Diabetes mellitus also known as diabetes has become a common disease in the whole world. Diabetes has been derived from a Greek word which means siphon and mellitus meaning sweet. This disease is a consequence of an excess of sugar in the urine and blood of the affected people. According to a survey in 2013, around 382 million people around the world have diabetes. Types of diabetes Diabetes is a deadly disease that can strike anyone at any age and from any walk of life. Earlier it was said that diabetes occurs after middle age. But nowadays, it has been observed that it can affect anyone irrespective of their age. The most common forms of it are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually occurs during pregnancy and is not a lifelong disease. Type 1 diabetes: It can also be termed as a metabolic disorder because type 1 diabetes results in the body failing to produce insulin. It is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes as the insulin is induced in the body from outside. This is popularly known as juvenile diabetes. It is also termed as early-onset diabetes. Its main symptoms are extreme thirst, erectile dysfunction, frequent urination, sudden weight loss or gain, blurred vision, lethargy, fatigue or drowsiness, increased appetite, etc. Smoking and consuming alcohol can aggravate cardiovascular diseases in diabetics. Therefore one should quit smoking and drinking. There are many diabetes foods to avoid. A healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy diet, adequate exercise and taking insulin can benefit people with diabetes to a great extent. Type 2 diabetes: In type 2 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin for the proper functioning of the cells or it becomes insulin resistant. This is the most common form of diabetes seen in people. Its causes may include leading an unhealthy lifestyle, not eating right, getting inadequate or no sleep, lack of exercise, depression, stress, smoking, etc.

Irritable bowel syndrome, which is also known with its abbreviated form IBS refers to a colon disorder or the large intestine disorder. Being a chronic disorder, it can affect the normal lifestyle of patients to a great extent. Though the symptoms often vary from one patient to other, the common signs experienced by patients are constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping. Even if the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are quite distressing, it does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Apart from a few exceptional cases, the signs and symptom of irritable bowel syndrome can be easily controlled with certain irritable syndrome medication as well as lifestyle changes. Medication to treat irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome is generally treated depending on the symptoms experienced by patients, as the causes often vary from one individual to other. Apart from lifestyle and dietary changes, doctors recommend two types of irritable bowel syndrome medications for treating the condition, viz. Alosetron and Lubiprostone. Alosetron works by relaxing the colon and controlling the waste movement by lowering bowel. Though this is an effective medicine for Irritable bowel syndrome, it is seldom prescribed owing to some side-effects related to it. Doctors prescribe it when other medications fail to control diarrhea or improve the symptoms of IBS. Lubiprostone is an effective medication for women, who have attained the age of 18 years and are seldom used for men. It increases the fluid secretion in the small intestine, which in turn helps the stool to pass easily. Patients taking this medicine often complain of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Supplements and symptomatic medication for irritable bowel syndrome Antispasmodic and anticholinergic medication- Patients complaining of painful bowel spasm or diarrhea are generally prescribed this irritable syndrome medication to control bowel movement. However, some may get constipated or face difficulty in urinating after taking this medication.

The most important sign of aging is the lack of firmness in our skin. Our skin becomes loose, appears saggy and less elastic as compared to what we had in our younger years. Loosening of skin is a part of the natural skin aging process, and it is an issue of cosmetic concern for women who desire for a youthful appearance and beauty. Sagging skin is primarily evident on the face and neck. Sagging skin around the neck is a huge cause of concern for many people and can lead to facial disturbances. In addition to aging, other factors like genetics, the gravity of the sun, exposure to harmful UV rays or other artificial sources, weight fluctuations, etc. can also add up to the cause. Most people notice sagging skin around their neck in the mid-40s when the skin reduces the ability to bounce back or pull back as it loses its elasticity. With age, the skin loses its supportive connective tissue called collagen and elastin which helps to make our skin look plump, glowing and soft. This takes a toll on our facial muscles which can weaken with age. A wide range of treatment options are available to give a boost to our skin like topical creams, laser treatments, surgery, etc. Read on to know how to tighten loose skin on neck – Treatments to tighten loose skin on neck- The tightening of skin requires a combination of exercise, healthy diet and proper medication which can help to lift our skin. Exercise provides relief for our neck and lower facial muscles like stretching, chewing, skipping, etc. which can help to tighten loose skin on neck. Certain facial movements, expressions, and gestures where neck muscles are used should be avoided. Nutritionally well-balanced diet can help to tighten loose skin on neck, avoid wrinkles and maintain the elasticity of the skin.

