Maintaining a healthy diet is necessary, to say the least. Processed and junk foods have become an integral part of our diet, and eating too much of it can lead to serious health issues in the long run. The number of people suffering from high sugar and salt levels in the blood has exponentially increased. To put it into perspective, over 100 million people in the country currently suffer from either diabetes or pre-diabetes. A large number of people are obese and hardly exercise. While this may not impact your health immediately, it will in the future. Nobody wants to live a life eating pills to control a disease. The best way out is to bring a radical change today to ensure that this never happens. This change is only possible if you follow an effective diet plan along with regular exercise. We have made the process of selecting effective diet plans much easier for you. Here are a few of the best diet plans of 2018 that actually work! DASH Diet Quite a fancy name for a diet right? The DASH diet is true to its name and it was designed to help people with high blood pressure. Needless to say, it is one of the best and most effective diet plans out there. Regulation of blood pressure is crucial when it comes to patients with hypertension, and the DASH diet aims at helping with the process. This diet comprises low-fat dairy products, lean protein, whole grains, vegetables, and a mix of fruits. If you are on this diet, try to avoid eating some harmful oils, full-fat dairy, sweets, sugary beverages, and saturated fat. You must also try to reduce your salt intake as a preventive measure against high blood pressure. Mediterranean Diet Another diet true to its name and origin is the Mediterranean diet.

The amount of processed food and junk food consumed today has led to an unprecedented rise in the number of diabetic cases and cases of high blood pressure in the country. While enjoying a little sugar and spice in your lives is not forbidden, you must prioritize your health first. Maintaining a healthy diet can go a long way in ensuring that you do not have to depend on medications and tablets all your life. Excessive intake of processed food and salty food items leads to high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. The regular blood pressure range for adults is more than 90 over 60 mmHg and less than 120 over 80mmHg. If your blood pressure is anywhere above that, you probably have high blood pressure. You must take steps to reduce your blood pressure before it is too late. Avoid eating salty food items, and you should be good to go. There are several other blood pressure remedies you can adopt to improve your overall health. Here are some tips that will help you lower your blood pressure naturally. Remedies for high blood pressure Here are some of the best blood pressure remedies. Lose weight: Being overweight is often associated with a rise in blood pressure. Thus, one can lower their blood pressure by losing weight. To put it into perspective, for every kilogram of body weight one cuts, their blood pressure lowers by 1mmHg. Moreover, carrying too much weight around the waist area puts individuals at a higher risk of blood pressure. Men with a waist measuring more than 40 inches, and women with waist measurements of 35 inches and above face a higher risk of blood pressure problems. Exercise: Regular exercise can help one overcome high blood pressure naturally. Exercising for 30 minutes a day, or for at least 150 minutes a week can lower one’s blood pressure by up to 8mmHg.

Almost all of us snore from time to time, which is not a cause of concern. Sometimes a blocked nose may lead to snoring. However, regular snoring at night may hamper the quality of one’s sleep. It can also result in tiredness during daytime, health issues, and irritability. Regular snoring not only affects one’s own sleep but also that of their partner. Loud and excessive snoring may even lead to marital issues. Snoring is not just a nuisance but also causes serious health issues like obstructive sleep apnea. Partial obstruction of your airways causes snoring. Some other common causes are age, obesity, sinusitis, alcohol, sleep posture, smoking, and medications. The good news is that many anti-snoring devices are available for people who have a snoring problem. However, choosing the right one can be quite challenging. Factors to consider while picking an anti-snoring device Anti-snoring devices have gained popularity owing to the growing awareness among people about the ill-effects that snoring has on our health. Choosing the right equipment helps in combating the snoring problem effectively. Here are a few tips to pick the best anti-snoring device: Clinical evidence of effectiveness While choosing the anti-snoring device, one must consider the clinical evidence or expert reviews on its effectiveness. Medical and dental experts measure the effectiveness of these devices and provide data about them. One must consider this data before making a choice. Cost of an anti-snoring device Certain devices may cost much lesser than tailor-made devices. One must carefully evaluate the effectiveness against the price to decide on the right anti-snoring device. Comfortable fit One must feel comfortable and not experience any pain while wearing an anti-snoring device. An individual will only get a good night’s rest if they’re comfortable with using it. Another factor to consider is the design and clinical expertise of the anti-snoring device.

