We are what we eat, which is why it is so easy to eat into high levels of cholesterol with foods that are high in the same. Conversely, eating foods that have low cholesterol triggers help lower cholesterol levels too. To lower high cholesterol levels, two strategies can be followed: Adding cholesterol-lowering foods that lower LDL or low-density lipoproteins Cutting back on foods that boost LDL levels LDL cholesterol is the harmful cholesterol-carrying particle that contributes to atherosclerosis, a condition wherein arteries get blocked. Cholesterol-lowering foods Cholesterol-lowering foods play a significant role in controlling the levels. Foods rich in soluble fiber helps in binding cholesterol along with its precursors present in the digestive system. This fiber also pushes these out of the system before they get into circulation. Others provide polyunsaturated fats that directly lower LDL levels. Others may contain plant sterols and stanols that block the body from absorbing cholesterol. A look at some cholesterol-lowering foods: Oats A bowl of oatmeal or cold oat-based cereal for breakfast is a good first step towards improving one’s cholesterol levels. Oats provide 1 to 2 grams of soluble fiber and adding a banana, or a handful of strawberries can make up for another half-gram. The current day nutrition guidelines recommend the intake of 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day, out of which at least 5 to 10 grams come from soluble fiber. Barley and other whole grains Similar to oats and oat bran, barley, and other whole grains also help lower the risk of heart disease through the soluble fiber they deliver. Beans Beans are rich in soluble fiber and since they take some time for the body to digest, consuming them makes a person feel full for longer after eating a meal. For people trying to lose weight, this makes beans a good food ingredient.

Potassium is the third highest amount of mineral present in your body cells. Too high or too low amount of potassium can be dangerous. In case of high or low levels of potassium, you may need to change your eating habit. Be aware of foods that are low or high in potassium. Thereby, you can control the amount of potassium you get in your diet. Why do we need the right amount of potassium? There are many reasons for you to consume an adequate amount of foods with potassium daily. Given below are those reasons: It helps proper working of your nerves, kidney, brain, and muscles. The right amount of potassium in your body also helps to keep your heart beating at a steady rate. It maintains fluid and electrolyte balance in your system. It keeps the body hydrated. It supports cellular function in conjunction with sodium. It lowers blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart stroke. It Increases bone density. It decreases muscle cramps. It utilizes the carbohydrates you consume. Everyone requires potassium to build protein and muscle. Dangers of Low Potassium A deficiency in potassium is undesirable and can lead to: Tiredness Irregular bowels Losing temper Stiffness of muscles Weight gain Blood pressure abnormality Heart-beat anomaly Sickness Swelling of belly Dejection Rheumatism How Much Potassium Should You Be Taking In? The recommended intake of foods with potassium for male and female adults is 4,700 milligrams per day. Foods with Potassium Potassium is available in wide range of foods. You can choose from a wide variety of foods with potassium as one of the means to maintain your potassium intake. The list given below highlights the potassium content in various foods (expressed in mg per 100g): Fruits & Veggies The potassium content for some of the common fruits and vegetables are:

Fiber is very important for our system. It does not just help with the digestion but also reduces the risk of hypertension, stroke, and other heart diseases. Most people do not get sufficient fiber, and so you see it affecting their health in different ways. The list of high-fiber foods won’t affect your health in any negative way. It only benefits you as fiber foods take longer to digest. In this time, all the essential nutrients and vitamins are absorbed by the body. How fiber helps the human body To understand what fiber does in your body, you first need to know that there are two kinds of fibers—soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber turns into a gel and slows the digestion process. This lowers your blood glucose and lowers your cholesterol. Moreover, the insoluble fiber stays in the same form and is the bulk of the stool. It makes the process of digestion a lot easier. Not having sufficient amounts of fiber can lead to constipation. Fiber regulates the speed of your digestion and makes sure that the body gets all the required nutrition. At the same time, you need to have fibers in the right amount. Here is a list of high-fiber foods that you need to include in your diet every day. Beans Beans are the answers to all the good things that your body needs and is hence included in the list of high-fiber foods. They have the necessary proteins, vitamins, and minerals that will aid in digestion and make you strong. If you don’t have much of it in your diet, then you should start eating it. However, having too much of it can make you gastric. So, limit your intake of beans. You can choose from lima beans, broad beans, black beans, kidney beans, and so on.

