Diverticulitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the case of old people. It’s a treatable condition provided that the patient gets early and appropriate intervention. What is diverticulitis? It is a condition where there is an inflammation or infection in the diverticula or small pouches that develop in the lining of the intestine. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy more than 50% of people above 60, and nearly everyone over the age of 80 has diverticula in their intestines. These pouches may not pose a health risk provided that they don’t get inflamed or infected. Uncomplicated diverticulitis If diverticulitis does develop, it may be a minor irritant, and one can treat it with a course of antibiotics. In more than 75% of cases, there are no severe complications, and a routine CT scan can confirm the diagnosis. About one-third of the total patients experience a recurrence of symptoms, and in younger patients, intervention and testing procedures are necessary. Serious cases Sometimes, the condition can become chronic, and surgery may be required. In about one-fourth of the cases, patients develop complicated diverticulitis with the formation of abscesses, fissures, obstruction, fistula, and obstruction of the bowel. Perforation of the bowel is a major complication because the patient faces the risk of developing peritonitis. Causes Though the direct causes are not known, some factors do seem significant. Age affects the elasticity and strength of the intestine walls. Patients find it difficult to pass stools, and there is more strain on the colon which results in the formation of diverticula. Undigested food collects in these pouches, causing inflammation and infection. This condition is quite common among people who are over the age of 80. Lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, and eating a fiber-deficient diet could be some of the causes.

Allergies can be of many types, such as skin allergy, dust allergy, pollution allergy, food allergy, animal allergy, drug allergy, and many more. As per a study of the American population by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, it has been found that around 25% of the American population suffers from allergic disorders. Well, there are many medications available in the market that may help you get instant relief from an allergy, but they do not help you remove the substance of allergy from your system. The symptoms of allergic reactions Most allergy symptoms may occur when your body or the immune system reacts to allergic elements. Allergic elements are the substances that the body is not able to adapt to naturally, which may cause an allergy, such as dust mites, insects’ stings, plant pollen, molds, pollution particles, certain types of food, and more. Some visible symptoms of allergic reactions are as follows: Low energy level or dizziness Feeling fatigue, which may also be extreme at times May get a hay fever in which you may experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion Eczema Asthma Nasal drip Improper digestion or an upset stomach Skin rash or redness Feeling nausea and vomiting sensation Dryness as in dry skin, dry mouth, or more Anaphylaxis Natural allergy treatments It has been found that 50% of the population rely on or try the natural allergy treatments more than any other remedies according to the different types and causes of allergies. It is best to use natural allergy treatments that may not help in getting you instant relief but that help in removing the allergic substances from your body with some natural elements. Here are some preventive and natural allergy treatments that may surely provide instant relief from your allergies: Change your diet regime One of the simple and easiest natural ways of allergy treatment is to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a change in diet.

Natural remedies for gout usually involve foods that we consume on a regular basis. Gout is nothing but excessively high uric acid levels in the body. So, to address this, people should focus on eliminating foods that cause the buildup of uric acid in the body. Natural remedies for gout Before discussing the natural remedies for gout, it is essential to understand the foods which are detrimental and can worsen the condition of a patient. Here are some foods you should eliminate if you have gout: You should eliminate sugar from your diet. You also need to remove processed meat as they are a source of unhealthy hormones as well as antibiotics. Moreover, these meats are very acidic. As far as beverages are concerned, you need to take alcohol off the list. An effective diet for gout would include a high amount of vegetables, organic meats, and fruits. Patients can also add bone broth to their diet. Here are some natural remedies that can help treat gout: Celery seed extract: One of the best natural remedies for gout is the extract of celery seed and its juice. Studies show that uric acid levels fall rapidly after the consumption of celery seed extract. Celery seeds contain numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid as well as caffeic acid. Flavonoids such as quercetin are also present in celery. You can readily find supplements or celery seed extracts in stores near you. Either have celery directly or consume it in the form of a juice. Black cherry juice: Black cherry in the form of a juice or extract are both beneficial for the treatment of gout. Studies show that when a gout patient takes black cherry along with allopurinol, their risk of gout attacks fell by 75%. Cherry juice is known to reduce the levels of uric acid in the body as well as inflammation.

