It is estimated that in one day, the scalp sheds around 100 hair strands. This is further aggravated by aging, and in the case of women, the problem becomes serious with menopause. These days, the cause for hair fall has gone beyond aging. Modern lifestyle with its food-on-the-go without essential vitamins, excessive stress, lack of adequate rest, pollution, excessive hair styling treatments, and use of chemical-based products have made hair fall problem quite common. Hair fall usually starts out by the shrinking of hair follicles. Hair follicles are tiny openings on your scalp from which your hair grows. As the follicles shrink, hair starts to get thinner and starts falling quickly. Hair loss due to hair fall can occur all over the scalp (called as general hair loss) or only in one part (called as focal hair loss). Excessive hair fall may lead to premature balding or to male-pattern or female pattern baldness. Whatever be the cause of hair fall, it tends to affect a person’s self-esteem. This is because a loss of hair due to hair fall directly affects the physical appearance. What you put on your plate directly affects your overall health, including the health of your skin and hair. One of the best ways to deal with hair loss is to replenish your body with essential vitamins that help with hair fall control. Your diet should incorporate food that replenishes your body with vitamins that help to improve the health of your scalp, control hair fall, and boost hair growth. Here are 6 essential vitamins for hair fall control. Vitamin A: Found in carrots, mango, tuna, sweet red peppers, apricot, peaches, spinach, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables, Vitamin A is essential to control the production of retinoic acid in your scalp. This acid determines the development of hair follicles and helps control their shrinkage.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body and extremely painful. The abnormal metabolism of uric acid results in the excess of it in the tissues of the body and blood. In case of an individual who suffers from gout, the body either produces too much of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Gout can be a primary condition or can be associated with other medical conditions. High levels of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of urate crystals that get deposited in the joints. This causes excess inflammation and pain. Gout can affect anybody, irrespective of gender and age. However, men are more likely to suffer from this condition. Also, a large number of women are susceptible to gout after the period of menopause. Gout causes an attack that can be described as a string or severe burning. These gout attacks can occur at any time, however, they are more likely to spring-up in the middle of the night. During a gout flare, the skin looks red and there is severe swelling in the joint. The base of the big toe joint is the most common place for gout, followed by the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist. The pain is in the joint can be so excruciating that the mere touch of the finger can send down a burning sensation. Gout comes with a few symptoms that begin with redness in the area and severe tenderness. A sudden attack can be the first sign and stop spontaneously after a while. The pain and swelling eventually disappear even without treatment but common returns after a few days in the same or another joint. As gout flares increase in frequency, the pain caused is much more severe and last longer.

Toe nail fungus is commonly caused by a fungus known as dermatophyte, and sometimes, it is caused by certain types of yeast or molds. If you notice that one or more of your toe nails have become thick, have a yellow or whitish discoloration, smell foul or has developed a dark color due to debris building up in the nail bed, your toe nails have been infected by fungus. You can get toe nail fungus if your feet are regularly confined within shoes for a prolonged period of time. The fungus grows in a warm and moist environment. Due to sweat, your feet are susceptible to toe nail fungus infection, especially when the shoes are not properly cleaned or aired out, or if you do not change your socks daily. Toe nail fungus is also caused due to the use of unhygienic tools for a pedicure in salons. People over the age of 65 years are more susceptible to toe nail infection among adults. It has been observed more among men than among women. Children rarely have toe nail fungal infection. The symptoms of toe nail fungal infection are quite common with other infection that affect the nail. So, a lab analysis or just checking a scraping of your toenail under the microscope can tell your doctor whether you have toe nail fungus. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal oral medication to treat your toenail fungus infection. Despite this, toe nail fungus tends to return. You can follow a few hygienic routines and home remedies to curb the infection. Here are some home-based toe nail fungus remedies: Keep your shoe socks clean: People who were closed shoes for long hours every day are more prone to toe nail fungus infection. This becomes there is no free flow of air, and the sweat from your feet does not dry out.