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen. As the drusen increases in size, vision problems arise. Drusen is a characteristic feature of dry AMD. Wet AMD Tiny blood vessels form underneath the macula attempt to clear the drusen from the retina. These blood vessels cause fluid and blood to leak into the macula, leading to scarring and macular damage. This can lead to serious symptoms like blind spots and distorted vision. Symptoms Macular degeneration escapes attention, till you experience diminished vision. The primary symptom is blurred central vision. Faces, writing, and images get distorted in the central view. You lose visual acuity. You cannot see the fine details, and it becomes difficult for you to read and drive.

Knee pain is something we all must have experienced or do experience every now and then. Knee pain surprisingly develops from everyday wear and tear, which could be sports activities, running errands, previous injury, or simply getting old. If everyone didn’t know, the knee is the largest joint in our body. Doctors and experts say that knee pain is generally caused due to some previous injuries or sudden twists in knee movements. Prolonged pressure on the knee can also cause severe to moderate knee pain. Knee pain can have various symptoms like redness around the area, swelling, stiffness, weakness or instability, and crunching noises; one of the major symptoms is the inability to fully straighten the knee. Moreover, one must not ignore any discomfort in that area and must quickly get relief. Here are some remedies that can be done at home or under the supervision of an expert. These remedies can help you get rid of knee pain or at least give you some leverl of knee pain relief that you might just be hoping for. Ginger tea and turmeric Both these ingredients are anti inflammatory and help a lot in curing arthritis issues. Moreover, turmeric is full of anti-oxidants, which helps in knee pain relief and cure. You can easily make some tea infused with ginger and add a little bit of turmeric and have it so that you can be eventually free from any bodily pains. Epsom salt soak Epsom salt soak has been widely used for treating body pain, and it is especially used for knee pain relief. Epsom salt is rich in magnesium sulfate and many doctors recommend using this. All you have to do is mix some Epsom salt in a bowl and soak the area to relieve yourself from any pain. For knee pain relief, have a long bath with Epsom salt mixed in water.

Cholesterol levels vary with age, gender and weight. A human body starts to produce more cholesterol with time. Thus, it is important for an adult to check their cholesterol levels every four to six years ideally, sooner than later. There are three categories in which cholesterol is measured: Total cholesterol HDL or good cholesterol LDL or bad cholesterol Most people struggle to balance these levels. It is important to keep LDL and total cholesterol level in check. However, having increased levels of HDL cholesterol would offer protection against developing heart-related ailments like strokes and heart attacks. How cholesterol levels differ with age? Cholesterol levels increase with age due to various reasons related to health and lifestyle. Thus, doctors recommend taking precaution early on in life to avoid high levels of cholesterol development as a person grows older. Unmanaged cholesterol developed in the past years would be quite difficult to treat. Children are rarely diagnosed with high cholesterol levels and thus they need to have their levels checked only once or twice before they are 18 years old. Children who are at risks of having high cholesterol levels due to other health conditions, they must check their levels frequently. It is seen that males tend to have increased levels of cholesterol than women throughout their life. It increases with age. However, it is not rare to see high cholesterol level in women as well. The levels in women increase when they go through menopause. Healthy levels as per different age group Healthy levels of cholesterol do not differ much in adults. The recommended levels change due to additional health conditions and considerations. Ideal cholesterol levels in adults The total cholesterol levels in an adult should be below 200 mg/dL. If the range is between 200 and 239 mg/dL, it is considered borderline high.

