trachea

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections

Top 10 Best Essential Oils for Respiratory Infections 

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections_0_0

Essential oils can help soothe sore throats and clear mucus, some of the characteristic symptoms of a respiratory infection.

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections_0_1

The medical community tends to see essential oils as an adjunct alternative therapy rather than a medical treatment. These oils should be used with caution as there are no approved guidelines regarding their dosage or potency.

Top-10-Best-Essential-Oils-for-Respiratory-Infections_0_2

However, there are instructions, and if a person follows them, any of the 10 essential oils can help relieve the symptoms of a respiratory infection. Always before using essential oils, do a tolerance test on a small area of skin by dissolving a few drops in base oil, applying to the skin and waiting 24 hours.

Eucalyptus-essential-oil

Eucalyptus essential oil 

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_0

Many people use eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) without realizing it. Many over-the-counter products usually contain eucalyptus oil. Or they may include the main compound of the oil called eucalyptol or cineole.

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_1

A study published in Alternative Medicine Review found that eucalyptol has an antimicrobial effect and can fight bacteria that cause disease. Eucalyptol may also help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and relieve muscle tension that may result from a cold or flu. 1

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_2

Eucalyptus essential oil can be used to soothe cough in respiratory infections in several ways:

Eucalyptus-essential-oil_1_3

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">By adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a base oil and rubbing the mixture onto the chest and throat;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">By diluting eucalyptus oil in boiling water and inhaling the steam.</li></ul>

Rosemary-essential-oil

Rosemary essential oil 

Rosemary-essential-oil_2_0

Rosemary-essential-oil_2_1

Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) is a common garden herb. Like eucalyptus, it contains the compound cineole. A study published in the journal Cough found that cineole can help break down mucus and reduce inflammation. 2

Rosemary-essential-oil_2_2

Rosemary essential oil should be diluted with base oil to inhale. Add 3-4 drops of this oil in 5-6 drops of carrier oil and massage onto the throat. You can also add a few drops of this essential oil to the diffuser and thus relieve the cough.

Peppermint-essential-oil

Peppermint essential oil 

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_0

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_1

Herbal respiratory disease care products often contain peppermint oil (Mentha). Menthol is an extract of mint. When inhaled, it creates a cooling sensation that can soothe or relieve the scratching throat.

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_2

A 2013 study suggested that when a healthy person uses peppermint oil, it can help relax the muscles of the trachea, known as the bronchial muscles. This may explain why this essential oil may ease breathing in people with coughs. 3

Peppermint-essential-oil_3_3

Peppermint essential oil can be used through:

_4_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dilution of oil in boiling water and inhalation of steam</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Adding oil to a diffuser</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use in a mixture of oils for topical application</li></ul>

Frankincense-essential-oil

Frankincense essential oil 

Frankincense-essential-oil_5_0

Frankincense-essential-oil_5_1

Frankincense is extracted from Boswellia trees and is often used in perfumes. It is traditionally valued for its effect on the respiratory system and is used to treat cough, bronchitis and asthma. 4

Oregano-essential-oil

Oregano essential oil 

Oregano-essential-oil_6_0

Oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare) contains a high level of a powerful compound called carvacrol. The authors of a 2014 study found that carvacrol is a useful antimicrobial agent that can fight many types of microbes. Therefore, this oil can help relieve the symptoms of respiratory infections.

Thyme-essential-oil

Thyme essential oil 

Thyme-essential-oil_7_0

Thyme essential oil also contains a high level of carvacrol. It can be a useful means of eliminating or protecting against viruses and bacteria.

Thyme-essential-oil_7_1

The herb thyme and its volatile oil have long been used to treat upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis symptoms, parasitic infections, and many other health problems. It has an antibacterial effect on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and has antiviral (herpes simplex virus type I, human rhinoviruses and influenza viruses), antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action. 5

Essential-oils-of-bergamot,-nutmeg-and-cupressus

Essential oils of bergamot, nutmeg and cupressus 

Essential-oils-of-bergamot,-nutmeg-and-cupressus_8_0

All essential oils of nutmeg (Myristica), bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and cupressus&nbsp; (Cupressus) contain camphene, a compound similar to camphor with anti-inflammatory action.

Essential-oils-of-bergamot,-nutmeg-and-cupressus_8_1

When inhaled, camphene can have a cooling and refreshing effect. It also has antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage and protect against harmful microbes.

Geranium-essential-oil

Geranium essential oil 

Geranium-essential-oil_9_0

A review of studies published in Complementary Medicine Research reported that a geranium extract called Pelargonium sidoides is an effective herbal remedy for coughing. Geranium essential oil when inhaled can provide relief from breathing and persistent coughing.&nbsp;

Geranium-essential-oil_9_1

Add six drops of geranium essential oil to a carrier oil. Massage this diluted oil onto your throat and chest. This will help relieve a stuffy nose. You can also add 4-5 drops of this oil to boiling water and inhale the steam to relieve sore throat when you catch a cold.

