Some people are of the mind that the appendix is a useless organ. The belief is that it doesn’t offer any real perks to your overall health. Could that be because it is a perplexing organ? It is a thin tube located where the small intestine meets the large intestine. When something goes wrong with the appendix, especially if the pain leads to an appendicitis, the pain can be intense and unbearable, to say the least. 

Why Do You Have An Appendix?

Researchers agree that the entire digestive system plays an integral role in immune and brain function. That’s all well and good, but what does that have to do with the appendix? Well, the belief is that the appendix is a place for the body to store certain types of gut bacteria that could be changed during an intestinal illness or overuse of antibiotics. Theoretically, good bacteria hide in the appendix and then help repopulate the rest of the colon with healthy bacteria, should things ever go out of whack. 

Although the theory (above) sounds nice, it is unproven, as are most theories about the appendix. If there is a blockage in the appendix, or it swells up or gets infected, then you have appendicitis. This is most common among people between the ages of 10 and 30, with 8.6% of men and 6.7% of women being diagnosed at some point in their lifetime. 

Because of medical advancements and healthcare, appendicitis is no longer life-threatening. That said, about 50% of people with appendicitis do not have the regular symptoms indicative of the illness. Those symptoms include specific abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting, all of which are seen in pregnant women, children, and elderly seniors. Physicians warn that people should also be mindful of the uncommon symptoms of appendicitis, which are detailed below. 

Loss Of Appetite

If you don’t have the same desire to eat as you used to, then you are likely experiencing loss of appetite. Believe it or not, loss of appetite is an early sign of appendicitis, according to health experts. 

Constipation or Diarrhea 

Are both of these symptoms common among other digestive disorders? Absolutely, which makes it difficult to discern whether constipation or diarrhea indicates appendicitis. Doctors suggest that patients experiencing appendicitis may experience constipation or diarrhea. Although these are unexpected symptoms, you do want to pay attention to them to cover all your bases. 

Pain In The Lower Right Abdomen

The appendix is located in the lower right portion of the abdomen, so it stands to reason that appendicitis pain will be concentrated in that same area. Most people tend to feel the pain near the belly button, but it moves to the lower right abdomen. Once it moves to that area, the pain becomes sharp and severe, almost crippling. It’s time to get to a hospital at that point because the pain will only increase, along with the risk of death. The pain can also radiate toward the hip. 

Lower Back Pain

It is normal to feel as though the pain in the lower right abdomen is not going away. In addition to radiating toward the hip, appendicitis pain can also extend to the lower right side of the back. That pain can mimic the pain related to chronic lower back pain or sciatic pain. Some people may even experience hamstring pain or pain near the rectum. If this pain is not normal for you and you did not strain your back, pay attention to these signs. 

If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms and you believe you have appendicitis, seek medical attention. High fever and severe abdominal pain may require emergency attention. Clinicians can evaluate your situation and conduct an exam and bloodwork to determine what medical attention you need.

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There is a time and place for medication. Some people require them to ease their health issues, but too many medications come with a long list of side effects. One of the most common side effects is heartburn because certain medications irritate the lining of the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. That can cause heartburn pain that is similar to the pain of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Although some medications cause heartburn or make it worse, others can actually relieve heartburn. Typically, the ones that cause heartburn include iron or potassium supplements, antibiotics, and tricyclic antidepressants. Want to know if a medication you take is responsible for the heartburn you experience? Read on to learn which medications cause heartburn.

Aspirin

Whether you take it to ease your headaches or reduce the risk of heart attack, aspirin increases heartburn in those who already have it. The reason for this is because aspirin promotes more acid production in the stomach. Aspirin prevents the body from forming protecting prostaglandins in the digestive tract. The body makes prostaglandins, which act like hormones, and the ones in the stomach prevent cells in the stomach wall from producing and releasing acid.

Sleeping Pills And Sedatives

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan), work to relieve anxiety and aid relaxation. They also relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which may cause heartburn. The unfortunate reality is that most people lie down after taking these medications. Lying down can increase the severity of acid reflux because reclining prevents gravity from keeping stomach acid down, meaning it can get into the esophagus. 