Gout is an acute inflammatory type of arthritis. Gout attacks are chronic painful reddish inflammation and tenderness of the joints. The most commonly affected joint is that of the big toe which affects over 50% of the patients. Other commonly affected joints are the elbows, knees, fingers, and toes. Gout is caused by a deposition of uric acid crystals in the bone joints. Uric acid is formed by the natural breakdown of waste material in the body. In normal situations, the kidneys clear out the uric acid produced in the body. In gout, the uric acid is not cleared completely or not cleared out fast enough. Gout can evolve into a chronic condition with recurrent attacks over time. Gout was once called the king’s disease or the rich man’s disease since it was associated with a lavish lifestyle and excessively rich diets. Gout is most common in older men who consume a lot of meat, seafood, and alcohol. Gout: how does it start? The primary cause of gout is elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid forms crystals that deposit around bones, joints, tendons, and cartilage. The depositions cause inflammation and pain. Over time, uric acid deposits can also cause bone erosion. Gout attacks can start in many ways, but the usual course is a sudden onset of inflammation and redness in the night followed by intense pain in a few hours. This attack can last for days or weeks before subsiding. There may be associated symptoms of fever, fatigue, and insomnia. Lifestyle factors like a high-protein diet and high alcohol consumption are contributing factors. Red meat, seafood, shellfish, beer, etc. are primary stressors for gout attacks. Genetics also plays an important contributing factor. Treatment: best Gout medicine The best approach to gout treatment is a two-pronged approach:

Diabetes is a condition that causes a hike or a dip in your blood sugar or blood glucose levels. This is one of the most common diseases, what with 29 million people in the US suffering from it. If you take care of your body and lead a healthy lifestyle while following a good diet, you can keep a tab on your blood sugar levels, and lead a healthy and normal life. Here is a list of a few drinks for diabetes that you simply must incorporate to your diet. Water When in doubt, always drink water. Water is something you cannot go wrong with, so make sure you drink water through the day. Water keeps you hydrated, and this, in turn, helps maintain your blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause dehydration. Also, drinking water regularly can help your body eliminate any excess glucose. Make sure you drink about 8 to 20 glasses of water a day. If water is too plain for you, add slices of lemon, orange, or flavored herbs like basil, mint, or lemon balm. This is one of the best drinks for diabetes one can consider having. Chamomile tea Chamomile tea is known for its medicinal properties and makes for a great drink if you’re diabetic as well. With no calories, great flavor, and a good amount of antioxidants, chamomile tea is one of the perfect health drinks for diabetes. Research suggests that when you regularly drink chamomile tea, your blood sugar levels come down as well. Chamomile tea also helps prevent and treat a list of complications like kidney disease, blindness, circulatory disorders, and much more. Coffee Black coffee is a great drink if you’re suffering from diabetes. It has less than 20 calories and only about 5 grams of carbohydrates in every cup.

