A Little Snotty

Like it or not, we are heading to cold/flu season accompanied by bunged up noses, drippy noses etc.  For your delectation here are some snotty facts;

Mucus Matters

The body produces 1-1.5 litres of mucus a day but we only really notice it when its consistency or colour changes when get ill.  Mucus plays an important role in the body so we need it really to maintain good health.

Mucus occurs naturally in the mouth, nose, sinuses, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.  It provides a moist protective layer in these sensitive areas and prevents them from drying out.  Some mucus is thick and gooey to prevent foreign, unwanted bodies from getting into the body.  It is therefore important as it contains antibodies to fight infection, enzymes that kill off some foreign substances trying to invade the body, and proteins that make mucus inhospitable to other sorts too.

Here is what the colour of your mucus means;
Clear - you're normal, the mucus is in a stable state consisting mainly of water and the substances mentioned above.  Mucus is constantly produced, being swallowed down the throat.

White - you may be congested.  Body is signalling you may be getting a cold, an allergy, nasal infection

Yellow - the infection is progressing, white blood cells are present to help kill it off, when they die they are cleared away by the mucus, hence their presence turns it yellow.

Green - the immune system is fighting back, more white blood cells are fighting the infection and more toxins are being removed.

Red - excessive blowing or picking the nose has caused a blood vessel to burst.

Brown - you've probably inhaled something dark rather than alot of dried blood being removed.

Black - you are a smoker or have a fungal infection.  Smoking and taking drugs can turn mucus black.  Also, a compromised immune system may result in a fungal infection being present in which case seeking medical help is advised.

Be healthy

Til next week
MB

Try coconut oil in the bathroom

Good morning, it's Sunday morning as I type this, and I'm staying indoors away from all the traffic chaos and road closures that is the Nottingham marathon.  Rather than attempt to go anywhere this morning, I'm catching up on stuff in preparation for a live stream of the final Soft Cell concert at Broadway this evening and overcoming the related feelings of anxiety and fear of going out.  I've mentioned this before over the years, and it doesn't get any easier.  I usually chicken out of doing stuff at the last minute, I've quite a few things lined up to see and do over the next few months and I can't afford to keep buying tickets and then not go to them, so I've got to push myself to get to them.  If you ever see me out and I look like I'm going to explode with anger or look like I'm off to the gallows, I'm just having a massive internal struggle to remain where I am and just need some space to just be and find a way of getting through the situation.

15 Reasons to keep coconut oil in the bathroom.

Now the jury may be out again on whether coconut oil is good or potentially really unhealthy for you,besides eating it, there are plenty of other uses for it around the home.

1.Smooth shave — If you've been plagued by red, irritated and razor-burned skin after shaving, coconut oil is both soothing and antibacterial.
2.Rash recovery — Other rash problems from nappy rash to mild allergic reactions can be remedied using coconut oil. Propylene glycol is one chemical found in commercial moisturisers that can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
3.Lip balm — Use coconut oil to moisturise, nourish and hydrate chapped lips.
4.Facial cleanser — Effective as a face wash, mixing equal parts coconut oil and castor oil is known as oil cleansing. Massage it into your skin and remove gently with a warm flannel.
Ninety percent of the body washes and cleansers you buy contain harmful chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, which, in combination with other chemicals, can form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Coconut oil can even improve acne.
5.Makeup remover — Not only can you cleanse your face, you can remove use it as a natural makeup remover — even stubborn mascara and eyeliner.
6.Night cream — While you may not want to use coconut oil under makeup, applying it lightly before bed will hydrate your skin because its fatty acids form a natural emollient. If the skin around your nails is hard and peeling, treat your cuticles to a soothing coconut oil rub to keep them soft.
7.Deodorant — A tiny dab of coconut mixed, if you desire, with an essential oil such as lavender is very effective — so much better than the antiperspirants containing aluminium, which is linked to Alzheimer's.
8.Foot fungus fighter — Because it's antimicrobial and antibacterial, coconut is very effective in combating athlete's foot. Rub it on the bottoms of your feet after every shower.
Antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal compounds in coconut oil have been shown to inactivate microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi.
9.Soothing bath — As an alternative to bubble baths that may induce urinary tract infections, especially in children, drop a dollop of coconut oil in your bath with a few essential oils. It's both moisturising and helps kill bacteria.
10.Body scrub — Combining equal parts coconut oil with sea salt, sugar or baking soda to make a homemade scrub softens, smooths and moisturises your skin.
11.Body lotion — Moisturisers you buy at the store typically contain harmful chemicals such as aluminium, phthalates, parabens, formaldehyde and propylene glycol. Coconut is a fragrant, moisturising alternative containing none of these.
12.Toothpaste — To combat tooth decay and even whiten teeth, make a DIY coconut oil toothpaste by mixing 1 teaspoon with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 2 drops of peppermint essential oil. Just brush as usual.
13.Oil pulling — An oral rinse works much like a mouthwash, only you shouldn't gargle with it. As you swish vigorously for five to 15 minutes, it penetrates the soft tissue between your gums and "pulls out" bacteria that causes cavities, plaque and bad breath.
14.When applied to infected cuts or wounds, coconut oil develops a layer of naturally protective chemicals that also keep out dust, fungi, bacteria and viruses. Applied to bruises, it speeds up the healing process in damaged tissues.
15.Frizz fighter — People with hair that tends to frizz often turn to silicone- or alcohol-based gels and serums, which coat the hair, prevent it from absorbing moisture and dries out the hair shaft. Just a few drops of coconut oil are all you need for a natural hair conditioner for smooth, silky shine.

Til next week, stay healthy
MB