your teeth, but they can also freshen your breath. Apples increase saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria in your mouth. This extra saliva works as a natural mouth cleanser, leaving your breath feeling fresher.

A Handy Solution

The next time you find yourself without a toothbrush, whether it’s after lunch or before a meeting, consider grabbing an apple. It’s a quick and natural way to clean your teeth and freshen your breath on the go. Though nothing can fully replace your regular oral hygiene routine, an apple is an excellent backup in a pinch.

So, the next time you head to the cafe and forget your toothbrush, just remember—an apple can be the perfect solution for cleaner teeth and a fresher smile!

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Natural remedies
July 21st, 2020
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Baking Soda Deodorant

Baking soda is widely known for its ability to not only clean the house but to absorb odors as well. For instance, if you have a pungent smell in your refrigerator, leaving an open box of baking soda in your fridge can help get rid of the odor.  This odor-absorbing ability has resulted in baking soda becoming a popular option as a natural chemical-free deodorant.

My daughters and I have been using food grade baking soda as deodorant for a long time now. Baking soda is inexpensive, easily available and effective in keeping bad body odor at bay.   This versatile kitchen ingredient helps neutralise body odors by absorbing sweat, altering skin pH, and suppressing bacterial growth.

Natural Baking Soda

Baking soda is a preferred underarm deodorant over conventional deodorant.  Off-the-shelves commercial deodorant may contain harmful chemicals such as:

  • Aluminum. Some people are concerned that absorbing aluminum from a deodorant can increase their risk of breast cancer and other cancers. However, there isn’t any scientific research to date to support this.
  • Parabens. Although research is still ongoing, some early studies indicate that parabens found in beauty and personal care products may increase the risk of cancerous skin damage.
  • Triclosan. This ingredient may disrupt some types of hormones.
  • Artificial colors. These may cause skin irritation.

 

How To Make DIY Baking Soda Deodorant

  • Pour baking soda into a salt shaker and apply a very light shake onto your palm  before rubbing on the underarms.  Do it after shower when your underarms are still slightly damp so that the baking soda sticks to the skin.
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water. Store this in a spray bottle and use daily on sweat-prone areas. Allow to air-dry and brush off any residue to avoid staining your clothes.
  • Mix baking soda and cornstarch or arrowroot powder in a ratio of 2:1. Sprinkle on underarms and feet to prevent body odours.

Caveat

If you have dry or sensitive skin, you could be more prone to the following side effects if you use baking soda under your arms:

redness
rash
itchiness
scaly skin
stinging/burning sensation

Baking soda is generally safe when used on the skin.  Stop using baking soda as deodorant if you experience severe reaction on your skin.



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Natural remedies
March 8th, 2018
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Peppermint Essential Oil For Stomach Upset And Nausea

Peppermint essential oil is the first line of defense against stomach pains, bloatedness and nausea in our household. When I was wheeled out of the OT after a laproscopy myomectomy surgery last year, I was bleeding profusely. The doctor gave me a jab to stop the bleeding but the jab had side effects and made me severely nauseous. I reached for my peppermint essential oil, which I had put on the table next to my bed before the surgery and lathered the oil on my neck, temples and bridge of my nose. I drifted to sleep and woke up with no more nauseous feeling.  Praise God!  I couldn’t even imagine what the effects of retching would have done to the fresh wounds on my abdomen had I vomited.  Whenever my youngest daughter has a tummy ache, she would apply peppermint essential oil on her tummy and bring a bottle to school.

Yesterday my eldest daughter was down with a tummy flu with a temperature. She had a bad bout of diarrhea, vomited twice and had stomach cramps.  She applied peppermint essential oil on her tummy and the cramps slowly dissipated. So did the vomiting and nauseous feeling. She did not even need to take the medicine for vomiting and stomach cramps given to her by the doctor.  This morning, the fever subsided and she was well enough to go back to school.

When it comes to the uses of peppermint for upset stomach, its most potent compound is menthol, a strong antispasmodic that helps to calm spasms in the stomach and intestines.

This antispasmodic activity makes peppermint useful for vomiting, gas pains, colic, intestinal cramping, and even minor symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition to being anti-spasmodic, menthol reduces built-up gas, stimulates the production of bile, and relieves pain.

Clinically speaking, peppermint oil is recommended for its anti-nausea benefits and soothing effects on the gastric lining and colon because of its ability to reduce muscle spasms.

