Providing quality and effective health products for Filipinos.

Health Products

Pharmaceutical Products Provider

Pharmaceutical Marketing Firm

Health Firm

Health Products Distributor

Pharmaceutical Products Distributor
Pharmaceutical Marketing Firm Philippines

Tag: Health tips

Healthcare worker with a stethoscope, writing acid reflux text.

Getting Rid of Acid Reflux

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Gastroesophageal reflux disorder or GERD is a condition wherein the stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus causing irritation to its lining. The lower esophageal sphincter, or the muscle that controls the passage between the esophagus and stomach, doesn’t close completely, leading to the back flow of stomach acid and food up into the esophagus.

The most common symptom of GERD is heartburn or a burning sensation in the area of the upper abdomen and chest. At times, reflux may also lead to difficulty in swallowing, cough, lump in your throat, sore throat, hoarseness, and worsening of asthma.

If you are affected by GERD, here are some lifestyle changes that may help reduce the frequency of acid reflux:

1. Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly. A full stomach increases the risk for reflux.

2. Avoid foods that trigger reflux such as mint, tomatoes, onions, garlic, spicy meals, chocolate and fatty foods.

3. Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol and carbonated beverages and drinks that may trigger reflux.

4. Stay up after eating. Don’t lie down after a meal. Take your meals three hours before going to bed.

5. Avoid vigorous exercise for a couple of hours after eating especially if it involves bending over.

6. Sleep on an incline or elevate the head of your bed; ideally, your head should be 6 to 8 inches higher than your feet.

7. Quit smoking. Nicotine may relax the lower esophageal sphincter and reduces the ability of the sphincter to function properly.

8. Lose weight. Excess weight puts pressure on your abdomen and loosens the lower esophageal sphincter causing acid to reflux into your esophagus.

9. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that put pressure on your abdomen and the lower sphincter of the esophagus.

You may also need medications to control reflux along with lifestyle changes.

Consult your doctor for proper advice and ask for appropriate medications such as antacids or acid pump inhibitors that reduce acid production like pantoprazole or omeprazole.

References: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults

Lady holding her temples, with a laptop.

Ways to Prevent and Control Migraine Headache

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Migraine headache is a common condition characterized by headaches with severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. The headache is also often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. The attacks can last for hours to days, and the pain can be so severe and may interfere with your daily activities. Aside from drug therapy, prevention of triggers is important to control painful attacks.

Preventing migraine  

Some people can prevent migraines simply by avoiding the following triggers:

• Changing weather: rising humidity, heat
• Lack of sleep or oversleeping
• Fatigue
• Emotional stress
• Sensory triggers: bright or flickering lights, loud noises, strong smells
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) in food
• Dietary triggers such as missing a meal, alcohol, chocolate, nitrates in cured meats and fish, aged cheese, and an increase or decrease in caffeine

Several studies have also documented the role of B vitamins in preventing and alleviating pain in migraine attacks. Some researchers found that taking higher doses of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9 (folic acid) reduced headache frequency, severity, and duration. 

Also, if you spot a migraine in its very earliest stages, you may be able to control it with over-the-counter pain relievers.

If your headache persists, you need to consult your physician for prescription drugs that are needed. Always work with your doctor to find the appropriate treatment that works best for you.

References:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/headache-when-to-worry-what-to-do

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201

Liampas IN, Siokas V, Aloizou AM, Tsouris Z, Dastamani M, Aslanidou P, Brotis A, Dardiotis E. Pyridoxine, folate and cobalamin for migraine: A systematic review. Acta Neurol Scand. 2020 Aug;142(2):108-120. doi: 10.1111/ane.13251. Epub 2020 Apr 30. PMID: 32279306. 

D’Onofrio F, Raimo S, Spitaleri D, Casucci G, Bussone G. Usefulness of nutraceuticals in migraine prophylaxis. Neurol Sci. 2017 May;38(Suppl 1):117-120. doi: 10.1007/s10072-017-2901-1. PMID: 28527067.

Man wearing a light blue polo, sitting on the couch, holding his left knee.

5 Ways to Manage Arthritis

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Arthritis is a common painful disorder that affects your joints, making it difficult to move or stay active. There are many types of arthritis. Each type causes different symptoms and may need different treatments. While arthritis usually affects older adults, it can develop in both men and women as well as children of any age.

There’s still no definite cure for arthritis, but there are ways that can help you manage the condition.

