Dietary Changes and Tips to Cure Shingles Rash

Dietary Changes and Tips to Cure Shingles Rash

Shingles are painful itchy rashes caused by the herpes zoster virus. Various cures for shingles rash that can alleviate the symptoms and bring faster recovery are discussed below. If your immune system is weak, your shingles outbreak can get out of hand and spread to other parts of your body. Hence, it is essential to boost up your immune system by adding immunity enhancing foods to your diet and avoiding foods that can worsen your condition. An immune booster diet would include foods rich in: Vitamin A – The beta-carotene content of this vitamin helps to maintain your skin, membranes, and tissue linings. An enhanced intake of this vitamin helps in speeding the healing process of the shingles rash. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, carrots, and beef liver are a rich source of vitamin A. Vitamin B12 – This vitamin is essential for the functioning of the nervous system. It preserves the functioning of the nerves as well as protects the nerves from damage that can be caused by the shingles rash. Vitamin B 12 rich foods include sardines, lamb, eggs, and cottage cheese. Vitamin C – One of the most popular cures for shingles rash, vitamin C enhances the immunity levels in your body acting as an antiviral agent. It is recommended to increase the intake of vitamin C foods such as oranges, papaya, bell peppers, kiwis, throughout the infection and recovery period. Vitamin E – Vitamin E is known to accelerate the healing of the shingles breakout. It works towards protecting the nerves from damage and acts as prevention against scarring from the rashes. As vitamin E protects the cell membranes from the attacking virus, it can be applied directly onto the rashes. This provides relief to the burning sensation and also helps reduce the pain from postherpetic neuralgia (residual pain).
A Brief Guide on Probiotics to Relieve Diarrhea Symptoms

A Brief Guide on Probiotics to Relieve Diarrhea Symptoms

Diarrhea is a type of gastrointestinal infection that leads to people suffering from irregular bowel motions which are sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain. Diarrhea usually results in dehydration, i.e., the loss of the required amount of liquids in the body. Diarrhea is generally categorized into two types, acute and chronic diarrhea. Acute diarrhea is common and may last for 2–3 days; however, chronic diarrhea is a serious condition that may last over a month and requires more attention as it may occur due to irritable bowel syndrome or poor absorbability of nutrients. Diarrhea symptoms Some of the symptoms of diarrhea include the following: – Pain in the abdominal area – Bloating – Cramps in the abdominal area – Recurrent bowel passing – Weakness – Nausea or dizziness Role of probiotics in treating diarrhea Probiotics are also known as “good bacteria” that help maintain a good health by multiplying themselves and dominating over problem-causing bacteria. Probiotics help in making digestion better, in better absorption of nutrients, and also the elimination of waste from our bodies. In patients suffering from diarrhea, the count of good bacteria in the gut reduces and this results in bowel irregularities. Probiotics help solve the issue by restoring the good and healthy bacteria that in turn balance the normal intestinal function. Benefits of using diarrhea relief probiotics There exist three primary benefits of consuming probiotics that provide relief from diarrhea – Diarrhea relief probiotics help restrain the growth of bad bacteria and prevent them from holding onto the intestinal walls. – Maintain a good count of healthy or good bacteria that in turn leads to good immunity. – Get relief from abdominal pain by wiping out the toxins discharged by the bad bacteria. Probiotics to get effective relief from diarrhea There are different types of probiotics that help in getting rid of diarrhea.
The Best Blocked Tear Duct Treatment for You

The Best Blocked Tear Duct Treatment for You

Tear ducts are a complex system that carries tears out of the eyes and into the nasal canal. The duct begins in the eye sockets and continues down and back. Excess tears drain into the tear ducts and end in the inferior nasal canal. Tear ducts are also called the nasolacrimal ducts and they are important for healthy eyes. The nasolacrimal ducts provide a connection between the eyes and the nose, and even indirectly to the throat since the nose connects to the throat. This is why the nose gets stuffy when you cry, and that is why allergies cause watery eyes. This is also why you sometimes taste eye drops. Sometimes the tears ducts can get blocked or obstructed. This can happen at any age, and may even be present at birth ( congenital blocked tear ducts ). Blocked tear ducts can cause an overflow of tears, and congenital cases may evolve into a cystic expansion of the duct. Blocked tear duct treatment depends on factors like underlying cause, age, and severity. Structure Of The Tear Ducts The eyelids push tears across the eyes when they move, i.e., when a person blinks. The tears keep the eyes lubricated, and help to flush out dust and other impurities. These tears flow into drains found at the inner corner of the eye called puncta . Puncta are present both at the upper and lower edges at the inner corner of the eye. These drains empty into channels called canaliculi, that connect to the nose. The channels terminate at the lacrimal sac, that lies on either side of the nose. The lacrimal sac narrows to form the lacrimal duct, which enters the nostril through the nasal bone. Symptoms Of Blocked Tear Ducts Signs and symptoms that may indicate a need for blocked tear duct treatment are:
Learn about Hernia and Effective Treatment Options

