Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition resulting from a disease, injury or infection. In most cases, it is not caused by one single factor. Generally, the pain manifests after some illness or injury. For instance, if you drop something heavy on your foot, your nervous system will immediately send signals of pain to the brain. However, with neuropathic pain, no specific injury or event causes the pain. Instead, the body sends unprompted pain signals to the brain. Neuropathic pain is often categorized by a burning or shooting sensation, and this pain can be intermittent or persistent. Medications for neuropathic pain can give you some relief. Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain While each person may experience different indications, there are a few symptoms that are usually common for all. The ones seen on a general note are as follows: Shooting, stabbing, or burning pain Sharp tingling and numbness Unprompted pain that triggers on its own Evoked pain caused by events that are generally not at all painful such as clapping your hands, being in cold temperatures, etc. Unpleasant or nauseous feeling Difficulty in sleeping Loss of sensation Treatment for Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain is often a debilitating and serious condition. People suffering from it regularly need to consult expert medical practitioners and take prescribed neuropathy medications on the basis of their specific symptoms. Alternatively, there are also some non-prescription treatments that may help to relieve the symptoms of neuropathic pain. If the pain is mild, these over-the-counters medicines will generally prove to be helpful. Over-the-counter Medications for Neuropathic Pain Topical painkillers This is one of the most effective medications for neuropathic pain . Topical painkillers are available in the form of ointments and creams that can be precisely applied over the affected area for instant relief. Most of these painkillers contain Capsaicin, a natural ingredient derived from chili peppers that works as an excellent painkiller.

Crohn’s disease affects thousands of people in the country every year. This painful condition can be life-threatening if not treated in time. Knowing about the symptoms and diagnosis of Crohn’s disease, the treatment can go a long way in helping a person lead a normal life. What Is Crohn’s disease? This condition is categorized as an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this condition, the digestive tract gets inflamed leading to severe stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of weight, extreme tiredness, malnutrition, and other symptoms. The inflammation is not only contained in the digestive tract but goes deep in the layers of tissue in the bowels. A person with the condition experiences severe pain and incapacitation. If not treated in time, this condition can develop into deadly complications. The cause of Crohn’s disease is not known. An unhealthy diet and stress may worsen the condition, but doctors think a weakened immune system and hereditary factors have an important role to play in its occurrence. People with a family history of Crohn’s disease are at a greater risk of developing the condition, but this is not always the case. Other risk factors may include age, ethnicity and lifestyle factors. While the condition can develop at any age, Crohn’s disease is diagnosed in most people before they turn 30 years old. Caucasian and people of Eastern European Jewish descent seem to be at a greater risk of developing the condition. However, it affects people of all ethnicities. Cigarette smoking, taking certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and environmental factors such as living in a developed country can also contribute to the occurrence of this condition. Signs and symptoms of Crohn’s disease For most people, stomach pain and diarrhea are common conditions that go away after a few days. However, if the abdominal pain is severe and frequent, Crohn’s disease is most likely the cause of the same.

A high level of cholesterol will increase the chances of heart diseases. Medications do help in keeping the cholesterol levels in check. However, instead of medications, if you can change your lifestyle, then it will be beneficial for you in the longer run. Before getting to know what kind of changes in your lifestyle will help, let’s see what the normal cholesterol levels are for your body. A blood test called lipid profile checks your cholesterol levels and generally reports the flowing things: Total cholesterol Triglycerides High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol What are the normal cholesterol levels ? The normal cholesterol levels depend on lot many factors but usually, they are universal for all. In order to get the perfect numbers or your cholesterol, it is highly recommended that you don’t drink (except water) or eat anything for about 9 to 12 hours prior to submitting blood samples. In the United States of America, the cholesterol levels are generally measured in mg/dl or milligrams (mg) of cholesterol in per decilitre (dl) of blood. Below are the various levels of measurement used for measuring cholesterol. Total cholesterol Below 200 mg/dl- Mostly desirable Between 200 mg/dl to 239 mg/dl- Borderline 240 mg/dl and above- High Triglycerides Below 150 mg/dl- Mostly desirable 150-199 mg/dl- Borderline 200-499 mg/dl- High 500 mg/dl and above- Very high HDL Cholesterol Below 40 mg/dl (men) or Below 50 mg/dl (women)- Poor 50-59 mg/dl- Better 60 mg/dl and above- Best LDL Cholesterol Below 70 mg/dl- Ideal cholesterol levels for those who are suffering from heart disease or diabetes Below 100 mg/dl- Highest for those people who are at risk of heart disease 100-129 mg/dl- Close to optimal if there are no heart diseases; high if the person has heart disease. 130-159 mg/dl- Borderline high if there are no heart diseases; high in case of heart disease.

