Having something sweet after a meal is nearly everyone’s weakness. Most of us enjoy consuming sugary treats from time to time. Unfortunately, this has affected many people in the country. Gorging on sugar has its own set of repercussions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a staggering 100 million Americans suffer from pre-diabetes or diabetes. 9.4% of the country’s population suffers from diabetes. 84.1 million Americans have prediabetes. If their condition is left untreated, they will go on to develop the disease. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country. Naturally, effective measures are essential. You need to be careful and keep your blood sugar levels within the normal range. Here are the blood sugar level charts for people with and without diabetes. Blood sugar level ranges Diabetes is a matter of great concern. Some areas of the country have a higher mortality rate than others, while other regions have a higher number of patients. Maintaining one’s diet is the key to avoid worsening the disease. The food you eat impacts your blood sugar levels, and you need to control your diet. To understand your blood sugar levels, you need to take frequent tests. Prediabetes is a condition which often leads to the onset of diabetes if not treated in its early stages. You need to know about the blood sugar level charts to determine how likely you are to develop this condition. Additionally, the doctor may recommend an A1C blood test to diagnose type 2 diabetes and prediabetes by checking the sugar level charts. The blood sugar level charts have different ranges that vary from person to person. These levels depend on whether the patient has type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. There is a different blood sugar level chart for children with type 1 diabetes.

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that 20% of women live with the Candida fungus without developing yeast infections. However, for most women, yeast infections are a nuisance that occurs at least once in an average woman’s life. Men can also develop yeast infections. A yeast infection can be quite troublesome as it comes with symptoms like itchiness, a burning sensation, and an embarrassing discharge. Symptoms and types of yeast infections The Candida fungus is a commonly occurring fungus that lives in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. Usually, the body can keep its growth under control. However, when the fungi growth is uncontrollable, it leads to an infection. Vaginal candidiasis is the most common infection. It is also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, vaginal candidiasis, or candidal vaginitis. Symptoms of this condition include: Soreness and itching in the vagina Unusual and smelly vaginal discharge Painful urination Painful sex Men experience the following symptoms: White shiny patches on the skin A white substance collecting in the folds of the penis A burning or itching sensation A yeast infection is termed as complicated in the following situations: When yeast infections happen more than four times in a single year When there are tears or sores When you are pregnant When a fungus other than Candida albicans causes the infection When you have low immunity. For instance, patients who live with diabetes or are HIV positive have low immunity levels. How to get relief from yeast infections? Yeast infections are treatable. You can get relief from yeast infections with some simple remedies. Here are some of the best remedies for getting relief from a yeast infection: Hydrogen peroxide It is a well-known antiseptic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi. Hydrogen peroxide can be safely applied topically (on the skin).

High blood sugar is a condition in which the sugar cannot be effectively transported from the blood into the cells. If left untreated, the condition can result in diabetes. As per a study, approximately 50% of the people in the country either have diabetes or are classified as pre-diabetic. Thankfully, there are some easy ways of controlling blood sugar levels to avoid all short-term and long-term problems. Here are some simple lifestyle and dietary changes to assist in diabetes. Blood sugar control measures can be taken to do that. Let’s have a look. Regular exercise Exercise is a great way to combat most illnesses. Indulging in regular exercise can help one shed off the extra weight as well as boost insulin sensitivity. This, in turn, helps the cells to better use the available sugar in the bloodstream. Also, exercise helps one’s muscles to use the blood sugar for generating energy and for muscle contraction. It is best to check blood sugar levels regularly to understand how well one’s body is responding to different activities. Controlling carb intake The body breaks down the carbs into sugar. Following that, the insulin transports this sugar into the cells. In case someone is consuming a lot of carbs or the insulin fails to properly perform its function, the entire process fails and blood sugar level spikes. So, in diabetes, blood sugar levels can be controlled by following a low-carb diet routine. This keeps the blood sugar level in check and prevents it from going up. Increasing fiber intake This is an effective way of diabetes blood sugar control. Fibers slow down the carb digestion and absorption of sugar, thus promoting a steady rise in blood sugar levels. In fact, a fiber-rich diet is known for managing type 1 diabetes. Moving on, there are two types of fibers – soluble and insoluble.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. The condition results in acute abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, as well as changes in the patterns of one’s bowel movement. IBS with constipation is one of the most common scenarios that can greatly affect your quality of life. According to a study, the IBS affects more than 10% of the population in the country. The reason for the occurrence of IBS is unknown, which is why there is no specific cure for the condition. However, certain kinds of food items, stress, and hormonal changes are known to flare up the symptoms of this disease. Understanding these symptoms and following some basic steps that ease IBS can help to manage the condition in an effective way. Here are some ways to manage IBS. Making dietary changes Simple changes in the diet can help to relieve the troublesome symptoms of IBS. There is no specific diet for the same as some foods may cause IBS symptoms in one person whereas, on the other, they may not. Eliminating certain foods According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disease, certain items have shown to trigger the IBS symptoms: Dairy products High-fat products Caffeine Alcoholic drinks Broccoli, beans, and cabbage Drinks containing artificial sweeteners Chocolate and nuts Increasing dietary fiber Increasing your fiber intake is especially helpful in alleviating the symptoms of IBS with constipation. Doctors suggest consuming 22 to 34 grams of fiber each day. There are plenty of food items that are rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, etc. It is important to note that fiber should be added gradually to the diet, little by little. For instance, 2 to 3 grams should be added each day. Adding too much fiber in one go can cause bloating and gas, and further, aggravate the IBS symptoms.

