High cholesterol treatment can very well be done using natural, herbal, or home remedies. The treatment would be more effective if the disease has not progressed to an advanced stage yet. There are studies and research to support the claim of certain herbal and home remedies to treat high cholesterol level. However, no such claim has been made about heart failure. There are many who experienced success with alternative high cholesterol treatments. Thus many other rely on the power of herbal treatment which makes them follow an alternative treatment plan for high cholesterol. Here is a list of herbal and natural remedies that can be incorporated in your lifestyle and diet plan to reap their benefits for high cholesterol treatment: Astragalus The use of this herb is found in traditional Chinese treatment where it was used to strengthen the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Since it is considered as an “adaptogen,” it has the properties to protect the body against several health issues. Studies show that this herb has to offer certain benefits for your hearts health thereby contributing toward being an effective high cholesterol treatment method. Hawthorn Hawthorn is a shrub belonging to the rose plant family. Its leaves, berries, and flowers are in use since Roman times to treat a heart problem. Studies proved that this shrub could be helpful in treating a mild case of heart failure. However, there is no proof that this plant is effective as a high cholesterol treatment method. Flaxseed Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant. Both flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in high levels. This is an omega-3 fatty acid which may be effective in lowering the risk of any heart ailment. Studies show that flaxseed may help to lower cholesterol levels, especially for people with high cholesterol levels as well as postmenopausal women.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body and extremely painful. The abnormal metabolism of uric acid results in the excess of it in the tissues of the body and blood. In case of an individual who suffers from gout, the body either produces too much of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Gout can be a primary condition or can be associated with other medical conditions. High levels of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of urate crystals that get deposited in the joints. This causes excess inflammation and pain. Gout can affect anybody, irrespective of gender and age. However, men are more likely to suffer from this condition. Also, a large number of women are susceptible to gout after the period of menopause. Gout causes an attack that can be described as a string or severe burning. These gout attacks can occur at any time, however, they are more likely to spring-up in the middle of the night. During a gout flare, the skin looks red and there is severe swelling in the joint. The base of the big toe joint is the most common place for gout, followed by the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist. The pain is in the joint can be so excruciating that the mere touch of the finger can send down a burning sensation. Gout comes with a few symptoms that begin with redness in the area and severe tenderness. A sudden attack can be the first sign and stop spontaneously after a while. The pain and swelling eventually disappear even without treatment but common returns after a few days in the same or another joint. As gout flares increase in frequency, the pain caused is much more severe and last longer.

Dry eyes are commonly found in people in their middle and old age. It is a common condition. Around 4.88 million people in the country are suffering from dry eyes in their 50s. Of the estimate, more than 3 million women and 1.68 million men are dealing with dry eyes. It is observed that women are more prone to dry eyes than men. Side effects of estrogen fluctuation could be one reason causing more number of women to suffer from dry eyes than their gender counterparts. Women those pregnant, taking birth control pills and those suffering menopause can suffer dry eyes. There are several other reasons for a dry eye to occur. Most prominent of all can be age and symptom of some other illness. An extreme dry environment or medications such as antihistamines can also cause dry eye in people. Through a serious health concern, dry eyes can be cured with proper medication, precaution, and care. Today, there are a number of eye solutions for dry eyes. Most popular method of curing dry eyes are eye drops. A doctor may recommend a patient suffering from dry eyes with over-the-counter eye solutions for dry eyes and a variety of prescription depending on the cause and intensity of the problem. There are multiple ways by which eye drops give relief to those suffering from dry eyes. Some of them are listed below. Use of artificial tears. To prevent dryness in eyes, use of artificial tears proves fruitful. However, it is important to find the right artificial tears to suit one. A type of eye drop is cyclosporine. It is designed to assist treatment of certain eye infection that results in dry eyes. Use of cyclosporine makes an eye produce excessive tears. Thus, this medication can provide great relief to the sufferer if applied twice in a day.