Learn about Hernia and Effective Treatment Options

A hernia can be described as a condition most commonly occurred in the abdomen or groin area where an organ or tissue breaks or squeezes through a feeble opening in a nearby or surrounding connective tissue or muscle. This condition leads to a localized pain bulge and other types of discomforts. Hernia can be classified into different types of include inguinal hernia, hiatal hernia, umbilical hernia and incisional hernia. Most hernias do not cause any threat to your life, but they do not heal on their own. At certain times, surgery is needed for preventing possible dangerous complications. Other hernia treatment options are available to get rid of this problem in a fast manner. Leading causes of hernia The combined effect of muscle strain and weakness causes hernia. Muscle strain or weakness occurs due to several reasons. When the abdominal wall fails to close properly in the womb, you may experience hernia. Other reasons include persistent sneezing or coughing, age, surgery in the abdomen or groin, chronic coughing, fast weight gain, pregnancy related complications, abdominal fluid, severe constipation and lifting heavyweight. Prominent symptoms The initial symptom of a hernia is a lump or bulge in the area. When it comes to inguinal hernia, you can find a lump on two sides of the pubic bone. It can be felt through touch when you are bending down, coughing or standing up. In case of babies, you can feel the hernia when they are crying. Another symptom of a hernia is the pain in the lower abdomen (it becomes severe when you bend over) and it also worsens when you life something or cough. Other leading symptoms are a feeling of heaviness, pressure or weakness in the abdomen, a burning sensation at the bulge, acid reflux, chest pain and swallowing difficulty. In certain cases, hernias do not show any symptoms and you will come to know only when medical or physical examination is done for a different health problem.
Tips to Buy the Right Nasal Spray for Dust Allergies

Tips to Buy the Right Nasal Spray for Dust Allergies

Children are more vulnerable to dust mite allergies as compared to adults. Dust mites are a classification of arachnids which are not visible to the naked eye. These are most likely to thrive in environments which are as follows: Warm Humid Dark Dust mites form a large section of house dust allergens. Some other places where dust mites are likely to live are as follows: Mattresses Pillows Carpets Upholstered furniture Dust mites are present in homes all through the year. However, their numbers are higher during days with higher humidity. Dust mites feed on dander. Dander is the flaking of an animal’s skin. Therefore, if you have a pet animal, you are more likely to have to deal with dust mites. When dust mites are in the bedroom, it does not indicate a lack of cleanliness. It’s simply bad ventilation and high humidity which creates this environment. This environment is perfect for dust mites to thrive. Symptoms of a dust mite allergy Dust mites have over a dozen allergens. This makes the likelihood of an allergy caused by dust mites, fairly high. Symptoms are often the worst during mornings and at night when you come across dust mites in bed. Dust mite allergies are at the highest during the latter months of summer and spring. However, they prevail all around the year. Some of the symptoms associated with dust mite allergies are as follows: Itchy eyes Eczema Sneezing Colds and coughs Congestion Treating a dust mite allergy For treating dust mite allergies, over-the-counter medicines could be very effective. A nasal spray for dust allergy could be useful for helping you get over symptoms such as follows: Running nose Cold and cough Congestion Some common queries people have before they decide which nasal spray to opt for are as follows: Does one need a prescription for the nasal spray?
Popular Ways for Treating Vaginal Dryness

Popular Ways for Treating Vaginal Dryness

Estrogen is an important hormone that supports the growth of the female anatomy and helps regulate menstruation. When menopause sets in, the ovaries are unable to produce enough estrogen and as a result, the vaginal health deteriorates. This makes the vaginal wall drier, less elastic, and thinner. This condition is medically referred to as vaginal atrophy and generically called as vaginal dryness. Today, let’s take a look at methods of vaginal dryness treatments and how they work to fix the associated symptoms. Lubricants/moisturizers Lubricants, either in the form of a gel or liquid, can be applied to your vagina or the penis of your partner while having intercourse. This is a type of vaginal dryness treatments that is mostly used to provide relief from irritation or pain while having sexual intercourse by providing ample moisture to the vaginal lining. These can be procured from pharmacies and local stores without any prescription. Depending on their composition, there are four types of lubricants: Oil-based: Petroleum jelly, mineral oils, baby oils Water-based: K-Y Jelly, Summer’s Eve, FemGlide Silicon-based: Durex, Pure Pleasure, Pink Natural: Jojoba oil, aloe oil, coconut oil In case your vaginal dryness has become a constant irritant, which extends beyond painful sexual intercourse, vaginal moisturizers may be a more effective solution. These have a more long-lasting effect in comparison to lubricants and can be reapplied after regular intervals. Similar to lubricants, vaginal moisturizers are also available to the stores and you can buy them without a doctor’s prescription. Some well-known moisturizers for vaginal dryness treatment are Moist Again, K-Y Liquibeads, and Replens. One is, however, advised to not use oil-based lubricants, as these are known to cause the breaking of latex condoms during intercourse. Diet Studies have shown that low dose estrogens—phytoestrogens—that are found in certain herbs and foods can alleviate the symptoms of a dry vagina.
Natural Ways To Dissolve Kidney Stones