Snoring is a common problem that plagues a large part of the adult population in the country. You might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed if you are known to snore loudly, but you should know that this process is often natural. Usually, men snore more than women on a regular basis. There is no specific treatment for snoring, but there are certain devices available in the market that can help partially manage snoring. The best stop-snoring devices reduce the loud symptoms of snoring effectively, without causing any discomfort or harm to the user. These anti-snoring devices can suppress snoring in either of the two ways- by pushing the tongue backward or moving the tongue forward. Moreover, these devices do not require any prescription from any doctor. Let’s have a closer look at what causes snoring and how these anti-snoring devices actually perform. What causes snoring? The restriction or obstruction in the pathway of the upper airway typically causes a tickling sensation in the back of the throat which results in a typical harsh and loud breathing, described as snoring. Several factors are responsible for snoring. One of them is obesity, which is fairly common in certain adults. Sometimes, throat related allergies due to cold and other biological factors are also responsible for loud snoring. One of the main causes of snoring is ‘Obstructive Sleep Apnea(OSA)’ which is the most common type of ‘sleep apnea’ disorder associated with the sudden and temporary loss of breath during sleep. The partial obstructions in the airflow hinder the breathing process resulting in the development of loud and harsh noise during sleeping. Another type of ‘sleep apnea’ disorder is known as ‘Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) which occurs when the brain fails to send proper signals to the muscles that are responsible for proper breathing, resulting in snoring.

Toenail fungus or toe fungus is an infection of toenails that is contagious. If the toenail fungus starts in one nail of the toe, it can spread to the other toenails as well. Usually, dermophytes, a fungi group, is responsible for onychomycosis or toenail infection. This fungi group thrives on keratin which is the main component of nails and hair. When the fungus starts to grow, the patient’s nails get discolored and turn yellow, brown, or white. Eventually, the affected nails might harden, thicken, become brittle, and can even fall off. The treatment for toenail fungus can last for several weeks to several months. Various medications are available to deal with this contagious infection. However, it is always advisable to take medicines under the guidance of healthcare professionals as these medications might have several side effects depending on the person’s medical history. Here is a list of some of the most effective home remedies to treat a toenail fungus. Vinegar You can find vinegar in almost every household. It is a common cooking ingredient in a few cuisines. However, in some cases, you will discover this item in some home cleaning solutions as well. Although there is no clinical evidence to prove vinegar’s effectiveness in treating toenail fungus, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence to support its potential for curing this condition. Mix vinegar in a bowl of warm water. Now, soak your infection-affected toe in this mixture. The ratio of water to vinegar should be 2:1. Baking soda Various medical reports have shown that baking soda helps in soaking up excess moisture, which is one of the leading causes of toenail fungus. While doing a medical study, researchers found that baking soda can effectively prevent the growth of normal fungi by a considerable amount. One of the easiest ways to use baking soda is to put it inside your shoes and socks so that it can soak up the moisture.