Iron Supplements

Iron supplementation is typically reserved as a treatment for people with iron deficiency anemia. Taking iron supplements can irritate the lining of the esophagus and contribute to acid reflux. According to research, iron erodes the mucosa in the gastrointestinal tract. Iron pill-induced gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) has only been documented in people who take iron supplements in pill form, not liquid form. 

Ibuprofen

Over-the-counter ibuprofen products, such as Motrin or Advil, can help mitigate pain, but may cause heartburn. These products increase acid production in the stomach and reduce protective prostaglandins. According to gastroenterologists, oxycodone-acetaminophen (Percocet) can be better for the stomach than taking six Motrin tablets per day. That said, some narcotics cause heartburn and are habit-forming; not to mention, they can cause constipation. 

Potassium Supplements

Potassium supplements can help regulate blood pressure, but they can also irritate the esophageal lining. Now, that isn’t to say that every person who takes potassium supplements will experience heartburn. You can reduce your chances of heartburn by taking the supplements while sitting up and drinking plenty of water with them. No matter what supplement you take, always speak with your healthcare provider before starting. The FDA minimally regulates dietary supplements and their effects vary from person to person. If you are nervous about dosage or negative interactions with current medications, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Some psychiatric drugs, such as antidepressants, work in a specific way and have fewer gastrointestinal side effects. However, some older tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine or amitriptyline, may cause heartburn because they slow how quickly the stomach empties. Tricyclic antidepressants can also relax the LES, which increases the risk of heartburn.

Antibiotics

Tetracyclines are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat common bacterial infections. One of the drawbacks is that they can cause heartburn. If you tend to experience heartburn regularly and require antibiotics, consult your health care provider to get one that is gentle on the stomach and esophagus. An enteric-coated pill may be less abrasive because the coating keeps the pill intact as it passes through the stomach. That means it dissolves in the small intestine, not your stomach.

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Bergamot, which you may know if you dabble in essential oils or drink Earl Grey tea, is a citrus fruit primarily found in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. That area of Italy has a long tradition of using bergamot in folk medicine to treat fevers and infections. In recent years, researchers have examined bergamot’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which indicate that it may help lower total cholesterol levels. 

Can Bergamot Improve Cholesterol?

According to clinical trials that involved oral administration of bergamot, it may help reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the bad one). Other lab studies indicate that bergamot’s polyphenols may influence enzymes that relate to cholesterol metabolism. In fact, a systematic review of 12 studies found that supplementing with bergamot demonstrated the following:

• LDL cholesterol decrease: ranging from 7.6% to 40.8%
• Triglyceride decrease: ranging from 11.5% to 39.5%
• Total cholesterol decrease: ranging from 12.3% to 31.3%

An additional eight trials found that bergamot was able to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol). The studies revealed a potential dose-dependent effect and synergy with statins. That means that bergamot could be an alternative for dyslipidemia, especially in statin-intolerant people. In fact, one study found that bergamot fruit extract reduced overall cholesterol levels in liver cells. Although it didn’t block the enzyme involved with making cholesterol, it did limit cholesterol absorption in intestinal cells. 

How Long Does It Take For Bergamot To Lower Cholesterol?

There is one component in bergamot fruit extract, neohesperidin, which studies found decreased the activity of the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production. Additionally, neohesperidin boosted the function of another enzyme related to cholesterol management. Clinical studies suggest that cholesterol levels may reduce after weeks of regular bergamot supplementation. The effects may last one to six months, depending on lifestyle factors and personal biology. The time it takes for bergamot to work its magic may vary among individuals, and you should consult your healthcare professional about supplementation if you suffer from high cholesterol.

How Much Bergamot Is Necessary?

Determining how much bergamot to take to manage cholesterol levels will depend on a few things. The form of bergamot, such as extract, oil, supplement, the concentration of bergamot, and the individual’s overall health, including underlying conditions. In studies, typical doses ranged from 150 milligrams (mg) to 1,500 mg of extract daily. Unfortunately, the best form of bergamot for managing cholesterol is still unclear. Different forms of the fruit, including extracts, juices, or supplements are the available forms, at least in the clinical studies confirming their efficacy. 

