Lung Cleanse: 10 Ways to Detox Your Lungs

If your lungs are overworked or damaged by smoking, illness, allergies, or just being around air pollution in the environment, you can take specific steps to cleanse your lungs. Keeping your lungs clean, clear, and healthy will give you a greater connection to your vital life force.

What Is a Lung Cleanse?

A lung cleanse is a natural procedure designed to detoxify, cleanse, and refresh the delicate respiratory linings of the bronchial passages and lungs by purging them of accumulated environmental toxins, harmful organisms, and irritants. You can also help cleanse and strengthen the lungs with deep breathing exercises, massage, or certain herbs and oils with healing properties.

Who Needs a Lung Cleanse?

A lung cleanse can help anyone, since we all live in a world full of harmful chemicals, toxins, and irritants which can exert constant stress upon the lungs, but they are particularly effective for certain individuals. Whether you want to improve your lung function, or you want to kick-start a new smoke-free life, a lung cleanse is a great start on the path to a healthy lifestyle.

Smokers

I strongly recommend all smokers quit smoking before you end up with lung disease or serious lung damage. If you currently smoke, you should cleanse your lungs with one or more of these practices.

Recent Ex-Smokers

People who have recently quit smoking can benefit from cleansing their lungs, which helps clear out the gunk from the past. While you will still need time for your lungs to heal themselves, you can stimulate that process with a lung cleanse.

People With Lung Conditions

If you have specific health concerns, there is no substitute for the advice of a healthcare practitioner. When you’re having those conversations, ask them about the lung cleansing activities, herbs, and oils described here.

People With Pets & Allergies

Many people deal with allergies on a daily basis, whether from pets, pollen, or other common airborne allergens. Lung cleansing can help you clear out the allergens and may relieve some symptoms.

How to Detox Your Lungs

We’ve gathered together the best lung cleansing options with some additional information below.

Deep Breathing Exercises

You can increase the amount of oxygen that gets to your lung by regularly engaging in deep breathing exercises. Studies found that deep breathing after heart surgery helped aerate the lungs, bringing more oxygen and promoting healing.^[1] Taking long, slow, deep breaths not only brings more oxygen into the lungs, but it also helps oxygenated blood to spread out through the body. This technique has the bonus of helping you relax.

Try taking ten slow, deep breaths three times daily to expand lung capacity and oxygenation to your bloodstream.

Essential Oils

Add several drops of these essential oils to a diffuser or humidifier in your home. Inhale deeply several times near where the cool steam emerges from the diffuser or humidifier. These oils smell great and have aromatherapeutic properties. You can couple this with a thought, such as “breathing in love and health, breathing out toxins.” Visualize eliminating accumulated toxins as you exhale, it can expedite the healing process.

• Oregano: Not just for cooking, oregano oil is well-known for its ability to deter harmful organisms like fungi and bacteria.^[2]
• Tea Tree: This oil from the famous Australian Melaleuca tree can boost your immune system.^[3]
• Eucalyptus: Another oil from an Australian tree, eucalyptus, has powerful antimicrobial properties against viruses, bacteria, and fungus.^{[4, 5]} Not only that, there’s a long history of safely using it to promote lung health.
• Peppermint: The menthol in peppermint can boost exercise performance, likely by increasing lung activity.^[6] Ironically, some studies indicate that too much may increase nasal congestion so keep this in mind.^[7]

Exercise

When you exercise hard and breathe heavily, it helps increase your lung capacity and strengthens your entire cardiovascular system — the lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Conversely, scientists have irrefutable evidence that physical inactivity weakens your whole body and leads to illness. Likewise, we know that staying in good physical shape helps prevent many chronic conditions, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.^[8] If you go for even a light jog, you push breath to your lungs and get your blood flowing. For people who just quit smoking, this helps the lung healing process. If you live in an area with heavy pollen or suffer from allergies, you may want to jog indoors on a treadmill.

Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs have been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for respiratory ailments and improving lymphatic circulation. To help clear phlegm and toxins from your lungs with castor oil packs, soak 100 percent cotton flannel sheets or old shirts, cut up, with organic, cold-pressed castor oil that has been warmed up — but not too hot. Place these on your chest while lying down. Cover your mattress with a waterproof pad or garbage bags so you do not get oil on your bedding. Once you’ve placed the warm, oil-soaked strips on your chest, cover that with a plastic sheet (such as a cut-up garbage bag) and a heating pad. Keep this castor oil pack on for one to two hours, and then rise and clean up.

Chest Percussion

When mucus, fluid, or phlegm accumulates in your lungs, you can use chest physiotherapy or postural drainage and percussion. It’s an effective technique but requires the help of a healthcare provider, or sometimes at home with the help of a friend or family member. It involves getting into certain positions and gently thumping or drumming on the chest to help loosen the mucus so that it can be spit or coughed out. It can also bring more oxygen into the lungs.^[9] Percussion is used to assist symptoms from certain medical conditions,^[10] but can be used anytime you have congestion in your lungs you want to get rid of. Have someone tap gently on your back near one lung at a time as you cough. You can also lie on your side with your body at an angle to help loosen the phlegm and push it outward.^[11]

Eat Lung-Cleansing Foods

Studies show that antioxidant-rich foods counter the production of mucus, fluid, and phlegm in the body, which tend to accumulate in the lungs and airways.^[12] An antioxidant is a substance which counteracts oxidation in your cells. Raw fruits and vegetables are typically good sources of antioxidants.

An easy way to understand oxidation is with the example of fruit. When you cut an apple, the fruit pulp turns brown and spoils as oxygen in the air touches it — this is oxidation. The same process happens inside your body and is called oxidative stress.^[13] Free radicals, such as “reactive oxygen species,” cause damage to your cells. Consuming antioxidants counters these effects, leading to healthier lungs and a healthier you.

The following are among the best lung-cleansing foods.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables are associated with a lower risk of lung cancer.^[14] The effect was particularly strong in current and ex-smokers, and with raw vegetables, indicating that when you quit smoking and start eating more of these veggies, you can reverse the damage. That’s pretty incredible.

Honey

Honey is not only high in antioxidants, it also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects, according to a review of medical research.^[15] It has been used since ancient times to treat and soothe many lung and respiratory conditions, including asthma, tuberculosis, and throat infections. Try a spoonful of raw honey by itself, or add it to an antioxidant tea, like green tea or matcha.

Berries & Berry Juice

Berries pack a powerful lung-cleansing punch. Try cherries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, goji berries, or acai berries to add lung-supporting antioxidants to your diet.^{[16, 17]} Berry juice can replace an unhealthy snack or accompany a meal. You can also make detox water using berries.

Ginger

Several natural chemical compounds in ginger root (Zingiber officinale) — gingerols, paradols, and shogaol — have well-documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.^[18] The anti-inflammatory nature of ginger means it helps break down mucus and improves blood circulation in the body.^[18] You can use ginger in cooking, grate it raw on salads, or make ginger tea from mashed ginger root, lemon, and honey.

