A soft waxy substance found among the fats in the bloodstream is known as cholesterol. The main function of cholesterol is to form some hormones, cell membranes, while it is also necessary for some other functions as well. If the cholesterol starts getting deposited in the arteries in the form of plaque it can cause severe health issues like heart attack and blockage in the arteries. Maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, genetics, smoking, and a lack of physical activity are some causes of rise in bad cholesterol levels. There are two types of cholesterol which are found in a combination of fats and proteins. High density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol Low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol One can control the build-up of bad cholesterol by cutting down on foods which cause a rise in bad cholesterol levels and maintain good cholesterol levels by adding foods and snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels. Dry fruits: Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are healthy snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, and unsaturated fats. Consuming a handful of nuts helps in lowering cholesterol levels. Avocados: Avocados are rich in fiber and unsaturated fats which help in lowering cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and keep the heart healthy. The unsaturated fats destroy the bad cholesterol thus lowering cholesterol levels. Dark chocolate: A heart-healthy snack which helps in lowering cholesterol levels, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering the build-up of bad cholesterol and helps in preventing heart diseases. Apples: Rich in pectin fiber, apples are a great snack for lowering cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering LDL or bad cholesterol levels. The bioactive compounds present in apples also help in preventing heart diseases.

You need expert help when a good night’s sleep no longer works – here are the best dark circle treatment options that you may not be aware of. With the fast-paced lives we lead, every meeting drags on for hours, the concept of work-life balance is a myth, and most of our work was due yesterday. In such a situation, it is understandable that our bodies suffer quite as much, and perhaps a little more, than our tired minds. We have all reached a place in our lives where the mirror is full of surprises, and not all pleasant ones either. It is common to see a tired face complete with humongous dark circles staring back at us when we look in the mirror. When a good night’s sleep is not enough to alleviate the dark circles, the need to look for best dark circle treatment options rears its head. Why Do You Have Dark Circles? Most cosmetic solutions available to you are quick-fix ones that serve to reduce the dreadful appearance of dark circles in a marginal and temporary manner. In order to get rid of dark circles for good, it is important for you to understand what is causing the dark circles in the first place. Genetic Anomalies Perhaps the most common cause of dark circles is just bad genetics. If you are fair skinned or have inherited thin skin in the under-eye area, dark circles become more visible and obvious. Lack of sleep causes slow blood circulation, which in turn causes the blood to pool in the area under the eyes. This accumulation results in the stretching and leaking of the fragile capillaries in the under-eye area. And these are the puffy eyes that are making you look for best dark circle treatment options. Seasonal Allergies For some people, seasonal allergies are the culprit.

Xarelto is a drug that is mainly used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). As is the case with most of the drugs, there are several side effects associated with Xarelto. Read on to know more about the Xarelto side effects. Deep vein thrombosis or DVT is a serious medical condition that occurs when a blood clot is formed in one or more of the deep veins in the body. It most commonly affects a deep vein in your leg, and causes leg pain as well as swelling. It is a serious medical condition because the blood clots can travel through the bloodstream to your lungs, and block the blood flow leading to pulmonary embolism. Some of the symptoms associated with DVT are pain, tenderness, and swelling in your calves, a heavy ache and redness in the affected area, and warmth in the area of the clot. There are some cases of DVT that do not show any symptoms whatsoever. If it is not treated in time, you may suffer from pulmonary embolism that is characterized by chest pain, breathlessness, and collapsing suddenly. DVT typically affects only one leg and the pain will be worse when you are bending your foot towards your knees. The exact cause of DVT is not yet known, however, there are certain circumstances that tend to increase the risk of developing this disorder. When you are inactive for a long period of time, like after an operation, your blood flow slows down considerably. The chances of a blood clot increase when the blood flow slows down. Certain medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, thrombophilia, infectious diseases, and lung disease are also known to increase the risk of DVT. The standard medications that are used to treat deep vein thrombosis are anticoagulants, which are also known as ‘blood-thinning’ medicines.

