Allergic reactions affect everyone. Kids, infants, and toddlers are no exceptions. Your child could suffer from any of the numerous allergies. Identify the trigger, and consult with your pediatrician to find the right treatment. What are allergic reactions? Allergic reactions are the first signs of the body’s defense mechanism, kickstarting its work. The immune system releases a chemical called histamine which stimulates the body to display signals in the form of allergic reactions like—sneezing, running nose, rashes, etc. Histamine might help the body block or kick out invasive substances, but severe allergic reactions can be harmful. That is why people with allergies are prescribed antihistamines, which suppress the reactions caused by histamines. Allergies in kids Allergic reactions in kids can include skin symptoms like hives and rashes. These are caused by allergens like insect stings, animal dander, etc. Allergies can also manifest themselves in the form of respiratory symptoms like—blocked nose, itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing. Severe reactions can trigger anaphylactic shock, which can be fatal. Some common allergic reactions: Rashes or hives Itchy skin Bumpy, inflamed red spots Sneezing Running nose Nasal congestion Coughing Itchy, watery eyes Wheezing If the reaction is severe, and it develops into anaphylaxis, you might notice these symptoms: Swollen throat, tongue or face Dizziness Cramps, nausea, and vomiting Diarrhoea Your child may even become unconscious If you notice any of these severe symptoms, emergency medical attention is required, so rush your child to a hospital. Kids allergy relief Consult your pediatrician about your kid’s allergies, and try to identify the common triggers. Once you find what causes the reaction, do your best to keep your child away from triggers. Knowing the best kids allergy relief is of utmost importance. If your pet is causing allergies: You may have to consider giving your pets away If the allergy is not severe, you could give the pets frequent wash and brush to keep them free of dander Limit the contact the child has with animals If insect bites cause an allergic reaction:

When someone looks at you, what they preferably look at first is your eyes, face or even smile. But your hair is the most distinguished part of your face and defines how you look. Hair is an essential part of your body that compliments your personality, and overall looks. More healthy the hair growth, more elegance it adds to your appearance. But sometimes due to stress, lack of vitamins, genetics, hormonal imbalance and other environmental factors, people suffer hair loss. Hair loss can take away your confidence and even add make you look dull. But as sayings go, there is a solution for everything. Nothing is impossible, and you just need to find the right remedies that can improve your situation. Vitamins—the best solution for treating hair loss, as it can fill in the deficiencies, that your body requires. Our lifestyle and eating habits are not good enough because of work pressure, hectic life and people adapting themselves to the unhealthy junk food. All of this leads to lack of vitamins that are necessary for proper functioning of the body. Vitamins not only help fill in the requirement of the body but also help in hair growth. There are certain vitamins that help in hair growth. You should consume these vitamins regularly before you go all in for other artificial methods for hair growth. They can sometimes lead to other unwanted side effects. Best Hair Growth Vitamins The best vitamins that would accelerate hair growth are: Vitamin A : Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that helps in increasing the cell count, which in turn helps in accelerating hair growth. Vitamin A generates sebum, which is natural oil in the scalp area, which provides the hair, the shining quality and keeps the hair from drying. Vitamin A should be included in your diet, but make sure that you consume it in limits because consuming an excess of the vitamin can lead to hair loss.

If you’ve experienced the unpleasant irritation of restless leg syndrome, you know how hard it is to manage. Home remedies for restless leg syndrome are the best option to get you a good night’s sleep. Restless leg syndrome is a neurological syndrome that causes an uncontrollable and irresistible need to move the legs. It is also called Willis-Ekbom disease and the attacks usually occur while the person is trying to sleep. Occasionally, the arms may also be affected but in most cases, this syndrome affects only the legs. Restless leg syndrome can be chronic, with periods of relative ease and no symptoms. Home remedies for restless leg syndrome is a great way to manage this long-term condition. These remedies are often combined with medications and therapy for a more holistic approach to treat the chronic condition. Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome The characteristic symptom of restless leg syndrome is an urge to move the legs due to apparent feelings of discomfort or pain. The strange sensations subside when the legs are moved and resume when the legs are at rest. The sensations have been described as an ‘itch you can’t scratch’ deep in the legs. This symptom can occur with varying severity in different people, from a mild annoyance to cause major disruptions to a person’s life. This sensation is alleviated with movement and worsened with rest. Symptoms typically occur at night and not during the day. Causes Of Restless Leg Syndrome Most cases of restless leg syndrome have no discernable cause. This is known as idiopathic or primary restless leg syndrome. In 20% of cases, the condition is caused by an iron deficiency. Kidney failure is another common cause. This is called secondary restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome also tends to worsen during pregnancy. Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome The first step to treat a restless leg syndrome is to identify any underlying cause.