Here are simple ways to reduce the symptoms so you can pursue the activities that are important to you.

1. Stay as active as your health allows. Being physically active can reduce pain and can improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults with arthritis.

2. Manage weight. Losing weight reduces stress on joints.

3. Keep your joints moving. Do daily, gentle stretches that move your joints through their full range of motion.

4. Quit smoking. Smoking causes stress on connective tissues, which can increase pain.

5. Talk to your doctor. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible so you can start treatment and prevent the disease from getting worse.

Depending on the assessment of your doctor, medications such as NSAIDs and paracetamol may be considered to help relieve pain.

There are also medications that combine paracetamol with B complex to address the neurologic mechanisms of the pain to further support pain relief.

Reference: 

5 Ways to Manage Arthritis, CDC

Arthritis Pain: Do’s and Don’ts, Mayo Clinic

Red heart and black stethoscope.

7 Strategies to Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Keeping your heart healthy is something you can work on every day. When you choose healthy behaviors, you can lower your heart disease risk while also preventing other serious chronic conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and some types of cancer.
 
Here are 7 tips to get you started: 

Learn your health history

Know your risks and talk to your family and doctor about your health history.

Eat a healthy diet

Make healthy food choices like more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Eat less salt, saturated fat, and added sugar.

Move more, sit less

Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity every week, plus muscle-strengthening activities at least 2 days a week.

Quit smoking

Smoking can decrease blood flow throughout your body and lead to high blood pressure.

Take medicines as directed

If you take medicine to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if the information is unclear. 

Rethink your drink

Substitute water for sugary drinks to reduce calories. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation by limiting consumption to no more than 1 drink a day for women (2 for men) on days that alcohol is consumed.

Monitor your blood pressure at home

Self-measured blood pressure monitors are easy and safe to use, and your doctor can show you how to use one if you need help.


 
Reference:
 
Chronic Disease, Heart Health by NCCDPHP, CDC

Man wearing blue cashmere, holding belly.

Preventing Gassy Abdominal Pain due to Belching and Bloating

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Swallowed air accumulating in the stomach can either move up and lead to belching or move into the small intestine and pass out as rectal gas (flatus).

Meanwhile, bloating refers to the uncomfortable sense of fullness in the upper abdomen. This can be due to the accumulation of gas and/or undigested food in the digestive tract. Gas that accumulates in the digestive tract can result in abdominal pain which may also radiate up to the chest. 

Here are some tips to prevent accumulation of unwanted gas in the abdomen that may lead to belching and/or bloating:

1. Avoid intake of carbonated beverages such as soda and beer.


2. Avoid intake of cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, beans, and bran; these vegetables contain difficult to digest carbohydrates which are converted by the gut bacteria to gas.


3. If you are lactose intolerant, intake of milk and other dairy foods should be avoided; non-dairy alternatives such as soy or almond milk may be taken instead.


4. Avoid sugar-free chewing gum or hard candies; these food items may contain mannitol or sorbitol as sweeteners which can cause flatulence.


5. Keep a symptom diary to track down and eliminate the food items that could be triggering your belching and bloating.


6. If weak abdominal muscles are suspected as a possible cause of abdominal distension, abdominal-tensing exercises may be helpful.

If symptoms fail to adequately respond to the non-medical strategies mentioned above, a consultation with your doctor should be sought for prompt diagnosis and management with appropriate medications.

Drugs such as simethicone with digestive enzyme preparations, charcoal tablets, prokinetics, antispasmodics and antibiotics may also be considered depending on the assessment of your doctor.


Reference:

Modi, R and Levitt, M. Belching, bloating, and flatulence. American College of Gastroenterology. July 2013.

Disclaimer:

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor.

Dealing with Post-nasal Drip

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Did you ever take notice of times when you had a runny nose that was accompanied by a tickle in the back of your throat which triggered you to cough or clear your throat? That is probably post-nasal drip following an allergy, upper airway infection (i.e., common cold), inhalation of irritants in the air (i.e., fumes or dust) or even an exposure to a cold and dry weather.