Affecting nearly one in three Americans, shingles, also known as herpes zoster, are painful rashes that appear in the form of a band on the skin or in a small area on the skin. The rashes appear on one side of the face or the body of the affected person. What are the causes of shingles pain? Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). This virus also causes chickenpox. In some cases, this virus lies dormant in after a person recovers from chicken pox during childhood. The virus becomes active again in adulthood due to a weak immune system, reactions to certain medications, and factors related to age. The virus may again become active decades after the person was afflicted by chicken pox. Rashes are accompanied by a discomfort known as shingles pain. The pain may go away as the person recovers from the rashes. However, in certain cases, there might be some damage caused to the nerves. This is because the virus travels through the nerve roots of the body. If the pain lasts for three months after the rashes disappear, the person might be suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The pain occurs in the chest and forehead areas. Generally, PHN affects people who contract shingles after the age of 50 years. In the case of persistent PHN, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately and get some immediate medical attention. What are the symptoms of shingles? Symptoms of shingles appear in stages. In the early stage, the person experiences flu-like symptoms that include diarrhea, chills, or stomach ache. These symptoms are not accompanied by any kind of fever. There might be swelling or tenderness around the lymph nodes. There will be a sensation of numbness, tickling, tingling, burning, or pain in the areas where the virus affects the nerves.

Atopic dermatitis is a condition wherein the skin begins to look red and patchy. It is a skin condition that is persistent and affects a large population around the world. This chronic disease often begins during childhood and persists till adulthood. People suffering from atopic dermatitis are found to have a more sensitive skin and one that is easily affected by irritants. This condition is of a special type that is an allergic sensitivity that is connected to inhalants, asthma, and allergies. In most cases, atopic dermatitis may be carried down through genes and thus, is a hereditary condition. The allergy leads the skin to peel and becomes inflamed, causing an appearance of redness, scaling, cracking, and formation of blisters. What may come across as dry skin initially, turns into atopic dermatitis over time. However, the skin condition is not contagious and does not pass from person to person. One should not have any reservations or concerns when dealing with a person who is suffering from this skin disorder. Atopic dermatitis usually occurs among infants and younger individuals; however, it can affect people from any age group, sex, or race. The disease may become worse or better during some period. The days when the skin begins to look more inflamed and is worse, it is known as flares. Post this period, the allergic area may slowly look better and can also clear up with time. Many kids experience that their disease becomes better as they grow older; this period is known as remission. However, the skin may continue to feel sensitive and irritated. Several factors can contribute to the worsening the condition of atopic dermatitis. Environmental factors such as allergic elements, soaps and detergents, and humidity can worsen or trigger inflammation altogether. Also, these factors can activate the condition in people who have inherited the disease from their ancestors.

Pneumonia is an infection that targets one or both the lungs. This infection commonly causes an inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs are known as alveoli. The inflamed alveoli get filled with pus and liquid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and symptoms of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to the formation of an infection. However, pneumonia can also be caused by noninfectious elements such as toxic elements and foreign matter that are inhaled through breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, if not treated in time. A large population around the world loses the battle to pneumonia every year. This fatal disease can affect anybody, irrespective of their age or gender. However, elderly people and individuals who have a weak immune system are at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. It is more serious and difficult to treat when contracted by younger kids, old individuals, and people who already suffer from a medical condition. The condition and symptoms of pneumonia generally begin when one inhales a bad germ into the lungs. A person who is suffering from cold or fever is likely to get the disease as these infectious conditions make it difficult for the lungs to restrain and fight against the germs. Also, people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer may have a higher risk. Pneumonia is contagious and can spread through inhalation of droplets from the sneeze or cough of an affected person. However, there are some types of pneumonia that are not contagious and do not spread through contact or being around a patient. Symptoms of pneumonia can be easily noticeable and come quickly after the lungs are infected. The symptoms also differ on the basis of age and the type of pneumonia.

