Hyperglycemia or high blood sugar is one of the most common lifestyle-associated disorders. It is characterized by a high level of blood sugar level called hyperglycemia. In a healthy person, the normal range of blood sugar is 70-130 mg/dL between meals which can spike to 180 mg/dL 1–2 hours post meals. A chronic hyperglycemia can be detrimental to the blood vessels, nerve tissues, and several other body organs. According to a new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the country alone, more than 100 million adults are suffering from high blood sugar. There are several ways in which the question of how to control blood sugar can be answered. However, before looking into that, let us know about the complications that high blood sugar can lead to. Complications caused due to high blood sugar Uncontrolled high sugar levels can lead to nerve and kidney damage, cardiovascular disorders, damage to eye lens, damage to retina which may cause complete blindness, higher chances of skin infections, infections in teeth and gums, and slow healing of an injury. Smart ways to control blood sugar The following tips can help one on how to control their blood sugar. However, an expert advice or consultation must be sought before starting any medication or natural treatment. Avoid huge meals : A diabetic patient is advised to keep his/her meal size small. This helps in effective regulation of blood sugar. However, one should not skip a meal. Add resistant starch to diet : The addition of resistant starch in the diet is one of the best ways to control blood sugar. Resistant starch bypasses the small intestine and subsequently gets digested by the “good bacteria” present in the large intestine. This helps in lowering the blood sugar effectively. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “second-meal” effect.

High cholesterol can lead to numerous cardiovascular conditions including heart attack and stroke. It is vital to lower the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, cholesterol-lowering supplements are a great way to keep high cholesterol in check. In turn, this will lead to a healthy heart. Many cholesterol-lowering supplements are available, and this guide will help you choose the right mix of supplements to lead a healthy life. The best cholesterol-lowering supplements Fish oil These cholesterol-lowering supplements are useful in reducing triglycerides in the body by 30% due to a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption of this supplement has the potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest. However, the increased mercury content in fil oil supplements has made people wary. These supplements also have side effects such as bad breath, feeling of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. They may also interfere with blood-thinning medication, and it is best to consult a doctor about the right dosage. Artichoke extracts These supplements may help reduce the total cholesterol levels, especially bad cholesterol, in the body. However, it may cause gas and trigger some allergic reactions. More studies are required to determine its long-term effectiveness. Niacin This B-vitamin helps to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and aids with the increase of good cholesterol in the body. However, one should only use it under the supervision of a medical practitioner as its side effects can range from a headache, flushing, and nausea to liver damage in rare cases. Red yeast rice extract This is one of the most popular cholesterol-lowering supplements. One of its main ingredients, monacolin K, decreases cholesterol in the body. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that it could be harmful as many red yeast rice products contain a medication called lovastatin, and there is no way to regulate the amount of lovastatin in these supplements.

Most men experience problems with their prostate gland, as they age. Although the prostate is one of the smallest glands in the body, it can be a problem creator! Almost all men are at risk of developing prostate gland issues at later stages of their lives. Most common issues with the prostate gland are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer and prostatitis. The prostate gland is of the size of a walnut and is located just below the bladder in men. This gland grows as men age. When the prostate is enlarged beyond normal, it starts creating problems. Common issues due to enlarged prostate are frequent urination, difficulty in urination, and feeling of incomplete urination. When the prostate gland is infected (prostatitis), symptoms like fever, pelvic pain, and cloudy urine may be experienced. Taking prostate supplements is one of the ways of preventing prostate problems. However, clear evidence of the effectiveness of supplements is yet to be established. Read on to know the top 5 prostate supplements that can help men with prostate issues. Role of prostate supplements Prostate supplements are useful in shrinking the size of the prostate. Some physicians recommend prostate supplements for maintaining optimal health. The top 5 prostate supplements nourish the prostate with the nutrients necessary for proper functioning and healing. Prostate supplements are known to provide symptomatic relief from BPH and prostatitis. The urine flow can be improved and the frequency of urination can be reduced. Some supplements can even reduce the growth of the gland and improve erectile function. Top 5 prostate supplements Identifying the top 5 prostate supplements can be quite challenging. It is almost like taking a shot in the dark. Most of the times one needs to rely on feedback from those who have used it. There are certain supplements that are absolutely needed for the proper functioning and healing of the prostate gland.

