The narcissistic personality disorder is a mental condition where people gain an escalated perception of their importance, like an intense need for drawing attention, lack of sympathy for others, troubled relationships, and so on. In such a condition, people try to wear a mask of self-confidence, leaving their fragile personality behind. Such a disorder can badly affect one’s personal and professional relationships, and even education or financial affairs. People with this personality disorder can easily become disappointed when they do not get the respect or importance they expect from others. People, in general, prefer to stay away from such personalities as they always find them unfit for social customs and relationships. Here are the causes, symptoms, and the possible treatments of this mental disorder. The causes of narcissistic personality disorder It is very hard to say what actually causes this mental disorder. However, researchers believe that genetics and upbringing factors play key roles in developing the narcissistic disorder. Our personalities are inherited from our ancestors, and if someone thinks that they are different from the crowd and should be treated with special attention and admiration, the person may develop this mental disorder. Researchers have also found that parental neglect often leads to narcissistic disorder among children. Common symptoms of the narcissistic personality disorder The key signs and symptoms of this mental disorder can vary from person to person. However, there are some common symptoms every affected person may demonstrate in different circumstances. People with the narcissistic disorder can exhibit the following symptoms: • They show an extreme desire for self-importance • Always demand respect and admiration • Nurture an understanding of entitlement • Believe that they are superior to others • Believe in daydreams on success, brilliance, power, or beauty • Always expect better treatment and favor • Have an instinct of ignoring others’ feelings and needs • Measure others with envy • Show false arrogance • Love to call themselves the best in everything Ways to deal with the narcissistic personality disorder The primary challenge of dealing with this mental disorder is that people suffering from it never try to understand their fault and never consider it as a mental problem.

The primary sex hormone for men is testosterone. However, a small amount of testosterone is present in the female body as well. The production of this hormone takes place in the testicles of men and ovaries of women. At the time of puberty, testosterone plays a crucial role in hair growth, changes in voice, and other physical changes. It is essential to have the right amount of testosterone throughout one’s lifetime. Here are some of the top natural testosterone boosters. Healthy eating One of the most important natural testosterone boosters is a healthy diet. So, one has to take good care of their dietary habits. If you eat too much, then it will disrupt the level of testosterone in your body. However, increasing the protein, carb, and fat intake can boost your testosterone levels. Consuming whole foods that have a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates can help in optimizing the hormone levels and improving one’s overall health condition. The bottom line is that you cannot overeat or restrict your overall calorie intake. Rather, you must focus on having a balanced diet that gives you protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Lower cortisol and stress levels An increase in the level of cortisol in your body can reduce your testosterone levels. Cortisol and testosterone affect each other inversely. If one increases, the other will inevitably go down. Too much cortisol and stress will increase your food intake, and lead to the storage of harmful fats in various organs of your body. Thus, these factors also play a vital role in weight gain. All these factors will result in a lower level of testosterone. Try to change your lifestyle and avoid stressful situations in your daily life. All of this will help you lower your cortisol and stress level, and boost your testosterone.

According to a survey, diabetes is one of the most rapidly growing health problems. Nowadays, millions of people suffer from raised blood sugar levels. This disease affects people from several age groups. About 132,000 children up to 18 years old have juvenile diabetes. According to medical studies, a fasting blood glucose level that is higher than 126 mg/dL or ranges around 100-125 mg/dL is known as a pre-diabetic condition. If a patient’s blood glucose levels are around 99 mg/dL, it is considered normal. According to a medical survey, the standard benchmark of fasting blood glucose levels is below 83 mg/dL. When a patient’s blood sugar level increases, their risk of heart disease rises as well. There are numerous preventive measures to control your blood sugar level from the start. So if you want to lead a normal life, you can follow some steps to reverse diabetes naturally. Along with these measures, one has to follow a strict schedule which includes healthy eating habits as well as exercises for weight loss. Adding natural foods such as cinnamon or apple cider vinegar to your diet can help improve your body’s insulin sensitivity. Essential tips for reversing diabetes naturally The effectiveness of these reversing techniques will depend upon various factors such as the severity of the condition, the duration for which one has had diabetes, and the genetics of the individual. However, one you inhibit your blood sugar levels, you should not go back to your old habits. Hence, these tips are only valuable if an individual follows a strict schedule along taking medications on time. Here are some essential tips which can help you reverse diabetes naturally: Increase your consumption of foods which contain whole grains The food items which have whole grains contain ample amounts of essential nutrients as well as fiber.

