One in every five people will be infected with fungus in their life. Fungi are molds and yeasts that can live in the top layer of the skin and nails. Toenail fungus and nail fungus infections are very common, accounting for approximately fifty percent of all nail disorders. This fungal infection can become quite unsightly and painful. Fungal growth at the nail usually begins as a light colored spot under the tip of the fingernail or as discoloration of the nail. As the fungus grows, it will continue to spread until the entire nail becomes thick and yellow with crumbling edges. If no treatment is given to destroy the fungus, the condition will worsen and eventually the nail will have a distorted shape. The color may become green, brown, or black, and the fingertips may begin to emit a foul odor. The fingers or toes may become painful to use.
Nail fungus may be treated with a variety of prescription medications, either oral or topical. These medications can be often be costly and may come with side effects, so it is wise to combat this situation in its early stages with one of many natural remedies available and to consistently maintain proper nutrition to boost the immune system and enable it to fight the infection. While there are many products that have anti-fungal properties Fungal Research, LLC, only recommends the best, most effective products for rapid response and long-term results.
It is well known that proper nutrition is the key to good health and longevity. Making a commitment to a well balanced diet is the single most important thing that you can do to sustain a healthy body. Good nutrition keeps your weight in a desirable range, lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer and a host of other serious ailments. Eating a well balanced diet also gives your immune system the resources to prevent an array of viral and fungal infections, including nail fungus.
According to many nutrition experts, the majority of the calories consumed each day should be carbohydrates, up to 60%. However, it is very important to be conscious of what carbohydrates you are using to fill this requirement. Packing your diet with sugar and wheat flour is a sure way to load up on calories and eventually pounds as these substances contain little or no value and are almost immediately transformed into sugar. This is especially important if you are infected with nail fungus as a high blood sugar contributes to the spread of infection. Bacteria, viruses and fungus feed on sugar. Carbohydrates that benefit your body are those found in whole grains, beans, vegetables and non-tropical fruits. Fruits are great but too much provides simple sugars in the form of fructose, which can feed the fungus. Did you know that blueberries are a great immune booster?
The cornerstone of a healthy diet is variety. This is especially true when choosing fresh fruits and vegetables. Because processed foods are lacking in the basic nutrients that the body needs to sustain a healthy immune system, it is important to limit the consumption of these foods and focus on raw, preferably organic vegetables and fruits. Green leafy vegetables are especially necessary as they contain an abundance of the photochemicals that protect your body against cancer, environmental toxins and many degenerative diseases.
Another important factor impacting your immune system is the proper intake of healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, oily fish, walnuts and flax. Eating vegetable protein from beans, fish, and low fat dairy products also contributes to overall good health and the strengthening of the immune system. Consuming at least 40 grams of fiber a day promotes the elimination of toxins from the body and drinking six to eight glasses of water per day will also keep your immune system up and lower your chances of contracting infections such as nail fungus or candida.
Preventing any ailment is typically much easier than curing it and the best way to maintain good health and an immune system that can successfully fight off potentially harmful infections, such as nail fungus, is to give your body the fuel it needs to function properly. By making wise food choices and giving your body necessary nutrients, you are taking an important first step to ensuring your own good health.
In addition to good nutrition, there are some common sense steps to take to lessen your chances of suffering from nail fungus. Keeping nails clean and trimmed is important because fungus can make a home under the nail. Never pick at hangnails or other skin around the nails because this can make a way for germs to find a way into your nails.
If you typically have your nails done at a salon, be sure that it is a reputable one that understands the importance of sterilizing all manicure equipment. It also may be necessary to discontinue using nail polish or artificial nails as they can trap moisture under the polish and encourage the growth of fungus. It is also important to keep the hands clean, especially after contacting fungus that may reside on other fingernails or toenails because of the contagious nature of the fungus.
To read more about nail fungus, toenail fungus, athlete's foot and candida go to http://www.nail-fungus-toenail.com or http://www.mycozil.com.
Dr. Jonathan N. Group, B.S., R.D., D.C. is a Doctor of Chiropractic, Registered Dietitian and Independent Research Scientist. He has over 15 years of educational and research experience in health care focusing in clinical nutrition, alternative medicine, holistic healing, chiropractic, medical testing, rehabilitation, physical medicine, nutritional counseling, wellness, and personal training. His seminar presentation experience includes various topics including but not limited to health, healing, nutrition, weight loss, alternative medicine, fitness, rehabilitation, back health and overall wellness. He is the co-owner and founder of Fungus Research, L.L.C., a company dedicated to conquering fungal infections such as nail fungus, toenail fungus, candida, yeast infections and athlete's foot. http://www.nail-fungus-toenail.com