Are There Side Effects?

In certain cases, bergamot may cause side effects, which are detailed below: 

• Drug interactions: Antibiotics and diabetes medications, in addition to drugs that cause photosensitivity, may negatively interact with bergamot. As stated earlier in this article, some studies suggest that bergamot extract may enhance statin effects. Combining bergamot with other medications, however, could intensify their effects and increase the risk of muscle pain. 
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight: Bergamot contains compounds that may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing your risk of skin irritation or sunburn. 
• Allergic reactions: Some people are allergic to bergamot, which can result in rash, itching, or difficulty breathing, but this depends on the severity of the allergy. If you are allergic to other citrus fruits, you may want to reconsider bergamot supplementation, or get a food allergy test.

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Antibiotics have been given to farm animals to have them gain weight quickly, as well as ward off diseases. Unfortunately the antibiotics given to livestock can result in a superbug, not only on the animals but on the ones who consume it as well. While the FDA was supposed to be more strict, there seems to be no change.

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When you come down with a cold, your first thought is that you wish it could go away immediately. A virus drains your body and it seems like you blow your nose for hours, yet you still see mucus in the tissues. Perhaps you rely on a few strategies when you feel sick, and it usually stems from advice that your parents, grandparents, or other wise people gave you as a child. 

The unfortunate reality is that a lot of the old common cold advice you hold near and dear to your heart is usually more myth than fact. There is no sense in faulting the people who gave you this old folk wisdom, but you can learn to separate fact from fiction in this article. Read on to learn about some of the most common myths about catching or recovering from the common cold. We’ll also provide the real facts from health experts. 

Myth: Feed A Cold And Starve A Fever

The fact of the matter is that you need to rest and hydrate when you fall ill. If you don’t have an appetite or you have a fever, continue to replenish the body with fluids, including water, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich beverages. Soups are easily digestible and can also aid your hydration efforts. They also provide essential nutrients, and that warmth can aid your recovery efforts. 

Myth: More Dairy Means More Mucus

According to health experts, dairy can make mucus thicker and it may upset your stomach, especially if you’re running a fever. Dairy doesn’t necessarily increase mucus, though. If you are lactose intolerant or have a sensitivity to dairy products, it may not be a conducive food to your recovery. Enjoying frozen yogurt or a frozen dairy product while sick may help some and harm others. This varies from person to person.

Myth: Antibiotics Treat A Cold

Researchers note that antibiotics treat infections caused by bacteria, and colds result from viruses, according to physicians. Antibiotics work by killing or slowing the growth of all bacteria, both good and bad. They can treat bacterial infections, such as strep throat, ear infections, or bronchitis. They cannot, however, cure viral infections. In fact, they can actually cause dangerous antibiotic resistance if you use them too often or incorrectly.

Myth: Your Cold Isn’t Contagious Unless You Have A Fever

You don’t have to have a fever to pass your cold to other people. That means that you have very few symptoms and be very contagious. People became hyper aware of that during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people contracted that virus and were asymptomatic. A cold can be dangerous a day before the onset of symptoms. Colds are usually the most contagious in the first four days after symptoms start. Although viruses can remain in the body for weeks after symptoms end, the chance of spreading infection lessens as time passes.

Myth: You Can’t Do Much To Prevent Colds

Do you gargle salt water, use a Neti Pot, or drink lots of fluids when you have a cold? Although these efforts may not prevent you from getting sick, they may help reduce the severity and longevity of symptoms. If you want to prevent colds, you have to take extra precautions against everything. Experts suggest that you wash hands with soap frequently, stay hydrated, get sufficient sleep, avoid other sick people, eat a balanced diet, and regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces. Taking these extra precautions can help keep you healthy during cold and flu season.

Myth: You’ll Catch A Cold If You Go Outside With Wet Hair

This old gem still gets passed around like a bad game of telephone. Going outside with wet hair will make you feel cold, but it won’t cause sickness or a cold. Health experts explain that viruses and bacteria cause illnesses, usually when you are in close contact with another sick person. If you live in a colder climate, take extra care to wear warm clothing to protect against the weather. There’s no need to get frostbite, people!

