Multiple sclerosis is an extremely dangerous disease that can lead to the potential disabling of the central nervous system and the brain. When it comes to multiple sclerosis, the immune system goes haywire. It attacks the myelin, the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers. This leads to functional problems between the brain and the rest of the body. The disease may progress rapidly and lead to the nerves to deteriorate or become permanently damaged as a whole. Multiple sclerosis symptoms vary greatly. While some people suffering from the disease may lose the ability to walk without any assistance, others may experience long periods of remission without the onset of any new symptoms. The worst part of this disease is the fact that there is no cure for it. While treatment can help you to achieve high-speed recovery from the attacks associated with the disease, there is no way to completely cure it. Medication can also help to manage its symptoms and modify the course of the disease. Here are a few of the symptoms and the complications associated with multiple sclerosis. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis symptoms may vary greatly from person to person. Some people may experience it at a greater intensity, while others may not. It also depends on the location of the affected nerve fibers and over the course of the disease. Some of the most common multiple sclerosis symptoms you need to look out for include: You may feel sudden bouts of dizziness over periods of time. You may feel tired and fatigued at all times despite not doing much in due course of the day. You may experience problems controlling your bladder and bowel movement. There may be other problems with its functioning as well. You may not be able to speak as fluently as you once used to and experience slurred speech.

As we age, our health gets worse and the list of medical tests we need to determine our current condition of health grows longer and longer. At times we tend to skip our tests because of our busy frame of mind, or because we think that we do not need them. When it comes to a bone density test, one should get the test done every few years. A bone density test is vital in determining the strength of our bones. The test is also called a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry or DEXA scan. It helps us determine if we are suffering from any bone loss that can lead to disabilities and fractures in the future, giving us an overview of our overall bone health. Bone density and bone health tests should not be skipped as they can help us determine the condition of our bones. Most men under the age of 70 and women under the age of 65 do not require the test, but this does not mean we should skip it altogether. Here is all one needs to know about the bone density test and why one should get it done today. What is a Bone density Test? A bone density test enables doctors to diagnose brittle bones and help us seek appropriate treatment measures. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become so weak that they are at the point of breaking. A bone density test is used to determine the risk of the above-mentioned disease and fractures. It also enables doctors to put a treatment plan in place for the underlying condition. How is a Bone Density Test Performed? A bone density test is a painless and simple procedure. A patient is made to lie on a padded table with an X-ray generator positioned right underneath the patient, and an imaging device just above.

We all like living a healthy and happy life, and for that, we have to keep our body and health in good condition. One of the most important organs in the body is our heart. A healthy heart is indispensable for living life to the fullest. Apart from exercising daily, dietary habits are equally important to keep the heart healthy. One can include the following food items for a healthy heart in their diet as it will improve their overall health and not lead to any side effects. Following are some food items that are indispensable to a good and healthy heart. You must try and opt for the organic variants of these foods, if possible: Oatmeal: Gym-goers often opt for oatmeal because of its high protein content, and at the same time, it is also a good option for those people who want to keep heart-related problems away by staying fit. It is rich in soluble fiber which lowers the risk of cholesterol significantly. One can either add some sugar or salt to it or use some other spices for flavor. Berries: While most people know that blueberries are amongst the few food items that promote a healthy heart, only a few know that other berries like raspberries and strawberries are equally good. Consuming blueberries on a regular basis lowers the risk of heart-related problems by more than 30% in comparison to those who don’t consume berries at all. Dark chocolate: Most of us like eating chocolate. Only a few stay away from it, and that too, because of medical reasons. However, everyone needs to know that dark chocolate is good for the health of the heart. Dark chocolate has flavonoids called polyphenols which aid in maintaining regular blood pressure levels and prevent blood clotting. However, other types of chocolates such as milk bars do not provide the same benefits.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by persistent difficulty in maintaining an adequate erection to engage in sexual intercourse. There are several reasons why men get ED: some include natural aging process while others may be the outcome of an underlying medical condition wherein blood vessels and associated nerves that supply blood to the penis are affected. Herein, we discuss some tips you can try to protect your potency and prevent erectile dysfunction. Follow a healthy diet Anything that is bad for the heart is also bad for the penis. Doctors opine that unhealthy food that may be causing blockages to the coronary arteries in your heart may also be responsible for inadequate sexual performance. People who consume fewer vegetables and fruits and more fatty, fried, and processed foods are at a greater risk of erectile dysfunction. According to experts, the best diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts, as these are fats that are healthy for the heart. Keep weight in check Type 2 diabetes can cause nerve damage that affects the entire body. The nerves that supply blood to the penis may also be affected and this could give rise to erectile dysfunction. Maintaining a healthy weight will also allow you to last longer in bed and have a more satisfying sexual life. You are advised to control your weight through a regimen of healthy food and daily exercise. If you are overweight, do consult a nutritionist and join a gym for good guidance on how to stay in shape. Monitor levels of cholesterol and blood pressure It is important to constantly check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Research shows that high blood pressure and cholesterol can severely affect blood vessels that carry blood to the penis. This will give rise to erectile dysfunction.