There comes a time in the life of some people when they experience pain in the ankles or feet. Swelling in the ankles is a common condition among women who are pregnant. There is more than one reason that causes swelling in the ankles. Some of those include spending long periods walking or traveling that may hinder any moment of legs restricting blood circulation or surgery. Swollen ankles is not a serious problem. There are ways to deal with it. Swollen ankles and feet cause discomfort while walking or moving around. Podiatric physicians believe that there are ways to get rid of swelling and prevent the condition from occurring. The condition of swelling in the body is medically known as edema. It occurs when your body retains fluid in any part of your body. Retention of bodily fluid also occurs in the legs and feet. This causes the ankles to swell. There is no need to panic, as swelling in the ankles is not an emergency situation. The condition should be addressed with patience and care, as it can go away itself with the required care. Swollen ankle treatment options Swelling in the body, be in any part, would require attention in order to get relief from it. Following are a few effective, yet popular swollen ankle treatment options that can be considered to get relief from it. Compression socks Compression socks can be bought from a nearby pharmacy. Compression socks are a way to get relief from the pain and discomfort and also prevent fluid from collecting into your legs, feet, and ankles. They are found in all kind of weights: light, medium, and heavy. Always make sure that you buy a pair that fits well and is not too much tight. It is often recommended to buy lightweight socks that measure somewhere between 12–15 mm and 15–20 mm of mercury.

Often touted to be a sign of parental neglect, diaper rash is a very common problem amongst infants and babies and is wrongly proclaimed to be a sign that parents are not effectively taking care of their infant. Diaper rash is a very common kind of contact dermatitis that can get more infected by a yeast or bacteria that is normally present on the skin. In most cases, topical ointments containing antibiotics work very effectively and are used as a very common therapy for through the use of the best diaper rash cream available in the market. A diaper rash is a general term that indicates any condition of skin irritation, regardless of the causing factor, which often grows and perpetuates in the region that is covered by a diaper. Some other synonyms for the condition known as a diaper rash include: – Napkin or nappy dermatitis – Diaper dermatitis – Ammonia dermatitis The word dermatitis refers to the inflammation of the skin. There are very many categories that list the causes of a diaper rash or diaper dermatitis, but the most common cause is contact dermatitis. It is a misleading term thought to affect only babies and infants and toddlers, when it can affect any individual who wears a diaper, like an incontinent adult or a menstruating person. The main preventative measure for diaper rash includes changing the diaper frequently and keeping the area clean and dry. Dry here refers to freshness, not lack of moisturization. Some of the most effective treatments for curing diaper rash include: – Using topical barriers like petroleum jelly or skin-friendly moisturizers such as some of the best diaper rash creams for babies. – Changing diapers frequently. – Topical anti-fungal or antibiotic ointments to be used according to a doctor’s prescription. – Hydrocortisone creams for babies that are of low potency.

In Spring, the rate of pollens is high in the environment that can cause different types of pollen allergies. Pollen allergy is one of the most popular allergies that many people suffer from. If you are the sensitive one, who always faces problem in spring season due to pollen allergy, then, of course, preventing this is not an easy task for you. People who are prone to the outer environment and involve traveling in their daily activity might experience pollen allergy. Yes, you will find many medications that give you pollen allergy relief. These medications can’t prevent the allergy for a long time. But, you can avoid this problem by keeping a few tips to your daily lifestyle routine. You might not need to go for a consultation with your doctor and pay high fees to them for providing pollen allergy relief. We have arranged some useful tips to keep you safe from this seasonal allergy. Add Vitamin D to your diet Studies have proved that a person who takes vitamin D in the daily diet, have fewer chances to get affected by allergies. If you want to stay away from pollen allergies, then it is a useful tip that you add vitamin D to your diet schedule. Some dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, cereals, cheese and egg yolks are the most abundant source of vitamin D. So, just add these supplements to your diet and feel the change. Clean carpet Carpets are the home of dust, mites, and molds. And, in the spring season, pollen partials also gets attached to the carpet and increases the chances of pollen allergy. It can come along with your shoes. So, make sure that you clean your carpet regularly. Do not avoid cleaning the carpet of your bedroom especially because it is the only place where you spend at least 8 hours of sleep.

