Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation. The symptoms of this condition are generally stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joint which can flare up or subside. It is common among those who suffer from this type of arthritis to wake up with morning stiffness. It is a condition that can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes but cannot be cured permanently. It is a chronic condition that can even last a lifetime. While doctors administer various treatments, lifestyle changes can help improve psoriatic arthritis to a large extent. Here are the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis: Stress Stress plays a very important role in triggering arthritis flare-ups. Learning to manage your day-to-day stress can keep your symptoms away. You need to first identify the reasons for stress in your day-to-day life and then understand how you can deal with it. Stress management varies from person to person. Once you understand what works best for you, this would be one of the best lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Food The food you eat plays a vital role in psoriatic arthritis triggers and the healing process. Here are some of the food groups that you must consume while avoiding others regularly. Anti-inflammatory omega-3: Tuna Salmon Olive oil Flaxseeds Chia seeds Avocados Nuts Fruits and vegetables with high antioxidants: Nuts Dark berries Green leafy vegetables Dark chocolate Dried ground spices Coffee and tea High-fiber foods: Oats Quinoa Corn Wild and brown rice Here is a list of foods that you need to stay away from when you have psoriatic arthritis: Red meat Diary Processed foods Some of the best diets that can be followed when you have psoriatic arthritis are: Gluten-free diet Paleo diet Mediterranean diet Following the right diet along with physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis at bay.

People often think that temptation is not a good thing. However, if you have a craving for red wine or chocolate, it might be good for you. Red wine and chocolate have higher levels of resveratrol. Do you want to know what resveratrol is? Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound which is produced by plants under specific conditions like inflammation or a dry spell or to fight against fungi. According to several research studies, resveratrol has many benefits for human health due to its anti-aging properties. It also acts as a protective antioxidant and is good for a human’s overall health. It is known to prevent cancer and is good for the heart as well. Due to its many benefits, it has drawn the attention of botanists who came up with the best resveratrol supplements which provide adequate amounts of resveratrol for the human body. Resveratrol supplements work in the same way as resveratrol in red grapes, except that they contain a better dosage of around 250-500 mg per capsule. They reduce cell clotting activity and pain. The best resveratrol supplements have gained a lot of attention in recent times. In our country, people spend more than $30 million on resveratrol supplements alone. Some of the best and most effective resveratrol supplements are as follows: aSquared Nutrition’s 1,000 mg Resveratrol Supplements: Readers can buy it for around $29.99, and for this price, they will get 180 supplements BRI Nutrition Resveratrol: These supplements cost about $22.69. Jarrow Formulas Natural Source Pterostilbene, 50 mg: You can get around 60 veggie capsules for roughly $14.24. NutraChamps’ 1400mg Resveratrol Supplement: You can purchase a bottle of 60 vegan capsules for $19.99 approximately. Resveratrol Supplement Potent 1400mg Formula by Purest Vantage: You can get 60 veggie capsules for around $17.99. Apart from these, you can find many other resveratrol supplements in medical stores which are as good as the others mentioned above.

Toenail fungus is a condition when the toenails become thick, yellow, and curl inwards. Often, these infected toenails are unattractive to look at and painful to the touch. Many people who have a toenail fungus infection may skip any treatment in case their toenail is only superficially discolored or damaged and not painful. People with painful toenail fungus may have to choose from a wide list of the best toenail fungus treatment to relieve the pain. One of the oldest and most common toenail fungus treatment includes removing the infected area if medicines or alternative remedies do not work. While the same treatment may not suit everyone, it is important that you go in for the best toenail fungus treatment that suits you best. Here are some of the ways to seek the best toenail fungus treatment. Visit a doctor and give prescription drugs a shot As soon as you are infected with a toenail fungus, it is imperative that you get a consultation from a trained healthcare expert. Many doctors suggest oral medicines, topical lotions and ointments, antibacterial drugs, and prescribed anti-fungal creams that usually work as the best toenail fungal treatment in case of a light fungal infection that is in its infancy. If your toenail infection has gone further down, stronger prescription drugs may be required to relieve the discomfort. Often, older and thicker infections may not get cured entirely. Try OTC medications Several over-the-counter (OTC) creams and anti-fungal lotions act as the best toenail fungus treatment that can help cure mild to moderate toenail infections. Some of these medications include aerosol sprays or oral drugs. Since a specific type of fungus is usually behind the condition, most OTC drugs set out to target that specific type. While the symptom of toenail fungus infection may get controlled by these OTC drugs, severe infections often may not get eliminated.