Aloe Vera

Exciting research has shown that aloe vera, which has antioxidant characteristics, helped reduce the damage caused by cigarette smoke on lung tissue in mice.^[19] A second study with rats found similar results, with aloe vera increasing the body’s production of macrophages, a white blood cell involved in immune system response to irritants.^[20] You can drink aloe vera juice, or take it as a supplement.

Herbs

Many herbs have properties that support lung health. Oregano, orange peel, elecampane, eucalyptus, peppermint, lungwort, osha root, chaparral, and lobelia can be used in tea, recipes, or taken as herbal supplements. Rather than growing or buying these herbs separately, you can enjoy them in a single lung cleanse supplement, Allertrex®. This all-natural lung cleansing spray is a blend of organic herbs and essential oils that promote smooth respiratory health, assist with normal lung function, and cleanse your lungs of harmful agents.

Avoid These Mucus-Producing Foods

Some foods may cause mucus production in your body, so if you tend to experience chest congestion, or have asthma or COPD (chronic pulmonary disease), I recommend avoiding these foods:

• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream)^[21]
• Processed meat
• Fast food
• Chocolate ^[22]

Other Ways to Keep Your Lungs Clean

For people with lung ailments or allergies, smokers, or ex-smokers who want to improve their lung health, there are other activities you can engage in that will help ensure the air you breathe is as healthy as it can be.

Keep Your House Clean

Regularly wipe down your shelves, ceiling fans, and all around your house as allergens and lung irritants lurk in seemingly benign dust. After you dust, vacuum. Vacuum at least three times a week if you have carpet, especially if you have indoor pets. Make sure to use a vacuum with high-rated HEPA filtration.

Use Natural Cleaning Products

Instead of using cleaners with harsh chemicals known to irritate your lungs,^{[23, 24]} use homemade do-it-yourself cleaning products, or buy environmentally-friendly, non-toxic formulations. Common items like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar are all you need to get started.

Use an Air Purifier

A good quality air purifier can remove allergens, dust, and pollutants from the air in your home, helping your lungs to rest easy. People can even end up with “sick building syndrome” from spending too much time in poorly ventilated buildings. Standalone air purifier units can provide focused filtration on a room-by-room basis. Depending on your goals, you may also want to weigh the benefits of a whole-home filtration system.

Buy Plants for Your Home

House plants produce oxygen, which we humans need for survival. They also filter out toxic chemicals from the air. A lot of people do not realize that if plants do not get enough sunlight, they will consume oxygen rather than producing it, so make sure to open your windows to let in the sunshine! One study in India found a building with many plants reduced eye irritation by 52 percent, respiratory conditions by 34 percent, and headaches by 24 percent in workers! ^[25]

Benefits of a Natural Lung Cleanse

We use our lungs every moment of every day, and they get exposed to the pollutants and allergens that we inhale. Your body has an amazing, built-in ability to heal itself, and of course, that includes the lungs and the airways leading to them. Cleansing your respiratory tract can catalyze and improve your body’s self-healing properties. Lung cleansing can help you breathe easier in the short-term and boost your immune system in the longer-term.

Points to Remember

The number one way to improve lung health is to reduce the number of toxins you’re inhaling. For smokers, this means it’s time to quit smoking. People who recently quit smoking, current smokers, people regularly exposed to smoke, individuals with lung ailments, or people exposed to air pollutants can all benefit from a lung cleanse. You can cleanse your lungs by engaging in deep breathing exercises, cardiovascular exercise, using tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, or oregano essential oils alone, in a diffuser, or together in an herbal supplement like Allertrex. You can also eat lung-cleansing foods such as cruciferous vegetable and high-antioxidant berries. Clean your home often. Vacuum regularly and use non-toxic cleaning products. Invest in an air purifier, and get some house plants to help naturally cleanse the air in your home.

How to Cleanse Your Lungs Naturally

Length: 2 minutes

The post Lung Cleanse: 10 Ways to Detox Your Lungs appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/lung-cleanse-detox-your-lungs/

Laxative Side Effects and Safety: Everything You Need to Know

Constipation causes discomfort and it can lead to embarrassing gas and uncomfortable bloating. Laxatives, which help evacuate stool from the bowels, are the go-to solution for most people dealing with constipation. Effective as that may be, some laxatives have mild to severe side effects, especially with long-term use. Side effects range from diarrhea, cramping, and rectal irritation to confusion and heart palpitations.

There are six types of laxatives with different mechanisms of action, timing, and side effects. The types include osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, bulk-forming laxatives, suppositories (See Types of Laxatives below). Some laxative brands include a combination of types. Below I detail the types of laxatives, how they work, how long it takes them to get the desired effect, and side effects specific to that type.

Are Laxatives Safe?

Occasional use of laxatives of all types has been deemed safe by several scientific studies.^[1] Relatively minor side effects may occur from using laxatives, as well as some extremely uncommon but serious side effects. Stimulant laxatives are considered the most harmful type of laxative. Regular use of stimulant laxatives can damage surface epithelial (skin) cells that line the rectum, and physicians will also see darkened skin along the colon in colonoscopy patients who have use herbal stimulant laxatives; however, the functional health consequences of these issues is unclear.^[1]

Occasional use of laxatives is generally safe, but you may experience minor side effects, including gas, bloating, and cramping. Serious side effects are most common with stimulant laxatives.

There are contrasting scientific opinions on whether stimulant laxatives are linked to tumor growth in the colon. The chemical phenolphthalein was voluntarily removed from most products after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) deemed it “not generally recognized as safe” in 1999 when studies linked it to kidney, ovary, and blood cancers. Some lab and animal studies found that other stimulant laxatives may cause tumor growth, but human epidemiological studies – which correlate disease risk in human populations with laxative use – have so far failed to find a clear connection.^{[2, 3]} There is also not strong evidence that occasional laxative use causes structural or functional damage of intestinal nerves or smooth muscle.^[3]

Common Side Effects of Laxatives

The most common and relatively minor side effects that go along with laxative use include cramping, nausea, gas, and minor irritations or rashes. Some people may feel bloated before passing the stool, especially with bulk-forming laxatives. Dehydration can occur, especially when laxatives cause loose stools, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration goes along with weakness and fatigue, so these symptoms may indicate a need to drink up. People using laxatives also may experience rectal discomfort from expelling their fecal matter quickly, especially if it is very loose and watery.

Rare But Serious Side Effects of Laxatives

As mentioned above, stimulant laxatives cause the most severe side effects. An Italian study conducted over eight years found that herbal stimulants including licorice, dandelion root, and anthraquinone-containing plants like Senna, may cause severe gastrointestinal, skin, and kidney disorders as well as some severe allergic reactions in some individuals.^[4] Bulk-containing laxatives, particularly those containing psyllium, may also cause allergic reactions in some people. Osmotic laxatives that contain large poorly absorbed ions like magnesium or phosphate can create problems with metabolism, especially in people with kidney damage.