What is meningitis? An inflammation of the membranes and fluids that cover the spinal cord and brain is known as Meningitis. According to statistics, over 1 million people every year get affected by different types of meningitis. The most common cause of meningitis is the infection, and this infection can be caused by different kinds of germs like parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. What are the different types of meningitis? Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis is an aggressive type of meningitis that can develop quickly – often within a few hours. Bacterial meningitis is so dangerous that it leads to death or permanent disability within a few hours. In 10-20% of the cases, bacterial meningitis is fatal, accounting for about 170,000 deaths around the world every year. Most of these deaths occur within 24-48 hours of the onset of the symptoms. Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (the meningococcus) and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) are the main causes of bacterial meningitis. These bacteria are divided into groups of three that are known as serotypes or serogroups. To state an example, 95% of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia cases are caused by meningococcus serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y. Septicaemia, also known as blood poisoning, is a potentially life-threatening infection that is caused when meningitis-causing bacteria gets into the bloodstream. The infection can occur on its own or in addition to meningitis. It is very common to find meningitis bacteria in the throat and nose area in people. The bacteria that live in these areas of the human body usually cause no harm and help build immunity against infections. In case the bacteria invade the body, in a rare case, the disease manifests itself. Through respiratory droplets released through coughing, sneezing and making close contact, the bacteria becomes contagious as it can spread from person to person.

Facts about itchy skin: Pruritus is the medical term that is used to describe itchy skin. The most common causes of itching include exposure to sun, atopic dermatitis, dry skin, infestations, infections, chronic diseases, stings, bites and allergic reactions. Most anti-itch creams and lotions contain ingredients like pramoxine, diphenhydramine, caladryl, Benadryl, tronolane, camphor, benzocaine and menthol that bring relief to itchy skin. Corticosteroid medications also help in some instances of itching. Another thing that is considered necessary is to avoid scratching and making the condition of itching much worse. Any itching done can make the condition worse and lead to a bacterial infection. In case the itching persists for too long, gets worse or develops into skin lesions, it is better to consult a health care provider who can assess the situation. What is an itch? Irritation of the skin that creates the urge to scratch is known as an itch. Everybody at some point experiences itching and the symptoms of itching can be generalized, as in they can spread to different parts of the body or be localized, as in they are limited to one part of the body. In some cases, itching only occurs at night. Itching that spreads all over the body and is highly generalized is a lot more uncomfortable than localized itching that is contained in one spot. Skin lesions, rashes, blisters, bumps, abnormalities, and redness can also occur at the site of itching. A doctor or medical professional should evaluate any itching that comes along with visible physical skin abnormality of symptoms. In case a skin condition requires a specialized medical treatment, like in the case of skin conditions like scabies or eczema, a dermatologist should be consulted. The symptoms and other physical signs associated with pruritus or itching depend upon the main underlying cause of the problem and can be associated with different signs.

Neck pain can be quite a nerve-racking experience. It can throw your life out of gear and cause considerable pain even with the slightest neck movement. Stiff neck or neck pain limits one’s overall mobility. People experience a sharp pain while driving or sleeping or simply turning their head. Causes of neck pain could be many, ranging from injury to the wrong posture. Irrespective of the cause of neck pain, one needs to get rid of the pain at the earliest in order to restore normalcy in daily activities. The neck is supported by bones, ligaments, and muscles. An inflammation, abnormality or injury to this support system causes neck pain. Neck pain or strain occurs when one or more fibers in a neck muscle strain or tear. This is also referred to as a pulled muscle. The pain varies based on the extent and location of the damage to the neck muscle. Mild neck pain usually subsides on its own with rest, but sharp or severe pain may require treatment. Before knowing how to cure neck pain, it is important to know what causes it. Causes of stiff neck Neck pain is usually caused by a strain or injury to the ligament, tendon or muscles supporting the neck. The neck vertebrae extend from the base of the skull all the way up to the upper torso. The neck area is made up of a network of tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Neck pain results from a damage or strain or stretching of any of these parts. Here are the common causes of neck pain: Muscle tension or strain : Neck muscles can get stretched or strained due to a wear and tear, bad posture, wrong sleeping position or jerky movement during exercise. Injury : The neck is prone to injury. Accidental fall or sports injury or sudden jerky movements cause injury to the neck muscles.

Cold and cough are not very serious health conditions but may be an indication of other illnesses. A person may experience a cough may be due to chest congestion or throat infection or allergies or tuberculosis, or even gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An acute cough develops suddenly and lasts for short durations, while a chronic cough lasts for more than 3 to 8 weeks. A chronic cough that does not have any obvious cause and lasts for several weeks is a cause of concern. A chronic cough can cause a considerable amount of discomfort and be a hindrance to your work and home routine. A chronic cough can strain the muscles of your chest and leave your throat feeling raw and painful. There are chronic cough remedies which aim at eliminating the cause of cough. Cough due to cold can be cured through simple home remedies, while serious infections of the throat or lungs may require antibiotic medication. Mild throat infections may be treated by gargling with warm salt water. Causes of a chronic cough Cough occurs when dust, virus, bacteria, food particles or pollen irritate the nerve endings present in the airways between throat and lungs. The body tries to clear the blockage by coughing. Before moving on to chronic cough remedies, it pays to take a look at the various causes of a chronic cough. Common causes of a chronic cough are as follows: Postnasal drip Asthma, cough-variant asthma with a cough as the main symptom Chronic bronchitis Any type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Viral or bacterial infections of the throat or lungs Medications for treating other illnesses like high blood pressure Smoking Chewing tobacco Acid reflux. Other causes of a chronic cough that are less common include the following: Cystic fibrosis Lung cancer Heart failure Bronchiolitis A whooping cough Bronchiectasis Top 10 home remedies for a chronic cough Identifying the cause of a chronic cough is primary to decide on chronic cough remedies.

Our body is capable enough of protecting itself from disease-causing agents to a certain extent. The immune system is what keeps harmful agents at bay. However, there are instances when the immune system isn’t strong enough to keep the body from harm’s way. In such situations, the viruses and bacteria enter the body and wreak havoc and the result is that you are bed-ridden for a few days. What might begin as symptoms of a common cold can turn into full-fledged nasal congestion in no time. Nasal congestion is a common ailment that affects children and adults alike. It causes a hindrance in breathing and worsens if left untreated. It starts as a normal common cold and, if left unchecked, can cause severe nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is a result of a variety of causes, but there are various treatments to relieve nasal congestion. If you wish to learn more about the same, keep reading. Various causes of nasal congestion Stuffy nose or nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passage is blocked. This blockage is the result of swelling of the membrane lining which is in turn caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels. In addition to causing great discomfort, nasal congestion affects the individual’s ability to breathe effortlessly. The common cold is usually the cause of nasal congestion, but there are a few other causes that are known to trigger nasal congestion. They are as follows: One of the common causes of nasal congestion is hay fever. Many times, a deviated septum is responsible for causing nasal congestion. People are usually allergic to certain substances in their surroundings. When the allergy is triggered, it can also lead to nasal congestion, especially if it involves a runny nose and sneezing. Exposure to certain chemicals can lead to nasal congestion.

Though we try to lead a healthy lifestyle by making the necessary amends, some defect in the bodily functions, caused due to some ailment or the process of aging, can cause us great pain and unease. Though a majority of these diseases are curable, they cause immense discomfort and excruciating pain while they last. Gout is one such disease that affects a person’s ability to move around freely. The individual suffering from gout can experience a gout attack anytime, and the only saving grace is to opt for home remedies that would give quick gout relief. The following sections will help increase your awareness about gout. What is gout? Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the feet, especially the big toe. It is characterized by a sudden onset of stiffness, sudden excruciating pain, and swelling in joints, especially the big toe. Gout arthritis is known to cause severe damage to the tendons, joints, and tissues if it is left untreated over a long period. Gout attacks can cause severe pain, and it renders the person unable to move around. Gout shows all the symptoms that accompany all types of arthritis. What causes gout? Gout arthritis is the result of high level of uric acid in the blood. People usually have uric acid in their blood, and it is harmless. However, high levels of uric acid in the blood results in the crystallization of the same, and it settles in the joints. These uric acid crystals are the sole cause of the excruciating pain an individual has to suffer when he suffers from gout. Gout attacks subside if one adheres to quick gout relief treatments that can thwart the pain from spreading. What are the home remedies for quick gout relief? There are various medications available for providing relief from the pain caused by gout, but people are often hesitant because of the side-effects caused by the same.