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue. The professional will determine the problems and provide solutions such as assistive devices or products that make activities like dressing, cooking, bathing easy. Surgery This is the last resort. If none of the alternative treatment approaches help you, a doctor will advise surgery to repair damaged joints, correct deformities and reduce pain. Medications The following medications have proven to be quite effective against rheumatoid arthritis. H.P. Acthar® A trade name for corticotropin, this medication is a hormone that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although corticotropin can only reduce the symptoms and is not a cure for this condition.

Castrate-resistant prostate cancer, or CRPC, is a type of cancer that continues to grow even after one’s testosterone levels have fallen considerably. This is in contrast to initial-stage prostate cancer, which needs normal testosterone levels for the cancer cells to multiply. This type of cancer may be metastatic or non-metastatic. Metastatic CRPC is when the cancer has spread to other body organs, while non-metastatic CRPC or nmCRPC is still restricted to the prostate. Signs and symptoms Problems with urination Many patients with nmCRPC may experience abrupt pain in the prostate region while urinating, blood in their urine, or extremely weak urine flow. Swelling of the lower body When prostate cancer spreads to other body parts, it often reflects in the form of swelling of these parts, including the hips, lower back, and pelvis. Fatigue One of the most common symptoms of nmCRPC is fatigue or tiredness, which worsens with cancer interventions. Staying hydrated and having healthy fluids like soups and fresh fruit juices can help manage this symptom. Treatment options NUBEQA® This is an oral intervention oncologists often prescribe for those with nmCRPC. This type of treatment is effective only when cancer hasn’t begun spreading to other organs but no longer responds to other interventions. Androgen deprivation therapy Since prostate cancer requires testosterone to spread, oncologists may recommend androgen deprivation therapy, a type of hormone remedy that aims to stop the production of this hormone secreted by the testicles. But it may not always work for those with this condition, as the cancer usually continues growing regardless of hormone levels by this stage. In general, prostate cancer has several causes and risk factors, such as a person’s age, family history, genetic mutations, etc. Besides following a systematic treatment course, those healing from CRPC should stay active, eat low-fat and lean-protein foods, and avoid processed and deep-fried foods for better symptom management and recovery.

Pulmonary embolism is a common cardiovascular disease in the country. When the pulmonary artery in the lungs gets blocked by a blood clot, pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs. The pulmonary artery is responsible for supplying blood to the lungs. Due to the presence of the blood clot, the blood flow gets restricted resulting in decreasing levels of oxygen in the blood. PE is a serious and life-threatening condition that can not only damage a part of the affected person’s lungs but can also cause damage to other organs. According to various medical research reports, almost one-third of patients who have PE pass away because of no treatment or diagnosis. To avoid severe outcomes like permanent damage to the lungs, patients require emergency treatment. By recognizing the symptoms of pulmonary embolism, one can understand when they need to schedule an appointment with the doctor. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism The intensity of the symptoms of this cardiovascular disease can vary depending on the size of the blood clot along with the position where it lodges in the lungs. One of the most common symptoms of PE is shortness of breath. Typically, this symptom appears suddenly and gets worse with exertion. Some of the other symptoms of pulmonary embolism include: Sharp and unexplained chest pain: This pain can slowly extend into the other body parts including the neck, arms, shoulder, and jaw. It can feel like having a heart attack. The pain might get worse with deep breathing, eating, coughing, stooping or bending. With exertion, the pain would get worse. Even while resting, it will not go away completely. Tendency of fainting Excessive anxiety Rapid breathing Bluish or clammy skin Lightheadedness Irregular heartbeat Weak pulse Blood spitting up Restlessness If one notices any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially shortness of breath, they must seek medical attention immediately.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, paranoia, fuzzy thinking, delusions, social withdrawal, and cognitive issues. Though treated with a mix of therapy and medicines, diet can help relieve some symptoms and worsen some of them if not considered carefully. People afflicted with schizophrenia generally have unhealthy eating habits leading to other health issues. On consuming foods high in saturated fats and low in fiber can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Here is a low down on the best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Fruits and vegetables Consume all kinds of fruits ranging from raspberries and apples to pears. Fiber-rich fruits help in lowering the incidence of risks associated with schizophrenia such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. One gets an additional benefit of vitamins and minerals from fruits. Veggies are not only low in fats and calories but are also a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients such as potassium. Go for lima beans, sweet potatoes, and kidney beans. Aim to have fresh fruits and vegetables rather than having frozen or pre-cut and dried. Include foods of a variety of colors. Eat five healthy portions during the day. Fish The human body needs essential omega-3 fatty acids but it cannot be made by the body. A growing body of research is pointing towards omega 3 as helping in slowing down the disease progression. The best source for omega 3 fatty acids is mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, and trout. One can also go for over the counter supplements. Try to eat at least three portions of oily fish to gain benefits of the same. Chicken marinara The symptoms of schizophrenia can be eased by consuming chicken and marinara sauce. Both are rich sources of niacin. Niacin should be taken less than 1 gram per day as higher doses are toxic for the liver.

