Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Coccidiodomycosis, also known as valley fever and desert fever, is an infectious disease that is caused by fungi “Coccidioides immitis”.

The typical symptoms of valley fever include sputum production, shortness of breath, chest pain, low-grade fever, fatigue, chills, malaise, headache, night sweats and muscle pains. Most of these symptoms resolve in about three to five weeks on their own without any treatment. However, if symptoms persist, then valley fever may give rise to progressive pulmonary coccidiodomycosis that is characterized by lung volume loss, inflammation of lungs and scarring.

Desert fever is diagnosed with the microscopic examination of sputum, PCR test (to detect the genetic material of the fungus), skin tests, chest X-ray, CT scan and MRI.

Treatment options include antifungal drugs and surgical treatments (to treat pulmonary arteries, empyema and scarred tissues in lungs).

The people who are at risk of developing coccidiodomycosis include elderly, HIVers, cancer patients, residents of the endemic areas, pregnant women and individuals who do farm or construction work.

As this fungal infection mostly infects the immunosuppressed people, make sure that you regularly consume a supplement that helps maintain the health of your immune system. Natures Aid Immune Support + with Beta-Glucans is a popular brand on the market that stands tall among other competitors due to its amazing attributes. It makes use of Ester-C, Elderberry and Beta-Glucans in its formulation that help boost immune system and provide protection against a wide range of fungal as well as bacterial infections. You should take 1 tablet per day with a cold drink and food.

Astragalus is a large genus of perennial or annual herbs or shrubs. Astragalus propinquus, also known as “Yellow Leader” or “Goat’s Thorn” or “Milk Vetch”, is an herb that is native to Asia. It belongs to the Fabaceae family of plants and its roots are used for medicinal purposes. Astragalus root contains astragalosides, triterpenes, cycloastregenol, polysaccharides and flavonoids.

A regular use of astragalus helps improve immune system and reduces the common cold symptoms. Cycloastregenol in astragalus helps fight chronic infections especially HIV and Hepatitis. However, high-quality clinical trials are still needed in this regard. Astragalus propinquus helps treat chronic aplastic anaemia and eliminates the risk of congestive heart failure and heart stroke. It exhibits a diuretic effect, which means that it may cause blood vessels to relax. It helps lower elevated cholesterol levels, blood pressure and uric acid. It helps maintain the health of liver and reduces the symptoms related to genital herpes. A recent research has revealed that astragalus reverses predominance of TH2 cytokines and other carcinogens in cancer patients.

In order to reap the health benefits from astragalus, make sure that you take a dietary supplement that makes use of astragalus in its formulation. Swiss Herbal Astragalus is a popular brand on the market that helps maintain your cardiovascular health, boosts your immune system and protects you against the risks of opportunistic infections. However, if you have an excessive sex drive or you have difficulty passing water, then consult a physician or herbal expert before using this supplement.

Chancroid, also known as soft ulcer, genital ulcer, soft sore and soft chancre, is a sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. This disease is common in people who have a frequent contact with sex workers and prostitutes and practice unprotected sex.

The infection begins with the swelling of lymph nodes in the groin, accompanied by appearance of painful, open sores on the genitals. Other less common symptoms include painful urination, vaginal discharge, rectal bleeding and painful intercourse. Most of these symptoms occur within two weeks after exposure. Chancroid is associated with an increased risk of transmission of the HIV and HPV.

Genital ulcers are treated with a combination of antibiotics. In order to avoid this disease, make sure that you always practice protected sex. Consume vitamins-rich diets such as fruits, lean meats, nuts and vegetables to boost and improve your immune system. It also makes a good idea to use a dietary supplement that supports your body’s resistance to infection and promotes a healthy immune system.

Optibac Daily Immunity Healthy Immune System is a popular brand on the market that makes use of probiotics such as Bifidobacterium longum and antioxidants such as Pine Bark Extract in its formulation. This supplement boosts your immune system and increases your body’s resistance to infection. Each capsule provides 2.5 billion probiotic cultures to maintain the health of your digestive tract as well. Optibac Daily Immunity makes a wonderful gift for those people who are active with demanding lifestyles as it keeps them at their best. Take one capsule daily, preferably with breakfast.

Tuberculosis is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When a person with tuberculosis speaks, coughs or sneezes, he or she expels small droplets into the air. Droplets dry out quick, but bacteria remain airborne for days. When they are inhaled by a healthy individual, bacteria reach the lungs and develop a small infection that rarely gives any symptoms. Bacteria can remain dormant for months or even years without doing any obvious harm. However, when they find a favourable environment, they become reactivated and invade the lungs. The infection can also spread via blood from the lungs to other parts of body such as urinary tract, intestines, bones, skin, lymph nodes and sexual organs.

Typical symptoms of tuberculosis include persistent cough, sputum production with blood, fever, night sweats, fatigue, tiredness, lack of appetite and weight loss. Treatment of tuberculosis includes a combination of 3 different kinds of antibiotics given over eight to nine months.

A weakened immune system increases the risk of getting tuberculosis. People with different health conditions especially HIV and AIDS are more likely to contract this infectious disease.

If you have a compromised immune system, then you should regularly take a dietary supplement that boosts your immune system. Natures Aid Immune Support + with Beta-Glucans is a popular brand on the market that contains Elderberry, Ester-C and Beta-Glucans in its formulation. This supplement promotes a healthy immune system and improves your body’s resistance against bacteria and viruses. You should take one tablet per day with food or cold drink.

