Aluminium Questions

Common causes Low intake of water and dietry roughage, intestinal obstruction (volvulus, intussusception,colonic tumour) inflamatory condition around anus and anal canal (fissure, fistula,haemorrhoids, abcess), HypoKalaemia, Hypercalcaemia,Hypothyridism, Dehydration, disobeying the call of stool, Drugs like anticholonergic (Atropine, Hyocine,belladona) opium, Aluminium salt as in Antacid, tranquilizer's sedatives, tricyclic's antidepressant and psychogenic (mis conception about defecation). Treatment: Exclude the underlying cause. High residue diet containing enough fibre's to increase stool bulk like fruit, vegetables,cereals, bran,salad, oranges,water melon, wheat,hust with milk, Mango,appricot, Papayyaghee,butter, honey,Isaphagul hust one tablespoon in a glass of water. Take enough drinking water 7-10 glasses per day. Develop regular bowel habit and natural reflex should not be suppressed. Avoid oral purgative in acute abdomen or intestinal obstruction&bleeding or faecal impaction. Homeopathic Medicines: In addition to advice excercise  specialy daily walk is very important. These Homeopathic remedies can be helpful according to symptoms. Aesculus, Alumen,Alumina, Bryonia,Calc carb, Lycopodium,Nitric acid, Nux vom, Opium,Silica consult me for proper treatment to get cured permanently without side effects.

Common causes Low intake of water and dietry roughage, intestinal obstruction (volvulus, intussusception,colonic tumour) inflamatory condition around anus and anal canal (fissure, fistula,haemorrhoids, abcess), HypoKalaemia, Hypercalcaemia,Hypothyridism, Dehydration, disobeying the call of stool, Drugs like anticholonergic (Atropine, Hyocine,belladona) opium, Aluminium salt as in Antacid, tranquilizer's sedatives, tricyclic's antidepressant and psychogenic (mis conception about defecation). Treatment: Exclude the underlying cause. High residue diet containing enough fibre's to increase stool bulk like fruit, vegetables,cereals, bran,salad, oranges,water melon, wheat,hust with milk, Mango,appricot, Papayyaghee,butter, honey,Isaphagul hust one tablespoon in a glass of water. Take enough drinking water 7-10 glasses per day. Develop regular bowel habit and natural reflex should not be suppressed. Avoid oral purgative in acute abdomen or intestinal obstruction&bleeding or faecal impaction. Homeopathic Medicines: In addition to advice excercise  specialy daily walk is very important. These Homeopathic remedies can be helpful according to symptoms. Aesculus, Alumen,Alumina, Bryonia,Calc carb, Lycopodium,Nitric acid, Nux vom, Opium,Silica consult me for proper treatment to get cured permanently without side effects.

You should wait for at least 2 weeks before making any conclusion about the drug effect. If you don't see effects at all then definitely treatment needed to be reviewed. I advise you wait for few more days and then consider psychiatrist's opinion. All the best

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a common problem, especially of the palms, armpits and soles. It can be distressing and can have a serious impact on your life. In some cases, affected people avoid social contact with others because of embarrassment about the problem. However, the condition is usually treatable. What is excessive sweating? Normal sweating helps to keep the body temperature steady in hot weather, during a high temperature (fever), or when exercising. Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) means that you sweat much more than normal. Even when you are not hot, anxious, or exercising, you make a lot of sweat. Excessive sweating is classified into three types (as follows). It is important to know which type you have, as the causes and treatments are very different. Primary (idiopathic) focal hyperhidrosis This means that excessive sweating occurs in one or more of the following focal places: palms of the hands; soles of the feet; armpits (axillae); face/scalp. You sweat normally on the rest of the body. It tends to be symmetrical - that is, both palms, both feet, both armpits, etc, are affected. The exact cause is not known and it is not associated with any other conditions. (The word idiopathic means of unknown cause.) It just seems that the sweat glands in these areas are overactive or more sensitive than normal. In some people, it may run in the family so there may be some genetic factor involved in causing it. It usually first develops under the age of 25, but it can develop at any age. Men and women are equally affected. It is common and affects about 3 in 100 people. The severity can vary from time to time. It may come and go and can be made worse by triggers such as anxiety, emotion, spicy foods, and heat. Anxiety about the sweating itself may make it worse. However, for most of the time, nothing obvious triggers the sweating. It tends to be a long-term condition, but symptoms improve in some cases over time. If you have the typical symptoms of primary focal hyperhidrosis, you usually do not need any tests. Your doctor may suggest one or more treatments (below) if normal antiperspirants do not work well. Secondary focal hyperhidrosis This is uncommon. It means that the excessive sweating occurs in a particular focal part of the body. But, unlike primary focal hyperhidrosis, there is a known or likely cause. For example, a spinal disease or injury may cause sweating in one leg. Any focal sweating that is not symmetrical (that is, just in one hand, or one leg, etc) may suggest a secondary cause rather than primary focal hyperhidrosis which is usually symmetrical. Your doctor may suggest some tests to look for an underlying cause if one is suspected. Generalised hyperhidrosis This means that you sweat more than normal all over. This is less common than primary focal hyperhidrosis. However, it is usually caused by an underlying medical condition. A whole range of conditions can cause a generalised increased sweating. For example: Anxiety disorders. Various heart problems. Damage to nerves in the spinal cord. Side-effects to certain medicines. Various hormonal problems (including an overactive thyroid gland). Infections. Certain cancers. If you have generalised hyperhidrosis your doctor is likely to examine you and do some tests to find out the cause. Treatment depends on the cause. The rest of this leaflet is only about primary focal hyperhidrosis. What are the possible complications of primary focal hyperhidrosis? Although not a medically serious condition, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) can be distressing and embarrassing. For example, if you have bad palm sweating you tend to have a cold, sweaty handshake and sweat may drip from your hands on to work documents, computer keyboards, etc. If you have bad armpit sweating, you may become embarrassed by the frequent wet patch that develops on clothes under your arms. You may need to change clothes during the day. You may avoid social contact or avoid doing sports because of embarrassment about the condition. Other complications are uncommon. In some cases, the affected skin can become sore, irritated and prone to infection. There is a risk of developing eczema on affected skin. Initial treatment options for primary focal hyperhidrosis General tips and advice The following may be all that you need if the condition is mild. They may help in addition to other treatments in more severe cases. If you find that soaps irritate the affected skin, use a bland soap substitute such as a moisturiser (emollient) ointment or cream. If possible, avoid triggers which can make things worse such as heat or spicy food. If you have armpit sweating: Try using normal antiperspirants regularly. (Note: there is a difference between antiperspirants and deodorants. Antiperspirants reduce the release of sweat; deodorants mask any unpleasant smells. Avoid clothes that more easily show up sweat marks. As a rule, white and black coloured clothes are less noticeable when wet than other colours. Wear loose clothing under the armpits. Avoid clothes made with man-made fibres such as Lycra® and nylon. Consider using dress shields (also known as armpit or sweat shields) to absorb excess sweat and protect delicate or expensive clothing. These can be obtained via the internet or the Hyperhidrosis Support Group (contact details below). If you have excessive feet sweating, it can help to: Change your socks at least twice a day. Use an absorbent foot powder twice daily. Wear a different pair of shoes on alternate days. This allows them to dry fully. Avoid sport shoes or boots. These are often less breathable than normal shoes are, so are more likely to keep the sweat in. Aluminium chloride - a strong antiperspirant