Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.

Gum disease is common and results in painful, inflamed, and swollen gums. The early stages of gum disease are called gingivitis. If gum disease isn’t tackled in early stages, then it progresses to periodontitis. The most common gum diseases are called by bacterial infections, that can spread and destroy the gums, and the tissue surrounding the teeth. The bacteria forms plaques around the teeth and gums. If this plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and form tartar. Most early cases of plaque buildup and gingivitis can be treated on your own. Natural treatment for gum disease is a great way to save yourself time, money, and pain of seeing a dentist. Natural treatment for gum disease includes maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. Symptoms of gum disease Healthy gums are pink, fit securely around the teeth, do not bleed when you touch or brush them, and are not painful or inflamed. In some cases, the initial stages of gum disease are not painful, and there may be no recognizable symptoms. Eventually, as the disease progresses, the symptoms can worsen. The early stage of gum disease or gingivitis has fewer symptoms, and these tend to be nonspecific and vague. The most common early symptoms of gum disease are: Redness or purple discoloration of the gums Swelling Bleeding gums while brushing, eating, or on touching the gums. Painful gums Bad breath ( halitosis ) Natural treatment for gum disease is best initiated during early stages, to halt the progression into a more severe form of gum disease, i.e, periodontitis . The symptoms of advanced gum disease or periodontitis are: An unpleasant taste in the mouth Bad breath (halitosis) Loose teeth Difficulty chewing food Gum abscesses (collection of pus) Receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer. Deep pockets between the gums and teeth.

If you have diabetes, then you probably have a hard time living a normal life. You have to monitor your blood glucose levels from time to time and make sure that it is under control. What you eat, what you do not eat, how active you are in your daily life, and many such factors play a role in controlling blood glucose levels. When you have control over all these factors, you will be able to lead a healthy life. There are numerous tips that can help in controlling blood glucose, and these can make your life better as well. Here are some of them: Exercise regularly Regular exercise can help you stay fit by aiding with weight loss. It will also increase insulin sensitivity. Thus, your body will be able to use the sugar in the bloodstream in a much better way. Also, a workout will make the muscles use the sugar in the body for muscle strengthening and to produce energy. Brisk walking, dancing, running, swimming or hiking are some forms of regular exercise. Swap your regular food with healthy food By replacing your regular food with some healthy food items, you can bring a difference to your health. There are several simple ways to do this like swapping foods made with white flour like white pasta or white bread with whole grain bread and pasta. Make sure that you add food that is low in GI. If you do not like eating such food, then at least try to add one such item to your diet every day. Eat small meals Your blood glucose levels will remain stable if you spread your meals and snacks evenly throughout the day. Instead of having three large meals per day, try to reduce the quantity per meal and eat multiple times through the day.

When a person suffers from lymphoma, nutrition plays a vital role in the treatment. The cancer of the lymph nodes is known as lymphoma. The lymph nodes are a mass of tissues that helps in protecting the body against infections. Consuming a well-balanced diet can help a person feel better, thus improving the chances of recovery. There are various factors that can increase the tendency of developing lymphoma. Lymphoma comes in different types, and there are several factors that can cause the illness. But the causes for developing this condition differ from one patient to the other. Many people who suffer from this illness may not have a known cause. One of the major risk factors associated with lymphoma are issues related to the person’s immune system. Unlike other cancers, lymphoma may be a result of the person’s lifestyle. In order to tackle the symptoms of lymphoma, the following foods can be included in your diet. Protein Proteins will help the body to repair tissues and cells. It will also help in the recovery of the immune system. One should include in their meals lean protein obtained from snacks and meals. Eggs, soy foods, nuts and nut butters, beans, dairy products that contain low fats like dairy substitutes, milk, cheese, and yogurt are other options from which one can derive lean proteins. Whole grains One should also include whole grains in their meals as they are a good source of fiber and carbohydrates that help the person’s energy levels to rise. Oatmeal, whole grain pastas, whole wheat bread, and brown rice are alternate sources of whole grain foods. Fruits and vegetables On a daily basis, one needs to eat different types of vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are packed with antioxidants that help one fight against cancer. In order to get more benefits, one should consume vegetables and fruits of different colors.

