The virus varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox is also responsible for causing shingles. It is a viral infection that causes painful rashes on the skin. Usually, those who have been infected with chickenpox are more likely to acquire shingles. It appears as a stripe of blisters typically on the neck, face, or torso. In most cases, shingles take two to three weeks to clear up. Usually, if a person gets shingles once, it rarely happens again. According to various medial study reports, shingles is so common in the country that it affects almost one in the three people at some point in their lifetime. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of this viral infection along with the ways of how to treat shingles. Symptoms of Shingles The most common symptom of this viral infection is burning and pain. It can be a constant gnawing, stabbing, or sharp pain that comes and goes. Along with this pain, the affected person may experience blistering skin rash. The characteristics of the rashes may include red patches, itching, rashes on the ears and face, rashes wrapped around the torso starting from the spine, and blisters filled with fluid that breaks out easily. Some shingles-affected patients can experience symptoms beyond these rashes and pain. Some of these symptoms are chills, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to light. Other than all these abovementioned signs and symptoms of shingles, it can involve some rare as well as serious complications. Intense pain in one of the ears or loss of hearing, loss of taste on the taste buds, dizziness etc. All these can be the symptoms of the Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Rashes and pain, which involve the eye. To avert permanent damage of the eye, it is important to know how to treat shingles.

People suffering from the issue of high blood pressure are constantly looking for some easy home remedies on “how to lower blood pressure naturally?” Here, we have compiled some effective home remedies for lowering the blood pressure and keeping your body in the best possible shape. But first, let us understand some key facts about high blood pressure. What is high blood pressure? Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the level of blood pressure increases to extremely high and unhealthy levels. The measurement of blood pressure includes taking into account the amount of blood passing through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance it faces while the heart is pumping. When the arteries narrow down, the resistance increases. If the problem of high blood pressure is not accurately treated, it can cause serious health issues such as heart disease. According to research, nearly half of adults in the country are diagnosed with the problem of high blood pressure. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Before we address the most significant query “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”, let us have a look at some of the most common symptoms of hypertension: Headaches Nosebleeds Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Flushing Urine in the blood Visual changes It is important to note that a lot of people do not experience any symptoms at all. So, it is best to get regular blood pressure readings taken. How to lower blood pressure naturally? Here are some easy home remedies you can perform to keep your blood pressure in control. Let’s have a look. Exercise Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine is a significant aspect of healthy living. It not only lowers your blood pressure but also helps to control diabetes and has a positive effect on your mood and strength.

Type 2 diabetes is a manageable disease that can be cured after consulting a doctor. Most people diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. It is more common in people who are 45 years and older. If diabetes is complicated then it can lead to diseases such as stroke, blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease. Diabetes is known to be one of the major causes of death. Some of the symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, cuts, and sores that do not heal, and fatigue and blurry vision. With the right Type 2 diabetes treatment, you can live a healthy life. Diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes The tests mentioned below essentially measure the blood sugar amount. Glycated hemoglobin test: This test helps your doctor in finding out about your blood sugar level in the past few months. It measures the blood sugar percentage that is attached to the hemoglobin. If the test result is high then it means that your blood sugar amounts are also high. A sample of your blood will be taken and sent to a laboratory for test. This test is extremely convenient. It does not require you to fast before the test. The A1C test of 6.5% and higher indicates diabetes. That between 5.7 to 6.4 means prediabetes and less than 5.7% means that the blood sugar level is normal. Fasting plasma glucose test: It so happens that the A1C test is not valid at times. But for a proper Type 2 diabetes treatment, you need to be diagnosed. Your doctor might recommend this alternative test. For this, you are not supposed to eat anything overnight after which your blood sample is collected the next day. The result of this test also varies in case you have stress. If it is 126 mg/dL or higher then diabetes is indicated.