If normal antiperspirants do not work, it is worth trying an antiperspirant that contains aluminium chloride. This is a strong antiperspirant. It is thought to work by blocking the openings of the sweat ducts. It tends to work best in the armpits. However, it may also work for sweating of the palms and soles. Although it may also work on the face, some doctors do not recommend using this on the face, as it may cause severe eye irritation if it gets into an eye. There are several brands of aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants which you can buy at pharmacies. You may also be able to get some on prescription such as Anhydrol Forte®. It is important to use aluminium chloride-based antiperspirants correctly. Read the instructions that come with the product you use. These usually include the following: Apply to clean, dry skin. (It is more likely to cause irritation on wet or moist skin.) Therefore, wipe the skin dry with a towel or dry flannel before applying. Some people use a hairdryer to make sure the skin is dry before applying. Ideally, apply at night (bedtime) when the sweat glands are less likely to be as active. Wash it off the next morning. Do not shave the area 24 hours before or after use. Avoid getting it in the eyes, and do not apply on broken or inflamed skin. Some doctors do not recommend that you apply this treatment to your face. Apply every 24-48 hours until the condition improves. Then apply once every 1-3 weeks, depending on response. (It may take a few weeks to build up its effect. This is because it is thought to clog up the sweat gland gradually, which causes a gradual reduction in sweating.) If successful, treatment can be continued indefinitely. You may only need to apply it once every 1-3 weeks to keep the sweating under control. Note: aluminium chloride antiperspirants often cause skin irritation or inflammation. If this occurs, it is often still worth persevering if the irritation is tolerable, as the benefit may outweigh the irritation. To reduce the effects of any skin irritation or inflammation that may occur: Reduce frequency of use; and/or Apply a moisturiser (emollient) every day after applying the aluminium chloride; and/or Apply a short course of a mild steroid cream such as hydrocortisone 1% to the affected area twice daily for a maximum of 14 days. (Steroid creams reduce inflammation.) Other treatments for primary focal hyperhidrosis If the above general measures and antiperspirant treatments do not work, your doctor may suggest that they refer you to see a skin specialist (dermatologist). The specialist may suggest one of the following treatments. Iontophoresis This is a treatment that uses electrical stimulation. It is used mainly to treat sweating of the palms and/or soles. It can also be used to treat armpit sweating. It works well in most cases. Treatment involves putting the affected areas (usually hands and/or feet) into a small container filled with water. A small electrical current is then passed through the water, from a special machine. It is not dangerous, but may cause some discomfort or a pins and needles feeling. The exact way this helps to treat sweating is not known. It may help to block the sweat glands in some way. You will usually need 3-4 treatment sessions per week. Each treatment session lasts 20-40 minutes. Most people see an improvement after 6-10 sessions. A maintenance treatment is then usually required once every 1-4 weeks to keep symptoms away. If the treatment does not work with tap water, a drug called glycopyrronium bromide is sometimes added to the water. This may improve the rate of success. However, iontophoresis does not work in every case. Also, some people develop side-effects from the treatment, such as a dry or sore mouth and throat, and dizziness, for up to 24 hours after each treatment episode. Until recently the downside to iontophoresis was that it required a trip to hospital for each treatment session. This can be time-consuming and impractical for some. However, modern machines are smaller and can now be bought for home use. So, if you find that this treatment works for you, you may wish to consider buying a machine to use at home. However, you should take advice from the specialist who recommended iontophoresis for you before you buy a machine. You should not have iontophoresis if you are pregnant, or have a metal implant, such as a pin to fix a bone break (fracture), or if you have a pacemaker. Botulinum toxin injections This is an option that usually works well for armpit sweating. Treatment consists of many small injections just under the skin in the affected areas. The botulinum toxin stops the nerves in the skin that control the sweat glands from working. Botulinum toxin is not licensed to treat sweating of the palms and face. This is because there is a risk that the injections may stop some of the nearby small muscles of the hands or face from working. The downside of botulinum toxin is that the effect usually wears off after 4-12 months. Therefore, to keep working, the treatment needs repeating when the effect wears off. Some people get mild flu-like symptoms for a day or so after treatment. Also, the sites of the injections can be sore for a few days after treatment. A severe allergic reaction can (rarely) occur after an injection. It is also very expensive and not usually available on the NHS. Surgery An operation is an option for people who have not been helped much by other treatments, or if other treatments cause unacceptable side-effects or problems. For armpit sweating - an option is to remove the sweat glands in the armpit. There are various techniques. One technique is to remove the sweat glands from the underside of the skin through a small hole cut in the skin (called suction curettage). A recent innovation has been to use a laser to destroy the sweat glands in the armpit - laser sweat ablation (LSA). This may result in less scarring than other surgical techniques. However, there have not been any studies looking at the long-term outcome with laser treatment. For palm sweating - an option is to have an operation to cut some of the nerves that run down the side of the spinal cord. These nerves control the sweat glands in the hands. The operation is called endoscopic thoracoscopic sympathectomy. It is done by keyhole surgery, using a special telescope to locate the nerve, and then to cut the nerve. Most people are pleased with the result of the operation. However, a complication that may occur following this operation is a compensatory increase in sweating in other parts of the body (such as in the chest or groin). This can be worse than the original problem in the hands. Before you undergo surgery, you should have a full discussion with the surgeon. He or she will explain the pros and cons of the different surgical techniques, chance of success (usually high), and possible risks and complications. For example, as with any other type of surgery, there is a small risk from the anaesthetic. Also, wound infection and damage to other nearby structures, although uncommon, are other possible complications. Surgery is not usually done for sweating of the soles. Although cutting the nerves next to the spinal cord in the lower back region may cure the problem of sweating, there is a high risk of this also affecting sexual function.

Hello, Thanks for your query. Try an over-the-counter medicine containing simethicone, which helps to break down gas bubbles. You can try a process of elimination by substituting a gassy food for a non-gassy one, and see which one is giving you the most trouble. A few basic substitutions: • Rice milk for cow’s milk • Bananas, blueberries and melon for apples, peaches and plums • Gluten-free and spelt cereals and bread for wheat and rye products • Bamboo shoots, bok choy, carrot, celery, corn, eggplant, green beans, lettuce, chives, parsnip, pumpkin, and tomato for artichokes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, okra, onions, and peas. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care

1.Eat high fibre diet like fruits, vegetables, beans, boiled/sprouted moong dal, whole grain rice, whole wheat pasta, whole meal breads, multi grain chapatti, oats. 2.Avoid foods which are high in fat. Choose lean meats like fish, chicken. 3.Eat on schedule 4.Drink plenty of water, 8-10 glasses daily, Avoid alcohol/caffeine 5.Take regular physical exercise 6. Stick to a regular timing for going to toilet. 7.Take 2 tsf of softovac SF/Naturolax powder with warm water at bed time or syrup Duphalac 15 ml twice daily for few days 8.If you have chronic constipation, you may have to do colonoscopic examination after consulting gastroenterologist.