Natural Ways To Dissolve Kidney Stones

Water is the most crucial nutrient which ensures to maintain smooth functioning of all body organs. Water not just helps in flushing out unwanted toxins but also helps ensures to keep you hydrated through the day. Doctors recommend a daily intake of approximately 8 glasses of water a day. However, the rising cases of people suffering from kidney stone state a different story. People today fail to understand the importance of water requirement to the body thereby inviting ailments. One such issue cropping up amongst youngsters today is kidney stones. Kidney stones are caused due to fluctuations in levels of water, salts, minerals and other substances in the urine. These fluctuations might differ from person to person and hence no two people can be treated alike in this ailment. Prominently, most kidney stone cases are caused due to rise in the level of calcium in the urine. Apart from constant intake of water, there are other natural remedies to help dissolve kidney stones as well as will also help in avoiding it in near future. Lemon juice Lemon contains citrus; to be scientifically precise lemon contains citrate which helps in avoiding the formation of calcium stones in the kidney. It also helps in breaking down existing stones, thereby dissolving kidney stones naturally. Take it as lemon juice or consume it raw, lemon has numerous medical benefits. In addition to this, lemon consists of Vitamin C which has infinite medical properties. Basil juice People suffering from kidney stones consistently complain about excruciating pain in the ribs and lower back/ kidney stones travel to different organs of the body and hence needs to be treated accordingly. Consumption of basil juice is another natural remedy to help reduce pain caused due to kidney stones. Basil juice consists of acetic acid, which helps in breaking down and dissolving kidney stones naturally; as well as suffices the pain caused due to this ailment.
All You Need to Know About Pityriasis Rosea Treatments

All You Need to Know About Pityriasis Rosea Treatments

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition that can significantly affect your day-to-day life. Therefore, treatment for pityriasis rosea is essential. It is a form of skin rash that usually beings as a single lesion. This single lesion is followed by a full body rash that can last up to 12 weeks. The initial lesion is called a herald patch. This patch can be circular or oval and usually occurs on the chest, abdomen, or back. The herald patch can be up to 10 cms in diameter. The herald patch of pityriasis rosea is followed by a generalized rash in 1 to 2 weeks. This full body rash can last for 12 weeks on average. The exact reason for the onset of pityriasis rosea is not known, but the symptoms and accompanying conditions suggest a viral cause. Pityriasis rosea treatment is usually supportive since the condition often clears up on its own when given enough time. Supportive pityriasis rosea treatment is mainly to reduce the severity of symptoms and to prevent any secondary conditions or infections. Signs and symptoms of pityriasis rosea The primary symptom of pityriasis rosea is the characteristic rash. The initial herald patch or mother patch is circular or oval, with a raised surface that might become scaly. Within a week or two of the appearance of the mother patch, smaller patches start to appear over the body. Unlike the mother patch which can be around ten cms across, these patches are much smaller and range between 0.5cms to 1.5 cms. The face is usually unaffected. The rash is usually not painful but may be very itchy. The color of the outbreak could be pink, red, dark brown, black, or gray. The individual patches are oval, but when grouped they may form a tree-like pattern, especially on the back and torso.
Causes of IBS – A Combination of Factors

Causes of IBS – A Combination of Factors

A common gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, leads to a mixture of symptoms including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel movements, and abnormal stool texture. These symptoms last long and may be present for a minimum of three days every month over a period of three months. Also called as spastic colon, this disorder is not life-threatening and does not put you at a greater risk for other more serious intestinal conditions such as colon cancer and Crohn’s disease. However, the syndrome may impede normal lifestyle to the extent that sufferers may be confined to their homes. IBS is of two types, one accompanied by chronic or recurring diarrhea, and the other characterized by pain in the abdomen and constipation. In some cases, patients may experience both constipation and diarrhea in an alternating pattern. Unfortunately, research is yet to pinpoint the precise reason why IBS occurs. However, it is known that there are several factors, ranging from abnormally contracting intestinal muscles to psychological problems that act as the causes of IBS. Abnormal Movement of the Intestinal Walls Normally, the muscles lining the intestinal walls relax and contract in a coordinated fashion to help food from the stomach move through the entire length of the intestinal tract and reach the rectum. However, in patients with IBS, the muscles contract irregularly thus causing the symptoms of the syndrome. For example, if the muscle contractions are stronger than usual, they tend to last longer and lead to bloating, gas formation, and diarrhea. On the other hand, if the contractions are weak, movement of food through the intestines slows down, which causes the formation of hard and dry stools. One reason for the abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles is the flawed signaling between the gut and brain. Owing to miscommunication, muscle spasms occur that either hasten or retard stool passage through the gut.
All You Need To Know About Hepatitis C Symptoms