Type	Method of Action	Time to Work	Serious Side Effects	Mild Side Effects
Stimulant	Stimulate muscle contractions in digestive tract	6-12 hours	Irregular heartbeat, rash, severe cramps, allergy, kidney disorders	Belching, nausea, diarrhea, discolored urine, weakness
Emollient/stool softener	Add moisture to stool	12-72 hours	Electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use, rash	Throat irritation (liquid forms), stomach cramps
Lubricant	Lubricate the stool with oil, making it easier to pass	6-8 hours	Interference with absorbing fat-soluble vitamins	Skin irritation around rectum
Bulk-forming	Fiber bulks up the stool, causing the intestinal walls to contract	12-72 hours	Difficulty breathing or swallowing, rash, intestinal blockage	Dehydration, cramping, bloating
Saline/Osmotic	Draw water into the colon, leading to loose stool	30 min-6 hours	Severe dehydration, dizziness, irregular heartbeat	Mild dehydration, increased thirst, gas, nausea
Suppositories	Can be stimulant (e.g. bisacodyl) or osmotic (e.g. glycerine)	2-60 min	Body weakness, severe cramping	Mild cramping, diarrhea

Laxative Abuse & Dependency

Negative outcomes are especially likely when laxative use turns into laxative abuse. Laxatives are not an effective way to lose weight, yet some people misuse them with that intent. It’s an ineffective measure since only water weight is lost. An article in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Methods considered using laxatives for weight loss as dangerous.^[3]

Laxatives & Interactions With Other Medications

Laxatives may interact with other medications. This interaction does not necessarily mean that you cannot use two medications simultaneously, but you should consult your healthcare provider for specific advice. Drugs that may interact with laxatives include the heart medication digoxin, the blood thinner warfarin, birth control pills (oral contraceptives), the hormone estradiol, blood pressure medications, antacids, heartburn medications, H-2 agonists, diuretics, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors. These medications typically have interactions with specific laxative ingredients, rather than with all the types of laxatives. For example, digoxin interacts with magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) which is an osmotic laxative, but not others. You can do further research on these medications if you take any of them, or ask your physician.

Avoid Laxatives If You Have Certain Conditions

People with certain conditions should avoid laxatives altogether. Since some types of laxatives, especially osmotic laxatives, draw water from your body into the stool, you should avoid these and other laxatives if you are severely dehydrated. You should also avoid laxatives if you have or suspect an intestinal blockage. Individuals who have the rare inherited conditions known as galactosemia and fructose intolerance should not take laxatives that contain lactulose-containing osmotic laxatives. Patients with kidney conditions are also advised to consult their doctors before taking laxatives.^[5]

Precautions for Women

Because of changes in hormones and – especially in the third trimester – the pressure that the growing fetus exerts on the digestive system, pregnant women often experience constipation.

What Are the Safest Laxatives While Pregnant?

The best option to reduce constipation during pregnancy, as with other times, involves eating a fiber-rich diet full of raw, fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration-related constipation. But if you really need to get things moving, try our do-it-yourself prune juice recipe, and talk to your healthcare provider for your best options.

What Are the Safest Laxatives While Breastfeeding?

When you are breastfeeding an infant, care must be taken with medication because it may pass into the breast milk. Always talk to your healthcare provider before deciding on any medication, but most agree that the best bet is also an emollient laxative (stool softener), followed by bulk-forming laxatives. Be careful to drink extra water when taking a laxative or you may end up producing less breast milk.

Types of Laxatives

Several types of laxatives exist, with different mechanisms of action. Our article on the best instant laxative for quick relief covers each of these in more detail. Many over-the-counter laxatives contain more than one chemical with different actions.

• Stimulant Laxatives
• Emollient Laxatives & Stool Softeners
• Lubricant Laxatives
• Bulk-Forming Laxatives
• Saline & Osmotic Laxatives
• Suppository Laxatives

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives stimulate nerves in the digestive tract, causing rhythmic contractions in the intestinal muscles which induces a bowel movement. They work within 6 to 12 hours of consumption and have the most serious side effects of all laxatives. Manufacturers voluntarily removed stimulant chemicals used in popular brands after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) deemed them “not generally recognized as safe and effective” in 1999. Herbal stimulant laxatives also may damage and discolor the intestinal wall.

Emollient Laxatives & Stool Softeners

Emollient laxatives, also called stool softeners, are the safest, yet slowest-acting laxative. As such, they are sometimes recommended for children. They can take up to three days to work, however. As the name indicates, they soften the stool, making it easier to pass.

Lubricant Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives typically contain mineral oil, which lines the colon, allowing the stool to slip out more easily. They typically come in the form of a mineral oil enema, but can also be a pill taken orally.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives contain fiber-based substances like psyllium that bulk up the stool, creating a slippery gelatinous mass that mixes into the fecal matter. The added bulk pushes on the intestinal wall, which causes the muscles to contract, helping to push the stool through. Studies have found some health dangers from bulk-forming laxatives, including dehydration and allergies.

Saline & Osmotic Laxatives

Saline and osmotic, sometimes called hyperosmotic, laxatives work by drawing water from the body into the colon, and hence into the stool, which creates a softer, often watery stool that can easily pass from the body. They take between 30 minutes to 6 hours to work. Osmotic laxatives can contain a variety of different ions, from the very large polyethylene glycol (PEG) to sugar-based sorbitol and lactulose, to the salt-based sodium phosphate and magnesium citrate. They carry a risk of electrolyte imbalances, and so must be used carefully.

Suppository Laxatives

Suppositories are small devices or pills filled with a laxative substance that you insert directly into the rectum. They act the quickest, usually within 2 to 15 minutes but sometimes up to one hour. They generally have few side effects. Medical professionals may also prescribe a relatively new form of carbon dioxide-releasing suppository. These suppositories employ potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate which create carbon dioxide gas in the bowel, which, in turn, pushes against the colon wall, stimulating peristalsis – the muscular contraction of the intestines. Carbon dioxide-producing suppositories may be safely used by people at risk of electrolyte imbalances or dehydration.

Best Alternatives to Laxatives

If you struggle with ongoing constipation, you may benefit from making lifestyle and diet changes. Eat a more nutritious diet, including a bountiful supply of foods high in fiber. Many foods stimulate your GI tract, acting as laxative foods for natural constipation relief; these not only include prunes, but also ginger, apple cider vinegar, and magnesium-rich green leafy vegetables. Switching away from animal-based foods to a vegan or vegetarian diet can improve your digestion. Exercising can also relieve minor constipation; by getting your blood pumping through your body, exercise also helps move the bowels.

The best solution for constipation involves changing your diet and lifestyle. Eat more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, drink more water, exercise, and take appropriate nutritional supplements.

Certain supplements can also improve your overall digestion and help normalize occasional or regular constipation. Studies have found that constipation responds well to probiotics.^[6] Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in particular have been shown to encourage healthy bowels.^[7]

Another way to improve digestion and reduce constipation involves performing a cleanse. If you want to a quick and safe way to cleanse the accumulated toxins from your colon and improve your overall digestion, I recommend Oxy-Powder®, an all-natural, vegan, ozonated-magnesium intestinal cleanser.

Your Story

Have you tried any of these laxatives, or tried changing your diet and lifestyle to reduce constipation? How did they affect you? Have you tried Oxy-powder? Tell us your story!

