Not all cholesterol is bad for your health. HDL (High-density lipoprotein) is also known as “good” cholesterol, and this type of cholesterol is actually better for your health. High HDL cholesterol levels in your body will help to carry cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, which in turn, helps in excreting it from the body. Also, if your HDL cholesterol level is high, you face a lower risk of heart disease. Moreover, high levels of high-density lipoprotein have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are great for your health. To check your cholesterol levels, you need to go for a blood test. Most healthcare professionals recommend having a minimum blood cholesterol levels of 50 mg/dl in women, and for men, the minimum level is 40 mg/dl. If the HDL level is lower than this, your LDL level might build up, increasing the risk of heart diseases. If you have high LDL cholesterol levels, then treatment is necessary to lower the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Thus, to lead a fit and healthy life, maintaining the right levels of HDL is vital. If you are wondering how to treat high LDL cholesterol levels or how to raise HDL cholesterol levels, then you can go through these effective and healthy tips. Follow a ketogenic or low-carb diet A ketogenic and low-carb diet provides several health benefits such as reduced sugar levels in the blood and weight loss. If you are looking for ways to raise the levels of good cholesterol, you need to maintain a healthy weight. Losing a few extra pounds can go a long way in increasing your HDL cholesterol levels. You need to control your eating habits too. Along with having low-carb foods, try to include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in your diet. These fats are mostly available in tuna or salmon fish, nuts, and plants.

Protein powders are gaining huge popularity—not just among weightlifters, six-packers and gym addicts. They’re a useful nutritional supplement for people who want to lose weight or gain muscle, convalescents, senior citizens, athletes, vegans, and vegetarians. Let’s find out what they’re all about. What are protein powders? These special nutritional supplements contain concentrated protein from animal or plant sources and can be consumed in the form of concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates. They are often available with added vitamins and minerals, in various flavors. You can buy them at most pharmacies, health stores, supermarkets, and online in powder form or as pre-mixed drinks. Add them to your normal food, mix them into juices, or just make a simple shake out of them. The common forms of protein powder are soy protein, whey, and casein protein. Whey is the most popular form since it’s water-soluble and contains all the nine essential amino acids that are necessary for the complete human diet. Each protein source has its own characteristics and benefits. Benefits Since protein is essential for the health and growth of all parts of our bodies, we need to make it a part of our daily diet. Proteins give energy, help to repair and rejuvenate cells. They also contribute to bulking up muscle mass, reduce fat, and help to repair and maintain the muscles. They give you a feeling of fullness and prevent hunger pangs that send you hunting for food in your fridge. When to take them You should take them if you’re an athlete or a teenager, planning a drastic work-out program, preparing for an athletic event or competition, opting to become a vegan or vegetarian, recovering from an accident/injury/illness. How much do you need? According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the normal adult needs about 0.8 gm/kg body-weight every day.

Today, people all over the world are beginning to recognize the benefits of turmeric. This humble root is an essential part of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines and medical systems. Turmeric’s active constituent is an organic chemical called curcumin. What is turmeric? Turmeric is a rhizome plant from the ginger family. The plant has its origins in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In its present form, it’s a cultivar and doesn’t grow in the wild. People in these countries use the rhizome root-stems as a spice for color and flavor in a variety of dishes. It is also used as a dye and cosmetic. It is also used for religious purposes in some countries. The benefits of turmeric have been known for a long time in the traditional medicine systems of these countries. Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin provides a wide range of health benefits. Some parts of the harvest are used fresh, while the rest of it is boiled and dried in ovens. The dried roots are then ground into a fine powder. This powder consists of nearly 70% carbohydrates, almost 13% water, various proteins, fats, minerals, essential oils, and natural phenols or curcuminoids that give this ingredient a bright yellow-orange color. Curcumin The main constituent of turmeric is a phytochemical (plant-based chemical) called curcumin. In some traditional medicinal systems, turmeric is valued for its diverse properties. However, modern research was initiated only in the 19th century when curcumin was isolated from turmeric chemically. Its complete chemical structure was mapped only in the early 20th century. The benefits of turmeric Turmeric is an essential ingredient in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It imparts an attractive color to food and gives it a rich, palatable appearance. Apart from this, its subtle yet slightly bitter, pepper-like aroma and sharp mustard-like flavor complement other spices in a variety of dishes.

