Shingles refer to a painful skin rash caused by the virus varicella zoster. It is also known as herpes zoster. This is most common in older people who do not have strong immune systems due to injury, stress, medicines, etc. It is a rare phenomenon for anybody to get shingles multiple times since most people get it only once. Shingles last from two to six weeks. It is true that there is no cure for shingles but it can be treated, and prompt treatment can speed up the healing process as well as reduce the risk of complications. Some of the medications to treat shingles include: Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Acyclovir (Zovirax) Famciclovir (Famvir) Since shingles accompany pain, the doctor may also suggest you the following: Anticonvulsants like gabapentin (Neurontin) Capsaicin cream Numbing agents, like lidocaine- delivered through a cream, gel, skin patch, spray Tricyclic antidepressants, like amitriptyline Injection that includes corticosteroids as well as local anesthetics Medications containing narcotics, like codeine Home Remedies and Lifestyle There are several home remedies and lifestyle changes to consider to get relief from shingles. Healing Baths Clean the blisters every day to avoid the possibility of spreading the contagion. Take a cool shower to soothe the skin. Cool water eases the pain caused due to blisters and calms itchiness as well. You can take a healing bath to get relief. Take 1 or 2 cups of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal and mix with lukewarm water. Soak yourself in the solution for 15 to 20 minutes. Never use hot water as it can worsen the blisters since heat boost blood flow. Dry yourself properly and wash with a fresh towel to avoid the virus from spreading to others. Wet and Cool Compress Additionally, apply a moist and cool compress to get relief from itchiness and pain.

Turmeric is a culinary spice that has a use in every home in India. It has a bitter warm taste and can be identified as an additive flavor to almost all Asian dishes. Besides, it has been used conventionally as a disinfectant. A rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, Curcuma longa belongs to the ginger family known as Zingiberaceae. Its underground stems—rhizomes, are the source from which turmeric is derived. Curcumin, a yellow-colored constituent in turmeric stems, is often used to color curry powders, butter, mustards, cheeses, and even cosmetics. It is the effective part of turmeric’s chemical composition, almost 2 to 6 percent of the spice in total. The chemical comes packed as a powerful antioxidant and carries anti-inflammatory properties. How Does It Work? Curcumin present in turmeric can help in reducing inflammation. Researchers suggest that turmeric intake helps ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The curcumin molecule itself appears to be a potent blocker of inflammation. This is why turmeric might be beneficial for treating almost all major diseases like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular problems. There is a study that shows how curcumin causes death in Neuroblastoma cells, producing minor toxicity. Curcumin can be attached to nanoparticles and can be sent to the tumor cells. This can destroy neuroblastoma cells, which causes cancer in children. This shows that nanoparticles can be an effective delivery medium for cancer drugs. Why a Turmeric Supplement? Lab tests carried out on turmeric have shown promising results. Some of them are: It is evident that curcumin blocks the growth of some particular tumors. Turmeric extract has helped stabilize colorectal cancer in some cases. Its anti-inflammatory properties help in pain relief in the joints and muscles. Various skin disorders/diseases like lichen planus can be cured by the use of turmeric. Cardio-vascular issues like high cholesterol and heartburn (dyspepsia) can be cured by curcumin.

Diabetes is a disease that is caused by a set of metabolic dysfunctions in your body. Medically, this ailment is referred to as Diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose is the main source of energy in the body that comes from the food we eat. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps generate energy from the glucose. This energy is then used by the body cells. Diabetes occurs when there is inadequate insulin production, or the body cells stop responding properly to insulin. This discrepancy causes the glucose to remain in the blood, hindering the formation of energy. High levels of glucose that remain in the bloodstream as blood sugar leads to several associated health problems over time, one of them being diabetes. An individual also can refer to blood sugar charts to maintain their blood sugar levels when suffering from diabetes. Types of Diabetes Diabetes has been categorized into 3 types. Type I DM In this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, destroying their capability to produce the hormones. As Type I diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, it is also known as juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes. Approximately 10% of all diabetic cases are Type I. People suffering from Type I diabetes are required to inject insulin into their bodies, in the subcutaneous layer of the abdomen, every day, throughout their lives. They need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and keep them balanced by a special diet. Type II DM Type II diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, that means the cells don’t use the insulin properly. This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels that harm the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and this cause and effect lead to inadequate production of insulin in the body.