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If you pay attention to your body, you know that your gut feels a certain way after you eat foods that either benefit or sabotage it. A big burger with fries or several slices of pizza is going to affect your gut differently than a bowl of quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and fresh vegetables. This is because certain foods promote the growth of good bacteria, while others cause digestive distress and upset the health of your microbiome. 

What Is The Microbiome?

Consisting of trillions of microorganisms, microbiota or microbes, the microbiome is a healthy balance of fungi, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. In a healthy person, these microbes coexist peacefully, and the number of healthy bacteria is greater than unhealthy bacteria. This delicate balance can support immune function, optimal digestion, and more bodily functions. When you eat foods that are not conducive to the health of your microbiome, your overall health begins to suffer, putting you at greater risk for disease. 

If you don’t know which foods upset your gut, read on to learn about them. Avoiding these foods may reduce your risk of gut-related health issues. 

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners are similar to sugar alcohols, in that they can cause stomach pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Not everyone has these reactions to artificial sweeteners, but eating enough of them can easily upset your microbiome. Artificial sweeteners have the potential to change gut bacteria that influence metabolism, increasing the risk for obesity. To avoid these sweeteners, make sure to read nutritional labels and look for words ending in “-ol,” for example, sorbitol. 

Red Meat

In moderation, grass-fed/grass-finished beef will not cause irreparable damage to the gut. Studies confirm that eating a lot of red meat can increase inflammation, especially in the colon, increasing the risk of colon cancer. Statistics are startling as well, with studies revealing that eating excess red and processed meat has caused nearly 18% of lower bowel cancer cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies processed meat as a class 1 carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer in humans.

Fried Foods

Gastroenterologists say that fried foods are bad for gut health for several reasons. First off, fried foods commonly trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which occurs when stomach acid regularly goes back into the esophagus. Fried foods also contain high concentrations of saturated fats, which are very difficult to digest and take a long time to break down. That can be a serious problem for anyone, but especially people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Additionally, fried meat can increase gut endotoxins and systemic inflammation by messing with gut microbiome. The consumption of fried foods also creates lower diversity of gut bacteria. 

Highly Processed Foods

Pre-made meals and ready-to-eat foods (like frozen pizza or microwavable dinners) are easy to enjoy if you’re pressed for time. Your gut never thanks you for eating these foods, though. Despite their convenience, they are highly inconvenient for the gut. Ultra-processed foods not only increase the risk of IBD, but they also contain ingredients like added sugars, thickeners, flavorings, emulsifiers, and preservatives, all of which harm the gut. Studies indicate that dietary emulsifiers promote colon inflammation by changing gut microbiome and damaging gut lining. Try to limit or completely avoid processed or convenience foods, especially processed meats, frozen meals, and canned soups.

Alcohol

A lot of people love to imbibe on occasion for various reasons. Some want to take the edge off and reduce stress, while others just want to cut loose. Unfortunately, drinking a daily alcoholic beverage can negatively affect your gut. Booze can damage the lining, or mucosa, of the digestive tract. To put it simply, alcohol is a gut toxin and should be one of the first foods/beverages you avoid if you are concerned about gut health. 

Dairy

Lactose intolerance is far more common than most people realize, affecting about 36-40% of Americans. Dairy causes a range of symptoms that result from lactose intolerance, decreased lactase enzyme, and FODMAP intolerance or milk allergy. Some dairy products even contain harmful hormones and antibiotics that can wreck your gut. Antibiotics in dairy products can destroy or damage beneficial bacteria in the gut, which can disrupt the balance of gut flora.

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Kefir is a popular health “it” food that contains a plethora of bioactive compounds, up to 30 of which are beneficial probiotic strains. These healthy bacteria make kefir a beneficial beverage for digestion and overall gut health. In fact, health experts actually consider kefir to be better for your gut than Greek yogurt. If you have been on the fence about incorporating kefir into your diet, though, the science-backed health benefits in this article should hopefully sway you. 

What Is Kefir?

