5 Ways to Cope with Migraines

5 Ways to Cope with Migraines

Experiencing recurrent migraine episodes can be frustrating as they end up affecting your daily activities. While medication is an integral part of the migraine treatment process, some home remedies can help relieve your headaches and other symptoms. These could also help prevent any future attacks. Let’s take a look at them: Take rest The most underrated yet effective migraine treatment is rest. Just being away from the bright lights and loud noises and lying down in a dark, quiet room can calm your senses. Lying down in a room or taking a nap can help during a migraine attack, but you should also seriously consider working on developing a decent sleep pattern. Making a deliberate attempt to sleep and wake up on time can be instrumental in dodging severe episodes in the future. A study concluded that people with poor sleep schedules are likely to have more headaches than people with healthy sleeping routines. So you should aim to get at least 7 to 8 hours of undisturbed sleep. Use lavender oil Commonly used for relief from stress and relaxation, some evidence suggests that lavender oil can a great form of migraine treatment. Inhaling it could be an effective and safe way of alleviating the pain. The use of lavender oil in one study showed that participants noted a difference in the frequency and intensity of the attacks in a 3-month period. If you wish, you can also apply diluted lavender oil directly to your temples. Practice yoga Simple yoga exercises involving breathing and meditation techniques can enhance blood flow and ease any tension in the muscles. Research has found that people with migraine who participated in a yoga program along with traditional treatment gained better respite from their headaches. In the long run, regular yoga exercises may help alleviate the frequency, severity, and duration of migraine attacks.
5 foods that can help fight lung cancer

5 foods that can help fight lung cancer

Different foods can have positive effects on our body and mind. There are foods that may help fight lung cancer and other types of cancers. However, patients who are already affected by lung cancer should be more careful with their dietary habits and food choices. Some vitamins and minerals may be beneficial for the body during the course of treatment – chemotherapy, medication, and radiation. Studies show that there are potential cancer-fighting fruits, vegetables, and food items that could make a significant difference in the health of a person. Let us now look at those specific foods that inhibit the growth of cancer cells or stop them from becoming metastatic. Foods that may help fight lung cancer Is there anything as a lung cancer diet? Technically, there isn’t anything such. However, some foods may help fight lung cancer or even prevent the disease. It is debatable. There’s no reason to fret. Multiple studies are still looking into the effect of diet on cancer cells already present in the body. The lists of foods given below discuss the nutritional value and their effects on lung cancer. If you are already affected by lung cancer and are going through chemotherapy and radiation therapy, this information might prove to be helpful. Green tea: Green tea is believed to be very effective in fighting lung cancer. Not only does it play a preventive role but it may also benefit people living with this disease. Green tea contains caffeine in very less quantity. So, if you have caffeine sensitivity, you have to look for a caffeine-free option. Pears: A recent study showed that fruits like apples and pears induced apoptosis which is programmed cell death in cancer cells. These fruits contain phloretin, a phytochemical, which may be used as an adjunct for the treatment of non-small lung cancer cells.
6 foods to have for healthy and glowing skin

6 foods to have for healthy and glowing skin

There are plenty of face creams and products to make your skin healthy and glowing. But beautiful and healthy skin comes with the right nourishment. The human body is constantly shedding old cells and replacing them with new ones. To support this process, a supply of essential minerals is important. This comes with eating the right kind of food. Here’s a list of five foods that will keep your skin healthy and glowing. Bananas Bananas are a great food source to get healthy, glowing, and oil-free skin. They are rich in potassium and vitamins E and C, which are known to give glowing skin. These compounds are powerful exfoliators and help remove excess sebum from the surface of your skin. Bananas also help treat acne. Apply the inside of the peel onto the acne to destroy harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation. Fish Fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help keep the skin blemish-free and supple. They help fight inflammation and reduce dryness, redness, and acne. Sardines, on the other hand, are excellent sources of vitamin B12 that play a major role in skin cell reproduction. Avocados Avocados are full of healthy fats and vitamin E. The latter regulates inflammation, rejuvenates skin, and improves the production of new skin cells. Avocados prevent the skin from oxidative damage caused by harmful rays of the sun and a harsh environment. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes contain vitamin A, which is known to reduce the production of sebum and acne. This vegetable also contains beta carotene, a natural skin block. Carotene protects the skin from sunburns and cell death and adds a warm orange color, enhancing the skin’s glow. Broccoli Broccoli contains a carotenoid called lutein that works just like beta carotene. It prevents oxidative damage, keeping the skin healthy and wrinkle-free.
Dry Eye Symptoms and Ways to Treat Them

