An Overview of Addiction and Taking the Path to Recovery

An Overview of Addiction and Taking the Path to Recovery

An addiction is a complex condition that is characterized by an excessiveness in terms of an activity and consumption, despite being aware of the consequences. In simpler terms, it is a disease of the brain and, contrary to popular belief, it is not a moral failure. For individuals who suffer from addiction, they have an intense need to use a deleterious substance to the point that it causes damage to one’s well-being. Addiction can be in any form; however, the addition of substances commonly includes drugs and alcohol. A person with an addiction will continue to consume alcohol or use drugs despite knowing the repercussions it can have on one’s health and life. Addiction, like any other disease, disrupts the normal functionality of the body. It also has serious harmful consequences on the underlying organs and, thus, need to be addressed in the right time frame. People may get addicted to drugs and alcohol due to a slew of reasons that seem to be completely acceptable in the beginning. Drugs and alcohol give one a sense of pleasure, and the feel-good sensation can trigger the use of other such substances. There are some addicts who begin use in order to feel better. This is especially triggered among people who suffer from social or personal problems such as anxiety, depression, and excess stress that cannot be handled. In such cases, drug and alcohol abuse begins as an attempt to lessen the pressure being caused and completely cut off from the issue. Typically, stress is one of the most common reasons that cause initiation, continuation, and relapse of the addiction after recovery. The fire of addiction may also be ignited by curiosity. The younger generation is particularly vulnerable as they constantly find the need to keep up with peer pressure. Addiction to drugs and alcohol may be a way of expressing independence and keeping up with popular culture.
What You Need to Know about Kidney Stones

What You Need to Know about Kidney Stones

There are minerals and salts in urine which lead to the formation of stones in the kidney. There are ways to dissolve kidney stones naturally like drinking copious amounts of water, lemon juice and so on. What are kidney stones? One of the major reasons for the formation of kidney stones would be dehydration. Due to dehydration, the movement of fluid in the kidneys slows down with a higher possibility of salt and mineral compounds getting stuck together. In most cases, calcium oxalate forms hard deposits in the kidney. They can be found in other parts of the urinary tract as well. Kidney stones are also known as calculi. Depending on the size of the stone, surgical intervention may be required. How to dissolve kidney stones without medical intervention is what we’re going to find out. Ways to dissolve kidney stones naturally The process of the kidney stone exiting the body through the urinary tract is known as passing a kidney stone. This could be quite painful in some cases. Before using any methods to dissolve kidney stones naturally, it is important to determine if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are on medications for some ailment. There are antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diuretics, cholesterol and liver medications which don’t agree with natural remedies. These natural remedies to dissolve kidney stones naturally are not monitored by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Water: Prevention and treatment of kidney stones can be easily done with water. It is recommended to have 8 glasses of water per day. If you increase it to 12 glasses per day, then the passage of the stones becomes smoother and the growth of deposits is also checked. Lemon juice: There is citrate in lemon juice which breaks down the deposits of calcium and impedes their growth.
The Best Protein Shakes for Women

The Best Protein Shakes for Women

In today’s world of busy lifestyles, meeting daily nutritional requirements can be quite difficult as most people do not have the time to prepare healthy meals. Given this, protein shakes are an excellent solution for people who need to increase their protein intake. Many women want to tone up their bodies without putting on bulky muscle mass. In this article, we’re going to discuss the best protein shakes for women, so you know exactly what to choose. Protein is excellent for helping women repair muscle tissues and develop lean muscle mass, which is especially important because—as women age, they develop greater susceptibilities to disorders like sarcopenia or osteoporosis. With around 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving of protein powder, it makes for a good dietary supplement if you are not getting enough protein through whole foods—especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Why are protein shakes so important? It is commonly believed that protein shakes make you lose weight but this is not true. However, as a food product, it can help you lose weight if the right product is consumed in the right quantities. The best protein powders for shedding weight will have pure protein and minimal artificial ingredients, as well as carbs, fats, and sugar. Protein, in addition, helps to build and develop your muscles, which in turn can help you to burn calories as your muscles function better. Protein also helps you to feel fuller when you consume carbohydrates or fats, which helps you to reduce the overall calorie consumption in a day. How do you identify the best protein shakes for women? Protein is a vital nutrient for both men and women, which is why many women take the same quantity and type of supplement men take. However, women generally require less protein per serving than men do and in addition, women’s protein formulae contain essential nutrients like iron, folic acid, and B vitamins to boost their health.
Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors of H. Pylori Infection

Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors of H. Pylori Infection

H. pylori infection or Helicobacter pylori infection occurs in one’s stomach during their childhood. It is also one of the common causes of peptic ulcers. According to the various medical research reports, around 50 percent of the world population is affected by H. pylori infection. However, most people don’t even realize it because they usually don’t fall ill from this bacterium. When you get signs and symptoms of peptic ulcer, your doctor will test whether you have H. pylori infection or not. Symptoms of H. pylori infection You might feel a burning pain in your stomach when you have an ulcer. This pain will stay for a few minutes or even hours. Generally, you will feel the pain of ulcer in the middle of the night or in between your meals whenever your stomach becomes empty. You will feel better when you take an antacid, drink milk, or eat something. Other signs and symptoms of H. pylori infection include the following. Not feeling hungry Vomiting Nausea Weight loss for unclear reasons Burping Bloating Ulcers can sometimes cause bleeding in your stomach or intestine. This can really be dangerous for your health. In case you find out the below symptoms of H. pylori infection, then you should immediately look for medical help. Dark red or black-colored blood in your stool Fainting or dizziness Trouble in breathing Becoming tired for no obvious reasons The color of the skin getting pale Coffee grounds like vomiting or vomit with blood Sharp and severe pain in the stomach Although it happens in a rare case, you should know that the H. pylori infection could cause cancer in your stomach. One of the first symptoms of H. pylori infection which might cause cancer would be heartburn. After a certain time, you may notice the following symptoms.
Top Probiotics Supplements for Treating Various Conditions

Top Probiotics Supplements for Treating Various Conditions

Probiotics are an important source of microbial flora. This is a known fact which increases the importance of probiotics in our life. Probiotics are the major source of “good” bacteria and yeast; these are very important for our digestive system and urinary tracts. This importance of having probiotics in our body can be compared to the process of growing a lush green carpet of grass to avoid the growth of other hazardous weeds in your lawn. Probiotics can be consumed through food items and can also be taken in the form of probiotic supplements. Here is a list of the top probiotics supplements available in the market classified according to the functions they must play for your gut and the type of bacteria provided to effectively treat your condition. Best probiotic for general digestive health Island’s Miracle Ultra-30 Probiotics: This probiotic has a total of 18 different strains that help in improving general digestive health. Each capsule has about 30 billion colony forming units (CFU). The instructions on the box recommend you to take 2 tabs per day to achieve the best results. These tabs are gluten as well as dairy-free in nature, making them even more desirable. This also makes them work best for a sensitive stomach. These tabs do not have a very strong, sour scent or smell like most other probiotics. They are one of the top probiotics supplements because they’re 100% vegan in nature. Best probiotic for antibiotic recovery MegaFood MegaFlora: A stomach infection can be extremely painful; the main reason for its cause could be the growth of harmful bacteria. This can be treated by a course of antibiotics; however, even if the antibiotic helps your infection, it messes up your immune system and leaves it weaker than before. Side effects include vomiting and diarrhea, which aren’t very pleasing.
6 Effective and Natural Remedies to Reverse Kidney Disease

6 Effective and Natural Remedies to Reverse Kidney Disease

Kidneys in the human body are located in the center of your back slightly above the waist. These two bean-shaped organs are the ones that remove the waste available in your blood after digestion and muscular activity. Other functions of the kidney are balancing water and minerals concentration and synthesizing the enzyme called renin that optimizes erythropoietin and blood pressure. These organs also play a part in ensuring the optimal bone health, and it is being done by synthesizing vitamin D’s active form. All these aspects clearly suggest that kidneys play a very critical role in stabilizing your overall physical health. Major reasons that make your kidneys problematic Kidney diseases cause serious damage to your body. Many reasons contribute towards kidney problems. Genetic problems can be a reason and injury can damage your kidney. Overreaction to certain drugs is another reason and other issues like high blood pressure and diabetes can also create a negative impact on your kidney. If your kidneys do not function properly for an extended period of time, you become highly vulnerable to a disease called glomerulonephritis. Other factors that make your kidneys problematic are prostate disease, vasculitis, kidney stones, pinworm infestation of the kidney, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease. If you do not give adequate importance to fluid consumption, it can lead to acute renal failure and this situation makes a damaging effect on your kidneys. If you want to how to reverse kidney disease, the following options can be considered. Most effective treatment options to reverse kidney disease Kidney diseases are progressive in nature. Early identification and treatment are absolutely essential to control the complications. When these problems are identified in the initial stages, you can reverse the damage with lifestyle changes and hypertension medications. Doctors also prescribe medications for diabetes and high cholesterol levels to arrest the kidney disease progression.
Smart and Creative Weight Loss Tips You Must Know

