Probiotics are live microorganisms that are beneficial in maintaining good health. The body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are bacteria that are beneficial as they promote a good and healthy digestive system. They also bring with them several benefits that are linked to an individual’s overall well-being and keep diseases away. There are several kinds of bacteria that are classified as probiotics. However, the two most common groups include the following: Bifidobacterium – This is a bacterium that is found in a few kinds of dairy products. It is beneficial in easing out the symptoms of several kinds of digestive conditions. Lactobacillus – Lactobacillus is one of the most common kinds of probiotics. It is widely found in food products that are fermented; however, a large portion is found in yogurt, a dairy product. It is extremely beneficial and aids in treating irregular bowel movements. Here are some of the health benefits that come with regularly consuming probiotics: Aids in weight loss – Probiotics help in making one feel fuller for longer. They also burn calories and prevent the body from storing fat. This is because it prevents the absorption of dietary fats and flushes out the same through one’s bowel movement. However, it is necessary to understand that not all probiotics aid in weight loss. There are some that can even lead to excess weight gain. Boosts the immune system – A strong immune system keeps infections and other diseases at bay. Probiotics help in boosting the immune system and increases the production of natural antibodies in the system. They also prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut. Helps in digestion – Many people suffer from digestive issues and probiotics have a good effect on the same. It is helpful for people who suffer from irregular bowel movements and conditions related to it such as bloating, constipation, and abdominal pain.

There are several options of contraceptives for women available these days to avoid an unwanted pregnancy. It is easy to get confused about which one to choose since there are so many. It is advisable to know about each option in detail and then decide which one would suit you best. Like with any sort of medication, contraceptives too should be taken only after consulting with your doctor. Eight of the most effective and common methods of birth control are discussed below. Speak to your doctor and only then choose the most viable contraceptive. I. Combination Pill Several drug manufacturing companies produce birth control pills. These are easily available at any drug and chemist shop. They are believed to be effective 99% of the time if taken every day at the same time. These pills help to restore regular menstruation cycle and ease hot flashes. However, they are not meant for everybody. People who are 35 years or older and those who smoke should avoid using this pill. The estrogen may result in precarious blood clots. People suffering from migraines too should avoid them since these pills can prompt painful headaches. II. Progestin-only Pill Progestin-only is also called the mini pill and these medicines do not contain estrogen. Thus, they are considered safe for people who smoke, have diabetes or suffer from heart diseases or are prone to get blood clots. Moreover, they do not hamper in the production and supply of milk for breastfeeding mothers. The pills have to be taken every day at the exact same time. The medications would not work if you fail to take them regularly. You must have a backup method of contraception if you are more than three hours late to take the pills. III. Extended-cycle Pill This pill is taken to prevent pregnancy and also if you want to extend your menstruation cycle.

Meningitis vaccine shots are used to provide immunization against the bacteria called as meningococcus that can cause meningitis and meningococcemia. The bacterium is round, and it forms pairs. Hence it is also known as diplococcus. There are five serogroups of this bacteria: A, B, C, W, and Y. According to experts, at least 1 in 10 people is a carrier of this bacteria. However, they do not show any symptoms or signs of the disease. It has been observed that in nearly 10% of meningitis cases, there might be the possibility of developmental impairment. Risk factors of meningitis The following groups of people are at a high risk of contracting meningitis. Infants, teenagers, and young adults are more prone to meningitis. A large group of people, especially in a community setting such as a college campus or, are at a risk of contracting meningitis. People who lack a spleen in their body, have a deficiency of a complement component, or are infected with HIV have a high possibility of getting meningitis. The sub-Saharan African region is known common and frequent outbreaks of meningitis. People who travel to this area may be at a risk of getting this disease. How does a person contract meningitis? Meningitis can spread through saliva or spit, mostly through secretions from the throat or the respiratory system. The contact has to be close and for a long duration. It is does spread through breathing the same air as a person affected by meningitis or by casual contact. However, the people who live with the person with meningitis are at a high risk of contracting the disease. It is recommended that people, who are in the same living space as the person with meningitis, should receive antibiotics treatment to avoid contracting meningitis. Prevention of meningitis Meningitis can be easily prevented with antibiotics and meningitis vaccine shots.