Dry Eye Symptoms and Ways to Treat Them

Dry eye syndrome is a common health condition attributed to inadequate lubrication of eyes. It can happen either due to insufficient production of tears or low-quality tears. Dry eyes are very uncomfortable and cause a burning sensation in the eyes. Generally, dry eyes develop due to uninterrupted working on computer screens, sitting in air-conditioned rooms for longer durations, or while long driving. Here is a closer look at dry eye symptoms and treatment options. Prevalence According to one estimate, millions of people in the country suffer from dry eyes. Moreover, it increases with increasing age, and women are more prone to develop dry eyes compared to men. Causes of dry eyes Several factors lead to dry eyes. A few are listed below: Use of medications such as antihistamines, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy Dry eyes are more prevalent in people aged above 50 Vitamin A and vitamin B 12 deficiency, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are also linked with dry eyes Insufficient blinking, allergies, and autoimmune disorders Chronic conjunctivitis Symptoms of dry eyes Common dry eye symptoms are: Red eyes and burning sensations and eye fatigue Blurred vision and light sensitivity Difficulty in driving A problem in wearing lenses Ways to treat dry eyes Use of lubricants Mild dry eye symptoms due to excessive use of computer or reading can be treated with artificial tears or lubricant eye drops. Other options are the use of gels and/or lubricants after consultation with a doctor. Lifestyle changes Take periodic breaks while working on a computer screen. Blinking eyes frequently and closing them for a few minutes while using a smartphone or any digital device may also help in reducing the symptoms of dry eye. This allows basal tears to spread uniformly across the eye. In case of long driving, wear proper sunglasses which covers the eyes completely thus protects your eyes from dust particles and warm air.
Foods that can help in improving eyesight

Foods that can help in improving eyesight

Everyone wants a crystal clear eyesight and healthy eyes. We completely depend on our vision for normal functioning, that the thought of diminishing vision is often terrifying. To make sure that you keep your eyes healthy, as you age. It’s important to know the best vitamins for the eyes. Vitamins are organic compounds that are required by the body in adequate amounts. An organic compound is said to be a vitamin when the body cannot synthesize that particular compound, but that compound is necessary for normal body functions. Hence, the best way to get vitamins is to consume them in your diet. Supplementation of vitamins may be required in deficiency states, but not for healthy individuals. Currently, 13 recognized vitamins are essential for the human body. Vitamins perform a diverse range of functions. They can regulate mineral metabolism, hormone production, cell growth regulation, and also some of them are antioxidants. Vision care: The best vitamins for the eyes It is estimated that 75% of people notice a change in their visual acuity by the age of 50. Taking the best vitamins for the eyes is a good preventative measure. The best vitamins for the eyes include: Vitamin A You might have been told that eating carrots are important for good eyesight. But what about carrots that make it so good for the eyes? Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Carrots also contain beta-carotene and rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is a pigment found in the eyes, that is responsible for night vision. Without this pigment, you wouldn’t be able to see clearly at night, or in low-light situations. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and is found in foods like—liver, leafy vegetables, oranges, pumpkins, carrots, yellow fruits, fish, soy milk, and cow milk.
The Best Foods for Acid Reflux to Following Immediately

The Best Foods for Acid Reflux to Following Immediately

Do you suffer from heartburn frequently? It could be a case of Acid Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, i.i., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Normally, during the process of digestion, there is a sphincter at the mouth of the stomach, that closes once you’ve finished eating. Then, the contents move into the stomach, where it is digested with the help of digestive enzymes. During the digestion process, acids are released. If the sphincter does not seal itself completely or opens too often, the acid flows back into the esophageal tract and causes heartburn. If this condition persists, you are suffering from acid reflux. Causes A stomach abnormality known as hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux. Lying on your back or bending over the waist, after eating a heavy meal. Being overweight and obese. Consuming certain foods can cause acid reflux. These include tomatoes, garlic, mint, onion, spicy and fatty foods. Smoking. Consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages. Snacking just before retiring for the night. Pregnancy. Blood pressure medication, certain muscle relaxers, common drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen also cause acid reflux Symptoms The common symptoms are heartburn, where the burning sensation extends from the chest to the throat and regurgitation. A bitter-tasting and sour acid backs into your throat and mouth. Other symptoms that show up include nausea, bloating, continuous hiccups, burping, bloody/black stools, vomit covered with blood, dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness, and chronic sore throat. Diet and lifestyle changes can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux disease. A diet for acid reflux is crafted by excluding foods that can trigger the symptoms and make them worse. Dietary Changes Acid reflux disease can cause a lot of discomfort. Dietary changes help to reduce the symptoms by excluding certain foods. Eating small and frequent meals rather than eating three large meals in a day, can greatly help in alleviating the symptoms.
The Best Diet for Acid Reflux to Following Immediately