The food you eat can have a major impact on the health and appearance of your hair. More often than not, a majority of hair problems like hair loss, hair thinning, and itchy scalp stem from nutritional deficiencies. If you suffer from iron or vitamin deficiency, there are chances that you are highly susceptible to hair problems. Your diet plays a crucial role in hair treatment, and here we have compiled a list of food items to consume for healthy hair and to boost hair growth: Fatty fish Fish and other seafood are enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids and a host of other nutrients that help control hair fall and aid hair growth. Increasing the consumption of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel is a great way to boost hair growth. Along with that, it helps combat a myriad of conditions like a dry and flaky scalp. Berries Berries like strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that safeguard your hair from free radicals, which damage it and hamper healthy growth. The high content of vitamin C in berries aids hair treatment by boosting the collagen production in hair and promotes hair health. It keeps premature aging signs like greying and thinning of hair at bay. You should consume these delicious fruits regularly to promote hair health and growth. Flaxseed oil Flaxseed oil contains vitamin E and Omega-3 fatty acids, the essential substances for hair care. By making flaxseed oil a part of your diet, you can naturally combat problems like hair breakage and thinning, and dry and itchy scalp. Add this nutrient-rich oil to your recipe to get healthy and shiny hair. Spinach The unmatched nutritional value of spinach makes it one of the best foods for ensuring healthy hair and to promote hair growth. It contains iron, vitamins, and folate and facilitates hair growth, along with improving the overall appearance of your hair.

Diet for schizophrenia: What to eat and what to avoid? Schizophrenia is a mental illness that can cause delusions, paranoia, social and cognitive problems, and hallucinations. While the most common method of this condition is medication and psychotherapy, those who have schizophrenia can benefit from following a proper diet. Certain food items must be avoided, while there are a few that would be good for schizophrenia patients. What to avoid There are certain food items that a schizophrenia patient should avoid as can cause various health problems that can aggravate the condition. Sugar Schizophrenia patients need to be in good physical health to ensure their mental health improves. Maintaining blood sugar levels is important and for this, sugar and food items containing sugar must be avoided or eaten in moderation. Carbohydrates A diet that has high carbohydrate content needs to be avoided. Instead, a diet that has low carbs and helps in keeping blood sugar in check should be preferred. It also helps in weight control, which is required for those suffering from schizophrenia. Gluten Gluten needs to be removed from the diet for schizophrenics. Most people are allergic to gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies have shown a link between gluten and aggravated symptoms of schizophrenia. What to eat A healthy and well-balanced diet helps improve both physical and mental health. The following food items and nutrients are essential for someone who has schizophrenia. Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 is a very powerful fatty acid that has multiple health benefits. It has been found to be useful in improving mental health. Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 and if one doesn’t have access to these varieties of fish, fish oil capsules and omega-3 supplements can also be consumed. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds like flaxseed and pumpkin seeds.

Gastritis is a stomach disorder where the stomach lining becomes inflamed. It may happen due to certain foods or bacterial infection. Gastritis can be avoided by shunning certain foods as they help in dealing with the symptoms. Herein, we discuss the foods one needs to have and avoid when suffering from gastritis diet. What to avoid Gastritis symptoms can be aggravated by certain foods. Allergies to foods can cause gastritis and, hence, certain foods need to be avoided as they would trigger symptoms. Spicy foods Spicy food can irritate the stomach and aggravate the symptoms of gastritis. Peppers, chili powder and chilies in general, jalapenos, and spices like nutmeg and clove can cause a wide variety of problems. Spicy foods should be avoided or a least used in moderation. Alcohol Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of gastritis and should be definitely avoided. The stomach lining is adversely affected when Acidic foods Food that is acidic in nature must be avoided. It can irritate the stomach. This includes citrus fruits, coffee, grains, and even tomatoes. Any acidic food affecting a person must be avoided to prevent worsening of the symptoms. Fried and fatty foods Foods that are fried and fatty affect the digestive system. They are among the top causes gastritis and must be avoided. What to eat Food that can kill the bacteria that cause gastritis and reduce inflammation should be consumed. Broccoli Broccoli is rich in a compound called sulforaphane. Studies have shown that sulforaphane can kill H.pylori that cause gastritis. Garlic Garlic is antibacterial and can help to kill H. pylori. It can also reduce inflammation, thus reducing symptoms. Having raw pods of garlic can cause irritation in some people. A helpful alternative is consuming garlic in the form of capsules. Probiotics Probiotics found in yogurt, sourdough bread, and kefir can be very good for the stomach.