Uric acid is a natural waste product that results from the breakdown of crystalline compounds found in the body. Usually, uric acid dissolves in the blood and gets passed out in the form of urine. If your food contains high amounts of purine, the kidneys are unable to get rid of the excess amount of uric acid. When the uric acid levels in the blood become too high, it leads to serious ailments including gout. To prevent the formation or progress of gout, it is imperative that we maintain a well-balanced diet and have proper medication. To lower uric acid levels in the body, it is essential that some lifestyle changes are incorporated. Some of the ways that can help lower uric acid levels in the blood stream have been listed below. Try to avoid beverages with fructose High fructose drinks and soda consumption increase the risk of gout and should, therefore, be avoided. Fruit juices and sugary drinks should be eliminated from the diet. Avoid alcohol Since alcohol is responsible for dehydrating the body, limiting or entirely avoiding alcohol is the best way to lower uric acid levels in the body. Beer which is high in yeast content is responsible for increasing uric acid in the blood stream, wine, on the contrary, has little effect on uric acid levels. Try to reduce inflammation Often inflammation in the body can lead to the concentration of uric acid. To eliminate inflammation and lower uric acid levels, it is advised that you include foods with anti-inflammatory properties. You can also include diuretic foods that can alkalize the blood and reduce inflammation and uric acid. Maintain a healthy body weight Excess of body weight can be a result of having a high purine diet. However, at times rapid weight loss can also be one of the causes of high uric acid.

Shingles is a type of skin rash that is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. It usually appears in the form of a band or a strip covering a small area over the face or other parts of the body. It is sometimes also referred to as herpes zoster. Older individuals who have a weaker immune system because of stress, injury, etc., usually suffer from this type of skin rash. Before we discuss the treatments for shingles, let us know what causes them. It occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox resurfaces in the body. After the patient starts recovering from chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in the nerve roots. In some cases, the virus remains dormant forever. When the virus becomes active (normally due to a weaker immune system) and reacts to ongoing medicines, it causes shingles. There is no clear evidence that states the real cause of shingles; however, once the virus becomes active again, it causes shingles and not chickenpox. There is a minor possibility that a person who is infected with shingles can spread the virus to people who haven’t had chickenpox or a vaccination for protection against it. Following is a brief overview of the various available treatments for shingles: It is necessary to establish a fact that there is no cure for shingles. However, you can shorten the length of the illness and prevent further complications. One of the prominent treatments for shingles include antiviral medicines that will help in reducing the pain and duration of shingles. Other than this, medicines such as antidepressants and topical creams can help in relieving long-term pain. The initial treatments for shingles comprise antiviral medicines which are administered during the first three days from when the symptoms first began to appear. Undergoing this initial treatment, you might have a lower chance of further complications such as post herpetic neuralgia.

Nerve pain is the result of damaged nerves. Often persistent, nerve pain can be symptomatic of other ailments such as shingles, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, cancer, diphtheria, or HIV. Apart from these, there are other causes of nerve pain: deficiency of essential vitamins, aging, and toxin exposure. It has been observed that nearly 30% of nerve pain instances do not have any definite cause. Nerve pain is usually experienced as pinpricks, stabbing, burning sensation, prickling, and sudden electric shocks. The intensity of the pain varies from person to person depending on the cause, the person’s health condition, and their immunity strength. Also known as neuropathic pain, nerve pain may cause hindrance in carrying out routine activities and may make it difficult for the person to work. This may further lead to anxiety, sleeping disorder, or depression. Common signs of nerve pain The feelings of pinpricks, tingling, burning sensation, and so on are the obvious signs of nerve pain. However, these are not the only signs to diagnose and detect nerve pain. The following are some of the additional symptoms that may indicate that what is being experienced is really nerve pain: It becomes difficult to move the body parts affected by the pain. There is a loss of motor ability, There is a sharp, tingling pain from the lower back to one of the legs. The pain always occurs in this part of the body. The ability to coordinate declines and there might be repeated episodes of stumbling and falling. There are occasional periods of intense headaches. These headaches seem to like receiving brief electric shocks. There is excess or no sweating at all. Bladder becomes weak requiring more visits to the bathroom. There is no sensation when there is an injury such as burns or cuts. Popular nerve pain treatment options There are ways to treat nerve pain; nerve pain treatments can decrease the intensity of pain, or in certain cases, treatments can eliminate the pain completely by repairing the damaged nerves.

