Here’s What is Causing Your Digestive Problems Diverticulitis is an inflammation of small pockets in the intestine. These are most commonly found in the large intestine but can occur anywhere along the digestive tract. Since the problem often goes unnoticed until it becomes more serious, it’s important to keep an eye out for diverticulitis symptoms. Diverticula are small pouches that appear on the walls of the large intestine. This occurs when the inner lining of the large intestine bulges out and forms small sacs in the outer lining. It can be caused by a consistently low-fiber diet which places your digestive system and intestines under immense pressure, leading to diverticula formation. The formation of these diverticula is called diverticulosis or diverticular disease. The inflammation of the diverticula is called diverticulitis. Diverticula are fairly common and have been associated with aging. With age, the walls of the intestines get weaker and the passing of hard food through it is enough to cause diverticula. It’s estimated that up to 50% of people in the world develop diverticula by the time they are 80 years old. Diverticulitis refers to the infection that occurs when there is bacterial growth within the diverticula. Diverticulitis symptoms can be severe and lead to complications such as abscesses in the intestine and even intestinal bleeding. Diverticular disease is often asymptomatic but as it progresses, you tend to have more pronounced diverticulitis symptoms. A low-fiber diet plays a significant role in the development of diverticulitis symptoms. Diverticulitis symptoms and signs Unfortunately, most cases of diverticulitis show no symptoms until the condition gets significantly worse. When there is an inflammation of the diverticula, the following diverticulitis symptoms may be noticed. Abdominal pain One of the most characteristic diverticulitis symptoms is a painful sensation in the lower left portion of the intestine.

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects several thousand people in the country. This painful condition that affects the heel of the foot can cause great discomfort and impairs the daily functioning of a person. Wearing the right plantar fasciitis insoles can go a long way in alleviating symptoms and living a normal life. What Is Plantar Fasciitis? First, let’s take a look at this common condition and understand its causes, signs, and symptoms. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the band of tissue that connects a person’s heel to the toes. It is caused due to extreme stretching or tearing of this band of tissue that provides support to the arch on a person’s heel. This is where plantar fasciitis insoles can provide relief and help a person walk normally. The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are intense pain near the heel that usually worsens after waking up in the morning, after long periods of standing on your feet, and when you rise up after sitting for a long time. A person generally does not experience pain during exercise but there may be a pain right after. This condition is generally seen in runners, ballet dancers or individuals who participate in activities that put pressure on the heels. People who are obese, individuals who do not wear shoes with adequate support, those who regularly wear high heels, and people with flat feet are at a higher risk of developing this condition. People whose jobs tend to keep them on their feet are also vulnerable. Plantar fasciitis is more common in women, but men can also develop it. How Is Plantar Fasciitis Treated? This condition is self-diagnosable, but it is best to consult a doctor about the severity of the condition. A physical examination of the affected area and some imaging tests may be required to point out the exact location of the pain and inflammation.

The esophagus, also known as the food pipe, carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a critical component of the digestive system. Esophageal cancer is a condition in which cancerous cells rapidly multiply and occupy the tissues of the esophagus. While cancer here is certainly treatable, it may not be completely curable. To reduce the severity of symptoms, doctors first need to diagnose the condition based on the following typical symptoms: Swallowing difficulties The growth of cancerous cells in the esophagus makes it narrower. As a result, ingesting food becomes much more difficult. This results in trouble swallowing food, even small bites. Additionally, swallowing solid food may become painful for people with esophageal cancer. Hoarse voice The growth of cancerous cells can affect parts of the throat, such as the vocal cords and the larynx. As a result, the voice undergoes a transformation and becomes unnaturally hoarse and raspy, especially as cancer progresses. Muscle loss When dealing with esophageal cancer, one may lose their appetite and willingness to eat. This is aggravated by the difficulty swallowing food and the accompanying pain. As a result, one dealing with this kind of cancer may tend to have smaller and less frequent meals over time. They may also find it easier to have beverages and fluids than solid food. Eventually, this tendency deprives one of the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals required to build strength and resilience to diseases. The cumulative effect of these factors is rapid muscle loss in a short period of time. This is one of the main esophageal cancer symptoms, and if one observes this symptom, they should get screened for cancer. Persistent cough The cancerous cell growth in the throat also can cause irritation and a buildup of mucus. This leads to a near-persistent cough—one of the most common esophageal cancer symptoms.

