A type of degenerative condition, arthritis is a painful disease characterized by the inflammation and stiffness of joints. At the moment around 55 million adults in the country are diagnosed with this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis are some common types of arthritis. Medical professionals mostly treat arthritis with anti-inflammatory medicines and pain-relievers. However, due to the medications’ potent nature, their long-term use might not be suitable for all patients. In such a situation, individuals should also consider implementing healthier lifestyle changes like dietary modifications and exercise. Likewise, one can try using herbal remedies for arthritis pain mentioned below. These can help gain fast relief in case of any unexpected flare-ups. Eucommia – Native to China, Eucommia bark is an exotic herb that is used for alleviating arthritis symptoms, especially joint pain. Moreover, Eucommia benefits by fortifying the tendons, ligaments, and bones which makes it a useful herbal remedy for arthritis patients. Usually, Eucommia is consumed in the form of supplements. This herb can also be beneficial for regulating diabetes and preventing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. However, before consuming Eucommia one should seek their physician’s guidance, particularly, if they are suffering from blood pressure problems. Thunder god vine – Like Eucommia, thunder god vine is also a primitive Chinese herbal remedy. The extracts from the roots of this exotic herb encourage restraining an overactive immune system. Therefore, this type of herbal remedy of arthritis can be instrumental in managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disorder. For gaining the best outcome, one should topically apply its extract to the inflamed joints. The long-term use of thunder god vine is not recommended as it could cause skin rashes. Likewise, individuals dealing with osteoporosis should abstain from using this herb as it could diminish the bone strength.

When you feel dehydrated, you may often find yourself reaching out for a soda can from your refrigerator. Or you may prefer to drink flavored water or packaged fruit juice. Although these drinks might quench your thirst, they are not fit for your body. Carbonated beverages, packaged fruits juices, and flavored water contain artificial sweeteners, caffeine, synthetic flavors, and other chemicals that can harm your health in the long run. So the next time you want to hydrate yourself or if you are craving a delicious drink, pick a natural and healthy juice or beverage. It’s quite easy to make these healthy drinks at home with seasonal fruits and vegetables. You will have a lot of options such as watermelon juice, aloe vera juice, or any mixed fruit mocktail. These are some of the most healthy drinks that will not only quench your thirst but also replenish your body by providing essential nutrients. Cranberry juice : Vibrant looking cranberries are commonly used during the festive season to make stuffing, sauces, and food decorations. It is loaded with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties too. These help in fighting age-related diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. Drinking cranberry juice is known to be effective in treating urinary tract infection. It also promotes a healthy digestive system. For women, cranberry juice can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Cranberry juice has an astringent quality. Hence, it is often mixed with other fruit juices or added to smoothies. Although it one of the most healthy drinks, cranberry juice is high in acidic content. Hence, people with acidity problems should avoid it. Children are also advised to drink only a limited amount of cranberry juice. People who take certain medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure medicines, and blood-thinning medicines are also advised against drinking cranberry juice as they could face adverse reactions and side-effects.

Juices are one of the easiest ways to add healthy nutrients to one’s diet without having to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These juices taste delicious and provide all the necessary nutrients. Health experts recommend consuming six to eight servings of whole fruits and vegetables which can be difficult to achieve. If you are one of those people who struggle to consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, then continue reading to find out about the top 10 healthy juices. These top 10 healthy juices mentioned below will help you cope with specific health issues. Energy-boosting juice A marvelous replacement for coffee is green juice. The green pigments in plants contain chlorophyll that helps in oxygenating the blood, increasing the brain function as well as physical energy. You need to use one large cucumber, a handful of kale, parsley, and spinach, eight stalks of celery, a small piece of ginger, and half a lemon to make this juice. Juice for healthy skin Vegetables and fruit juices, when combined appropriately, help in removing crud from the blood as well as the tissues. It helps in restoring alkalinity to the body and balancing the system. This juice also helps in making the skin look younger and provides energy too. The main ingredients of this juice are one or two cucumbers and a small piece of apple. Juice to relieve stress After a long and tiring day, you can turn to this juice to feel a little relieved and relaxed. This juice consists of only four ingredients — spinach, celery, broccoli, and carrots. Spinach is high in a naturally-occurring amino acid called tryptophan, which is great for elevating your mood and also helps you sleep better. This drink also has high levels of magnesium that helps in relaxing the muscles and nerves.