Have you felt a stabbing pain in your shoulder when you stretch your arm to grab something? Or do you have trouble raising the hand? If so, you may have a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons (the strong chords that attach your muscles to bones) and muscles placed in the upper back and shoulder. It joins the upper part of the arm to the shoulder blade and helps it move. Irritation of the tendons might be because of age-related degeneration, overuse of the shoulder or an injury. The pain makes it difficult to even perform simple routine activities like brushing your hair or putting on a t-shirt. Doctors may prescribe painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, a rotator cuff repair surgery might be needed to treat tears. In mild cases, one can opt for a combination of home remedies and stretches. Here are some of them: Apply ice packs Application of ice packs at the very first twinge can help to lessen inflammation, minimize swelling, and decrease pain. Using an ice pack for about 10 to 30 minutes will bring down the pain. Instead of an ice pack, you can even use a bag of frozen peas or an ice-filled plastic bag. However, don’t let your skin touch the ice directly as it could cause a cold burn. You can also use a damp towel to wrap the ice pack and then apply it to the affected area. Do this every other hour and as the pain reduces, apply ice three times a day until you’re free from pain. Apply heat Heat helps in increasing blood flow to tissues. It soothes the inflammation and speeds healing. It also increases flexibility and relaxes muscle spasms. Therefore, it can enhance your shoulder’s motion and strength.

Halitosis or as it is commonly known, bad breath, is an embarrassing condition. Gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only temporary measures as they don’t address the cause of the problem. Some food items, health conditions, and habits are the main causes of bad breath. You can cure bad breath with proper and consistent dental hygiene. The malodor may vary depending on the underlying cause. If self-care techniques don’t work, it is best to see your dentist or physician to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of other serious condition. Symptoms Some people may have bad breath and don’t know about it. Other people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. It is hard to self-assess your breath. Therefore, ask a close friend or relative to check if you have bad breath. Causes There are many probable causes for bad breath. They are: Food The breakdown of food particles in your mouth increases bacteria and causes a foul odor. When you eat certain foods like onions, garlic, and spices, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and affect your breath. Tobacco products Smokers and oral tobacco users are prone to having gum diseases, which could lead to bad breath. Tobacco has an unpleasant odor as well. Poor dental hygiene Food particles remain in your mouth and cause bad breath if you don’t brush and floss daily. Plaque, a colorless and sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. This plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums if you don’t brush regularly. Not only your teeth, but the tongue can also trap bacteria that produce odors. Dry mouth or xerostomia Saliva helps cleanse your mouth. If you have a problem with your salivary glands, it may result in chronic dry mouth.

The Mediterranean diet plan is basically based on the diet plan followed by the people of Greece and Italy in the 1960s. The diet primarily consists of food items predominantly eaten by natives from that region such as generous helpings of fruits, vegetables, pasta, and rice and a limited quantity of red meat. There are alleged reports that swear by this diet plan’s ability to help one reduce weight, prevent strokes, type 2 diabetes, premature death, and heart attacks. There is no such exact diet plan because around the Mediterranean Sea, there are many countries and the people of those countries have a diverse palate influenced by indigenous produce and their culture. In this article, you will get dishes and foods that you can include in your Mediterranean diet menu in order to make it healthier. The basics of a Mediterranean diet Here are some of the some of the basic foods that you should include in your Mediterranean diet menu: Foods you must eat regularly: Vegetables, legumes, bread, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruits & nuts, fish and seafood, seeds, herbs, and spices Foods to eat in moderation: Eggs, cheese, poultry, and yogurt. Foods to eat rarely: Red Meat Foods to be avoided: Sugary dishes, added sugars, refined grains, processed meat, and refined oils Food items you need to abstain from while on the diet: These are some of the unhealthy foods that you should not have in your Mediterranean diet menu: Added sugar: Candies, soda, ice cream, and other related sugary foods Refined grains: Pasta prepared with refined wheat and white bread Refined oils: Canola oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil Trans fats: Margarine and other processed foods Processed meats: Sausages and hot dogs, among others Food items that should be included in the Mediterranean diet: There is no exact definition of what a Mediterranean diet comprises since the region is made up of different countries that have varying culinary preferences.