Fungal infection of the nail occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the nail bed. The main cause of fingernail fungus is a broken or cracked nail plate or cuticles. It can also result from bacteria inside the body. Often characterized by cracked nail beds, fungal infection makes the nail thick and yellow. There are different fingernail fungus treatment options, but the cure takes time to show results. Before discussing fingernail fungus treatment options, let’s look at the causes and visible symptoms of fungal infection. Causes of fingernail fungus Fingernail fungus infection usually occurs due to overgrowth of fungi under, or in the nail. Since fungi need a warm, and moist environment to multiply, so this type of environment helps them thrive easily. Nail infections can be caused by the same fungi that are responsible for causing ringworm, athlete’s foot, or jock itch. Nail infection can also be caused by fungi present on or in the body. It is also communicable i.e., it can spread if in case you come in contact with someone who already has a fungal infection. As stated by American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), toenails are more prone to fungal infections as compared to fingernails. This is because toes remain covered in the shoes which serves a perfect breeding ground for fungi. Risk factors for fungal infections Different causes can be associated with fungal nail infections, with each having its own course of treatment. Remember, although fingernail fungus is preventable, there are certain risk factors that increase the chances of developing it. If you are suffering from any of the below mentioned, likelihood of developing fungal nail infection increases: Diabetes Poor circulation People aging 65 years and above Artificial nails and nail injury Swim in public swimming pool Skin injury near the nail Fingers and toes when not dried properly Weak immune system It has been seen that men are more prone to getting affected by fingernail infection than women.

Is it possible to prevent breast cancer? While there is no foolproof method that can eliminate the risk of breast cancer, there are some natural ways by which you may be able to protect yourself. There is nothing you can do about risk factors like genetics, age, etc. But, research suggests that there may be some remedial measures that you can adopt. These include: Diet One of the first things that you can do is tweak your diet and focus on eating more vegetables while cutting down on meat. What you need to do is include more colored vegetables and fruits in your diet. The plant pigments called flavonoids are known for their anti-cancerous properties. When you consume more of these flavonoids, you significantly reduce the risks of breast cancer. Some foods which contain flavonoids are oranges, apples, black tea, melons, chamomile tea, and aromatic herbs. Cut down on meat Not only must you add more fresh fruits and veggies to your diet, but you must also cut down on the consumption of processed meats like ham, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, etc., which are known to contain carcinogens. The relation between cancer and meat is the strongest in colorectal cancer, but it is also possible that excess processed meat consumption may cause breast cancer. Work out While a healthy diet can help, working out every day is recommended to reduce the risks of cancer in general. Physical inactivity is a key reason for nine percent of breast cancer cases. When you stay active physically, you can reduce the risks of cancers, osteoporosis, and heart diseases. It is recommended that you get at least 300 minutes of exercise each week. It could be any activity that you like doing like swimming, cycling, walking, or dancing. Post-menopausal care A good way to keep breast cancer at bay is to lose extra body fat, especially post-menopause.

Affecting the small intestine, bowel disorders affect the way in which food is digested and absorbed by human body. Bowel disorders not only affect small intestine but also other parts of the digestive tract. It is important to note that bowel sickness is curable. However, first, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the problem that you are facing. Common symptoms of bowel disorders are constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms include: Discomfort or pain in abdomen Abdominal bloating Bleeding from back passage Blood in stool Alteration in bowel habits Lump in the tummy Tiredness and unexpected weight loss It is best advised to make an appointment with the doctor if any of the above-mentioned systems persists. They can help diagnose the disease better and accordingly recommend a treatment plan. There are different types of bowel disorders depending on the symptoms. Common ones are: Celiac Disease Crohn’s Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Intestinal Obstruction Celiac Disease – It is an autoimmune disorder wherein gluten generates an undesirable reaction. In this type of bowel disorder, when food having gluten, a type of protein, is consumed, the immune system attacks the inner lining of the small intestine. In such cases, a person consuming grains such as barley wheat and rye feel uncomfortable and experience unexplainable pain in the tummy. Crohn’s Disease – An autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. In this disorder, the body is seen to attack its health tissues, thus injuring tissues in mouth, intestines, and anus. IBS – Another type of bowel disorder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, affects both small as well as the large intestine. It is a group of intestinal symptoms that usually happen together. Gastrointestinal problems are common when suffering from IBS. This type of bowel disorder is also known as irritable colon, spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis.