Intestinal gas, stomach aches, and uncomfortable bloating are some common ailments experienced by most people. Stomach gas pains are caused by improper digestion, diarrhea, constipation, and so on. It causes a lot of discomforts, especially when the intestinal gas (also known as flatus) is not expelled from the body. The gas builds up in the intestine thereby leading to pain. Most of the time, stomach gas pains are not much serious but are just a result of the digestive system going haywire momentarily. However, recurring episodes of stomach gas pains can be an indication of something more serious that may warrant immediate medical attention. If you tend to suffer from frequent bouts of stomach gas pains, visit a doctor and get yourself tested. Common signs of benign stomach gas pain There are certain signs of gas pains that are quite benign and go away with simple stomach gas pains remedies. An urge to belch or pass gas, which once done, gives immediate relief from stomach pain and bloating. The bloating or pain goes away and does not persist for long. Changes in dietary habits reduce the occurrences of bloating and excess gas. The bloating or pain goes away when less air is swallowed. Serious health problems associated with stomach gas pains There are instances when stomach gas pain is a symptom of another health issue, which can be aggravated if left untreated for long. In such cases, stomach pain is accompanied by other symptoms. Stomach gas pains can be symptoms of the following ailments: Constipation Appendicitis Irritable bowel syndrome Kidney stones or gall stones Inflammation of the gall bladder Abdomen tumor Ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease Lactose intolerance These ailments can be diagnosed through medical tests such as blood test, endoscopy, CT scan, and X-ray. Treating stomach gas pains with natural remedies If there are persistent bouts of stomach gas pains, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow a prescribed treatment plan to avoid further health complications.

People aged above 50 often complain about chronic knee pain and stiffness in their knee joints. The ache and the stiffness are nothing but symptoms of Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs because of the wear and tear of the tissues in our knees. It is the most common type of arthritis, which you get to see in aging people. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout, caused by weak immune system and high level of uric acid in blood respectively, are other two commonly seen types of arthritis. You must know that there is a long list of different kinds and forms of arthritis known to the medical world. Arthritis pain is one of those annoying pains in the world which demands your attention. You will notice that if arthritis is not treated, it will eventually make something as simple as walking or getting in and out of a seat seem like a task. If you suspect that you may have arthritis, it is advisable to immediately book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. Meanwhile, there are some easy habits for arthritis pain relief, which you can start implementing in your daily routine. These habits might not cure your arthritis, but they are sure to lessen your pain and help you in the long run. Here are the 5 daily habits one can inculcate for arthritis pain relief: Meditation Meditation is the best mind and body relaxing technique known for arthritis pain relief. Doctors and researchers have noticed that when we are stressed or depressed, our body releases chemicals like cortisol, which suppress our immune system and increase our pain. Meditation helps you keep your stress levels in check and strengthens your immune system. It also helps you relax your muscles, which tense up and knot because of the arthritis pain. Try meditating every day for about 20–30 minutes.

Apple cider vinegar is a very common weight loss remedy among people active about weight loss. Apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits and must be included by most of us in our diets. It helps in leading a probiotic life, acts as a tonic for your body, and allows you to lead a healthy life. Even as many people did not trust apple cider vinegar for weight loss in the beginning, it has grown in popularity. Apple cider vinegar weight loss plans are being used widely by people, and it has also proved to be a strong method for gradual weight loss. Apple cider vinegar belongs right in your weight loss plan as it is high on acetic acid, and acetic acid has many properties that lead to weight loss. Acetic acid dissolves into acetate and hydrogen in the human body as it is a small-chain fatty acid. Here is why and how apple cider vinegar could be the protagonist of your weight loss plans. Lowers blood sugar levels : Acetic acid is said to improve the sugar taking ability of the liver and muscles. This, in turn, reduces the blood sugar levels. Effectively reduces insulin levels : Lower insulin to glucagon is said to result in body fat burning; acetic acid reduces insulin levels to glucagon. Higher metabolism : A higher metabolism means that your food gets digested faster than usual and you burn a lot more calories; acetic acid contributes to speeding your metabolism thereby inducing weight loss. Minimal fat storage : Acetic acid, in a study, proved that it could help in increasing the expression of genes that reduce belly fat storage. It also reduces the liver fat, hence leading to evasion from obesity. Reduces appetite : In a study performed to test acetic acid, there was a claim that acetic acid has the ability to push down centers in the brain that control appetite, hence reducing your food intake.