Shingle is a viral infection that affects the nerve roots of at least 1 million people each year in the USA. Though most of them recover from the attack, the pain remains for at least 50% people over the age of 60 years who have not got the treatment. The pain can last for weeks, months, years and even a lifetime. This symptom is known as PHN or postherpetic neuralgia. Here the nerves of the skin have been damaged by the virus that caused shingles in the first place. While for some, the pain remains mild, but for other people, even the slightest breeze or touch from clothing can cause excruciating pain. PHN brings with it a great deal of agony and that too at high social costs. The condition can severely disturb people’s life. However, this condition can be prevented and treated too. Doctors are also making case studies about those who are more prone to developing this unbearable condition. Information about Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia Varicella-zoster virus is the reason behind shingles. The same virus is responsible for causing chicken pox. People who had suffered from chickenpox or had its vaccine are not free from the virus as it never goes away. It lies latent in the nerves of the body. Though in most cases, it remains that way but in some people, especially those with weakened immune system due to some disease or treatment, the virus can come back. This is most likely to occur years and even decades after the person suffered from chickenpox. When the virus comes back, it causes shingles, which is a kind of rash that looks like a band appearing on one side of the body. Early symptoms of shingles include: Light sensitivity Headache Flu-like symptoms The next symptoms include tingling, itching, and extreme pain within the developing area of the shingles.

Foot inserts are also known as shoe inserts or even foot orthosis. The best foot inserts act as arch supports that are placed inside shoes and provide the required hold on our feet. Foot supports help provide comfort as they cushion our feet, reduce exhaustion while walking, help in relieving foot pain that arises due to arthritis, help in supporting the feet in case of injury, and also help athletes perform better. Foot inserts are recommended by a podiatrist who would examine your problem and the requirements and tailor your needs for a custom-made foot insert. These orthotic devices can also be bought over-the-counter but should be bought taking into consideration your requirements, your health issue, and your shoe type. Buying foot inserts from the market is only recommended if you are looking for extra support and cushioning because, in case of any other injury or severe pain, a podiatrist would be the right person to consult. Best foot inserts available over-the-counter There are three types of foot inserts. They are as follows: Arch supports : Arches are the curved areas present at the bottom of the feet. People may have different arch types. Some may have a high arch, whereas some may have low arches or even flat feet with no visible arches. Arch support inserts help in relieving the pain one experiences in the arches of the feet. This pain may be a result of several issues such as wearing shoes that are not comfortable or those that do not provide the right kind of support, standing or walking for prolonged periods, having a lot of body weight, and the overuse of feet during daily activities or sports activities. Some of the best foot inserts of this type include the following: Arch Support Inserts By ViveSole : These arch support foot inserts help in supporting the arch of the foot and facilitating extra padding to the heel.

An enlarged prostate is one of the complex problems in men. The prostate serves the fertility function in men and is situated between the bladder and the penis. With the condition of an enlarged prostate, men find it difficult to do almost anything. This problem normally affects men above 40 as a natural process of aging, as the hormone secreted by them is reduced in the prostate. Lack of exercise and family history are the other two causes of an enlarged prostate. Below are symptoms of an enlarged prostate: Urine frequency: A person, on an average, urinates about 6–7 times a day. In the condition of an enlarged prostate, the person may tend to urinate more than 8 times a day. This is because the prostate starts to secrete very little female hormones that the male produces, as there is a blockage in the secretion of the male hormone. Urinary blockage: Another major symptom of enlarged prostate is urinary blockage as the prostate gland becomes enlarged, blocking the functions of the bladder. Nerve problem: Due to an enlarged prostate gland, there could be a disruption of nerves between the brain and the bladder, in such a way that the brain fails to read the messages by the bladder, thereby leading to uncontrollable urination. Infection: A sudden infection in that area is another symptom of an enlarged prostate. The infection causes a burning sensation and you can start itching uncontrollably. This shows up as a swelling of the prostate gland and makes it difficult for the person to perform routine tasks. Medications: Other causes can also be certain medicines that do not suit your body type and result in damaging the prostate. There are certain medications that disturb the functions of the urinary system, causing an enlarged prostate. Remedies for enlarged prostate Saw palmetto Saw palmetto is a natural remedy for enlarged prostate.