Mental and physical stress, genetics, dermatitis, fatigue, irregular sleep pattern, and an unhealthy lifestyle are some of the primary causes of puffy, droopy, and worn out eyes. People with eyes that look forever tired often find baggy eyes incredibly frustrating more so on big days and important occasions. While several spa and beauty and cosmetic treatments claim to ease all the puffiness and the bags under your eyes, these are usually either too expensive or completely ineffective. Here are some super easy home remedies that would not only treat bags under your eyes but would help you feel fresher and happier. Keep yourself hydrated Water is indeed an elixir of life. Therefore, having plenty of water is the best remedy for puffy eyes. Once your body is fully hydrated, the possibility of water retention under the eyes and on other parts of the body also reduces. Drinking enough water, therefore, helps flush out all the toxins from the body, keeping you fit and active all day long. In addition to increased water intake, bags under your eyes can also be treated by reducing the amount of salt consumption and avoiding caffeine or carbonated drinks that can lead to dehydration, water retention, and puffiness. Use cold spoons This is a simple home remedy that works wonderfully well on tired eyes by tightening up the skin around it. Placing chilled spoons can help ease stress and soothe the blood vessels around the eyes. Once the cold spoons turn warm, make sure you replace them with a cold one. Repeat the process until you feel the bags under your eyes have become fully relaxed. Don’t throw used tea bags That’s right! Used tea bags can help relieve puffy eyes and make them stress-free and refreshed. Tea bags have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to reducing eye bags, redness, and all sorts of inflammation.

An extremely common type of heel pain, plantar fasciitis occurs when the flat band known as plantar fascia is strained. Stress on this tissue causes inflammation, weakness, and difficulty while you stand or walk. Usually, this condition is observed in individuals who are middle-aged. However, it is also common in younger people who are constantly on their feet, such as athletes or military personnel. Causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis As mentioned earlier, an intense and prolonged tension can lead to tiny tears in the tissues, causing severe pain. This situation can be a result of Overexertion caused due to sprinting, standing, or walking for an extended period. Obesity which can cause pressure on the feet due to the upper body weight. Pregnancy, although the effects might only be witnessed in the later stages. Using inappropriate shoe sizes. Extreme pronation, i.e., the feet rolling inwards while walking. Having flat or high arched heels. Tight Achilles tendons. The primary symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain and stiffness on the bottom of the feet. In most cases, it only affects one foot; however, it can develop in both the feet at the same time. For some patients, the pain can be dull, whereas, for other patients, it can cause burning or stabbing sensations. Such type of pain is experienced after waking up in the morning or after resting for a long time. The discomfort doesn’t flare up when you are involved in some physical activity. However, the swelling can intensify if you overdo workouts or are constantly on the move. Different treatments for plantar fasciitis To alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you can use a blend of home and medical treatments. Usually, home treatments comprise the use of cold compression, exercise, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Moreover, if home treatments fail, your doctor might recommend corticosteroids, prescription drugs, and physical therapy to ease the discomfort.

A normal blood sugar range can be extremely different scenarios for a diabetic and a non-diabetic. Usually, 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL is considered to be a normal blood sugar range. On the other hand, 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL is a relatively raised level of blood sugar. However, this isn’t a diabetic condition but a major red flag indicating its possible onset. Anything above 180 mg/dL specifies as a diabetic condition, i.e., hyperglycemia. Some of the symptoms of hyperglycemia are headaches, unexplained weight loss, weakness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, decreased concentration, blurry eyesight, etc. For most diabetics, normal blood sugar ranges between 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL before eating anything and below 180 mg/dL two hours after having meals. But these levels can surge when you – Miss insulin shots or sugar control medications Consume food containing high levels of sugar Are battling with any illness Are dealing with mental pressure Not adequately active Why is it essential to monitor your blood sugar range? Blood sugar monitoring on a regular basis on a regular basis is a healthy practice for any individual. However, for people who have diabetes examining blood sugar levels is of utmost significance. The following points explain how keeping normal blood sugar range in check can benefit you. You will get a better perspective about how well your treatment is working. It helps you make necessary changes in your lifestyle, diet, and medication if in case the results are unfavorable. Self-monitoring the blood sugar range makes you more disciplined, and this can have a positive effect on your overall health. Keeping an eye on your blood sugar will also help evade any potential health scares caused due to diabetes such as vision and nerve damages, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, circulatory problems, intestinal complications and slow healing.