If you have diabetes, then you probably have a hard time living a normal life. You have to monitor your blood glucose levels from time to time and make sure that it is under control. What you eat, what you do not eat, how active you are in your daily life, and many such factors play a role in controlling blood glucose levels. When you have control over all these factors, you will be able to lead a healthy life. There are numerous tips that can help in controlling blood glucose, and these can make your life better as well. Here are some of them: Exercise regularly Regular exercise can help you stay fit by aiding with weight loss. It will also increase insulin sensitivity. Thus, your body will be able to use the sugar in the bloodstream in a much better way. Also, a workout will make the muscles use the sugar in the body for muscle strengthening and to produce energy. Brisk walking, dancing, running, swimming or hiking are some forms of regular exercise. Swap your regular food with healthy food By replacing your regular food with some healthy food items, you can bring a difference to your health. There are several simple ways to do this like swapping foods made with white flour like white pasta or white bread with whole grain bread and pasta. Make sure that you add food that is low in GI. If you do not like eating such food, then at least try to add one such item to your diet every day. Eat small meals Your blood glucose levels will remain stable if you spread your meals and snacks evenly throughout the day. Instead of having three large meals per day, try to reduce the quantity per meal and eat multiple times through the day.

Increased cholesterol levels in the blood can cause many problems for the heart. It can block the arteries and can lead to cardiac arrest. Following a healthy diet is a helpful way of reducing cholesterol levels. There are different foods you need to consume to reduce cholesterol levels, as well as those you should avoid. Given below are the list of good and bad food for cholesterol. Good and Bad Cholesterol Good cholesterol is HDL cholesterol. It helps absorb bad cholesterol and move it to the liver, where it gets flushed out of the body naturally. High HDL levels are good for the heart and consuming food that increases HDL levels is beneficial for your health. LDL cholesterol is bad cholesterol. It causes plaque and blocks arteries, leading to a heart attack. Food that increases LDL cholesterol should be avoided or at least consumed less. Food to Avoid Consuming certain food for cholesterol patients that leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels and should be avoided. Some of them are Saturated Fats This is a type of fat that leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol and is dangerously bad for health. Food items containing saturated fats must be completely avoided or eaten in moderation. Foods full of saturated fat include red meat such as beef, pork, lamb, and poultry meat with skin. Lard and dairy products like butter, cream, cheese, and cream should also be avoided. Trans Fat Essentially, trans fats are vegetable oils that have solidified. They are unhealthy and must be avoided by those with high cholesterol levels. Food having high trans fat content include deep-fried foods, packaged snacks, pastries, cookies, biscuits, and doughnuts. Salt Salt increases blood pressure and contributes to heart problems, which is why excess salt must be avoided. Junk food and canned goods are rich in salt, and they must be taken in moderation.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and thus only affects men. While there is no cure for metastatic prostate cancer, it is manageable to some extent. While undergoing treatment for cancer, it becomes imperative for one to eat right and ensure that the body gets the necessary nutrition. Since the body will be working overtime to battle cancer, it would require energy to repair cells that get damaged due to radiation and chemotherapy. Foods to help battle prostate cancer Whether one is trying to eliminate prostate cancer or prevent themselves from getting diagnosed with it, knowing the foods that can protect them from cancer-inducing carcinogens is helpful: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which is effective against prostate, stomach, and lung cancers. Lycopene can also slow down the spread of cancer cells and is most effective when consumed in the natural form. Any diet that includes a lot of vegetables and fruits can provide good protection against cancers. Lycopene-rich fruits like papaya, guava, and watermelon must be made part of the diet. Pectin, which is present in apples, plums, and apricots, is also known to reduce cancerous cells by almost 40%. A diet that consists of fiber-rich vegetables helps ward off prostate cancer, a prime reason for less Asian men being affected by this disease as compared to those in the West. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower are particularly beneficial as they slow the growth of cancerous cells. Green tea and soy have been recommended to keep prostate cancer away, but these are only in the testing stage as of yet. Some chemicals present in soy are found in other legumes and pulses as well, and these may also be effective in preventing prostate cancer. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and mackerel, can reduce the risk of cancer.