A healthy person ideally has a well-maintained cholesterol level. However, many people rarely check this vital health parameter and eventually tend to suffer from multiple health-related issues. An individual who has crossed the age of 20 should normally get their cholesterol levels checked every five years of his or her life. A simple test of lipoprotein panel tells if a person is at a risk of suffering from coronary heart disease. This test states the total cholesterol level, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and HDL (good) cholesterol level. This test also states triglycerides levels which are another form of fat that can increase the risk of heart disease. Before a detailed analysis of a cholesterol levels chart is done it is important to understand the concepts of total cholesterol, bad or LDL, and good or HDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol: It is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in the blood which is inclusive of low-density lipoprotein or LDL and high-density lipoprotein or HDL. Bad cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered to be the main source of cholesterol buildup and leads to a blockage of the arteries. Good cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps in removing the excess cholesterol from the arteries. Factors affecting the cholesterol levels The following factors can affect the cholesterol levels of any person: Diet of a person: The food a person eats also contributes to the cholesterol level. Saturated fats also contribute toward increasing the cholesterol levels of a person on the cholesterol levels chart. If a person tends to reduce the saturated fats in the food, it would thereby lead to a decrease in the cholesterol levels. The weight of a person: People who are overweight also tend to have a higher cholesterol level. If a person works toward reducing his or her weight, the volume of bad cholesterol or LDL decreases.

Testosterone is the male sex hormone which is produced in the testicles of men. It is also produced in small amount by the adrenal glands. The production of testosterone during the puberty age results in physical changes, hair growth and deeper voice of men. It is necessary to have adequate levels of testosterone during adulthood and old age. Optimal levels of testosterone ensure proper sexual functioning (sperm production) and better health. Testosterone also ensures healthy bones and muscles. Healthy levels of testosterone are essential for good health. Aging and chronic illness can result in the loss of testosterone. Now the important question is how to increase testosterone. There are multiple ways to increase the testosterone levels in the body. You can try testosterone-boosting foods and exercises to increase the low testosterone levels. If you are wondering how to increase testosterone, you may try some of these foods. Tuna Tuna fish is a good source of vitamin D. The protein-rich fish has low calories and contributes to higher testosterone production along with better health. You can eat fresh or canned tuna daily to get a proper dose of vitamin D. Sardines or salmons are also rich in vitamin D. Low-fat milk Milk contains calcium and proteins. Drink skimmed milk with fewer fats. Fat is saturated from milk and keeps the cholesterol under control. Saturated milk keeps the testosterone levels under control. Cereals A good intake of cereals can help to increase testosterone. Cereals and low cholesterol foods must be taken for vitamin D. Take nutrient supplements for your breakfast regularly. Egg yolks The nutrient content in egg yolks is higher than egg white. Vitamin D is also present in good levels in egg yolks. Consume egg yolks on daily basis to keep a check on the testosterone. Oysters If you have low testosterone levels, zinc is a necessary nutrient.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease. It makes the patient suffer from extreme pain throughout the body. Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia suffer from different symptoms such as difficulty in sleeping, exhaustion, high sensitivity to pain, and headache. Fibromyalgia causes deep muscle pain and hurting tender points causing difficult breathing and inactiveness. Fatigue, stiffness in muscles, mental problems (such as low concentration and memory), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which brings stomach ache and irregular bowel movements are some other symptoms that probably indicate fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia sleep about 8–10 hours during the night with the need to sleep more. Adequate bed rest doesn’t prove helpful to them. If you experience symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should ensure to consult a doctor. There are several fibromyalgia treatments available. The common fibromyalgia treatments include medications, change in lifestyle habits, and natural remedies. Specialists may recommend anti-depressants to treat depression and anxiety related to fibromyalgia. Physical therapies, stress reduction, and relaxation exercises also work well to cure fibromyalgia. A single approach doesn’t fit for treatment for fibromyalgia. Medications along with alternatives give wonderful results. Popular fibromyalgia treatments available: Fibromyalgia treatments aim to reduce pain, fatigue, and ensure quality sleep. Exercises: Fibromyalgia indicates poor fitness. People with fibromyalgia are reluctant to do exercises. Practicing aerobic and conditioning exercises to get rid of pain, stress, and anxiety are effective fibromyalgia treatments. Physical therapy: Physical therapies relax the muscle tension and smoothen the body movements. Stiffness and pain due to fibromyalgia lessen with regular physical therapy sessions. Therapies result in neuroendocrine changes which allow the quick recovery of muscles. On visiting the physical therapist, they will administer the right exercises for muscle stretching as part of fibromyalgia treatments for the patient. Hydrotherapy, which includes ice or heat packs, relieves pain quickly and more effectively. Follow proper posture and sitting styles.