Cancer is a disease in which cells multiply uncontrollably in the body. Cancer tumors and are of two types—malignant (cancerous) and benign (non-cancerous). These malignant cancerous cells are capable of spreading and affecting other parts of the body. There are many factors such as genetic, environmental, and dietary factors that could lead one to develop cancer. There are around 200 types of cancers and renal cell cancer is one of them. In renal cell cancer, or RCC, the cancer cells form in tubules of the kidney. The primary causes of RCC are smoking and having renal diseases. The common symptoms of renal cancer noted are blood in urine and a lump in the abdomen. In the following, a brief overview of renal cell cancer and its treatment options have been given. Renal cell cancer has four stages: Stage I – The tumor is confirmed and measures less than 7 cms. Stage II – The tumor is bigger than 7 cms but is still limited to the kidneys. Stage III – The tumor has started to spread outside the kidney to the adrenal gland, a major vein nearby or may even have spread to one nearby lymph nodes. Stage IV – The tumor has spread to nearby tissues and organs, and the nearby lymph nodes contain cancer cells. Treatment options for renal cell cancer Renal cell cancer treatment depends on various factors like the type of cancer, stage, the patient’s current medical condition and overall health, and possible side effects of the recommended treatment. Surgery Nephrectomy, or surgery to remove the infected kidney, is mostly preferred by doctors as it can completely cure cancer at the earlier stages. There are three types of nephrectomy: Partial nephrectomy – The procedure to remove cancer cells within the kidney and the surrounding tissues is known as partial nephrectomy.

Drug abuse is a widespread problem in the country across different age groups. This often leads to addiction, causing a far-reaching impact on the addict’s personal and professional life. Relationships, work, and day-to-day activities can suffer immensely due to drug addiction. In such a scenario, checking into a drug rehab facility is the only option. Though it is not always possible to be sure of the effectiveness of this treatment, it is always best to try. The cost sometimes can feel a little intimidating, especially if one doesn’t know how helpful the treatment will be. However, the truth is if one loves their family, friends, job, and wish to lead a normal and healthy life, going to a drug rehab center is a plausible choice. At times, it is not enough to get help from peers or family if one wishes to put drug abuse behind them. Moreover, with the help of professionals, it can really make a difference when one is struggling with addiction constantly and trying to stay sober. The main truth about drug rehab is that the treatment or program will only cater to one’s specific needs. Therefore, the cost will be more affordable than one might think, and thus it will need the commitment from the individual’s side as well. Thus, before making the decision of going to a drug rehab center, the following are some of the most important things that one should keep in mind. How does a drug rehab work? The professional treatment that one will be getting for drug abuse will make a huge difference. When one checks into a drug rehab facility, the main aim will be to work towards a drug-free future. This should be the individual’s choice, and it will certainly help one in their journey to recovery and will also help in resisting any kind of future temptations as well.

Ear infections can be really troublesome and outrightly painful. More commonly reported among children, these ear infections can be caused to several reasons, such as bacterial or viral infection, sinus infections, cavities, wax build-up, allergies, tonsillitis, etc. But in most cases, simple and easy home remedies work wonders as ear infection treatment. These infections can occur in the outer, middle or inner ear. The body’s immune system fights off these infections that generally heal on their own. Here, we will discuss some effective home remedies for ear infections that will rule out the need for antibiotics. Garlic Garlic is one of the best ear infection remedies, owing to its antibacterial, antiviral and pain-relieving properties. When eaten, it boosts the immune system and helps to fight infection. You can also topically apply garlic oil to reduce the pain of an earache. Soak some crushed garlic in warm olive oil for 30 minutes. Strain the garlic and apply the oil into the canal. You can repeat the process up to 4 times a day. Cold or warm compresses This is a very effective way for alleviating pain. Warm compresses such as a heating pad or damp cloth and cold compresses such as ice packs can be used to get relief from ear pain. This method is safe and highly recommended for both children and adults. You can place the compress over the ear for 10-15 minutes and follow up with the next after an interval of 10 minutes. Sleep without putting pressure on your ear In case of an ear infection, certain sleep postures can aggravate the condition while some can help in getting relief from the pain. It is advisable to sleep with your affected ear facing upward rather than pushed downward against the pillow. This can help the ears in draining.

