Long before the world became familiar with the pills and other medications that are now used to cure different ailments, people sought solace for their ailments with whatever ingredients one could find in nature. And, true to nature’s nurturing ability, these ingredients did help people combat their ailments. Some of these ingredients are still actively used to cure ailments and with a certain degree of success as well. For instance, turmeric, which found its way into our food and at times in the milk, which we so religiously consume at night, was known to increase our immunity levels and came in handy when we suffered from cold and cough. Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which is known to be the reason behind its effectiveness. Turmeric curcumin is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which come in handy and makes it one of the most effective home remedies. If you still aren’t convinced about the benefits of adding turmeric curcumin in your diet, here are some reasons why you should. Natural medicinal properties We are aware that the pills that we so recklessly pop can cause irreversible damage to the body in the form of side-effects. This is why nature gives us turmeric curcumin which is known to possess medicinal properties. Turmeric contains certain compounds called curcuminoids, out of which curcumin is the most potent one. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants which help in keeping the immune system protected. Natural anti-inflammatory agent Inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system goes haywire and attacks the healthy blood cells instead of the bacteria and viruses it is supposed to target. Instead of popping painkillers to reduce the pain caused by inflammation, or to prevent it from occurring, you can consume turmeric curcumin as a part of your daily diet. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can prevent such incidents from recurring in future.

The primary male sex hormone is known as testosterone. A woman’s body also contains a small amount of this hormone. This hormone is created in the testicles of a man and the ovary of a woman. Adrenal glands produce small amounts of this hormone too. Testosterone is the hormone that drives physical changes such as the growth of the hair, voice change, and muscle development during the puberty stage in a boy. This hormone is needed in the adulthood phase and old age as well. One has to maintain optimal qualities of this hormone to ensure good health and body composition; it also plays a vital role in making your body resistant to diseases and improving sexual function. If you do not wish to consume any supplements, the following are some natural testosterone boosters you can try. Follow a good stress management technique Many people have become victims of unwanted stress. When you feel stressed all the time, your body produces high amounts of the stress hormone called cortisol. It adversely affects the ability of your body to produce testosterone. You need to manage your stress well by following the right techniques to keep the right amount of testosterone in your body. Workload needs to be reduced and practicing meditation or yoga helps you manage work-related stress. You have to follow a good exercise regime daily and getting engaged in relaxing activities such as listening music and reading motivational books lower your stress to promote the production of testosterone effectively. Cross check your medications Several research studies show that certain medications such as Opioid drugs and Glucocorticoid drugs reduce the testosterone levels available in your body. If you are taking any such medications, you should not stop them abruptly. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor before making any changes.

American Gastroenterological Association opines that probiotics are good bacterial strains which benefit the health of its consumers. It would help people with digestion if taken on a regular basis. It is also supposed to work as a shield against illness-causing bacteria. The best way to include this bacterium in your diet is through yogurt which consists of living organisms. In the USA, most brands of yogurt contain probiotics however the idea is to consume the one in which the organisms have been added after the heating process. Thus, you need to check the label to ensure that you are buying the right thing. The one to purchase must have “live and active cultures” on the packaging. Here is a list of the most popular brands that make the best probiotic yogurts. Activia Activia, which is manufactured by the world-renowned company, Dannon, is available in an array of flavors like mixed berry, strawberry, vanilla, prune, and cherry. It comprises of several healthy varieties of probiotics such as Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium lactic and Lactobacillus bulgaricus – a specific probiotic culture meant for digestion and regularity. ‘Applied and Environmental Microbiology’ published a study in the July 2006 issue conducted by Marina Eli where he mentioned that both Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus survived through the entire digestive pathways continuing to enhance regularity and digestion. Dannon says that each 4-oz serving of yogurt is filled with billions of live cultures for the consumers to take benefit of. Yoplait Original The manufacturer ensures that Yoplait Original contains scientifically proven probiotic cultures along with vitamins A, D, and calcium. Though it has several cultures it lists Lactobacillus acidophilus as its main organism. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this is most widely used probiotic. It helps in forming substances that would make your stomach or intestines non-friendly toward bad bacteria which may make you ill.