Regardless of the cause, the problem with post-nasal drip is the steady trickle of mucus from the back of the nose that irritates the throat, a nagging cough or other symptoms. While post-nasal drip as a symptom of an upper airway condition is very common, there are several things that a person can do to deal with post-nasal drip. These include home remedies and over-the-counter medications:

     • A humidifier may help moisturize airways and improve symptoms

     • Being hydrated is beneficial in thinning the mucus

     • Sleeping propped up on pillows will keep the mucus from collecting at the back of the throat

     • Nasal wash or irrigation is effective in clearing away excess mucus

     • Decongestant and antihistamine medications help in controlling the swelling and production of mucus

In most cases, post-nasal drip is uncomfortable but is generally not dangerous. However, experiencing the following symptoms should prompt someone to consult a doctor:

     • Unexplained fever

     • Bloody mucus

     • Wheezing or shortness of breath

     • Foul smelling drainage

     • Persistent symptoms despite treatment

For allergies, it is also good to consider the environmental factors by dusting and vacuuming often at home. Covering mattresses and pillowcases and using air filter can help reduce exposure to allergy triggers.

Nasal washing using a nasal spray or irrigation solution helps in keeping the nasal passages clean. It also helps prevent attendant complications by flushing away irritants that cause allergy such as dirt, dust, pollens and infectious agents like bacteria and viruses. Nasal saline spray or irrigation has been reported to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and improve the quality of life.

Though this condition may linger for weeks or months, most of the causes can be quickly identified and generally improve with appropriate treatment.


References:

Treatments for post-nasal drip.

Rabago D, Zgierska A. Saline nasal irrigation for upper respiratory conditions. Am Fam Physician. 

Nine Tips for Healthy Digestion That You Can Do Now

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Healthy digestion involves the breaking down and absorption of nutrients without distressing symptoms such as upset stomach, gas, heartburn, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.

Your food and lifestyle have a direct impact on your digestive health. Improving these factors can support your digestive system’s function and boost your overall health and sense of well-being.

Simple Ways You Can Do Today for Healthy Digestion

You can implement plenty of ways to achieve healthy digestion, and here are simple practices that you can immediately do today.

     1. Eat Real Food – There are many ways to start eating real food. Consider a whole diet, limit your processed food intake, and avoid food additives, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners. These will not only improve your digestion but will protect you against digestive diseases as well.

     2. Get Plenty of Fiber – A high-fiber diet helps food keep moving through your digestive tract, making you less likely to get constipated.

     3. Eliminate the Fats – Fats stay and burn the longest in your system. Decrease your fat intakes, such as junk foods, burgers, fries, and other greasy meals. Be mindful in your cooking. Maybe you can choose steaming over frying most of the time.

     4. Stay Hydrated but Drink with Care – Water is essential to good health and normal bowel function. It helps keep stool soft but solid and well-formed. Avoid drinking beverages such as coffee or soda, especially if they trigger your digestive problems.

     5. Manage Your Stress – Stress hormones directly affect your digestion. As a result, stress can negatively impact your digestion. In fact, it is linked to irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, constipation, and diarrhea.

     6. Eat Slowly and Mindfully – Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to all aspects of your food and how you eat them. Eating slowly and mindfully may help prevent common digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas.

     7. Chew Your Food Well – Chewing thoroughly breaks down the food more easily. The act of chewing also produces saliva, which aids in mixing food in your stomach properly.

     8. Get Moving – Since exercise and gravity help food travel through your digestive system, it can improve your digestion and reduce constipation symptoms. In addition, it can also help reduce inflammation, which can prevent inflammatory bowel conditions.

     9. Consider Oral Digestive Enzymes – Consult your doctor for medicines that may help your dyspepsia, such as digestive enzymes.

Oral digestive enzyme supplements aid in the digestive process reducing symptoms of indigestion. Digestive enzyme supplementation is also reported to significantly reduce symptoms of flatulence, bloating, belching, and fullness after meals.

In case of recurring symptoms of indigestion, it is best to consult your doctor for appropriate evaluation and management.

Having a healthy digestion is an effective way to improve your overall health.  Paying attention to the above tips can make a huge difference.

Common Ears, Nose, and Throat Problems and Some Helpful Ways to Treat Them

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

Conditions of the ears, nose and throat are commonly experienced. Just like any condition in our body, they require care and attention to prevent them from getting worse and affecting our daily lives. In this blog, let’s examine some of the most common ear, nose and throat problems among both adults and children.

Middle Ear Infection

Middle ear infections or Otitis Media affects more than 80% of kids around 3 years old, according to Stanford Children’s Health. While this can also affect adults, it is more prevalent among children because of their still developing immune system and other factors such as being fed from a bottle while laying on their backs. 