Rotator cuff problems have afflicted us at one or the other point of time in our lives. These make basic activities such as brushing, getting dressed, and combing one’s hair difficult. Rotator cuff problems could afflict anyone, but athletes and sports persons are more vulnerable to this disease. Some Other Names Used to Refer to Rotator Cuff Problems Include: Swimmer’s shoulder Tennis shoulder Pitcher’s shoulder Shoulder impingement syndrome Muscles and tendons attached to bones present in the shoulder joint make the rotator cuff. These keep the shoulder stable and also allow a range of motion. The rotator cuff is made of four muscles and their tendons which help the shoulder to function. The humerus is attached to the scapula that sits right under the glenoid cavity. The ball and the socket help the regular function of the shoulder. Rotator Cuff Pain is Likely to Occur When: The arm stays in the same position for elongated periods of time. Like when one works on the computer for a long number of hours. If you then to sleep in a particular position over your shoulder, then you might experience an excruciating pain from the neck and shoulder. There won’t be any relief from the rotator cuff pain. One goes for outdoor sports which need one to move the arm overhead. Some such sports are tennis, pitching while playing baseball and swimming. Working in a way which requires the arm to stay overhead for a long time. People involved with painting and carpentry more vulnerable to rotator cuff problems. Bad posture could over time lead to problems of the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff issues could arise as an effect of aging. The rotator cuff pain will not relieve the patients if it’s not given timely treatment. Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury Rotator cuff tears could sometimes lead to intense pain on occurrence.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a common disorder that affects the digestive system. Symptoms of IBS include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, etc. Almost all symptoms of IBS are gastrointestinal. Irritable bowel syndrome has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. IBS can persist for years and may be interspersed with periods of no symptoms. Disorders such as anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome, are common in people with irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by changes in bowel movements without apparent cause. Based on this, irritable bowel syndrome is classified into four types depending on the type of bowel dysfunction, constipation dominant, diarrhea-dominant, both constipation and diarrhea, and neither constipation nor diarrhea. It is estimated that 10-15% of the global population is affected by irritable bowel syndrome. Signs and symptoms of IBS The signs and symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person. The primary symptoms of IBS are abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. Symptoms of IBS tend to be acute with attacks that are experienced for a few days or weeks. These attacks eventually subside and may be recurrent. Other symptoms of IBS are bloating, gas, cramps, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Along with this, there may be a sense of urgency in bowel movements and a feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation. Abdominal distension may also be seen. People with irritable bowel syndrome also tend to suffer from gastric reflux, a loss of appetite, lowered libido, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, and headache. Since these symptoms are rather vague, irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means that there are more serious conditions that must be excluded before a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome can be made. Signs and symptoms that point to a more serious disorder include blood in the stool, rapid weight loss, abdominal pain persisting at night, etc.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance that is found in almost all cells of the human body. Unlike what most people think cholesterol is an essential compound which is essential for your body to produce vitamins, hormones and other elements which help in the digestion of the food you ingest. Cholesterol is not the bad guy, in fact, its a significant factor inside your body. Your body is capable of meeting all the cholesterol needs by manufacturing it. On the other hand, cholesterol is also available in some of the foods you consume. It makes its way into the bloodstream using tiny packages called lipoproteins. These packages are composed of proteins on the exterior and fat on the interior. It is essential to know how to lower LDL cholesterol. Types of cholesterol: There are two kinds of lipoproteins which circulate the cholesterol around your body. Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) High-density Lipoproteins (HDL) Maintaining a nominal level of both of these types is crucial for good health. LDL cholesterol is referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. A high value of LDL in your blood means that there’s an active buildup of cholesterol in the walls of your arteries (these are blood vessels which are responsible for transporting blood from your heart to the rest of the body). If you have a high LDL level, you need to know how to lower LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is also known as ‘good’ cholesterol. That’s because HDL is responsible for bringing cholesterol from various parts of the body to the liver. The liver is capable of eliminating cholesterol from your body. High blood cholesterol High cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol are terms that can be used interchangeably because they pretty much mean the same thing, cholesterol that isn’t good for your body. You need to figure out how to lower LDL cholesterol.

Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient that contributes to the healthy functioning of our body. As it is not produced by our body and we need to get it from animal-based foods. Hence, there is a need to consume vitamin B12 rich food regularly to maintain good health. Vitamin B12 supplements are a good alternative to make sure that an individual doesn’t suffer from any severe deficiency disorders. B12 and Its Significance Vitamin B12 is water-soluble having a significant role in brain function and healthy nervous health. It is required for synthesizing of myelin- a fatty substance that forms a layer around the axons and enables quick transmission of brain signals. Vitamin B12 also helps in the formation of red blood cells. Moreover, it contributes to the synthesis of DNA and metabolism of fatty acid and amino acid. Vitamin B12 supplements can be very useful at the same time. Vitamin B12 Deficiency Vitamin B-12 deficiency is not a very common condition in America. In case you are unsure get a blood test done to diagnose yourself or consult a doctor. Common factors that lead to vitamin B12 deficiency could be aging or heavy alcohol consumption. Weight loss surgery, removal of parts of the stomach or long-term consumption of acid-reducing medication could also lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency. A vegan diet could be another obvious reason for incurring deficiency as there is no source of animal-based food intake. Such a person’s daily requirement would not be met and slowly lead to a deficiency. A few disorders could also lead to lack of B12 in your body. These are- Atrophic gastritis: thinning of the stomach lining. Pernicious anemia: a condition that impairs adequate vitamin absorption from food. Small intestine disorders like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite all hamper the normal vitamin absorption from food.