Bleeding disorders can cause abnormal bleeding inside and outside the patient’s body. You probably do not know about these strange bleeding disorders. Bleeding disorders occur when the blood clotting process of the body is damaged. As a result of this breakdown, some patients may bleed profusely inside or from their joints, muscles, and other areas of the body. Platelets are a type of blood cells that stick to each other and form a plug in areas where injured blood cells are located. Proteins are the blood clotting factors that help in the formation of a fibrin clot called a gel plug which helps the blood platelets stick in place. Not only does this promote healing in the injured blood vessels, it also helps prevent the blood from escaping outside the blood vessels. Bleeding disorders are generally caused due to reasons like low red blood cells count, deficiency of vitamin K, anticoagulants (medicines that can interfere with the blood clotting process) and also as a result of certain after-effects of traumas or injuries. The following are the 2 most prevalent types of bleeding disorders in the world: Von Willebrand Disease This is a type of a bleeding disorder that is inherited. It occurs when the protein that helps in the clotting process (named the Von Willebrand factor in the blood) and which is also responsible for carrying other clotting properties is absent or not functioning properly. Von Willebrand bleeding disorders can be categorized in three types, namely type1, 2 and 3. Of these, type 1 is the mildest form of the bleeding disorder, while type 3 is the most severe condition. Women are more commonly diagnosed with this type of bleeding disorder, especially during menstruation. Intake of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen without a doctor’s approval is strictly not recommended for patients suffering this bleeding disorder as it may cause aggressive bleeding in the patient.

Lupus is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and pain across the body. It occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues and organs, which means it is an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, there is no specific meal plan for lupus. That said, eating and avoiding certain foods can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. So, let’s look at what foods to eat to prevent lupus flare-ups. Flaxseeds It is considered a superfood by many nutritionists. Adding flaxseeds to your daily meals can avoid or reduce lupus flare-ups to a large extent. The alpha-linolenic acid present in it has atherogenic properties that can reduce inflammation associated with lupus. The lignans present in flaxseeds are platelet-activating factor (PAF) – receptor antagonists that can also be beneficial in treating lupus nephritis. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, and herring are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acid), which are a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are associated with decreasing inflammation due to autoimmune diseases like lupus. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce or avoid lupus flare-ups include Brussels sprouts, algal oil, chia seeds, walnuts, among others. Whole grains Metabolism plays an essential role in any disease management. In this case, a poor metabolism may lead to developing lupus. Refined grains reduce the body’s metabolism, which can increase the risk of lupus inflammation as they take longer to process. Nutritionists recommend eating whole grains like rye, barley, cracked wheat (bulgur), quinoa, and oatmeal as they are lighter on the digestive system and contain healthy fiber that aids in digestion, decreasing the risk of inflammation. Fresh fruits and vegetables Researchers believe that one of the reasons for autoimmune diseases like lupus is the lack of nutrients in daily meals. As the body processes the food we eat, it leaves behind free radicals.

Migraine is a neurological condition that is often accompanied by a host of painful and discomforting symptoms like sensitivity to light, dizziness, and nausea or vomiting. To cope with this, it is important to identify the common triggers of a migraine headache. Studies say that frequently reported migraine triggers are food items, and eliminating these food items, or at least limiting their consumption, is crucial for treatment: Chocolate Chocolate is often considered to be a risky migraine trigger and is among the most common triggers as it is replete with caffeine. Chocolate also contains the amino acid tyramine that adds to the intensity of the headaches. However, chocolates also have dopamine and serotonin, which are beneficial, so consuming chocolate in moderation may prove to be beneficial for the treatment. Caffeine An occasional cup of coffee does not cause a painful migraine attack, but drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks regularly can worsen the frequency and severity of headaches. Due to its vasoconstrictive properties, caffeine restricts blood flow to the brain, causing relief in the case of a painful headache, but it is best to avoid too much of coffee if you experience frequent headaches. Frozen foods Studies show that there is a strong link between frozen foods and migraine headaches. Consumption of frozen foods like ice cream, frozen yogurt, a slush, and such may provoke strong headaches. These items contain substances that affect blood flow to the brain, leading to headaches that develop into migraines. Salty foods Salty foods are the most common triggers as high consumption of salty foods raises the sodium levels in your blood and increases blood pressure, which could increase the risk of migraine. Avoid eating too much salt or salty and processed food to prevent it. Pickled and fermented foods Pickled and fermented foods contain high levels of tyramine, which may trigger migraine headaches.

The exact cause or trigger of a migraine is not known to anybody. However, doctors and healthcare professionals believe that there are many factors that can lead to a migraine attack. Some of the most common triggers are discussed in details below: Stress A significant increase or decrease in psychological or physical stress is reason enough to trigger a migraine. Danish researchers found out that the onset of migraine attacks in most patients have been a result of stress. Some other studies say that 50% to 80% of migraine patients have migraine headaches due to stress. While some patients experience a migraine after a stressful event, a few others experience the onset of an attack in the midst of a taxing situation. Jet lag or lack of sleep One of the most common factors of a migraine is sleep disturbance. Insufficient sleep is often the reason for acute migraine attacks. Excessive sleeping also causes a migraine. Jet lag and change in your sleeping time due to changes in work schedule also trigger a migraine. People who are suffering from chronic migraine experience insomnia as well. Chronic migraine patients with insomnia are at high risk of depression and anxiety. All these conditions have sleep disturbance in common. Thus, many people get relief from migraine pain when they get sound sleep. Food additives There are certain food items as well which trigger a migraine. The flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate or MSG and the artificial sweetener aspartame can cause a migraine. However, experiences with aspartame have given conflicting results. The possible effects thus remain unresolved among migraine patients. There are some cases which show that patients suffering from clinical depression have experienced worse symptoms after the consumption of aspartame. Many people believe that MSG triggers headaches. However, controlled research has not found any concrete link between MSG consumption and headache or any other health conditions.

Sterols are naturally occurring fats in the human body and cholesterol is the main sterol. There are two primary sources of cholesterol in our body. The liver is the leading producer of cholesterol. The human body requires a certain level of cholesterol for normal functioning. But excess cholesterol, in addition to other fatty substances, can cause the formation of plaque which then adheres to the walls of arteries. With the increase in plaque buildup, the blood and oxygen flow in the arteries is bound to reduce. Sometimes the plaque ruptures, causing a blood clot to form. If this blood clot is big enough, it would completely block the artery. This is the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. To know if you have ideal cholesterol levels, you must first understand that a cholesterol indicator test indicates four numbers. Total Cholesterol LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) HDL (High- Density Lipoproteins) Triglycerides Since fat is insoluble in water, it cannot circulate throughout the body. The human body has found a way to produce water-soluble fat and transport it. These are Lipoproteins. This is the form in which most of the fat exists in the human body. A higher risk of coronary heart disease has been linked to higher levels of Triglycerides.Therefore your ideal cholesterol level is actually a measure of whether these specific lipoproteins are within the required range. The Yin & Yang of cholesterol LDL & HDL are the two fundamental cholesterol types. Their numbers define their presence and one ought to know more about them before deciding if or not you have the ideal cholesterol levels. LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) LDL tends to build up against your arterial walls and thus leads to a blockage and heart diseases. They are therefore referred to as the “bad cholesterol”. The lower the LDL levels, the lower is the risk.