It is a well-established fact that every person wants to stay fit in this era marked by a sedentary lifestyle. There are many ways to keep that dreaded belly fat away with exercise being one of them. However, exercise alone cannot work well unless it is supported by a healthy, nutritious diet. Low-fat yogurt is a superfood that adds on to the immense amount of advantages that a regular box of yogurt already provides. Hence, for all the fitness freaks out there, don’t miss out on this one. Generally, yogurt is made by carefully fermenting cow’s milk; however, some manufacturers also make use of soy or goat’s milk. Now, depending on the type of yogurt made, that is, whole, skimmed or non-fat, the time duration involved in the fermentation process will vary. There have been mixed reviews about low-fat yogurt with some swearing by its health benefits while others calling it another marketing gimmick by food processing companies. In simple terms, low-fat yogurt has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things you need to know about low-fat yogurt. Probiotics – This refers to the set of bacteria that is good for the human body, particularly the gastrointestinal tract. Low-fat yogurt naturally contains these microorganisms and helps improve metabolism to a great extent. Some manufacturers take an extra step and add more of these good bacteria, thereby making low-fat yogurt extremely healthy. But these additional bacteria come with a huge price tag. Nutrition content – As the name suggests, this product is characterized by fermentation of low fat or skimmed milk. The nutritional figures will depend upon the type of brand you purchase since products of every company differ in terms of price and quality. Approximately, a normal box would contain 3.8 grams of fat, 15 mg of cholesterol, and 400 mg of calcium.

The first meal of the day or breakfast is a great way to boost your morning and prepare for a power-packed day. An ideal meal provides all the vital nutrients that our bodies need to carry out our day-to-day activities. Moreover, as our grandmas have always said, not only does breakfast act as a great start to the day, but it also provides a host of health benefits. A healthy breakfast is a boon as it contributes to regulating our sugar levels and also aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Individuals may often miss out on breakfast due to their hectic schedule and the inability to whip up a quick meal after waking up. While an elaborate and healthy spread may be preferable, it does not seem like the most realistic idea. At such times, an energy bar can come to the rescue. It is a quick snack that one can have before walking through the door. However, it is time to stop consuming packaged breakfast bars regularly as they can cause more harm than good. Loaded with sugar and preservatives, these can leave you feeling dull or give you an intense sugar rush. Instead, one should turn to healthy breakfast bar recipes as anyone can create these great alternatives in their kitchen. It will prevent the consumption of chemical additives and save on shelling too much money. What’s more? Many websites have gluten-free breakfast bar recipes that make for an excellent meal to kick-start the day. Here are three tempting gluten-free healthy breakfast bar recipes to try now! Oatmeal and Choco banana bar The oatmeal and choco-banana bar is very delicious and an absolute treat, especially for chocolate lovers. The dish is chewy, soft, and can be wiped up with milk super conveniently. To prepare this tasty oatmeal and choco-banana bar, preheat the oven to 350°F and set aside a square baking tray lined with greased foil.

The muscles that push the stool through colon might not be performing at times, and it results in irregular bowel movements. This condition wherein the stool becomes hard, dry, and almost impossible to pass is called constipation. It generally happens because too much water is absorbed from the food. It is an incredibly common problem affecting around 20% of the people in the country. Gradually, people have started considering it as a routine problem. The food one eats, the lifestyle one follows, and the medications one takes can cause constipation. Age is also an important factor when it comes to constipation. The symptoms include abdominal bloating, discomfort when going through bathroom, pain, and difficulty while passing stools, stomach cramps, and losing appetite. Read on to know more about how to relieve constipation. How to Relieve Constipation the Natural Way Breathing Exercises To relieve constipation in about a minute, exhale and pinch your nose. A normal person can hold breath up to 20 seconds, but one should try to hold it a little longer (about 30 or more seconds). Release your nose and inhale but make sure to inhale less air than before. Repeat this cycle each time, making breathing slower and with less air. Through this breathing technique, one can get a quick constipation relief within a minute. Drinking a Cup of Coffee Another method to get immediate constipation relief is through drinking coffee. Other hot drinks like herbal tea or hot water with lemon juice or honey also stimulate the colon. It might not work for everyone. However, for some people, it helps in getting the digestive system moving. Light Physical Exercise Moving the body stimulates the movement of the internal muscles. Many people who are looking for information on how to relieve constipation find this as one of the best solutions for constipation.

