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.

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.

Toenail fungus is called onychomycosis. It is a common infection of your toenail caused by fungal growth. It is identified with a yellow, brown or white discoloration of your toenail. Its spread would cause the nail to thicken and crack. There are various remedies and medicines to treat this condition. Read about the best toenail fungus remedies below: Vicks VapoRub Vicks VapoRub is an ointment which is applied mainly to deal with a cough and cold. However, two of its active ingredients, eucalyptus oil, and camphor, can help in treating toenail fungus as well. It has been found in a study conducted in the year 2011 that this ointment had a positive and effective clinical outcome in treating toenail fungus. Apply a small quantity of Vicks VapoRub on the affected areas once in a day at least. Snakeroot Extract The antifungal snakeroot extract is collected from plants in the sunflower family. A study conducted in 2008 found out that it has the same effect in treating toenail fungus as the antifungal medication ciclopirox. For the study, patients applied snakeroot extract on the affected area every third day in the entire first month, then it reduced to twice a day in a week in the second month and final reduction to once a week in the third month. Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil is also known as Melaleuca. It is an essential oil with antiseptic and antifungal properties. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health suggested that tea tree oil has proven effective against toenail fungus in some cases. To use, pour a small quantity of tea tree oil in a cotton swab and apply on the affected area twice a day. Oregano Oil Oregano oil is a rich source of thymol which has antibacterial and antifungal properties as per a review was done in 2016.

One of the major functions of your heart is to pump blood to the various parts of the body. The force with which the heart pumps the blood through the blood vessels exerts a pressure on the walls of the arteries. This pressure is known as blood pressure. Blood pressure of a person can get affected by the condition of your heart and also the passageway width of your blood vessels. A high blood pressure is a condition of hypertension and can cause cardiac arrests and strokes. The problem of high blood pressure is in fact very common in our times. A lot of research has been done on the various ways through which blood pressure can be minimized through medicines and how to lower blood pressure naturally. In fact, research has stated that medicines are hardly a cure for the ailment. As a result, prevention is a better method. In the following article, we shall attempt to point out the various measures and means that can help you to find out how to lower blood pressure naturally. Manage your weight This is one of the most important aspects that must be provided with a good amount of attention. Maintaining a proper body mass index (BMI) happens to be very important. If you exercise regularly, you know exactly how to lower blood pressure naturally. Eat healthy Eating healthy mean that you do cut down on your entire protein intake. In fact, one must have lean meats that can provide your system with the right amount of proteins to develop amino acids. However, one must reduce or simply stop the intake of red meat. Lean meat like chicken is good for your health. At the same time, one must also reduce the oil and fat intake as much as possible. Include more antioxidant-rich items like fresh fruits and vegetables within your diet.

Experiencing pain or a burning sensation after every bowel movement? Well, this can be an indication of hemorrhoid or piles. Not only pain but also you may experience bleeding during bowel movements. Almost half of the entire population in the country are suffering from hemorrhoids and are looking for a cure to tackle this condition. Though piles can be cured within a couple of weeks or so, in most of the cases, it is a chronic problem that can occur at any time. If you are also suffering from piles related issues, you can either get the problem diagnosed by a doctor or you can try a few natural cures yourself. Hemorrhoid diagnosis and cure Consult a doctor once you experience any of the hemorrhoid symptoms and get yourself properly diagnosed. When it comes to medical diagnosis, you may like to know that the measures vary depending on the type of piles. While the piles formed externally are easily visible with the naked eye or felt during digital examination, piles that are formed internally are softer and require to be examined by sigmoidoscope, proctoscope or anoscope. Medical cure for hemorrhoids Like the diagnosis, treatment to varies depending on the type of piles as well as severity of the condition. In case of mild problems, doctors generally recommend some pills or ointments for your relief. However, in cases of a bigger growth, injection might be required for shrinking the extra mass causing problem. Though injections are the least painful way to treat hemorrhoids, it might not be effective for bigger growth. In such cases, doctors may require rubber band ligation or laser removal. Both the treatment procedures, may cause bleeding, pain and temporary discomfort in the patient but can cure piles completely. Yet, there are cases, in which the entire growth is not removed by rubber band ligation or laser rays.

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.

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.

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.