Blood pressure refers to the force of the blood flowing through your body which is pumped through by the heart. When this force exceeds the standard limit which is considered safe, the resulting condition is known as high blood pressure. There are varying levels of high blood pressure on a high blood pressure chart, and it is estimated that around 80 to 90 million people in the country suffer a variety of health problems due to this condition. These estimates are alarming because, among three adults over the age of 20, one of them is suffering from high blood pressure in the total count. Before we can try and understand how to read a high blood pressure chart, it is important to understand the five main types of blood pressure: It is important to understand the two categories of levels which indicate blood pressure, namely systolic and diastolic levels. Systolic levels are the numbers in the upper section which indicates how much pressure is being put on the walls of any artery when the heart pumps blood. Diastolic levels, however, are the numbers in the lower section which indicate the pressure on the walls in between heartbeats. So, both during heartbeats and in between, the upper and lower numbers together will indicate the overall blood pressure levels. Normal blood pressure: The standard range for blood pressure as calculated by medical associations is 120/80 mmHg. People who follow a lifestyle including a well-balanced diet and exercise will never have any problems relating to high blood pressure. This is the standard limit set for understanding the proper range of the analysis of a high blood pressure chart. Early stage high blood pressure: Also known as prehypertension, this field is constantly shifting from 120–139/80–89 mmHg. The first stage high blood pressure is a cause for concern since these are the initial indicators of a developing high blood pressure.

With age comes a variety of ailments. Even though a person might have tried their level best to maintain a healthy life, aging would make them vulnerable to various ailments. The common health issues that older adults face include joint pains, back aches, knee pain, etc. It is an accepted fact that with age, the wear and tear cause our joints to weaken, and we aren’t as strong as we were during our heydays. One of the most common ailments that affect a majority of the population above 50 years of age is spinal stenosis. What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a disorder that affects the spinal cord, causing the spinal canal to narrow. The spinal canal is a passage of nerves that spread to the center of the back. When the spinal canal starts narrowing, it exerts a lot of pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves on the back, which in turns causes excruciating pain in the back, sciatica, and nerve-related problems. Causes of spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis is mostly the collateral damage caused by arthritis. Since arthritis causes thickening of ligaments, disc changes, and bone spurs, it would exert pressure on the spinal cord, and thereby cause spinal stenosis. The other causes of spinal stenosis are herniated discs, injuries, tumors, and Paget’s disease. The symptoms of spinal stenosis The symptoms of spinal stenosis manifest itself in the form of sciatica, which is characterized by a pain that begins from the legs and spreads to the lower back and buttocks. Other symptoms of spinal stenosis include foot drop, loss of bladder movement, and experiencing difficulty in standing and walking. Though there are various medical treatments for spinal stenosis, home treatments work better in the long run. Home treatment for spinal stenosis Regular exercise Though the person might suffer from a backache, this shouldn’t confine them to a sedentary lifestyle.

Regular exercise, healthy eating, insulin therapy and monitoring blood sugar levels are the most important methods that help deal with type 2 diabetes. Although no specific diet has been proven to work for diabetes, it has been observed that a diet that has low-fat foods and high in fiber works well to keep a multitude of health issues at bay, including diabetes. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be regularly consumed. Eating less meat, sweets and refined carbohydrates are also helpful. Another factor that helps reduce the risk of diabetes type 2 as well as managing the problem is consuming foods that have a low glycemic index. Glycemic index is a quantity that measures the rate at which a particular food raises the blood sugar upon consumption. If food upon consumption, raises the glycemic index very quickly, it will be known as food with a high glycemic index. If food raises the blood sugar slowly upon consumption, it will be known as a portion of food with a low glycemic index. Foods that have a low glycemic index usually have a lot of fiber and are considered healthier. Exercise While everybody requires aerobic exercises on a daily basis, people with type 2 diabetes need it even more. However, people who have diabetes need to consult with a doctor before starting with an exercise program. People are advised to choose activities that they enjoy, and this can range from biking, walking, dancing and swimming. It is necessary to make physical activity a part of daily life. A good recommendation to stay healthy is to work out or exercise for at least 30 minutes for at least five days in a week. Anybody who does not exercise regularly needs to build up their stamina slowly and steadily and include exercises like strength training and stretching.