Effectiveness
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, a study shows that 75 percent of participants using peppermint oil had significantly reduced symptoms of bloating, gas, pain and diarrhea. However, UMMC reports that some studies have mixed results. Peppermint oil also increases production of digestive fluids while increasing circulation.

Here are some top peppermint essential oil benefits:
Alleviates stomach pain
Relieves digestive issues
Inhibits bad breath
Suppresses headaches
Natural antibacterial
Excellent insecticidal
Brings clarity and mental focus
Soothes respiratory problems
Energy booster
Loosens sore muscles
Stress reliever

Warnings
Peppermint oil is not recommended for small children or infants and should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, peppermint tea should be avoided if you suffer from gastrointestinal reflux, also called GERD, or if you have a hiatal hernia. When consumed in large amounts, peppermint oil can be toxic. If you suffer from any type of adverse reaction, stop using this herb immediately and contact your medical provider for an evaluation.

 

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Natural remedies
March 6th, 2018
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Lemon Essential Oil To Remove Skin Tags Painlessly

Skin tags are small, soft, skin-coloured growths that hang off the skin and look a bit like warts.

Picture of Skin Tag

They’re very common, harmless, and can vary in colour and size – from a few millimetres up to 5cm (about 2 inches) wide.

There was a tiny skin tag on the right side of my neck for over a year. It hadn’t grown any bigger nor was it very obvious but the feeling of a bump on the skin was annoying.  I tried applying tea tree oil neat on the skin tag but there wasn’t any effect on it.  Recently I read that lemon essential oil can do wonders in removing skin tags painlessly. I applied a few drops of lemon essential oil from Melaleuca on the skin tag NEAT for about 3 days straight and I was pleasantly surprised when the skin tag dropped off! And the lemon essential oil does not sting the skin on my neck like it would on my face. I am so happy and would like to share this simple natural remedy with you!

What are skin tags?
Skin tags are made of loose collagen fibres and blood vessels surrounded by skin. Collagen is a type of protein found throughout the body.

Some people may have skin tags and never notice them. In some cases, they rub off or fall off painlessly. Very large skin tags may burst under pressure.

The surface of skin tags may be smooth or irregular in appearance. They are often raised from the surface of the skin on fleshy peduncles, or stalks. They are usually flesh-colored or slightly brownish.

Skin tags start small, flattened like a pinhead bump. Some stay small, and some grow bigger. They can range in diameter from 2 millimeters (mm) to 1 centimeter (cm), and some may reach 5cm.

Fast facts on skin tags
Skin tags are benign tumors of the skin.
They commonly occur in creases or folds of the skin.
They are not dangerous, but they can be removed for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons.

Photo of skin tags on a woman's neck

 

Skin tags usually appear on the:
eyelids
armpits
under the breasts
groin
upper chest
neck, in the case of papilloma colli

Causes
It is not clear exactly what causes skin tags, but it may happen when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker pieces of skin.

As they are more common in skin creases or folds, they may be mainly caused by skin rubbing against skin.

Some people appear to inherit an increased susceptibility to skin tags.

Skin tags affect people both males and females, but they happen more often during pregnancy, in people who are obese, and in people with diabetes.  They have been associated with hyperinsulinemia, when there is too much insulin circulating in the blood.

Lemon Essential Oil and Skin Tag
Lemon essential oil is extracted from lemon and it functions as an astringent to remove the excess oils that contributed to the formation of tags. It also removes any excess water from your skin. Lemon essential oil cuts off blood supply to the skin tags, which causes the tags to fall off after a while. It requires consistent application to get the best result and uniform skin tone. After applications, be sure to stay away from direct sunlight as lemon is photosensitive. This can cause you irritation due to exposure. Preferably, blend the oil with carrier oils such as olive oil before you apply it to your skin tags.

Application
Apply it repeatedly every day and try to stay away from sunlight. Within a few days, your tags will start drying out and within no time, they’ll fall off.

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Melaleuca, Natural remedies
January 8th, 2018
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Lemon Honey Juice For Indigestion

Despite my best intentions to keep my eating under control during the food-filled year-end holiday recently, the excess cakes, pastries and meaty feasts with friends and family were near impossible to resist. With my parents here to celebrate the year-end festivities and hubby’s birthday with us, we had 3 large meals a day for almost a week. There was hardly any time for my stomach to digest each heavy meal before the next meal rolled along too soon. As a result, I felt miserably stuffed and had a terrible discomfort in my tummy on New Year’s day.  Dad made a pitcher of lemon juice with raw honey and this potion worked like magic! The moment I stepped into the kitchen while he was squeezing the lemons, the refreshing citrus scent of lemon gave me an instant lift. After sipping two glasses of chilled lemon juice with raw honey along with having a dinner consisting of only fruits and tomatoes, my tummy was healed the next morning.