Living with tinnitus is a huge challenge, but then, it is not something impossible. People with tinnitus learn to live with it; if you have been diagnosed with this problem, perhaps some home remedies for tinnitus could be of help to you. These are simple solutions that will help you to deal with tinnitus. Making some modifications to your environment as well as lifestyle could make things easier. Tinnitus affects a person internally and does not have any external symptoms; this fact affects the way this condition is managed. The condition causes a constant hiss or buzz in the ears. There are several treatments including hearing aids at that are available to deal with tinnitus. Along with these, natural tinnitus treatments such as home remedies also help to manage tinnitus. First, it is essential to understand the triggers. The most significant issues that arise out of tinnitus are: Issues with concentration Issues with hearing Issues with sleeping Study your triggers Tinnitus gets worse with the consumption of a few foods or even certain drinks. Even some drugs cause tinnitus to get worse. Remember that the symptoms of the condition will not be the same between two individuals. The triggers would be very different from that of someone else. Therefore, maintaining a written log is vital for more clarity. However, keep in mind that not all triggers have to be prevented. The triggers that cause the most disturbing symptoms or enhance the frequency have to be prevented at all costs. Since tinnitus can cause havoc in your daily life, it is suggested that you go ahead and implement few easy remedies right away. Here are some of the popular home remedies for natural tinnitus treatment: Ginkgo Biloba : One of the best herbal remedies, this is one of the most popular natural tinnitus treatment.

People who suffer from unexplainable mood swings, or have difficulty in sleeping or feel tired most of the time should understand that the body is producing thyroid hormones in excess. This is an indication that the person is suffering from hyperthyroidism. The best course of action is to take natural thyroid supplements so that the elegant balance of thyroid is maintained in the body. Lemon Balm Lemon balm is from the mint family and is usually used for flavoring ice cream or tea. It is however known to aid the thyroid health and is thus considered among natural thyroid supplements. Lemon balm controls the condition related to thyroid through its unique mechanism. Lemon balm is known to inhibit the thyroid stimulating hormone from attaching to the receptors. Lemon balm blocks the synthesis of T4 and thus prevents T4 from being converted to T3. This dilutes the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone and thus prevents the antibodies from speeding up the functioning of the thyroid. 300 to 500 milligram of lemon balm juice can be taken on a daily basis for normalizing the functioning of thyroid gland. Lemon balm can also be combined with bugleweed natural supplement for effective results. Kelp It has been found out medically that lack of iodine can result in mental retardation and damage to the brain. World Health Organization has come out with a report that 30 percent of the world population is suffering from the deficiency of iodine. Consumption of excessive iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism and to keep the thyroid level under control, kelp can be taken as it does not have a large amount of iodine and thus will help in curing thyroid related problems. Kelp is also a rich source of minerals and vitamins. It is among great natural thyroid supplements and can be taken for overactive thyroid conditions.

Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, shingles can be described as a painful skin rash. Also known as herpes zoster, it usually appears as a strip, band, or infects a small area on one side of the face or body. It is therefore imperative to know about the symptoms and shingles pain treatment options to be able to fight it effectively. Shingles is a painful nerve root infection that occurs when the chickenpox causing virus gets activated in the body. After chickenpox is treated, the virus becomes dormant in the nerves. Although this virus mostly remains dormant, in others, the virus becomes active, usually in old age when the body’s immunity is comparatively weaker. Also, certain medications can trigger this virus, however, once active, it is unable to cause chickenpox. Seniors or people with a weak immune system are prone to shingles. Stress, medications and injuries can make the immune system vulnerable causing the varicella-zoster virus to activate. Usually, people suffering from shingles get better and do not suffer from it again. However, there are cases where people can get shingles more than once. Although non-communicable, it can still be transmitted from someone who has shingles. However, this possibility is pretty rare, so the chances of shingles spreading from a person who has had chickenpox to the one who has not are negligible. Shingles pain treatment vaccines are available for adults. These medications help in lowering the chances of getting affected with shingles, it clears the rashes quickly and also helps to prevent long-term pain that usually occurs after shingles. Symptoms The symptoms of shingles show up in different stages. It begins with a headache or extreme sensitivity to light. Some people also experience flu but do not have a fever or high temperature.The second stage marks itching, pain, or tingling sensation in a particular area.