All You Need To Know About Hepatitis C Symptoms

Hepatitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the liver. The most common cause of hepatitis are hepatitis viruses A, B, and C. It can also be caused by certain infections, medications or toxins. Hepatitis C is the most dangerous form of hepatitis disease. It is of two types: Acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C. The symptoms of acute hepatitis C are short-lived, and it is less serious. However, chronic hepatitis C is a more severe condition which can last for one’s entire lifetime. In most of the cases, acute hepatitis C turns into chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis is called an invisible disease because sometimes the symptoms are not even visible. In some cases of chronic hepatitis C, the symptoms show after a very long time of being infected by the virus. For the virus to damage the liver enough to show symptoms of a disease, it can take from 6 weeks to up to 10 years. In case of acute hepatitis C, no symptoms are visible when the infection begins. In other cases, some visible hepatitis C symptoms are visible such as, Stomach Ache Since the hepatitis C virus directly attacks the liver, the whole digestive system is disrupted. Every organ in the digestive system is affected by the infection including the stomach, the liver, and other organs. Stomach ache is one of the most common symptoms of hepatitis C infection. It can be accompanied by vomiting. High Temperature Right after infection, people can experience a sudden rise in body temperature. Feeling feverish is a common symptom experienced by people who have hepatitis virus. Tiredness Some people complain of feeling excessively tired or fatigued even after minimal physical activity. Feeling weak and tired is one of the symptoms of acute hepatitis C. Poor Appetite Poor appetite is another symptom of acute hepatitis C.
Bags Under the Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Bags Under the Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Bags under the eyes are one of the signs of aging. They are an abnormal bulge of the fat pads appearing on the skin of the lower eyelids. When these fat pads swell, they cause the skin to protrude giving rise to bags under the eyes. You can recognize bags under eyes when you have a swelling and puffiness under the eyes. They are mostly seen among elderly people. Do not worry if you have bulging pouches on your lower eyelids. It is not a grave medical condition. However, it might become a cosmetic condition as one would feel conscious about their appearance. Know the symptoms Have you noticed sagging skin under your eyes? It means you are experiencing the problem of bagginess. Also, you may have itching, pain or redness under the eyes. The bulging of fat under your eyes may appear and then go again at an irregular interval. However, it is neither malicious nor causes health problems. Understand the causes Some of the factors that contribute to the formation of eye bags have been listed (in no particular order) as follows: – With age, the muscles and tissues associated with your eyelids weaken and the skin starts to sag. Fat around the eye advances to the area below your eye. Moreover, fluid can gather in the area below your eyes making it look swollen or puffy. – On hot and humid days, the fluid remains in the body system instead of flushing out. – Hormone levels. – Consuming salty foods. – Skimping on sleep. – Allergies or inflammation of the skin. This happens particularly if redness and itching occur along with puffiness. – Heredity. – Alcohol and tobacco may cause stress, tiredness, and hormonal changes. All these may culminate to fluid retention and swell around the eyes.
Effective and Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies

Effective and Natural High Blood Pressure Remedies

Hypertension or high blood pressure affects adults and is known to act as a ‘silent killer.’ This reference is because it causes vague symptoms until it has done significant damage to the heart. High blood pressure does not have any visible symptoms therefore many are left unaware of this issue. Blood pressure can be developed because of age or a family history. The high amount of salt in the food can also lead to increased blood pressure. Being overweight or obese coupled with the lack of exercise can also lead to the risk of developing high blood pressure. Regular smoking and consumption of alcohol is another factor. Long-term sleep deprivation is also a trigger that causes high blood pressure. High blood pressure can also be a result of an underlying medical condition or drug. If high blood pressure is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications including but not limited to a heart attack or kidney damage. As obesity and lack of exercise are one of the reasons for high blood pressure, one of the essential high blood pressure remedies is to exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes a day. This can aid in bringing down the blood pressure. In case you have been inactive for a significant amount of time, it is advisable to seek advice from your doctor about a safe exercise routine. Any form of exercise helps tackle high blood pressure issues. Weight and blood pressure bear an intrinsic relationship and therefore watching your weight after losing your weight is essential to control blood pressure. BMI and WHR are two readings to determine if you are overweight and can bear the risk of suffering from low blood pressure. Following a proper diet can also lead to controlling high blood pressure is one of the best high blood pressure remedies.