Toenail fungus is a condition when the toenails become thick, yellow, and curl inwards. Often, these infected toenails are unattractive to look at and painful to the touch. Many people who have a toenail fungus infection may skip any treatment in case their toenail is only superficially discolored or damaged and not painful. People with painful toenail fungus may have to choose from a wide list of the best toenail fungus treatment to relieve the pain. One of the oldest and most common toenail fungus treatment includes removing the infected area if medicines or alternative remedies do not work. While the same treatment may not suit everyone, it is important that you go in for the best toenail fungus treatment that suits you best. Here are some of the ways to seek the best toenail fungus treatment. Visit a doctor and give prescription drugs a shot As soon as you are infected with a toenail fungus, it is imperative that you get a consultation from a trained healthcare expert. Many doctors suggest oral medicines, topical lotions and ointments, antibacterial drugs, and prescribed anti-fungal creams that usually work as the best toenail fungal treatment in case of a light fungal infection that is in its infancy. If your toenail infection has gone further down, stronger prescription drugs may be required to relieve the discomfort. Often, older and thicker infections may not get cured entirely. Try OTC medications Several over-the-counter (OTC) creams and anti-fungal lotions act as the best toenail fungus treatment that can help cure mild to moderate toenail infections. Some of these medications include aerosol sprays or oral drugs. Since a specific type of fungus is usually behind the condition, most OTC drugs set out to target that specific type. While the symptom of toenail fungus infection may get controlled by these OTC drugs, severe infections often may not get eliminated.

Many factors can have a serious impact on the cholesterol levels in the body. To control these levels, having a proper and well-maintained diet is the most important thing on the priority list. Cholesterol and the saturated fat available in the food you consume increases the cholesterol levels in your blood. The prime factor is the saturated fat; however, you cannot undermine the importance of the cholesterol contents available in your food. You must consume foods that contain a reduced amount of saturated fat and cholesterol to decrease the blood cholesterol level. You can also refer a cholesterol level chart to keep track of your blood cholesterol. In a cholesterol level chart, you would find the various levels which would help you decide in which section the cholesterol level falls. The following points are essential as they contribute to knowing the factors that affect the cholesterol levels in the body. Body weight is an indicator of your cholesterol levels When your blood cholesterol levels rise, you become very susceptible to heart diseases. As per the cholesterol level chart, weight is an important risk factor for heart ailments. When one’s weight increases, the cholesterol level also increases. However, when one starts to lose weight, they can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol. It also helps reduce the triglyceride levels and optimize the HDL cholesterol levels. Never underestimate the importance of physical activity Physical activity is an important aspect that you need to consider. If you are not physically active, you are putting yourself at risk for heart diseases. Regular physical activity not only reduces the LDL or bad cholesterol levels but also increases the HDL or good cholesterol levels. When you are physically active, achieving the desired weight loss goal becomes easier. Focusing on being physically active at least for 30 minutes a day will help you see LDL levels decline on the cholesterol level chart.

Probiotics are a recent evolution in human health aspects and many people do not know about it and they generally have a common question, “What are probiotics?”. These are live bacteria and yeasts, which are considered good for health. These have a beneficial effect on the digestive system of a person. Bacteria generally are considered harmful organisms which result in diseases. The human body also has a right composition of good and bad bacteria. It is these good bacteria which are commonly referred to as probiotics and are generally considered helpful as these keep the human gut healthy. Probiotics are also found in human body and can be found in some of the foods and supplements. Many people didn’t know what are probiotics before the 1990s but during the past two decades, research on probiotics has reached its pinnacle and much is now known about them. People who suffer from digestion-related issues are often advised intake of probiotics on a regular basis. How probiotics work Though it has been two decades since the beneficial effects of probiotics were found out, doctors are still working on finding as to how exactly probiotics work. However, it is certainly known that when good bacteria reduce in human body probiotics usually replace these. They also help maintain an elegant balance between bad and good bacteria in humans. Different types of probiotics Although people know what are probiotics, they may not know that different kinds of bacteria come under the preview of probiotics. Most of these fall under the following two categories: Lactobacillus : These are the most common probiotics. They are commonly found in fermented food items and yogurt. These probiotics help in the treatment of diarrhea and are particularly recommended for people who are not able to digest lactose, the sugar which is usually found in milk.