Everyone has faced indigestion at some point, but many people may suffer from it every day. It all depends on what food you eat and how you eat it. Indigestion may cause nausea, pain or a burning sensation in the stomach, and heartburn are some of the symptoms that indicate gastritis. Gastritis refers to a group of conditions that result in the inflammation of the stomach lining and the stomach acid causing a burning sensation in the chest and abdomen. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening as the pain, inflammation, and bleeding continues and can lead to ulcers and even cancer. Gastritis is the result of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which infects the stomach. The symptoms include abdominal pain, burping, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Diet The type of food you eat and the lifestyle you lead has a major impact on the stomach lining. A change in both can result in the reduction of inflammation of the stomach and the recurrence of gastritis. Around 50% of the people in the world suffer from gastritis, which later develops into ulcers or gastric cancer. There is no specific diet to treat gastritis, but eating the proper foods helps in alleviating the symptoms. Foods to eat There are certain foods that you can eat to reduce the symptoms of gastritis, like yogurt and broccoli, which reduces and kills the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which has antibacterial effects and anti-cancer properties, and it helps in getting relief from the symptoms of gastritis and in bringing down the risk of stomach cancer. There have been fewer cases of infections and stomach inflammation among people who consume broccoli regularly. Yogurt, along with medication, helps to eliminate the H Pylori bacteria as it contains good bacteria that help fight it. Other foods that help manage gastritis are herbal teas, honey, olive oil, berries, celery, and apples.

Women who consume a lot of vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables, are less likely to develop ovarian cancer. This cancer is one of the major causes of deaths. Since the symptoms are barely noticeable in its initial stages, people often get the required treatment after the condition has reached its advanced stage. Currently, there are no screening methods that can detect cancer at an earlier stage. Cruciferous, along with other vegetables, completely eliminates the odds of developing ovarian cancer. Cruciferous vegetables are plants that grow in the cold conditions and get their flowers with 4 petals that are in the shape of a crucifix or a cross. Some examples of these vegetables include kale, bok choy, daikon, mustard leaves and seeds, collard greens, turnips, arugula, wasabi, horseradish, watercress, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cauliflower, radish, and cabbage. Moreover, cruciferous veggies possess high amounts of phytochemicals. When these phytochemicals are broken down, they transform into isothiocyanates. There are many studies that prove that isothiocyanates help stop the development of many types of cancers by inhibiting the growth of tumors. These vegetables have been proven to reduce inflammation that can assist in the prevention of cancer or diseases related to the heart as well. Those who love eating fresh fruits and vegetables have a possibility to lead a better life. However, when consumed in excess, like any other food, these too can be fatal. Always consult a doctor about your diet and the quantity of food one should maintain. Sadly, people who eat more of cured, processed, and red meats are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. This has been found in many on-going experiments as well. Studies proved that individuals who eat more cruciferous and yellow veggies experience a lot of benefits than those who do not. Additionally, women who consume milk of any kind may have a shorter survival period as compared to those who did not have milk.