The post Laxative Side Effects and Safety: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/laxative-side-effects-and-safety/

Laxative Side Effects and Safety: Everything You Need to Know

Constipation causes discomfort and it can lead to embarrassing gas and uncomfortable bloating. Laxatives, which help evacuate stool from the bowels, are the go-to solution for most people dealing with constipation. Effective as that may be, some laxatives have mild to severe side effects, especially with long-term use. Side effects range from diarrhea, cramping, and rectal irritation to confusion and heart palpitations.

There are six types of laxatives with different mechanisms of action, timing, and side effects. The types include osmotic laxatives, stool softeners, bulk-forming laxatives, suppositories. Some laxative brands include a combination of types. Below I detail the types of laxatives, how they work, how long it takes them to get the desired effect, and side effects specific to that type.

Are Laxatives Safe?

Occasional use of laxatives of all types has been deemed safe by several scientific studies.^[1] Relatively minor side effects may occur from using laxatives, as well as some extremely uncommon but serious side effects. Stimulant laxatives are considered the most harmful type of laxative. Regular use of stimulant laxatives can damage surface epithelial (skin) cells that line the rectum, and physicians will also see darkened skin along the colon in colonoscopy patients who have use herbal stimulant laxatives; however, the functional health consequences of these issues is unclear.^[1]

Occasional use of laxatives is generally safe, but you may experience minor side effects, including gas, bloating, and cramping. Serious side effects are most common with stimulant laxatives.

There are contrasting scientific opinions on whether stimulant laxatives are linked to tumor growth in the colon. The chemical phenolphthalein was voluntarily removed from most products after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) deemed it “not generally recognized as safe” in 1999 when studies linked it to kidney, ovary, and blood cancers. Some lab and animal studies found that other stimulant laxatives may cause tumor growth, but human epidemiological studies – which correlate disease risk in human populations with laxative use – have so far failed to find a clear connection.^{[2, 3]} There is also not strong evidence that occasional laxative use causes structural or functional damage of intestinal nerves or smooth muscle.^[3]

Common Side Effects of Laxatives

The most common and relatively minor side effects that go along with laxative use include cramping, nausea, gas, and minor irritations or rashes. Some people may feel bloated before passing the stool, especially with bulk-forming laxatives. Dehydration can occur, especially when laxatives cause loose stools, so make sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration goes along with weakness and fatigue, so these symptoms may indicate a need to drink up. People using laxatives also may experience rectal discomfort from expelling their fecal matter quickly, especially if it is very loose and watery.

Rare But Serious Side Effects of Laxatives

As mentioned above, stimulant laxatives cause the most severe side effects. An Italian study conducted over eight years found that herbal stimulants including licorice, dandelion root, and anthraquinone-containing plants like Senna, may cause severe gastrointestinal, skin, and kidney disorders as well as some severe allergic reactions in some individuals.^[4] Bulk-containing laxatives, particularly those containing psyllium, may also cause allergic reactions in some people. Osmotic laxatives that contain large poorly absorbed ions like magnesium or phosphate can create problems with metabolism, especially in people with kidney damage.

Type	Method of Action	Time to Work	Serious Side Effects	Mild Side Effects
Stimulant	Stimulate muscle contractions in digestive tract	6-12 hours	Irregular heartbeat, rash, severe cramps, allergy, kidney disorders	Belching, nausea, diarrhea, discolored urine, weakness
Emollient/stool softener	Add moisture to stool	12-72 hours	Electrolyte imbalance with prolonged use, rash	Throat irritation (liquid forms), stomach cramps
Lubricant	Lubricate the stool with oil, making it easier to pass	6-8 hours	Interference with absorbing fat-soluble vitamins	Skin irritation around rectum
Bulk-forming	Fiber bulks up the stool, causing the intestinal walls to contract	12-72 hours	Difficulty breathing or swallowing, rash, intestinal blockage	Dehydration, cramping, bloating
Saline/Osmotic	Draw water into the colon, leading to loose stool	30 min-6 hours	Severe dehydration, dizziness, irregular heartbeat	Mild dehydration, increased thirst, gas, nausea
Suppositories	Can be stimulant (e.g. bisacodyl) or osmotic (e.g. glycerine)	2-60 min	Body weakness, severe cramping	Mild cramping, diarrhea

Laxative Abuse & Dependency

Negative outcomes are especially likely when laxative use turns into laxative abuse. Laxatives are not an effective way to lose weight, yet some people misuse them with that intent. It’s an ineffective measure since only water weight is lost. An article in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition Methods considered using laxatives for weight loss as dangerous.^[3]

Laxatives & Interactions With Other Medications

Laxatives may interact with other medications. This interaction does not necessarily mean that you cannot use two medications simultaneously, but you should consult your healthcare provider for specific advice. Drugs that may interact with laxatives include the heart medication digoxin, the blood thinner warfarin, birth control pills (oral contraceptives), the hormone estradiol, blood pressure medications, antacids, heartburn medications, H-2 agonists, diuretics, corticosteroids, and proton pump inhibitors. These medications typically have interactions with specific laxative ingredients, rather than with all the types of laxatives. For example, digoxin interacts with magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) which is an osmotic laxative, but not others. You can do further research on these medications if you take any of them, or ask your physician.

Avoid Laxatives If You Have Certain Conditions

People with certain conditions should avoid laxatives altogether. Since some types of laxatives, especially osmotic laxatives, draw water from your body into the stool, you should avoid these and other laxatives if you are severely dehydrated. You should also avoid laxatives if you have or suspect an intestinal blockage. Individuals who have the rare inherited conditions known as galactosemia and fructose intolerance should not take laxatives that contain lactulose-containing osmotic laxatives. Patients with kidney conditions are also advised to consult their doctors before taking laxatives.^[5]

Precautions for Women & Children

Because of changes in hormones and – especially in the third trimester – the pressure that the growing fetus exerts on the digestive system, pregnant women often experience constipation.

What Are the Safest Laxatives While Pregnant?

The best option to reduce constipation during pregnancy, as with other times, involves eating a fiber-rich diet full of raw, fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink a lot of water to avoid dehydration-related constipation. But if you really need to get things moving, try our do-it-yourself prune juice recipe, and talk to your healthcare provider for your best options.

What Are the Safest Laxatives While Breastfeeding?

When you are breastfeeding an infant, care must be taken with medication because it may pass into the breast milk. Always talk to your healthcare provider before deciding on any medication, but most agree that the best bet is also an emollient laxative (stool softener), followed by bulk-forming laxatives. Be careful to drink extra water when taking a laxative or you may end up producing less breast milk.

Types of Laxatives

Several types of laxatives exist, with different mechanisms of action. Our article on the best instant laxative for quick relief covers each of these in more detail. Many over-the-counter laxatives contain more than one chemical with different actions.

• Stimulant Laxatives
• Emollient Laxatives & Stool Softeners
• Lubricant Laxatives
• Bulk-Forming Laxatives
• Saline & Osmotic Laxatives
• Suppository Laxatives

Stimulant Laxatives

Stimulant laxatives stimulate nerves in the digestive tract, causing rhythmic contractions in the intestinal muscles which induces a bowel movement. They work within 6 to 12 hours of consumption and have the most serious side effects of all laxatives. Manufacturers voluntarily removed stimulant chemicals used in popular brands after the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) deemed them “not generally recognized as safe and effective” in 1999. Herbal stimulant laxatives also may damage and discolor the intestinal wall.