The pain caused due to shingles can be very severe and it can affect your normal day-to-day activities as well. Shingles are often caused when the chickenpox virus known as Varicella Zoster is reactivated. The virus then travels through the nerve fibers to cause a painful skin rash. Usually, the pain goes away along with the rash but can also persist sometimes. You can treat the pain after shingles using the following measures. Always consult a doctor if you are not sure which remedy to follow, or if you are suffering from any other disease. Painkillers Shingles cause nerve damage that is permanent and the pain is an after effect of it. To ease the pain of the effects of shingles, you can take painkillers that will effectively help with reducing the pain. Painkillers such as tricyclic antidepressants can help in dealing with the pain. Thoracic epidural injections Shingles are caused due to the nerve damage and if you reduce the nerve root inflammation, then the pain can also be reduced. For this, the anti-inflammatory medicine can be injected into the space that is near the spinal cord. This reduces the pain. Thus, thoracic epidural injections can be used for the treatment of shingles. Membrane stabilizers You can use membrane stabilizers to treat the pain after shingles. You can ask your doctor to prescribe medicines that will act as membrane stabilizers and will help you with the immense pain caused due to shingles. The pain can prolong even after shingles are gone and therefore fighting the pain is the only way. Natural remedies for treating the pain after shingles Healing baths When you clean the blisters every day, then the infection is less likely to spread. The itchiness and pain after shingles can be reduced with cool water baths. Since heat increases the blisters, you should avoid taking bath with hot water at all costs.

The presence of dark circles under the lower eyelids is quite common among men and women. When you have dark circles, you may look much older than your actual age. This visible discoloration of skin is quite hard to eliminate. Most people will face this situation at some point in time. It is essential to know how you could prevent this and what are the various treatment options available. In this article, let’s have a look at the causes and treatment options for dark circles. Risk factors for dark circles Dark circles could affect anybody. Primarily, they affect the following people: People who are old People with a family history of dark circles Causes of dark circles Many people associate fatigue as the sole reason for the appearance of the dark circles. However, apart from fatigue, there are numerous reasons because of which dark circles could appear. Here are some of them: Age Aging is one of the causes of dark circles. When you start to get older, your skin naturally becomes thinner than before. You will start losing collagen and fat which are needed to maintain your skin’s elasticity. When this happens, the dark vessels inside your skin will become more and more visible. Because of this, dark circles will appear underneath your lower eyelids. Too much strain on your eyes When you work on your computer for about 10 to 12 hours per day, you tend to strain your eyes. Also, watching television for a long duration of time will put similar pressure on the eyes. Because of this strain, the blood vessels in and around your eyes will become enlarged. As a result of this, you start getting dark circles. Fatigue Fatigue is one of the more prominent causes of dark circles. Oversleeping, staying awake after your usual bedtime or being extremely tired could result in dark circles.

Poison ivy is a toxic plant widely found throughout the country. This plant, upon contact with human skin, causes a painful rash, known as contact dermatitis. The rash is caused by an allergic reaction to an oily resin, called urushiol, which is found in the leaves, roots, and stem of the plant. If you come in contact with the oil, wash your hands immediately to avoid the rash. In case it develops, it may be extremely itchy and last for weeks. Mild cases of poison ivy rash can be treated at home, using cool baths and soothing lotions. However, if the rash becomes widespread and severe, you may require proper medical evaluation and suitable medication. Common symptoms of poison ivy rash Usually, the rash appears after 12 to 48 hours of the contact and lasts up to 2-3 weeks. The most common symptoms include: Swelling Redness Itching Blisters Difficulty in breathing. This usually happens if you have inhaled the smoke produced from the burning of poison ivy. The severity of the rash depends upon the amount of urushiol that comes in contact with your skin. If this oil is more, the rash will be more intense. Usually, the rash looks like a straight line because of the way the plant brushes against your body. If you come in contact with urushiol through pet fur or some piece of clothing, the resultant rash will be more widespread. This rash can be spread to other parts of your body through your fingers. Treatment of poison ivy rash There is no specific poison ivy treatment available on prescription. The rash generally clears up on its own with 2-3 weeks. However, there are some options that can help to lessen the severity of the symptoms. Changing clothes and showering It is important to take a shower and wear fresh clothes after coming home from outside.