Hair loss is something that is experienced by almost everyone at some point in time. Hair loss occurs due to a multitude of causes such as heredity, changes in hormone levels, medical conditions, aging, food habits, and weather conditions. The hair is considered as a valuable asset by many. Good hair enhances one’s appearance. Hence, everyone wants to stop hair thinning as early as possible. If you’re experiencing excessive hair fall, it could be due to too much of physical or mental stress. It may also be due to factors like pollution, using wrong hair care products, or following an improper hair care routine. Hair thinning is often reversible. There are many ways to improve the volume and health of your hair. If you’re asking yourself ‘How to get thicker hair?’, here are a few tips for you to boost your hair health. Olive oil Olive oil can work wonders for your hair. Olive oil not only helps in increasing hair thickness but also helps soften your hair. Massaging your hair with olive oil regularly helps to strengthen your tresses. Heat olive oil till it is warm. Massage your hair and scalp thoroughly with the oil for around five minutes. Leave it on for at least half an hour, and rinse it properly. Wash your hair with a gentle and good quality shampoo. You can apply the oil to your hair and leave it on overnight, and shampoo the next morning. Following this routine regularly can make your hair thicker. Enhance the health of your hair with avocado If you are wondering how to get thicker hair with avocados, here’s how. Avocado is one of the best natural remedies for getting thicker hair. Besides, the fruit moisturizes the hair and prevents your scalp from dryness. Avocado is rich in Vitamin E.

There is no secret that arthritis does not leave you easily and one needs to seek a professional’s advice if he or she suspects they have arthritis. Doctors, however, also believe that only prescribed medication is not always enough as it won’t give you the best results. For a complete treatment, it is essential that you have a well-planned diet, which is specially formulated keeping in mind your condition. Research shows that vitamins for arthritis pain work wonders. It is also observed that most of the times, your diet does not give you the required quantity of vitamins. In such cases, you have the option of popping some vitamin supplements to make sure that your body is not short of the ideal vitamin supply. It is highly recommended that you consult a doctor before you decide to start vitamin supplements, as they show different results on different body types. With the right amount of vitamins, you can improve your arthritis condition. The following vitamins are essential in providing arthritis pain relief: Vitamin D Walking in the sun might not be your favorite thing to do, but remember that vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for arthritis pain. It is found out that arthritis patients who are often prescribed oral steroid suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This is a concern as a good level of vitamin D is a must for arthritis. Vitamin D helps in strengthening your muscles, bones, and immune system, all of which are weak in an arthritis patient. One of the main benefits of vitamin D is it regulates the immune system, which is a key factor in rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors and nutritionists say that women who have low vitamin D in their body are 30% more likely to be victims of rheumatoid arthritis than those with a high level of vitamin D.

The urge of frequent urination is often considered to be a symptom of type 2 diabetes. Though the increased frequency of urination is a condition commonly associated with increased blood sugar level, it is not just the lone cause. People with overactive bladder problem also need to urinate at frequent intervals as their bladder loses the capacity of retaining urine for prolong period. In most of the cases, people get this condition with age, yet some also develop it as a side-effect of some disease. Whatever be the reason, medication can help in dealing with the problem to some extent. However, a majority of patients these days are searching for natural cures for overactive bladder instead of relying on the prescription pills. Change in diet – The natural cures for overactive bladder are the best choice for complete treatment of the condition, as it heals the conditions from within. Before taking any herbal supplements or medication, it is important to take care of the diet. Foods like artificial sweeteners, chocolate, spicy dishes and even tomatoes should be avoided by people with overactive bladder as these worsen the condition. Apart from that, patients should also maintain abstinence from alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices or fruits, cranberry juice, dairy products, corn syrup, fizzy drinks or soda, vinegar as well as sugar and honey. The effect of the abovementioned foods may vary from one person to other. Therefore, it is better to maintain a strict watch on the diet to understand what is triggering the condition. Monitor fluid intake – As the fluid retaining capacity of bladder decreases, it is better to restrict the consumption of liquids. Drink water as much as you need and stay away from juices or any other fluids. This will help in healing the bladder condition gradually, which in the long run will increase the capacity of fluid retention.