When a disease or injury makes a negative impact on the sensory system, the nerves situated within the sensory system become incapable of transmitting sensation to the brain. This situation results in lack of sensation or numbness. Nevertheless, in certain cases, when sensory system is injured, some people experience pain in the injured area. Neuropathic pain normally does not begin in a sudden manner and it does not go away immediately as well. It can be described as a severe condition that results in stubborn pain symptoms. As far as most people are concerned, the severity of the symptoms can increase or disappear throughout the day. Although this type of pain is believed to be connected with peripheral nerve issues like neuropathy due to spinal stenosis or diabetes; spinal cord injuries or brain injuries can also cause severe neuropathic pain. Right medications neuropathic pain need to be used to get relief from this condition. Major risk factors You have to deal with neuropathic pain when anything due to loss of function in the sensory nervous system. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes nerve issues and it always leads to neuropathic pain and other similar conditions also trigger this type of pain. Trauma due to injuries to the nerve can also invite neuropathic pain and other conditions that cause this pain are cancer treatments, shingles, multiple sclerosis, stroke, HIV, vitamin deficiency and diabetes as well. Symptoms of neuropathic pain Other neurological conditions can be identified in easy manner but neuropathic pain cannot be detected easily. When some symptoms become evident, doctors need to interpret a group of words that patients utilize for describing the pain. Patients may tell portray the symptoms as burning, itchy, stinging, hot or sensitive. In the cases of some people; they may experience pain with a small pressure or touch.

Colitis is an extremely uncomfortable condition caused by the inflammation of the colon. The severity of the disease ranges from mild to severe and individuals suffer from several symptoms. The symptoms of colitis include feeling constipated, abdominal pain and cramping, experiencing small bowel movements which are frequent in nature, and experiencing diarrhea which may or may not have blood. If you are experiencing these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately and seek treatment. There are several different causes of colitis and each underlying cause is treated differently. The different types of colitis include the likes of microscopic colitis, infectious colitis, ischemic colitis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, among others. After reviewing your history, a physical examination, imaging tests, laboratory tests, and a colonoscopy, your doctor will conclude that you are suffering from the disease and suggest treatment for its underlying cause. Here are a few of the most common causes of colitis. Causes of Colitis Infectious Causes There are millions of good bacteria living in the colon. They do the body no harm and cause no symptoms whatsoever. When some viruses, parasites, and bacteria invade the small or large intestine, it may lead to some infections. These infections may occur when you eat contaminated food. The symptoms include diarrhea with or without blood, dehydration from water loss, abdominal cramp, numerous watery bowel movements, and pain. Other organs in the body can be infected by the infection as well, or by the toxins produced by the bacteria, viruses or parasites. Ischemic Causes The colon is like a hollow muscle that requires a normal flow of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. When the colon loses its supply of blood, it may become inflamed. Ischemia causes the inflammation of the colon and may lead to the appearance of several symptoms of diarrhea with or without blood, pain, and fever.

