Mold and mildew are types of fungi. The “seeds” called spores spread through the air. This usually happens in dry and windy weather; however, they also spread in fog or dew due to high humidity. A mold allergy is an overreaction due to breathing in mold spores. A person allergic to mold spores experiences itching and cough in eyes. In some people, mold allergy can be caused due to asthma. When people suffering from asthma are exposed to mold spores, they experience restricted breathing and other airway symptoms. This happens when the spores reach the lungs through the nasal tract. One may also experience symptoms of hay fever due to mold spores. Like symptoms of any other types of allergies, symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, itching, runny nose, congested chest or a dry cough, and scaling of the skin. Here are some ways through which you can reduce the symptoms of mold allergy: To control the symptoms of mold allergy, take steps to limit your exposure to the spores, both indoors and outdoors. Pay attention to outdoor spore levels when they are high. Spore levels are more likely to be high in places like greenhouse, farms, flower shops, construction sites, and antique shops. If you still have to visit these places, make sure that you take your medication or wear a dust mask before you go in. If you are already experiencing symptoms of mold allergy, be aware of what to avoid. Wear a dust mask when you are near uncut fields and piles of damp leaves. Take a shower and wash away any mold spores that might have got stuck on your skin or hair. In order to control the symptoms of mold allergy, take measures to make the indoors less moisture friendly by controlling the amount of moisture in the air.

Understanding probiotics and its purpose Probiotics are a friendly form of bacteria which maintain the overall balance of the body by ensuring the smooth functioning of the digestive and immune systems. Although probiotics are great for all, they are especially essential for women and this is due to the following three key reasons. Gut health – Probiotics are instrumental when it comes to preserving a healthy digestive tract. Usually, women are more vulnerable to specific types of digestive problems, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or chronic constipation. The intake of probiotics can naturally help relieve intestinal pain and discomfort in the long run. Vaginal health – The vagina is often prone to yeast infections due to multiple factors like poor hygiene and diet, antibiotics, or birth-control medications. By having probiotics on a regular basis, a woman can restore the vital balance of good and bad bacteria. Besides, vaginal health probiotics also protect the urinary tract from any kind of harmful infections. Overall immunity – Since a major part of the immune system is dependent on a good gut health, probiotics can comprehensively improve the body’s defense mechanisms. For example, a consistent inclusion of probiotics in the diet can help a woman tackle cold and flu easily. Apart from these above-mentioned essential benefits, probiotics can also prove to be effective for women who are aiming to increase their metabolism and energy levels. Which are the best probiotics for women? If you are planning to increase the consumption of probiotics in your day-to-day life, then you should consider about making some serious changes in your diet. Mostly, probiotics are found in fermented foods. Unlike the various supplements that are found in the market, these natural sources of probiotics are not just healthy but also safe, having no or minor side-effects which subside easily.

Uric acid is a waste generally carried in the blood, travels through the bloodstream, filtered out through the kidneys and finally excreted in urine. It is mostly produced by the natural breakdown of our body’s cells and foods which we consume. Uric acid is a by-product which is created during the breakdown of a naturally occurring compound like purines found in foods like beans, mushrooms, liver, etc. There are various causes of an increased level of uric acid in our body where kidneys won’t be able to filter out all of the uric acid or the level of uric acid will be too much for the kidneys to handle. Various medical conditions like hypothyroidism, leukemia, hypertension, obesity, and other genetic tendencies can lead to increased levels of uric acid. Moreover, certain medications, such as vitamins, diuretics, and cancerous drugs or drugs to suppress the immune system, often react with the body and affect the digestive system, thereby affecting the breakdown of uric acid. Sometimes eating wrong food or excess food like meat can cause an increase in the amount of uric acid as it contains a lot of purines. How to lower uric acid in our body A uric acid test helps measure the uric acid levels in our body. It’s a chemical that’s produced when our body breaks down purines during the natural breakdown of cells in the body. Most of the uric acid leaves the body through urination or defecation. When this natural process is hampered, the body produces too much or less of uric acid. If you are wondering how to lower uric acid levels, the following tips would be beneficial. Excess consumption of alcohol and caffeine can increase the uric acid level and promotes uric acid production. Vitamin C-rich lemonade or orange juice can reduce uric acid levels in case of a kidney stone.