Emollient Laxatives & Stool Softeners

Emollient laxatives, also called stool softeners, are the safest, yet slowest-acting laxative. As such, they are sometimes recommended for children. They can take up to three days to work, however. As the name indicates, they soften the stool, making it easier to pass.

Lubricant Laxatives

Lubricant laxatives typically contain mineral oil, which lines the colon, allowing the stool to slip out more easily. They typically come in the form of a mineral oil enema, but can also be a pill taken orally.

Bulk-Forming Laxatives

Bulk-forming laxatives contain fiber-based substances like psyllium that bulk up the stool, creating a slippery gelatinous mass that mixes into the fecal matter. The added bulk pushes on the intestinal wall, which causes the muscles to contract, helping to push the stool through. Studies have found some health dangers from bulk-forming laxatives, including dehydration and allergies.

Saline & Osmotic Laxatives

Saline and osmotic, sometimes called hyperosmotic, laxatives work by drawing water from the body into the colon, and hence into the stool, which creates a softer, often watery stool that can easily pass from the body. They take between 30 minutes to 6 hours to work. Osmotic laxatives can contain a variety of different ions, from the very large polyethylene glycol (PEG) to sugar-based sorbitol and lactulose, to the salt-based sodium phosphate and magnesium citrate. They carry a risk of electrolyte imbalances, and so must be used carefully.

Suppository Laxatives

Suppositories are small devices or pills filled with a laxative substance that you insert directly into the rectum. They act the quickest, usually within 2 to 15 minutes but sometimes up to one hour. They generally have few side effects. Medical professionals may also prescribe a relatively new form of carbon dioxide-releasing suppository. These suppositories employ potassium bitartrate and sodium bicarbonate which create carbon dioxide gas in the bowel, which, in turn, pushes against the colon wall, stimulating peristalsis – the muscular contraction of the intestines. Carbon dioxide-producing suppositories may be safely used by people at risk of electrolyte imbalances or dehydration.

Best Alternatives to Laxatives

If you struggle with ongoing constipation, you may benefit from making lifestyle and diet changes. Eat a more nutritious diet, including a bountiful supply of foods high in fiber. Many foods stimulate your GI tract, acting as laxative foods for natural constipation relief; these not only include prunes, but also ginger, apple cider vinegar, and magnesium-rich green leafy vegetables. Switching away from animal-based foods to a vegan or vegetarian diet can improve your digestion. Exercising can also relieve minor constipation; by getting your blood pumping through your body, exercise also helps move the bowels.

The best solution for constipation involves changing your diet and lifestyle. Eat more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, drink more water, exercise, and take appropriate nutritional supplements.

Certain supplements can also improve your overall digestion and help normalize occasional or regular constipation. Studies have found that constipation responds well to probiotics.^[6] Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in particular have been shown to encourage healthy bowels.^[7]

Another way to improve digestion and reduce constipation involves performing a cleanse. If you want to a quick and safe way to cleanse the accumulated toxins from your colon and improve your overall digestion, I recommend Oxy-Powder®, an all-natural, vegan, ozonated-magnesium intestinal cleanser.

Your Story

Have you tried any of these laxatives, or tried changing your diet and lifestyle to reduce constipation? How did they affect you? Have you tried Oxy-powder? Tell us your story!

The post Laxative Side Effects and Safety: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/laxative-side-effects-and-safety/

Leaky Gut: Symptoms, Causes, & Remedies

If you have a leaky gut – also called increased intestinal permeability – substances that should stay in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract pass through spaces called tight junctions. In a healthy gut, tight junctions act like gatekeepers, keeping partially digested food and microbiota in and allowing nutrients out as needed. But if physical damage, chemical damage, pathogens, or illness injures the GI tract, the tight junctions loosen, leading to a leaky gut. A leaky gut is a risk factor for developing other conditions, including Crohn’s Disease, autoimmune and neurological disorders, and allergies.

What Exactly Is the Gut?

The gut, or gastrointestinal system, includes everything from the mouth to the anus – with the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestine (colon) in between. The small intestine and large intestine^[1] contain roughly 2,700 square feet of surface area, which is about the size of a tennis court.^[2] Finger-like projections called villi line the intestinal wall and help with nutrient absorption.

A single layer of epithelial (skin) cells exists in the stomach and intestines where they secrete mucus into the area where the microbiota live to promote smooth digestion.

The gut is also an immune system organ. The mucosal membrane (epithelial cells, villi, tight junctions, mucous layer, and connective tissue or lamina propria) contains dome-like regions of lymphatic tissue called Peyer’s patches that coordinate immune responses.^[3]

What Is a Leaky Gut?

In a healthy gut, tight junctions in between epithelial cells act like gatekeepers that selectively let substances in and out. But, if the spaces between epithelial cells loosen, then toxins, food molecules, and pathogens can pass through.^[4] This can lead to inflammatory bowel disease or other conditions.^[4] Nature Immunology created a wonderful video that shows how the mucosa works and what can cause leaky gut.^[3]

Leaky Gut vs. Leaky Gut Syndrome

You may hear the phrase leaky gut syndrome, which natural health proponents use but some conventional medicine proponents criticize. Getting caught up in whether we use the term “syndrome” or not is an unnecessary distraction. Some aspects of leaky gut are still under investigation, but there is already a strong scientific consensus that:

1. Several health conditions co-occur with leaky gut.
2. Leaky gut can cause – not just result from – certain diseases and conditions.
3. Specific factors cause tight junctions to malfunction, leading to a leaky gut.

Thirty years ago, the scientific community resisted Dr. Daniel Hollander’s idea that a leaky gut could cause inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – as opposed to being caused by the disease.^[5] Today, however, gastroenterologists widely accept the knowledge that leaky gut can lead to specific symptoms and conditions, ranging from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Because a leaky gut allows foreign bodies to enter the bloodstream, it exerts a wide range of effects on the body that go beyond digestion. Some of the issues and symptoms known to co-occur with leaky gut include:

• Food allergies and asthma^{[6, 7]}
• Cardiovascular issues^[8]
• Metabolic disruptions^[9]
• Depression, anxiety, or mood disturbances^{[10, 11]}
• Digestive ailments^[12]
• Excessive fatigue^[13]
• Brain fog
• Joint pain^[4]

What Causes Leaky Gut?

