Onychomycosis is the medical term for toenail fungus. This forms when the skin has abnormal Ph levels. Toenail fungus normally occurs in older people as the skin around the nail gets brittle and dry. The nails may crack allowing the fungus to enter. Some of the symptoms which characterize toenail fungus are: Thickening of the skin Inflammation Yellowing Pain in toes and toenails Crumbling of toenail Primary underlying factors which may lead to toenail fungus include: Poor hygiene habits Weak immune system Bad circulation High moisture content in the environment Toe Nail Fungus Remedies: Let us take a look at some natural toenail fungus remedies. These allow one to get rid of toenail fungus, or prevent its formation. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is also known as Melaleuca. It has strong antifungal and antiseptic properties. This makes it a natural toenail fungus remedies. How to use Tea tree oil as one of the toenail fungus remedies: Clean the affected area well Apply tea tree oil on to the toe with a cotton swab Let the oil stay over the toe for about10 minutes. Then clean up, using a clean cloth Baking Soda: Baking soda dries out excess moisture from the toes. This makes it an effective toenail fungus removal remedy. Baking soda also heals foot disorders, as it neutralizes foot odors. So by keeping the area clean, it helps prevent infection. How to use baking soda for treating toenail fungus: Create a paste using baking soda and water Apply it over the toe Let it stay for 10 minutes before you cleanse it with water For healing toenail fungus, you may also choose to dip your feet in a bucket full of water, mixed with baking soda. Cornmeal: Cornmeal contains a fungus which is otherwise harmless. However, cornmeal fungus counters the fungus which infects the toenail.

The number of diabetes cases has risen over the past few years. Research suggests specific contagious viruses can replicate within the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, affecting the hormone’s synthesis and secretion. Moreover, the mild inflammation triggered by these viruses worsens diabetes by causing insulin resistance. While people know the general health risks of eating too much sugar, there is an urgent need to identify the eight signs of excessive sugar intake. Increase in appetite Sugary foods are rich in calories. But they do not have the nutritional value that the body otherwise gains from proteins, fiber, and antioxidants found in healthy foods. Empty calories cannot satiate a full-grown adult. So, to fill this void, many people turn to compulsive snacking throughout the day. Excess fatigue People who eat sugary foods and beverages regularly might experience frequent bouts of fatigue. Excess sugar triggers abnormal changes in insulin levels, and energy levels drop rapidly as the body tries to process the extra calories. Acne and skin problems One of the most noticeable signs of excess sugar intake is adult acne and skin problems. This is mainly because of blood glucose imbalance since the body’s glycemic levels influence skin health. Digestive problems Sugar is an underlying irritant that can result in many digestive problems. People may experience stomach pain and cramping. Diarrhea is also a significant risk factor for those with gastrointestinal issues. Dental problems Having sugary foods and beverages every day increases the risk of cavities. The bacteria in the mouth thrive off particles left behind in the molars, leading to cavities and other dental problems. Joint pain Sugar is also an inflammatory trigger, so those suffering from joint problems will experience more pain with increased inflammation. Trouble sleeping Glycemic levels in the body also influence sleep cycles.

All you need to know about food allergies in dogs If you observe your dog constantly itching or shaking their head vigorously as if to dislodge something, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is not easy to confirm a food allergy, but a visit to the vet can help rule out any other causes of your dog’s behavior. While most of the cases of dog allergies are a direct result of an adverse reaction to an ingredient, a latent allergy can be triggered by environmental factors too. Keep in mind that food allergies are different from food intolerance. What is a food allergy in dogs? These happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the food. You may think that meat alone supplies proteins to your dog, but there are many grains and vegetables which are equally good sources of proteins. Any of these proteins are capable of causing a food allergy. What are the signs of a food allergy? The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are a gastrointestinal disorder, itching, chronic diarrhea, ear inflammation, and licking their feet. What are the most common allergens found in dog food which can trigger a reaction? Beef: When you have been feeding one type of food for years to your dog, it can cause intolerance to it or an allergic reaction to its ingredients. Beef is perhaps the most common component of any kind of pet food and thus, also the most common allergen. Dairy products : Dogs may have problems digesting lactose and this is usually intolerance and not so much an allergy per se. It can result in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Wheat: Dogs are more likely to develop an allergy to meat rather than whole grains. But, there are always exceptions to this and wheat may be a trigger too.