When you have cold or allergies, you may also experience swelling and congestion of the lining of the nose, throat, and a connection between the middle ear and the nose. This can encourage the growth of viruses and bacteria in the ear, leading to middle ear infections.

The symptoms of this common ear conditions include but not limited to fever, hearing difficulties and pain. These are often treated with PAIN MEDICATIONS AND PRESCRIPTION ANTIBIOTICS. Antibiotics can have some side-effects when improperly used so be sure to consult with your doctor.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal CONGESTION is characterized by the blockage of nasal passages, resulting in difficulty breathing from the nose. This may be a result of cold, flu, allergic rhinitis, nasal polyps, infections and more. Patients with these conditions may experience stuffiness in the nose, difficulty breathing, facial pain, and loss or weakened sense of smell. 

DEPENDING ON THE CAUSE, THESE CONDITIONS MAY RESOLVE ON ITS OWN OR REQUIRE MEDICAL TREATMENT.

Non-medicated saline sprays and decongestant drops may be helpful in unblocking the nose and to restore comfortable breathing. Don’t forget to consult with your doctor especially if symptoms persist.

Sinusitis 

Sinusitis is an infection or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses. It is commonly caused by a number of conditions such as common cold, nasal polyps, and allergies. Sinusitis among children may also be brought about by use of pacifiers, drinking from a bottle while lying on their backs, and second-hand smoking.

People with sinusitis may experience headache, stuffy nose, postnasal drip, teeth pain, cough, fever, bad breath and loss of smell. Similar to ear infections, sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor. Sinunasal irrigations also help gently wash the nasal passages and the sinus cavities to remove bacteria, viruses, and allergens.

Tonsillitis 

Tonsillitis is an inflammation of your tonsils which are the two masses of tissue at the back of your throat. Almost every child around the world has experienced tonsillitis. Adults may experience tonsillitis too but not as frequent.

Tonsillitis is more than that as those who suffer from it may also have sore throat, fever, headache, ear pain, loss of appetite, muffled voice, and bad breath. Tonsillitis among children may also include vomiting and stomach pain.

Treatments for tonsillitis vary based on its cause. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, and there are also some home remedies that you can do to ease your condition. These include getting lots of rest, drinking warm fluids, gargling with warm salt water, USE OF SOOTHING THROAT SPRAYS SUCH AS THOSE CONTAINING PROPOLIS, AND over-the-counter pain medications.

A Word of Caution 

It is still best to consult your doctor before taking any medicines related to these common ear, nose and throat problems. When buying your prescriptions, nasal spray, sinunasal irrigations, and other medical supplies, make sure to get them from an ethical pharmacy that provides affordable and high-quality products.

References:

https://www.aentassociates.com/the-most-common-ent-problems/

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=otitis-media-middle-ear-infection-90-P02057

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/service/ear-nose-throat/conditions/nasal-obstruction

https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/nasal-congestion

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=sinusitis-in-children-90-P02063&sid= 

FAQs on PROPOLIS

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

What is Propolis?

Propolis is a natural substance produced by honeybees from plants which is recognized for its numerous health benefits.  

Propolis is made by honeybees from a complex mixture of resins, waxes and oils gathered from various plants and trees. Propolis is also known as “bee glue” which the honeybees use to seal the entrances and cracks of their beehives as well as to sanitize and protect them against infection.    

This protective function of propolis is also reflected in the origin of the term which was derived from the Greek words “pro” which is translated to “at the entrance to” and “polis” for “community or city.”

What are the benefits of Propolis?

As a compound, propolis contains numerous bioactive plant substances called flavonoids that make propolis multifunctional in promoting oral health and in protecting the oral cavity against disease causing microorganisms.

Owing to its known multiple actions, propolis has been studied and prepared either as an ointment, spray or gargle to soothe inflamed throats, reduce mouth sores and promote healing of oral cavity irritations such as stomatitis, aphthous ulcers and mucositis. A gargle preparation of propolis was even found to be beneficial in the healing of postsurgical wounds as seen in tonsillectomies or the surgical removal of the tonsils.

1. Healing and Soothing Properties

Propolis is also known for its antioxidant properties. The bioactive flavonoids present in propolis have been shown to act as potent antioxidants capable of counteracting or neutralizing the damaging free radicals. In this regard, antioxidants could be seen to help protect the different body cells from further injury. The antioxidative properties of flavonoids in propolis also contribute to its anti-inflammatory actions.