Diabetes is a long-term condition triggered by high blood sugar levels. This ailment is also referred to as diabetes mellitus in medical terms, and it denotes a group of metabolic diseases which cause a spike in the blood glucose or blood sugar levels. While blood sugar is essential for maintaining one’s energy levels, excess production can lead to a plethora of issues. For some people, it may lead to inadequate production of insulin in the body, whereas for others, their body’s cells may not respond well to the insulin. An imbalance in the levels of a hormone called glucagon can also cause difficulties in maintaining normal levels of blood sugar. A majority of diabetes patients are likely to have a combination of these issues. Consistently high glucose levels in the bloodstream can severely disrupt essential bodily functions. Diabetes affects a large part of the population around the world, and type 2 diabetes is the most common form of this condition. As per scientific reports, about 90% of diabetes cases in the world are of type 2 diabetes. This disease comes with a slew of symptoms that include intense thirst, weight gain or weight loss, frequent need to urinate, numbness in the hands, sexual dysfunction in males, and more. Patients with diabetes can undertake effective lifestyle changes such as altering their diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring their blood sugar levels. However, one may also need to take oral medication and insulin to control the blood glucose levels efficiently. Ozempic® is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that is available in the form of an injection. It helps to regulate the blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and lowering glucagon secretion. Thus, it controls the levels of blood sugar, alters insulin and glucagon levels, and aids in better digestion among people with diabetes.

Common diseases and disorders cause an imbalance in the natural blood sugar levels in the body. This imbalance increases the risk of diabetes if the body does not produce enough insulin to counter the overproduction of glucose. It is one of the leading health complications faced by people across the country. It mainly results from a lack of glucagon, a hormone that is necessary to maintain and control blood sugar levels. The pancreases are responsible for insulin production in the body which is then naturally released into the bloodstream through the circulatory system. Glucagon production is also essential for three primary functions including the conversion of glycogen to glucose, the promotion of glucose production from amino acid molecules, and reduction in the consumption of glucose for energy breakdown by the liver. Any imbalance will result in diabetes or glucagon deficiency. A large part of the population at risk of developing type 2 diabetes as more and more people now depend on artificial insulin to manage their hormone levels. Artificial insulin injections are effective in countering the overproduction of glucagon, but at the same time, an insulin overdose can result in hypoglycemia. It is a condition that causes blood sugar levels to spike due to excess insulin. One of the main reasons why non-insulin based injections are gaining popularity is to reduce the increased dependency on artificial insulin. Ozempic® is a popular name among brands that manufacture non-insulin based, glucagon-rich medications, that are quite effective in tackling type 2 diabetes. Alternatively known as Semaglutide, Ozempic® is used to lower blood sugar levels and counter the overproduction of the glucagon hormone. Ozempic® is available in the form of an injection. It slows down the speed at which food leaves the stomach, reduces the amount of sugar released from the liver, and increases the amount of insulin secreted by the pancreas simultaneously.

Coughing can be caused by cold or flu, but it can also be a symptom of an allergic reaction. To treat a cough that’s caused by allergies, you can try traditional remedies. In fact, these remedies can sometimes be effective in treating cough caused by flu and cold. Allergy Cough Treatment Whether caused by cold or allergies, a bad cough can be irritating and chronic coughing can cause pain and tiredness. Medications You can try decongestants, cough suppressants, and expectorants. Decongestants help by drying up mucus, reducing inflammation, and opening up air passages. Cough suppressants soothe the throat and block the cough reflex. Expectorants thin the mucus, making it easy for you to spit it out. Decongestants can increase blood pressure, so those with cardiac issues should consult a doctor before using decongestants. Hot Shower The heat can help decongest your nose and reduce post nasal drip that tickles your throat and causes coughing. Lots of Water Always stay hydrated as it helps prevent many ailments and helps clear toxins from the body. It also helps to thin out the mucus and prevent throat dryness that can also cause coughing. Mentholated Syrup A mentholated cough drop or syrup can help to soothe and numb the throat. It can also ease the pain and irritation. Best Home Remedies for Allergy Cough Treatments Many traditional remedies have been used for several years, to treat a cold and allergic cough. Here are a few of the best allergy treatments that you that can try: Honey Honey is a traditional remedy for a cough. It lubricates the throat and acts as a natural cough suppressant. Take a spoonful of honey and swallow it slowly, one sip at a time and let it go down your throat slowly. Mix a tablespoon of honey in warm water and drink it slowly.

Swollen ankles are very common and not a cause for too much worry. They are painful at times but do not pose any serious threat. The main reason for swollen ankles or feet would be pressure on the legs. So, walking or standing for a long time may typically lead to swelling of the ankles. In most of the cases, swollen feet and ankles get better on their own. They go away in a short time with enough rest to the legs. But sometimes the swelling may remain for a long time. It may cause severe symptoms and lead to serious complications. Here we discuss the various causes and the treatment options for swollen ankles. Causes There are many causes of swollen ankles. It may occur due to an injury or any underlying medical conditions. Doctors tend to place importance on understanding the cause of swollen ankles before delving into different swollen ankles treatment options. So, understanding some of the causes is important. Some of the common causes of swollen ankles are: Pregnancy – Swollen ankles are very common during pregnancy. It may occur due to the increased weight or increased pressure on the legs. But sometimes, it may be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that needs immediate medical attention. Hot weather – When the weather is hot, the veins expand and sometimes cause poor blood flow. The fluids start collecting in the feet and ankles. This results in swelling of the ankles. Injury – This is one of the main causes of swollen ankles. When there is an injury, the blood rushes to that area. The sudden rush of blood causes the ankles to swell. Edema – It is a condition where tissues in the body trap the excess fluid. This results in swelling of the tissues near the feet and ankles.

The nervous system is one of the most complicated organ systems in your body, and the brain is the powerhouse of all your activities and emotions. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are needed within the optimal amount to keep your brain working efficiently and to keep you mentally healthy. However, if you are finding it hard to concentrate, are forgetting things too often or going through severe stress and depression, the reason is a deficiency of brain and memory vitamins. These vitamins not only help clear brain fog and confusion to keep your memory sharp, but they also help you focus and learn properly. Vitamin B Complex From brain aging to brain fogs, depression to memory loss, Vitamin B Complex is undoubtedly the best nutrient for your overall brain health and memory. It helps boost your mood and fight stress, hence the name “happy vitamins”. Vitamin B complex produces neurotransmitters to keep the brain active. B complex can be sourced from animal products like flesh, dairy, eggs, and fish as well as from legumes, leafy vegetables, potatoes, peas, carrots, bananas, and so on. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) In order to enhance the health of the nerve tissues and the brain, this is one of the best brain and memory vitamins that keep nerve impulses at bay. Thiamine works effectively in treating Korsakoff syndrome as well as chronic memory decline in AIDS affected people and alcoholics. Liver, beef, pork, eggs, milk, oats, orange, and nuts are common sources of vitamin B1. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) A vitamin effective in keeping a positive mood, B6 can be sourced from eggs, poultry meat, turkey, beef, fish, nuts, beans, peas, and seafood. It increases the Serotonin levels, which fights depression and boosts memory. By reducing Homocysteine levels, it stops the decay of memory cells. Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) It is found in great amounts in leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and turnip greens, broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprout, okra, lentils and legumes, and Avocado and citrus fruits.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are responsible for severe swelling or enlargement of the veins in the lower part of the rectum. As we know, the walls around such organs comprise of thousands of blood vessels. A condition in hemorrhoids causes these very vessels to stretch out, leading to an unpleasant and painful experience. Although having hemorrhoids can be a dreadful situation, they can be easily treated with simple ointments, suppositories, and non-surgical options, if and when treated on time. What causes hemorrhoids? The enlargement of veins around the anus can be caused by the following factors: Aging : Such a condition usually occurs among adults aged between 40 to 65 years. This, however, does not mean that it cannot affect people at a younger age. Constipation : Chronic constipation triggers the formation of hemorrhoids due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which puts additional pressure on the veins, causing them to bulge. Relief from hemorrhoids in such a condition can be incurred by consuming high fiber food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Heavy lifting : Lifting heavy weights without proper padding and knowledge can trigger the enlargement of veins around the rectum area. Obesity : Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods : Long periods of sitting in one position, especially on a toilet seat, can trigger hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be of two types: Internal hemorrhoids : These occur deep inside the rectum. They are usually painless, but they can worsen if excessive straining activities are undertaken. They tend to protrude through the anus and are, hence, commonly called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Such type of hemorrhoids can be very painful. External hemorrhoids : These are visible abruptions and usually occur under the skin around the anus. They are far more painful than internal hemorrhoids due to the presence of more sensitive nerves around the rectum.