Most people who have suffered a gout attack pretty much know the signs of a flare-up. The worst part about a gout flare up is that there is not much you can do to stop it. Although there are no cures for the condition, there are some home treatments that can help in managing the symptoms of gout attacks. Gout, or gouty arthritis, has been reported as early as the fifth century B.C. This disease was dubbed as the “disease of kings” owing to its association with consumption of alcohol and rich food. A gout attack can occur with several warning signs or may occur suddenly without a warning. Its four stages are asymptomatic hyperuricemia, acute gout, interval gout, and chronic tophaceous gout. The symptoms and treatment vary for each stage. The most common joint where gout inflammation is observed are the joints in the feet. The top 5 gout treatments are a combination of medication and home care remedies that provide relief from pain and swelling. Causes of Gout Pain Gout is mainly caused by the buildup of uric acid in the body. The uric acid gets deposited in the form of crystals in the joints and tissues on the body, causing pain and inflammation. Gout is a complex health condition that comprises many contributing factors. High levels of uric acid, which lead to gout, may be caused due to digestive disorders or alcoholism, or unchecked diet. Foods like shellfish, red meat, sweet juices, organ meat, and salty food may cause a rise in uric acid levels. Kidney or thyroid problems may also lead to uric acid build up in the body. Those with a family history of gout are at a risk of developing gout. Alcoholism and medications are other causes of gout. The most commonly affected part is the big toe.

According to various medical study reports, by the age of 50, almost 75% of people experience changes in their eyesight. Common conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataract, and age-related muscular degeneration can leave an impact on your eyes. A variety of different factors influence these eye conditions. According to eye specialists, nutrition is definitely one of these major factors. Hence, before it is out of your hand, you should take care of your eye health. Here is a list of some of the best eye vitamins and some nutrients to keep your eyes in good health. Vitamin E When the balance between the free radicals and the antioxidants in your body is not maintained properly, oxidative stress may occur, which is one of the major causes of a bad eye condition. Vitamin E is an efficient antioxidant that helps protect the eye cells from the damage caused by the free radicals that are unstable molecules and harmful for your eyes. Also, some medical research studies have reflected the fact that diet and foods that are rich in vitamin E help in preventing cataract caused by aging. Avocado, Salmon, leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and cooking oils are good sources of vitamin E. Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency can cause Xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. In the absence of vitamin A, one of the best eye vitamins, your tear duct as well as the eyes can dry out. With time, the cornea softens and may result in irreversible blindness. To see properly in low-light conditions, rhodopsin protein is necessary, and vitamin A is a major component of this protein. Moreover, it helps in protecting the eyes against other types of eye afflictions. Some studies mention that it can reduce the risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataract.

If you have diabetes, then your doctor might have already cut all your favorite food items from your meals. Missing out on your favorite foods means that you lose interest in having your meals on time. If you are looking to add flavor back to your meals, we can help you out. Diabetic patients can continue to enjoy a lot of foods as a part of their diet. All they need is some nutrient-packed food ingredients that can satiate their hunger pangs. You can rest easy as your doctor will probably allow you to include these foods in your diet. Let’s have a look at the list of the best foods for a diabetic patient. Nuts Nuts can improve your blood sugar levels and help fight cardiovascular diseases. Walnut is rich in polyunsaturated fats, and it helps our body fight many health disorders. Such healthy fats are good for patients who have high blood sugar and heart diseases. These kinds of beneficial fats are also available in almonds, pecans, and pistachios. Nuts comprise of a high amount of protein and are low in carbohydrates. These qualities make them ideal for diabetic patients. Oatmeal Oatmeal is another food item that is on the list of healthy foods for diabetic patients, as whole grain can help fight diabetes. Oatmeal comprises of fiber in the form of beta-glucans that helps our body fight spikes in blood sugar levels. This food item also helps our body improve its insulin sensitivity. This type of soluble fiber can regulate blood sugar by controlling the absorption and breakdown of carbohydrates in the foods we consume every day. Several studies have confirmed that oatmeal is good for high blood pressure and cholesterol as well. Beans Beans are a rich source of protein and fiber that can keep you healthy.

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.

According to a survey, diabetes is one of the most rapidly growing health problems. Nowadays, millions of people suffer from raised blood sugar levels. This disease affects people from several age groups. About 132,000 children up to 18 years old have juvenile diabetes. According to medical studies, a fasting blood glucose level that is higher than 126 mg/dL or ranges around 100-125 mg/dL is known as a pre-diabetic condition. If a patient’s blood glucose levels are around 99 mg/dL, it is considered normal. According to a medical survey, the standard benchmark of fasting blood glucose levels is below 83 mg/dL. When a patient’s blood sugar level increases, their risk of heart disease rises as well. There are numerous preventive measures to control your blood sugar level from the start. So if you want to lead a normal life, you can follow some steps to reverse diabetes naturally. Along with these measures, one has to follow a strict schedule which includes healthy eating habits as well as exercises for weight loss. Adding natural foods such as cinnamon or apple cider vinegar to your diet can help improve your body’s insulin sensitivity. Essential tips for reversing diabetes naturally The effectiveness of these reversing techniques will depend upon various factors such as the severity of the condition, the duration for which one has had diabetes, and the genetics of the individual. However, one you inhibit your blood sugar levels, you should not go back to your old habits. Hence, these tips are only valuable if an individual follows a strict schedule along taking medications on time. Here are some essential tips which can help you reverse diabetes naturally: Increase your consumption of foods which contain whole grains The food items which have whole grains contain ample amounts of essential nutrients as well as fiber.