IBS, irritable bowel syndrome is a condition that affects the colon. IBS is accompanied by pain in the abdomen and change in the bowel movements. It is diagnosed based on the severity of the symptoms of IBS. Since IBS is a collection of symptoms, therefore it is called a syndrome. IBS is of different types depending on its symptoms, such as IBS-D for diarrhea, IBS-C for constipation, IBS-M (both diarrhea and constipation) and IBS-U (neither diarrhea nor constipation). Signs of IBS: Diarrhoea, gas, bloating, rectal bleeding, weight loss, constipation, and muscle in stool are some of the probable symptoms of IBS. Causes of IBS: There is no specific reason for the IBS. It is assumed IBS is caused by an infection. The intestines swell up. The problem may even continue for a lifetime. In some cases, the intestine muscles contract and relax during the digestion process. The causes and effects of IBS are different among people. Contractions in IBS may cause bloating, diarrhea, and gas. Weak contractions make it difficult for the food to pass which causes constipation. Activators of IBS: Different factors such as stress, hormones, and foods cause IBS among individuals. Some food products such as cabbage, fats, beverages, alcohol, chocolate and milk products cause IBS problems. The IBS problems accentuate during stressful durations. Stressful situations at the workplace, home or office can cause IBS frequently. Women suffer from IBS more than men, and the problem worsen during the menstrual periods. Effects of IBS: Regular instances of constipation and diarrhea lead to the development of hemorrhoids. Restricting the intake of several food products can result in loss of essential nutrients. IBS worsens the life quality. People with IBS generally feel high stress and anxiety. Once if IBS is diagnosed, you need to visit the doctor for tests and treatments.

Breathing can become a challenge when congestion strikes. Congestion can be caused due to various reasons including allergies, cold, flu, or sinus infection. There are numerous congestion remedies some of which involve the use of over-the-counter medications. However, there are numerous natural remedies which can be used as congestion remedies. These not only help a person recover from the ailment but also make the immune system stronger. 1. Use a vaporizer Flu or cold can often make a person feel dry and dehydrated. It is here that a vaporizer or humidifier can act as one of the top congestion remedies. The extra component of humidity in these vaporizers will provide the much-needed relief to the patients. Vaporizers add moisture in the air, and this helps in thinning of mucus which might have accumulated in the nose of the patient. A cold mist humidifier can be effectively used for a child since they can hurt themselves if a hot air humidifier is used to treat the congestion. The humidifier or vaporizer must be kept clean and dry otherwise the risk of bacterial growth in it is high. 2. Using a Neti pot for rinsing Neti pots have been used for relieving congestion since long as an alternative system of medicine. Using the Neti Pot is very easy, and the person who desires to use it has to fill the same with saline solution. This solution is made of warm water and salt. This solution is inserted into one nostril, and the head is then tilted to the other side. This allows the solution to move through the nasal passage to the other nostril and will, therefore, clear the congestion. This is one of the effective congestion remedies and can be used at home. 3. Staying hydrated Many people do not prefer to drink hot water when they experience congestion in any manner.

Vitamins are elements that make the body grow and develop as you transform from a child into an adult. Including various food items in your diet or basking in the early morning sunlight can help fulfill only some part of the daily requirements of the body. As you grow, the nutritional value needed increases at a high rate, and this cannot be satisfied by a normal adult diet no matter how many additional portions you add to it every day. Doctors advise the use of supplements for these natural vitamins to cover up the gap and maintain overall well being. First of all, it is important to know the best natural vitamins that make up a balanced diet. Vitamin A This fat-soluble element is known by its scientific name Retinol and found in food items such as pumpkin, fish, spinach, etc. Ripe yellow fruits are responsible for fulfilling the requirement of Carotenoids. On the one hand, a deficiency of the same can cause night blindness; on the other hand, too much Vitamin A can cause hypervitaminosis. Vitamin B This is a complex water-soluble vitamin that is further divided into eight parts: Vitamin B1: Vitamin B1 or Thiamine is found in potatoes, eggs, and oatmeal. While beriberi is said to have been caused by a lack of this vitamin in the body, excessive intake of the same can result in drowsiness. Vitamin B2: Riboflavin, as it is known in the medical world, is essential to prevent stomatitis and anemia. Food items such as bananas, asparagus, and dairy products help attain the required nutritional value. Vitamin B3: The onset of a disease called pellagra can be triggered if Vitamin B3 or Niacin is not included in the diet. However, it should be noted that if taken immoderately, this vitamin can also result in liver damage.

Typically, cold and flu are not serious health issues. However, they can often prove to be frustrating as they bring down the body’s energy levels with a range of bothersome symptoms. This can negatively influence your health and even make routine tasks cumbersome. Such conditions can be treated with home remedies, but they might take a considerable amount of time to work. Therefore, to gain quick relief you can use cold and flu medicines. To understand your treatment options better, read further to get a gist of its signs. Identifying cold and flu symptoms You can develop cold and flu separately, or together. However, both of these conditions have different indicators. For instance, cold is characterized by signs such as a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, chest congestion, cough, mild fever, etc. Moreover, flu symptoms can be comparatively more severe like fever, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, etc. In few cases, patients can also suffer from additional issues like nausea and upset stomach. Although, the occurrence of these signs will differ from person to person. If any of the symptoms persist for more than three to four days, then you should immediately seek medical help. Types of medications for cold and flu Depending on the signs, you can seek the assistance of OTC (over-the-counter) medications or prescribed medications. There is a range of cold and flu medicines that can help alleviate various symptoms. The following are some of the common kinds of cold and medicines that you can consider using. Decongestants – If you are tackling a stuffy nose, then a decongestant might help. This drug shrinks the inflamed tissues and blood vessels in the nose that assist in getting rid of any nasal blockage. You can find this cold and flu medicine in the form of pills, syrups, nasal sprays, and nose drops.

In order to compare Medigap plans, it is important to understand what Medigap plans are. A Medigap plan, also known as Medicare Supplement plan, are insurance plans or policies sold by private companies. Medicare Supplemental Insurance, another term frequently used for Medigap, helps in paying some of the healthcare costs that are not covered by the original Medicare. These costs include coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles as well. Some of the Medigap plans cover services like medical care while traveling outside the US and other costs which are not covered in the original Medicare plan. Thus, it can be said that Medigap plans supplement the original Medicare benefits. Before we compare Medigap plans, it is useful to note that if you buy any Medigap plan, the original Medicare facility will be liable to cover or pay its share or percentage of the Medicare-approved amount for the covered healthcare. The first thing to remember when comparing Medigap plans is that a monthly premium is required to be paid for a Medigap policy. These plans or policies are only available to those who already hold a Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. While Medicare Part A comprises payment for hospital services, Medicare Part B, however, covers the cost for medic services. Typical Medigap plans are branded A through N and include different health coverage levels. Plans E, H, I, and J, however, are no more available to the new subscribers. Usually, the premium required to be paid by the plan holder of Medigap varies, the benefits usually remain the same. For example, the Medigap Plan C policy provides predefined benefits that remain true irrespective of the insurance company that is offering them. However, when one would compare Medigap plans, they should know that the standard Medigap policies would differ in states such as Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin among what is offered by Medigap plans across the country.

Kidney disease weakens your kidneys, and they no longer work as efficiently they are supposed to. Reasons that affect the kidneys can be many, but one thing is common for all people who are suffering from kidney diseases is they should watch what they eat. Your diet goes a long way to protect your kidneys, and in turn, you can get saved from other diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. The Kidney disease diet plan should be chalked out very carefully, and if you have had a kidney transplant or are on dialysis, your doctor can give you the best diet plan. Let’s see the diet Do’s and Don’ts for people with kidney problems. Before you know what to include in your diet, consider the foods that you must restrict to keep your kidneys better functioning for longer. Foods to avoid: Sodium: Limit sodium or salt intake in your food. If you are buying packaged food, read the label for salt and monosodium glutamate content. It’s always better to pick foods that are low in salt or free from added salt. That means most common snacks like chips, popcorns, salted peanuts are out of your diet list. Canned foods contain a lot of salt in the form of preservatives. It’s better to include fresh poultry and meats in your meals replacing the preserved versions. There are many ‘lite salts’ on the market shelves, but before you pick one, take your doctor’s advice because these are often high on potassium which is again included in the ‘To avoid’ list of kidney disease diet plan. Protein: A weak kidney cannot handle too much of protein. Excess protein in your diet can cause stress to the organ. At the same time, a little bit of protein is also required to help the body gain strength and to fight infections.