Cholesterol is a thick and waxy, fat-like substance widely found in every cell of the body. Produced by the liver, cholesterol is essential for the production of certain hormones, vitamin D as well as some substances that aid in digestion. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by small particles called lipoproteins. Healthy cholesterol levels protect an individual against heart diseases. However, at the same time, if the level of cholesterol rises beyond a certain limit, it can build up in the arteries and become the cause for a heart attack or stroke. There are two types of lipoproteins — low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which causes heart diseases, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which returns the LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination from the human body. If the level of LDL cholesterol is high, or the level of HDL cholesterol is low, fatty deposits can build up in the blood vessels, leading to a blockage of the arteries. This condition is called high cholesterol. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options that help in controlling the LDL cholesterol levels. Common symptoms of high cholesterol There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. So, an individual could have this condition and yet know nothing about it. If a person has high cholesterol, their body will store all the excess cholesterol in the arteries. Arteries are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can result in plaque, which in turn makes these arteries narrow. If the cholesterol levels keep rising, it can lead to a blockage in the arteries. In case the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles get blocked, a person can have a heart attack. Similarly, if there is a blockage in the artery that delivers blood to the brain, a person experiences a stroke.

Health disorders that trigger a change in one’s bowel movements and habits are annoying. Frequent visits to the loo are no fun at all. People who work in an office or attend classes at school or college experience greater discomfort as these bowel problems are quite embarrassing. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that impacts and restricts one’s diet. This gastrointestinal disorder presents itself as a group of symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas, nausea, etc. There are several types of this disease, and the condition varies from person to person. One needs to maintain a list of food items that trigger the syndrome so that they can avoid its consumption. In this way, one can lead a better and healthier life in the long run, devoid of the symptoms that encompass the scope of the disease. Triggers are those food items that cause a flare-up of symptoms and lead to the onset of the disease or its aggravation. Seeking treatment for irritable bowel syndrome is the best course of action. When it comes to choosing a treatment option for irritable bowel syndrome, here are some of the best options available. Treatment options for irritable bowel syndrome Here are some of the best ways to maintain and treat irritable bowel syndrome: Avoiding certain foods If one is suffering from IBS diarrhea, they should avoid the consumption of large amounts of insoluble fiber in their daily diet. Fiber found in the skin of vegetables and fruits are insoluble. One should also avoid taking sorbitol, fructose, caffeine and chocolate drinks. If one is suffering from IBS constipation, they should not eat food items that further trigger the condition. One should avoid processed food items, especially cheese, high-protein diets, bread and cereals, dairy products, coffee, and carbonated drinks at all costs.

It is quite hard to deal with nail fungus. It starts off as a yellow blemish and spreads to the entire nail if it is left untreated. It can cause discomfort, pain, and tenderness. Many home remedies can help you treat this issue, and the most popular item among them is hydrogen peroxide. Why is hydrogen peroxide effective at treating toenail fungus? Hydrogen peroxide is a household item that is applied to sanitize minor injuries and wounds. Its antifungal properties destroy the fungus, allowing the broken part of your nails to grow back again. This liquid has numerous applications as an antiseptic, disinfectant, oxidizer, bleaching agent, and as an antifungal agent. Depending on the severity of the infection, you can restore your nails within weeks or months with constant use of hydrogen peroxide. To prevent further fungal infections, it is advised to keep practicing this therapy for a few months even after your nail has recovered. Even though there aren’t many scientific studies proving the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide for treating toenail fungus, several people have tried and tested this home remedy. Here are some treatments for toenail fungus that use hydrogen peroxide: Soak your feet in a hydrogen peroxide solution You will require 3% hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, plastic tub, and tissues for this method. Stir equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and distilled water in a plastic tub. Make sure that the hydrogen peroxide that has a concentration of 3% or less, otherwise it may damage your skin. Dip the infected nails in this solution and wait for 30 minutes until they are soaked. Wipe and dry your nails with a tissue. Make sure that the affected nails are dry before you cover them. Repeat this method every day, even after the problem subsides. Getting relief from nail fungus is not that simple and will require a lot of patience and persistence.