Dermatitis is a skin condition that is characterized by the redness, itchiness and inflammation of the skin. A typical example of dermatitis includes red or brown rash. There are two types of dermatitis: 1) Allergic contact dermatitis 2) Irritant contact dermatitis.

An allergen is mainly responsible for the allergic contact dermatitis. An allergen is a substance or a group of substances that induces the dermatitis by affecting the immune system. An area of skin that comes in contact with an allergen develops the rash due to hypersensitivity to that allergen.

Irritant contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is caused by an irritant substance that does not affect the immune system. An irritant substance is any substance that would cause inflammation in almost every person if it was applied for a long duration of time.

Patch testing can help to identify whether the dermatitis is caused by an irritant substance or an allergic substance. In case of irritant contact dermatitis, one should avoid contact with the substance that is responsible for rash.

As allergen contact dermatitis usually affects immune system, one should consume diets that help boost immune system. Foods rich in B-vitamins such as fruits, vegetables, seafood and nuts help improve immune system and promote a good health. You can also use a dietary supplement that aids in immune health.

Natures Aid Immune Support + with Beta-Glucans is a popular brand on the market that helps improve immune system and promotes a good general health. It makes use of Beta-Glucans, Elderberry and Ester-C in its formulation. You should take one tablet per day with a drink.

Otitis Media or middle-ear infection or inflammation of the middle ear is a painful condition that is caused by bacteria. It is a highly contagious disease and infection rapidly spreads through the eustachian tube to the middle ear. Eustachian tube is an air channel between the nose and middle ear. This tube is mainly responsible for the ventilation of the middle ear.

Otitis Media is very common among children. However, it can also affect adults belonging to all age groups. Symptoms of this disease include high temperature, restlessness, fatigue, ear pain, mild cough and problem with hearing. In severe cases, puss may also form in the middle ear which may lead to a temporary facial swelling. A rare symptom is the spread of infection to the bone behind the ear.

It can be treated with the mild pain relievers, nasal drops containing decongestants, and antibiotics. Grommet (a drainage tube) can be placed in the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear of the people who are repeatedly exposed to inflammation.

In order to protect your children from the attacks of pathogens, make sure that you incorporate an immune boosting supplement into their daily dietary routine. Natures Aid Immune Support + with Beta-Glucans makes a popular brand on the market. Not only does it promote a healthy immune system, but it also reduces the risk of numerous bacterial as well as viral infections. It contains beta-glucans, ester-C, elderberry, vitamins and minerals. These nutrients play an important role in maintaining an overall health and well-being of your child.

A healthy immune system is mandatory for a disease-free life. Not only does it protect against the attacks of harmful pathogens, but it also regulates the production of different hormones and enzymes. There are certain immune boosting foods that you should consume to improve your immune system.

Button mushrooms exhibit antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-tumour effects. They are rich in nutrients such as antioxidants, B vitamins particularly niacin and riboflavin, and selenium. B vitamins and antioxidants play a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system.

Oysters are immune boosters and aphrodisiac. They are rich in micro-mineral zinc and antioxidants. Low levels of zinc are associated with poor wound healing and male infertility. Moreover, zinc promotes a healthy immune system as it exhibits antiviral properties.

Cabbage is a seasonal vegetable that can easily be found during the winter months. There are different varieties of cabbage such as Chinese, red and white. Cabbage makes a rich source of immune-strengthening chemical known as glutathione. You can add cabbage to stews and soups to enhance the taste as well as boost your immune system.

It also makes a good idea to use a dietary supplement that boosts your immune system. Vitabiotics Immunace Healthy Immune System contains 24 nutrients that help maintain optimal cell defence and healthy immune resistance. It contains antioxidants such as vitamins E, C and carotenoids that help defend against harmful free radicals. Moreover, it also contains trace minerals such as selenium and amino acids that are used in the synthesis of more complex antioxidant molecules.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually causes redness, itching, pain, burning sensation, peeling, blisters and sores. This disease is highly contagious, which means that it can easily be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy individual.

Its common mode of transmission includes direct contact with the accessories of a sufferer such as shoes, socks, towel, soap etc. However, it can also be transmitted by walking barefoot in areas such as near pools, or locker rooms. The fungi then grow between the fingers of your foot to give rise to Athlete’s foot.

This skin disease is curable as it can successfully be treated with the oral medications and antifungal lotions. In order to avoid the fungal contagious diseases, make sure that you consume diets which are high in B vitamins. Vitamin B-complex help improve your immune system and absorb energy from foods.

You can also include a dietary supplement in your daily routine which helps improve the immune system. Optibac Daily Immunity Healthy Immune System is an advanced formula of antioxidants such as pine bark extract and probiotics such as Bifidobacterium longum, which increase the body’s resistance to infection and promote a healthy immune system.

It also makes an excellent gift for those people who are physically active or have demanding lifestyles. Each capsule of Optibac provides 2.5 billion live probiotic cultures. You should take one capsule daily, preferably with breakfast. This supplement, however, is not recommended for infants with short bowel syndrome, patients with pancreatitis, post cardiac surgery patients and severely immunosuppressed individuals.