Constipation is essentially a digestion-related problem. The food you consume can affect the digestive system. Constipation leads to difficulty in having bowel movements, bloating, irritability, and a host of other problems. Those who have constipation should ensure to avoid consuming the food listed below. These foods can worsen digestive problems and make it difficult to pass stool and cause other problems. Processed foods Processed foods are one of the items to avoid if you have constipation. Processed meat found in bacon, hot dogs, and sausages can increase constipation. Processed foods made from white flour, like cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pizza, and sandwiches made from white bread, should be avoided. Even processed grains can cause constipation in some people. White rice, pasta, and white bread can cause constipation as it does not have bran needed for a smooth bowel movement. Fried foods like French fries, potato chips, hamburgers, and fried chicken are also a problem for people suffering from constipation. Gluten Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, barley, and other such grains. Food having gluten can cause constipation in some people, while others are allergic to gluten. Consuming foods with gluten can aggravate constipation symptoms. Dairy products Milk and products made from milk can cause constipation in many people. Children are especially at risk of constipation when they consume cow’s milk. Red meat Red meat can be a problem for many people. It does not have much fiber and is high in fat. It makes digestion difficult and takes more time to get absorbed. Red meats can affect bowel movement and cause difficulty in emptying bowels. Alcohol Most people suffer from constipation when they indulge in too much alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate the body and slow down digestion, thus contributing to constipation. Alcohol must be completely avoided or its consumption should be strictly limited.

When the normal functions of the large intestine (colon) are disturbed and one experiences crampy abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea, it is due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). When one has IBS, the pattern of bowel movements might change over time, that is, bowel movements may occur either more often (diarrhea) or less often (constipation) than usual, like having more than three bowel movements in a day or less than three in a week. Also, the feces may vary in size and consistency; it may be hard, pencil thin, or loose and watery. The exact cause of IBS is not yet known, but factors like bacterial infections, food allergies, and lifestyle patterns play an important role in the development of the condition. Here’s a list of food and snacks that can help one with IBS: Lactose-free dairy products : The natural sugar found in milk is known as lactose. People having IBS show signs of intolerance to lactose, so they should avoid milk and dairy products. The consumption of milk products can be replaced with foods that are lactose free like oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk, and normal cheese can be replaced with hard cheeses, and brie and camembert cheese. One should check for dairy products labeled as lactose-free products before consuming them. Vegetables : For a healthy and balanced diet, one should eat green vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli cause abnormal bowel movements and should be avoided. Instead, vegetables like green beans, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and squash should be included in the diet. One should also consume cooked vegetables rather than having them raw as it might disturb the bowel movements. Fruits : The fructose present in fruits can also trigger IBS, so one should avoid fruits that are high in fructose and consume fruits or snacks that help with IBS like bananas, blueberries, grapefruit, oranges, and strawberries, which have low fructose.

Foods to avoid for those with bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a brain-related illness that causes mood swings and makes a person feel low sometimes and elated at other times. Apart from medication, diet plays an important role in the mood swings and manifestation of the symptoms. Certain foods can affect one’s mental health and must be avoided by those having bipolar disorder. Trigger foods Certain foods can trigger manic disorder or depression. The moods can alternately swing from depression to a feeling of joy, and the food items listed in this article can affect people in different ways. They can cause depression when a person’s mood is low. Different foods may act as triggers for each person, aggravating their symptoms, and such food must be avoided. It is important to maintain a food diary where details of the food consumed and the symptoms experienced are noted. This will help to find out which foods trigger the symptoms, and those can be avoided. Caffeine Too much caffeine can affect sleep, and lack of sleep can aggravate the symptoms for those suffering from bipolar disorder. Apart from affecting sleep, caffeine can also irritate the digestive system and increase acidity. It is best to avoid or minimize the consumption of coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine. Food with high fat levels Those who have bipolar disorder should avoid food that contains high levels of fat. Some believe that high levels of fat affect the absorption of medicines. In reality, the effects of the medication will still be felt, but the high levels of fat are not good for the heart and increase the risk of obesity, leading to a lower quality of life. Fatty food should be avoided, especially when medicines are being taken. Avoid tyramine Some people with bipolar disorder are prescribed MAO inhibitors.