Crohn’s Disease also known as Ileitis is a chronic disease that affects the bowels. Crohn’s disease is known to cause acute inflammation of the digestive tract and measurably deteriorates the quality of your life. This disease is named in honor of Dr. Burill B. Crohn who in 1932 first identified the complication. About half a million Americans suffer from the Crohn’s disease. Symptoms Of Crohn’s Disease Diarrhea Fatigue Pain in the abdominal region usually accompanied by stomach cramps Presence of blood in your stool Sudden loss of weight Reduction in appetite If you’re experiencing sudden or persistent changes in your bowel movements, do visit a doctor as soon as possible What Causes Crohn’s Disease? Accurate causes of this disease remain untraceable. Earlier diet and stress were suspected to be causes, but doctors today believe that they are just factors that may aggravate the condition; not primarily be the reason behind it. Other factors including heredity and a dysfunctional immunity system are considered to be causes as well. Immune System At times, a particular bacteria or virus may trigger the Crohn’s Disease. Just like how the immune system deals with infections, the bacteria or virus are attacked by the immune system. During this period of self-defense, the immune system has a probability of viewing cells in the digestive tract as infectious cells and starts fighting these cells (which are actually necessary, non-infectious cells). Heredity The process of passing on genes from one generation to another could be one of the reasons behind the Crohn’s Disease. However, that’s not the case always. There are situations when a person comes down with Crohn’s in spite of the fact that none of his family members had such a disease in their medical history. There are several methods or approaches to dealing with Crohn’s Disease, one of which includes Probiotics.

Hair thinning, hair loss, which is also known as alopecia is often a concern for men, women, and even children. Our hair is made up of a protein called Keratin that is produced in the outer layer of skin in the hair follicles. The follicles keep producing new hair cells and the old ones keep pushing out. These hair follicles have a lifespan or a cycle and the cycle keeps going on. There are several factors that can cause hair thinning or hair loss like hormones. In such a case, there is an imbalance of androgens and it is present in both men and women. Genes are also a major factor when it comes to hair loss or thinning and both males and females can be affected by the genes. A lot of studies have shown that stress is one of the major causes of hair loss. With the kind of lifestyle we have nowadays, stress cannot be avoided at all and people are bound to undergo stressful situations. A lot of infections such as ringworm is one of the causes of hair thinning. Cosmetic procedures can also cause a great amount of damage to our hair, such as using shampoo too often, dying hair, perms, bleaching, and using too many tools to set the hair. All these things make the hair really weak hence resulting in hair thinning. A lot also depends on our medical conditions and food habits as well. A lot of medical conditions such as thyroid, eating disorders, diabetes, and iron deficiency can make the hair really thin and weak. A diet which is low in protein will make your hair thin, dull, and weak; therefore, it’s important to see and keep a check on our food habits. Even consuming any kind of drugs or smoking can cause excessive hair fall.

Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for boosting immunity and maintaining a healthy weight, and are especially beneficial for the digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases, but the body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. More than 70% of our immune cells live in the gut and are dependent on a healthy gut. Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria that keep the gut healthy. Probiotic foods for a healthy gut The following foods are known to help boost gut and overall health: Yogurt : It is linked to a number of health benefits and may be suitable for people with lactose intolerance. Ensure to choose yogurt that has active or live cultures. Kefir : Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is a source of probiotics and calcium. It is smoother and easier to digest. Sauerkraut : Sauerkraut is finely cut fermented cabbage that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ensure to choose unpasteurized brands that contain live bacteria. Also, those sold in the refrigerated section will contain more probiotics than those available in cans or jars. Tempeh : Tempeh is a fermented soybean product that serves as a high-protein substitute for meat. It contains a decent amount of vitamin B12. Kimchi : Kimchi is a Korean side dish that is fermented and spicy. Made from cabbage, it is high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and B2, and iron. It is generally available in the refrigerated section. Miso : Miso is a fermented soybean paste. It is rich in several important nutrients and may also help in bringing down the risk of cancer and stroke, especially in women. Kombucha : Kombucha is a fermented tea drink, mostly green or black. Generally tangy in taste, it is a good source of active bacteria.