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an inflammatory disease. It leads to swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of movements in the joints of the body. One of the main causes of this condition is the malfunctioning of the immune system of the body, as it starts attacking the membrane linings of the joints instead of defending the body. One should always consult a doctor in the case they are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This is essential as a proper and timely diagnosis will help with starting a treatment plan. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary from person to person, and it can range from mild to severe. For most people, the condition turns out to be chronic and often lasts for a lifetime. For certain people the symptoms remain constant throughout; however, for others, the intensity of the symptoms varies from time to time. How is the treatment plan decided? Doctors use a variety of methods to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These treatment options are administered to the affected individual through various combinations and sessions depending on the condition. Most of the time, the treatment plans are curated on the basis of the individual’s condition. Communication is key and treatment is effective only if the patient is completely honest with their doctors. The patient should make a note of all the flare-ups and other symptoms and report them to the doctor as it would be important to devise an effective treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis. A few common doctor-recommended options have been listed below that can help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Change in lifestyle and behavior There are different changes that one can make from their side to help improve and manage their condition. Some of the common options have been listed as follows: Make sure to exercise and rest:

Our bodies are made up of different kinds of cells. Blood cells are an important type of cell that is further bifurcated into three parts, namely white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Each type of blood cell plays an essential role in the human body. Red blood cells remove carbon dioxide from the body and carry oxygen to the tissues. Platelets prevent bleeding by forming blood clots. While blood cells are an essential part of the immune system and help fight infection and protect the body from foreign substances. There are several types of white blood cells. B lymphocytes are a type of white blood cells that become plasma cells upon identifying antigens in the body. Plasma cells and multiple myeloma Plasma cells produce antibodies that fight antigens, otherwise known as harmful foreign substances. These cells are normally present in the bone marrow in a limited number, but they can turn into a tumor upon abnormal cell multiplication. The tumor can turn cancerous and may cause multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. While scientists do not know the exact cause of multiple myeloma, they have conducted studies on how certain DNA changes can cause the plasma cells to turn cancerous and form a tumor. Multiple myeloma can lead to a loss of red blood cells, causing anemia. It can also decrease the number of platelets in the blood, which causes increased bleeding and bruising. Multiple myeloma even causes a shortage of white blood cells that leads to problems in fighting infections. Medical researchers and doctors who have been studying multiple myeloma are looking for a cure and methods to prevent this disease. Preventing it becomes less challenging when one knows the risk factors and early signs of cancer. Identifying the risk factors and taking the right measures to eliminate the risk can be an effective way to prevent multiple myeloma.

In a world consumed by the need for owning every last piece of luxury, it doesn’t come as a surprise that our health has taken a backseat. Long working hours, unhealthy food, stress, pollution, etc., has had dramatic effects on our health. People get a rude wake-up call when while walking, they actually hear their bones creaking, or climbing two floors leaves them gasping for breath. That’s when they realize that in a bid to acquire the different materialistic luxuries that modern life has to offer, a healthy lifestyle is compromised. One of the most significant collateral damage of leading an unhealthy lifestyle is obesity. Obesity is the root cause of many health-related problems, of which cardiovascular diseases are the most life-threatening. People resort to different techniques to combat obesity. Some opt for reducing their weight the natural way by following a strict diet and exercise regime, whereas there are others who prefer to undergo surgery when the obesity becomes life-threatening. In addition to following a diet and exercise regime, people also opt for different supplements that are known to help them in losing weight. For instance, there are people who do not exercise much but follow a low-calorie diet, whereas there are others who decide to opt for different weight-loss supplements like Garcinia Cambogia that speeds up their weight-loss process. Garcinia Cambogia is a tropical fruit extract that has been hailed for its ability to help people lose weight quickly. In addition to helping people lose weight, Garcinia Cambogia has certain other advantages as well. Some of them are as follows: Reduces craving for unhealthy food Stabilized blood sugar levels Improved bowel movement Improved cholesterol levels Improvement in mood These are some of the benefits that you can reap if you consume Garcinia Cambogia regularly. However, life is not always fair to people, so what has been hailed for its benefits, is also known to cause some damage to the body.

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.