Hemorrhoids are the swollen veins in the lowest portion of the rectum and anus; it causes rectal bleeding. Though it is not a life-threatening physical problem, it does cause pain and discomfort especially when you pass stools. It can be easily treated and cured with certain home remedies, non-invasive, and invasive procedures. How to cure hemorrhoids with different methods? Home remedies You can get relief from mild pain, inflammation, and swelling with certain home remedies. Sometimes, these are all you need when you’re searching for how to cure hemorrhoids. High-fiber foods: Start eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains since these have a high fiber content. These foods help in softening the stool as well as increases its quantity. This is the best way to cure hemorrhoids and to avoid strain which can aggravate the existing symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, you must slowly add fiber to your diet to avoid the formation of gas. Regular soaking and sitz bath: Take some warm water and soak your anal area into it for 10–15 minutes, three times a day. Get yourself a sitz bath which easily fits onto the toilet bowl to cure hemorrhoids. Topical treatments: You can choose to apply an over-the-counter cream or suppository which contains hydrocortisone. You can also use witch hazel pads or any pads containing a numbing agent to cure hemorrhoids. Avoid dry toilet papers: After every trip to the bathroom, use non-perfumed and no-alcohol wet or moist toilet paper or towelettes to clean the anal area to cure hemorrhoids. Keep the anal area clean: You must always keep the anal area clean. Thus, bathe or take a shower every day with warm water and ensure to gently clean the skin around the anus. Never use perfumed or alcohol-based wipes. Gently pat the area to dry or use a hairdryer for the same.

Probiotics are a recent evolution in human health aspects and many people do not know about it and they generally have a common question, “What are probiotics?”. These are live bacteria and yeasts, which are considered good for health. These have a beneficial effect on the digestive system of a person. Bacteria generally are considered harmful organisms which result in diseases. The human body also has a right composition of good and bad bacteria. It is these good bacteria which are commonly referred to as probiotics and are generally considered helpful as these keep the human gut healthy. Probiotics are also found in human body and can be found in some of the foods and supplements. Many people didn’t know what are probiotics before the 1990s but during the past two decades, research on probiotics has reached its pinnacle and much is now known about them. People who suffer from digestion-related issues are often advised intake of probiotics on a regular basis. How probiotics work Though it has been two decades since the beneficial effects of probiotics were found out, doctors are still working on finding as to how exactly probiotics work. However, it is certainly known that when good bacteria reduce in human body probiotics usually replace these. They also help maintain an elegant balance between bad and good bacteria in humans. Different types of probiotics Although people know what are probiotics, they may not know that different kinds of bacteria come under the preview of probiotics. Most of these fall under the following two categories: Lactobacillus : These are the most common probiotics. They are commonly found in fermented food items and yogurt. These probiotics help in the treatment of diarrhea and are particularly recommended for people who are not able to digest lactose, the sugar which is usually found in milk.

The state of having excess levels of uric acid in the blood is known as hyperuricemia. What is the reason behind the increased presence of uric acid? If your liver produces a higher amount of uric acid, you have to face this problem. Another reason is the reduced excretion of uric acid through your kidneys. If this issue remains unattended, you may have to deal with health problems like kidney stones, gouty arthritis, hypertension, renal failure or cardiovascular diseases. How to lower uric acid levels? Eat plenty of vegetables Research studies have shown that foods rich in fiber reduce the amount of uric acid levels in the blood. When your vegetable consumption increases, you are assisting your body’s effort to lower acidity. It restricts the uric acid formation effectively. At the same time; you should not consume vegetables that are highly rich in purine. For example; vegetables such as cauliflower, peas, asparagus, mushrooms, and spinach contain a higher amount of purine. If you are wondering how to lower uric acid levels, it is advisable to restrict the consumption of these veggies. All other vegetables can be consumed to lower uric acid levels in your body. Increase your water or fluid intake Water intake is an essential aspect when it comes to reducing uric acid levels. When you drink a lot of fluids and water, your urine output increases and it helps your body remove the unwanted uric acid. It is a well-known fact that water is an excellent detoxifying agent and it removes most of the toxins from your body. Your water consumption must be between 10 to 12 glasses every day. If you find it tough to consume a lot of plain water, you can depend on lime juices and other types of fluids that contain natural and mild flavors.