“Many reasons cause body temperature to rise suddenly – hot, humid weather, rigorous exercise, emotional stress, a panic attack. Even spicy foods can cause excessive sweating,” says Dr. Ernest Wang, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery, National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), a member of the SingHealth group. Excessive sweating can result in sweaty palms (palmar hyperhidrosis), sweaty feet (plantar hyperhidrosis) or sweaty armpits (axillary hyperhidrosis). Even caffeine can cause hyperhidrosis The human body has two to five million eccrine sweat glands covering most of the skin. They automatically release fluid onto the skin surface when the body temperature rises. When the perspiration evaporates, the body cools down. Specialised apocrine sweat glands are responsible for excessive sweating under the armpits. Besides hot, humid weather, stress and anxiety, there are other triggers for sweaty palms and feet: Caffeinated drinks and alcohol Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) Medicinal drugs (such as certain painkillers, cardiovascular drugs and antidepressants) Menopause Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) How to treat sweaty palms and feet? Over-the-counter scented antiperspirants can help to mask the unpleasant odour of sweat and reduce excessive perspiration for a day or two. For longer relief, look for stronger antiperspirants containing aluminium chloride. Some dermatologists in Singapore treat sweaty palms and armpits with Botox (Botulinum toxin) injections, but results only last about four to six months. Other dermatologists use iontophoresis, which is the use of a low electric current to stop the sweat glands. It also brings temporary relief. For severe hyperhidrosis, doctors may recommend a surgical procedure known as endoscopic transthoracic sympathectomy. This surgery is the only way to stop hyperhidrosis permanently. “Done under general anaesthesia, the operation involves cutting the sympathetic nerves that control the sweat glands through a tiny incision in the armpit. Patients can usually resume their normal activity within a few days,” says Wang. Tips on coping with sweaty palms and feet If you are constantly plagued by sweaty palms and feet or armpits, you can take the following steps: Apply antiperspirants on your palms and feet before going to bed. Avoid caffeine and spicy foods which may trigger the sympathetic nervous system. Shower daily, but avoid saunas and hot showers to prevent body temperatures from rising too rapidly. Keep your feet dry after a bath or shower to prevent the growth of micro-organisms. Foot odour is caused by bacterial growth. Go barefoot to air your feet. Let your shoes dry out first before you wear them. Always ensure your feet are dry before you put on your shoes. Wear loose-fitting cotton socks and clothing made of natural materials. They absorb moisture better and allow your feet and skin to breathe. Use relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing to control the stress that can trigger sweaty palms. “Don’t let excessive sweating be an obstacle to having a normal social life. Know what can cause excessive sweating and try to control these triggers.

Probably. But it depends on the type of plastic the bottle is made from. And in an effort to be more healthy, many of us make a point of carrying water bottles with us everywhere we go. But are our water bottles a health issue? Especially those made from plastic? Generally they are safe, says Michael Moore, Emeritus Professor of Toxicology at the University of Queensland, but it depends on the kind of plastic the bottle is made of. Most plastics are made of long chains of hydrocarbon molecules, built from simpler building blocks called monomers. Some plastics then have chemicals added to give them a characteristic such as flexibility or colour. Buying bottled water The 'single use' water bottles that you typically buy at milk bars, service stations and the like are usually made from polyethylene terephthalate (abbreviated to PET or PETE), an inexpensive and lightweight plastic. Its recycling code (the number in the centre of the triangle of arrows found on most plastics) is 1. "PET is not one of the plastics that one would think has a propensity to cause a problem, says Moore. Moore agrees with the US FDA, which says that PET bottles are safe for use and reuse so long as they are washed properly with detergent and water to remove bacteria. The safety of using PET bottles was questioned after a student research project hit the headlines. The 2001 study found traces of a phthalate — a potentially harmful 'plasticiser' used to make some plastics more flexible — in water from PET bottles, but the research hadn't been verified. Moore says PET has never contained phthalates and the public's association between the two could be based on the plastic's name. And while some preliminary studies have suggested water from PET bottles can contain as-yet-unidentified substances with 'oestrogenic' properties (which disrupt the body's normal hormone regulation), Moore says no rigorous scientific review has backed these. A substance called antimony is used in PET production and it can leach into the water in PET bottles. However, this doesn't pose much of a risk, says Moore. "Antimony is not in the same league as lead or mercury toxicologically so the likelihood of harm is low, says Moore. Using your own bottle But what if you've decided not to buy bottled water, but to use a refillable water bottle to cut down on the plastic sent to landfill? Polycarbonate has been commonly used to make the sturdy reusable water bottles that many of us use. Polycarbonate is one of the plastics classed as 'other' in the recycling scheme. It has a recycling code of 7, but not all bottles stamped with a 7 are made from polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is made of a monomer called bisphenol A (BPA). As the plastic breaks down over time, BPA is released into the water held in polycarbonate bottles, particularly when the bottle is heated or repeatedly washed. "If you have a bottle made of polycarbonate, on first use there probably isn't much depolymerisation but as you use it again and again — especially if things are warm or hot — then there's a high likelihood that there will be a breakdown of the plastic to release the monomer, says Moore. But just because there is some BPA in the water, it doesn't necessarily mean it's dangerous, says Moore. Research in animals has found BPA can cause a range of conditions — such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and reproductive and developmental disorders. Some studies suggest that young animals metabolise BPA less efficiently than adults. "But there's nothing much in the way of identified effects in humans — virtually all of the effects have been established in relatively higher levels of exposure in animal models. The level of exposure is probably not sufficient to cause these effects [in people]. But people who are feeding young children are saying 'I'd rather not take the chance' which is fair enough. It's likely that soon we won't need to make these choices ourselves, says Moore. Even though most national food safety agencies, including Australia's FSANZ, say that the level of exposure to BPA is too low to be dangerous, food and drink companies are moving away from polycarbonate because of the bad press. However, other agencies, such as the US National Toxicology Program, are worried enough to be carrying out reviews and the World Health Organisation is holding a meeting next month to review all the scientific evidence. "There is a lot of ongoing work to look at the effects of this compound to see whether this genuinely represents a big issue. The position at present is that it doesn't constitute a huge issue, says Moore. "In effect I would expect that in the very near future various agencies will make changes to the tolerable daily intake of BPA, he adds. The internationally agreed Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for BPA is currently 0.05 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. One plastic that can be undoubtedly dangerous for making water bottles is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which has a recycling code of 3. PVC often has phthalates added to make it flexible — though you can't tell this by looking at the recycling code. Thankfully, PVC is not often used to make water bottles. Choosing a bottle If you want to err on the side of caution, Moore suggests you avoid drinks bottles that have the recycling codes of 3 or 7, particularly for children. The best bottles to use and reuse are those with the recycling codes 2, 4 and 5. 