Kefir is made using starter “grains” that are a combination of yeast and bacteria. It’s a fermented beverage that results from the kefir grains interacting with milk. Even people with lactose intolerance can typically drink kefir safely. Kefir grains exhibit a complex microbial symbiotic mixture of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts in a polysaccharide-protein matrix. What does that mean, though? Well, the potency of kefir spread through tribes over thousands of years, helping treat various health conditions, including tuberculosis in the 19th century. By 2027, health experts project that the global kefir market size will reach $1.84 billion. Why is this drink so popular? Well, continue reading to find out. 

More Powerful Probiotic Than Yogurt

Kefir grains contain up to 61 strains of bacteria and yeasts, making them diverse, rich sources of probiotics. This diversity may vary, though. These microorganisms can influence your health in several ways. For example, they may enhance digestion, improve mental health, and aid with weight management. Despite yogurt being a popular source of probiotics in the Western diet, kefir is a much more potent source.

Supports Digestion And Gut Health

Health professionals often encourage people to consume probiotics after they take antibiotics. Probiotic compounds work to restore gut flora that you lose as a result of taking antibiotics. According to research, consuming probiotic-rich foods can restore gut balance and fight gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additional evidence shows that kefir may alter gut microbiota composition in a healthy way. Studies link drinking kefir to improved physical performance and an ability to combat fatigue.

Reduces The Risk Of Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a major concern in Western countries, especially among older women. Characterized by the deterioration of bone tissue, osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures. Although consuming adequate amounts of calcium is an effective way to strengthen bones, increasing vitamin K2 intake is also an important step to take. Kefir contains sufficient amounts of both calcium and vitamin K2, which has a role in calcium metabolism. People who supplement with vitamin K2 reduce the risk of fractures by as much as 81%. Finally, recent animal studies found that increased kefir consumption led to better calcium absorption in bone cells. That is great news because increasing calcium absorption in bone cells can improve overall bone density. 

Potential Cancer Fighter

Researchers indicated that certain compounds in probiotic drinks like kefir help the body defend against the spread of cancer cells. As of now, the probiotics in kefir may inhibit the spread of stomach cancer cells, according to some in vitro studies. Other studies found that fermented dairy products like kefir may reduce tumor growth by enhancing immune function. More research is necessary on this matter, though. One study found that kefir extract worked to reduce the amount of human breast cancer cells by 56% with only 14% yogurt extract. 

Improves Allergy Symptoms

More often than not, allergy symptoms are linked to inflammatory issues in the body. A research animal study found that kefir reduced inflammatory cells that disrupted air passages and lung function. Additionally, kefir was able to decrease mucus build-up in a mice study. The live organisms that exist in kefir have a proven ability to enhance immune function, ultimately suppressing allergic reactions. In doing so, kefir may change the body’s response to the system outbreak points for allergies. 

Supports Healthier Skin

When you increase the presence of good bacteria in the body, you start to experience better overall health. Bringing good bacteria to the forefront supports the skin in several ways. Not only does increasing beneficial bacterial help with systemic-based skin issues, but it also aids with recovery from burns and rashes. Researchers identified that kefir contains kefiran, a carbohydrate that improves the overall quality of the skin. It also enhances the ability to heal from wounds and protect connective tissues.

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Every single day, the body is exposed to numerous viruses, bacteria, toxins, and pathogens that can compromise your health. Thankfully, the immune system has specific cells that work to neutralize these foreign invaders on contact. Well, this is true if your immune system functions optimally. If your immune system is impaired for whatever reason, your health could be at risk. 

One of the easiest ways to keep your immune system in tip-top shape is by maintaining a healthy balance of gut flora. The 100 trillion bacteria that inhabit your gut have more influence on your overall health than you realize. Some of these bacteria are beneficial, while others are unfriendly and harmful to your health. When the scales tip in favor of unhealthy bacteria in the gut, things start to go south, also known as dysbiosis. This has been linked to insulin resistance, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease, inflammation, and colorectal cancer. 

