First reported by Dr. T H Oliver in 1920, ozone and oxidative therapies have been used extensively by doctors to treat a wide range of health problems, such as vascular disease, cancer, viral diseases, ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases and spinal disc problems. Additionally, these treatments are effective therapies for contaminated wounds, burns and infections. The use of oxygen to heal is based on the idea that it breaks down and eliminates toxins from the body by "burning" them through the process of oxidation.
In the process of ozone and oxidative therapies white blood cell production is also encouraged, there is an increased delivery of oxygen to the cells, red blood cell flexibility is expanded and metabolism is also stimulated. Because of its ability to kill bacteria and fungus, many cities purify their drinking water with ozone.
Ozone therapy can be received in one of several ways, including injection, inseffulation, ozone "bagging," external use of ozonated olive oil, and autohemotherapy. Inseffulation is the process which consists of inserting a tiny tube into the infected area and up to half a liter of pure ozone in a humidified gas is introduces in less than thirty seconds. In order to fight nail fungus, the best delivery of ozone to the body is by bagging or the application of ozonated olive oil. Bagging is done by placing the infected fingers in a plastic bag and filling that bag with ozone. Ozonated olive oil, available in many natural health stores, is made by bubbling ozone through olive oil for several days until it solidifies. An effective way to reduce both the symptoms and prevalence of the infection is to apply ozonated olive oil to the affected nail several times daily until the fungus has died and the healthy nail has regrown.
Oxidation therapy is commonly administered via hydrogen peroxide. Because the body's cells produce hydrogen peroxide as a first line of defense when confronted with bacteria, parasites and yeast, it is known as an effective and natural immune system booster. To treat nail fungus with oxidation therapy, a finger soak is the best application. It is wisest to use food grade hydrogen peroxide (35%) as the over the counter solution (3%) contains other chemicals and impurities that may adversely affect sensitive skin. Mix 2 ounces of the food grade type with warm water and soak the nails infected with the fungus for 30 minutes. If using the over the counter version, you will need nearly twelve times the hydrogen peroxide to make an equally effective solution. Repeat this treatment three to four times per week until the infection has cleared.
Hydrogen peroxide is an extremely safe and effective treatment for nail fungus when used with care. Because the pure form of the solution is highly toxic and dangerous, it is absolutely necessary to take care when using this home treatment by always diluting it correctly. When administered in proper amounts this form of treatment has shown great promise in the healing of many ailments, including nail fungus.
When treating your nail fungus with ozone or oxidative therapy, the success of the treatment depends entirely on your willingness to continually treat the nail as directed and to continue your chosen course of therapy for a considerable amount of time. The treatment of nail fungus is so lengthy due to the fact even after the fungus has died and the nail begins to clear, the treatment must continue until the infected portion of the nail has completely grown out. Unfortunately, because the cure for nail fungus can take six months or longer, many people choose to live with it rather than take measures to combat it.
Once the fungus has been effectively killed and the nail is completely healthy, it is vital to take steps to ensure that the fungus does not return. Keeping nails clean and trim is important to ensure that the fungus cannot make a home under the nail. Never pick at hangnails or other skin around the nails; germs can more easily find a way into your nails if you do. When your hands are to be exposed to water for prolonged periods of time, use rubber gloves and make sure to give the gloves ample time to dry inside out after use.
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 imperative 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. Additionally, maintaining a healthy immune system is a key to fighting any fungal infections to which you may be exposed.
About the author:
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. Dr. Group is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Fungal Research, L.L.C. and heads the research and development team dedicated to producing advanced, new anti-fungal and anti-microbial products.
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