2 and 4 are made from polyethylene and 5 is made from polypropylene. "There's absolutely nothing in polyethylene or polypropylene that could be classified as dangerous" says Moore. But these bottles are more expensive to make, so while they are likely to be found more and more in reusable bottles, PET is likely to be the plastic of choice for single-use bottles for a while to come. You can also check that reusuable bottles say they are 'BPA-free' as some bottles may be made of number 5 plastic but use polycarbonate linings or mouthpieces. Another rule of thumb is to use clear plastic rather than coloured or opaque because they eliminate small potential risks from colouring agents added to the plastic, says Moore. And while stainless steel or aluminium bottles are often considered a safe bet, these still have some issues, says Moore. Stainless steel can corrode a little over time and while the released iron won't harm you, it'll add an unpleasant taste to your water. Aluminium can also corrode and release aluminium salts into the water. One way of stopping this is to use a plastic liner, which takes you to square one. Glass is a good, but often impractical. "In the end you've got to balance all the issues. I would think that many bottles are safe to use, even PET ones. The only one I would advise against are PVC and polycarbonate, concludes Moore. And in an effort to be more healthy, many of us make a point of carrying water bottles with us everywhere we go. But are our water bottles a health issue? Especially those made from plastic? Generally they are safe, says Michael Moore, Emeritus Professor of Toxicology at the University of Queensland, but it depends on the kind of plastic the bottle is made of. Most plastics are made of long chains of hydrocarbon molecules, built from simpler building blocks called monomers. Some plastics then have chemicals added to give them a characteristic such as flexibility or colour. Buying bottled water The 'single use' water bottles that you typically buy at milk bars, service stations and the like are usually made from polyethylene terephthalate (abbreviated to PET or PETE), an inexpensive and lightweight plastic. Its recycling code (the number in the centre of the triangle of arrows found on most plastics) is 1. "PET is not one of the plastics that one would think has a propensity to cause a problem, says Moore. Moore agrees with the US FDA, which says that PET bottles are safe for use and reuse so long as they are washed properly with detergent and water to remove bacteria. The safety of using PET bottles was questioned after a student research project hit the headlines. The 2001 study found traces of a phthalate — a potentially harmful 'plasticiser' used to make some plastics more flexible — in water from PET bottles, but the research hadn't been verified. Moore says PET has never contained phthalates and the public's association between the two could be based on the plastic's name. And while some preliminary studies have suggested water from PET bottles can contain as-yet-unidentified substances with 'oestrogenic' properties (which disrupt the body's normal hormone regulation), Moore says no rigorous scientific review has backed these. A substance called antimony is used in PET production and it can leach into the water in PET bottles. However, this doesn't pose much of a risk, says Moore. "Antimony is not in the same league as lead or mercury toxicologically so the likelihood of harm is low, says Moore. Using your own bottle But what if you've decided not to buy bottled water, but to use a refillable water bottle to cut down on the plastic sent to landfill? Polycarbonate has been commonly used to make the sturdy reusable water bottles that many of us use. Polycarbonate is one of the plastics classed as 'other' in the recycling scheme. It has a recycling code of 7, but not all bottles stamped with a 7 are made from polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is made of a monomer called bisphenol A (BPA). As the plastic breaks down over time, BPA is released into the water held in polycarbonate bottles, particularly when the bottle is heated or repeatedly washed. "If you have a bottle made of polycarbonate, on first use there probably isn't much depolymerisation but as you use it again and again — especially if things are warm or hot — then there's a high likelihood that there will be a breakdown of the plastic to release the monomer, says Moore. But just because there is some BPA in the water, it doesn't necessarily mean it's dangerous, says Moore. Research in animals has found BPA can cause a range of conditions — such as cancer, diabetes, obesity and reproductive and developmental disorders. Some studies suggest that young animals metabolise BPA less efficiently than adults. "But there's nothing much in the way of identified effects in humans — virtually all of the effects have been established in relatively higher levels of exposure in animal models. The level of exposure is probably not sufficient to cause these effects [in people]. But people who are feeding young children are saying 'I'd rather not take the chance' which is fair enough. It's likely that soon we won't need to make these choices ourselves, says Moore. Even though most national food safety agencies, including Australia's FSANZ, say that the level of exposure to BPA is too low to be dangerous, food and drink companies are moving away from polycarbonate because of the bad press. However, other agencies, such as the US National Toxicology Program, are worried enough to be carrying out reviews and the World Health Organisation is holding a meeting next month to review all the scientific evidence. "There is a lot of ongoing work to look at the effects of this compound to see whether this genuinely represents a big issue. The position at present is that it doesn't constitute a huge issue, says Moore. "In effect I would expect that in the very near future various agencies will make changes to the tolerable daily intake of BPA, he adds. The internationally agreed Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) for BPA is currently 0.05 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. One plastic that can be undoubtedly dangerous for making water bottles is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which has a recycling code of 3. PVC often has phthalates added to make it flexible — though you can't tell this by looking at the recycling code. Thankfully, PVC is not often used to make water bottles. Choosing a bottle If you want to err on the side of caution, Moore suggests you avoid drinks bottles that have the recycling codes of 3 or 7, particularly for children. The best bottles to use and reuse are those with the recycling codes 2, 4 and 5. 2 and 4 are made from polyethylene and 5 is made from polypropylene. "There's absolutely nothing in polyethylene or polypropylene that could be classified as dangerous" says Moore. But these bottles are more expensive to make, so while they are likely to be found more and more in reusable bottles, PET is likely to be the plastic of choice for single-use bottles for a while to come. You can also check that reusuable bottles say they are 'BPA-free' as some bottles may be made of number 5 plastic but use polycarbonate linings or mouthpieces. Another rule of thumb is to use clear plastic rather than coloured or opaque because they eliminate small potential risks from colouring agents added to the plastic, says Moore. And while stainless steel or aluminium bottles are often considered a safe bet, these still have some issues, says Moore. Stainless steel can corrode a little over time and while the released iron won't harm you, it'll add an unpleasant taste to your water. Aluminium can also corrode and release aluminium salts into the water. One way of stopping this is to use a plastic liner, which takes you to square one. Glass is a good, but often impractical. "In the end you've got to balance all the issues. I would think that many bottles are safe to use, even PET ones. The only one I would advise against are PVC and polycarbonate, concludes Moore. The Best Water Filter Options What’s In Your Water? If you are drinking tap water, the answer to that question is 300+ chemicals and pollutants, according to research from the Environmental Working Group. Among these contaminants are: Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) such as pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals. These chemicals are found in most municipal water sources and even in well and other sources due to agricultural run-off and contamination. Research links certain VOCs to damage in the reproductive system, liver, kidneys and more. Heavy Metals like lead and mercury are found in some water sources and have been linked to any health problems. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals are chemicals that may mimic or interfere with the normal hormones in the body and these chemicals are being found in increasing amounts in the water supply. From this testimony before a congressional committee on the issue: “Over the past fifty years, researchers observed increases in endocrine-sensitive health outcomes. Breast and prostatic cancer incidence increased between 1969 and 1986 ; there was a four-fold increase in ectopic pregnancies (development of the fertilized egg outside of the uterus) in the U.S. Between 1970 and 1987 ; the incidence of cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) doubled in the U.K. Between 1960 and the mid 1980s ; and there was an approximately 42% decrease in sperm count worldwide between 1940 and 1990 .” These chemicals are known to affect animals when they enter the water supply as well. Fluoride: This is perhaps the most controversial of the contaminants in water (if something like water contaminants can be controversial!) because it is purposefully added to the water and there is much heated debate about the benefits/harm of this. Anyone who listened to the Heal Thy Mouth Summit is well aware of the potential dangers of Fluoride thanks to Dr. Kennedy, but the short is: If fluoride has any benefit, it would be directly to the teeth, as drinking the fluoride has not been statistically shown to increase oral health at all. Additionally, fluoride has been linked to thyroid problems and other disorders when consumed internally. So what are the options for those of us not interested in drinking a chemical cocktail every time we are thirsty? Bottled Water: Bottled water has started falling out of favor lately and with good reason. Mark’s Daily Apple did an in-depth analysis of why, but bottled water is not a good option for several reasons: Chemicals from the plastic bottle itself can leech into the water In most cases, the water itself is no different than tap water Bottled water costs more in many cases that drinking tap water Water bottles are a major source of consumer waste each year! Verdict: Not the best option on price, taste, or health so I skip it. That being said, having a bottle of water is very convenient, and there are some great sustainable options. Glass and steel water bottles are my personal favorites! Pitcher Water Filters Pitcher water filters like Brita use Granulated Activated Charcoal to remove some contaminants. They are less expensive than other filter options upfront, but require frequent filling (especially for large families) and cartridge replacement (making them more expensive in the long run). Since the carbon is not solid, it does not remove all toxins though these filters will improve taste. Pitcher filters will reduce chlorine, but are not effective at removing VOCs, heavy metals, endocrine disruptors or fluoride. This category also includes faucet mount external filters, which use the same technology. Verdict: Better than nothing, but doesn’t remove the worst offenders and is somewhat costly to use compared to other options. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Reverse Osmosis filtration uses a membrane which removes many contaminants from water. It is usually paired with a Granulated Activated Charcoal filter to remove chlorine and many mount under the sink and have a holding tank. The semipermeable membrane separates many contaminates (which usually have a larger particle size that water) from the water and rejects a large amount of water in the process. The result is a waste of several gallons of water for every gallon filtered and many naturally occurring minerals (including calcium and magnesium) are also removed from the water. We used this type of filter for a long time but added trace minerals back in to the water to replace the ones that are filtered out. It does remove a large amount of contaminants but is not the best option, in my opinion. Pros: Removes a large amount of contaminants. Many unites are stored under the sink and have a simple spigot over the counter for getting the water. Does reduce arsenic, asbestos and heavy metals. Does remove fluoride. Cons: Wastes more water than it produces. Does not reduce VOCs or endocrine disruptors. Requires adequate water pressure to work so it is not usable if home water supply is cut off. Takes up to an hour to filter one gallon of water and filters need to be replaced regularly. Removes necessary minerals from the water. Verdict: Certainly better than a lot of options out there and does remove fluoride, but not the best due to its waste of water and costly filters. Distilled Water The distillation process uses heat to cause the water to become steam. The steam rises and moves to a cooling chamber where it turns back into liquid, leaving behind many contaminants. This type of filtration reduces large particles like minerals and heavy metals but does not remove endocrine disruptors or VOCs since they vaporize at equal or lower temps that water and rise with the steam. It does effectively kill bacteria. Pros: Removes a large amount of contaminants. Does reduce arsenic, asbestos and heavy metals. Does remove fluoride. Cons: Does not reduce VOCs or endocrine disruptors. Home distillation systems are often large and expensive. Use a large amount of electricity and will not work in power outages. Removes necessary minerals from the water. Long term use can cause mineral deficiencies. Verdict: Better than bottled water, but definitely not the best option out there, especially for home situations. Solid Block Carbon Filters Recognized by the EPA as the best option for removing chemicals like herbicides, pesticides and VOCs. Quality carbon block filters will remove chemicals, pesticides, bacteria, fluoride (with filter attachment), heavy metals, nitrate, nitrites and parasites. Most are gravity based and can safely transform any type of water into safe drinking water including rain water, pond water and even sea water (though these types of water will clog the filters much more quickly and are not ideal!) It will even filter water with food coloring to create clear water (yes, I tested it…) This is the option that we use now and my only complaint is that it does take up counter space. The advantages are that it is gravity based and will work even without electricity or running water. While these types of units can be more pricey that pitcher filters or other filters up front, they seem to be the least expensive in the long run and require the fewest filter replacements (a big plus for me!). These types of filters also don’t remove naturally occurring minerals from the water, making it the best tasting filtered water option, in my opinion. Using a filter calculator, I’ve determined that the specific system we use won’t need to be replaced for over 20 years with our current usage (though I’m guessing our usage will increase as the kids get older). The most common type of this filter is the Berkey and it comes in many sizes for different uses. It can even be used camping to filter river water for drinking! (Tested this too and it saved one of my brother in-laws from Giardia when other members of his group got it while camping) Pros: Filters VOCs, heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, nitrates/ites, bacteria, parasites and other chemicals. Very inexpensive per gallon cost and infrequent filter replacement. Great tasting water. Doesn’t require electricity or water pressure to work. Portable options can even be used while traveling. Cons: Does require counter space and does have to be manually filled (not a big deal for us, we just fill at night and we have plenty of water the next day). More expensive up front. Does not remove endocrine disruptors and there are some concerns with third party testing with some brands. Verdict: A good option, especially in places where under-counter or permanent systems are not an option. We uses this one for years before our current system. Under Counter Multi-Stage Filters: After years of research and trying most of the options above at some point, we finally found and switched to an under-counter multi-stage water filter system that meets all of the criteria and exceeds them. I review the one we personally use in depth in this post, but in short, it filters water through a 14-stage process that utilizes most of the methods listed above, along with others like UV and adds minerals back in. During the filtration process, water goes through these stages: Stage 1 – Five Micron Pre-Filter Stage 2 – Internal Coconut Shell Carbon Filter (like Berkey) Stage 3 – Reverse Osmosis Membrane (Purifier #1) (like regular RO but more efficient) Stage 4 – Mixed Bed De-Ionization Purifier (Purifier #2) Stage 5 – Mixed Bed De-Ionization Purifier (Purifier #3) Stages 6 & 7 – Homeopathic Restructuring – Erasing Memory, Molecule Coherence Stage 8 – Holding Tank – standard tank holds about 3 gallons of pure water. Other tanks are available. Stage 9 – Ultraviolet Light – 14 Watt Stage 10 – Reprogramming – Adding Natural Mineral Properties Stages 11-12 – Far-Infrared Reprogramming Stage 13 – Coconut Shell Carbon Post-Filtration Stage 14 – Alka-Min (Alkalizing, Ionic Remineralization) It removes fluoride, lead, chlorine, MTBE, chromium-6, nitrates, pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, water-borne illness and more. We absolutely love this water filter and I’ve recommended it to my own family members. Pros: Removes the widest range of contaminants. Very easy to use with no manual filling required. Spigot attaches near sink for easy use. Water tastes great. Cons: Must be installed under the sink. We had to hire a plumber for this, though we probably could have figured it out ourselves, I was just reluctant to try. Verdict: The best option I’ve found and the one we currently use.