The food you eat can have a major impact on the health and appearance of your hair. More often than not, a majority of hair problems like hair loss, hair thinning, and itchy scalp stem from nutritional deficiencies. If you suffer from iron or vitamin deficiency, there are chances that you are highly susceptible to hair problems. Your diet plays a crucial role in hair treatment, and here we have compiled a list of food items to consume for healthy hair and to boost hair growth: Fatty fish Fish and other seafood are enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids and a host of other nutrients that help control hair fall and aid hair growth. Increasing the consumption of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel is a great way to boost hair growth. Along with that, it helps combat a myriad of conditions like a dry and flaky scalp. Berries Berries like strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that safeguard your hair from free radicals, which damage it and hamper healthy growth. The high content of vitamin C in berries aids hair treatment by boosting the collagen production in hair and promotes hair health. It keeps premature aging signs like greying and thinning of hair at bay. You should consume these delicious fruits regularly to promote hair health and growth. Flaxseed oil Flaxseed oil contains vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids, the essential substances for hair care. By making flaxseed oil a part of your diet, you can naturally combat problems like hair breakage and thinning, and dry and itchy scalp. Add this nutrient-rich oil to your recipe to get healthy and shiny hair. Spinach The unmatched nutritional value of spinach makes it one of the best foods for ensuring healthy hair and to promote hair growth. It contains iron, vitamins, and folate and facilitates hair growth, along with improving the overall appearance of your hair.

Asthma is a health issue that leads to difficulties in breathing. If you are facing an asthma attack, there are emergency home remedies to treat asthma that can be used to provide relief from symptoms. Asthma is a health problem that affects the lungs. An asthma attack can be scary and sometimes even life-threatening. It leads to inflammation in the airways, causing the airways to tighten. An Asthma Attack The tightening of airways leads to difficulty in breathing, causing gasps and wheezing. As a lot of mucus is produced by the lungs, the person coughs continuously to expel the mucus. Continous cough can extreme discomfort. In severe cases, you may even need hospitalization in case of an asthma attack. Certain home remedies treat asthma very well. These can be tried to relieve symptoms immediately and also prevent them from worsening. Eliminate the Trigger Most asthma patients have a trigger factor that causes an asthma attack. It could be a scent, cigarette smoke, a food product, wool, or dust. It is important to understand what is causing the asthma attack to ensure further attacks don’t take place. You need to move the asthmatic person from the vicinity of the trigger or remove the trigger factor from their immediate environment. Doing so can help to reduce symptoms and prevent them from worsening. Drink Hot Coffee It is no secret that home remedies treat asthma symptoms. Hot coffee is one such emergency home remedy that provides relief. The warmth of the drink and the caffeine work together to open up the airways, making breathing easier. Hot tea is similarly proven to be effective. Breathing Deeply You need to relax and sit comfortably. Don’t lie down and always sit upright to aid better breathing. You can take slow, deep breaths through your nose. A deep breath not only aids easy breathing but also helps you relax and prevents you from panicking.

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that results in red and itchy skin. This skin condition is common in children, but it can occur at any age. Chronic eczema can flare periodically and can be accompanied by fever and asthma. It has a wide range of symptoms including dry, red, and itchy skin; small, raised bumps that leak fluid when scratched, and thickened and cracked skin. The symptoms usually appear before the age of 5 and can persist in adolescence and even adulthood. Apart from taking medications and treatments prescribed by dermatologists and doctors, there are home remedies that can be used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of eczema. Some of these are mentioned below: Bleach Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which can help in improving eczema symptoms. It is known to kill S aureus, a type of bacteria that causes staph infection on the surface of the skin. It also helps in restoring microbiomes on the skin surface. Dermatologists recommend using half a cup of bleach in a tub full of water. You can soak yourself for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer to avoid itchy skin. Aloe Vera gel The gel is derived from the leaves of the aloe plant. It has been in use for centuries to treat a number of ailments, one of which is eczema. Aloe Vera gel contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, wound-healing, and immune-boosting properties that can prevent skin infections. Aloe Vera gel can be purchased from a pharmacy or it can be extracted directly from the leaves of the aloe plant. Make sure to check the gel bought from the store as it can have drying ingredients and preservatives that can worsen the eczema symptoms. Coconut oil It contains healthy fatty acids that can lock the skin moisture and prevent it from getting dry.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and its prevalence is increasing with an increase in the risk factors like obesity. Other factors like smoking, pollution in the environment, or the inhalation of harmful chemicals or particles can cause several illnesses, one of which is lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer cases in the year so far account for nearly 13% of the total cancer cases in the country. There are multiple treatment methods that a person undergoes for lung cancer. Though treatments can treat cancer, they might cause side effects like dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These can be managed through medication as well as diet. Different home remedies can help manage the symptoms and side effects of the treatments. Remedies for dry mouth Radiation therapy can often lead to dry mouth as the salivary glands are exposed to radiation. Salivary glands help lubricate the mouth with saliva, and the glands resume their functions after therapy, but they are not as effective as earlier. This causes dry mouth in lung cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy. There are several home remedies one can take up to treat dry mouth: Rinsing the mouth with water frequently will help retain moisture in the mouth. One can rinse their mouth every 2-3 hours. Adding salt or baking soda to the water can increase the efficiency of this remedy. Regularly applying lip moisturizer will benefit one to keep their lips and mouth moist. Sucking hard candies that have low or no negligible sugar content helps redevelop saliva in the mouth, preventing dry mouth. One may also use cool mist room humidifiers at night to prevent dry mouth while sleeping. Remedies for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Chemotherapy used for treating lung cancer can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea in patients.

A migraine is a very painful, often a debilitating, form of a headache. It can be either episodic or chronic. Usually, the episodic migraine lasts for hours and several weeks to months can pass between two migraine episodes. However, chronic migraine symptoms not only last longer but also occur more frequently. If you have a chronic migraine, you will probably suffer from throbbing headaches at least 15 days a month. These severe and frequent attacks can make it difficult for you to live a normal life. An episodic migraine is much more common than a chronic one. Various medical research reports have shown that some people who suffer from an episodic migraine can eventually develop the symptoms of a chronic migraine! According to medical studies, 0.5% of men and 1.3% of women in the country experience chronic migraine symptoms. Other than taking medications, some healthy lifestyle changes can also help one in dealing with the symptoms of a chronic migraine. Here is a list of the symptoms along with some effective treatments for a chronic migraine. Chronic Migraine Symptoms Having chronic migraine is nowhere similar to having just a simple headache. In reality, it is much more than that! A chronic migraine may include the following symptoms: Vomiting Nausea Feeling dizzy Auras, which means seeing shadows, colors, lines, or flashing lights Tingling in the hands, feet, and face. These symptoms are accompanied by severe pain! While having it, one can also find the sounds, touch, smell, and bright lights very painful. Most of the times, the episodic migraine symptoms are almost similar to the chronic migraine symptoms. However, the major difference is in how frequently these attacks are occurring. According to the medical experts, this chronic migraine can be triggered by different factors. Sometimes, it runs in families. Sometimes, it happens due to the changes in the brain chemicals.

Your eyes and vision are affected by many factors, including genetics and age. If you want to maintain healthy eyes with great eyesight, you need supplements for eye health. Besides, a balanced diet also plays an important role in attaining good eyesight as it contains antioxidant-rich foods that can help in attaining a great eye health. Taking supplements for eye health for improving your vision is a great idea, especially during your old age. Age-related diseases are the leading cause of vision loss in the country. According to research statistics, there some great supplements that cure the diseases of the eyes and also help in attaining good eye health. The supplements that are best for eye health consist of various vitamins as well as many minerals that show a lasting effect on the general health of people as well. Vitamins and other supplements for eye health Most of these vitamins and nutrients often play the main role in reducing inflammation including chronic and age-related eye problems: Zinc: It is one of the powerful supplements for eye health that protects against cell damage. Zinc is a basic mineral present in all eye treatment formulations. It is necessary for a healthy immune system as well. It has been best known for healing inflammation in chronic diseases and also prevents triggering of new inflammatory processes. Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B is essential for the health of your eyes. There are proofs that show how this vitamin may decrease the risk of getting a cataract in your eyes. Besides, it reduces inflammation. Furthermore, inflammatory eye conditions can lead to blindness, and hence, it is a very essential supplement for eye health. Omega-3 fatty acid: A basic diet does not have enough omega-3 fatty acids. The main source of this essential vitamin is fish that delivers huge quantities of fatty acids.