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease associated with inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. The inflammation here results from the immune system attacking healthy tissues in the body after mistaking them for harmful invaders. Genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, high exposure to UV light, and stress are some common issues that trigger the condition. Knowing its symptoms and available management options can help one get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms The most common form of the condition is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which tends to affect multiple body parts and cause discomfort in those areas. Joint pain Pain or swelling in the ankles, wrists, and knees can develop due to inflammation in the lining of the joints. This also causes tenderness, stiffness, and aches in the joints as well as muscle pain and poor balance. Fever and fatigue Lupus may cause a high fever (over 100°F). This may make one feel fatigued without engaging in any physical activity. The persistent exhaustion may also make one take frequent naps during the day. Skin issues A telltale sign of lupus is skin rashes, especially butterfly-shaped ones (called malar rashes) across the cheek and nose. Depending on the skin tone, the rashes may be dark purple, brown, red, or pink. Additionally, fingers and toes can turn pale or purple when feeling cold or stressed. The skin may become more sensitive to sun rays or bright lights. Chest pain When dealing with lupus, one may find it difficult or painful to take deep breaths. This phenomenon is called pleurisy. Hair loss, seizures, mouth and nose sores are other common lupus symptoms. Treatment options Lupus is usually diagnosed with the help of a combination of tests—biopsy, imaging tests, urinalysis, kidney and liver assessment, and complete blood count. The tests also help confirm the severity of the condition, based on which treatment is determined.

Medigap plans are supplement plans purchased over your original Medicare insurance policy to provide additional medical coverage. Traditional Medicare plans may not provide complete coverage and medical benefits, which is why Medigap plans offered by private insurance companies are gaining popularity today. Medigap Plan F is the most popular option according to the recent shift in policy trends observed by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance. This would come as a surprise since Medigap Plan F also happens to be the most expensive in the various categories from Plans A to N offered as supplement insurance. However, the major reason for many people opting for Plan F is the wide range of coverage it offers when it comes to healthcare costs. Experts agree that trying to save money on the premium payable for medical insurance is not a good idea since it will affect your health coverage in the long run. Age is also a factor which has to be taken into consideration above all since only people who 65 years and above can opt for Medigap plans, including the most popular Medigap Plan F. At this age, being insured for a complete healthcare cover is recommended and advised by medical professionals since costs can be quite substantial without health insurance. Things to look for while comparing Medigap Plan F with popular insurance companies: Medigap Plan F general coverage offers substantial medical coverage including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs over and above Medicare. Part B coinsurance or copayment. Blood packets, the first three pints for surgery, and transfusion purposes. Part A hospice care copayment. Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance. Part A and Part B deductibles. Foreign travel exchange, which will again differ accordingly compared to plan limits and insurance companies. Out of pocket expenses which will again depend on the type of policy and its insurance carrier.

Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, caused by the chickenpox virus. It affects nerve fibers and skin, causing burning sensations that last long after the rash and blisters of shingles disappear. The danger of postherpetic neuralgia rises with age, primarily concerning people older than 60. There is no permanent cure, but treatment can help to ease the pain. The signs and symptoms are limited to the first occurrence of shingles outbreak on your skin. The shingles mostly break around the trunk or usually on one side of your body. These three signs and symptoms can be of concern: You have been experiencing pain from the last three months or longer post the shingles rash has healed. One experiences burning, sharp and jabbing, or deep and aching pain. Skin becomes sensitive to touch. People often cannot stand the slightest of sensation or contact like cloth rubbing the affected area. Some experience Itching and numbness around the affected area. Diagnosis Most cases do not require any tests to be done. Doctors touch the border of the affected area on your skin to determine the severeness. Treatment No particular postherpetic neuralgia treatment can help relieve all people. For many affected patients, it takes a combination of treatments to reduce the pain. Lidocaine skin patches Small patches like bandages that contain the topical, pain-relieving medication lidocaine. These patches can be cut to fit the affected area, and these are available by prescription. Apply directly on the affected area where you experience pain and burning sensation to get temporary relief. Capsaicin skin patch High concentration from an extract of chili peppers (capsaicin) is another available skin patch option that is known to relieve the pain from postherpetic neuralgia. The patch is available only at a doctor’s clinic and has to be applied by trained professionals post using a numbing medication on the affected area.

Gout is the most common type of arthritis that is caused due to an imbalance of uric acid levels in the body. When the body starts to produce excess uric acid, it starts forming urate crystals. These crystals get accumulated near the joints such as the base of the big toe, knees, finger joints, and wrist. This causes pain, inflammation, and discomfort. The joints that are affected by gout are usually red and swollen. They are also surrounded by inflamed and sore muscles. Gouty arthritis can be painful. A gout attack can strike at any time and can last for up to seven to ten days. If you have high uric acid levels in your body, it is best to get tested for a possibility of having a gout attack in the future. If left untreated, it can lead to further problems like renal failure, and severe damage to muscles, joints, and tendons. Gout can be effectively treated using antibiotic medicines prescribed by your physician. Other gout remedies that work are—natural ingredients from your kitchens such as garlic, ginger, turmeric and apple cider vinegar that will reduce the effects of gout. While home remedies focus on reducing the inflammation, once a gout attack happens, medications are a long-term solution for treating gout. Some medicines treat gout by lowering the uric acid levels in the body by blocking its production. Some are helpful in reducing the swelling and inflammation. Gout treatments are recommended, to prevent further attacks. Following is a comprehensive list of some gout remedies that work. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) These drugs, as the name suggests, are anti-inflammatory. They are given after the gout attack commences. NSAIDs help to reduce the physical symptoms of a gout attack like swelling of the joint and inflammation, to provide instant relief from the condition.

Testosterone, a hormone generated by the testicles, is required for boosting masculinity and muscle development. An increase in the levels of this hormone during adolescence is the reason why boys develop male characteristics such as facial hair and a deep voice. In addition to this, testosterone promotes red blood cell production, strengthens the bones, uplifts mood, and fosters mental capabilities. The levels of testosterone in the body peak during early adulthood and they begin to decline after the age of 40 years. Beyond the age of 50 years, men may complain of the symptoms of low testosterone levels such as alterations in sexual drive, impotence, anxiety, fatigue, gain in body weight, lowered muscle mass, and anemia. Although a reduction in the testosterone levels occurs as one grows old, it may occur owing to other health conditions such as infections, injuries, cancer treatments, hormonal or steroid drug consumption, stress, obesity, alcoholism, and severe illnesses. Normally, testosterone levels in the body range between 300 and 1000 nanograms per deciliter of blood. Men with levels less than this lower limit are deemed as suffering from low testosterone. This is a major concern for men. Hence one must consider consulting a doctor for low testosterone treatment. Who Needs Low Testosterone Treatment? Every individual diagnosed with a low testosterone level does not require treatment. Indeed, doctors say that low testosterone therapy is needed only when accompanied by several associated symptoms that are severe. Since treatment of low testosterone involves certain risks such as increased disposition towards blood clotting, breast enlargement, acne, and stroke, physicians prefer to identify the cause of reduced blood testosterone levels. If an individual suffers from unnatural weight gain, thyroid disorders, or side effects of certain medications are determined as the cause, these reasons are addressed and treated as a priority. Similarly, if men do not suffer from important symptoms such as decreased energy levels and sexual desires, doctors do not immediately recommend therapy.

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the inability of the pancreas to secrete sufficient insulin or the body’s inability to effectively use the secreted insulin. In fact, diabetes mellitus is a silent killer, and if a person suffers from high blood pressure along with diabetes, it can prove to be fatal. Studies have reported that approximately 37% of the global population is diabetic and these figures are rising due to increased incidence of obesity and other lifestyle habits. An Insight Into Diabetes Diabetes can manifest in two types. People usually develop type 1 diabetes or diabetes mellitus in adulthood. Sufferers of type 1 diabetes are completely insulin dependent. Type 2 diabetes is more common and in this condition, the body does not produce enough insulin or body cells are insulin resistant. There is an increased incidence of juvenile diabetes and gestational diabetes. Medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the conditions effectively. Diabetes is a cause of adult blindness. Also, diabetics are at an increased risk of suffering from a fatal stroke. Moreover, they are prone to infections that do not heal quickly, resulting in amputation of the limbs. Hence, it is essential that blood sugar levels are constantly monitored with the help of a blood sugar chart. These charts serve as tools to determine the quantum of sugar that has accumulated in the blood. What Is A Blood Sugar Chart? A blood sugar chart helps track your blood glucose levels. The chart contains columns that keep a track of the date, and fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels. It also shows target readings which will help you conclude your current levels vis-a-vis the normal blood glucose levels. The normal blood sugar levels before meals range between 70-130 mg/dl. Post meals, that is about 2 hours after meals, the blood sugar levels should be below 180 mg/dl.

