Scoliosis Treatment Options and Home Remedies

Scoliosis Treatment Options and Home Remedies

Scoliosis is a condition or a disorder where there is an abnormal curve in the spine or the backbone. Generally, a normal spine, when looked from the side, should have normal curves but should appear straight when looked from the front. People suffering from scoliosis are seen to have an additional curve on either side of the body, and the bones of the spine start twisting on each other, this twisting leads to the formation of a “C” or “S” shape in the spine. Curvature of the spine being the most common symptom, scoliosis treatment aims to prevent and avoid the spinal curve from getting worse. The goal of scoliosis treatment is to correct or stabilize and steady a severe spinal curve. The type of treatment depends not only on the cause of scoliosis but also its severity and the risk of curve getting worse. Scoliosis treatment options include bracing, observation, and surgery. Types of Scoliosis Treatments Surgical treatment With surgery, the curve can be decreased and the spine can be stabilized so that the curve doesn’t get worse. Nonsurgical treatment This includes either routine exams by a doctor who then recommends rehabilitation exercises to check for any curve progression. Bracing In order to stop the spinal curve from getting worse, the aim of bracing treatment is to apply corrective forces on the spine in order to release the load on the inner part of the curve and push this load on the outer part. Brace Options There are two general treatment options for scoliosis bracing: Full-time bracing It is designed to be worn 16-23 hours every day, these braces are to be worn at all times, except when bathing, exercising, and during skin care. Night-time bracing Nighttime braces use hyper-corrective forces that help put the body out of normal balance.
Herbal Treatments For Prostate Enlargement That You Can Try Today

Herbal Treatments For Prostate Enlargement That You Can Try Today

The prostate is a small organ that wraps around the urethra in males. Prostate problems are fairly common in men, especially when they get older. The most common prostate issue in men is a prostate enlargement. This is called benign prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia. The primary function of the prostate is to add fluid to semen to help in the mobility of sperm. Although the gland starts out small, as men get older there can be an increase in the number of cells in the gland which causes the prostate enlargement. This enlargement is often non-cancerous which is why it is said to be benign. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is not a life-threatening condition and can be managed efficiently. Lifestyle changes, medications, and herbal treatments for prostate enlargement are all useful in controlling this condition. Symptoms Of Prostate Enlargement The prostate gland is located behind the urethra just below the bladder. Any enlargement of the prostate will constrict the urethra. This will manifest as urinary symptoms. Common symptoms of prostate enlargement are: Frequent urge to urinate Difficulty initiating urination Incomplete voiding of the bladder Weak flow of urine Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine) Intermittency of urine flow (starting and stopping of the urine flow) Benign prostate enlargement is a progressive condition and will worsen over time. Effective management, including herbal treatments for prostate enlargement as well as medications, is necessary to prevent further complications. Treatment Options: Medical And Herbal Treatments For Prostate Issues Treatment involves a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and herbal treatments for prostate enlargement. Herbal treatments for prostate issues is an excellent way to supplement the effectiveness of medicines. Medications The most commonly prescribed medications for this condition are alpha blockers and 5alpha-reductase inhibitors. Alpha blockers cause relaxation of the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck which eases the flow of urine.
10 Food Items That Can Help You Keep Your Diabetes In Control

10 Food Items That Can Help You Keep Your Diabetes In Control

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in the world today. Your blood sugar level is abnormally high when you have this condition. It happens due to the lack of insulin in the body. If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to severe conditions like stroke, cancer, and heart diseases. Having diabetes does not mean that you have to eat bland food. However, the diabetic food list has everything you will need to stay healthy and free from the complications caused by the disease. Here are foods that you must include on your diabetes food list. Avocado This rich and creamy vegetable has several benefits. It aids in digestion and keeps the blood sugar under control after a meal. It has the healthy fats that will help with the insulin resistance and stabilize the blood sugar levels in the long term. You can use avocados in sandwiches or salads and keep your insulin levels in control. Olive Oil Olive oil must be in your diabetic food list. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that are known to help patients with diabetes. It is used in the Mediterranean diet which is the best diet to prevent heart diseases. The healthy fats that are present in olive oil help with the digestion and prevents your glucose count from increasing. You can use olive oil in salads, pasta, or in any dish you prepare at home. Whole Grain Foods White bread or pasta is very harmful and can cause an immediate spike in the glucose levels. Switching to whole grain can help you keep your blood sugar levels in control. Whole grain foods take longer to digest and so they also assist in maintaining the metabolism fast. Refined foods lose all the nutrition in them. Instead, you can go for whole grain foods that are a lot more beneficial to you.
Everything You Need to Know about a Blood Pressure Chart

Everything You Need to Know about a Blood Pressure Chart

What is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force that transports blood through our circulatory system. It is a life force which pushes oxygen and nutrients around our circulatory system to feed tissues and organs. Blood pressure is also important because it distributes white blood cells and antibodies for immunity, and hormones such as insulin. The fresh blood that gets delivered also gathers the toxic waste products of metabolism along with the carbon dioxide we breathe out, and the toxins we clear through our liver and kidneys. The heart builds up blood pressure by pumping out blood when it contracts with every heartbeat. Biology Our blood pressure is highest at the commencement of its journey from our heart, and it is lowest at the end of its journey along smaller branches of arteries. That pressure difference is what causes blood to flow around our bodies. The condition of the arteries effect on the blood pressure and flow. What does Blood Pressure Values denote? Measurement of your blood pressure will give two readings. Your blood pressure will have two numbers, e.g., 120/80 mm. Hg. The number which appears on the left-hand side, being the highest number, is called systolic. The number which appears on the right-hand side, being the lowest number, is called diastolic. Systolic blood pressure denotes the highest pressure registered during the time your heart pushes the blood in your body system. Diastolic blood pressure denotes the lowest pressure registered, at the moment your heart rests between beats. Which number is more important? Typically, systolic blood pressure (the left side number) poses the main risk agent for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises incrementally with age due to the increasing rigidity of arteries. Blood Pressure Chart The blood pressure chart maps out levels of blood pressure at different times.
Foods to eat and avoid for people with gout

Foods to eat and avoid for people with gout

Gout is a particular type of arthritis that is prevalent in the country and leads to severe pain and swelling in the joints, along with redness and tenderness. Excess uric acid in the body that is not excreted gets deposited in the joints in the form of crystals and leads to inflammation and swelling. People with gout are seen with swollen fingers, wrists, toes (especially the big toe), heels, and knees. When the uric acid content in the body goes up, it results in gout attacks that may last for 3 to 14 days. If left untreated, the condition can also lead to joint damage and deformity. This is extremely painful, but it can be managed with medication and a proper diet. Some foods trigger attacks as they raise uric acid levels, and this needs to be kept in mind while following a diet to manage the condition. Let’s take a look at the best diet for gout, including what foods to eat and what to avoid. What to eat The foods one is planning to eat should be low in purine and fructose as both of these can increase the risk of gout and trigger gout attacks. The best foods to include in the diet of gout patients are as mentioned: All kinds of nuts and seeds All types of legumes are safe like tofu, soybeans, lentils, and such Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and barley Plant-based oils like coconut, flaxseed, olive, and canola oil Any kind of dairy products are safe, but low-fat versions are better options All vegetables Beverages like green tea, coffee, and tea All herbs and spices All fruits, and cherries even help prevent gout attacks as they reduce inflammation and uric acid levels What not to eat High-purine foods should be avoided, along with high-fructose foods, as they are major threats to gout attacks.
6 foods that could fight lung cancer

6 foods that could fight lung cancer

Research talks about plenty of tips and food products that claim to prevent lung cancer; however, only a few mention foods that could help fight this condition. Since lung cancer is fatal, it is advisable to first consult a doctor before trying out any of the diets or foods. Some of the foods that could help fight lung cancer are: Pears Studies showed that phloretin, which is found in apples and pears, noticeably induced cell death in these cancer cells. Not only that, phloretin also enhanced the anticancer effect of cisplatin, which is a common chemotherapy drug used for those suffering from lung cancer. Additionally, phloretin could also reduce fibrosis in the lungs. Green tea Green tea has a key role in the prevention of lung cancer and is beneficial to those already suffering from this condition. One needs to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine, so if someone is sensitive to it, they might want to go in for a caffeine-free variety. Also, skip the creamer, as dairy products could neutralize the compound which helps prevent the effects of cancer. Salmon A diet rich in vitamin D could greatly benefit people who have lung cancer. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency could end up leading to many health problems. Of all the minerals and vitamins in our food, vitamin D could be the hardest to get in dietary form. However, vitamin D is found in fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, and salmon. Ginger Ginger contains a compound known as 6-shogaol , which has been proven to prevent lung cancer from developing and lower the risk of metastases cancer. Since the metastasizing of cancerous cells is the chief reason for fatalities for people with cancer, consuming ginger is important. Try eating ginger in a crystallized form or in the form of ginger tea.
Best foods for managing asthma symptoms

Best foods for managing asthma symptoms

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and other symptoms. There is no cure for it; medicines can only help manage the discomforts and improve the quality of life. Furthermore, nutrition plays a vital role. Eating healthy prevents the symptoms from flaring up frequently and makes the condition more manageable. This article lists a few foods that help get rid of asthma attacks naturally. Fruits and veggies Fruits and vegetables provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep asthma attacks and symptoms at bay. Vitamin A helps improve lung function and can be sourced from leafy greens like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and broccoli. Spinach and Swiss chard also have magnesium that helps improve lung function, while sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in beta carotene. When it comes to fruits, apples and oranges are the best foods that help get rid of asthma attacks. They are loaded with vitamins C and E that effectively counter lung inflammation. Bananas are another rich source of potassium and antioxidants that help relieve wheezing in asthma patients. Foods fortified with vitamin D Vitamin D is one of the most crucial nutrients to fight asthma. Studies show that this vitamin helps reduce the risk of childhood asthma among kids between ages six and 15. While one can absorb vitamin D from sunlight, options like salmon, eggs, fortified milk, and orange juice are the best foods that help manage asthma symptoms naturally. Snacks, bread, and cereals fortified with vitamin D are other options to boost immunity and keep asthma attacks in check. Besides vitamin D, salmon also has omega-3 fatty acids that can counter inflammation and manage breathing difficulties. Root herbs and spices Ginger is an effective root herb that can soothe respiratory discomforts associated with asthma attacks.
Natural compounds that may help prevent skin cancer

Natural compounds that may help prevent skin cancer

Family remedy books as well as research state that natural produce goes a long way in helping one deal with a health issue. Be it a common cold or flu or a long-term illness such as arthritis, natural foods, in combination with other remedies, help one manage the symptoms effectively. In fact, there has been research that states the presence of natural compounds that could help in the prevention of skin cancer. Anti-cancer options derived from natural resources Research shows that anti-cancer remedies are dominantly derived from natural resources like marine, microbial, and botanical sources. Skin cancer, specifically cutaneous malignant melanoma, is among the aggressive types of cancers that have a high mortality rate. Therefore, there has been a pressing need to study flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, sulforaphane, vitamins, some polyphenols and crude plant extracts. These phytochemicals have been observed for their anti-skin cancer or anti-melanoma activities. Natural compounds that help combat skin cancer After discovering which natural compounds can be used to treat skin cancer, the best way to help prevent the illness is to consume these compounds in their most natural form. This article compiles a list anti-skin cancer compounds and which foods are a rich source of them. Flavonoids This plant-based compound comes with a variety of health benefits, and is renowned for its ability to reduce the risk of several types of cancers. Foods that are a potent source of flavonoids include berries, cabbage, onions, kale, tea, dark chocolate, parsley, soybeans, and citrus fruits. Terpenoids Terpenes are found in many spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. To load up on terpenoids, consume foods like mangoes, apples, citrus fruits, and spices like basil, rosemary, cinnamon, oregano, cloves, lavender, and black pepper. Carotenoids This compound is associated with an orange pigment, and that’s why foods high in carotenoids are in the shade of orange.
4 Incredible Homemade Treatments for Healthy Hair

4 Incredible Homemade Treatments for Healthy Hair

Working out, eating right, and catching up on your beauty sleep yields wonderful results. However, stress and pollution can wreak havoc on your hair and skin. While there are numerous skin products available that can repair the damage inflicted by the environment, when it comes to hair treatments, people prefer opting for natural remedies. Moreover, certain hair types are more prone to damage than others, and that’s where natural hair treatments come to your rescue. Visiting the salon might be the only viable solution, but there are better options. The ingredients for your hair treatment can be found easily, and you can whip them up in no time. Here are some of the most effective homemade hair treatments that will leave you with a strong and lustrous mane. Fancy some black tea? Tea can have an amazing effect on your hair. If your hair has been looking dull lately, you can revitalize it with the help of black tea! For this homemade hair treatment, all you have to do is brew some black tea. Let it cool and pour the tea onto your hair. You’ll have to wait for ten minutes and then wash it off. Et voila! Your hair will be shinier than it has ever been. You can repeat this hair treatment twice a week for best results. Butter it up Butter is a perfect remedy for dry and frizzy hair. It is creamy and rich, and adds softness and moisture to your hair. This hair treatment is inspired by a practice prominent in Ethiopia, where people use butter to moisturize their hair and protect it from sun damage. This hair treatment works wonders even if you have curly hair. It enhances your natural hair texture, and adds moisture and sheen to it. Go bananas! Bananas are the powerhouse of nutrients and are high in potassium too.
Tips to stay healthy when suffering from psoriatic arthritis

Tips to stay healthy when suffering from psoriatic arthritis

Small changes in your current lifestyle can be extremely beneficial for your overall physical and mental well-being. If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis, lifestyle modifications are much needed as there is no cure for this autoimmune disease. Medications would continue as a part of the daily regime, but controlling what you eat and engaging in physical activities can help reduce the symptoms associated with it. Essentially, you try to bring small and basic changes to your current lifestyle, including your eating habits, sleeping patterns, emotional state, and overall quality of life. Following are some of the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis if followed religiously: Exercising Keep the adrenaline pumping no matter what. However, start with slow and low impact exercises such as walking and swimming. Ensure that your regular workouts do not affect your joints in any way. You can additionally switch to yoga for an overall holistic experience. Simple and easy stretching exercises under the guidance of an expert can help too. Also, you may want to consider Tai Chi as it improves the functional strength. Continue with moderate exercises to improve your overall metabolism and strength. Consider Pilates, stationary biking, and water aerobics to improve cardiovascular strength. Eating healthy Your intake must be nutritious, balanced, and healthy so that it improves your overall strength and immunity. Eventually, your overall body metabolism must keep improving to fight psoriatic arthritis and its associated symptoms. Vegetables are the best source of antioxidants. Add loads of Omega-3 fatty acid products to your everyday food such as fish, chia, flaxseeds, walnuts, and salmon. You can also add fiber-rich carbohydrates and proteins to your everyday intake in substantial amounts. No alcohol and substance abuse Try to completely quit smoking or drinking. This is an absolute no as it physically takes a major toll on your body, especially when suffering from psoriatic arthritis.
Top nutrition and diet tips for living well with epilepsy

Top nutrition and diet tips for living well with epilepsy

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all. One’s body will be more satisfied with the next step of the diet—whole, natural foods. Following a whole, natural foods diet: The step of following a wholesome, natural diet is a complex one that needs to be broken down into smaller, simpler-to-follow step. Healthy food items which have extremely little to no processing factor at all should be included in the diet. Foods that are minimally processed have a maximum of 3 ingredients.
Adult braces – Types, materials, and costs

Adult braces – Types, materials, and costs

Although the ideal age to get your teeth fixed is the teenage years, adult braces are new quite common. If you’re an adult with disoriented teeth, perhaps you have a few important questions about these braces. Fortunately, adult braces are now more effective and don’t affect your physical appearance much. Dentists maintain that how the braces affect their aesthetics is the primary concern for adults, cost and comfort follow later. Types of braces It is very convenient for adults to get braces since they have several options to choose from. However, we must keep in mind that each alternative has its own pros and cons. Traditional braces With gentle pressure, these braces align your teeth over time. They are connected using metal wires with a single metal bracket glued to the front of your teeth. You can also replace the metal with tooth-colored ceramic brackets and white-colored wires. These braces might be conspicuous, but the treatment time with them is the shortest. Teeth aligners Aligners are transparent plastic trays that fit over your teeth and remain there throughout the day. You are supposed to remove them only while eating or cleaning. If you’re using aligners, it is important that you keep them for as much time as possible and replace the trays every two weeks. If you’re not cautious of this, it may take more time to see the results when compared to the traditional option. Self-ligating braces These adult braces are placed over your teeth much like the traditional ones. The difference here is that special clips or brackets are used to allow the archwire to move your teeth into the correct spot. This technique makes the need for elastic bands redundant. Lingual braces These are like traditional braces, except the brackets are glued to the rear side of the tooth.