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet can not only help fight cancer and also help prevent the risk of it. Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancer that women face today. It often originates in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is one of the main reasons for this disease. When the body is exposed to HPV, most often, it is able to fight against it, but at times, the virus survives for years and becomes one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. One can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer through screening tests and a vaccine. Diet can also play a significant role in fighting against this life-altering disease. Read on to know about some of the best superfoods for fighting cervical cancer. Research shows that regular consumption of certain foods, most notably, fruits and vegetables, can help offer protection against cervical cancer. It is so because this cancer is caused by an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate can help fight this off effectively. Many superfoods, such as the ones listed below, contain these ingredients that can be beneficial for fighting cervical cancer. Carrots This is not only good for the eyes but also for diseases like cancer as it has both beta-carotene and carotenoids—natural compounds that are highly effective at inhibiting the development of cancer. The best part is that one can eat them in any form. Have them raw in salads or blanch them whole—this vegetable is versatile! Green tea It is a popular alternative drink instead of regular tea and is known to have many health benefits. It is considered as one of the popular superfoods that can help fight cervical cancer due to its antioxidant properties.

An extremely common complaint, heel pain has several common causes. It is vital to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of the symptoms in order to get appropriate and timely treatment that is directed at the exact cause of the problem. Once the source of the heel pain is clear, a more targeted treatment plan can help in a speedy recovery. Furthermore, knowing the right and the exact cause of the symptoms may help in taking steps to prevent the condition from reoccurring. Below is some information about the common causes of knee pain and the treatment and remedial options. Causes Heel pain can sometimes be caused by an injury like a fracture or a sprain. The most common causes of heel pain are caused by medical conditions like: Plantar Fasciitis – The plantar fascia is a large ligament in the foot that stretches from the heel bone to the balls of your toes. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of this ligament, causing pain in the underside of the heel. Achilles tendinitis – The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse or stress of this muscle can cause wear and tear in this tendon, causing severe pain at the back of the heel. This condition can lead to a gradual degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Bursitis – Bursae are the fluid-filled sacs that surround the joints. Bursitis is a condition that causes inflammation in these sacs. The foot has 33 joints, so foot bursitis can cause severe pain. Stress fracture – A stress fracture is caused by heavy and rigorous activities involving the feet. Runners are prone to this condition. Continual stress to the feet weakens the muscles and their ability to act as shock absorbers. Eventually, the bones begin to feel the impacts directly, which can lead to tiny fractures.

Your Guide To The Best Sinus Medication The sinuses are void pockets within the bones around the nose. Sinusitis occurs when there is inflammation or infection in the membrane linings in the sinus. Then cavities occur which gives rise to mucus, and flows into the nose. The swollen nose can obstruct the sinuses and instigate pain. Inflammation leads to a rise in pressure within nose area. Allergies and nasal problems can also trigger acute and chronic sinusitis. Classification Of Sinus Sinusitis is of three types mainly – severe, chronic or recurring • Severe Any sinus problem which continues for almost three weeks is acute sinusitis. • Chronic This infection lingers for a longer period if left untreated. Other chronic diseases are allergies, bacterial, and fungal infection. Chronic sinusitis sets off headaches and produces mucus. It also leads to acute obstruction of the closure of nose. • Recurring This type of sinus infection happens irregularly and occurs many times. Causes Of Sinus There are many reasons for a sinus problem. Allergies which are unattended are the main factor. Another cause is the growth of bacteria in the path of the nose. Inhaling allows bacteria to enter via air and get entrapped by the mucus membrane. The confined particles cause irritation. Abnormalities in the nasal hole disallow drain of mucus from sinus cavities. The fungus causes sinus infection also. Sinusitis Treatment Plan Correct treatment at the early stage of sinusitis or sinus infections usually heals. Sinus infections which are viral are nonresponsive to traditional remedies including antibiotics. Fungicide is used to mitigate sinusitis which is fungal in nature. The best sinus medication is surgery. Majority recover without any prescribed medications. Many natural sinus pain remedies are available to bring relief to sinusitis. Natural Sinus Remedies Try these natural sinus remedies for sinus pain relief:

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that play a vital role in keeping the human body functioning properly. It has many functions and the most important is waste removal. If the kidneys fail, it can put your life in danger. This is where kidney dialysis comes in. The kidneys are located on either side of your spine, in the upper abdominal cavity. The right kidney is situated at a slightly lower level than the left because of the space occupied by the liver above it. The function of the kidneys The kidneys filter out waste, maintain body fluid levels, regulate acidity levels in the body, and aid in the formation of red blood cells. Filtering out wastes and toxins: The kidneys filter out urea, excess salt, and toxins from the blood. Urea is one of the waste products created during cell metabolism. The wastes are passed out of the body through urine. Regulating body fluid levels: The kidneys monitor and react to all changes in the body fluid level throughout the day. If the fluid level rises, they pass out more urine, if the fluid level falls, the kidneys pass out less urine. Red blood cells creation: When the kidneys do not get enough oxygen, they signal the bone marrow to produce more RBC, by sending out a hormone called erythropoietin. Kidney failure When your kidneys stop functioning properly, it affects all the above-mentioned functions, but mainly removal of body wastes and maintenance of proper fluid levels in the body. Most people can get along very well if even one of the kidneys does its job. However, if both the kidneys fail, it is time to look for an alternative plan—a way to take over the function of removing waste. Kidney dialysis Kidney dialysis is the artificial process of cleaning out the blood.

Is it possible to prevent breast cancer? While there is no foolproof method that can eliminate the risk of breast cancer, there are some natural ways by which you may be able to protect yourself. There is nothing you can do about risk factors like genetics, age, etc. But, research suggests that there may be some remedial measures that you can adopt. These include: Diet One of the first things that you can do is tweak your diet and focus on eating more vegetables while cutting down on meat. What you need to do is include more colored vegetables and fruits in your diet. The plant pigments called flavonoids are known for their anti-cancerous properties. When you consume more of these flavonoids, you significantly reduce the risks of breast cancer. Some foods which contain flavonoids are oranges, apples, black tea, melons, chamomile tea, and aromatic herbs. Cut down on meat Not only must you add more fresh fruits and veggies to your diet, but you must also cut down on the consumption of processed meats like ham, sausage, hot dogs, bacon, bologna, etc., which are known to contain carcinogens. The relation between cancer and meat is the strongest in colorectal cancer, but it is also possible that excess processed meat consumption may cause breast cancer. Work out While a healthy diet can help, working out every day is recommended to reduce the risks of cancer in general. Physical inactivity is a key reason for nine percent of breast cancer cases. When you stay active physically, you can reduce the risks of cancers, osteoporosis, and heart diseases. It is recommended that you get at least 300 minutes of exercise each week. It could be any activity that you like doing like swimming, cycling, walking, or dancing. Post-menopausal care A good way to keep breast cancer at bay is to lose extra body fat, especially post-menopause.

The food we consume plays an important role in keeping our body fit and healthy. So including foods that are rich in nutrients should be included one’s diet. Healthy snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are the right way to go about a perfectly healthy diet . A huge variety of processed snacks are available in the market which will help fill up your kids’ stomach but will not be healthy. Kids are fussy eaters, so it is very important to balance their diet by introducing foods offering a perfect balance of nutrients in the form of tasty snacks. Some snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are discussed herein. Popcorn An absolute favorite among kids, popcorn has a lot of nutritional value as it is made of whole grain. Popcorn is rich in polyphenols, which is a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which helps in preventing the body from different types of diseases. A great source of fiber popcorn in keeping the bad cholesterol levels low. Nuts A handful of nuts consumed regularly helps in the growth and overall development of kids. Regular consumption of nuts also helps in regulating bowel movements, blood pressure and also helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Cheese Cheese makes an excellent snack for growing kids as it provides a great source of proteins, fats, and calcium. A variety of flavors are available to savor the taste buds. Intake of cheese helps in keeping the bones strong and healthy. Eggs A great source of protein, minerals, and vitamins, eggs make a perfect snack for kids. Eggs also contain amino acids that help in the growth of healthy hair and nails. There are various ways in which egg delicacies can be prepared and enjoyed by kids as snacks.