Menopause is an inevitable phenomenon in any woman’s life that marks the end of menstruation. In general, menopause occurs in women who are 51 years of age or older. This natural condition is often accompanied by a host of unpleasant symptoms that can take a serious toll on the quality of one’s life. Some of the commonly experienced menopausal symptoms are hot flashes, mood swings, sleep problems, fatigue, and vaginal dryness. Good nutrition plays a vital role during menopause and can help get relief from the symptoms and also promote overall health in the years following menopause. Listed below are a few food options that one can eat during menopause to cope with the symptoms and associated complications. Iron-rich foods Iron is a vital mineral that has powerful properties essential for women during and after menopause. One should aim for 3 servings of foods packed with iron to promote overall health. Also, iron is essential to ward off medical conditions like anemia. Including food items like nuts, eggs, vegetables (spinach, kale), and fish in the diet to ensure the daily iron requirements are met is advisable. High-fiber foods The onset of menopause often leads to estrogen deficiency that increases the risk of heart diseases. As per the findings, an increase in the intake of dietary fiber can help lower the risk of heart disease in women. Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is found in abundance in many food items such as fruits, beans, legumes, bread, grains, breakfast cereal, and pasta. One should consume at least 21 grams of fiber per day to prevent menopause from putting them at risk of cardiovascular diseases. Calcium-rich foods During menopause, women experience a sharp decrease in the levels of estrogen, a hormone that plays a vital role in bone health. Low estrogen levels increase the risk of osteoporosis, a chronic bone disease.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is a disorder that causes a change in the pattern of bowel movements. IBS with diarrhea is known as IBS-D and it causes acute abdominal pain. It can also be termed as a chronic gastrointestinal disorder that inflicts pain and discomfort. There are four types of IBS based on the combination of diarrhea and constipation, both or none. They are IBS-D, IBS-C, IBS-M, and IBS-U. Depression, anxiety, and chronic fatigue are the other common disorders associated with IBS. This disorder is diagnosed with the study of its symptoms. Symptoms Of IBS-D The symptoms of IBS-D are painful and embarrassing. Most common symptoms that occur in the case of IBS are: Abdominal pain Diarrhea Constipation Frequent and loose stools Nausea Bloating Gassiness Headache Fatigue Causes Of IBS-D The exact causes of IBS-D are still unknown. However, irregularities in the gastrointestinal movements trigger IBS. Intestinal infection, pain, food sensitivity, and genetics are some factors responsible for IBS-D. Excessive consumption of alcohol and substances that cause inflammation are also known to increase the chances of IBS. Home Treatment For IBS-D Add Fiber To Your Diet Including fiber in your diet brings drastic relief with IBS-D. Soluble fibers found in certain food items and vegetables soak up the extra liquid content in your intestines. Hence, it prevents diarrhea. Oatmeal, beans, and certain fruits like apples, strawberries, and grapefruit are excellent sources of soluble fiber. Insoluble fibers help in resolving constipation. Insoluble fibers are mainly found in wheat, bran, and salad greens. Keep yourself well hydrated to help the fiber move swiftly through your body systems. Fiber helps in smooth functioning of the digestive system. Intake of Yogurt Yogurt contains a high amount of active bacteria that help in slowly decreasing diarrhea. Daily intake of yogurt helps in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria which cause IBS-D.

Non-small cell lung cancer or non-small cell lung carcinoma is the most prevalent type of lung cancer. There are mainly two types of lung cancers, which are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer. Lung carcinoma is a condition in which the lung cells become abnormal, as a result, grow out of control. These abnormal or cancer cells develop rapidly and spread to other parts of the body. Prevalence and causes of non-small cell lung cancer Among the lung cancer cases in the country, almost 80-85% are of non-small cell lung cancer type, and only about 10-15% is of the small lung cancer type. The symptoms and treatment for these two types of lung cancer vary. There are many subtypes of NSCLC, namely, adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The NSCLC type is a serious condition that cannot be reversed but prevented from getting worse. Majority of those affected by this type of lung cancer are smokers or have been exposed to smoke. Exposure to radon, asbestos, air pollution, metal or mineral dust, or radiation is likely to cause this disease. Symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer It is difficult to detect this disease during the early stages because the symptoms are not easily detectable. Often, the symptoms are confused with those of other illnesses like pneumonia or collapsed lung. However, common symptoms of NSCLC are as follows: A cough that worsens or a persistent cough : Continuous bouts of a cough or coughing symptoms that worsen with time may be a symptom of NSCLC. This type of cough may not be associated with a recent spell of cold or flu or other infections. Chest pain : Another classic symptom that is often confused with other diseases. Chest pain due to NSCLC may increase with cough or when one takes deep breaths.