If you have diabetes, probably need to take special care of what you eat and drink. You need to keep a check on your carbohydrate consumption too as it can have an impact on your blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes patients should only drink low-calorie or zero-calorie drinks to prevent sudden spikes in the blood sugar levels. Therefore, selecting the right beverage can help you manage your condition as well as avoid unpleasant side effects. Besides, low-calorie drinks are beneficial in maintaining a healthy weight, which is extremely important for people who have diabetes. Given below is a list of top ten drinks for diabetes that are not only healthy but also make for a delicious treat. Top ten drinks for diabetes People with diabetes should drink adequate amounts of water. With zero calories, carbs, and sugar, water can satiate your thirst without harming your body in any way. It can also help in keeping your blood sugar levels in control as drinking water can help eliminate excess glucose from the body via urine. It is advisable to consume 8-10 glasses of water every day. However, many people don’t prefer drinking water because of its tastelessness. Luckily, there are quite a few tastier options available. People with diabetes can prepare or get these refreshing drinks. These delicious treats fit into their diet perfectly and help to gratify any cravings. Let’s take a look at some of these beverages. Chamomile tea With plenty of antioxidants and zero calories, chamomile tea is perhaps one of the best drinks for diabetes. This tea offers a plethora of health benefits. It helps to lower the blood sugar levels as well as prevents various medical complications such as kidney disease, damage to the nerves and circulatory system, and blindness. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a great ingredient that helps in controlling blood sugar levels.

All of us know what constipation is, but not many know how to treat it. People often get anxious as they don’t know how to prevent this condition. This article aims to help readers understand what constipation is, what are its causes, and what foods one should consume if they are constipated. What is constipation? Constipation is the partial, or in rare cases, complete inability to pass stools or have bowel moments. It may also cause mild to extreme pain. Constipation can occur to anyone at any time, and generally, it is common in young people below the age of 20. The problem usually goes away in a day, though sometimes, in severe cases, it may take weeks to cure this condition. What are the causes of constipation? While the causes of constipation can vary depending upon one’s diet, age, and location, the common causes of constipation are as follows: Sudden changes to your diet or activities Inadequate consumption of water or fiber Eating a lot of dairy products Not being active Resisting the urge to have bowel moments Stress or tension Overuse of laxatives Medications such as strong painkillers, narcotics, antidepressants, iron pills, and any supplement taken in bulk Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Pregnancy Aging Other changes in the routine like the excessive intake of carbs or fats Other forms of disorders and diseases What should one do if they experience these bowel problems for more than a day? If you don’t wish to visit the doctor and want to treat your problem at home, it’s rather easy. Adopting a diet for constipation can go a long way of not only curing the problem but also preventing it in the future. What should one consume if they have constipation? Water If you have constipation, you should drink a lot of water, irrespective of how severe your condition may be.

Shaving with finesse is an art and can really transform the appearance of your skin. A soft, glowing, and smooth skin will lift your spirits as you see yourself in a mirror after a nice shave. However, a daily shave, if not done properly, can cause cuts and give you coarse skin. Following proper shaving tips can be a savior in this case. Generally, men have thicker skin, a lot of facial hair, and large sebaceous glands that tend to make their skin oily. Moreover, every person has a distinctive hair growth pattern. Thus, it is imperative to know how your hair grows and follow important shaving tips, so you can prevent razor bumps. Stand in front of the mirror to study your face and get acquainted with the direction of the hair growth on your face. Applying more pressure to the blade will only make you cut your hair below the surface of the skin. As this hair grows back, it will curl beneath the skin thereby causing a razor bump. It is best to change blade regularly since a slightly dull blade will make you press harder on your face resulting in ugly and painful nicks and cuts. A sharp blade will help to shave the beard right at the surface without giving any razor bumps. If you do not follow the right shaving tips accurately, you may end up saddled with rough skin, painful ingrown hair, ugly razor burns, and aching scratches and cuts. Important shaving tips Prepare your skin Never directly use the razor on the face. It will only cause friction, leading to irritation, unnecessary pain, grazing, and razor burns. Avoid applying shaving cream directly on a dry face. Rinse your face with a good quality pre-shave cleanser and warm water. This will remove extra oil and dead skin cells, which clogs the blades.

