Cholesterol plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the body. It is made in the liver and mainly helps in keeping the cell walls of the body flexible and also plays an important role in making several hormones. Then again just like too much of anything is bad, so is too much cholesterol in the body. Just like fat, cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, and instead, it floats in the blood with the help of lipoproteins. Now, different types of lipoproteins have different effects on a person’s health. It has been observed that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cause cholesterol to deposit in the walls of the blood vessels. This can lead to strokes, clogged arteries, kidney failure, and heart attacks. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps carry cholesterol away from the walls of the blood vessels and it prevents various diseases. So, let’s take a look at a few of the natural methods to reduce cholesterol levels. Focus more on monounsaturated fats Unsaturated fats tend to have a double chemical bond, which changes the way they are processed by the body. Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond. Many experts recommend having a low-fat diet for weight loss, but the problem with this diet is that it also reduces the beneficial HDL cholesterol from the body. In contrast, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels or the harmful LDL, but it maintained the healthy HDL level in the body. Monounsaturated fats are good for health as they tend to reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol, increase the levels of good HDL cholesterol and inhibit harmful oxidation. Following are some good sources of monounsaturated fats. Avocados Olives and olive oil Tree nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews Canola oil Use polyunsaturated fats, such as Omega-3s Polyunsaturated fats tend to have several double bonds, which changes the way they are used by the body.

Shingles is a type of viral infection that results in a painful rash in the form of blisters. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus that is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person encounters chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the body in the nerve tissues near the brain or spinal cord. After several years, this virus may reactivate in the form of shingles. Although this rash can appear anywhere on the body, it mostly occurs as a strip of sore blisters either on the right or left side of the upper body. It is best to get vaccinated for shingles in order to prevent the occurrence of the condition. Common symptoms of shingles In most cases, the symptoms of shingles can only be seen in a specific part of the body. These symptoms include the following: Pain, numbness or tingling in a specific body part A red rash that develops after a few days of the pain Fluid-filled blisters that crust over Itching in the affected area Sensitivity to touch Apart from these, some people also experience Fever Headache Excessive fatigue Sensitivity to light Usually, one of the first symptoms of shingles is the pain. In some cases, it can be really excruciating and severe. Because the rash mostly occurs on the torso, shingles pain is generally mistaken for a pain of the heart, kidneys or lungs. Sometimes, shingles also develop around the eye or on either side of the face and neck. Effective treatment for Shingles Medications There is no cure for this condition. However, some medications can help in reducing the severity of the symptoms of shingles: Antiviral medicines Antiviral medicines such as famciclovir and acyclovir help to reduce pain and aid the recovery process. Anti-inflammatory medicines Medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin help to reduce pain and swelling.

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located below the liver. It collects and stores bile, which is produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid the process of digestion. Majority of people seldom give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. Although unlike the liver, heart and the kidneys, the gallbladder isn’t really necessary for maintaining body health and proper functioning, yet it is an important body organ. There are varieties of foods that keep the gallbladder healthy while there are some that increase the likelihood of problems like gallstones or inflammation. These problems can trigger agonizing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain. Such a scenario often leads to surgery, where the gallbladder is removed. Therefore, it is important to consume a healthy gallbladder diet to promote good health and keep problems at bay. Although diet doesn’t have a direct impact on gallbladder problems, watching what one eats and maintaining a healthy body weight can help to prevent the formation of gallstones and consequently, avoid the discomfort they cause. Diet and gallstone risk Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber are more likely to result in gallstones. Also, the risk of gallstones is much higher in people who are overweight and obese. If one is overweight and wishes to lose the extra pounds, then it should be done gradually. Following crash diets can also cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, upsetting the normal balance of bile salts and cholesterol. This extra cholesterol can form crystals, leading to gallstones. Diet for a healthy gallbladder A healthy gallbladder diet is full of fruits and vegetables. Both are extremely rich sources of nutrients and fiber, the latter of which is essential to promote gallbladder health.

The human body’s urinary tract is known as the urinary or the renal system. This is the system that is used to excrete toxins and waste from the human body. The urinary tract is comprised of the kidneys, ureter, the bladder, and the urethra. An infection anywhere in the urinary system is known as a urinary tract infection, commonly referred to as a UTI. It can affect the ureter, the bladders, or even the kidneys. A bladder infection is known as cystitis. When your upper urinary tract or kidneys become infected it is known as pyelonephritis. A very common reason for such UTI is the E. coli bacteria. Other possible causes for a UTI could be frequent sexual intercourse, or intercourse with multiple partners, diabetes, a lack of hygiene, menopause, and even kidney stones. You could even fall prey to a UTI if you urinate in unclean public restrooms. An infection in the lower urinary tract could cause an urge to urinate frequently, even if the bladder is empty. In some cases, you may even experience pain when you urinate. A kidney infection, whether chronic or acute, is extremely dangerous and could leave lifelong effects and even become potentially life-threatening. So you need to take the necessary steps to make sure your kidney health is good and doesn’t become potentially life-threatening. The Best Treatment for UTI A urinary tract infection is a fairly common problem. Urinary tract infections are reported in women more often than men. A UTI is an infection that can be cured fairly easily, and has a large number of treatment options. There are a number of measures you can take to ensure you get the best treatment for UTI possible. These are just a few of them. Drink More Water – Drinking more water than usual is one of the simplest and most important ways to treat, and cure a bladder infection.