Constipation occurs because of the lack of water in one’s stool, which usually occurs when too much fluid gets absorbed into the intestines, making the stool dry. Constipation is the condition in which a person experiences fewer than three bowel movements in a given week. This diagnosis has been provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse that is a part of the National Institutes of Health. Constipated stools are often hard, small and dry that makes the entire process unpleasant to endure. Everybody has a different system; some people may go to pass stools multiple times a day while some may go only a couple of times every week. Treatment for constipation is seldom required unless the symptoms last for weeks. And it is possible to get relief from constipation by following some tips to treat constipation. Tips to treat constipation One of the popular tips to treat constipation is consuming fiber-rich foods. By including more fiber in the diet, it is possible to make the stools bulkier and softer, making it softer to pass through the tract. A gradual increase in the levels of fiber is recommended till the optimum level of 20 to 35 grams is achieved. Some good sources of fiber include: Whole grains Bran Foods like brown rice, cereals, and fortified bread Fresh fruits, especially apples and bananas. Fruits with high water amounts like watermelon also work well Dried fruits like apricots, almonds, prunes, and raisins Vegetables like asparagus, brussels sprouts, and carrots Beans It is also important to drink enough water to prevent constipation. One of the common tips to treat constipation is to remain active with general exercise and keep the bowel movement in motion. The following foods must be avoided during constipation as they can make it worse. Foods that are low in fiber Foods that are high in fat Cheese Dairy products Processed foods Meats A step-by-step approach is given in the following tips to treat constipation.

What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that primarily attacks the joints and other body parts like the ears, wrists, knuckles, knee, ankles, and other small joints. It is often characterized by painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of these affected joints. The swelling and stiffness are mainly the results of excess levels of uric acid forming crystals in the joints. The pain is due to the inflammatory response to the crystals formed. The causes of gout may include lack of exercise, high levels of uric acid in the system, genetics, excessive consumption of meat, being overweight, menopause, excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, and excessive protein content in the body. It mainly affects the big toe, causing an increased swelling, inflammation, and redness in the affected area. The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint causes inflammation and makes the movement of the joint agonizing. The elevated levels of uric acid in the system also causes the depositing of crystals in the kidney, which, in turn, leads to stone formation. Gout attacks An overweight or an obese person is more likely to suffer from frequent gout attacks. A gout attack generally results from years of having high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia might also lead to other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney failure, and heart failure. The most common sign of a gout attack is the night-time swelling of the big toe followed by redness, tenderness, redness, and gut-wrenching pain. This attack might continue for days or even weeks before the pain goes away completely. Swelling causes pain and pain induces swelling. Hence it is important to address both. Diagnosis of gout attacks After doing a thorough physical exam, the doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the swelling of the joint to look for uric acid crystals.

Gum disease is common and results in painful, inflamed, and swollen gums. The early stages of gum disease are called gingivitis. If gum disease isn’t tackled in early stages, then it progresses to periodontitis. The most common gum diseases are called by bacterial infections, that can spread and destroy the gums, and the tissue surrounding the teeth. The bacteria forms plaques around the teeth and gums. If this plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and form tartar. Most early cases of plaque buildup and gingivitis can be treated on your own. Natural treatment for gum disease is a great way to save yourself time, money, and pain of seeing a dentist. Natural treatment for gum disease includes maintaining good oral hygiene and overall health. Symptoms of gum disease Healthy gums are pink, fit securely around the teeth, do not bleed when you touch or brush them, and are not painful or inflamed. In some cases, the initial stages of gum disease are not painful, and there may be no recognizable symptoms. Eventually, as the disease progresses, the symptoms can worsen. The early stage of gum disease or gingivitis has fewer symptoms, and these tend to be nonspecific and vague. The most common early symptoms of gum disease are: Redness or purple discoloration of the gums Swelling Bleeding gums while brushing, eating, or on touching the gums. Painful gums Bad breath ( halitosis ) Natural treatment for gum disease is best initiated during early stages, to halt the progression into a more severe form of gum disease, i.e, periodontitis . The symptoms of advanced gum disease or periodontitis are: An unpleasant taste in the mouth Bad breath (halitosis) Loose teeth Difficulty chewing food Gum abscesses (collection of pus) Receding gums, which make the teeth appear longer. Deep pockets between the gums and teeth.