Haywire lifestyle and the strenuous workload is taking its toll on our health. A recent medical research has clearly stated that ailments like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, arthritis and so on which once hit the age group of 60 and above has now started showing its presence within the age group of 25 to 40. On a serious note, the rising cases of teenage deaths due to these ailments are a matter of concern. The entire weight of our body completely relies on our bones, excess of which puts pressure on the bones leading to bone ailments. We are talking about arthritis, a condition in which an individual suffers sudden pain and stiffness caused due to degeneration and inflammation of bones. Arthritis has been divided into two categories namely rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The former is caused due to the immune system directly attacking the muscles and joints while the latter is caused due to stress, odd routines and aggravates with age. Following are a few natural and medical remedies to help treat arthritis. Weight check Being overweight is one of the prime reasons for people suffering from arthritis. Our bones can carry a stipulated amount of weight excess of which can lead to wear and tear of the joints. Excessive weight puts pressure on the joints, especially on the ligament cushion. Ligament cushion acts as a cover to the bones and helps in the proper movement of the joints. The loss of ligament will eventually increase fiction between the bones leading to excruciating pain. Hence ensure to keep your weight in check. Diet and routine planning A good health comes with a healthy diet and routine. Always ensure to maintain a diet chart and try to keep off foods that increase fats in the body. Fried foods, refined sugar, fast food and so on are high on fat content and they not only affect the bones but also lower your energy equation.

The total cholesterol or the total blood cholesterol is a measure of HDL cholesterol level, LDL cholesterol level, and other lipid components. Total cholesterol is not actually a type of cholesterol but a composite of the different types of cholesterol. Twenty percent of the triglyceride level plus the LDL and HDL cholesterol level score gives the total cholesterol score of a person. For anyone who is over the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be checked every five years to keep a track record of health. The test that used to screen the cholesterol levels is known as the lipid profile, and it is recommended by experts that women above the age of 45 years and men above the age of 35 years should get frequent screenings done to check for lipid disorders. The risk for heart disease is determined on the basis of the total cholesterol number by a doctor who can devise a medical health plan to lower the risk. Overall, regular routine checkups, an active lifestyle, and a clean diet with the minimum intake of triglycerides are said to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The aspects covered under the lipoprotein profile include the following. Total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more famously known as “bad” cholesterol) HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more commonly known as “good” cholesterol) Triglycerides (fats that are carried into the blood from the food that is consumed. Too much of alcohol, sugar or calories in the body get converted to triglycerides that are stored in the fat cells throughout the body.) The test report shows all cholesterol levels in a measure of milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are one of the many factors that are considered by a doctor to predict a 10-year risk assessment or a lifetime risk assessment in terms of heart disease like heart attacks or strokes.

Protein powders are gaining huge popularity—not just among weightlifters, six-packers and gym addicts. They’re a useful nutritional supplement for people who want to lose weight or gain muscle, convalescents, senior citizens, athletes, vegans, and vegetarians. Let’s find out what they’re all about. What are protein powders? These special nutritional supplements contain concentrated protein from animal or plant sources and can be consumed in the form of concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates. They are often available with added vitamins and minerals, in various flavors. You can buy them at most pharmacies, health stores, supermarkets, and online in powder form or as pre-mixed drinks. Add them to your normal food, mix them into juices, or just make a simple shake out of them. The common forms of protein powder are soy protein, whey, and casein protein. Whey is the most popular form since it’s water-soluble and contains all the nine essential amino acids that are necessary for the complete human diet. Each protein source has its own characteristics and benefits. Benefits Since protein is essential for the health and growth of all parts of our bodies, we need to make it a part of our daily diet. Proteins give energy, help to repair and rejuvenate cells. They also contribute to bulking up muscle mass, reduce fat, and help to repair and maintain the muscles. They give you a feeling of fullness and prevent hunger pangs that send you hunting for food in your fridge. When to take them You should take them if you’re an athlete or a teenager, planning a drastic work-out program, preparing for an athletic event or competition, opting to become a vegan or vegetarian, recovering from an accident/injury/illness. How much do you need? According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the normal adult needs about 0.8 gm/kg body-weight every day.

Diabetes is a deadly disease, not simply because of its symptoms but due to other complications it can cause. In this condition, the blood sugar levels or glucose levels are much higher than usual, and it can lead to many other problems like cancer, heart problems, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure. Diet plays a significant role in controlling the sugar levels of a person. Thus, it is imperative for a diabetic to control their food habits and also exercise regularly to keep parameters under check. Let’s learn about some interesting and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. To manage your blood sugar levels, you need to balance out what you eat and drink along with the amount of exercise you do daily. Along with eating healthy, it is also pertinent that you have snacks at regular intervals. Here are some tasty and healthy snacks for improving diabetes. Fish fillet Fish is a great source of protein without the ill effects of eating meat. In fact, having fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, and sardines is even better as they have a high level of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, that are amazing for heart health. They protect the cells lining the blood vessels and enhance the way the arteries function after eating. Grill them with very little oil and toss in some green vegetables and voila! You have one healthy snack for improving diabetes. Sauteed vegetables Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are good sources of many minerals and vitamins, including vitamin C, which helps in reducing inflammatory markers and also fasting blood sugar levels for those with type 2 diabetes or even high blood pressure. Also, green leafy vegetables are a good source of antioxidants – zeaxanthin and lutein that protect the eyes from cataract and degeneration which are common complications of diabetes.