The liver is also an important part of the digestion process as it helps break down the nutrients in the food, stores them as useful substances, and provides it to your body when required. Not just that, the liver also flushes out the toxins in your body. This makes your liver a vital body organ, which you cannot afford to lose. Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a virus which causes inflammation of the liver, and if left unattended for some time, it causes permanent damage to the liver. Many times, liver damage and Hep C go hand in hand. So, it is important that you start your treatments for Hep C as soon as you find out that you have caught the virus. Hep C is of two types: Acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C. While acute hepatitis is less severe and a short-term viral infection, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious ailments like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The worst thing about Hep C is that most of the times, people don’t find out about their condition until they are nearing the last stage of the disease. This is because the symptoms of this disease in most cases are very generic and not easily distinguishable. Some of the popular medicines prescribed by doctors for hepatitis C include interferon, ribavirin, and many such similar drugs antiviral drugs. Talk to you doctor before taking them as these drugs come with potential side-effects if taken without considering the guidelines. Treatments for Hep C are expensive and there are various factors you need to consider before opting for it. What should you consider before opting for treatments for Hep C? The severity of your disease The type of hepatitis you suffer from Other health conditions you suffer from Your liver health condition Natural treatments for Hep C and lifestyle changes Milk thistle:

If you want to prevent the symptoms of inadequate bladder control, organ prolapse, reduced bladder control, and urinary incontinence, you must perform Kegel exercises. These exercises, often known as pelvic exercises, provide the much-needed strength to your pelvic floor and also enhance your overall health. What is the best Kegel exerciser? In the following sections, a brief overview of the best Kegel exerciser has been given which would provide you with an idea of which one would suit your needs best. A good number of health experts are of the opinion that basic pelvic exercises are good enough to increase the strength of the pelvic floor. There is no need to use any Kegel exerciser to achieve the expected results. The most important aspect you need to realize is that these exercises deliver results after 8 to 12 weeks and notable changes can be seen only after this time frame. Many people do not have the patience for continuing exercising for such a long a time and they often tend to stop when there are no visible results within a few weeks. When you use one of the best Kegel exercisers, the exercise sessions become more fun and some of the devices come with a step-by-step program. Many of the best Kegel exerciser, such as the following, show your progress; this aspect keeps your motivation high. Step Free Weights One of the best Kegel exerciser for women is Step Free Weights. It is a highly-effective method for strengthening your muscles. They can be described as vaginal weights and these devices are uniquely designed to be hygienic. When you use these devices, better pelvic floor muscles control can be attained. As you achieve an increased controlling power, the cone weight increases gradually. Kegel weights do not offer the expected results when you use them while sitting or lying.

A blood glucose test gives a measurement of the glucose or sugar level in the blood. When it comes to energy in the body, there can be no better source than glucose; it’s the major generator of energy. The food we eat contains carbohydrates which are converted into glucose. Insulin is a hormone that controls the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. If the insulin production is inhibited, it causes diabetes. The sugar level builds up in the body and results in severe health complications. If the sugar level isn’t controlled, it leads to organ damage such as the kidney. Blood glucose test is used to find the kind of diabetes. Diabetes is caused when blood sugar level increases. Diabetes is of three types type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. A sugar test helps the doctors to keep a control on diabetes and recommend a better treatment. In some cases, the blood glucose level may reduce in the body resulting in health problem named hypoglycemia. Types of diabetes Type 1 diabetes: It occurs in children when their bodies fail to produce sufficient insulin. Type 1 diabetes is chronic which requires prolonged treatment. Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes occurs in adults and overweight people when their bodies don’t make enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed timely and can be prevented by healthy eating habits and weight loss. Gestational diabetes: It is diagnosed in pregnant women. With adequate treatment, the problem goes away. Causes of high glucose level in blood Kidney infections, pancreatic cancer, high thyroid (hyperthyroidism), inflammation in pancreas, stress, tension, and surgeries are potential causes of high glucose level in blood. When the blood glucose level increases, it produces cortisol which results in acromegaly. Low blood glucose levels have a bad impact on our health.