Gout is a problem with the characteristics similar to that of arthritis. It commonly occurs in the ankles, knees, ears wrists, and joints in the hands. Swelling, pain, tenderness, and inflammation are some of the main characteristics of gout. High uric acid content is the body is one of the prime causes of gout. High stress, alcohol, inactiveness and high protein intake are some of the other causes. Diabetes, kidney stones and hypertension aggravate the complications of gout. Gout can be treated with proper medications. You can even use the natural remedies which provide relief and reduce the symptoms of gout. Some of the best natural remedies that are effective for gout are: Ginger Root: Ginger is a renowned natural remedy for gout due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You can take the ginger root in different ways.Use the ginger root when cooking the food. Take half teaspoon of ginger root in a cup of water and let it boil. Drink it twice a day. Take equal amounts of turmeric powder, dried ginger root and fenugreek powder. Add them to a glass of warm water and drink it at least once a day. Make a paste of ginger root in water and apply it to the affected area. Let it dry for half an hour and wash it off with lukewarm water. Baking Soda: Add half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and stir it well. Take the solution at least 2-3 times daily. Baking soda controls the amount of uric acid in the body and controls the symptoms of gout. If you suffer from hypertension, don’t try the recipe. This has been hailed an excellent natural remedy for gout. Apple Cider Vinegar: The acid content of the apple cider vinegar reduces the pain. It also cures the symptoms of gout which include pain and stomach acid.

Pain is one of the mechanisms of the body which state a problem. It sometimes appears in an instant, but may build up over a passage of time. Pain could be: Mild Short-lived Sore Constant As compared to cancer or cardiovascular disorders, chronic pain impairs more people. If acute pain is not treated on time, it may turn into chronic pain. Identifying the type of pain For managing chronic pain, one must first identify if the pain is chronic or acute. Acute pain The onset of acute pain is often sudden. This is often brief but may last for weeks or even months. Upon rectifying the cause of acute pain, one is able to overcome the discomfort. Chronic pain Chronic pain is ceaseless. Causes of chronic pain could be: Wounding Infection Psychogenic, which means not caused by an injury Some beneficial chronic pain management tips Let’s take a look at some useful tips for chronic pain management. Stay hydrated If one does not stay hydrated, certain chronic disorders such as chronic headaches and chronic backaches could worsen. One of the best chronic pain management tips is to stay hydrated throughout the day is to regulate one’s consumption of coffee, carbonated drinks, juices as these have a diuretic effect, which does not make them good sources of hydration. Best foods for dealing with chronic pain For getting over inflammation, one must consume a diet which is easy to digest and low on processed foods. Some of the best foods for overcoming inflammation are: Leafy green vegetables Asparagus Soy products Foods which are low in sugar, such as cherries and cranberries Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil Limiting consumption of certain foods One of the effective chronic pain management tips is to avoid consumption of any foods which increase swelling.

The hormone testosterone is responsible for regulating the sex drive in a woman’s body. The production of testosterone increases the blood flow in the female genitalia. This makes it lubricated, plump, and sensitive. A decreased libido can be a result of a number of environmental and physical factors such as stress, hormonal imbalance, or even prescription medicines. Studies show that the instances of a decrease in sex drive are more in women as compared to men. Birth control medicines are also found to be a cause of decreased sex drive in women as the contraceptives alter the natural hormonal balance. There are many ways to improve your sex drive. Read on to find out how to increase libido in women. Try them out to spice up your sex life and give it a boost. Natural Fruits Some fruits such as avocados, figs, and bananas are considered natural sex drive boosters and help increase libido in women. These fruits help maintain a healthy diet, which will help you have a happy and healthy sex life. Fruits rich in vitamin C helps produce collagen in the body, which is responsible for a tight vaginal wall. It also helps maintain blood flow in the body. Broccoli, oranges, and lemons are some foods rich in vitamin C to maintain the collagen levels in the body. De-stress Yourself Stress is one of the most common factors behind a decreased libido and lack of interest in sexual activities. It has been medically proven that stress causes hormonal imbalances in the human body, especially in women, which leads to various problems like PCOS and obesity. The imbalance in the endocrine system leads to a decrease in sexual desires and eventually affects the sex drive. It is important to keep your stress in check and indulge in activities such as relaxation, meditation, and aerobics to keep your body and mind healthy.