Hi lybrate-user It is crucial to start your day with abundant energy. Factors such as overwork, pollution, poor nutrition and stress lead to building up of toxins and in the process slow the body down. To propel the body to work further, we start consuming stimulants like energy-boosting drugs, coffee, cigarettes, etc. The main issue is that people don't understand which energy-giving food should be consumed. We should be able to select the right energy-giving foods, which build up the body and prevent the destruction from stimulants. The following are some healthy snacks recipes, which would help you rebuild the lost stamina. (I) Soya bean delight This snack is based on a variety of simple preparation techniques and readily available foods. The powerful health benefits of these nutrient-dense foods provide the extra energy you need. This recipe has a blend of fruits, seeds, nuts, and soya beans drenched with the goodness of vegetable juice as a dressing. Take a look at a few delightful, healthy snack recipes: Sesame seeds3 tbsp. Almonds (skin removed)10 nos. Black raisins20-25 Pomegranate (shredded)1 Apple1 Orange1 Honey1tbsp Carrot1 Beetroot1 Soy Nutsa handful Method of preparation Roast sesame seeds & keep aside. Soak black raisin in warm water for 10 minutes and keep aside. Make a juice of the carrot and beetroot and keep aside. Mix all the remaining ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds & soy nuts on it. Now pour the carrot beetroot juice on it and add one tablespoon of honey. Enjoy this colourful, healthy bowl of energy-giving food. N.B. Soya Nuts from Anjali Mukerjee Health Total are available at most leading departmental stores in Mumbai. Nutritional information about ingredients There are three varieties of sesame seeds i.e. Black, white and red. You could use any of these three in the recipe. Black sesame seeds are considered to be a rich source of iron and are valuable in the treatment of anaemia. The white ones are rich in calcium and should be consumed by postmenopausal woman. The red variety is also rich in iron. Almonds are known to be rich in all the elements needed by the body. The thin-skinned variety, known as the kagzi badam, is the best for daily consumption. Nuts like almonds are an excellent energy-giving food and a rich source of vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant. Almonds are loaded with copper, iron, and calcium. As a result, they prove nutritious for both children & older women. They also serve as a laxative and can help relieve constipation problems. Among other benefits, black raisins are extremely useful in the treatment of acidity. All fruits render quick bouts of energy and serve as a delightful ready-to-eat package. In addition to their alkalising effect, they are an excellent source of vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C and soluble fibre, which help lower the blood cholesterol. Vegetables like carrots, beetroot, etc. Are a powerful nutrient punch for adding calories. They work as a higher energy source as compared to any other food group. Soya beans contain phytoestrogens, which are extremely beneficial to menopausal women. Raw vegetables retain maximum number of nutrients, and the bioavailability of these nutrients is more when they are consumed in their juice form. Needless to say, vegetables are a smart source of vitamin A, C, E & K, minerals and soluble fibre. (II) Sprout Bhel Green mung sprouts Alfalfa sprouts4 tbsp Wheat flakes4 tbsp Peanutshandful Curd1 cup Cucumber1 Carrot1tbsp Tomato1 Coriander leaves to sprinkleChaat masalaa pinch Salt to tasteLime juice a dashMethod of preparation Dice cucumber, tomatoes & carrot If you cannot eat raw sprouts, then keep them in hot water for about 15 minutes. Now in a bowl, combine the sprouts, wheat flakes, tomatoes, cucumber, and carrot. Sprinkle the required peanuts, chaat masala & salt on them. Use a dressing on it with a mixture of curd and garnish with coriander leaves. Add a dash of lime if required. About the Ingredients Sprouts are particularly beneficial for women’s blood and bone strength. When you consume sprouted pulses, you can be sure of getting high returns in terms of nutrition and vitality. Sprouts are an excellent source of protein, fibre, calcium & iron. They act as an abundant energy-giving food and help to make the blood thin. Hence, they prevent clotting and also reduce blood cholesterol. Wheat flakes are readily available breakfast cereals, which are fortified with nutrients and can be used to give that added crunch to the recipe. Peanuts contain more protein than meat and eggs for the same weight. It is rich in fibre and lecithin, which is good for reproductive and endocrine health. Peanuts are loaded with antioxidants like selenium, which helps fight against fatigue and stress. The protein in curd is readily digested than the protein in milk. Added to that, it is a rich source of calcium. Curd is an ideal energy-giving food for those people who have a sensitive digestive system. Vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, and coriander leaves are a rich source of vitamin C and A, Lycopene, iron and fibre. Lycopene is considered to be a powerful antioxidant present in tomatoes. It acts as an anti-cancer agent. (III) Heart-friendly dinner Fish in Green Masala:Fish (Pomfret/Rahu/Surmai)1 medium sized Coriander leaves½ bunch Mint leaves½ bunch Onions1 Garlic4-5 cloves Ginger50gms Green chillies2 Lime Juiceas required Curd2 tbsp. Salt to tasteMustard oil1 tbsp. Method of preparation Clean fish, make slits on its body and keep aside Make thick chutney by grinding the rest of the ingredients. Marinate fish in the chutney & 1 tbsp mustard oil for 2 hours Place fish in an aluminium foil & bake in an oven or pan without any water on a slow flame. The fish will cook in its juices and keep all the nutrients available in the recipe intact. Among the best healthy snacks recipes in the country, this dish is intended for those of you who prefer eating a light dinner of fish with whole wheat bread and clear vegetable soup. You need to remember that fish contains Omega-3 fatty acid, which keeps the heart healthy. The greens, of course, are rich in iron, calcium, vitamin C and soluble fibre. This food preparation is a heart- friendly one. Stay fit with all the healthy energy-giving food recipes mentioned above and live a happy life.

“The best way to fight body odor is through prevention.” Two things to keep in mind. 1. The sweat doesn’t stink, it’s bacteria that cause foot odor The so common cheesy, ammonia-like, or malt-vinegary smell is caused by bacteria feeding on (waste material in) sweat and dead skin cells. When the bacteria eat, the sweat decomposes and during the accompanying chemical process isovaleric acid (and propionic acid) are released. Those organic acids cause the foul odor. Yup, sweat itself is odorless, but bacteria thrive because of it. Which explains the link between sweating and foot odor. The sweatier your feet, the more bacterial growth, the more chance on developing nasty foot odor. There are different types of bacteria causing the unpleasant scent: Brevibacteria. They feed on your feet’s dead skin. In the process they produce a sulfuric aroma that makes your feet stink like cheese. The typical scent of stinky cheeses like Port Salut, Munster, and Limburger is also caused by brevibacteria. Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria break down leucine present in the sweat on your feet, thus creating isovaleric acid, a main source of foot odor. Bacillus subtilis is another bacteria type responsible for the characteristic pungency. (PubMed) The worst cases of foot odor (about 15% of the people suffer from these) are caused by Kyetococcus sedentarius bacteria. Besides organic acids they produce volatile sulfur compounds which makes feet stink like rotten eggs. Deterministic as this chemical jargon may sound, you can avoid getting stinky feet (or cure them if it’s already too late). The other cause to keep in mind, 2. Bacteria thrive in dark, damp environments Such as the insides of sweaty shoes. Or nylon socks. Because of these two main causes we can conclude that effective prevention involves steps that reduce; The amount your feet sweat The amount of bacteria living on your feet Benjamin Franklin, the archetypal American overachiever said it best; ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ So let’s nip those foot odor causing bacteria in the bud. Here we go, science-backed tips to prevent foot odor. 1. Wash your feet like like Jesus washed his disciple’s feet Seriously, it all starts with cleaning your feet, toes and toe webs really well. Don’t just rinse them off under the shower. Wash them religiously. In other words, frequently and thoroughly. At least once a day, with appropriate soap. Deodorant soaps don’t cut it. To control bacteria you have to go beyond the way Medieval queens thought of personal hygiene, masking their putrid body odor with perfumes and bouquets. Here’s what works: Wash your feet with a surgical-grade antibacterial soap such as Hibiscrub or Betadine® Skin Cleanser. These bactericidal soaps kill those stinky bacteria dead. Use ’em, they are a gift from the Almighty in your quest for fresh feet. Other brands are; Hibiclens® or Phisoderm® (or their generic equivalents). Get them at your pharmacy or online. A quick and dirty trick for hasty blokes and gals You in hurry? Overslept, need to run to get the bus and don’t have the time to thoroughly wash your feet? Use hand sanitizer for a quick cleansing. It fights off the naturally present bacteria which are part of our human flora. Don’t make a habit out of this, it’s an emergency fix. Make sure to dry those toes well before you hastily put on your Allstars or Jimmy Choo heels. 2. Scrub like a surgeon Exfoliating your feet helps because the bacteria that produce foot odor not only feed on sweat but dead skin cells as well (and on naturally present skin oils). Eccrine bromodosis is caused by bacterial breaking down dead skin cells. Take their food away and they can not emit that cheesy stench. It’s like not feeding your gassy little brother onions anymore. Pumice stones are great for scrubbing. Or use foot scrubs or acid-based exfoliation creams to slough away dead skin cells. Check your foot soles for thick hardened layers of dead skin (hyperkeratosis). Use a foot file to remove it. When damp, hard skin such as corns and calluses can become soggy which is the perfect environment for bacteria. Make sure to scrub not only your foot soles but between your toes too where dead skin is common. 3. Keep calm and dry your feet well This is crucial because bacteria thrive in moist conditions. In our busy modern day lives, drying our feet well is often not part of the routine. We’re always in a hurry. A quick shower, some rubbing with a towel and putting on clothes while already eating breakfast does often not allow for thorough foot drying. Make time to do this. No moist equals much less bacteria. Don’t forget to dry your toe webs. If necessary use a hair dryer. (for instance when Athletes foot does not allow towel drying) 4. Ban bacteria from your feet 4 simple tricks: Keep toe nails short. Clip and brush them regularly. Get rid of that hair on your feet. You’re not a Yeti, are you? Especially hair on the toes adds to the stink. Simply because the bacteria have a larger surface area to thrive. Also benzoyl peroxide gel, sold as acne treatment gel, is effective in minimizing bacterial growth on your feet. Be cautious with this stuff, it can discolor and bleach dark garments. Wipe or dab your feet, toes and webs with rubbing alcohol or dip cotton wool in surgical spirit a couple times daily may be helpful too. 5. Soak your feet like beans Well actually you don’t have to soak them as long as you soak beans. Especially if you pick the most potent soak you can suffice with 10 or 20 minutes at a time. I’m putting it like this because, black tea foot soak, for instance, does not work very well. If you need a truly effective preventive measure, get something more powerful. Or prepare to sit all night, ending up with wrinkled white feet. There are as many types of foot soaks as there are grains of sand on the beach (well almost). To help you pick one, here are a few of the most powerful: Black tea, works in mild cases of foot perspiration. Tea contains the astringent tannic acid and for many people daily soaks for about a week can be helpful (it may “stain” your feet a little bit). Epsom salt is another popular home remedy. Listerine is both an astringent and has antimicrobial properties which is why I prefer it over tea soaks. NYC-based podiatrist Johanna Youner recommends apple cider vinegar foot soaks. (half cup to a quart of lukewarm water) It kills bacteria and dries excess sweat “It’s a really good, effective and cheap cure,” Click here to find out about the 6 best foot soaks for foot odor. 6. A is for Astringent Antiperspirants Way back when Victorian brides carried bouquets* to mask their smell they didn’t have much options. Things got fancy in the 1910’s, when deodorants and especially antiperspirants were invented. *It’s a hoax by the way We suddenly had the means to locally reduce the amount of sweat we excrete. Don’t believe me? Go ahead. Try a antiperspirant containing Aluminium chloride. It makes your feet sweat considerably less. No wonder this substance is the #1 recommended foot odor cure by podiatrists and dermatologists (medical name bromodrosis). Apply the antiperspirant at bedtime. If you apply it in the morning and then shower or wash it off it doesn’t get the chance to work. Let it do its job while you sleep and your feet are not sweating (so much). Most antiperspirants are astringents which means they tighten the pores. Astringent literally means; causing contraction, usually locally after topical application. (Medical Dictionary) Since sweat is excreted by sweat glands in the pores, minimizing them reduces how much you sweat (the sweat simply can’t get out). And thus allows you to prevent foot odor. Aluminum zirconium and aluminum chloride hexahydrate are the active ingredients in commercial products such as Odaban, Drysol, Hydrosol, and Certain Dri. Here’s an extensive write up about good antiperspirants for feet. Other sweat-reducing solutions contain the active ingredient zinc. Antibiotic creams such as cleomycin or gentamicin are also helpful in reducing bacteria living on the feet. 7. Powder your feet like a geisha her nose No need to wear your kimono but do this with all your attention. Like you’re attending a Japanese tea ceremony. Two reasons: 1. By powdering slowly and thoroughly you will address your feet, toes and webs. Treating all these parts is essential to successfully reducing sweating and odor. Powder before donning your stockings or socks. 2. You will prevent inhaling a cloud of powder. It’s not only unpleasant, talc powder has been linked to cancer. It’s likely to be a very small health risk. Still, it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure. Types of (medicated) foot powder ingredients: talcum – is an astringent talc baking soda – is alkaline meaning it’s antibacterial corn starch- helps absorb sweat tolnaftate – used for treating fungal infections such as jock itch, athlete’s foot, itch, and ringworm. Clay foot powder – (e.g. Bentonite clay) clay absorbs moisture. Sometimes used in combination with herbs. Aluminum acetate – Brands such as Domeboro powder or Burrows Solution ZeaSorb® – contains microporous cellulose The most popular foot powder is Gold Bond Maximum Strength Medicated Foot Powder. It absorbs moisture, controls bacteria and odor and offers itch relief as well as soothes irritated skin. Warning: Foot powders containing cornstarch contain nutrients that feed fungal spores, which may cause or worsen infections. 8. These 2 creams are the crème de la crème For all you non-French speaking folks, that means ‘best of the best’. No kidding, these two creams truly are amazing. Zinc sulphate cream is what my mom always applied on my little girl paws (If you didn’t know already, little girls can have surprisingly smelly feet). But even if you don’t have stinky feet, you’ll probably want to keep it that way. This cream helps prevent foot odor. Zinc sulphate cream has antibacterial action and there are studies proving it fights foot odor. Sharquie et al. [1] Lavilin foot deodorant cream is a Godsend. Now I can hear you think, “hold on there, you don’t fool me, deodorizing creams only mask”. True, this stuff does not stop you from sweating but it does stop the sweat, when it’s being processed by bacteria, from smelling. I could start a sales pitch like Gordon Gecko rambling on steroids but just take a quick glance at the reviews. Trust me, you will want to get this cream. 9. Footwear, First and Foremost Very often, shoes are a major part of the problem. Bacteria love the enclosed, tight, dark, damp environment your shoes provide. Especially shoes that restrict air flow make bacteria colonies explode. Although these bacteria are a normal part of the human body’s flora, the more there are, the bigger the chance on developing a nasty case of malodorous feet. Prevent this by wearing good shoes. Even with good shoes you are not totally safe, but appropriate footwear is a prerequisite. Without good shoes you are, eventually, guaranteed to stink up the place when you take them off. Synthetic shoes are bad m’kay? Avoid them like the Bubonic plague. Closed, tight shoes made of non-absorbent materials, such as plastics, vinyl, patent leather, and rubber will make your feet sweat like a morbidly obese pig in summer. Check the labels when shoe shopping. Get footwear that allows your feet to ‘breathe’ such as; Shoes with open-mesh sides Sandals Shoes with uppers made of leather, mesh or canvas Shoes with leather soles Additional shoe shopping tips: Wear shoes that fit properly, by closely matching the shape and contours of your feet and toes. Be measured for new shoes and allow plenty of room in the toe box. You should be easily able to wiggle your toes in the shoe. If not, they are too tight. 