Fluid buildup in the muscles and tissues cause swelling in the feet. If you are hale and healthy, swollen feet can be a result of exertion. Taking adequate rest and keeping the legs elevated brings down the swelling. When it gets severe, swollen feet, medically termed as peripheral edema, can lead to difficulty while walking, skin ulcerations, scarred tissue, increase the risk of infection and a decrease in blood circulation. Peripheral edema can manifest across all age groups. The elderly who have suffered a muscle wear and tear, and athletes engaged in high impact activities, are at a higher risk of suffering from swollen feet and ankles. The swelling is painless and can occur in one or both the legs. Primary Causes The feet can swell due to—injury, pregnancy, ageing, being overweight, excess consumption of salt, underlying medical conditions, high altitude, binge drinking, menstruation/PMS, standing or sitting in the same position for long duration, and intake of medications such as antidepressants, steroids, birth-control pills with high estrogen, calcium channel blockers, and medication for diabetes. Heart, liver and kidney failure can also cause swollen feet, due to the accumulation of fluids. Other underlying conditions that can be the cause for swollen feet include—varicose veins, insect bite, arthritis of the feet, thyroid disorder, venous insufficiency, blood clots, excessive use of laxatives, drugs, and diuretics, salt retention, malnutrition, lymphatic obstruction, any allergic reaction, and leg or foot surgery. Treating the underlying medical condition and a monitoring diet and lifestyle can help to prevent swollen feet. Here are 10 natural remedies for swollen feet that are effective in reducing the swelling. Foot Massage The best and effective remedy for swollen feet is a foot massage. When the feet are massaged, the pressure applied to the affected area relaxes the sore muscles and improves circulation.

The thyroid is one of the most misinterpreted diseases in human beings. Very few people understand the exact condition when the numeric value of thyroid level showed in blood reports is lower or higher than the prescribed value. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive and is hence unable to release enough thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is the exact opposite of this. It is the overactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in a rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that can happen to any person at any given time of his or her life. However, it has been observed that older people, especially women, are more predisposed to hypothyroidism. A hypothyroidism diet is essential to promote the normal activity of the gland. Indicators of hypothyroidism The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the human neck. Doctors note that almost 40 percent of the population across the globe suffers from hypothyroidism at some phase of their lives. With age, women tend to become more prone to suffer from underactive thyroid glands. Apart from women, others prone to hypothyroidism include those who have diabetes, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. People notice certain changes in themselves that may not be normal as per their character. The main symptoms of hypothyroidism are: Fatigue or low energy levels Frequent mood swings Disturbed sleep patterns Poor digestion Weakened metabolism Loss of hair Infertility Weak nails Weight gain Muscle tenderness and pain Breathing problems Constipation Cracked or rough skinGoiter Disturbed menstrual cycle Frequent cold or flu These are the initial signs that often indicate towards the disease. If suspected, doctors usually suggest blood tests to the person to substantiate. Hypothyroidism is not a deadly disease that cannot be treated. With proper treatment, lifestyle changes and hypothyroidism diet plans, one can control hypothyroidism and gradually increase the thyroid level in the body.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spreads through bodily fluids like blood and genital discharges. It attacks the immune system and can even lead to death on progressing into stage 3 HIV, commonly referred to as AIDS. Therefore, timely detection and management are crucial. Keeping this in mind, we have listed some of the early symptoms of an HIV infection and a few nutritious foods to eat to delay its progression. Early and uncommon signs of an HIV infection The first symptoms of HIV usually develop within two to four weeks after contracting the virus. The initial stage is also known as acute HIV infection and often includes symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, sore throat, skin rash, mouth ulcers, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, and muscle and joint pain. Some people in the initial stage experience symptoms linked to health conditions like esophageal candida, herpes zoster, and HIV wasting syndrome, which are usually seen later on. Some patients may also show non-HIV-associated gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms, such as gallbladder inflammation, severe gastric bleeding, kidney failure, brain inflammation, and meningitis. Remember that not everyone with the virus exhibits symptoms in the early days of an HIV infection. Foods to slow down HIV progression These foods can help improve overall health and delay the progression of an HIV infection: Kale This dark leafy green is among the most nutritious veggies. Kale is packed with compounds that boost immune health and keep inflammation levels in check, decreasing the risk of complications associated with HIV. Lean beef Lean protein is necessary to build muscles and bolster the immune system. An excellent source of high-quality protein is lean cuts of beef. Other good sources include fish, eggs, beans, and nuts. Brown rice Unlike white rice, brown rice is a whole grain full of fiber and B vitamins.