Sore Throat (Throat Infection) Home Remedies: Treat Throat Pain Naturally

As per reports, approximately 2.4 million ER visits in United States are attributed to throat related complaints, with sore throat being the most common. Sore throat can be extremely unpleasant, however, it responds really well to home remedies that not only allay sore throat pain, but also treat throat inflammation.

Inflamed and
Sore Throat

What are the causes of Sore Throat and Throat Pain?

Throat infection is a scratchy, itchy and burning sensation that begins at the back of the mouth and extends to the middle of the throat. When the throat gets infected, the body responds by sending more blood to the area, along with WBCs to combat the infectious agents; this causes swelling, redness and pain.

 

• Allergies, bacterial infection and viral infection are the commonest causes for soreness of the throat. In 80% of the cases viral infection results in sore throat.
• Certain environmental triggers such as smoke, dust, dryness and low humidity are significant causes as well.
• Trauma or injury can also result in sore throat, typically caused by overuse of the vocal cords.

Soreness due to viral infection develops rather slowly, and is milder, as compared to bacterial infection. Draining of excess fluid from the nose and sinuses causes the throat to get sore. On the other hand, bacterial infection, such as strep throat, strikes suddenly, causing severe pain and fever.

Sore Throat Symptoms

Throat infection may be accompanied by certain other features such as:

• Burning in the throat, soreness and occasionally excruciating pain.
• Pain in the ears
• Difficulty while swallowing
• Lump like swelling in the throat
• Altered timber of voice
• Lymph nodes under the jaw swell.

     Home Remedies to Treat Throat Infections

Here are some simple remedies that can help treat throat infections,

1. Vitamin C: vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster. It helps fight upper respiratory tract infections that cause soreness of the throat. What’s more, vitamin C is invaluable for people who suffer from frequent and seasonal allergies. Have a supplement daily for about 5 days; alternatively step up your intake of vitamin C rich foods such as limes, sweet limes, oranges, apples, etc.
2.  Turmeric: curcumin present in the herb is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and an infection fighter. Add a spoon of turmeric to boiled milk or water and consume thrice daily for speedy cure. Also, turmeric boiled in water can be used as an effective gargle.
3.  Echinacea: has strong anti viral and anti bacterial properties that fight infections. Start an Echinacea supplement the moment you feel you are going to develop a sore throat.
4. Experts advise having herbal teas to manage sore throat effectively and quickly. Steep about 5 leaves of holy basil, 5 leaves of mint, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves, in hot water for 15 minutes. Consume this decoction twice daily. It will afford rapid relief from the pain and inflammation. Holy basil boosts the immune mechanism and helps fight infections; clove allays pain rapidly, cinnamon has a warming and comforting effect and battles fever; while mint soothes irritation and inflammation.
5. Zinc: zinc lozenges have proved to be successful in the management of sore throat. Zinc shortens the duration of cold and reduces irritation and inflammation quickly.



Garlic is a Powerful
Infection Fighter

6. Garlic: Garlic is another decidedly powerful anti bacterial and anti viral herb that helps treat infections and inflammations. Grate a flake of garlic and add 2 spoons of honey to it. Consume this twice daily. It affords relief within a couple of hours.

 

Treat Throat Pain Naturally

Here are some tips to help cure throat pain,

• Use a humidifier to keep the throat lubricated; this is especially important if you live in a dry area.
• Steadily avoid triggers such as smoke, dust, pollen, etc.
• Stay well hydrated; have at least 12 glasses of fluids daily. Soups and herbals teas are recommended.

Treat Osteoporosis Naturally with Home Remedies: Treatment Guidelines and Screening

Osteoporosis or loss of bone density results in thousands of bone fractures every year. Consequently, it is very essential to have regular screening , understand the various causes and treatment guidelines in order to prevent the disorder. There are natural treatment guidelines including dietary and lifestyle modifications that reduce the chances of avoiding pain and fractures later on.

 

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis means ‘porous bones’; it is a condition wherein there occurs a reduction in the mineral content of bones and weakening of their structure, making them vulnerable to fractures.

Osteoporotic Bones

The condition is associated with certain risk factors,

• It is more frequently seen in women; older men experience it as well, however, their bones are denser and consequently, the bone loss is less severe.
• After menopause there occurs a sharp decline in the level of the hormone estrogen, and this is relate to osteoporosis in women. Estrogen helps the body absorb calcium and keeps the bones healthy and strong.
• A lack of weight bearing exercise poses as a risk factor for the occurrence of osteoporosis.
• A diet that lacks calcium is another significant risk factor too.
• Under weight people and small-boned people are at a higher risk too.
• A family history of the disorder increases your chances of developing the condition.
• Those who have taken anti epileptic drugs or anti-convulsants or steroids for prolonged periods are prone as well

Symptoms and Screening for Osteoporosis

Some of the common symptoms associated with the condition include,

• Gradual loss of height accompanied by the development of a stooped posture.
• Severe backache
• Fracture of the spine or hip or wrist.
• Dental X rays detect bone loss in the jaw.

.There are certain tests that are performed which help in early diagnosis of the condition, 

1. A bone density study conducted or a DEXA (dual energy X ray Absorptiometry) can help in understanding the bone mass concentration
2. In case of bone or joint pain and discomfort X ray of the spine or feet or hips is advised.

Home Remedies for Osteoporosis

Some home remedies and dietary suggestions to treat osteoporosis include,

• Calcium: step up your intake of milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, broccoli and almonds. These are packed with calcium; and support bone health and augment bone strength. Supplementation is also a must, 500 mg daily.
• Vitamin D: a supplement of 200 I.U. is prescribed. Vitamin D promotes strong bones and reduces the risk of fractures. It ensures that calcium is well absorbed by the body.
• Magnesium: eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and legumes; they are loaded with the mineral. This mineral makes sure that the calcium stays in the bones.
• Boron: boron helps decrease bone loss and is also known to increase the effect of estrogen as well as vitamin D. Incorporate lots of almonds, raisins, peanuts, prunes, bananas and broccoli in to your diet.

Weight bearing Exercises
to fight Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis Treatment Guidelines and Excercises

The following tips will help you prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis and also help manage the condition in those who have developed it:

• Regular exercise, at least thrice  a week is a must
• Quit smoking.
• Restrict your consumption of alcohol.
• When you take supplements, do ensure that you have consulted your physician; when it comes to supplements, more is not always better. Doubling your dose of calcium supplement tends to interfere with the benefits of magnesium and zinc; so don’t go overboard.

Experts recommend exercising on a daily basis; if that is not possible, you ought to exercise at least 3 times in a week. Weight bearing exercises are advocated; these are walking and lifting weights. In these exercises the legs as well as other parts of the body meet resistance.

However, get a trained instructor and do not be over zealous; begin with small sessions and gradually build up o the intensity and duration.