Congestive heart failure is a disease characterized by a problem that affects the pumping power of the heart muscles. It is a chronic progressive disease and is also referred to as heart failure. Congestive heart failure (CHF) refers to the stage in which there is a build-up of fluid around the heart. This causes an ineffectiveness in pumping blood. The heart has four chambers. The lower half of the heart has two ventricles which pump blood to the body’s organs. The upper half of the heart, however, consists of two atria which receive the blood circulated back from the rest of the body. The ventricles cannot pump enough blood to the body due to congestive heart failure. This leads to blood and other fluids filling up the liver, lungs, lower body, and the abdomen. Treatment for congestive heart failure must be done immediately as the disease could be life-threatening. Causes Congestive heart failure may arise from other health conditions that directly impact the cardiovascular system. It is important to get check-ups on a yearly basis to determine the possibility of the onset of any such disease. Lowering the risks which cause heart health problems can go a long way in ensuring one does not develop the disease. Listed below are a few common causes of congestive heart failure. Hypertension leads to the narrowing of the arteries. This makes blood flow much more difficult and can result in the onset of congestive heart failure in the long run. Consider changing the diet if one is suffering from this disease to restore normality or to keep high blood pressure at bay. Valve conditions can directly impact the heart and could lead to its failure. The heart valves regulate the flow of blood to and from the heart by opening and closing the valves.

Diabetes is a deadly and life-long persisting disease that impacts the way in which your body deals with glucose intake. It can be the cause of various other diseases and thus must be addressed at the initial stage. The most common type of diabetes is type 2 and it affects nearly 27 million people in the country. In this type of diabetes, the body becomes incapable to break down the sugar intake and store the glucose in the body properly, thus making it important to abide by the type 2 diabetes diet specifically designed by the physician. Although mostly found in people above the age of 40, there is an increase in the cases of type 2 diabetes among youngsters as well. Causes of type 2 diabetes Some primary causes of type 2 diabetes are as follows: Being overweight Genetic history Lack of physical activities Malfunctioning of the pancreas or liver Common symptoms of type 2 diabetes Some of the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes that should not be ignored are as follows: A perpetual feeling of being thirsty Recurrent urge to urinate Hazy vision Bad temper Difficulty in the healing of wounds Extreme and impenetrable tiredness Diet plan for type 2 diabetes – First step toward healthy living An important factor that can help you to control diabetes and keep your blood sugar level stable is following a proper diet. Therefore, while your doctor will give you oral medication, he will also specify a structured diet plan which you should not ignore at any cost. Following a healthy diet doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice all your favorite dishes. It basically comprises a wide range of starches, fibers, fats, and proteins. The challenge in deriving the right type 2 diabetes diet lies in creating a perfect blend of foods that will provide your body with all the necessities without an excess of a certain type of food to ensure that the sugar level is in control.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition wherein the person suffering from it feels constant muscle pain. Also known as fibrositis, fibromyalgia is often compared with rheumatoid which is the arthritis-type disorder. However, in fibromyalgia, there is no damage caused to the joints, muscles, or any other tendons or tissues but only severe muscle pain. People suffering from fibromyalgia often complain about a constant, sharp sense of pain. People suffering this chronic muscle ache fear that this health issue might worsen with time. But it is necessary to understand that fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease and does not become worse and affect any other part of your body over the period of time. There is no particular cure for fibromyalgia available yet, but there are surely some treatments that can help reduce the chronic pain and improve your quality of life. It is important to know the fibromyalgia symptoms in order to know when to consult a doctor and get the associated treatments. However, before we get into the different types of fibromyalgia symptoms, let us look at what are the causes of fibromyalgia and other related risks. Prevalence of fibromyalgia One of the most common chronic pain issues, fibromyalgia affects a large number of adults in the US. As per the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, there are about 5 million adults in the country who are affected by fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can occur both in men and women but is more prevalent in women. As per the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association, anywhere between 75 to 90% of women are affected by fibromyalgia. The fibromyalgia symptoms can show up at any age but is mostly seen when a person is middle aged. However, in some cases, fibromyalgia can affect children too. Causes of fibromyalgia The cause of fibromyalgia is not exactly known to the researchers.