Exposing the gut to certain foods or dietary toxins threatens your ability to metabolize and absorb nutrients. Failure to absorb essential nutrients can cause poor mental and physical health. Keeping your gastrointestinal system strong and the beneficial bacteria alive is the answer! You can’t do that if you continue to destroy your gut with the following things. 

Taking Too Many Antibiotics

Antibiotics can help treat numerous infections, or help prevent infections from occurring after a surgical procedure. They also destroy your gut health, killing both beneficial and unhealthy bacteria. Taking too many antibiotics affects the bacterial diversity and composition in your gut,  leading to long-term health problems. After you complete a dose of antibiotics, most bacteria return within one to four weeks, but their levels are never the same. When some bacteria come back, they can even become antibiotic-resistant. 

Stressing Too Much

Stress leads to psychological, emotional, and physical complications. Studies found that stress can influence both the abundance and the types of bacteria in your gut. Since the gut communicates with the brain, it can affect your overall mood. Research suggests that Lactobacillus, beneficial bacterium, actually decreases when exposed to stress. The gut-brain axis is a powerful highway of communication, so keep your stress in check if you want to maintain healthy microbiome. 

Not Sleeping Enough

Sleep is the answer, people! Well, maybe not to the secrets of the universe, but sleep helps the body recover and keeps you balanced. The body has a circadian rhythm, which is the clock that tells you when to go to bed and when to wake up. This internal clock affects your hormones, and it can keep you alert or make you tired. The gut has a similar circadian-like rhythm and disrupting it can negatively affect gut bacteria. One study found that two days of sleep deprivation caused changes to gut flora, increasing the presence of bad bacteria that leads to weight gain and diabetes. 

The Western Diet

The Western diet is something that the Western world is accustomed to. It also happens to be one of the primary reasons that a high percentage of the adult population experiences poor gut health. All of the meat, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, processed ingredients, dairy products, hormones, and antibiotics wreak havoc on gut microbes. Additionally, the lack of fiber impairs the body’s ability to efficiently move food through the digestive tract. There’s an abundance of research documenting the fact that the Western diet alters gut microbiota. This alteration leads to obesity and other metabolic diseases, and it increases the risk of gut inflammation. 

The Sedentary Lifestyle

The amount of time people spend in a seated position increases yearly. People all over the world continue to develop pathogenic gut bacteria, which lowers the diversity of beneficial bacteria. This can contribute to a higher risk of chronic diseases and conditions. Couple this sedentary nature with lack of exercise and gut health goes way down hill. Physical activity can improve gut health! Several studies found that higher levels of exercise lead to diverse gut flora and better metabolic health. Failure to exercise increases the production of harmful bacteria in the gut. 

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Medical professionals have used antibiotics as conventional medicine to remedy bacterial infections since the 1940s. The use of natural antibiotics became a rarity until recently, when people realized the side effects and other health problems caused by prescription antibiotics.

When it comes to taking prescription antibiotics, one in ten people experiences side effects that harm the digestive system. Each drug-based antibiotic you swallow slowly damages destroys the healthy gut flora in the digestive system. Additionally, consuming prescription antibiotics can weaken the immune system, increase food sensitivities, induce inflammation, or cause nutritional deficiencies.

People pop prescription antibiotics like candy. The more you take, the more damage you do to your body. According to the CDC, one in three patients, who are prescribed antibiotics, don’t actually need them. Because of how readily people consume these types of antibiotics, they can start to develop antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Rather than damaging your body, look to natural antibiotics to help fight infection without destroying your gut!

Echinacea

Traditional healers have used this super herb for hundreds of years to treat infections and wounds. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Biomedicine, Echinacea is effective at killing various bacteria, including S. pyogenes, which is responsible for toxic shock syndrome and strep throat. Echinacea can also fight inflammation, which is commonly associated with bacterial infections.

Cinnamon

As one of the world’s most common spices, cinnamon is readily available. This ordinary spice has powerful antifungal and antibacterial properties that can destroy fungal infections and the compounds, which those infections produce, that cause tissue damage. For skin-based infections, you can apply cinnamon oil with a little manuka honey to the affected area. Drinking cinnamon tea sweetened with organic raw honey may fight off cold or flu viruses.