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.

While irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) does not necessarily lead to other illness related to the colon, it does stay with a patient for a long time and requires a modification of lifestyle. Gastroenterologists and primary-care providers found that 28% and 12% of total patient visits were for symptoms relating to irritable bowel syndrome, though most patients try to avoid treatment for it. There are both indirect and direct costs related to irritable bowel syndrome due to leaves from work as well as the cost of hospital visits. The quality of the patient’s life gets severely compromised, and the disease needs medical intervention for complete resolution. What are the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome? When one has irritable bowel syndrome, they may exhibit symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. A patient may also have pain or cramps in the belly due to this condition. One may feel this pain mostly in the lower part of the belly, and it will intensify after meals. The patient often feels bloated and may get some relief with bowel movements. The belly protrudes, and the stools are either hard or soft. The symptoms get worse due to stress. Some patients also have problems with urination and sexual performance. The types of irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome can be of four types: The first kind is irritable bowel syndrome with constipation or IBS-C The second type is irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea or IBS-D The third category of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and constipation occurring alternately. It is known as mixed diarrhea or IBS-M. When the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome do not fall into any of the above categories, they are usually known as unsubtyped IBS or IBS-U. Risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome Women are more susceptible to this condition than men.

According to research, it is estimated that around 103 million people in the country live with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. They also say that high blood pressure incidences rose by 38% between 2005 and 2015, killing around 79,000 people in this period. The AHA redefined high blood pressure as a reading of 130/80, from an earlier definition of a reading of 140/90. The first number is the systolic pressure (when your heart beats), and the second number is the diastolic pressure (between heartbeats). If you are living with this condition and looking for how to lower high blood pressure, it would be best to start by looking at the causes. What causes high blood pressure? Although the exact causes of high blood pressure have never been pinpointed, health experts agree that there are a number of indicators that lead to it. Lack of physical exercise and the attendant weight problems Kidney problems Disorders of the thyroid and adrenal glands Excessive alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks per day) Excessive salt intake Sleep disorders Diabetes Smoking People over 65 years are more likely to have high blood pressure A history of high blood pressure in the family What are the risks of high blood pressure? High blood pressure increases the load on your cardiovascular system. The heart is forced to pump harder. Blood vessels get hardened and develop tears. Some of the serious health conditions that develop include: Stroke Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) Heart attack Loss of vision Kidney disorders/failure How to lower high blood pressure? A majority of people living with high blood pressure depend on medication, with more serious conditions requiring a daily dose. However, health experts recommend lifestyle adjustments to lower the risks of developing high blood pressure. Here are some tips on how to lower high blood pressure without necessarily depending on medications.

Constipation is a common problem and can be caused due to consuming certain types of food, medication or living a particular lifestyle. Constipation is when you experience less than three bowel movements per week. There are several other symptoms that are associated with the condition such as discomfort when you use the washroom, abdominal pain and bloating, and stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation can definitely affect your day to day life and can cause a lot of frustration. The situation is even worse when you experience severe constipation. Below are a few ways in which you can deal with the condition. Drink plenty of water Constipation is also caused by being dehydrated. This is why it is necessary to drink a significant amount of water. Sparkling water helps a lot in case you are facing severe constipation. According to studies, sparkling water is more effective than tap water and helps a lot in relieving constipation. However, you should not drink carbonated drinks like soda as it can make the condition worse. Keeping dehydration away is a great way of staying healthy and dealing with constipation. Eat fiber-rich food People who are facing constipation are often advised to eat a fiber-rich diet. Fiber helps in increasing the consistency of bowel movements as well as its bulk. This makes the stool pass easily. Insoluble fibers such as vegetables, whole grains, and wheat bran add bulk to your stools. Whereas soluble fiber such as nuts, lentils, beans, and peas soften the stools and helps with its consistency. One of the best ways of treating severe constipation is by consuming a mix of both- insoluble and soluble fibers. Exercise While exercising is not directly linked to constipation, it certainly helps in relieving the symptoms. Going for regular walks or running and doing yoga can help in staying healthy in general.