Occasional bowel movements that are watery and loose are not uncommon in most people. However, if this condition lasts for extended periods of more than a few weeks, it needs to be taken seriously and has to be treated accordingly. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Statistics show that at least two billion cases of diarrhea occur annually worldwide and it has been the cause of death of nearly 1.5 million children below the age of five. What is diarrhea? Frequently passing loose, watery or soft stools, with or without accompanying stomach cramps, flatulence, bloating, and stomach pressure, which is excreted suddenly is termed as diarrhea. This condition may also be complicated when there is blood in the stools, severe pain, fever, nausea, and uncontrollable urge to pass stools. It can happen to people of any age, but children and senior citizens are at a higher risk. Complications The most serious complication of diarrhea is dehydration—loss of water and electrolytes in the body—which happens because the water passes out from the body without getting absorbed by the intestines. Drinking copious amounts of water does not always compensate for the corresponding loss. Types of diarrhea The condition is classified into the following types: Chronic: This typically lasts for more than two weeks Enteritis: It involves the inflammation of the intestine Gastroenteritis: It involves stomach flu, with nausea and vomiting Dysentery: It involves loose stools with pus, mucus, and blood Common causes of diarrhea The most common chronic causes of diarrhea and acute diarrhea include microbial attacks by viruses, bacteria, or certain microorganisms that enter the intestinal tract. Viruses: They cause various mild to moderate symptoms. These may last for 3–7 days and comprise watery, frequent stools, stomach cramps, and a mild fever. Common viruses include rotavirus (common in children), Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis virus.

The general assumption is that calcium supplements improve bone strength and while that is the very reason we take these supplements, overuse could result in heart problems. In this article, we will discuss why calcium supplements are important. Why do people need calcium? The body needs calcium to build and maintain strong and healthy bones. 99% percent of the body’s calcium is in the teeth and bones while the remaining one percent is present in the bloodstream and is used to release hormones such as insulin, send nerve signals and regulate how blood vessels and muscles should dilate and contract. Calcium is needed to maintain proper bodily functions. If you do not receive an adequate amount from your regular diet, your body will pull calcium from your teeth and bones to use it elsewhere. This causes a weakening of the bones and teeth and causes complications. Recommendations for calcium intake Calcium has to be taken according to the recommendations that are dependant on your age gender and of course health concerns. Women aged 50 years or younger need 1000 mg per day and women over 50 years of age need 1200 mg per day. Men aged 70 years and younger need 1000 mg per day and men over 70 years old need 1200 mg per day of calcium. There is a limit to the maximum amount of calcium one can consume as well. The cap is set at 2500 mg per day for adults up to 50 years of age and 2000 mg per day for people aged over 50 years. It is possible to get the recommended amount of calcium from the food you eat every day. Foods that are rich in calcium include leafy greens, dairy products, beans, nuts, and tofu. However, people who do not consume calcium-rich food in sufficient amount might need to use calcium supplements.

The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ positioned close to the liver. The liver secretes bile, and the function of the gallbladder is to store and concentrate the bile and pass it via the bile ducts into the intestine. That is where it gets mixed with the fats from the foods ingested. The extra fat and toxins are expelled completing a healthy digestion process. When the digestive enzyme solidifies in the gallbladder, a small pebble-like substance is formed which is medically termed as ‘gallbladder stone.’ High cholesterol levels, a diet which is high in saturated fats, excess alcohol intake, diabetes, crash dieting, excessive use of antacids and obesity, are some of the causes of gallbladder stones. Common symptoms include nausea, bloating, burping, indigestion, dizziness, back pain, and gas. When the stones cannot be dissolved through medication, a surgery has to be performed to remove the gallbladder. It has to be eliminated from your digestive system, and so you need to alter your diet, such that your digestive system is not subject to undue stress. There are various gallbladder diet plans that help you keep gallbladder stones at bay. The Role of the Diet The diet you follow plays a vital role not only in the post-surgery phase but also to prevent the recurrence of gallbladder stones. A diet that has high saturated fat levels not only leads to a spike in the cholesterol and triglyceride levels but also increases the risk of gallbladder stones. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for gallbladder stone formation. However, some people resort to crash dieting to lose the flab. This type of dieting can have an adverse impact on your gallbladder. Yo-Yo diets cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile. The imbalance can result in a large amount of cholesterol-forming crystals within the gallbladder.