A prevalent digestive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) currently affects millions of individuals in the country. This chronic condition causes abdominal pain and distress in the large intestine causing unusual bowel movements. The common symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea with constipation, intestinal cramps post meals, bloating, etc. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person. Interestingly, IBS is more common in women. However, the precise reason behind it is still not known. Although there is a combination of issues that can trigger IBS such as food allergies, pain sensitivity, bacterial infections, an imbalance in body chemicals, hereditary factors, psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, etc. There are three types of IBS, i.e., IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, and IBS mix (diarrhea with constipation). You can seek the help of your doctor for irritable bowel syndrome treatment, based on the type of your IBS distress. To help you understand your options better, here are some of the common irritable bowel syndrome treatments implemented. The remedies mentioned below are a combination of medical assistance and personal initiatives to improve your IBS condition. Medications – Under your doctor’s guidance, you can begin a course of prescription drugs. These may include antispasmodics, antidepressants, antibiotics, etc., which can assist in alleviating some of your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend any one of these or a combination of medications. For instance, antispasmodic medicines are for relieving spasms and abdominal pain. Moreover, antibiotics will be apt for an irritable bowel syndrome treatment for controlling bacterial infections. However, always remember you should not consume any medications without your doctor’s knowledge. Apart from prescription drugs, there are certain over-the-counter medications which can aid in decreasing your digestive woes. Psychological assistance – If the onset of IBS has led to depression or anxiety, then you should visit a therapist who could counsel you about stress management.

The blood sugar levels indicate the amount of glucose which is a source of energy in the body. It is the body’s ability to produce insulin and process sugar. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A person’s ideal blood sugar levels in a single day are measured using blood sugar level charts or blood glucose charts. This measure also includes blood sugar levels before and after meals. According to standard blood sugar level charts, the normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL. The blood sugar level can go up to 120 mg/dL after a meal. This usually comes down to normal levels in about two hours. The blood sugar level can be determined through a series of blood tests. These tests are conducted before a meal, which is known as fasting sugar value, and after a meal, which is known as post prandial or post meal value. The post prandial blood sugar level is measured two hours after a meal. Depending on the readings of the blood test, a person might suffer from low blood sugar or high blood sugar, if the sugar levels do not fall under the normal range. Here are a few diagnostic ranges that are given in every blood sugar level charts. The ranges are divided into three categories: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. These ranges will indicate whether a person is at a risk of having diabetes or not. Normal: If the minimum fasting value is 70 mg/dL and the maximum fasting value is 100 mg/dL, along with the post prandial value falling below 140 mg/dL, the person has normal blood sugar level according to the blood sugar level charts. There is no risk of diabetes. Pre-diabetes: The fasting glucose level is between 101 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL.

Affecting the small intestine, bowel disorders affect the way in which food is digested and absorbed by human body. Bowel disorders not only affect small intestine but also other parts of the digestive tract. It is important to note that bowel sickness is curable. However, first, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the problem that you are facing. Common symptoms of bowel disorders are constipation or diarrhea. Other symptoms include: Discomfort or pain in abdomen Abdominal bloating Bleeding from back passage Blood in stool Alteration in bowel habits Lump in the tummy Tiredness and unexpected weight loss It is best advised to make an appointment with the doctor if any of the above-mentioned systems persists. They can help diagnose the disease better and accordingly recommend a treatment plan. There are different types of bowel disorders depending on the symptoms. Common ones are: Celiac Disease Crohn’s Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Intestinal Obstruction Celiac Disease – It is an autoimmune disorder wherein gluten generates an undesirable reaction. In this type of bowel disorder, when food having gluten, a type of protein, is consumed, the immune system attacks the inner lining of the small intestine. In such cases, a person consuming grains such as barley wheat and rye feel uncomfortable and experience unexplainable pain in the tummy. Crohn’s Disease – An autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease. In this disorder, the body is seen to attack its health tissues, thus injuring tissues in mouth, intestines, and anus. IBS – Another type of bowel disorder, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, also known as IBS, affects both small as well as the large intestine. It is a group of intestinal symptoms that usually happen together. Gastrointestinal problems are common when suffering from IBS. This type of bowel disorder is also known as irritable colon, spastic colon, spastic colitis, and mucous colitis.

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.

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: