There can be many causes for swollen fingers, but when it occurs, it causes a lot of pain and discomfort. It becomes difficult to flex and move your fingers. Even simple tasks like picking up a pen, or writing becomes difficult. Swelling can occur due to injuries, allergies and also as symptoms of other diseases like arthritis. It can also be because of fluid retention. Blunt force injuries, injuries that cause a hematoma, a condition in which packets of blood accumulate outside the blood vessels after a finger trauma. Injuries can also occur if a thorn, a wood splitter or if other foreign objects penetrate your skin. Strains, fractures, sprains and other traumatic injuries on the hand, can also cause swollen fingers. Other causes may include – Animal bites on the finger can cause wounds and swelling. Insect bites and stings can also trigger finger inflammation. Tight gloves, rings that have become a tight fit on your finger, and other such constrictions can interrupt blood flow and cause swelling. Paronychia and Cellulitis are infections that can occur in the region of the hands and fingers, and cause swelling and pain. Septic Arthritis is caused by bacterial infection in the joints. This can also affect finger joints. Septic Bursitis can be another main cause. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs near your joints. These cushion the muscles, tissues, and tendons and prevent friction in the joint regions. When there is inflammation of the bursae, it is called bursitis. Bursitis in your finger joints can be extremely painful. Lymphedema is a condition, where the Lymph fluid does not drain out of your body properly and starts collecting in places like your feet and hands. This can lead to the swelling of your hands and fingers. Heat can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to inflammation, redness, and soreness in the fingers and hands.

Fluid buildup in the muscles and tissues cause swelling in the feet. If you are hale and healthy, swollen feet can be a result of exertion. Taking adequate rest and keeping the legs elevated brings down the swelling. When it gets severe, swollen feet, medically termed as peripheral edema, can lead to difficulty while walking, skin ulcerations, scarred tissue, increase the risk of infection and a decrease in blood circulation. Peripheral edema can manifest across all age groups. The elderly who have suffered a muscle wear and tear, and athletes engaged in high impact activities, are at a higher risk of suffering from swollen feet and ankles. The swelling is painless and can occur in one or both the legs. Primary Causes The feet can swell due to—injury, pregnancy, ageing, being overweight, excess consumption of salt, underlying medical conditions, high altitude, binge drinking, menstruation/PMS, standing or sitting in the same position for long duration, and intake of medications such as antidepressants, steroids, birth-control pills with high estrogen, calcium channel blockers, and medication for diabetes. Heart, liver and kidney failure can also cause swollen feet, due to the accumulation of fluids. Other underlying conditions that can be the cause for swollen feet include—varicose veins, insect bite, arthritis of the feet, thyroid disorder, venous insufficiency, blood clots, excessive use of laxatives, drugs, and diuretics, salt retention, malnutrition, lymphatic obstruction, any allergic reaction, and leg or foot surgery. Treating the underlying medical condition and a monitoring diet and lifestyle can help to prevent swollen feet. Here are 10 natural remedies for swollen feet that are effective in reducing the swelling. Foot Massage The best and effective remedy for swollen feet is a foot massage. When the feet are massaged, the pressure applied to the affected area relaxes the sore muscles and improves circulation.

The severity and duration of a migraine attack tend to vary from person to person. For some individuals, the pain may subside within a few hours, while it may last for a couple of days for others. Coping with debilitating pain and constant nausea can be extremely challenging. The diet you follow can either help you get relief from the symptoms or worsen the condition. Read on to know about the food items you should consume when you have a migraine to help you deal with the symptoms: Magnesium-rich food As per clinical studies, magnesium plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of migraines. It has been reported that most people who are prone to attacks have low magnesium levels. Increasing the intake of magnesium can yield positive results in such individuals. By including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, you can lower the likelihood of an attack and also get relief from the pain during a migraine episode. Increase your intake of food items like brown rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts and grains, roasted pumpkin seeds, dried apricot, and avocado to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine. Ginger Since time immemorial, people have used ginger for migraine treatment. Ginger is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory components, and as per clinical studies, it can exert abortive and prophylactic effects that can reduce the severity of the symptoms associated with migraine. There are various ways to include ginger in the diet to alleviate pain associated with migraines. You can either mix ginger root powder with water and consume it once a day or brew a cup of herbal tea with ginger and honey. However, it is important to maintain caution while taking ginger, as overconsumption may lead to side effects like abdominal discomfort. Fatty fish Fatty fish like trout and mackerel are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA).