Many factors contribute to leaky gut, including chemicals, food sensitivities, pathogens, and GI damage. Once the tight junctions loosen, it triggers a cascade of other conditions in the body. This can happen gradually or suddenly. Genetics can also influence whether a person will have leaky gut. Additionally, there is evidence that the following factors may cause a leaky gut, either independently or working together:^[14]

Dietary Factors	Food additives including nanoparticles, surfactants, and emulsifiers
	High-fat, high-carb Western diet
	Specific food components including sugar, gluten, and dairy
Infections & Toxins	Environmental toxins
	Intestinal viral infections
“Lifestyle Hypothesis”	Decreased function & diversity of probiotics in the gut flora
	Alcohol use
	Drug use (including NSAIDs)
	Chronic stress
“Hygiene Hypothesis”	An overly sterile environment
Factors & Conditions in the Body	Genetics
	Chronic inflammation/autoimmune conditions
	Enteric Nervous System (ENS) signaling molecules such as serotonin, histamine, & anandamide
	Traumatic injury, including burns
	Inadequate supply of oxygen (hypoperfusion) to body tissues

1. Diet & Nutrition

An article in the peer-reviewed scientific journal BMC Gastroenterology examined the many factors that contribute to a leaky gut. Because few things affect your health as much as your diet, it’s no surprise that several foods were identified to cause leaky gut. Eliminating them from your diet is an effective strategy. The primary offenders that contribute to the development of leaky gut include:

A High-Fat, High-Carb Western Diet

Animal and human studies have associated the typical high-fat (particularly saturated fat), high-carb Western diet with increased leaky gut and higher rates of endotoxemia, which means that toxins are circulating in the blood.^{[15, 16, 17]}

Sugar

Sugar and artificial sweeteners compromise gut health. One study found that mice fed diets with 30% fruit sugar for eight weeks had intestinal bacterial overgrowth and a loss of tight junction proteins.^[14]

Dairy

Dairy is linked to gastrointestinal disorders. Lactose increases the amount of Clostridium bacteria in the gut, which is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.^[18] However, it’s unclear whether dairy increases leaky gut. The main evidence comes from studies showing that when people on the autism spectrum eliminate dairy from their diets, their psychological symptoms improved. Note that these study subjects also eliminated gluten from their diets. More research is required for clear answers.^[19]

Gluten

Gluten contributes to GI irritation, intestinal permeability, and atrophy in the villi in people with gluten sensitivity.^[20] Celiac disease, which results from gluten intolerance, has a strong genetic component, but many people do not know ahead of time if they are predisposed to it. Some studies indicate gluten causes GI symptoms even in people without Celiac disease.^[21]

Food Additives

Food manufacturers add substances to processed food to increase shelf life or improve the color and texture of food. Several of these, including emulsifiers, solvents, and certain enzymes, have been shown to contribute to leaky gut syndrome.^[22]

2. Infections & Toxins

Environmental factors that get into our bodies and stimulate a reaction in the gut include viral infections and toxins in air, food, and water, such as pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, and toxic chemicals in home and hygiene products.

Viral Infections

Viral infections that affect the gastrointestinal tract, particularly the intestines, can lead to sudden leaky gut.^{[23, 24]} Scientists still do not know how quickly the body recovers from the increased permeability associated with infection or whether it can lead to permanent gut issues.

Environmental Toxins

The environment is saturated with harmful chemicals and substances, many of which pose a significant risk to your health. Mercury,^{[25, 26]} insecticides,^[27] and fungicides all affect intestinal permeability. Glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide, disrupts gut bacteria, which can contribute to the development of a leaky gut.^[28]

3. Exposure to Dirt: The Hygiene Hypothesis

The hygiene hypothesis suggests that when children do not get exposed to enough dirt and microbes their immune systems do not develop properly. The scientist who proposed this theory connected it with allergies, but others have expanded it to include autoimmunity, gut problems, and more.^[29] A hyper-hygienic lifestyle combined with exposure to environmental toxins, disruptions to gut microbiota, and a lack of vitamin D may lead to leaky gut. This hypothesis states that the combination of these factors may lead to autoimmune diseases.

4.”Lifestyle Hypothesis”

Another hypothesis behind leaky gut is that various things in a person’s lifestyle promote leaky gut. These include drinking excess alcohol, medication, or stress.

Disruptions to the Gut Microbiota

Increases or decreases in certain species of gut microbes and changes in the overall diversity of microbe species are associated with a leaky gut. People with inflammatory bowel diseases have different microbes than those with a healthy gut. Scientists are studying how changes in microbiota composition interact with the gut barrier.^{[30, 31]} Additionally, some species of Candida are known to disrupt the gut microbiota and may lead to leaky gut.^{[32, 33]}

Drinking Alcohol

When the human body metabolizes alcohol, the metabolic byproduct acetaldehyde increases intestinal permeability.^[34] Heavy drinking can lead to cirrhosis of the liver and malnutrition, which are associated with leaky gut.^[35] Even a single binge drinking episode can increase intestinal permeability.^[36]

Medications & Drug Use (Including NSAIDs)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen increase intestinal permeability and provoke inflammation.^[37] Interestingly, NSAIDs increased gut permeability to a greater level in people who already had irritable bowel syndrome compared with healthy individuals.^[38]

Chronic Stress

Stress negatively affects your health^{[39, 40]} — especially gut health. Psychological stress increases the presence of inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling proteins that contribute to leaky gut. Studies show that both psychological and physical stress compromise the integrity of the intestinal barrier.^[31]

Factors & Conditions in the Body

There are factors unique to each person, including genetics, which affect a person’s chances of developing a leaky gut. Major trauma, burns, surgeries, and illnesses can cause your gut to become temporarily leaky. Whether or not these sudden illnesses or trauma result in permanent gut barrier damage remains unclear. The enteric (gut) nervous system (ENS) hormones also play a role in developing a leaky gut.

Genetics

Genetics affect gut health.^[41] Many autoimmune conditions have a genetic component, and autoimmunity is also associated with a leaky gut.^[42] Many health conditions are caused by gene-environment interactions, which means that a person may have a genetic predisposition to developing a particular condition, and exposure to certain environmental factors (toxins, foods, trauma, etc) can trigger its development.^{[39, 43]}

Chronic Inflammation & Autoimmune Conditions

It’s generally accepted that a leaky gut leads to autoimmune conditions where the body attacks itself. But a fascinating study found that autoimmune conditions can also attack the gut. This means that a leaky gut can worsen once autoimmunity kicks in, causing a negative feedback loop.^[44]

ENS Signaling Molecules

The gut produces chemicals that both inhibit and promote the development of a leaky gut, depending on the situation. These include the hormone serotonin and the pro-inflammatory chemical histamine. The gut also has cannabinoid receptors, and the body’s endocannabinoid neurotransmitters appear to make the gut leakier while plant cannabinoids from marijuana (Cannabis) reduce leaky gut.^[45] Cannabis is sometimes used to treat GI issues such as diarrhea, nausea, and gut irritation.^[45]

Traumatic Injury to the Body

Leaky gut can result from major trauma, such as a car accident or burns. Severe injuries generally accompany inflammation and sepsis, which can lead to the leaky gut.^[46] The more severe the injury, the more severe the intestinal permeability.^[47]

Hypoperfusion of Oxygen to Body Tissue

During heart surgery, the body may not receive as much oxygen as it normally does. Medical research found that this hypoperfusion of oxygen to body tissues causes a leaky gut. Most patients’ guts recovered by day five post-surgery, so this is likely a temporary condition in these cases.^[48]

How Does Leaky Gut Affect the Body?

A leaky gut can cause digestive conditions, but gastrointestinal illness can also lead to or worsen leaky gut. In other words, gut conditions play upon each other and create a downward spiral. Leaky gut is associated with several health conditions, but not all of them are related to the gut:

• Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis^[4]
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)^{[30, 38, 49]}
• Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes^[42]
• Autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis^[4]
• Thyroid conditions including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis^{[50, 51]}
• Allergies and asthma^{[6, 7]}
• Celiac disease and gluten sensitivities^[20]
• Autism^{[19, 52]}
• Stress-related psychiatric disorders^[31]
• Parkinson’s disease^[53]

Is There a Test for Leaky Gut?

The Lactulose/Mannitol Test, sometimes called the Intestinal Permeability Assessment, can test for leaky gut.^{[49, 54]} It’s a simple test in which you collect a baseline sample of urine in the morning, and then drink a mix of two sugars (lactulose and mannitol). Six hours later, you collect another sample of urine which a lab will analyze. If your gut is leaky, you will have high amounts of the large sugar lactulose in your urine. If your gut is intact, the sugar will remain mostly in the digestive tract.

Another common test is called the blood zonulin test. Zonulin is a protein that regulates the permeability of the gut epithelial layer. If zonulin antibodies are present in the blood, the body is fighting against its own proteins, and the gut barrier may be leaking. Some healthcare providers will also test the blood for occludin and actomyosin protein antibodies, with similar reasoning. These also play a role in protecting the gut barrier, and antibodies indicate the body is attacking its own gut barrier proteins.

Natural Remedies for Leaky Gut

Fortunately, there are natural health solutions for a leaky gut that ease the burden of living with the condition. Carefully monitoring what goes into your body is one of the best remedies for managing a leaky gut. Better yet, you can proactively prevent your gut from becoming leaky in the first place by following a healthful diet, engaging in intermittent fasting and body cleanses, and avoiding toxins and chemicals.

Detox & Fasting for Leaky Gut

If you have leaky gut or suspect you do, experimenting with different diet options allows you to see what works best for you. To see what foods your body likes and does not like, I recommend water fasting for a week or a few weeks to clean out your gut. This can change your life!

After eliminating all food for a short period, you can gradually introduce foods back into your diet one at a time and identify any unpleasant reactions. If water fasting does not work for you, then perform a strict, clean, plant-based detox diet for a week and then gradually introduce foods back one by one.

Is There a Leaky Gut Diet?

Following a healthy diet is one of the most effective measures to help manage leaky gut. Some foods help leaky gut, including fermented foods which contain natural probiotics. Avoiding gluten or dairy can ease symptoms for some people. Most non-starchy vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants and high fiber which ease digestive irritation.

One of the most popular leaky gut diets is the low-FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates. Gut bacteria easily digest FODMAPs which means they ferment during the digestive process. Studies have shown that a low-FODMAP diet improved digestive symptoms for non-celiac gluten sensitivity,^[55] and other studies found parallel results for irritable bowel syndrome.^{[56, 57]} Since digestive symptoms are similar among these conditions, it is likely a low-FODMAP diet can ease leaky gut symptoms.

Other diets proposed to help with leaky gut and other GI conditions include the AID-IBD (anti-inflammatory inflammatory bowel disease) diet,^{[17, 58]} a modified form of the specific carbohydrate diet. The AID-IBD diet aims to restore a healthy gut microbiota to ease symptoms and promote healing.

The paleo diet, which is high in meat, is sometimes recommended for improving digestive symptoms. Research suggests that collagen, a protein from animals, can help repair tight junctions and possibly repair leaky gut.^[59] Regardless, consuming meat isn’t without its tradeoffs, as multiple studies have found that eating meat can increase your risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease.^{[60, 61]} In contrast, studies show that a plant-based diet that’s high in fiber and fruits is associated with a lower risk of developing IBD.

What Are the Best Supplements for Leaky Gut?

• Vitamin D3
• Probiotics
• Enzymes
• L-Glutamine
• Curcumin
• Aloe Vera
• Quercitin
• Zinc

There are several herbs and supplements that can improve a leaky gut. People with inflammatory bowel disease often have vitamin D deficiency. A few animal studies found that vitamin D3 supplementation reduced the number of bacteria that got through a leaky epithelial barrier and improved the tight junctions.^{[62, 63]}

Probiotic supplements are important for creating a healthy overall gut ecosystem.^[64] I recommend a probiotic with multiple strains. Digestive enzymes support overall digestion, as well.

L-Glutamine and curcumin support the intestinal environment by reducing the irritation and the oxidative stress that weakens tight junctions.^[65] Aloe vera is known to lower gastric acid secretion levels in lab rats.^[66] Aloe also promotes a healthy balance of gut microbes.^{[67, 68]} Quercetin, a plant pigment that comes from onions, apples, and citrus fruits, also supports the gut barrier.^{[69, 70]}

Zinc is an essential trace mineral that supports the immune system^[71] and the function of the tight junctions, especially in the case of a zinc deficiency. One study found that supplementation with zinc sulfate decreased the levels of lactulose in the lactulose/mannitol test in Crohn’s disease patients, indicating zinc improved gut function.^[72]

Do you have experience with a leaky gut? What insight can you offer? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

The post Leaky Gut: Symptoms, Causes, & Remedies appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/leaky-gut/

Tea Tree Oil: Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects

From antiseptic mouthwash to natural deodorant, tea tree oil is an essential oil with a multitude of uses and benefits. It tends to be pale yellow or colorless, with an aroma that is similar to eucalyptus or camphor and boasts antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Here’s a deep-dive into all that it can do.

What Is Tea Tree Oil?

Tea tree oil is distilled from the leaves of an evergreen shrub called Melaleuca alternifolia. The plant is native to Australia and used by Aboriginal people for cleaning wounds and other skin problems.

Benefits of Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has a 100-year history as a natural remedy. The Bundjalung Aboriginal people would crush the leaves to create a paste to apply to the skin. They also made tea from the leaves to soothe a sore throat.^[1] Here’s a look at how this oil can help you today.

Amazing Antibacterial Properties

The antibacterial properties of tea tree oil have been studied since the 1940s. Bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (strep) and Escherichia coli (e. coli), have been tested in the lab to see how they react to the oil. Researchers found that the oil may target the cell membranes of bacteria and destroy them.^[2]

Tea tree oil might have a helpful role against antibiotic resistance. Bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, so finding alternative solutions is crucial. In several experiments, bacteria didn’t show resistance to tea tree oil.^[3]

Healing Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Tea tree oil contains the compound terpinen-4-ol, which is associated with anti-inflammatory benefits. One experiment found that terpinen-4-ol could reduce inflammation caused by mites that attack the skin and eyes. This compound was able to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are signaling molecules that promote inflammation in the body.^[4]

Surprising Antifungal Properties

Another benefit of this essential oil is its antifungal property. It may be helpful in getting rid of fungi such as mold, ringworm, or nail fungus. Researchers have focused on tea tree oil’s ability to fight the overgrowth of Candida, a type of yeast. It appears to attack the cell membranes of yeast by damaging them and making them nonfunctional.^[2] Again, the active component in tea tree oil, terpinen-4-ol, plays a role in destroying fungi. It’s not the only compound involved, however, as 1,8-cineole also helps break down the cell membranes.^[5]

Unique Antiprotozoal Properties

Protozoa are single-celled organisms such as amoeba. They are parasitic and can cause infections in people. For example, the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria and kills 660,000 people every year.^[6] In several studies, tea tree oil has shown that it can kill protozoa.^[2] This antiprotozoal activity is linked to terpinen-4-ol.

Useful Antiviral Properties

Researchers have discovered antiviral properties in tea tree oil. One study, at the University of Heidelberg in Germany, focused on the herpes simplex virus, which can cause cold sores, and showed that tea tree oil reduced the total viral load from infection.^[7] Another study at the University of Catania in Italy looked at the ability of tea tree oil to stop the influenza virus from replicating.^[8] Once again, it appears that the compounds terpinen-4-ol and 1,8-cineole are crucial in these activities.

The Top 5 Tea Tree Oil Uses

For more than a century, people have used this oil for different ailments, ranging from eczema to athlete’s foot. Although researchers are still trying to catch up by investigating the full range of tea tree oil uses, the following benefits have been measured.

1. Improving Your Hair

Some of the most popular tea tree oil uses involve the hair. For instance, one study from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia found that a 5 percent tea tree oil shampoo resulted in a 41 percent improvement in dandruff.^[9] Not only does the essential oil reduce dandruff, but it may also help suffocate head lice.^[10] The shampoo also decreased greasiness and itchiness.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, some people find relief from scalp psoriasis by using tea tree oil shampoo.^[11]

You can purchase tea tree oil shampoo or make your own. One of the easiest methods is to add the essential oil to your existing shampoo.

Ingredients

• Your favorite shampoo
• Tea tree essential oil

Directions

1. Add two drops of tea tree essential oil per one ounce of your shampoo.
2. Make sure the lid is secure on the shampoo bottle.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Use the shampoo as you normally would.
5. Rinse your hair with water.

Keep in mind that tea tree essential oil is highly concentrated and should never be used directly on the scalp. Always dilute it by mixing it with shampoo or a carrier oil such as olive oil.

2. Encouraging a Clear Complexion

Tea tree oil is present in many skin care products, such as face washes. A study from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital that compared 5 percent tea tree oil gel to 5 percent benzoyl peroxide lotion found that both products improved acne.^[12] Although tea tree oil had a slower onset, it also had fewer side effects. In another study, researchers compared 5 percent tea tree oil gel to placebo and saw a significant improvement in acne among those who used the gel.^[13]

Since we encourage using skin-care products free of harsh chemicals, here is an easy recipe to make your own:

Ingredients

• Raw honey
• Tea tree essential oil

Directions

1. Add two drops of tea tree essential oil to one tablespoon of honey.
2. Mix the ingredients to create a paste.
3. Apply to your face. Make sure you avoid your eyes and mouth.
4. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Wash your face with water.

Try to find raw, organic and natural honey without added chemicals that can irritate the skin. You can also add a small amount of baking soda, such as half a teaspoon, to the paste for an additional antibacterial boost to fight blemishes.

3. Soothing Eczema

Many of the common tea tree oil uses focus on helping skin conditions, including eczema. When researchers at the Skåne University Hospital in Sweden compared tea tree oil to other topical products used to treat skin problems, they found that it was effective.^[14] The soothing actions of terpinen-4-ol in this essential oil can also help reduce the irritation caused by eczema.^[15]

Skin ointments, creams, and gels that contain tea tree oil are available for purchase, but you can also create your own.

Ingredients

• Carrier oil such as olive, coconut, jojoba or other oil
• Tea tree essential oil

Directions

1. Since you can’t apply undiluted tea tree essential oil directly to the skin, you need to mix it with a carrier oil. Suitable options include olive, coconut, jojoba or another oil.
2. Add one drop of tea tree essential oil for every 12 drops of carrier oil. Mix them.
3. Apply to the skin, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

4. Getting Rid of Bad Breath

One tea tree oil benefit is its ability to eliminate bad breath or halitosis. Usually, bad breath is caused by bacteria, so the antibacterial properties of this essential oil can help get rid of it. When researchers in India compared different essential oils and looked at tea tree oil uses, they discovered that using it resulted in a significant reduction of oral bacteria.^[16]

It’s important to remember that you don’t want to swallow any tea tree oil. It’s not safe to ingest because it can cause serious problems such as confusion and the loss of muscle coordination.^[17]

You can find toothpaste and mouthwash that include tea tree oil as an ingredient. You can also add it to your regular toothpaste or mouthwash.

Ingredients

• Your favorite fluoride-free toothpaste or mouthwash
• Tea tree essential oil

Directions

1. Add one drop of tea tree oil to the toothpaste on your toothbrush.
2. Add two drops of tea tree essential oil to one cup of mouthwash.
3. Use the products as you normally would.
4. Rinse your mouth with water.

5. Fighting Athlete’s Foot

Researchers at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital looked at 104 patients and found that a cream that contained 10 percent tea tree oil was just as effective as 1 percent tolnaftate for reducing the symptoms of athlete’s foot.^[18] Another study at the same hospital showed that patients who used a 25 percent or 50 percent tea tree oil solution had an improvement in their athlete’s foot symptoms.^[19]

Although there are over-the-counter creams and ointments for fungal infections, it’s easy to make your own natural formula.

Ingredients

• Carrier oil such as olive, coconut, jojoba or other oil
• Tea tree essential oil

Directions

1. Don’t apply undiluted tea tree essential oil directly to the skin, mix it with a carrier oil like olive, coconut, or jojoba oil.
2. Add one drop of tea tree essential oil for every 12 drops of carrier oil. Mix them.
3. Add one drop of oil of oregano and mix.
4. Apply to the skin.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly, avoid touching your eyes or mouth.

How to Apply Tea Tree Oil

You must use a diluted form of tea tree oil, never apply undiluted oil directly to the skin in its concentrated form. It’s best to dilute it with a suitable carrier such as jojoba or coconut oil. You can do this by adding one drop of tea tree oil to 12 drops of carrier oil.

Dermatologists recommend that people with sensitive skin use this product with caution. In some cases, it can make skin irritation worse. Apply it to a small patch of skin first to check for any reactions.

Today, widespread knowledge of tea tree oil benefits means it’s available in many products. You can find it in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, gels, bath oils, and ointments. The essential oil version, however, is the most versatile since you can dilute it and add it to many products.

Are There Side Effects to Using Tea Tree Oil?

In general, most tea tree oil uses are considered safe and don’t have serious side effects. Rarely, people develop an allergic reaction, skin rash, or irritation after using it.^[17] If you notice any problems, discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare practitioner.

There are many practical uses for tea tree oil and it’s far from the only essential oil with a lot to offer. Consider learning more about other essential oils and how they can benefit you and your life.

The post Tea Tree Oil: Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects appeared first on Dr. Group's Healthy Living Articles.

source https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/tea-tree-oil-uses-and-benefits/