Manuka Honey

Honey has been used topically on wounds for thousands of years to help prevent infection. Many health professionals agree that manuka honey can help treat burns, ulcers, bedsores, and skin grafts. The antibacterial properties in honey are typically attributed to the hydrogen peroxide content; however, manuka honey has a lower hydrogen peroxide content and can inhibit about 60 different strains of bacteria. Studies have even shown that manuka honey can kill staph infections.

Goldenseal

Usually consumed as a tea or in capsule form, goldenseal is commonly used to treat digestive or respiratory issues. In fact, recent studies found that goldenseal can help prevent staph infection. Additionally, goldenseal contains berberine, which is an important component of natural antibiotics. Warning: berberine is not safe for infants or women who are breastfeeding or pregnant. Goldenseal can also interfere with certain medications so make sure to check with you health care professional if you plan on taking it.

Oil of Oregano

Oil of oregano is the distilled extract of medicinal-grade oregano, and it is not meant for culinary use. The active compounds in oil of oregano are carvacrol and thymol, both of which help to fight of harmful pathogens. Carvacrol actually has antimicrobial effects and studies have found that it can help fight off fungal infections, allergies, inflammation, parasites, viruses, and bacterial infections. Many people have used oil of oregano to treat nail fungus, sinus infections, or yeast infections.

While prescription antibiotics have their place, it is not always necessary to consume them. Their misuse has caused people to develop antibiotic resistant bacteria in the gut. Try taking the natural approach to save your gut from unnecessary damage.

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Americans have managed to convince themselves that eating chicken is much healthier than eating beef or pork. In reality, a single serving of chicken contains just as much cholesterol as beef, and eggs contain three times the amount. Even if you buy chicken, which has been organically and ethically raised, you still run into the cholesterol issue.

Chickens are the most abused animals on the planet and roughly nine billion chickens are killed in the United States for consumption every year. 305 million hens of those nine billion are solely used for their eggs. The environment, specifically the crammed warehouses in which they live, is extremely detrimental to the health of the birds and the people who work there. The workers can develop respiratory problems from exposure to microorganisms, gasses, disinfectants, detergents, pesticides, and formaldehyde.

Why are we telling you all of this? Today, March 19^th, is National Poultry Day and we hope to guide you in a healthier direction in life. We want you all to live longer and healthier, and if that means telling you the dangers of eating chicken, well, that’s what we are going to do.

Factory Farms Produce Chemical Waste

The smells that emit from these farms are extremely hazardous to human health. The combination of manure, feed, chicken carcasses, and chicken waste is also an environmental threat. The sad part is that the air and odor emissions for such farms aren’t entirely regulated. Why is this? Chicken farming is over a $34 billion industry and stricter environmental regulations would “harm” the business.

Exposure To Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria

Thousands of chickens are crammed into massive sheds and fed large amounts of antibiotics and other chemicals, which prevent them from dying in their living conditions. These antibiotic food additives are considered high risk and may expose people to antibiotic resistant bacteria via the food supply. This can make it hugely difficult to rid the body of those bacteria.

E. coli and Salmonella

According to a USDA study, roughly 65% of broiler chickens contained E. coli in 2012. Because chickens live in such confinement, there is constant fecal contamination during processing. Additionally, a Consumer Reports analysis revealed that 83% of fresh broiler chickens had high levels of salmonella or campylobacter, which is the leading cause of food poisoning in America.

You Are Being Manipulated

When it comes to buying chicken, companies like to trick you into buying “healthier” options by using the terms “organic” and “free-range.” Hens that are raised for eggs are typically subject to crammed, unsanitary living conditions until they can’t produce any more eggs, referred to as “spent.” This is true for organic and inorganic poultry alike. Then these hens are slaughtered and thrown in high-speed grinders because they can no longer produce eggs, making them worthless.

Chickens Are Fed Arsenic

The chicken industry commonly feeds chickens arsenic, which makes them grow faster. This chemical is toxic to humans and can increase a person’s risk of neurological disorders, dementia, some cancers, and other general health problems.

We hope you take all of this into consideration next time you think about buying or eating chicken.

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