Looking to lose weight? Here is a delicious way to shed those extra pounds and get back into shape. Sip your smoothie and lose weight! Not just weight loss, a healthy smoothie is a detox drink, immunity, and energy booster. Call them green smoothies or detox smoothies or simply fruit and veggie smoothies – they are packed with nutrients and MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids). Diet smoothie recipes are formulated to reduce body fat and tone up the body the way you want. Weight gain is usually a result of an unhealthy lifestyle, which is a combination of unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and stress. Weight loss programs, therefore, need to address all of these contributing factors. Eating healthy is paramount to a healthy life. Nature provides a number of fruits and vegetables that accelerate weight loss. Combining these natural foods into a delicious smoothie is not just the best way to lose weight, but also the best way to boost immunity and energize your body. How to make a smoothie? A smoothie is essentially a blend of two or more fruits or vegetables combined with low-fat yogurt or milk. To make a smoothie, you just have to take the ingredients (cut into small pieces where required) into a blender, blend them till smooth, and consume immediately. You may have to add ingredients one by one to ensure smooth blending. In case your diet smoothie recipes contain greens, you should blend them first and then add fruits or vegetables as per the recipe. In case you want your smoothie cold, you can either blend frozen fruits or add a cup of ice while blending. Highly nutritious smoothies are the ones that use fresh ingredients as opposed to preserved or frozen food. It is important that you do not add sugar or salt to your smoothie, as it may bring down the nutritional value.

The primary sex hormone for men is testosterone. However, a small amount of testosterone is present in the female body as well. The production of this hormone takes place in the testicles of men and ovaries of women. At the time of puberty, testosterone plays a crucial role in hair growth, changes in voice, and other physical changes. It is essential to have the right amount of testosterone throughout one’s lifetime. Here are some of the top natural testosterone boosters. Healthy eating One of the most important natural testosterone boosters is a healthy diet. So, one has to take good care of their dietary habits. If you eat too much, then it will disrupt the level of testosterone in your body. However, increasing the protein, carb, and fat intake can boost your testosterone levels. Consuming whole foods that have a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates can help in optimizing the hormone levels and improving one’s overall health condition. The bottom line is that you cannot overeat or restrict your overall calorie intake. Rather, you must focus on having a balanced diet that gives you protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Lower cortisol and stress levels An increase in the level of cortisol in your body can reduce your testosterone levels. Cortisol and testosterone affect each other inversely. If one increases, the other will inevitably go down. Too much cortisol and stress will increase your food intake, and lead to the storage of harmful fats in various organs of your body. Thus, these factors also play a vital role in weight gain. All these factors will result in a lower level of testosterone. Try to change your lifestyle and avoid stressful situations in your daily life. All of this will help you lower your cortisol and stress level, and boost your testosterone.

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person suffers from excess musculoskeletal pain and fatigue without having any physical injury or inflammation. The cause(s) of fibromyalgia is still unknown; however, many doctors suggest it to be genetics. The symptoms may develop after an illness, physical trauma or stress. There are various options for pain relief for fibromyalgia, but first, let us have a look at its symptoms. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are as follows: Pain and localized tenderness Fatigue Difficulty in sleeping Problems in concentrating Depression or anxiety IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Headaches Morning stiffness Tingling in the hands, arms, and feet Painful menstrual cramps Treatments for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Fibromyalgia pain can be minor or acute enough to muddle with one’s everyday activities. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies as well as medical treatments that are helpful in acquiring fibromyalgia pain relief. Some of the most common ones are listed below. Painkillers There are many over-the-counter medicines available that help to reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia, such as aspirin or naproxen. You can consult your doctor before taking any of these. However, their long-term use is not recommended. Generally, painkiller medicines help to reduce pain and inflammation, reduce the severity of muscular aches, and diminish sleep problems. Antidepressants Antidepressants are another alternative for relieving fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. However, these medicines can cause certain side effects such as nausea and vomiting, weight gain, and loss of sex drive. Thus, it is important to understand the potential risks and consult your medical professional before their intake. Narcotic Pain Medications Narcotic pain medicines, also known as opioids, alter the way your brain responds to pain. These medicines have been found helpful in treating different kinds of pain. However, these are generally addictive, and so, their limited use has been recommended.