Osteoarthritisis a condition that is a result of wear and tear of the natural cushioning between joints. In this case, bones of the joints closely rub against each other since the cartilage has become weary its shock absorbing capacity is reduced. This close rubbing without the cushioning results in stiffness, swelling, pain and bone spurs. Although osteoarthritis of the knee is age-related, it can affect the young too. The degenerative process can be hereditary in some cases. It can also result due to infection, injury or obesity. The Arthritis Foundation states that more than 27 million people in the country suffer from osteoarthritis, with women being more prone to this knee problem than men. Causes of knee osteoarthritis Although age is a most common factor, there are several other factors that increase the possibility of developing significant arthritis at a young age. Weight – When body weight increases, pressure on the joints also increase. Every extra pound adds extra weight on the knee, thus disturbing the cushioning. Heredity – Also known as genetic mutations, knee osteoarthritisis also experienced by those who have a history of osteoarthritis in the family and have inherited bone deformities. Gender – Women falling in the age group of 53 to 55 years are more prone to knee osteoarthritis than men. Stress injuries – Usually job related, stress injuries are common with people whose job involves squatting, kneeling and lifting heavy loads. People with such jobs are more prone to osteoarthritis of the knee as these jobs put constant pressure on the knees and joints. Athletics – Sportspersonswho playtennis, soccer, etc. are at a risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, it’s always good to exercise in moderation as it decrease the chances of developing osteoarthritis. Other illnesses – Metabolic disorders also results in weakening of muscles around joints.

Fewer than three bowels movements a week is referred to as constipation. Constipation also implies having to strain too much to create bowel movement or pass stools that are dry, hard and small. But once the s evere constipation causes are known, there are various steps and treatments that can be implemented to cure and prevent it. The main causes of severe constipation are usually associated with diet and lifestyle, although there may occur some medical conditions that can also become a cause. In terms of lifestyle, a poor diet and sedentary, inactive lifestyle are the common s evere constipation causes . The human digestive system suffers greatly when consumption of junk food is not monitored, and unhealthy eating habits can wreak havoc on the human digestive system. Factors directly linked to the diet that can create conditions for constipation are: Foods containing high levels of fat and sugar Low levels of water Low levels of other fluids Dairy products Lack of foods that contain high fiber like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Too much caffeine or alcohol Another very important factor is the importance of defecating as soon as the need arises, instead of putting it off for a more convenient time or place, since delays can make the body move into a phase of constipation. Sometimes, changes in the normal routine also cause digestive and bowel problems, as the human body is designed for routine. Sporadic use of bathroom, inconsistent activity, dietary changes, inadequate water consumption and general lack of exercise are some examples. It is therefore important while traveling or changing the schedule to eat high fiber foods that are healthy and drink enough water, along with a little bit of exercise to help the body maintain its physiological habits. Medications can be another cause of constipation since frequently prescribed medications can serve constipation as a common side effect.

When it comes to stomach diseases, colitis is one of the major ones that is found in a large number of people. In this disease, a person feels inflammation and irritation of the colon. Apart from this, it also promotes some other health issues including bowel disease, allergies, and Crohn’s disease. The reason behind raising the colitis is a disturbed lifestyle. Yes, the unscheduled lifestyle is one of the major causes that increase this problem. Besides, people who are habitual to consume tobacco and alcohol are often arrested in this problem. Moreover, the bad diet including spicy food and other junk food also increases the chances of colitis. The street side spicy food has a different type of bacteria, which present in the air. These bacteria easily enter in the stomach by consuming infected food. The bad bacteria increase in the stomach and cause inflammation and swelling in the colon. At the initial stage, you can diagnose colitis with a few symptoms, which include: • Abdominal Pain • Cramping • Diarrhea • Blood in the Stool • Fever • Chills • Fatigue • Dehydration • Eye Inflammation • Joint Swelling • Skin Inflammation If you are also noticing the same symptoms with you and facing the same issue in your life, then it is better you start some quick and effective colitis treatments at home. You will definitely find a number of medicines at every store. But, as we all know that the effect of those medicines is not last long. So, it is beneficial to opt some home remedies instead of drugs. We have arranged few effective colitis treatments that you can do in your home using a few kitchen ingredients. Turmeric Turmeric, yes it is a daily use ingredient that you add to all your vegetables to make it more healthy and attractive.