Getting the recommended dosage of vitamins is essential for overall health maintenance. Having a wholesome and a healthy diet alone does not ensure an adequate supply of essential vitamins to our body. All of the vitamin and mineral requirements of our body are not met by natural, whole foods. Hence, doctors recommend multivitamin supplements to bridge this nutritional gap. Given the fact that the nutritional requirements of women differ from that of men, choosing the best multivitamins for women requires careful evaluation of the nutritional needs and other factors. Intake of multivitamins needs to be done after a detailed evaluation of the nutritional gaps and consultation with a physician or a registered dietician. Essential vitamins for the proper functioning of the body Here is a list of vitamins that are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Vitamin A Vitamin B1/B2/B3 Vitamin B5/B6 Vitamin B7/B9/B12 Vitamin C Vitamin K Vitamin E Choline Who needs to take multivitamins? Those who do not have healthy eating habits require multivitamins to fill the nutritional gaps. People who have a poor appetite due to health complications or illnesses need them too. Pregnant women and nursing mothers require an additional supply of vitamins and minerals, which are provided by multivitamin supplements. Those on diet restrictions may also need multivitamin supplements to make up for lack of nutrients. Senior citizens require multivitamins to compensate for depleted nutrients due to old age. How to choose the right multivitamin for women? What are the factors to be considered before choosing the best multivitamins for women? Although each multivitamin brand varies slightly based on the ingredients and the quantities, the main vitamin and mineral content remains the same. The rate of absorption of the contents of multivitamins is the differentiating factor between various brands of multivitamins. Women should scrutinize the contents of the multivitamins before consumption.

It is important to understand the blood pressure range and ideal blood pressure as per age to keep a track of your health. Your heart beats and pumps oxygen and blood to the organs. The pressure with which it pushes against the vessels is called blood pressure. High blood pressure can be an early sign of a major disease such as heart attack or stroke. It is very important to gain a basic understanding of a normal range of blood pressure. It also helps in taking preventive measures and keeping diseases at bay. Here is the blood pressure chart as per different ages, with readings that you can refer to. Everyone, between the age of 17 years and 60 years, as well as those who are above 60 years, should show the following readings if their pressure is normal: Low systolic – It should be less than 90 Low diastolic – It should be less than 60 Normal systolic – It should be less than 120 Normal diastolic – It should be less than 80 Elevated systolic – It should range between 120 and 129 Elevated diastolic – It should be less than 80 The blood pressure readings will naturally be a little different in the case of hypertension. Stage 1 – Systolic is between 130 and 139, while diastolic is between 80 and 89. Stage 2 – Systolic is above 140 in this case, and diastolic is above 90. Understanding blood pressure measurements You can read the blood pressure by understanding the two numbers i.e., systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure measures the pressure on the walls of the vessels as your heart contracts and beats. It is recorded as the upper number in your blood pressure reading. On the other hand, diastolic blood pressure is the pressure applied to the walls of the vessels when the heart is relaxing.

Tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom or sign of something wrong with the auditory system which includes your ear, the auditory nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain and the parts of the brain that are responsible for processing sounds. There are a variety of conditions that can cause tinnitus out of which the most common is the noise-induced hearing loss. Tinnitus is usually described as a ringing in one or both the ears, but it can also sound as clicking, hissing, roaring or buzzing even when no external sound is present. The sound can be very soft, loud or even high or low pitched. People experiencing severe tinnitus face various problems with hearing, working or sleeping. But before you go to the tinnitus natural cure discussion, let’s talk about the various sounds people hear and the possible underlying causes behind it. Clicking: People hear this type of sound in bursts when the muscle contracts in and around the ear which may last from several seconds to a few minutes. Rushing or humming: This type of sound is usually vascular in origin which you may notice during exercising or changing positions during a workout. Heartbeat: In this case, the sound of your heartbeat gets amplified in your ears if you have blood vessel problems such as high blood pressure, tumor or even the blockage of the ear canals or the eustachian tube. Low-pitched ringing: Meniere’s disease is responsible for producing low-pitched ringing in one or both the ears. Sometimes, these low-pitched sounds become intense during a vertigo attack. High-pitched ringing: Getting exposed to very loud noises or a blow to the ear can cause a high-pitch ringing in the ears that may stay from few hours to a few days. However, hearing loss due to long-term noise exposure or age-related health issues can make tinnitus permanent.