Welcome to Part 7 of our ongoing series of Healthy Living, in which we are alphabetically focusing on both a natural remedy and a health condition, although the two have nothing to do with one another – except they begin with the same letter. Consider this a “two-for-one” blog in which we offer you a different approach in providing information related to healthcare conditions and over-the-counter supplements and herbs worth being informed about.
This time we settle on the letter K.
Natural Remedy – Krill Oil
If you are familiar with natural remedies such as Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oils, or just have a natural curiosity about things that come from the ocean, then you might want to know a thing or two about krill oil, It is sourced from very small sea-based crustacean creatures, akin to shrimp, known as krill, and the oil that is extracted from them has gained popularity as an alternative to fish oil.
Krill oil is a source of both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are omega-3 fats derived from marine sources. Krill oil also is well-known as a robust source of astaxanthin, a potent natural antioxidant that is not found in fish oil.
Following are five of the potential health benefits linked to krill oil:
Thwart obesity. A slow metabolic rate is typically associated with weight gain. One cause for this could be a deficiency of omega-3’s in your body. Krill oil has shown an ability to diminish fat deposits in the body, which in turn should enhance your metabolic rate.
Enhance heart health. The use of krill oil can cut down the build-up of cholesterol in your body to help ward of hardening of the arteries. That in turn can reduce elevated blood pressure to help regulate proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Help Regulate PMS Symptoms. Omega-3 fats like those found in krill oil have been shown in several studies as able to tamp down the pain and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Could treat colitis. Because krill oil has shown indications of being effective in counteracting inflammatory bowel diseases, certain compounds found in it can help relieve sores and inflammation found in the gastrointestinal tract.
Diminish joint pain. Chalk up this attribute to krill oil’s apparent ability to help reduce inflammation associated with persistent joint pain.
Krill oil is a worthy alternative to fish oil-based supplements, with plenty of health benefits of its own. If you are thinking of trying some for your own health benefit, be sure to first discuss its use with your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Condition – Kidney Infection
As painful as it can be dealing with cystitis, a bladder infection accompanied by painful urination, a kidney infection (also known as “pyelonephritis”) takes the discomfort level a notch higher. Symptoms common to a such an infection can include chills accompanied by shivers, a fever, weakness or fatigue, pain or discomfort in your side, lower back, or near your genitals, diminished appetite, a sick feeling, and diarrhea.
Kidney infections, which are a type of urinary tract infection (UTI), are relatively uncommon and are caused by a type of bacteria known as E. coli. It enters your body through the urethra and makes its way up into your bladder and then on to your kidneys. More women than men are prone to kidney infections, with younger women most at risk because of their being more sexually active.
If you experience an assortment of symptoms as described above, particularly a high temperature, persistent pain, and/or a change in your urination habits, make an appointment to see your physician to get an examination, diagnosis, and possibly a prescription for an antibiotic or other type of medication to treat the condition.
Meanwhile, there are a number of natural remedies available over the counter that address kidney health in general and could be useful in protecting yourself from kidney infections or other kidney issues. Following are five such supplements, in alphabetical order, for you to consider in that regard. Be sure to first discuss your use of any of them with your physician:
Calcium. A patient with kidney disease could be aided by calcium supplements to thwart bone loss and sustain heart health.
Dandelion root. This herb-based supplement has natural diuretic properties and can enhance urine production, which can help in ridding your kidneys of toxins and waste products.
Ginger root. Ginger root’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it a natural for protecting kidney health.
Magnesium. Because a magnesium deficiency is also found in people with kidney disease, supplementation with this essential mineral should be a sound safeguard.
Red clover. A natural detoxifier, red clover can help take the load off the kidneys by assisting in cleansing your blood and promoting the elimination of toxins.
Kidney infections are rare, but it’s best to be prepared to be in the know should you or someone you are close to get one. Prescribed antibiotics are the normal course of treatment, but natural remedies can help you deal with the very disruptive symptoms.