Cinnamon-essential-oil

Cinnamon essential oil 

Cinnamon-essential-oil_10_0

The favorite aromatic spice has medicinal properties, with the authors of a 2017 study finding that cinnamon can protect against germs that cause respiratory problems.&nbsp;

Cinnamon-essential-oil_10_1

Add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil (Cinnamomum) to the diffuser and inhale it. Helps relieve cough and cold. You can also massage the oil on your chest or throat. This will help relieve congestion and coughing.&nbsp;

Tea-Tree-Essential-Oil

Tea Tree Essential Oil 

Tea-Tree-Essential-Oil_11_0

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca) can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause sinus infections and respiratory problems. Today, studies show that tea tree oil has antimicrobial activity, which gives it the ability to fight bacteria that lead to respiratory problems. 6

The essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, oregano, tea tree, rosemary and frankincense are some of the oils that have been shown to help keep your lungs and respiratory system in excellent condition. They contribute to this through antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds reviewed in various studies. When used on the skin, it is important to mix essential oils with base oil, as they are highly concentrated. Others can be steamed and their fumes inhaled with a focus on relieving persistent cough, stuffy nose, and releasing your breathing.

Top 10 essential oils for respiratory infections this winter

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/de38ad95-b94f-4c5a-a138-fd511d874df4_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

_-1_0

Author: Silvia Marinova, PhD student in the Genomic Stability Laboratory at BAS

_-1_1

_-1_2

Undoubtedly, the gluten-free diet has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Many conflicting opinions and articles about it can be found, ranging from one extreme to another. Some argue that the gluten-free regime is a "panacea" for everything, and another that there is no point in it and even that it is "harmful".

_-1_3

As with most current affairs, the truth is somewhere in between. Therefore, in this article we will consider what are the scientific justifications for these claims, and in particular - the relationship between the gluten-free diet and Hashimoto's disease.

What-is-Hashimoto's-disease

What is Hashimoto's disease

What-is-Hashimoto's-disease_0_0

Hashimoto's disease (also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis) is a thyroid disease. It is located at the base of the neck in front of the trachea and releases special substances (hormones) that control functions of the body such as:

What-is-Hashimoto's-disease_0_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Body temperature</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Metabolism</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Growth</li>
</ul>

What-is-Hashimoto's-disease_0_2

With this disease the body attacks the thyroid gland by mistake and thus disrupts its proper functioning, most often slowing down the production of hormones - a condition called hypothyroidism.

What-is-Hashimoto's-disease_0_3

What-is-Hashimoto's-disease_0_4

The thyroid gland is located at the base of the front of the neck

Symptoms-and-risk-factors-for-Hashimoto's-disease

Symptoms and risk factors for Hashimoto's disease

Symptoms-and-risk-factors-for-Hashimoto's-disease_1_0

Hashimoto's disease is more common in women between the ages of 40 and 60, <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hashimotos-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> but can occur at any age, as well as in men. Risk factors for Hashimoto's are of a complex nature and include genetic predisposition, intestinal permeability, environmental factors, lifestyle, etc.

Symptoms-and-risk-factors-for-Hashimoto's-disease_1_1

Also, there is an increased risk of developing the disease if you suffer from another autoimmune condition [<a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/hashimotos-disease" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 1</a>] such as:

Symptoms-and-risk-factors-for-Hashimoto's-disease_1_2

<ul>
<li><a href="../p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_1_na_iedno_miasto_751da342_2d55_43af_ae7f_1e1c89cd3800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Type 1 diabetes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/Chronic_autoimmune_disorders_are_increased_in_coeliac_disease_A_case_control_study_29381930" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Celiac disease</a> [ref. 2]</li>
<li><a href="../p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Psoriasis</a>, etc.</li>
</ul>

Symptoms-and-risk-factors-for-Hashimoto's-disease_1_3

As for symptoms, Hashimoto's disease is a progressive condition, which means that it develops slowly, and at first you may not have complaints.

Symptoms-and-risk-factors-for-Hashimoto's-disease_1_4

Most often, the first sign of the progression of the disease is an increase in the size of the thyroid gland, a condition known as "goiter". Other common symptoms include:

Symptoms-and-risk-factors-for-Hashimoto's-disease_1_5

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">General tiredness and fatigue</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Muscle weakness</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Increased sensitivity to the cold</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Constipation</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Weight gain, etc.</li>
</ul>

What-are-the-genetic-causes-for-Hashimoto's-disease

What are the genetic causes for Hashimoto's disease

What-are-the-genetic-causes-for-Hashimoto's-disease_2_0

Variations in <a href="/p/kak_ghienitie_opriedieliat_prilikata_s_roditielitie_ni_2256bb0a_9ee8_4d00_8f3e_7ca44b90aa45" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">several genes have</a> been studied as possible risk factors for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. These genes are:

What-are-the-genetic-causes-for-Hashimoto's-disease_2_1

What-are-the-genetic-causes-for-Hashimoto's-disease_2_2

Some are part of a family called the Human Leukocyte Antigen Complex (HLA), which helps the immune system distinguish the body's own proteins from proteins produced by viruses and bacteria.

What-are-the-genetic-causes-for-Hashimoto's-disease_2_3

Other genes that are associated with Hashimoto's thyroids help regulate the immune system or participate in normal thyroid function. It is believed that most of the genetic variations that have been found have little impact on a person's overall risk of developing this condition.&nbsp;[<a href="https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hashimoto-thyroiditis#genes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 12</a>]

What-diet-to-follow-if-have-Hashimoto's-disease

What diet to follow if have Hashimoto's disease

What-diet-to-follow-if-have-Hashimoto's-disease_3_0

What-diet-to-follow-if-have-Hashimoto's-disease_3_1

After examining <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/us/eng/research/pubmed/A_concise_review_of_Hashimoto_thyroiditis_HT_and_the_importance_of_iodine_selenium_vitamin_D_and_gluten_on_the_autoimmunity_and_dietary_management_of_HT_patients_Points_that_need_more_investigation_28315909" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/us/eng/research/pubmed/Effects_of_12_months_treatment_with_L_selenomethionine_on_serum_anti_TPO_Levels_in_Patients_with_Hashimoto_s_thyroiditis_17696828" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> what Hashimoto's disease is, it is normal to ask if there is a treatment. There is no such thing, but it can be controlled with medication prescribed by a doctor. It also turns out that following a certain diet is extremely important and has a <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/us/eng/research/pubmed/A_concise_review_of_Hashimoto_thyroiditis_HT_and_the_importance_of_iodine_selenium_vitamin_D_and_gluten_on_the_autoimmunity_and_dietary_management_of_HT_patients_Points_that_need_more_investigation_28315909" target="_blank" rel="noopener">positive effect</a> [ref. 3-5] For example, it is known that you need to increase the amount of foods containing iodine, selenium, vitamin D in your diet.

What-diet-to-follow-if-have-Hashimoto's-disease_3_2

Moreover, many people say that the gluten-free <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30060266" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diet improves the condition of people with Hashimoto's</a> [ref. 6]. But let's first get acquainted with the mysterious "gluten".

What-is-gluten-and-how-your-body-reacts-to-it

What is gluten and how your body reacts to it

What-is-gluten-and-how-your-body-reacts-to-it_4_0

Gluten is <a href="/p/kakva_ie_razlikata_miezhdu_bieltk_i_protiein_b1b6b96e_e340_46d2_9768_ac9fa8cd6adc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">a protein</a> contained in wheat, barley and rye. You will find it in most types of bread, pasta, pizza, biscuits, cereals. What is important to know about it is that it can cause a toxic response of the body in people who have:

What-is-gluten-and-how-your-body-reacts-to-it_4_1

<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Allergy to gluten</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Celiac disease</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Gluten sensitivity</li>
</ul>

What-is-celiac-disease-and-is-it-related-to-Hashimoto's-thyroiditis

What is celiac disease and is it related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis

What-is-celiac-disease-and-is-it-related-to-Hashimoto's-thyroiditis_5_0

Celiac disease occurs in only 1% of the population and is characterized by a high sensitivity to gluten. People who suffer from this autoimmune disease should follow a 100% gluten-free diet.

What-is-celiac-disease-and-is-it-related-to-Hashimoto's-thyroiditis_5_1

When gluten, and in particular gliadin (a major part of <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/us/eng/research/search?q=Gut-thyroid%20axis%20and%20celiac%20disease&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> gluten) <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128012383000532?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> gets into the digestive tract [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128012383000532?via%3Dihub" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 7</a>], it causes the release of a substance called zonulin. It disrupts the tight contact between the cells of the small intestine and increases the so-called intestinal permeability.

What-is-celiac-disease-and-is-it-related-to-Hashimoto's-thyroiditis_5_2

The higher it is, the more harmful particles (such as viruses and bacteria) can enter the bloodstream. This activates a violent autoimmune response that attacks the wall of the small intestine. This leads to disorders in the absorption (malabsorption) of selenium, iodine (risk factors for Hashimoto's disease) and other substances, as well as the appearance of concomitant autoimmune diseases [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/us/eng/research/search?q=Gut-thyroid%20axis%20and%20celiac%20disease&amp;p=1&amp;st=1&amp;tp=9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 8</a>].

What-is-celiac-disease-and-is-it-related-to-Hashimoto's-thyroiditis_5_3

It is the malabsorption of micronutrients important for the thyroid gland, as well as the hypersensitivity of the immune system that could increasingly explain the appearance of the two diseases together.

What-is-celiac-disease-and-is-it-related-to-Hashimoto's-thyroiditis_5_4

What-is-non-celiacal-gluten-sensitivity

What is non-celiacal gluten sensitivity

What-is-non-celiacal-gluten-sensitivity_6_0

There is also a condition known as non-celiacal gluten sensitivity. It is also characteristic of symptoms such as swelling, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, muscle pain, etc. It is manifested by gluten consumption in people who do not suffer from celiac disease and are not allergic to gluten.

What-is-non-celiacal-gluten-sensitivity_6_1

Unfortunately, there are not enough studies yet to explain its root cause. In addition, there are claims in the literature that attribute these symptoms to other "non-gluten" substances found in wheat. Therefore, some prefer to use the term "non-celiacal sensitivity to wheat".

What-is-non-celiacal-gluten-sensitivity_6_2

However, there are suggested hypotheses and <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/us/eng/research/search?q=Extra-intestinal%20manifestations%20of%20non-celiac%20gluten%20sensitivity%3A%20an%20expanding%20paradigm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> studies that show that non-celiacal gluten sensitivity is associated with other autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/us/eng/research/search?q=Extra-intestinal%20manifestations%20of%20non-celiac%20gluten%20sensitivity%3A%20an%20expanding%20paradigm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 9</a>]. For example, <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=High%20Proportions%20of%20People%20With%20Nonceliac%20Wheat%20Sensitivity%20Have%20Autoimmune%20Disease%20or%20Antinuclear%20Antibodies" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> a study [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/search?q=High%20Proportions%20of%20People%20With%20Nonceliac%20Wheat%20Sensitivity%20Have%20Autoimmune%20Disease%20or%20Antinuclear%20Antibodies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 10</a>] involving the University of Palermo, Italy, showed that 29% of a group of patients with non-celiacal gluten sensitivity developed an autoimmune disease compared to 4% in the control group.

Is-the-gluten-free-regime-helpful-if-you-suffer-from-Hashimoto's-disease

Is the gluten-free regime helpful if you suffer from Hashimoto's disease

Is-the-gluten-free-regime-helpful-if-you-suffer-from-Hashimoto's-disease_7_0

After all considered, in conclusion we can say that while it has not been confirmed whether adherence to a gluten-free regimen lowers the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, there are studies that show that some people suffering from Hashimoto (with or without celiac disease) feel an improvement when switching to gluten-free mode [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/bg/eng/research/pubmed/A_concise_review_of_Hashimoto_thyroiditis_HT_and_the_importance_of_iodine_selenium_vitamin_D_and_gluten_on_the_autoimmunity_and_dietary_management_of_HT_patients_Points_that_need_more_investigation_28315909" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 5]</a>.

Is-the-gluten-free-regime-helpful-if-you-suffer-from-Hashimoto's-disease_7_1

So, if you have Hashimoto's disease, it is best to consult your doctor, who may appoint you a gluten sensitivity test. They could also advise you to try the so-called "eliminating" diet by stopping gluten consumption for a certain period of time and keeping track of whether you feel any improvement. When you put gluten back on your menu, the missing complaints should reappear if they are due to its consumption. If symptoms return, the bad news is that you'll need to consider switching to a gluten-free diet.

Is-the-gluten-free-regime-helpful-if-you-suffer-from-Hashimoto's-disease_7_2

In itself, this is a very difficult task. However, with the popularity of this regimen, more and more recipe ideas and substitutes are becoming available on the internet. This will make the process considerably easier, and some of the alternatives are actually very tasty and easy. To convince you, we will share with you how to prepare something traditional and at the same time useful - gluten-free pie [ref. 11].

Recipe-for-gluten-free-pie

Recipe for gluten-free  pie

Recipe-for-gluten-free-pie_8_0

Recipe-for-gluten-free-pie_8_1

<ul>
<li>50g rice crusts for spring rolls</li>
<li>3 eggs</li>
<li>150g goat cheese (or other)</li>
<li>100 ml carbonated water</li>
<li>50g butter</li>
</ul>

Recipe-for-gluten-free-pie_8_2

Bake at 180 degrees for about 40 minutes. Enjoy your meal! :)

trachea

Should you follow a gluten-free diet if you have Hashimoto's thyroiditis