Foot corns are an irksome skin condition that can be painful. In areas of excess pressure, these create a thick skin. In medical science, hyperkeratosis is the name for this thickened skin. These are often classified as corns and calluses, each of which is distinct. Corn is more localized and thicker. It is often in a conical or circular shape and could have a translucent appearance. A callus is a section of thick and flat skin. This is often stiffer than corn. Corn could occur somewhere on the feet or the fingers. Some of the most frequent locations wherein corns occur are: On the sole. Most often over the ball of the foot. Often, corns appear on the little finger of the foot because of the friction between the foot and the shoe. At times, corns occur between the fourth and fifth fingers of the toe. If corn appears between the fingers, then it is more likely to be whitish. Such corn may seem slimy and are known as soft corns. Why Do Corns Develop: Corns are thickening of the skin. This thickening takes place to form a natural protection mechanism. Corns come into existence in places where the skin becomes tough. This is to counter high levels of friction. Here are some of the reasons why corns form: At times, corns come to prominence owing to foot or toe distortions. A bony elevation over the foot could lead to corn formation. Tight footwear which puts pressure on the skin could cause a formation of corns. If one has an aberration in movement, it increases the pressure applied to certain areas of the foot. So the odds of developing a corn increase. Finger corns do not occur at locations which are normal areas of friction. These often come into prominence because of using tools.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active. But studies link caffeine to a slew of health problems, including those related to the eyes. Caffeine may increase the pressure inside the eye, especially in people with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. The increase in pressure may result in loss of vision and even blindness. Sweetened beverages Sweetened beverages like energy drinks, sodas, and lemonade contain an abundant amount of sugar. Each drink might contain about seven to ten teaspoons of added sugar. Such sugars may increase the risk of type-2 diabetes and heart diseases. These diseases may also lead to conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

The types of dyskinesia The causes of dyskinesia vary but most cases are due to altered brain chemistry. Dyskinesia is caused due to medication and injury or trauma to the region of the brain known as the basal ganglia. Brain damage is also a major cause when it comes to dyskinesia. The basal ganglia is the region where voluntary movements are learned and controlled. This article examines the types of dyskinesia. Parkinson’s dyskinesia A high number of people, around 50% of patients with Parkinson’s who are being treated with levodopa, develop dyskinesia. Levodopa alters the dopamine levels in the brain, and this rise and fall of dopamine levels causes dyskinesia. The common symptoms of dyskinesia are fidgeting, head bobbing, swaying of the body, wriggling, and writhing. About half of the people who develop dyskinesia do not find the need to seek help and may continue to live healthy lives as the condition is mild and poses no challenge. Tremors Rhythmic movements are used to classify tremors. Some of the familiar types are: Resting or static tremors wherein tremors occur on a limb that is completely supported and is relaxed. These tremors may be associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s. Action and intention or kinetic tremors occur when the muscle is in motion and is normally seen during movement of an upper-body part, which includes the hand or the arm. Doctors usually attribute these tremors to MS, cerebral degeneration, vascular diseases, or a tumor. Tests are conducted to reveal the cause. Postural tremors occur when the muscle is not being moved but continue after it is moved. They are the result of alcohol abuse, heavy metal poisoning, and other physiological factors. Sometimes they may be caused by abusing antidepressants. Neurological conditions like Wilson’s disease have also been associated with tremors of this sort.

Probiotic supplements are evaluated on the basis of certain criteria that can help a person decide the best possible option for them in terms of using probiotics. These criteria include packaging and delivery system of the probiotics and probiotic strains included in the probiotic supplements. Packaging and delivery system One of the most important factors in choosing a probiotic supplement is understanding the different ways in which manufacturers package and deliver probiotic supplements. No matter what product is chosen, the packaging and delivery system is of key importance since probiotics need to be maintained under specific conditions. Also, the system of delivery is important as it refers to the form in which the product is created and how it enables the bacteria to remain alive and healthy as it sits on store shelves, or when it is in transit to reach the part of the gut in the human body where it is supposed to get activated. A waste of money would be a probiotic supplement that is full of dead bacteria or unstable bacteria that die in the stomach acid. Caplet, which is a controlled release tablet, is one delivery system that has worked particularly well in the recent years. The new Beadlet technology is another viable option while the capsule formulation has come a long way since the days when the capsules were instantly destroyed by the stomach acid. Good delivery systems for probiotic supplements are created in a way wherein they ensure that a right amount of bacteria will reach the intestines alive and work properly, making it an important selling point. The details on the packaging or marketing materials of a product are a good indication of this since any company that is willing to explain the manner in which its product works is most likely to be selling a product that works.