We all have our cheat moments, but is there anything you can eat or drink immediately after to help minimize the damage? Yes definitely!

Adding some lemon or lime to your water will help extinguish your digestive flames better. No cheating here, though. Add the juice of half an organic lemon or lime to a glass of water; not just a slice, and not a lemon-flavored powder or drink.

Lemon Juice, Honey & Hot Water for a Cough

You might know that drinking a glass of honey and lemon juice (in warm water) early in the morning helps you to lose weight. But this mixture can also put an end to your indigestion problem.

Yes, this mixture has been used as an age-old remedy to treat abdominal pain and bloating due to indigestion / overeating.

Here’s what you need to know about this mixture before you start using it.

Lemon juice contains high amounts of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, which flushes out the harmful toxins from the body. As lemon is acidic in nature and might hinder the digestion of starch, mix it with honey. Also, honey helps the growth of gut bacteria (good bacteria) which in turn aids in better digestion

 

Other Health Benefits Of Lemon 
Besides aiding in indigestion, the health benefits of lemon are due to its many nourishing elements like vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin E, folate, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, and protein. It is a fruit that contains flavonoids, which are composites that contain antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. It helps to prevent diabetes, constipation, high blood pressure, fever, indigestion, as well as improves the skin, hair, and teeth.

Studies conducted at the American Urological Association highlight the fact that lemonade or lemon juice can eliminate the occurrence of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which prevents the formation of crystals.

When life throws you lemons, make lots of lemon juice with them!

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Natural remedies, Nutritional Information of Fruits
January 16th, 2016
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Treating Diaper Rash Naturally With Coconut Oil

Parents, if you are concerned about the chemicals in your baby or toddler’s diaper rash cream, why not create your very own concoction at home? Not only are they cheaper but contain no harmful chemicals.

I used to make my own concoction of extra virgin coconut oil and tea tree oil to apply on Cass’ bottom.

Coconut oil is extracted from the mature meat of the coconut. It is a natural, pleasantly smelling moisturizer that soothes and nourishes, with no irritation.

Diaper rash is an uncomfortable rash that can be cause by yeast infection, acid in the stool, ammonia from urine or diaper material. It is important to keep the area dry and clean, and coconut oil acts as a barrier and prevents the diaper rash.

Why is coconut oil good for diaper rash?

Coconut oil has many amazing properties that makes it an excellent treatment for various conditions, including diaper rash.

Coconut oil contains antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties that help to promote healing.
It has lauric acid (also found in breast milk) that treats bacterial and fungal problems very effectively.
Lauric and Caprylic acids in this oil are natural yeast fighting substances.

Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash:

Method  1 – Pure Coconut Oil
Wash your baby’s bottom properly with water and let dry.
Apply coconut oil on the affected area using your fingertips.
Allow it to dry before putting on a new diaper.
This coconut oil acts as barrier between the skin and waste in the diaper.

Method 2 – Coconut Oil with Grape Seed Extract and Water Spray

Take 2 – 3 drops of grape seed extract and 2 oz of coconut oil.
Dilute in an oz of distilled water and mix it well.
Pour this solution in an clean spray bottle and then use it to spray on the rash area at every diaper change.
Leave to dry before applying a new diaper.

Method 3 – Coconut Oil with Tea Tree Oil
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to melted coconut oil and mix well.
Apply this to your baby’s bottom after cleaning and drying the area.
Leave to dry before applying a new diaper.

Coconut Oil for Diaper Rash

 

Coconut Oil And Tea Tree Oil For Body Massage

Besides using coconut oil and tea tree oil as diaper cream for Cass, I also used the same concoction to give her tummy massages for the prevention of constipation.  I still give Cass massages every night. I use the same concoction to moisturize my entire body, including my hair.

 

Precautions and Tips to be Followed:

  • Always use extra virgin organic coconut oil.
  • If you’re breast feeding, include coconut oil in your diet to reap the health benefits for yourself and your baby.
  • Let your baby go diaper free for a few hours each day to get better air flow and to prevent diaper rash.