Sleep apnea is quite a common sleeping disorder these days. If you experience poor quality of sleep, it might be due to sleep apnea. This disorder causes oxygen deficiency in the body due to uncontrollable pauses while breathing and shallow or short breaths during sleep. Sleep apnea often causes one to wake up startled. Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea A person with sleep apnea, usually stops breathing every now and then, during the night’s sleep. Sleep apnea may stop one’s breathing for as many as thirty times in an hour. This sleeping disorder may also cause a person to stop breathing for very brief moments, even without them being aware of it. People who experience sleep apnea are triggered to wake up suddenly and gasp for air. Once they wake up startled, the body desperately tries to reopen the airways, to make up for the deficiency of oxygen. The irregular breathing process associated with sleep apnea may result in symptoms such as loud snoring, disturbed sleep, fatigue, choking during sleep and anxiety. For these symptoms, there are various remedies for sleep apnea which one can consider. Risks Associated with Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is not just a problem of heavy snoring. It is a serious medical condition and requires immediate attention. One need to immediately consult a doctor to find remedies for sleep apnea. Long-term health issues associated with sleep apnea include a risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, short-term memory loss and sexual dysfunction. Interrupted sleep has also time and again been associated with accidents while driving, low performance in academics and work, high vulnerability to common cold and flu and low body resilience. Follow these Natural Remedies for Sleep Apnea Maintain a healthy weight and good health One of the most common and effective remedies for sleep apnea is exercising and eating healthy.

A heel spur is a condition that is caused by calcification in the heel region, which in turn causes a bony protrusion, on the underside of the heel bone. This condition is common in athletes, who are used to a lot of running and jumping. The constant stretching of the plantar fascia is one of the causes of heel spurs. If the band of tissues that cover the heel bone get injured, more calcium is sent by the body, to heal the injured tissues. This calcification process leads to a calcium deposit over a period of time, causing the growth of a bony protrusion. Know the causes of heel spur- When calcium deposits pile up on the underside of the heel, over a period of months/years, heel spurs occur. The strain on the ligaments and foot muscles repeated tearing of the membrane that covers the heel bone(due to injuries), and stretching of the plantar fascia are some of the common causes. Some conditions which trigger the occurrence of heel spur includes— being overweight and obese, abnormalities in walking gait, which causes strain and stress on the heel bone, nerves, and ligaments near the heel. Wrong fitting shoes, especially those that don’t offer adequate heel support can sometimes be one of the attributable causes. Symptoms Of heel spur- Generally, heel spurs do not display any symptoms. But heel spurs can cause intermittent or chronic pain when you walk, jog or run. While heel spur itself does not cause pain, the soft tissue injury that often occurs alongside the heel spur is the cause of the pain. Those who suffer from heel spur, experience a piercing or a jabbing pain in the morning, when they get out of bed. The pain then reduces to a dull ache. Types of heel spur- There are two types of heel spurs—the most common one is the posterior inferior spurs which occur under the heel and the posterior superior spurs, which occurs at the back of the heel, close to where the Achilles tendon is attached.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs. Inflammation in the bronchial tubes results in the narrowing of the airway and obstructs the process of natural breathing. It is not a condition that should be taken lightly, as the symptoms, if left unchecked, can lead to hospitalization. Additionally, asthma is incurable and is usually treated with an inhaler to relieve and prevent frequent flareups. However, there are simple techniques and natural treatments that can help manage the mild to moderate discomforts caused due to asthma. Changes in the diet Some studies show that drinking coffee or black tea helps provide some relief. Caffeine compounds help open up the blocked and narrow airway of the lungs, thus improving breathing. You can also incorporate more ginger in your daily diet as it is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids help counter the inflammation. Include more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and manganese to ensure there is no dietary deficiency of nutrients that can trigger asthma. Kale, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, and apples are rich in essential vitamins and minerals to supplement your daily requirements. Natural herbs Bromelain extracts taken from pineapples are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, a mixture of mustard oil with camphor creates a strong and potent homemade chest rub as a topical treatment. Air filters One of the more troubling symptoms of asthma is wheezing. This is a high-pitched coarse sound made when air passes the narrowed airways in the lungs. Inflammation, mucus, and even muscle spasms can obstruct the airway. Air pollution is also a major contributing factor to the discomfort; this is when air purifiers come in handy. Air purifiers rid the air of all potential allergens and help improve air quality in the surroundings.