Left breast pain in women can often be a warning sign of a future heart attack or be an underlying symptom of other serious conditions. Women tend to take these signs lightly, and in extreme cases, the result is death. Left breast pain can be a major indicator of underlying health problems. The best way to figure out if you’re really in trouble is by learning how to identify the location of the breast pain. Pain can originate from bodily structures located in the area under the breast. This is why non-breast related issues also need to be taken seriously. Heart attack symptoms may manifest as left breast pain, and this is an issue that is often overlooked amongst women. Common symptoms of oncoming heart attacks related to left breast pain include—a tightness in the chest, pain in the neck, jaw, or left arm, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and a gut-feeling followed by a sense of uneasiness. Causes of left breast pain in women Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of left breast pain: Injuries Injuries to the breasts, come with scar tissues and this can cause pain in those regions. The elastic layer protecting nerve endings is sensitive, and injuries to this layer can cause pain. Surgeries Surgeries related to the left breast can cause pain due to the development of scar tissues and fat necrosis. This takes time to heal, and pain is caused during this process. The healing of incisions due to augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction, can also lead to left breast pain. Hormonal Imbalances Hormonal changes or imbalances in the female body can lead to breast pain. This typically occurs during menstrual cycles, or if the woman is consuming hormonal pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Taking certain oral contraceptives and infertility treatment procedures can also cause left breast pain in women.

Everyone experiences pain and swelling in their fingers at some point in time. There are several reasons for this pain and swelling, such as injuries and medical conditions that are known to cause pain in the fingers. Swollen finger pain is generally accompanied by redness, a burning sensation, tenderness, stiffness, numbness, a tingling feeling, swelling, color change, and such other conditions. Arthritis is one of the major causes of swollen finger pain. It can also be caused due to an infection or inflammation. Causes of swollen finger pain: Swollen finger pain may be caused as a result of injuries due to strenuous physical activity, actively participating in contact sports such as soccer, football, or baseball. Performing recreational activities that require a lot of efforts, such as skiing or playing tennis. Operating heavy machinery at home or work. Carrying heavy loads for a long period of time. Active participation in fist fights or punching. Performance of repetitive movements such as typing, writing, and stitching for a long period of time. As a result of the compartment syndrome, which leads to severe swelling of the fingers; it covers the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Patients who are suffering from the compartment syndrome should be attended to immediately and under the supervision of a doctor. Arthritis also causes inflammation accompanied by swelling, pain, redness, and stiffness. Trigger finger happens when you are unable to straighten out your finger as the tendon in your finger has become swollen or inflamed. Dupuytren’s Contracture is a condition where your hand becomes tighter and does not enable free movement as the tissue becomes inflamed. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes swollen finger pain as pressure is exerted on the nerves of the fingers, causing severe pain, swelling, and numbness. The Raynaud phenomenon causes swollen finger pain as the blood flow to the fingers is blocked, and the patient suffers from swelling, numbness, stiffness, and cold fingers.

Makeup, in general, enhances the beauty of individuals using it and a lipstick is a makeup staple. It enhances the shape and color of the wearer and can instantly brighten up an outfit. Lipsticks are available in a variety of colors and shades and going from a light pink shade to a bold red at night can transform one from collected working professional to ready-for-a-night-out. But, for a product as widely used as lipsticks, how many of us have ever actually paid attention to its ingredients? Cosmetics can wreak havoc on the skin if one is not careful, and it is very important to choose lipsticks made of ingredients that do not harm your health. Here are 6 ingredients to look for in a lipstick so you can know which ones to not pick up. Ingredients to avoid while hunting for your favorite lipstick Parabens: Parabens present in lipsticks can lead to toxicity and may also lead to cancer. It can result in skin irritation and has also shown signs of disturbing the endocrine system. The next point talks about one type of paraben widely found in lipsticks. Methylparaben: Although methylparaben is widely used in cosmetics because of its preservative properties, high levels of this ingredient can cause harm to the endocrine system, as it gets quickly absorbed through the skin. So one should avoid buying lipsticks with methylparaben in them and opt for natural alternatives like essential oils, vitamins, and herbal extracts. Lead: Lead, a neurotoxin, can lead to serious health issues and is found in a number of lipsticks. It is not an actual ingredient but it makes it way through pigments used during the manufacturing process. Neurotoxin present in lead can damage the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and cause cognitive dysfunction. It can also cause harm to the reproductive organs.