Leg cramps often tend to abruptly wake a person up in the middle of the night. It may also happen during physical activities such as running or cycling. These cramps cause a lot of pain and it can last up to 10 minutes. Some cramps may last only for a few seconds. What are the best remedies for leg cramps? Table salt This is one of the popular home remedies for leg cramps. This method eases cramp pain. A small portion of table salt must be taken into the palm of your hand and you need to lick it up. Salt gets engaged in the process of replenishing the reduced electrolytes available in the body. Since salt is easily available, this is one of the easy remedies for leg cramps. There are sports drinks available in the market containing electrolytes and you can drink them to get relief from cramps. Stretching your leg and walking a bit Nobody can predict when would leg cramps strike. The immediate step you can do is to stretch your legs out and the toes should be directed towards your chin. If you are lying down on the floor, you must get upright and walk some distance. These simple steps bring immediate relief from cramps. Massage the leg and apply a hot water bottle on the affected area When a leg cramp occurs, one of the simple things to do is to massage the tightened muscle in a gentle way. You can also apply a hot water bottle on the cramped area to make the contracted muscles relax. If you are worried about leg cramps in the night, take a hot a hot shower before going to bed for preventing the occurrence of the cramps at night. Chamomile tea If you are experiencing leg cramps frequently, you can drink five cups of chamomile tea during the daytime for two weeks.

Hemorrhoids, or piles, are one of the most common conditions experienced by people in the US. Causing mild to severe discomfort, hemorrhoids affect the veins present in rectum and anus. People suffering from this condition get swollen veins in the affected area and complain of rectal bleeding, itching, as well as pain. Though both external and internal hemorrhoids lead to discomfort, internal hemorrhoids are slightly difficult to heal. Yet, proper diet along with some home remedies can help in curing the condition in a short time. If you are looking for simple ways to treat hemorrhoids, the following few tips can be helpful. Aloe vera – Having an aloe vera plant in your garden is a great boon. Fresh aloe vera gel obtained from the leaves can work wonders to treat hemorrhoids. Extract the gel from the leaves and apply on the affected region to get a soothing effect. The anti-inflammatory properties of the gel will help in curing the condition in a few days, if applied regularly. Though obtaining fresh gel from plants is always a better choice, you need not be disappointed if you cannot find one in your garden. You can go to the medical stores and get aloe vera gel for your treatment. Cold compress – Sitting can be a great ordeal for people suffering from hemorrhoids. Yet, the condition can be relieved to some extent by applying ice packs on the affected area. Ice packs can be applied for multiple times in a day. Therefore, you can get it any time you want. Witch hazel – This is also another excellent home remedy to treat hemorrhoids and also the pain as well as itching associated with piles. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, it can help in reducing the swelling faster than any other home remedies. To get the best results, you need to apply the liquid properly on the affected region.

Most of us suffer from the common problem of low energy. We feel tried after executing a bit of day’s work. A full night sleep relieves fatigue. But if the fatigue problems are chronic, they must be considered. You must drink energy supplements which contain essential vitamins and minerals. The energy supplements increase the energy levels. Some of the main benefits of energy supplements include improved health with high energy. They boost the physical and mental performance along with improving focus and concentration. Minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and iron boost the nutritional deficiencies. Overall the energy levels are boosted. Find below some of the most popular and best energy supplements: Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is the main requirement for metabolism in the cells. The complete process of energy creation which is also known as Kreb’s Cycle or Citric Acid Cycle is based on it. Iodine: Include the iodine foods which include sea vegetables, seafood, and leafy vegetables in your diet. Iodine is used by the thyroid to produce essential hormones which are necessary for the body. These hormones control the body metabolism. You can take the supplements of B12 such as red meat, milk products, mussels, and clams. Melatonin: Melatonin is found in the pineal gland. The release of melatonin has a great impact on the energy metabolism. Low amounts of melatonin results in frequent fatigue and early brain aging. The production of lights reduces if you do not turn off the lights while sleeping. Improper sleep can cause the melatonin imbalance which results in frequent fatigue, obesity, and high blood sugar levels. Meat, fruits, vegetables, and grains contain a good amount of melatonin. Magnesium: Magnesium possesses many benefits for human health. It ensures proper functioning of brain, muscles, and nerves. Reduced levels of magnesium contribute to low energy.

