Have you ever heard about meningitis? Do you know what it is and what are all the things that are related to it? Is meningitis contagious? These are some of the common questions about meningitis. The fact of the matter is that many people are not completely aware of this disease. However, as it turns out, this is one of the most serious diseases. An acute inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) is known as meningitis. As it affects the membrane that protects the brain, this disease is dangerous. According to the statistics, there were around 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis each year from 2003 to 2007, and 500 of those cases were fatal. Meningitis is a disease that is found in various parts of the world. It has many types, of which bacterial meningitis is the most common. And sometimes the symptoms vary based on the age too. Types, causes, and symptoms of meningitis Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis is caused by the bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and the spinal cord. This can also happen if the bacteria invade the meninges directly. The causes for this are skull fracture, an ear or sinus infection, and sometimes surgeries. The symptoms in this type of meningitis usually develop suddenly. Altered mental status, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, irritability, headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, drowsiness, and lethargy are some of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis. One should seek immediate medical attention if he or she notices any of the above symptoms as bacterial and another type of meningitis called viral meningitis can be very dangerous and lethal. Viral meningitis Viral meningitis is mild in nature and mostly clears on its own. Most of the cases of this disease in the country are due to a group of viruses named enteroviruses.

Pain, stiffness in joints and swelling are the main symptoms of an arthritis onset. Rheumatoid arthritis is a major kind that is an autoimmune disease where your immune system affects your joint. Fortunately, there are snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis pain in humans. A study by the American Health Association mentions that around 24% of rheumatoid arthritis patients have had severe symptoms because of a bad diet. Garlic Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps strengthen the immune system. A study conducted among 1892 people was found that eating garlic reduced the chances of women get arthritis. A specific component in garlic is the reason for reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Fatty fish Salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, etc. are high in omega 3 which are fatty acids. They are known to be an anti-inflammatory food. Research showed that 33 people who used to eat fatty fish on a daily basis at least four times a week. This helped decrease inflammation and reduced the risk of the onset of arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. Supplements made from omega 3 have proven to increase mobility in arthritic patients, relieve pain, and reduce stiffness in joints. American Health Association always suggests nutritionists and dieticians to tell the customers to have fatty fish and salmon oil etc. in their diet. This is one of the easiest snacks that help rheumatoid arthritis. Broccoli One of the healthiest snacks that help ease rheumatoid arthritis. This has known to reduce inflammation in both animals and humans. A study conducted by the medical center of excellence in Ohio found that 1005 women who had any kind of cruciferous vegetables showed lesser inflammation on their joints and less swelling. Sulforaphane present in broccoli was found to block inflammation and alleviate pain in arthritic patients. In dogs and cats intake of broccoli on a long-term basis has helped alleviate inflammation.

Studies indicate that the human brain absorbs about 20-30% of energy from one’s daily calorie intake. Brain health determines a person’s cognitive abilities, including learning, attention, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Cognitive capacity is greatly dependent on the type of food one eats. Nutrient and antioxidant-rich nuts, eggs, fish, fruits, and vegetables boost cognitive functionality. But certain foods, like the ones mentioned below, are best avoided to ensure optimal brain function. Refined sugars Added or refined sugars can include baked goods like donuts, candies, chocolates, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and more can lead to memory problems. Glucose is an essential component to fuel one’s cellular capability, but overconsumption of it in the form of added or white sugar can slow down one’s cognitive functions. Some studies indicate a link between chronic intake of refined sugar and memory impairment. Sodas and energy drinks Energy drinks and sodas are marketed as products that instantly boost one’s energy levels but could also lead to forgetfulness. Elevated blood sugar levels due to high intake of sugary beverages may lead to diabetes, abnormal insulin levels, and decreased blood flow to the brain. These, in turn, heighten the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Vegetable oils Vegetable oils can provide the much-needed omega-3 fatty acids, but the high intake of refined oil made from corn, canola, or sunflower is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. White bread and pasta White bread, potatoes, white rice, pasta, and other food items high in refined carbs tend to dull one’s memory and spike blood sugar and insulin levels. Studies show that continuous intake of refined carbs can harm one’s neurocognitive function over time and lead to impaired memory. Fried foods Foods like tempura, fries, chips, fried chicken, and more can trigger inflammation and damage blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

Cold sore is the infection around the lips caused by herpes simplex virus. It creates tiny fluid-filled lesions on or around the lips. Usually, cold sores affect people in the age of 14 to 60 years. The most common symptoms of a cold sore are a burning sensation in or on the skin, accompanied by sore lips, tingling lips, or ulcer, blisters, rashes, ulcers, or redness. This virus can quickly spread through physical contact. Generally, self-diagnosable, this virus which causes cold sores are found in 90% of the population, but in most of the cases, it is harmless. When this virus becomes active, it causes oral herpes or cold sores. Even in its inactive state, this virus remains in the body. The infection caused by the herpes simplex virus can recur at any point in the future depending upon the levels of stress, hormonal imbalance, and various other factors. The treatment for cold sores aims to reduce or suppress the pain and discomfort, however, there is no cure for it. Read on to find out some at-home cold sore treatments to alleviate the symptoms. Ice packs Ice packs help you to reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by the cold sores by numbing the nerves in and around the affected area. This reduces the pain caused due to the blisters. Just apply an ice cube over the troubled area thrice a day to get instant relief. Do not extend the application for more than 20 minutes as it can cause damage to the skin. Aloe vera gel Aloe vera is the most commonly used cosmetic product which is anti-inflammatory and has soothing properties for the skin. The redness and itchiness caused due to the blisters can be calmed down by applying aloe vera gel topically. For best results, freeze a scoop of aloe vera in the refrigerator and apply this aloe vera ice cube to the affected part at least twice a day.

Since hair loss comes in many different forms, it can be caused by many different factors. Oil can clog hair follicles, the scalp may be dry due to lack of moisture and essential vitamins, alternate forms of testosterone can hinder or inhibit hair growth. Most of the hair loss treatments available in the market cause dandruff and dryness on the scalp. The results are usually clumps of hair coming out during a shower or while brushing the hair. Most of the hair loss shampoos and treatments are not focused towards a specific type of problem, age group of people, but there are companies which create shampoos on the basis of women, men and age groups. The main cause of hair loss is always related to some kind of problem in the chemical pathways that cause hair growth, even though medications, age, genetics, and disease are co-related to hair loss. How to choose the best hair loss shampoo? Most of the best hair loss shampoos are free from chemicals like sulfates and paragons since these ingredients can harm hair more than do any good. It is important to know the hair and scalp type before choosing a hair loss shampoo. This basic knowledge can help choose the right ingredients that can make a huge difference. It is important to choose the right shampoo for hair loss depending on the type of scalp – whether it is dry, oily or normal. The labels given on the shampoo bottle should work with the ingredients in order to make the shampoo effective. It is important to choose a shampoo developed by reputable, proven brands. The promises and claims made by the shampoo and certain products are sometimes too far-fetched to be true so doing proper research is important. Shampoos for hair loss that have ingredients like vitamins, minerals and essential oils are good for the health of the scalp and should be picked over shampoos that have many chemicals.

When the body fails to replace older bone tissues with newer ones, it leads to osteoporosis. It is a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures and is often diagnosed late due to limited symptoms. So, it is important to look after your nutritional requirements to maintain bone health to avoid any health complications. To help you, here are the top five foods for managing osteoporosis. Nuts Nuts are a convenient and tasty remedy that also enhances the effect of bone density supplements for osteoporosis. You should include an assortment of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts in your daily snacks. Nuts are replete with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, ensuring bone health. Milk Milk and milk products are superfoods that strengthen bone density. The recommended intake of dairy products is three servings a day. However, low-fat or skimmed milk is better as they contain less fat. Alternatively, soy milk and products are also good sources of calcium. Fatty fish Fatty fish include options like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and more. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, and E and are high in protein content. This makes them a great addition to the plates of osteoporosis patients. The vitamin D found in these fish helps improve the body’s calcium absorption, resulting in improved bone health. Fortified foods For people that avoid dairy and dairy products, it can get tricky to get the required amount of calcium and vitamin D from food. In such instances, patients are advised to include fortified foods in their meals. This can include having a bowl of fortified cereal at breakfast with plant milk. Alternatives include fortified juices, vitamin D-rich pasta, and bread. Protein-rich foods Protein is crucial for the body to perform basic functions as well as help in the repair of damaged cells.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the patient’s bones become brittle and porous. This increases the chances of getting bone fractures and experiencing joint pain. Sometimes bones become so brittle that coughing or bending over causes a fracture. Although osteoporosis does not have a permanent cure, there are ways to manage its symptoms and strengthen weakened bones. Listed in this article are some of the steps that can be taken to promote bone health naturally. Opt for calcium-rich foods Calcium plays an integral part in the maintenance of bone density for osteoporosis patients, which is why it needs to be incorporated in every meal. Dairy products are an ideal source of calcium. However, calcium-fortified food options like cereals, yogurt, juices, and more can be equally resourceful. Include physical activity In our fast-paced lives, physical activity often takes a backseat. This lack of daily physical activity can prove to be a concern, especially for patients with osteoporosis. Strength training or weight-bearing exercises like swimming, walking, running, hiking, and more are recommended by health care professionals. Eat vitamin-rich foods While vitamin D helps the body improve calcium absorption, vitamin K2 ensures that the absorbed calcium is not lost. Both these crucial components can be obtained from food. However, in some cases, osteoporosis patients might need to be prescribed supplements to overcome vitamin D deficiency. Avoid carbonated drinks One of the negative outcomes of sodas and other fizzy beverages is the loss of bone strength. It is believed that the phosphoric acid present in these drinks hinders the body’s absorption of calcium and results in weaker bones and decreased bone density. Limit sugar intake Unchecked sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, decreased bone density, and increased risk of osteoporosis, all of which needs to be avoided in order to promote good bone health.

Cancers of different kinds are diseases that do not have a direct cause. Here are a few pancreatic cancer symptoms that could help understand and diagnose the condition in time for a good prognosis. Pancreatic cancer is a disease where malignant (cancerous) cells are formed within the tissues of the pancreas. The result of metastasis (where the tumor spreads and invades the other healthy organs and grows) is a more serious condition that is difficult to treat. Pancreatic cancer is a disease that is generally caused due to damage or mutations to the DNA. Often these mutations are inherited from either or both parents or could develop as we grow older. There are two types of pancreatic cancer – tumors affecting the exocrine or the endocrine functions of the pancreas. Tumors affecting the exocrine are the most commonly found ones. 95 percent of exocrine pancreatic cancers are a result of a malignant tumor called an adenocarcinoma. Tumors found in the endocrine and exocrine of the pancreas have varied signs and symptoms depending on where exactly it is located, the size of the tumor, and how far the cancer has spread. Though pancreatic cancer symptoms are rare, and they may not even be very prominent unless the cancerous cells have begun growing, here are a few of the surprising pancreatic cancer symptoms that you may never have connected to this condition. Unexplained weight loss Weight loss is one of the common pancreatic cancer symptoms that is easy to misdiagnose. Weight loss induced by cancer, also termed as ‘cancer cachexia’ is a problem affecting the way the body uses or rather breaks down the calories and proteins ingested. This condition leads to burning more calories, breaking down of muscle, and decrease in appetite thereby leading to unreasonable weight loss. Pain in the abdomen Another one of the surprising pancreatic cancer symptoms is unstoppable pain in the upper abdomen area.

Heartburn is the burning sensation that you experience in your chest after you eat. This feeling can be intense at times, and in these extreme cases, the person might even experience a chest pain. Heartburn is a fairly common condition that occurs when there is indigestion, and the food doesn’t sit well with your system. This happens when you eat spicy food or overeat. It is also known as acid reflux as the acid in your stomach comes back up into the esophagus causing a burning sensation in your chest. You might also feel nauseous and uncomfortable for a long time. If heartburn occurs more than two times a week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease. It can lead to further complications if left untreated. How To Differentiate Heartburn Chest Pain And Heart Attack One of the main symptoms of heartburn is chest pain. This is the reason most people confuse heartburn with cardiac attacks. The burning in the chest causes alarm and has people assuming that they are experiencing a heart attack. This is how you can distinguish between the two: Signs Of A Heart Attack The chest pain you experience when you have a heart attack will slowly spread to your neck, arms, and shoulders. You will have shortness of breath and feel light-headed. There will also be a lot of sweating. There will be a tightness in the chest, unlike the pain you feel in heartburn. Signs Of A Heartburn Patients experiencing a heartburn feel the pain in the chest spreading to the throat. A vomiting sensation and an acrid taste in the tongue are other signs. You’ll feel like the food is coming back into your mouth. Lying down will only intensify the discomfort and pain. Other signs that tell you that you have a heartburn and not a heart attack is, you will not be sweating, and the pain will occur after you have a meal.

Glucose in the body helps in maintaining optimum energy levels and is also the brain’s main source of fuel, but it all comes down to how the glucose in the body is utilized. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases affecting how the blood sugar (glucose) is used by the body. Based on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million people in our country are suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Irrespective of the cause of diabetes, it can cause excess sugar in the blood, leading to several other complications. Apart from medical treatment, dietary changes also play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. Here are some foods that can help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body: Leafy greens Green vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, and watercress are high in nutrients and low in calories. Leafy greens are low in digestible carbohydrates, which helps in maintaining low blood sugar levels. Other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin in greens also help in maintaining a healthy immune system. These antioxidants also protect the eyes from cataract and macular degeneration, which may be complications of diabetes. Cinnamon Known as a delicious spice, cinnamon is also known for its potent antioxidant properties, which can help improve insulin sensitivity. It has also been found recently that cinnamon can lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels, but several dietitians also suggest limiting the intake of cassia cinnamon (most commonly available) to less than 1 teaspoon a day to avoid other health issues. Fatty fish It is one of the healthiest foods to fight diabetes. Mackerel, sardines, herring, and salmon are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which help maintain blood glucose levels. The fatty acids also protect the cells lining the blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve how arteries work after eating food.

Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of men and women all over the world. Depending on the type and severity of lung cancer, overall health condition, and age of the person, the healthcare providers may recommend a series of treatment procedures like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. During and after treatment, it is essential to eat a healthy diet that contains foods that may help you battle lung cancer. Green tea Green tea contains polyphenols that demonstrate high antioxidant properties. Research has found that green tea consumption may inhibit tumor growth and help fight lung cancer. It was also found that consuming green tea regularly may reverse some of the damages caused by smoking. In addition to that, studies have proven the effectiveness of green tea in lowering the risk of developing lung cancer. Pears Pears are rich sources of phloretin, which a compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The powerful effects of phloretin help enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy medications like cisplatin. These medicines are often used for the treatment of lung cancer, specifically non-small cell lung cancer. The anticancer properties of pears make it one of the most potent fruits that may help in your battle with lung cancer. Dark green leafy vegetables Packed with various nutrients, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, chicory, lettuce, and collard greens are some foods that can help prevent and manage certain types of cancer like lung cancer. These vegetables are enriched with carotenoids and folate and act as natural antioxidants. Consume a diet rich in leafy greens to help your body fight against lung cancer. Ginger As per the findings of clinical studies, ginger demonstrates potent chemopreventive effects against life-threatening conditions like lung cancer. The high abundance of phenolic compounds like 6-shogaol found in ginger enables it to work as an anti-tumor agent.

Parkinson’s is a highly common neurodegenerative disease that affects a large number of people. It is characterized by tremors, rigid muscles, and slowed movements. This condition affects the day-to-day life of the individual and makes it very difficult to function. This article lists some foods and medications that can help fight Parkinson’s disease. One must remember that there is no specific foods that can help tackle Parkinson’s disease head-on. Maintaining a healthy body which in turn nurtures a healthy mind is important for Parkinson’s patients. This means that you need to eat cleaner and healthier foods. Here are some foods that can help: Fatty fish Fatty fish that is high in essential omega-3 fatty acids should be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies suggest that the oil extracted from fatty fish can actually help slow the progression of Parkinson’s to a certain extent. This is because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the nerves and even improve neurotransmission. Studies also indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can help slow down the neurodegeneration that takes place due to Parkinson’s disease. Seafood that has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel, salmon, and oysters. Foods high in antioxidants Free radicals can cause damage to DNA and fatty tissue. This damage is known as oxidative stress and occurs when there are a large number of free radicals in the body. Multiple studies have found a link between oxidative stress and Parkinson’s disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants can help tackle free radicals. This helps reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants include green tea, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits. Research further suggests that those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease usually have some sort of nutrition deficiencies. To tackle this, it is important to eat foods that have tons of iron, zinc, and other essential vitamins.