The Best Diet for Acid Reflux to Following Immediately

Do you suffer from heartburn frequently? It could be a case of Acid Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, i.i., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Normally, during the process of digestion, there is a sphincter at the mouth of the stomach, that closes once you’ve finished eating. Then, the contents move into the stomach, where it is digested with the help of digestive enzymes. During the digestion process, acids are released. If the sphincter does not seal itself completely or opens too often, the acid flows back into the esophageal tract and causes heartburn. If this condition persists, you are suffering from acid reflux. Causes A stomach abnormality known as hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux. Lying on your back or bending over the waist, after eating a heavy meal. Being overweight and obese. Consuming certain foods can cause acid reflux. These include tomatoes, garlic, mint, onion, spicy and fatty foods. Smoking. Consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages. Snacking just before retiring for the night. Pregnancy. Blood pressure medication, certain muscle relaxers, common drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen also cause acid reflux Symptoms The common symptoms are heartburn, where the burning sensation extends from the chest to the throat and regurgitation. A bitter-tasting and sour acid backs into your throat and mouth. Other symptoms that show up include nausea, bloating, continuous hiccups, burping, bloody/black stools, vomit covered with blood, dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness, and chronic sore throat. Diet and lifestyle changes can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux disease. A diet for acid reflux is crafted by excluding foods that can trigger the symptoms and make them worse. Dietary Changes Acid reflux disease can cause a lot of discomfort. Dietary changes help to reduce the symptoms by excluding certain foods. Eating small and frequent meals rather than eating three large meals in a day, can greatly help in alleviating the symptoms.
8 snacking options for those who have diabetes

8 snacking options for those who have diabetes

One of the most difficult parts of suffering from diabetes is the inability to eat most things due to their sugar content. It is essential for a diabetic to stick to healthy snacks, but how many times can one munch on the same food item? Individuals have to choose snacks that contain high levels of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, helping keep blood sugar levels in control. Here are some great snack ideas for those who have diabetes: Hard-boiled eggs A super healthy snack for diabetics, hard-boiled eggs provide as much as 6 gm of protein per egg, keeping blood sugar levels in control and making one feel full as well. Yogurt with berries Yogurt with berries makes for a great diabetic snack due to various factors. Firstly, the berries’ antioxidants lessen inflammation, preventing pancreatic damage. They are also fibrous, helping slow digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Yogurt is protein-rich and helps keep the blood sugar levels under control. What’s more, the two go beautifully together, with the tartness of the yogurt balancing the sweetness of the berries. Almonds Almonds are a convenient, nutritious snack for diabetes patients. 28 grams of almonds provide more than 15 minerals and vitamins. They have been found to reduce insulin levels in the body and benefit heart health by promoting weight management and lessening cholesterol levels. These are chief factors for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in almonds is likely to stabilize blood sugar levels. Veggies and hummus Hummus is a great accompaniment to raw vegetables as the combination is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber. It is also protein-rich. Pair it with veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. Avocado Snacking on avocados is a great way to manage blood sugar levels due to the monosaturated fatty acids and high fiber content in them.
5 mattresses that suit every type of sleeper

5 mattresses that suit every type of sleeper

When it comes to a person’s good health, there are three constant factors that are considered – food habits, active lifestyle, and quality sleep. This article is concerned with that last aspect. Achieving quality sleep begins from knowing how to choose the perfect mattress for your body type. If you are struggling with getting some good sleep, you might want to change your mattress. The various mattresses mentioned below should help you make an informed choice. Coir foam mattress This kind of mattress is perfect for people with back pain. It offers sufficient support to the body, and does not hamper the individual’s posture. That said, it’s very important for people with back pain to have a mattress that comfortably takes the weight of their body. Latex mattress This type of mattress is a lot softer and comfortable than spring mattresses. Latex mattresses have breathable layers. If you experience night sweats, this mattress should be your ideal choice. This type is definitely cooler than memory foam. Hypoallergenic mattress A hypoallergenic mattress is important for people with a sensitive nose. These mattresses prevent allergens, bugs, and microbes from settling onto the surface. Hypoallergenic mattresses also prevent the body oils from being absorbed, keeping the foam hygienic and fresh for recurring use. Air beds This type of mattress is ideal for people with different preferences. Air beds allow you to adjust the firmness on each side of the bed. A chamber of air exists in each side of an air bed. This air chamber helps increase or decrease the firmness of the bed. Air beds are beneficial since they cater to each sleeper’s needs. People who sleep on their back may need a slightly firm mattress, whereas people who sleep on their stomach look for a softer layer to sleep on. Orthopedic mattress This type of mattress is essential for people with multiple body ache issues.
Ten steps to avoid or reverse osteoporosis

Ten steps to avoid or reverse osteoporosis

Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. There are steps one can take that might help prevent osteoporosis instead of having to treat it later. And should on already have it, he or she can still follow these steps to help reverse the disease. These include the following: Avoid having carbonated drinks. Champagne or any sort of fizzy drink causes calcium to seep out of your bones. The phosphate content in carbonated drinks increases the loss of the bone. Avoid too much of protein. It causes excess acidity which in turn leads to calcium being leached out of your body through your urine. Don’t block your stomach acids with drugs when you have a heartburn or hiatal hernia. Stomach acid helps absorb minerals that are significant for the well-being of the body including calcium. Acid blocking agents are to be taken for a few weeks, not for years together. Avoid caffeine. Studies say that with every cup of coffee, 150 mg of calcium leeches out of your body through your urine. If you have to have coffee, ensure you have an additional 150 mg of calcium every day. Make sure you take in the right kind of calcium. Tums, for instance, is a bad source of calcium because it has calcium hydroxyapatite which is not absorbed well and it decreases stomach acid. Remember, your body can absorb a maximum of 500 mg of calcium only at a time. Make sure you get some exposure to sunlight every now and then. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and helps deposit it in the bones. Check your hormones regularly. In women, a decline in hormones after menopause leads to bone loss. In men, the equivalent of menopause is called andropause and it causes bone loss as well. Too much of cortisol, insulin, and parathyroid hormones are also culprits in bone loss.
3 effective treatment options for rotavirus

3 effective treatment options for rotavirus

Rotavirus is a specific type of virus that causes a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. This may often lead to symptoms like watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. This virus is transmitted via contact with infected surfaces, and it is most commonly passed through fecal-oral contact. The best way to avoid getting infected is by getting the rotavirus vaccine. If your child is infected by rotavirus, the doctor may recommend immediate hospitalization to prevent any further complications. The following are a few treatment methods that can be opted for when treating a rotavirus infection: Oral rehydration therapy One of the biggest problems that a child suffering from a rotavirus infection may face is the loss of fluids, which can lead to severe dehydration. If an infant is suffering from such an infection, they must be given small amounts of fluids at regular intervals or must be nursed frequently. It is also recommended to use an oral rehydration solution to avoid severe dehydration. If the child is severely dehydrated, they may need to be provided with extra fluids through intravenous or intraosseous lines. Probiotics A child who is infected with this virus can experience a weakened immune system that needs to be remedied to avoid any further infections and diseases. Regular intake of probiotics is known to be effective in improving immunity in children and preventing foreign antigens from entering the body. Moreover, these probiotics may also help improve gut health in children. Other medications There are several other medications that might be prescribed to treat protozoal or helminthic infections in the intestines. These infections are a common occurrence in children suffering from rotaviral gastroenteritis, and are usually treated by prescribing medications containing nitrothiazole-benzamide compounds. Although such children may suffer from watery diarrhea, antidiarrheal medications are usually not given to them.
Foods, herbs, and remedies for managing lung cancer

Foods, herbs, and remedies for managing lung cancer

Lung cancer develops in the cells that line the air passages. The two common types of the condition include small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Another form of lung cancer is carcinoid tumors. Known as neuroendocrine tumors, they are rare and grow slowly. No permanent cure for lung cancer exists yet. But certain foods, herbs, and treatment options can help one cope with the condition. Foods There are several foods that can help improve the symptoms of lung cancer. Blueberries They contain quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that eliminates cancer cells in the body. Quercetin also helps in slowing down the growth of lung cancer. Salmon Rich in vitamin D, salmon is an excellent food choice for people with lung cancer. Vitamin D prevents the growth of cancer cells in the lungs. Other healthy sources of fatty fish include mackerel and herring. Herbs These herbs can be used to manage the symptoms of lung cancer. Rosemary This herb is known for its benefits in reducing cancerous cells. Rosemary has two polyphenols, carnosic acid, and rosmarinic acid. These polyphenols are known for inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells, and in helping the body fight these abnormal cells. Basil Basil is a traditional herb that has been used in cooking and treatments for centuries. The herb has antioxidant ingredients like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-cryptoxanthin, which can help fight the harmful effects of cancer cells. Treatment options In addition to these foods and herbs, these treatment options can be prescribed for the management of lung cancer. TECENTRIQ® (atezolizumab) It helps manage the symptoms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). TECENTRIQ® can also help in preventing a relapse after the tumor has been removed via surgery and the person has received platinum-based chemotherapy. It is also given to patients with Stage 2 to Stage 3A NSCLC.