The general assumption is that calcium supplements improve bone strength and while that is the very reason we take these supplements, overuse could result in heart problems. In this article, we will discuss why calcium supplements are important. Why do people need calcium? The body needs calcium to build and maintain strong and healthy bones. 99% percent of the body’s calcium is in the teeth and bones while the remaining one percent is present in the bloodstream and is used to release hormones such as insulin, send nerve signals and regulate how blood vessels and muscles should dilate and contract. Calcium is needed to maintain proper bodily functions. If you do not receive an adequate amount from your regular diet, your body will pull calcium from your teeth and bones to use it elsewhere. This causes a weakening of the bones and teeth and causes complications. Recommendations for calcium intake Calcium has to be taken according to the recommendations that are dependant on your age gender and of course health concerns. Women aged 50 years or younger need 1000 mg per day and women over 50 years of age need 1200 mg per day. Men aged 70 years and younger need 1000 mg per day and men over 70 years old need 1200 mg per day of calcium. There is a limit to the maximum amount of calcium one can consume as well. The cap is set at 2500 mg per day for adults up to 50 years of age and 2000 mg per day for people aged over 50 years. It is possible to get the recommended amount of calcium from the food you eat every day. Foods that are rich in calcium include leafy greens, dairy products, beans, nuts, and tofu. However, people who do not consume calcium-rich food in sufficient amount might need to use calcium supplements.

Diarrhea is a common problem experienced by almost everyone in their lifetime. Though this mostly affects the babies and toddlers, adults and elderly people too can get diarrhea for improper food habits or digestive problems. Like several other mild issues, diarrhea can also be treated with home remedies or over-the-counter pills and seldom requires medical attention. While diarrhea is generally healed in a couple of days or three, chronic diarrhea can cause distress for a prolonged period. Consulting a doctor becomes necessary to heal the chronic condition. However, some proven natural remedies for chronic diarrhea treatment are also available. Finding the cause Whether you are looking for home remedies or taking medications prescribed by a medical practitioner, it is very important for you to find the cause. The repeated occurrence of diarrhea can only be stopped when you know the cause triggering the factor. Some people get diarrhea as bacterial infection, while others may get it as a viral infection. Food poisoning or antibiotic usage may also lead to this condition. Lactose intolerance is also found responsible for this bowel disorder. Not just that, drinking contaminated water may also cause diarrhea in patients. If the cause is healed, the risk of repeated occurrence will be reduced. Some essential tips for successful chronic diarrhea treatments are listed below: Keep yourself hydrated – Repeated bowel movement caused by diarrhea often leads dehydration of the body. Therefore, it is extremely important to drink water or any other fluids at frequent intervals. However, avoiding fruit juices or aerated juices is not recommended, as it can trigger the condition further. Keep oral rehydrating syrup handy or mix a teaspoon of sugar with one pinch salt in a glass of water and drink. Dehydration of the body can increase the severity further and may even lead to hospitalization of the patient.

Joint pain has become so common that today most people in their early 50s are suffering from the problem. Sitting for long hours, restricting movement of joint for years can result in weak joints. This is true that as we age, our bones and joints start becoming weak. As a result, people find difficult to walk or run. Arthritis is sure a common joint pain. It is characterized by inflammation in one or more joints. Joint pain is of two kinds. One is called Osteo, while other is known as rheumatoid. Both these condition affect joints differently. Osteo arthritis occurs when there is a loss of cartilage between bones. In this condition a bone grates on other bone. Rheumatoid is caused by an autoimmune disorder that results in inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is soft tissue that protects joints in the body. This causes loss of bone. There are many effective home-based remedies to heal the pain in joints. Ginger or turmeric tea A tea that contains ginger or turmeric is believed to treat inflammation in joints. It relives pain experienced by those suffering from oseto and rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. When taken it lowers levels of enzymes causing inflammation in joints. Epsom salt Epsom salt has magnesium sulfate, which has been used to get relief from joint pain for a long time. Magnesium is healthy for joints. It reduces joint pain caused by arthritis. High level of magnesium may not be a problem for a person suffering from the condition. Magnesium for muscles Our bodies need magnesium, which is used in over 300 different biochemical responses. Magnesium relaxes muscles and never endings. It relives pain and stiffness in the body or joint. It even plays a role in a heart beat.