Have you ever thought about taking care of the liver, the largest solid organ in your body? In most cases, we do not care about it until our doctors ask us to do so. More or less, you should learn about the functions of the liver and signs that can indicate any dysfunction. Before we initiate a discussion, we should know how vital the organ is for us and how it helps our body to work healthily. The liver carries out some critical functions such as generating essential fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Our liver also helps our body to remove harmful biochemical wastes and detoxify toxins, alcohol, and drugs. An under-performing liver can cause plenty of disorders. Here we will discuss the liver damage signs that you should learn early to prevent further damage. Some important facts about the liver Our liver comes with a number of special features. The liver is connected to the intestines and gallbladder by some tubes. Bile produced by the liver transports to the gallbladder through these tubes. The bile comes to the gallbladder when we do not take meals and later it goes to the intestine to help with the digestion process. Our liver is located at an appropriate place in our body, and it receives blood coming from the intestines. During the process of metabolism, the liver absorbs nutrients. Since the liver performs a number of biochemical functions, it is often called the biochemical factory of the human body. In addition, our liver comes with dual blood supply system. One supply comes through the portal vein while the other comes through the hepatic artery that also brings oxygenated blood from the lungs to the liver. Oxygenated blood carried by the hepatic artery nourishes the liver cells and bile tubes. Following a number of vital processes, the liver finally sends the blood back to the heart and lungs through hepatic veins.

Leiomyomata or Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors and are generally found on the uterus. Leiomyomata or uterine fibroids are mostly seen among women, and it is unfortunate that there are no such symptoms to identify it. There are many reports on leiomyomata or uterine fibroids, wherein the patients suffer from heavy bleeding or severe pain. It is important to visit the doctor if you are facing similar pain or heavy bleeding. Fibroids can be prevented, and if you are wondering how to shrink fibroids naturally, this article highlights the matter. There are numerous treatments for leiomyomata or uterine fibroids, and we have compiled some of the many remedies available so that you can get an idea on the treatment and take adequate actions depending on your conditions. However, it always better to first consult your doctor. Avoid Foods that Worsen the Condition Foods play an important role in developing uterine fibroids; hence, you should keep an eye on your food habits. We recommend you to avoid several types of foods to get rid of your problem, some of them are as follows: Processed Meats and High Fat If you are wondering how to shrink fibroids naturally, you can start by avoiding the consumption of high-fat processed meat. Doing so can help you shrink fibroids naturally. Processed and non-organic foods contain unhealthy fats, and they can aggravate the inflammation. Such foods also contain toxic chemical additives that are not suitable for your diet. Refined Sugar and Conventional Dairy We also recommend you to avoid refined sugar and conventional dairy products as they both contain harmful chemicals and steroids that can affect your hormone levels. Refine sugar can also endorse inflammation and it leads to weight gain. Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption You should avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent uterine fibroids in an effective and natural way.

Shingles, scientifically named as ‘herpes zoster’, is a viral infection that causes rashes in small sections of the body along with immense pain and is sourced from the same virus that causes chickenpox which is known as varicella-zoster virus (VZV). If you had chicken pox in your childhood, then there is a chance that at later stages, you can develop shingles. The first symptom of shingles is the immense pain. After a couple of days, you will see rashes and fluid-filled blisters in small sections of your body, while some people also experience fever, fatigue, and sensitivity to light along with painful blisters. Shingles usually last from two to six weeks. Complications Although shingles isn’t a life-threatening disease, some people develop a more serious condition due to this, known as postherpetic neuralgia when the nerve fibers get damaged. This condition can cause shingles pain to last for weeks and months even after the rashes clears out. Although there is no perfect treatment for Shingles, antiviral medications prescribed by your doctor can help to reduce its symptoms and shorten the time span of shingles. Read on to know the various at-home treatment options for shingles. Top treatments for shingles Take healing baths One of the most effective and top treatments for shingles that prevents the rashes from spreading to different parts of the body is thoroughly cleansing the body on a daily basis. Taking a shower with cold water along with antiseptic soap can help you to soothe your skin and body as the coolness of the water will reduce the pain and itchiness of the shingles blisters. You can also prepare a healing bath for yourself which is considered to be one of the top 3 shingles treatments. To prepare a healing bath, you need to pour 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or cornstarch into lukewarm water and leave it for 10-20 minutes before taking the bath.