A gout is a form of arthritis caused by an imbalance of uric acid in the body. It is commonly known as gouty arthritis. The condition is characterized by tender and sore joints, often in combination with severe pain. When the body produces too much uric acid, it is crystallized and deposited around the joints in specific areas of the body. It causes pain and discomfort. The uric acid deposits swell and are tender to touch. Gout is found in the big toe of your feet, ankles, knees and other joints. The pain and stiffness recur at random intervals and in differing levels of severity. Over time, gout causes permanent damage to muscles, tendons, and joints if left untreated. Treating Gout with medicines The very first step to deal with gout attack is to get a clinical diagnosis by a medical practitioner. The expert will take a sample from the swollen joint to test for the presence of urate crystals. A blood test is also recommended to check for uric acid levels in the body. The treatment course for gout includes two kinds of medicines – Anti-inflammatory ones like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Corticosteroids and medications that lower the levels of uric acid in the body. The anti-inflammatory medications help to relieve the sudden pain and swelling caused by a gout attack. They are given right after the pain starts. The other medicines, however, are usually started after the gout attack is over. Along with these medical treatment courses, you can also use natural home remedies to alleviate the symptoms of gout. Read on to find out how to treat gout naturally. Eat right It is always sensible to prevent a gout attack before it troubles you. Purines are a chemical compound found in meat and dairy products. It can increase uric acid level in the body, and lead to gout.

The term osteoporosis translates to “porous bones”, and is a disease in which your body either loses too much bone, or doesn’t make enough bone, or in some cases even both. This results in weakening of the bones. A minor bump, or sneezing can also cause injuries to the body. Women are more prone to being diagnosed with osteoporosis. How do you know you have osteoporosis? While many diseases can be diagnosed as its symptoms are experienced in the early stages, but with osteoporosis, one can experience little to no symptoms. It progresses slowly, making the condition severe over time. Some of the osteoporosis symptoms you need to watch out for are: Experiencing back pain Because of loss of bone density, you may have a fracture or a collapsed vertebrae. In this condition, back pain should be taken lightly as it can relate to your bone health. Loss of height As strange as this sounds, loss of height is one of the signs and symptoms of the onset of osteoporosis. This essentially denotes that your spine has been fractured making you unable to stand straight. Some of these spine fractures are painless so you may not recognize this sooner. Hence, you need to watch out for this osteoporosis symptom. Stooped posture This is another sign that shows a decreased amount of bone density. With bones being more porous and soft, they are unable to hold your body up straight leading to a curved spine. This curved spine naturally leads to a stooped posture. Easy fractures Fractures are not easy injuries, so if you are injuring your bones often, it is probably because your bones are porous and not strong enough. Tips for a healthy lifestyle While you cannot prevent any disease, you sure can manage it, and lower the risk of triggering it further.

Every once in a while, there’s a question that even the most outgoing of individuals find uncomfortable discussing with a gynecologist. While it’s normal to feel that way out of fear of judgment, most gynecologists will tell you that these topics come up regularly and are vital to ensure that you are in good reproductive and vaginal health. Here are some of the most frequently asked “uncomfortable” questions at the gynecologist’s office: Should I groom my pubic hair before my visit? If it’s your first time visiting a gynecologist, or you’re meeting a new one, it can be a very intimidating experience and cause you to ponder whether you need to groom your pubic hair in advance. Instead of thinking of what gynecologists think about your grooming practices, it is best to go as you are as long as you feel comfortable and clean. Does everything look normal? Oftentimes, you end up thinking about how your vulva looks and how it compares to others. This is completely normal, but it is vital to remember that vulvas come in various shapes and sizes and look different for everyone. If you notice abnormal growth or abrupt changes, it may be advisable to talk about them with your gynecologist. Is vaginal discharge normal? The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, making discharge a completely regular part of its cleansing cycle. The color and consistency of your discharge change throughout your menstrual cycle and may even increase during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels. However, if you begin to notice changes in your discharge pattern or an odor, it may be a sign of infection that you should have evaluated professionally. Why does my vaginal discharge smell? The vagina is a complex ecosystem of bacteria that can never fully be odorless. This is also impacted by one’s activity levels, lifestyle, and choice of undergarments.