The chronic lung disease asthma is known to trigger difficulty in breathing due to the inflammation of air passages. This condition is usually accompanied by the excess production of mucus in the lungs, which makes breathing a lot more difficult. A person suffering from asthma normally experiences shortness of breath. While medications are available to treat asthma, bringing about nutritional changes is equally important. Avoiding these foods may help prevent the frequency of attacks. Milk Drinking milk increases mucus production, which can worsen asthma symptoms. Hence, nutritionists and doctors advise against dairy consumption to avoid triggering an asthma attack. Switching to probiotic foods like Greek yogurt is usually recommended. Doctors also recommend steering clear from dairy products that contain preservatives. Eggs Eggs are rich sources of nutrients, but they can trigger asthma attacks. Asthma patients with egg allergies can suffer from an attack on consumption. Eggs can also cause asthma flare-ups in some people. Hence, asthma patients are advised to to rely on other protein source like soy, pulses, and tofu. Carefully read the labels of packed foods to make sure they do not contain eggs as an ingredient. Peanuts Another allergy-based food that asthma patients need to avoid is peanuts as an asthma attack can be triggered. An anaphylatic shock can cause impaired breathing due to swelling in the throat and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Such a reaction can make managing an asthma attack more difficult than usual and cause other severe symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and pale skin. Children suffering from asthma are more vulnerable to the allergens present in peanuts. Hence, steering clear from peanut-based foods is strongly recommended to keep asthma symptoms at bay. Shellfish Shellfish have high amounts of sulfites that are one of the most powerful triggers of asthma attacks. These allergens make steering clear from shellfish and other crustaceans like crabs, crayfish, lobsters, and shrimps all the more important.

Do you want to end up in a hospital bed? No individual would like to be in a hospital room with needles pierced in the body. For avoiding such kind of situation, an individual should follow a healthy life routine to maintain a good health. But, when it comes to the health of your heart, you can’t take any risk in this. Along with daily exercises and a healthy diet, the heart needs some special supplements. According to survey reports, 17.7 million people lost their lives because of a heart attack all over the world. After the age of 50, the heart needs some special care to avoid heart problems. Sometimes, prescribed medicines don’t give you the required relief to regain your health. There are some natural remedies that help in the stability of the overall health. You can’t rely on any type of medicines. After all, it’s all about your health. How can you trust branded health supplements products, which are not prescribed by a certified physician? Then what you can do? Well, you can try some natural ways to get essential supplements to maintain good health. The natural way provides you the assurance of safety. So, do you know the sources of rich nutrition that can boost up your heart health? Have a look at the best heart health vitamins, which you get from natural resources. EPA & DHA EPA & DHA both are Omega 3 fatty acids, which found in fishes and fish oil. These two essential vitamins work well for heart diseases and diabetes. The fish oil supplements successfully decrease the rate of heart diseases and danger of stroke. The EPA & DHA supplements reduce the triglyceride level of blood, which maintain a good blood pressure. Omega 3 fatty acids improve heart health and make it strong to face any kind of disease.

Cholesterol is a wax-like substance that is present in all the cells of the body. The body needs cholesterol to work properly. Before talking about the ill effects of cholesterol, you should know about the two kinds of cholesterol that exist. Cholesterol is carried to all parts of the body with the help of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are carriers of cholesterol. There are two types. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Among these two, LDL is the one that’s unhealthy. It increases the risk of heart disease by clogging up our arteries. Good cholesterol is HDL, and it helps in reducing the risk of heart problems. There are a lot of ways in which you can reduce cholesterol levels in your body. Following are some of the natural ways in which you can do so. Oats Oats is one of the most popular foods when it comes to reducing cholesterol. You can reduce cholesterol levels and your LDL levels and increase your HDL levels significantly by eating oatmeal. Oatmeal is also a food that improves your mood and helps you maintain weight. It is one of the richest sources of fiber. Have oatmeal regularly in the morning as breakfast, to keep you going throughout the day, and keep bad cholesterol at bay. Whole grains Barley, similar to oats and oat bran can help you lower the risk of high cholesterol levels. Whole grains can improve heart health, because of the healthy amount of soluble fiber in them. Okra Okra and eggplant are two of the best sources of soluble fiber. The vegetables play a vital role in lowering the LDL levels in the body. They also help in clearing out the plaque formed in the arteries. Beans Beans are rich in soluble fiber. Beans take some time for the body to digest compared to other food.