Aside from aiding in the healing of oral sores and wounds, applying preparations of propolis on irritated tissues has been shown to help reduce pain. This has been attributed to the inhibitory activities of propolis against the release of precursor inflammatory compounds from injured tissues.

 2. Antimicrobial Actions

Antimicrobial activities against certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi have also been documented in studies with the compound propolis. In a laboratory setting, multiplication of both cultured gram positive and gram-negative bacteria was inhibited while the entry of viruses into the cells was reduced with the use of various preparations of propolis and its extracts. 

What are the adverse effects of propolis?

Although rare, adverse effects have been reported with the use of the compound propolis in general like hypersensitivity reactions among individuals allergic to bee products.

What are the precautions that should be observed when taking propolis?

• Persons allergic to bee products such as honey, bee pollen and royal jelly should not use propolis.
• Care should be taken when used by individuals with a history of hypersensitivity conditions such as allergies and asthma.
•Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There are no information available about use of propolis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.


References:


Wagh VD. Propolis: a wonder bees product and its pharmacological potentials. Adv Pharmacol Sci.

Przybyłek I, Karpiński TM. Antibacterial Properties of Propolis. Molecules.

Debiaggi M, Taleo F, Pagani L, Luini M, Romero E. Effects of propolis flavonoids on virus infectivity and replication. Microbiologica.

Moon JH, Lee MY, Chung YJ, Rhee CK, Lee SJ. Effect of Topical Propolis on Wound Healing Process After Tonsillectomy: Randomized Controlled Study. Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.

Braakhuis A. Evidence on the Health Benefits of Supplemental Propolis. Nutrients.

US CDC and WHO Advise Public on the Prevention and Control of Dengue

Written on . Posted in Health Articles.

International health authorities are reminding the public on the preventive and control measures that should be taken to prevent the spread of dengue infection most especially amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic.

In the most recent bulletin from the WHO for the Western Pacific Region dated 16 July 2020, there are already 52,601 recorded cases of dengue in the Philippines for the year. Following are the pertinent health facts gathered from the Department of Health (DOH), United States Center for Disease Control (US CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to serve as guide in dealing with this disease.

Basic Steps to Prevent Dengue

• The best way to prevent dengue is to protect oneself from mosquito bites.
• To avoid infecting other people, patients with dengue should avoid getting further mosquito bites during the first week of illness as the virus may be circulating in the blood during this time.

Control of Transmission

Important measures to control or prevent the transmission of dengue virus by combatting the mosquito vectors through:

• Stopping mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water source by eliminating mosquito breeding sites and preventing mosquitoes from accessing egg-laying habitats through various environmental cleanliness measures
• Proper disposal of solid waste and removing habitats that can hold water
• Covering, emptying and cleaning of domestic water storage containers such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
•Use appropriate insecticides to water storage outdoor containers and stagnant water sites.


Protecting Oneself from Infection

• Primary mosquito vectors bite throughout the day; use personal household protection measures, such as window screens, repellents, insecticide treated materials, coils and vaporizers both inside and outside of the home (e.g. at work or school)
• Wear long or large clothes such as long-sleeved shirts or long pants to minimize skin exposure to mosquitoes. Dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs
• Use protective covers at home when sleeping such as mosquito nets. The strollers and baby carriers must be covered with mosquito netting as well.
• When using insect repellent on children, always follow label instructions. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-methane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.


Community Engagement

• Participate in health education and awareness campaigns in the community to mitigate the risks of mosquito-borne diseases
• Engage with the rest of the community to improve participation and mobilization for sustained vector control
• Health authorities may also employ emergency vector control measures such as applying insecticides as space spraying during outbreaks

Controlling the spread of dengue in the community is a multi-system approach. It isn’t limited to just protecting oneself from the bite of a mosquito, rather it takes a concerted effort from different stakeholders to maintain the environment free from dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Most importantly, this approach is enhanced by the prompt recognition of symptoms and the immediate action to seek medical attention.


References:


Dengue prevention, What we know. (CDC) 

Key facts about Dengue, (WHO, International) 

  • 1
  • 2

Get the latest health and wellness tips and newest product launches delivered to your inbox.

SHOP POLICY

OUR COMPANY

LINKS

SOCIAL