When the tear ducts in the eyes do not produce enough lubrication due to some internal or external factors, it often causes dry eyes. The symptoms of dry eyes include redness in the eyes, itching, inflammation, and discomfort. After any other underlying medical causes have been ruled out, one can try home remedies to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. Some common home remedies for the condition are described as follows. Drink more water Drinking more water throughout the day can help prevent a wide range of health issues. It is important to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water throughout the day instead of chugging a lot of water in one go. Having dry eyes is a common sign of dehydration in the body. Drinking more water every day will ensure that one has enough water in the body for the eyes to remain lubricated at all times. This can help in reducing dryness in the eyes and offer more comfort. Eat natural fatty acids It has been observed that omega-3 fatty acids can largely help in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes. Thus, if one has been experiencing dryness in the eyes, they can add more fatty foods to their meals. This includes fish like tuna, salmon, or sardines, and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Using certain oils like palm oil or soybean oil can also help replenish omega-3 fatty acids in the body and help lessen the symptoms of dry eyes. Blink frequently Sometimes, dry eyes can be a result of staring at a computer screen and mobile phone for long periods. Blinking more frequently or taking a break every few minutes can reduce the evaporation of fluids from the eyes and help them stay hydrated. One can also try lowering the brightness of the computer screen slightly to slow down the evaporation of liquid from the eyes.

Not getting a good night’s worth of sleep is a huge problem for working people. Not only do you have to get up early but you also have to face the wrath of inadequate sleep ruining a potentially long day at work! Whether it is your baby keeping you up all night, or the stress of work, the average adult needs at least 6 hours of sleep while children need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep for their mind to function properly. There are several sleeping medications available in the market that can help you get the sleep you deserve. Do not make a habit of their consumption but only make use of them during dire circumstances. You can think of them as a head start in your journey toward a wonderful night’s worth of sleep and peace of mind. We have made the process of choosing the best sleep medication much easier for you. Here are a few of the best sleep medicines in the market today! Lunexia Sleep Aid Lunexia sleep aid is one of the best sleep medicine options available in the market. Not only is it easily available, but reasonably priced as well! It is safe to use and does not lead to over-reliance and the formation of habits. It is made of a blend of natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to be of great effect in aiding sleep. The pill is fast acting and can be used as and when needed. Melatrol Sleep Aid Another popular sleeping pill, Melatrol sleep aid makes use of a blend of valerian root, 5-HTP, Rhodiola rose, and melatonin. It has been clinically proven to decrease sleep onset latency in people suffering from a primary sleep disorder. It is non-addictive and can be popped as per your need.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and thus only affects men. While there is no cure for metastatic prostate cancer, it is manageable to some extent. While undergoing treatment for cancer, it becomes imperative for one to eat right and ensure that the body gets the necessary nutrition. Since the body will be working overtime to battle cancer, it would require energy to repair cells that get damaged due to radiation and chemotherapy. Foods to help battle prostate cancer Whether one is trying to eliminate prostate cancer or prevent themselves from getting diagnosed with it, knowing the foods that can protect them from cancer-inducing carcinogens is helpful: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is effective against prostate, stomach, and lung cancers. Lycopene can also slow down the spread of cancer cells and is most effective when consumed in the natural form. Any diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits can provide good protection against cancers. Lycopene-rich fruits like papaya, guava, and watermelon must be made part of the diet. Pectin, which is present in apples, plums, and apricots, is also known to reduce cancerous cells by almost 40%. A diet that consists of fiber-rich vegetables helps ward off prostate cancer, a prime reason for less Asian men being affected by this disease as compared to those in the West. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are particularly beneficial as they slow the growth of cancerous cells. Green tea and soy have been recommended to keep prostate cancer away, but these are only in the testing stage as of yet. Some chemicals present in soy are found in other legumes and pulses as well, and these may also be effective in preventing prostate cancer. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, can reduce the risk of cancer.

Our brain works at its natural capacity but sometimes supplements are required for the growth of our brain and its enhancement, i.e. stimulators that would help in overall wit development. Brain boosting supplements also known as “Nootropics”, help a person in enhancing their concentration power and alertness by helping the brain to process information quickly. Brain boosting supplements also help in the long run as it reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s. Other significant benefits of brain-boosting supplements include better-retaining power, better recalling power, better energy, reduced stress, better focusing power and less fatigue. There are several brain boosting supplements that are effective and have been widely used by people around the world. Some of the best available brain boosting supplements have been discussed below. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These are vital fatty acids that are not naturally found in the human body. These fatty acids are present in cold water fish and plants and have been found to be really essential for the development of the brain and its functionality. Studies have shown that people are prescribed omega-3s with antidepressants achieve better effective results. Another study has shown that children who intake omega-3s in their diet or even artificial supplements that are available in the market have shown better memory and healthy brains with the clarity of mind in later stages of life. There are mainly two omega-3 fatty acids; DHA and EPA. DHA is better for brain health than EPA. DHA is the primary component of the cerebral cortex; the area of the brain which is responsible for every important function of the brain. Natural source of the supplement is Fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids including Herring, sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Plants rich in Omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds, soy beans, walnuts, chia, and pumpkin seeds. Ginkgo Biloba: