According to various medical research reports, acne is a common skin condition that affects almost 85% of the people worldwide at some point in their lives. Usually, acne occurs when the pores in the skin get clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Some of the common symptoms of acne include pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Many factors like diet, genetics, excessive stress, various infections, and hormonal changes may contribute to developing acne. However, here is a list of the best acne products that are currently trending on the market. Also, some effective home remedies for acne treatment have been mentioned here. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne-Fighting Face Wash Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in this face wash. It helps in gently exfoliating the top layers of the skin unclogging all the pores. It not only lets the skin feel supple but squeaky clean as well. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment This product contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide, which is a great option to kill bacteria and is good for spot treatment for the normal skin type. In addition, it contains LHA (lipohydroxy acid) that helps in exfoliating the skin to keep the pores free from future clogs. Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment According to dermatologists, this is one of the best acne treatments . Adapalene, a type of retinoid, treats the acne by exfoliating your skin to unclog pores. A thin layer should be applied all over the face every day. Moreover, this treatment helps in reducing wrinkles, banning blemishes and combating aging. Sun protection should be used while using this. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment Vanishing Cream Formula If one has sensitive skin and is worried about the pimples, one can opt for this effective cream. It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide that helps in removing spots and even works for the sensitive skin.

Back pain can impact your everyday activities in a profound manner. It can even affect your sleeping patterns in the most unimaginable ways, which is why you must ensure that you choose the right kind of mattress. However, picking the best mattress for back pain isn’t so easy. Why? Mostly because no one kind of mattress is certified to be ideal for all kinds of sleepers. So, while you are on a shopping spree for a mattress for your back pain, make sure that you solely focus on your personal preferences and comforts. To make your decision a little easier, here are some shopping tips which will guide you to purchase the best mattress for back pain. Types – Everyone suffering from back pain will respond in a different way to a same kind of mattress. For instance, one might find an innerspring mattress inconvenient for spinal cord discomfort. Moreover, some might consider it as the most viable choice. And that is why, while you are shopping check out all the types available. Some of the most popular forms of mattresses for back pain are memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, air, futon, etc. Shortlist any of these by weighing the pros and cons with respect to factors like body contouring and firmness. Support – Most forms of chronic pain are caused because of hectic lifestyles which are largely dictated by poor posture and stress. The state of these conditions can be improved by having a good night’s sleep. However, if you chose an unsuitable type of mattress that doesn’t offer great support to your spinal cord, your back-pain condition will aggravate further. While you are looking at different mattresses, it is recommended that you try sleeping on them at least once. This will help you gauge its firmness as well as support qualities from a subjective point of view.

Winter is approaching soon and you will have to use a modified regime for your skin to keep it healthy and moisturized. Primarily, this indicates the inclusion of a good face moisturizer. This apparently is because your skin will change as the atmosphere around you becomes increasingly dry. Whether you have a normal, oily or a naturally dry skin, a face moisturizer is a must for all the skin types. At the same time, it is important that you choose the right kind of moisturizer for your face. Here are some of the factors that you should keep in mind before buying a face moisturizer for dry skin. Age: You will find some products that are targeted towards consumers of a certain age. For instance, if someone is over forty then the moisturizer offered will not only hydrate their skin but will also help with skin related issues such as aging and wrinkling. Similarly, a person in their late twenties can opt for a moisturizing product that nourishes their facial skin as well as fights signs of premature aging and dullness. Type of skin: Your skin texture is a critical feature while choosing the right face moisturizer. For example, if you have an oily skin, a light face serum would be an apt choice. On the other hand, if you suffer from flaky and sensitive skin, then choose a heavy face moisturizer for dry skin which comprises of natural ingredients. Climate: If you live in an extreme chilly region, then you might need a moisturizer with rich and creamy elements. But if you happen to reside in a place where the winters are relatively balmier then you can choose a face moisturizer for dry skin that is mild but effective. Skin concerns: If your skin is dictated by problems like acne, pimples, patches, dullness, etc.

Around 6 to 18 percent people worldwide have experienced and are affected by irritable bowel syndrome. This is a medical condition which involves a change in the frequency of bowel movements. The trigger symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can include daily factors such as diet, stress, and poor sleep. However, the trigger factors of irritable bowel syndrome vary for different people and no specific foods can be blamed for this disorder. Below are listed the most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome which you should know about. Pain and cramping Abdominal pain can be considered as a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. In normal circumstances, the gut and brain work together and control digestion. This generally happens through hormones and nerves which release signals through good bacteria which are found in the gut. In irritable bowel syndrome, the signals usually get distorted and lead to pain in muscles of the digestive tract. Usually, this pain occurs in the lower abdomen; however, in some cases, it occurs only in the upper abdomen. This pain usually decreases after a bowel movement. The treatment for this problem includes the use of bowel relaxants such as peppermint oil. Cognitive behavior therapy is also found to be useful in such cases. Diarrhea Diarrhea is also considered among the key irritable bowel symptoms. Around one-third of the patients are affected by this symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. A study was conducted to find the connection of diarrhea with irritable bowel syndrome. It came out that among 200 people who had diarrhea-related irritable bowel syndrome almost all had an average of twelve bowel movements in a week which was double the number of such movements experienced by people who did not have diarrhea-related irritable bowel syndrome. This symptom of irritable bowel syndrome is a major cause of stress among people.

We grew up hearing the about benefits of drinking a lot of water. Not only does it keep us hydrated, but it also keeps our bodily functions running smoothly. Water also flushes out the harmful toxins from the body via urination. Urinating frequently is usually a good sign. It helps you keep away from the diseases, but the constant urge to urinate and frequent trips to the toilet can become annoying. What is frequent urination? Frequent urination is the urge to pass more urine than usual, more often than usual. Frequent urination can be an irritating interruption to your daily routine, your sleep quality, and can also be a sign of more serious medical problems. Many people live with the problem of frequent urination. When someone urinates more than 3 liters in a day, it’s called polyuria. How do you identify if you have an overactive bladder? Your bladder can store up to 400-600 milliliters of urine. A healthy person visits the toilet between four to eight times in the day, and once at night. But, if you have the urge to visit the toilet more often than mentioned, or are unable to hold back your urine, and experience leakage during urination, or if you are urinating several times during the night, then you should immediately consult a doctor to diagnose your condition. How to stop frequent urination? The nature of treatment for frequent urination depends upon two factors: If the diagnosis indicates that you may have diabetes mellitus, then the treatment would aim to regulate and control your high blood sugar levels. In case of a bacterial kidney infection, the treatment would include either painkiller therapy or antibiotics. However, if you’re suffering from an acute case of overactive bladder, then medication such as an anticholinergic might be recommended. These would ultimately stop the abnormal and involuntary bladder muscle contractions from happening.

Asthma and its triggers For people who suffer from asthma, one of their biggest nightmares is to come across asthma triggers. There are many common asthma triggers and each affects patients differently. Here are some triggers that may surprise you: Mold Breathing in mold can trigger an asthma episode. Inspect your house regularly for the growth of mold. Depending on the humidity and moisture in the air, mold can grow in various places. A dehumidifier or an air conditioner is one of the best ways to keep humidity under control. Additionally, you can also use a hygrometer so that the humidity levels don’t go higher than 50%. It is also recommended to fix the water leaks, which may lead to the growth of mold behind walls or under floors. Smoke exuded from burning plants The smoke that comes from plants or burning wood is made up of very small particles and harmful gases. When you breathe in too much of this smoke, you can get an asthma attack. It is one of the most common triggers that only a few know about. Avoid wood-burning entirely and if a wildfire causes poor quality of air in the area, keep a check on the news to avoid those areas. Physical infections Physical infections can also trigger asthma. These may be triggers associated with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and even cold. Additionally, allergies, sinus infections, and acid reflux can result in an asthma attack as well. In some cases, external physical factors can be the main trigger for asthma. This may include bad weather, high humidity, or even thunderstorms. Medicines There are certain medicines which may trigger your asthma. It is recommended to avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines as much as possible. However, if you want to consume certain medications, consult your physician and take their opinion.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a health condition that affects about 30% of people affected by psoriasis, bringing the number of patients in the country to around 2 million. Just like psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, Psoriatic arthritis results in inflammation of the joints. The best way to manage this condition is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential management tips necessary to manage psoriatic arthritis and reduce flare-ups: Treatment options Doctors might have to go through various treatment plans since finding one that suits the patient isn’t easy. That said, there are some options that show substantial results and are commonly prescribed. These include the following. OTEZLA® Approved by the FDA, OTEZLA® is a prescription treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is the cause of the increased inflammatory response of the body. Regular use of OTEZLA® has proven beneficial for patients and can be combined with phototherapy or topical treatments. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an oral treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis patients. Doctors usually prescribe this treatment option when patients fail to respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It is an oral treatment option used for adult PsA patients only. Foods to eat and avoid Omega 3 helps lower inflammation in the body and improves bone health. Some foods that need to be included in regular meals are salmon, walnuts, and seeds. Fruits and vegetable portions also need to be increased as they provide the body with necessary nutrients and have anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, foods with inflammatory properties can contribute to the worsening of symptoms in patients with PsA. These include foods like dairy and dairy products, sugar, processed meat, red meat, fried foods, and processed food products. Lowering the intake of these food groups can show improvement in the patient’s condition.

Getting the recommended dosage of vitamins is essential for overall health maintenance. Having a wholesome and a healthy diet alone does not ensure an adequate supply of essential vitamins to our body. All of the vitamin and mineral requirements of our body are not met by natural, whole foods. Hence, doctors recommend multivitamin supplements to bridge this nutritional gap. Given the fact that the nutritional requirements of women differ from that of men, choosing the best multivitamins for women requires careful evaluation of the nutritional needs and other factors. Intake of multivitamins needs to be done after a detailed evaluation of the nutritional gaps and consultation with a physician or a registered dietician. Essential vitamins for the proper functioning of the body Here is a list of vitamins that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin A Vitamin B1/B2/B3 Vitamin B5/B6 Vitamin B7/B9/B12 Vitamin C Vitamin K Vitamin E Choline Who needs to take multivitamins? Those who do not have healthy eating habits require multivitamins to fill the nutritional gaps. People who have a poor appetite due to health complications or illnesses need them too. Pregnant women and nursing mothers require an additional supply of vitamins and minerals, which are provided by multivitamin supplements. Those on diet restrictions may also need multivitamin supplements to make up for lack of nutrients. Senior citizens require multivitamins to compensate for depleted nutrients due to old age. How to choose the right multivitamin for women? What are the factors to be considered before choosing the best multivitamins for women? Although each multivitamin brand varies slightly based on the ingredients and the quantities, the main vitamin and mineral content remains the same. The rate of absorption of the contents of multivitamins is the differentiating factor between various brands of multivitamins. Women should scrutinize the contents of the multivitamins before consumption.

If you are like most, then you are in college or stuck at a 9-5 and simply can’t concentrate on your diet to incorporate enough proteins into it. Buying food from outside to meet your daily protein requirements isn’t a practical solution, and you aren’t in the position to start cooking your own food. If you belong to that category of people, protein powder is the thing for you. You can avail all the necessary proteins for bodybuilding using a drink or shake. However, it is important you choose the best protein powder on the market. Read on to know why: What is the role that proteins play in muscle formation? Proteins are composed of amino acids which are responsible for several processes including building, repairing and even maintaining your muscle tissues. Proteins contain high levels of Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Carbon and most important Nitrogen. Like how nitrogen (or nitrous) can speed up cars in a drag race, nitrogen plays a similar role when it comes to muscle formation as well. When you’re having sufficient amounts of protein, you have an ideal nitrogen balance (also referred to as a positive balance). This puts your body in the anabolic state (which is optimal for building muscles). On the other hand, insufficient consumption of proteins results in a negative or an unideal nitrogen balance. This is the birth of the catabolic state. In this case, your body gains energy right from your muscles. It’s analogous to self-destruction; all that effort you put at the gym, all those times you choose to lift a dumbbell over your Xbox controller, will go in vain. In addition to all those vital functions that proteins are responsible for, muscle repair is another critical operation that is slowed down in the presence of a low protein content.

Health care needs and costs increase with a person’s age. These costs can harm the monthly expenses and make it difficult to gather funds to treat untimely health complications. Medicare is an affordable health care policy offering health benefits to senior citizens (aged 65 and older) and people who meet special criteria, which is provided by the federal government. There are two main types of Medicare plans including Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. The Medicare Part A plan provides hospital insurance, whereas the Medicare Part B provides medical insurance. However, in some cases, these plans might not suffice in providing a comprehensive health coverage, leading to an increase in the medical expenses. Medicare Supplement Plans come in handy when the basic Medicare plans fail to cover medical costs incurred by an individual. The Medicare Supplement Plans help in bridging the gap between the two main Medicare plans. Here are some advantages of enrolling in Medicare Supplement Plans that you should be aware of: Medicare Supplements cover for expenses that are not included in the original Medicare Part A and Part B. Some Medicare Supplement Plans cover for 100% of expenses after the original Medicare plan covers its share. They can cover deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and emergency foreign travel for a medical procedure. Following factors can help you choose the right Medicare Advantage Plan that can supplement your original Medicare plan: Cost of buying supplement plans This is the first and foremost factor you should consider while buying a Medicare Supplement Plan. A survey suggests that the average cost of buying a Medicare Supplement Plan is roughly $185. The three different pricing considerations mentioned below can help you choose the best supplement plan for yourself: Issue-Age – These premiums are age-specific as they offer cheaper initial premiums for younger applicants.

Water is an essential life force that regulates one’s temperature, supports food digestion, and flushes out toxins from the body. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and prevents dehydration. Studies have shown that insufficient water intake can lead to many side effects. While some can be immediately noticed, like headache and dry mouth, others can cause long-term health concerns like kidney stones. Here are some common side effects of dehydration that prompt one to drink water. Headaches Headaches can be caused due to temporary factors like lack of sleep. But it is also a symptom of dehydration caused due to fatigue and reduced oxygen supply to the brain. So, before one associates headaches with anything else, it is advisable to drink a large glass of water. Dehydration can also lead to poor concentration and affect one’s cognitive functions in the long run. Muscle cramps Without enough water or fluids, muscles tend to become more sensitive to cramps or spasms with every movement. Water helps to lubricate the joints and avoid the build up of any toxins in the body, thus reducing inflammation and ensuring good muscular health. Bad oral health Insufficient water intake leads to a dry mouth where enough saliva is not produced. Saliva helps to thwart bacteria growth in one’s mouth. This, in turn, leads to tooth decay and bad breath. So, drinking enough water also ensures good oral hygiene. Fatigue Lack of sufficient water could drop one’s energy levels and make one feel tired without any major physical activity. One must have enough water, especially during exercise, since sweating can lead to electrolyte and water loss from the body and aggravate the feeling of fatigue. Skin damage Keeping the body hydrated also has an impact on one’s skin. Dry or rough skin may be due to prolonged dehydration.

All you need to know about food allergies in dogs If you observe your dog constantly itching or shaking their head vigorously as if to dislodge something, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is not easy to confirm a food allergy, but a visit to the vet can help rule out any other causes of your dog’s behavior. While most of the cases of dog allergies are a direct result of an adverse reaction to an ingredient, a latent allergy can be triggered by environmental factors too. Keep in mind that food allergies are different from food intolerance. What is a food allergy in dogs? These happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the food. You may think that meat alone supplies proteins to your dog, but there are many grains and vegetables which are equally good sources of proteins. Any of these proteins are capable of causing a food allergy. What are the signs of a food allergy? The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are a gastrointestinal disorder, itching, chronic diarrhea, ear inflammation, and licking their feet. What are the most common allergens found in dog food which can trigger a reaction? Beef: When you have been feeding one type of food for years to your dog, it can cause intolerance to it or an allergic reaction to its ingredients. Beef is perhaps the most common component of any kind of pet food and thus, also the most common allergen. Dairy products : Dogs may have problems digesting lactose and this is usually intolerance and not so much an allergy per se. It can result in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Wheat: Dogs are more likely to develop an allergy to meat rather than whole grains. But, there are always exceptions to this and wheat may be a trigger too.