Smart and Creative Weight Loss Tips You Must Know

Losing weight does not have to hard always. If it becomes a torture, you easily get bored, and the entire journey of weight loss becomes a daunting task. If you ask best weight losers, they would say that the key to weight loss is to follow the right procedure and stay motivated. According to them, people should adopt the best behaviors that are simple to incorporate into the day-to-day routine. If you follow such a method of approach, you can become thinner and healthier in a speedy manner. Here are some best weight loser habits that you must inculcate: Switching off TV Many people may wonder when they hear about turning off TV top lose weight. However, there is some truth to it. If you dine while watching TV, you are going to consume more than 40 percent added calories than normal. You are also going to consume more if you eat while performing activities such as driving or texting. It is the same with all other activities such as texting or driving as well. So you need to switch off the TV before taking a meal and sit down calmly without any distractions. Eating alone is the best weight loser tips to lower your calorie intake. Sculpt three times in a week Working out is an essential part of a good weight loss program. You have to do squats, lunges, push-ups 5 minutes each and they should be performed with an interval of 30 seconds. If you follow this method, you can maintain good muscle mass and build muscle. When you increase your lean muscle, your metabolism remains at a higher level to make the weight loss fast. Take control of your cravings with a simple technique Every time, your mind gets attracted towards a specific type of food, you can call friends and discuss with them about their activities.
Learn about Hernia and Effective Treatment Options

Learn about Hernia and Effective Treatment Options

A hernia can be described as a condition most commonly occurred in the abdomen or groin area where an organ or tissue breaks or squeezes through a feeble opening in a nearby or surrounding connective tissue or muscle. This condition leads to a localized pain bulge and other types of discomforts. Hernia can be classified into different types of include inguinal hernia, hiatal hernia, umbilical hernia and incisional hernia. Most hernias do not cause any threat to your life, but they do not heal on their own. At certain times, surgery is needed for preventing possible dangerous complications. Other hernia treatment options are available to get rid of this problem in a fast manner. Leading causes of hernia The combined effect of muscle strain and weakness causes hernia. Muscle strain or weakness occurs due to several reasons. When the abdominal wall fails to close properly in the womb, you may experience hernia. Other reasons include persistent sneezing or coughing, age, surgery in the abdomen or groin, chronic coughing, fast weight gain, pregnancy related complications, abdominal fluid, severe constipation and lifting heavyweight. Prominent symptoms The initial symptom of a hernia is a lump or bulge in the area. When it comes to inguinal hernia, you can find a lump on two sides of the pubic bone. It can be felt through touch when you are bending down, coughing or standing up. In case of babies, you can feel the hernia when they are crying. Another symptom of a hernia is the pain in the lower abdomen (it becomes severe when you bend over) and it also worsens when you life something or cough. Other leading symptoms are a feeling of heaviness, pressure or weakness in the abdomen, a burning sensation at the bulge, acid reflux, chest pain and swallowing difficulty. In certain cases, hernias do not show any symptoms and you will come to know only when medical or physical examination is done for a different health problem.
Sleep Apnea Treatment For A Good Night’s Rest

Sleep Apnea Treatment For A Good Night’s Rest

Snoring is a very common phenomenon, and you see most people snoring at night. However, the snoring may just not be because of a long day at work. Sleep apnea can cause snoring and leave you feeling tired of the rest of the day. This will affect your mood and can be dangerous to your health. Sleep apnea treatments can help you sleep better and stay energetic for the entire day. The first step is to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea. There are treatments that can be used at home or you can consult a doctor for sleep apnea treatment too. What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing is interrupted when you sleep. The short breaths will interrupt your deep sleep and leave you tired and dull. The interruption may not even be noticed by many. Action must be taken to treat it as it may hinder your productivity and leave you feeling exhausted all day. For treating sleep apnea, the first step is to diagnose the type. Types of sleep apnea There are three types of sleep apnea. The Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. The soft tissue in the back of the throat becomes relaxed when you sleep and blocks the airflow thus making you snore loudly. The other type is central sleep apnea. This is not as common, and it involves the central nervous system. It happens when the brain loses control over the muscle that aids in breathing. This does not cause snoring as much as the first type. A complex sleep apnea condition is where the patient is affected by a combination of both conditions. Sleep apnea treatment methods There are many ways in which this condition can be treated. Once you identify it and the extent of the condition, you can either try a few home remedies or go to a doctor.
4 common symptoms of esophageal cancer