No diet or food can prevent or trigger breast cancer immediately. However, what you eat will certainly make a big difference to the risks of developing breast cancer. Getting breast cancer depends on multiple factors like family history, gender, age, etc., that are not in your control. Diet is perhaps one of the factors which you can control and change to minimize the risks of developing breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer already, you may want to know which foods to avoid to ensure that cancer does not grow further or relapse after you recover. Research shows that dietary factors may account for almost 30-40% of all types of cancers. Your dietary choices affect the way you live and determine how healthy you are. There has been plenty of research on breast cancer and there are some helpful guidelines which can benefit patients. You need to stay healthy after treatment by controlling your body weight, exercising regularly, and eating the right kind of foods to cut down risks of cancer relapse. There is no magic diet to eliminate the risks of breast cancer. However, breast cancer survivors need to eat more vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits, fish, and chicken. Listed below are the foods you should avoid if you already have breast cancer, or want to prevent it from occurring. Alcohol Studies have found a probable connection between increased risks of breast cancer and regular alcohol consumption. According to reports, alcohol tends to elevate the estrogen levels; this damages the DNA. Women who drink three alcoholic drinks every week increase their risks of developing breast cancer by almost 15%. Sugar In a research conducted on mice, it was seen that when the mice were given foods rich in sugar, they developed tumors in the mammary gland, which are similar to breast cancer tumors in human beings.

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer all over the world. The death rate due to lung cancer is considerably high. Most forms of cancer are caused due to quick and changing lifestyles, bad dietary habits, and heredity. Once a person is affected by cancer, he or she has to undergo painful and uncomfortable treatment. However, you can prevent getting cancer if certain food items are avoided. The food items to be avoided in order to prevent lung cancer include: Processed meat Studies have proven that processed meat is related to poor lung function. This type of meat is processed using various artificial flavors like color fixatives, preservatives, taste improvers, antimicrobial agents, and added nitrates. These added flavors and chemicals increase chances of inflammation in lung tissues and airways, which leads to cell damage in the lungs. Meat is an important source of protein, however, there should be a healthy limitation to the quantity consumed, along with proper intake of fresh fruits and vegetables — this can lower the risk of cancer. Red meat High intake of red meat increases the chances of lung cancer. Red meat needs to be cooked well before consuming. It needs to be well-done and reheated until it is steaming hot before being served or consumed. Fat Consuming high amounts of fatty foods increases the cholesterol level in our body, which leads to a higher risk of lung cancer. Chain smokers already face cancer risk, which increases when these fats are consumed in larger amounts. Coffee Increased intake of caffeine leads to higher chances of getting lung cancer. Consuming more than two cups a day affects the lung airway, which leads to a deficiency in oxygen that damages lung cells. Unpasteurized food and products Any food product in its raw form is a habitat to several infectious viruses and bacteria.

Arthritis, a disease of the joints, causes swelling and tenderness in the joints. The most prominent symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which worsen with time. Arthritis is of two types: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. It affects people when their joints are overused. Although this condition mostly affects people when they reach old age, it can also occur due to joint injuries or obesity, as they cause excess stress on the joints. One’s knees, hips, feet, and spine are most likely to feel the pain as these bear the most weight. These are also the most common joints to be affected by osteoarthritis. Healthy joints have a coating of cartilage that’s tough yet smooth and slippery. These cartilages cover the surface of the bones and allow the bones to move freely against each other. However, in osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes thin and the surface becomes rough, which prevents the joints from moving freely. Osteoarthritis can affect the joints of the neck, lower back, hips, the base of the thumb, ends of fingers, knees, and the base of the big toe. Treatment and medication The treatments of osteoporosis include medications and lifestyle changes. Medication used in osteoporosis slows the breakdown of bones and rebuilds them so that they are stronger. This, in turn, stops the breakage. The medication used in osteoporosis also effectively maintains bone density that prevents the bones from breaking. Medication alone cannot treat the condition and must be accompanied by lifestyle changes that include regular exercise, intake of a nutritious diet, and limiting or quitting alcohol and all kinds of intoxication. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can also be treated by some home remedies. Thermotherapy Thermotherapy is an effective home remedy that osteoarthritis patients can incorporate. This therapy involves the usage of hot and cold compress that is used when patients experience acute pain.

Foods to avoid for those with bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a brain-related illness that causes mood swings and makes a person feel low sometimes and elated at other times. Apart from medication, diet plays an important role in the mood swings and manifestation of the symptoms. Certain foods can affect one’s mental health and must be avoided by those having bipolar disorder. Trigger foods Certain foods can trigger manic disorder or depression. The moods can alternately swing from depression to a feeling of joy, and the food items listed in this article can affect people in different ways. They can cause depression when a person’s mood is low. Different foods may act as triggers for each person, aggravating their symptoms, and such food must be avoided. It is important to maintain a food diary where details of the food consumed and the symptoms experienced are noted. This will help to find out which foods trigger the symptoms, and those can be avoided. Caffeine Too much caffeine can affect sleep, and lack of sleep can aggravate the symptoms for those suffering from bipolar disorder. Apart from affecting sleep, caffeine can also irritate the digestive system and increase acidity. It is best to avoid or minimize the consumption of coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine. Food with high fat levels Those who have bipolar disorder should avoid food that contains high levels of fat. Some believe that high levels of fat affect the absorption of medicines. In reality, the effects of the medication will still be felt, but the high levels of fat are not good for the heart and increase the risk of obesity, leading to a lower quality of life. Fatty food should be avoided, especially when medicines are being taken. Avoid tyramine Some people with bipolar disorder are prescribed MAO inhibitors.

5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that causes a host of discomforting symptoms like inflammation in the digestive tract, pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. At times, these symptoms tend to intensify and lead to a flare-up. Coping with Crohn’s disease flare-up can be extremely challenging as it can have a direct impact on your quality of life. Diet plays a crucial role in tackling the symptoms of this disease. What you eat can either help minimize the severity of the symptoms or worsen the condition. Herein, we discuss some of the best foods you can have to relieve these painful and discomforting symptoms. Refined grains Refined grains are some of the best food items that you can have to relieve yourself from the symptoms of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike whole grains, refined grain items can be easily digested. These food items contain a low content of fiber and are likely to help with the flare-up. Some of the refined grain food items you can consume to subside Crohn’s disease symptoms are white bread, rice, pasta, and pancakes. Fully cooked vegetables Fully cooked vegetables are known to support the digestive system’s overall health. It is advised to remove the seeds and skin of the vegetables before cooking them well. Consumption of well-cooked food will help promote the health of the gut when you are experiencing a Crohn’s disease flare-up. It lowers inflammation in the body and may reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Whether you are having asparagus or potatoes, ensure that the vegetable is fully cooked for best results. Low-fiber Fruits Fruits like bananas, honeydew melon, and peaches contain are low in fiber. This particular characteristic enables them to work wondrously on the symptoms of this chronic disease.

Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and red. For some people, blisters may occur too. While some people are cured of this condition, some continue to have it throughout their adulthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate professional help to make treatment more efficient. Symptoms to be aware of: In adults; rashes commonly appearing in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck Rashes that cause very dry skin Itchy rashes that do not seem to go away Rashes that look scaly Skin infections caused by these rashes Rashes differ in infants under two years and children aged two years until puberty. For infants; They commonly appear on the scalp and cheeks They bubble up before there is liquid leaking from it Rash interferes with sleeping, and there’s a continuous itch For children aged two years and above; Rashes can be bumpy They can be light or dark in colors It develops a permanent itch or a knot Some treatment approaches While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help control the swelling, rash, itchiness of the skin, by using a mix of home cures and some doctor-prescribed medications. Some home remedies involve taking lukewarm baths, applying moisturizer on the skin within three minutes of the bath to ensure it keeps the skin hydrated; wearing cotton and soft fabrics is recommended over rough, scratchy, and tight-fitting clothes, using a humidifier in dry or cold weather, keeping fingernails short to prevent any scratching of the skin and inflammation caused due to it. Each person has their own triggers which make their condition worse, so it is important to recognize those symptoms and take control of what works and what doesn’t. Some medications that you could be aware of when getting treated for eczema are:

Gastritis is a stomach disorder where the stomach lining becomes inflamed. It may happen due to certain foods or bacterial infection. Gastritis can be avoided by shunning certain foods as they help in dealing with the symptoms. Herein, we discuss the foods one needs to have and avoid when suffering from gastritis diet. What to avoid Gastritis symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods. Allergies to foods can cause gastritis and, hence, certain foods need to be avoided as they would trigger symptoms. Spicy foods Spicy food can irritate the stomach and aggravate the symptoms of gastritis. Peppers, chili powder and chilies in general, jalapenos, and spices like nutmeg and clove can cause a wide variety of problems. Spicy foods should be avoided or a least used in moderation. Alcohol Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of gastritis and should be definitely avoided. The stomach lining is adversely affected when Acidic foods Food that is acidic in nature must be avoided. It can irritate the stomach. This includes citrus fruits, coffee, grains, and even tomatoes. Any acidic food affecting a person must be avoided to prevent worsening of the symptoms. Fried and fatty foods Foods that are fried and fatty affect the digestive system. They are among the top causes gastritis and must be avoided. What to eat Food that can kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed. Broccoli Broccoli is rich in a compound called sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill H.pylori that cause gastritis. Garlic Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill H. pylori. It can also reduce inflammation, thus reducing symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. Probiotics Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach.

Dogs are a man’s best friend, and you can feel really anxious if your dog starts having an allergic reaction that makes it uncomfortable. Some of the most common signs of dog allergies are itching, scratching, and chewing. What causes dog allergies? Skin allergies or allergic dermatitis are the most common type of allergies developed by dogs. The prime causes of dog allergies include: Bacterial infections Certain foods which trigger allergic reactions Exposure to various environmental allergens Dog allergies and their natural remedies If your dog is developing any allergic reaction, your vet should be the first person you should reach out to. Besides, there are various natural remedies available for some common dog allergies. These natural remedies are readily available at your home and can relieve your dog from various allergies. Below is a list of dog allergies and their natural remedies for your reference. These natural remedies are very helpful in the treatment of different dog allergies such as dry skin or stomach upset. Vitamin E oil Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants primarily fight aging. They work towards the prevention of free radical damage. Free radical damage is the main cause of ageing. Application of vitamin E oil can protect your dog from UV radiation. Thus, it ensures moisturization of their skin and helps in the prevention of conditions like dry skin. Electrolyte-replacing liquids for diarrhea Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids help dogs too. During diarrhea, like humans, dogs too lose liquids. In such cases, the electrolyte replacing proves to be helpful among helpful in keeping their liquid level intact. Yogurt Both plain and sweetened yogurt is very healthy for your dog. The probiotics in yogurt help your dog to retain the good bacteria and have a strong intestine. Oatmeal If your dog has developed any symptoms of itchy skin, chickenpox or any such conditions, an oatmeal bath can be very soothing.

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet can not only help fight cancer and also help prevent the risk of it. Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancer that women face today. It often originates in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is one of the main reasons for this disease. When the body is exposed to HPV, most often, it is able to fight against it, but at times, the virus survives for years and becomes one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. One can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer through screening tests and a vaccine. Diet can also play a significant role in fighting against this life-altering disease. Read on to know about some of the best superfoods for fighting cervical cancer. Research shows that regular consumption of certain foods, most notably, fruits and vegetables, can help offer protection against cervical cancer. It is so because this cancer is caused by an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate can help fight this off effectively. Many superfoods, such as the ones listed below, contain these ingredients that can be beneficial for fighting cervical cancer. Carrots This is not only good for the eyes but also for diseases like cancer as it has both beta-carotene and carotenoids—natural compounds that are highly effective at inhibiting the development of cancer. The best part is that one can eat them in any form. Have them raw in salads or blanch them whole—this vegetable is versatile! Green tea It is a popular alternative drink instead of regular tea and is known to have many health benefits. It is considered as one of the popular superfoods that can help fight cervical cancer due to its antioxidant properties.