10. Powder your shoes too Lightly coat the bottom of your footwear with baby powder, baking soda, or another antibacterial, odor-removing powder. Find powder clumps in your shoes or boots at the end of the day? You may have used too much. 11. Soggy socks vs. Soothing socks A lot of socks are made of sweat-retaining materials. When your feet sweat, your socks get wet and stay wet and bacteria love that. Not only thin nylon stockings but also certain synthetic socks and even low percentage cotton socks are worthless in averting bad smells. Wear socks that wick sweat (moisture) away from your skin to the sock’s outer layers to prevent foot odor. Various fabric types and brands exist: Coolmax, the original moisture wicking material. Merino wool (brand name SmartWool or Wigwam Durasole socks) Aetrex copper sole socks, a synthetic moisture wicking material with copper fibers woven in. Copper is a science-backed perspiration reducing agent. Thorlo, known for their padded, moisture-reducing socks Teko socks, valued for insulation, moisture absorption, and odor control. Wright socks have double layers that wick moisture and provide insulation from heat and cold. If you are adamant on plain cotton socks make sure to wear at least 80% cotton. Or, experts advice, wear cotton over nylon. Another option is to wear normal, natural fiber socks in combination with liner socks. Here’s more on the best socks to prevent foot odor. Additional tips Wash your socks inside out. This way dead skin cells are removed more thoroughly. Change your socks at least once a day, replacing them with a clean pair. Don’t wear socks in bed. Let your feet get some air during the night. If you have really cold feet you can make an exception but don’t make a habit out of it. Don’t walk on your socks outside or on unhygienic floors. Bacteria are picked up this way and when you put your shoes back on, the bacteria population, able to thrive in their damp, dark, warm domain blows up to epic proportions. 12. Skip the sockless trend Rocking loafers without socks has sparked a foot odor outburst mirrored by a spike in foot deodorant and perfumed insoles. The fashionable habit, introduced by Hollywood celebs like Jude Law and Ryan Gosling, is pretty friggin’ far from hygienic. Always wear socks with your shoes. Going sockless is a surefire way to summon foot odor (especially when you wear UGGs). Your footwear retains sweat which fuels a potential stench. That’s not all, it will ruin your shoes and you are more likely to trigger a fungal infection such as Athlete’s foot. Absolutely need to sport those sexy bare ankles? Get Sole Socks, they offer the looks without the downsides. This tip does not only concern men adopting the metrosexual trend, nylons-wearing women too, are better off wearing socks underneath. 13. Barefoot walking Barefoot walking helps air out your feet. The practice also known as ‘earthing’ simply sets your tootsies free from being locked in shoes (that aside, the feeling of grass between your toes is priceless too don’t you think?). Don’t overdo it though. Especially in the outdoors you run the risk your feet attract Kyetococcus bacteria (the ones that cause a rotten egg stench). Don’t like walking on your bare feet? Perhaps sandals or open-toed shoes are something for you. You still wear soles and benefit from maximum aeration. 14. Solace from smell-absorbing insoles From high-tech ionized insoles with copper or silver elements to more natural wool or wooden shoe inserts, options abound. Cedar wood activated charcoal absorbent wool (biocide) ionized aromatherapy Read more about the best insoles for sweaty feet. 15. Give your shoes a break Upon a hard day’s walking and sweating your shoes need time to air out. Let them sit at least 24 hours in bright (sunny), ventilated, dry places. In dark closets or moist basements bacteria will increase. Dry your shoes and boots by using the following techniques, tips, devices: Use shoe-trees to allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing that pair again Use boot or shoe dryers if you sweat a lot or get wet feet for another reason. UV lights, such as the Sterishoe device, are proven effective at killing bacteria and reducing foul odors. Here are more tips on how to dry shoes and boots. 16. Freshen up your shoes Besides, airing out, drying and washing your shoes you can also freshen them up. This will help prevent your shoes from becoming musty. Even if your shoes don’t stink yet, put some of the following refreshers in them in between wearing. Cloves, Mother Nature’s deodorizer. Put a few in your shoes or pierce the skin of an orange and stick a bunch in there. Sachets filled with cedar chips work wonders. Mesh pouches filled with Zeolite rock powder. Zeolite is a natural volcanic mineral that attracts and traps odors baking soda, a multifunctional odor-removing and bacteria killing shoe freshening agent. Wash your shoes, if possible See label instructions on your athletic shoes. If they’re washable, toss them into the washing machine every few weeks. Or wash them by hand, preferably in bleach, detergent, and hot water. 17. Fine-tune your diet / take supplements Do you get the USDA recommended daily allowance (RDA) of zinc? If you don’t you may have a zinc deficiency which can cause foot odor. A lack of nutritional zinc is also known to cause bad breath and body odor. If you take a multivitamin, check if zinc is included. Take a zinc supplement or adjust your diet. More info about how zinc links to smelly feet. How to correct your diet Simply put, if you want to adjust your diet to prevent stinky feet, eat more fruits, herbs, complex carbs and leafy greens. Diets high in refined carbs, protein and spicy foods are known to contribute to foot odor. Also alchohol and cigarettes do not work in your favor. More about how your diet may cause foot odor. 18. Subdue stress Chronic (adrenal) stress can cause unbridled sweating. Fight or flight hormones may become out of sync which leads to increased perspiration and subsequent smelly feet. If you’re under a lot of stress, practice yoga, meditation, massage therapy or another calming activity. Don’t have the time or energy? Apply the other tips. 19. Cure foot conditions Check between your toes and your foot soles red, dry, patchy skin. This may indicate a (low-grade) fungal infection. If you notice such irregularities, get treatment. Athletes foot Toenail fungus Skin maceration Blisters Our feet not only carry us through the day. An archaic German saying refers to feet as your “auxiliary kidneys” (auxiliary means assistive, supplementary). Our kidneys main function is metabolism waste removal and blood filtering. The health benefits of routine inspections Just like your kidneys, your feet (and armpits) excrete acids and toxins. By taking good care of your feet and keeping an eye out for problems you are doing more than just preventing smelly feet, you are taking care of your body as a whole. 20. Wear breathing, moisture-wicking shoes If you’re like me, your feet sweat a lot, not only when you’re walking but even when sitting still. Quick tip: Are you sitting behind a desk and your feet get damp or wet at the end of the day? Wear scuff or clog slip-ons and take your feet out of them regularly. But if you have to be on your feet all day you can benefit from specialty footwear. Geox makes breathing shoes that make you sweat a lot less. They work really well. Their patented system consists of “a membrane that absorbs sweat from the insole and expels it as water vapor through micro-holes in the outsole”. Many hiking boot brands offer models that feature climate control foot beds and moisture wicking liners. 21. Spray your feet Two popular foot sprays are Crystal Natural Foot Deodorant Spray containing 100% natural ingredients and Gewhol’s Caring FootDeo Spray. Or use Vitae 100% Confident deodorant spray. It has seaweed extract, essential oils and other all-natural ingredients (it’s my personal favorite and even has a 1 year money-back-guarantee). This product is loved by many because it does not contain Aluminum chlorohydrate or zirconium. Note: Aluminum is generally considered safe to use, this is backed by studies and dermatologists, and is the most effective substance in reducing excessive sweating. Wrapping it up Do your feet smell less than swell? Even just a little bit? Start with prevention right now. The sooner you do the footwork, the better. The longer you wait, the more chance the bacteria have to proliferate and infest your feet and shoes. If your efforts in preventing foot odor don’t proof successful you may suffer from excessive, hereditary sweating (it runs in the family). In these cases, a prescription antiperspirant or more invasive treatments may be necessary.