4 common symptoms of esophageal cancer

The esophagus, also known as the food pipe, carries food from the mouth to the stomach. It is a critical component of the digestive system. Esophageal cancer is a condition in which cancerous cells rapidly multiply and occupy the tissues of the esophagus. While cancer here is certainly treatable, it may not be completely curable. To reduce the severity of symptoms, doctors first need to diagnose the condition based on the following typical symptoms: Swallowing difficulties The growth of cancerous cells in the esophagus makes it narrower. As a result, ingesting food becomes much more difficult. This results in trouble swallowing food, even small bites. Additionally, swallowing solid food may become painful for people with esophageal cancer. Hoarse voice The growth of cancerous cells can affect parts of the throat, such as the vocal cords and the larynx. As a result, the voice undergoes a transformation and becomes unnaturally hoarse and raspy, especially as cancer progresses. Muscle loss When dealing with esophageal cancer, one may lose their appetite and willingness to eat. This is aggravated by the difficulty swallowing food and the accompanying pain. As a result, one dealing with this kind of cancer may tend to have smaller and less frequent meals over time. They may also find it easier to have beverages and fluids than solid food. Eventually, this tendency deprives one of the necessary proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals required to build strength and resilience to diseases. The cumulative effect of these factors is rapid muscle loss in a short period of time. This is one of the main esophageal cancer symptoms, and if one observes this symptom, they should get screened for cancer. Persistent cough The cancerous cell growth in the throat also can cause irritation and a buildup of mucus. This leads to a near-persistent cough—one of the most common esophageal cancer symptoms.
Early Signs of Alzheimer Disease

Early Signs of Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is known to affect over 5 million people in the country as per research conducted by the Alzheimer’s Association. It is the most common form of dementia and results in the loss of memory and the degradation of other mental abilities that affect the quality of life. It is most common in adults aged 65 and above. Signs related to Alzheimer’s begin to appear slowly and gradually. The decline in memory and reasoning skills is typically slow but varies on a case-by-case basis. 5% of the population suffers from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease affects those in their 40s and 50s. These signs may seem to be a result of stress or age sometimes. You may be developing the disease if you are experiencing the following symptoms: You might suffer from extreme mood swings. This includes feeling confused and depressed. You may also experience anxiety and fearfulness. These changes in moods are noticeable and you may feel irritated if something is not done according to plan or if the normal routine of your day is not abided by. Here is another sign of Alzheimer’s, if you suddenly do not enjoy social gatherings anymore then you might be experiencing a symptom of Alzheimer’s. You try to avoid common social events, hobbies or work projects that were once important to you. You try to withdraw from attending these events and prefer to stay at home. You may demonstrate poor judgment. You may make bad financial choices and end up donating large sums of money or buying something which you normally would not buy. You may also not care about your personal hygiene as much as you used to. This may include you not taking regular baths or changing your clothes on a daily basis. You might not care about certain things and make rash decisions to get it over with, without thinking twice about its consequences.
Using Opioids as Medicine for Chronic Pain

Using Opioids as Medicine for Chronic Pain

Opioids (narcotics) are commonly found medicines to relieve pain. They can be really helpful if you are suffering from a short-term pain such as the pain you experience post-surgery for a broken bone. They also have the ability to ease off the excruciating pain one has to go through if they are suffering from cancer. Always keep in mind that unlike other medicines, opioids are strong drugs and are not recommended when treating long-term pains like frequent headaches, arthritis or lower back pain. Such long-term pains are known as “chronic” pain. If you are planning to take opioids to relieve long-term pain then you must consult with your doctor for his suggestions and also ask him whether there are other ways to treat the particular long-term pain. Let us check out why: Opioids are prescribed too often People generally visit doctors due to the chronic pain they suffer from and most of the time they have prescribed opioids as chronic pain medicine. In the past few years, the country has seen a tremendous increase in the opioid prescription for chronic pain which can have severe side effects. Opioids commonly include: Hydrocodone (generic and Vicodin) Oxycodone (generic, OxyContin and Percocet) Since opioids are not chronic pain medicines, they work well to treat short-term pains but whether they will work equally well in treating long-term pain is uncertain. Side effects and risks associated with opioids One of the most common issues related to opioids is that over the time the body gets addicted to this drug, as a result, the drug fails to function properly. Moreover, to get rid of the same, the body demands us to take more and more. Also, an increase in the dosage of such a strong drug may lead to some deadly side effects such as: Constipation Vomiting Nausea Itching Unable to pass enough urine Some serious breathing issues Mental instability and confusion As we know our body gets used to opioids so we must discontinue its usage in the long run.