Fibromyalgia is a common condition, but often goes misdiagnosed. Also known as a musculoskeletal condition, fibromyalgia causes pain in the muscle and joints resulting in a lot of fatigue. This can also lead to what is commonly referred to as fibromyalgia syndrome, which is a set of symptoms like pain in the muscle, fatigue, and decreased pain threshold. People often tend to overlook two of the most common symptoms of fibromyalgia—chronic pain and fatigue. Persistent pain in joints or muscles should be immediately checked out. The pain might not necessarily be the result of overworking or stress but can be prime indicators of developing fibromyalgia. Common symptoms of fibromyalgia: Here are some other indicators of fibromyalgia. Disturbances in sleep, which affects sleep patterns and causes fatigue, often leading to moody behavior and depression, are among the top symptoms of fibromyalgia. Severe muscle twitching, burning sensation under the skin, deep pain, and muscle pulling. Fibromyalgia also affects the neck joints, shoulder joints, back joints, and hip joints, among common areas. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include abdominal pain; chronic headaches; dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes; stiffness in the body due to muscle pulling and pain; incontinence; inability to concentrate which is also known as fibro fog; and increased sensitivity to temperature changes. Myths about fibromyalgia busted Many people are under the impression that fibromyalgia is something which is rare and does not affect many. But this is not true, taking into account that more than 5 million people in the country suffer from this chronic pain disorder. The fact that only a few are aware of the statistics explains why the symptoms of fibromyalgia often go unnoticed and untreated, until and unless the condition worsens. Symptoms of fibromyalgia can be often confused with symptoms of most common pain disorders, which is why it takes some time to ascertain for sure that the condition is fibromyalgia.

A gum infection or a disease can be very painful for you, no matter what the reason for it is. You must believe that if you have a good dental hygiene then you might be away from these conditions, but unfortunately, that is not true. You can be exposed to gum diseases even if you practice good oral health care; it can be due to a number of factors. One way to keep them away is by using one of the best mouthwashes for gum disease. Some of us like keeping our mouth excessively clean and do many things to maintain the level of hygiene. However, in some cases, it can backfire. Let us look at things that you must avoid. Do not use toothbrushes that have hard bristles; this can cause trouble to your gums as well as your teeth. Moreover, if you have sensitive gums, you must definitely keep away from hard-bristle toothbrushes. Similarly, excessive or rough brushing can be harmful to your gums and teeth. You might be using a soft toothbrush, but if you brush in a rough or hard manner, you can still end up hurting your gums. Only use high-quality products. You would not want to compromise on the quality of products you use for healthcare as a side effect can be fatal for you. If you encounter a gum disease, you must visit a doctor and get the necessary treatment to get your oral health back. Along with the medication and operation, if required, your doctor is most likely to suggest a pair of toothbrushes that are best suited for your teeth and gum type. Along with that, they would also suggest a couple of best mouthwashes for your gum disease. Let us look at some of the best mouthwashes for gum disease for adults:

Probiotics are microorganisms which supplement natural bacteria in the gut and help in balancing of intestinal flora. World Health Organization has also defined probiotics as live microorganisms which offer health benefits to users. A common use of probiotics is in the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments as inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a condition which is usually poorly understood and the treatment options are little. Probiotics are useful in the treatment of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Many research studies have been done in judging the role of probiotics in irritable bowel syndrome. Research has shown that Bifidobacterium infantis is effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome. Bifidobacterium infantis is known to reduce the pain in the abdomen, bloating and difficulty in bowel movements. It is available in pure form and is known by the name of Align. Probiotics can be taken safely as it considered as a food by Food and Drug Administration. Health benefits of Probiotics Probiotics have numerous health benefits for any individual. They generally help the friendly bacteria in the human digestive system and are thus known to aid the process of digestion. The role of probiotics in aiding and healing conditions related to diarrhea is also well documented. They are also known to keep the heart of a person healthy and play a vital role in maintaining the mental balance of a person. Probiotics have been appreciated in particular for reducing the severity of allergies and are known to treat conditions related to eczema in particular. Irritable Bowel Syndrome It is a condition which causes discomfort in the belly and causes trouble in bowel movements. It is not life-threatening but can result in weakness in a person and will certainly affect the daily life of a person. Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include diarrhea, constipation, gas and bloating, Irritable bowel syndrome can be triggered by multiple factors including consumption of certain foods and medicines.

Personality disorders are on the rise. Generally, such disorders cause discomfort to the person suffering from such a condition. However, Sociopathic Personality Disorder also has damaging effects on the people around the patient, who suffers from this disorder. More prevalent in men than women, Sociopathic Personality Disorder is medically defined as a mental health condition in which a person exhibits antisocial behaviour without any care/concern for the people around him and with no intention to follow societal norms. This sort of a behaviour is exhibited in the long term with the intention to violate other’s rights. While it is not possible to pinpoint the exact cause of this personality disorder, an interplay of genes and environmental factors like child abuse, can lead to this condition. Identifying A Sociopath A sociopath can be identified through the traits exhibited. These are hallmark traits and the presence of 3 or more, can confirm that it’s a case of sociopathic personality disorder. Lack of concern towards other people and their feelings Not conforming to the rules and norms of society, thus violating the law Deceitfulness, with an intention to con and cheat people intentionally Easily builds relationships through deception, but cannot sustain the relationship Always putting the blame on others No remorse or feelings of guilt, for their actions Aggressive, very low tolerance levels, often culminating in violence Inconsistent behaviour Impulsive behavior, combined with the inability to plan ahead Sociopaths are deceitful people who con their way to people’s heart. If you’re able to identify someone who suffers from this personality disorder, here is how you can deal with him. Be emotionally strong in his company Sociopaths are known manipulators. So, be very careful and don’t let them take advantage of your emotional weakness. Stay composed and shut all your feelings out, when you are in the unavoidable company of a sociopath.

A hernia is a painful medical condition. It is the result of bulging tissues or viscera that move away from their natural position and push through weak and open areas of the muscles. This results in swollen pockets and extreme pain. A hernia can be deadly in certain cases. It affects millions of people in the country itself. The condition commonly affects the abdomen but can also take place in the belly button, upper thigh and groin regions. Medical attention is strongly recommended when it comes to seeking a cure for the disease. There are a number of natural remedies which aid in hernia pain relief as well. They reduce the risk of the onset of the disease and help as a whole. Here are a few of the best natural remedies for a hernia! Performing pull-up exercises is a great way to prevent spinal diseases. It is a very simple exercise which stretches the vertebrae and releases pressure on the nerves. This enhances blood circulation in the joints. You can perform this exercise at home and it is one of the best natural ways to provide for hernia pain relief. Workout twice a day in sets of 5. Each set should take 10-15 seconds. Avoid exercising too much as it can worsen your condition and increase the pain. Slowing down spinal degeneration is one of the most effective treatment methods for spinal disc herniation. The spine does not have the firmness it once had when it is degraded. The pressure on the spinal disk is suppressed completely and this leads to the onset of the disease. Add certain food items to your diet to restore cartilage joints and bones under the cartilage. This slows down the degeneration process and reduces pain. Eat tomatoes, cereals, soy, fish, meat, tubular bone, fresh milk, bananas green vegetables and fruits.

A soft waxy substance found among the fats in the bloodstream is known as cholesterol. The main function of cholesterol is to form some hormones, cell membranes, while it is also necessary for some other functions as well. If the cholesterol starts getting deposited in the arteries in the form of plaque it can cause severe health issues like heart attack and blockage in the arteries. Maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, smoking, and a lack of physical activity are some causes of rise in bad cholesterol levels. There are two types of cholesterol which are found in a combination of fats and proteins. High density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol Low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol One can control the build-up of bad cholesterol by cutting down on foods which cause a rise in bad cholesterol levels and maintain good cholesterol levels by adding foods and snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels. Dry fruits: Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are healthy snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, and unsaturated fats. Consuming a handful of nuts helps in lowering cholesterol levels. Avocados: Avocados are rich in fiber and unsaturated fats which help in lowering cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and keep the heart healthy. The unsaturated fats destroy the bad cholesterol thus lowering cholesterol levels. Dark chocolate: A heart-healthy snack which helps in lowering cholesterol levels, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering the build-up of bad cholesterol and helps in preventing heart diseases. Apples: Rich in pectin fiber, apples are a great snack for lowering cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering LDL or bad cholesterol levels. The bioactive compounds present in apples also help in preventing heart diseases.