 

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Natural remedies
January 8th, 2016
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Treating Tooth Pain at Home Naturally

Tooth pain can come on quite suddenly and leave you stamping your feet and holding onto your jaw. The primary cause of tooth pain is a cavity. A cavity may appear as a dark brown, yellow or even black splotch that you see on your tooth, but the cavity may be inside the tooth as well. Though you can call your dentist and make an appointment, you may need to treat that pain until the next day or for a few days. Natural remedies reduce your pain until you can make it to the dentist.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Your tooth pain may occur because of a build of bacteria inside your mouth or because of an infection. An infection will typically make the gums appear bright red and cause inflammation around the tooth. Hydrogen peroxide is an old home remedy for dealing with tooth pain and infections. Simply pour a small cap of the peroxide in your mouth, swish the liquid around for a few seconds and spit. You can also mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with your favorite mouthwash to dull the taste of the peroxide.

Clove Oil

An abscessed tooth will likely require some type of surgery. Dentists often extract the tooth and send you home with a prescription painkiller and antibiotic. Before you read an implant dentistry journal online and start worrying that the dentist will need to take out your tooth, try using clove oil. Clove oil has natural properties that help fight infections, reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that causes your pain. Place a small amount of clove oil on a cotton ball, tuck the ball around your affected tooth and keep there for 15 to 20 minutes or until the pain disappears. If the clove oil burns your mouth, dilute it with a small amount of olive oil.

Ice Packs

Another easy way to treat your tooth pain at home is with an ice pack. The ice essentially numbs your mouth, which reduces any pain you might otherwise feel. When using an ice pack, always wrap a towel or a shirt around the pack before placing the ice on your face, jaw or neck. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables in a pinch. Using these natural remedies can help you feel better and reduce your pain until you can get in and see your dentist.

 

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MFLV, Natural remedies
May 7th, 2015
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Getting Into The Mind

Getting off of drugs can be hard to do, but with the help of medical hypnosis, you might find that it’s easier to accomplish. You will work with a doctor who is certified in hypnosis, making this a safe procedure. The doctor can help you get to the bottom of why you are turning to drugs in order to deal with your problems in life. Once you reveal why you are using drugs, then the doctor can direct you to the proper people who can help you stay away from the drugs.

Another benefit of hypnosis is that it helps give you a deep sleep. If you sleep better, then you might not need to rely on drugs to get you through your day. You will often feel refreshed after you begin sleeping better. Hypnosis can help you deal with pain that you might have. The doctor can ask questions that delve deeper into how you feel that other people might not ask. These questions can bring about answers to some of the problems that you may have had for years. This is a way for you to gain back the control of your thoughts and feelings without turning to a substance.

 

 

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MFLV, Natural remedies
December 6th, 2009
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Chinese Basil Leaves Omelette

My mil loves cooking chicken with Chinese basil leaves or kau chung thap  (“Nine-Storied Pagoda” in Cantonese). The minty flavor of the leaves, together with the flavorful taste of sliced ginger and Chinese cooking wine make the Sam Pei Zhi chicken dish (a Taiwanese chicken dish) really delicious.

Last week, she cooked Chinese basil leaves omelette :

The kids didn’t quite like it because of the texture of the Chinese basil leaves (which can be pretty rough and hard to chew) but I love it.

Chinese basil leaves can also be used to make soup with fried anchovies and beaten eggs.

There are several varieties of basil grown in many regions of Asia. Most of the Asian basils have a clove-like flavor that is generally stronger than that of the Western basils. Basils are very popular in Thai cuisine. Vietnamese and Chinese also use fresh or dried basils in soups and other foods. In Taiwan, people add fresh Chinese basil leaves to thick soups. They also eat fried chicken with deep fried Chinese basil leaves.

Here’s a little interesting information on basil leaves extracted from http://www.healthcareandlife.com/ayurveda-life/heath-benefits-of-basil-leaves.html:

Do you know that basil leaves can do wonders for your health? Since ages, basil leaves have been known for their positivity. Basil leaves are the must have item for preventing the wide-spreading swine flu. Basil leaves helps in enhancing body’s immunity manifolds. You all will be glad to read that basil leaves are the most amazing miraculous herbs ever known. Here are ways in which basil leaves can do marvelous health effects to your body, have a look!

Basil leaves are highly rich in potassium, vitamin C and A, antioxidants, thus having antiseptic, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Isn’t all this wonderful?

For treating yourself from seasonal fever, sneezing and cough ailment, you can prepare a concoction by boiling 20 basil leaves in 200 ml of water. Drink this warm concoction in morning for early relief.

The good news is that basil leaves are equally great for you heart’s health too. Drinking a glass of basil juice as the first thing in morning on daily basis helps in keeping your heart healthy and in great shape.

For treating the feeling of nausea and diarrhoea, make a basil juice by grinding 10-12 basil leaves with water. Strain it and then add a pinch of black pepper powder to it. Now, drink the juice for an early relief.

Basil leaves also helps in treating eye infections. For this, soak some basil leaves in water for a night. Next morning, strain the solution and wash your eyes with the same.

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Healthy Food, Homecooked Food, Natural remedies, Nutritional Information On Food
November 4th, 2009
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Toenail Fungus

Along with unsightly cracked heels, calluses and peeling skin on the soles on both my feet, I have another problem, which is toenail fungus on my left big toe. The big toe has been afflicted by fungus for over 2 years and it seems to go away and then come back again, over and over again. Sometimes the fungus would look pretty bad when the corner of my nail would turn from brown to black!

Initially I had thought that there was some debris lodged underneath my toenail but after scrubbing and digging my toe and toenail with a cotton bud and toothpick (yup, I am gross ok), I realized that the ‘dirt’ seemed to have gotten stuck to my skin. I did a google search and found out that I have fungus on my toe.  I did consult a GP early this year but the cream that she prescribed did not manage to remove the fungus from my toenail, not at all. 

I have in the past 2 years tried heaps of over-the-counter creams for my cracked heel and wrinkled feet and I guess that some of these creams (with potent ingredients) have healed my toenail fungus as I noticed some improvement on the toenail after applying those creams. The problem is I can’t identify which cream in particular. As of today, I can still see a little brown ‘debris’ on my toenail, which suggests that the fungus is still there, though not as serious as before.

Symptoms of toenail fungus are quite obvious. The affected nail will get yellow or brown in colour. It may become so thick and overgrown that it may be painful to wear shoes. Foul-smelling debris may get accumulated under the nail. The nail may crumble and eventually fall off. Sneaks or spots can be seen down the side of the nails of the affected person.   Thank God my toenail did not crumble and fall off, phew!

Home Remedies And Natural Cures For Toenail fungus (article extracted from www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Toe-Nail-Fungus.html)

Toe nail fungus remedy using tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is a potent natural antiseptic and fungicide that will help fight your fungus. Apply undiluted tea tree oil with olive oil to the affected toe nail. Alternatively you can put few drops of tea tree oil on toenails and rub it thoroughly every day.

Using Listerine mouthwash
Soak your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toe nails looking healthy.
Curing toe nail fungus using warm water and natural apple cider vinegar

Soak your toenails for 15 – 20 minutes in basin full of warm water and natural apple cider vinegar mixed in equal proportion. When done, dry your toenails thoroughly. Use a hair dryer on warm setting to absorb all the moisture in and around the toes

Tea tree oil and Lavender oil
Put equal amount of tea tree oil and lavender oil on a cotton ball or swab. Dab it under the top edge of the toe nail and surrounding area 2 or 3 times a day. Tea tree oil is natural antibiotic and lavender will help fight the infection and prevent skin irritation

Using Oregano and Olive oil
Blend 2 drops of Oregano essential oil with a tsp of olive oil. Apply this mixture on the affected area daily for NOT more than three weeks. Oregano essential oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, antiparasitical, antiviral, analgesic and antifungal properties

AHA creams
Lather AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) creams on to your feet before going to bed. This will flush the rough scaly skin from your feet that is more prone to growing fungus

Diet for Toe nail fungus

Diet plays a very vital role in curing any ailment. People suffering from toe nail fungus should include more probiotics – good bacteria, in their diet. This will help your body to get rid of the fungus. Yogurt and kefir are good sources of probiotics. Reduce intake of refined carbs like sugar, dairy products and vinegar. Olive leaf extract is an excellent internal anti-fungal agent.

Suggestion for Toenail fungus
Wash your feet after visiting public places like swimming pools

The fungus thrives in warm moist areas like spas, swimming pools, showers or locker rooms. If you step on a warm puddle or floor, you can pick up the infection. After using such public places, it is ideal to wash your feet thoroughly and dry them well.
Wear cotton socks

Wear cotton socks to absorb moisture from the feet that happens from sweating.
Dry your feet.  If your socks are damp, take them off and dry your feet before wearing a fresh pair of dry socks.
Do not share linen with affected people

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, shoes or any other personal items of those people who have already contracted this disease.

Trim nails and avoid nail polish

Keep your nails cut short, and don’t use nail polish. Trim your toenails regularly. Trim them into a straight line and then smooth the edges with a nail file.

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Natural remedies, Toenail Fungus
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