There can be many causes for swollen fingers, but when it occurs, it causes a lot of pain and discomfort. It becomes difficult to flex and move your fingers. Even simple tasks like picking up a pen, or writing becomes difficult. Swelling can occur due to injuries, allergies and also as symptoms of other diseases like arthritis. It can also be because of fluid retention. Blunt force injuries, injuries that cause a hematoma, a condition in which packets of blood accumulate outside the blood vessels after a finger trauma. Injuries can also occur if a thorn, a wood splitter or if other foreign objects penetrate your skin. Strains, fractures, sprains and other traumatic injuries on the hand, can also cause swollen fingers. Other causes may include – Animal bites on the finger can cause wounds and swelling. Insect bites and stings can also trigger finger inflammation. Tight gloves, rings that have become a tight fit on your finger, and other such constrictions can interrupt blood flow and cause swelling. Paronychia and Cellulitis are infections that can occur in the region of the hands and fingers, and cause swelling and pain. Septic Arthritis is caused by bacterial infection in the joints. This can also affect finger joints. Septic Bursitis can be another main cause. Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs near your joints. These cushion the muscles, tissues, and tendons and prevent friction in the joint regions. When there is inflammation of the bursae, it is called bursitis. Bursitis in your finger joints can be extremely painful. Lymphedema is a condition, where the Lymph fluid does not drain out of your body properly and starts collecting in places like your feet and hands. This can lead to the swelling of your hands and fingers. Heat can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to inflammation, redness, and soreness in the fingers and hands.

What is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force that transports blood through our circulatory system. It is a life force which pushes oxygen and nutrients around our circulatory system to feed tissues and organs. Blood pressure is also important because it distributes white blood cells and antibodies for immunity, and hormones such as insulin. The fresh blood that gets delivered also gathers the toxic waste products of metabolism along with the carbon dioxide we breathe out, and the toxins we clear through our liver and kidneys. The heart builds up blood pressure by pumping out blood when it contracts with every heartbeat. Biology Our blood pressure is highest at the commencement of its journey from our heart, and it is lowest at the end of its journey along smaller branches of arteries. That pressure difference is what causes blood to flow around our bodies. The condition of the arteries effect on the blood pressure and flow. What does Blood Pressure Values denote? Measurement of your blood pressure will give two readings. Your blood pressure will have two numbers, e.g., 120/80 mm. Hg. The number which appears on the left-hand side, being the highest number, is called systolic. The number which appears on the right-hand side, being the lowest number, is called diastolic. Systolic blood pressure denotes the highest pressure registered during the time your heart pushes the blood in your body system. Diastolic blood pressure denotes the lowest pressure registered, at the moment your heart rests between beats. Which number is more important? Typically, systolic blood pressure (the left side number) poses the main risk agent for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises incrementally with age due to the increasing rigidity of arteries. Blood Pressure Chart The blood pressure chart maps out levels of blood pressure at different times.

Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. There are steps one can take that might help prevent osteoporosis instead of having to treat it later. And should on already have it, he or she can still follow these steps to help reverse the disease. These include the following: Avoid having carbonated drinks. Champagne or any sort of fizzy drink causes calcium to seep out of your bones. The phosphate content in carbonated drinks increases the loss of the bone. Avoid too much of protein. It causes excess acidity which in turn leads to calcium being leached out of your body through your urine. Don’t block your stomach acids with drugs when you have a heartburn or hiatal hernia. Stomach acid helps absorb minerals that are significant for the well-being of the body including calcium. Acid blocking agents are to be taken for a few weeks, not for years together. Avoid caffeine. Studies say that with every cup of coffee, 150 mg of calcium leeches out of your body through your urine. If you have to have coffee, ensure you have an additional 150 mg of calcium every day. Make sure you take in the right kind of calcium. Tums, for instance, is a bad source of calcium because it has calcium hydroxyapatite which is not absorbed well and it decreases stomach acid. Remember, your body can absorb a maximum of 500 mg of calcium only at a time. Make sure you get some exposure to sunlight every now and then. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium and helps deposit it in the bones. Check your hormones regularly. In women, a decline in hormones after menopause leads to bone loss. In men, the equivalent of menopause is called andropause and it causes bone loss as well. Too much of cortisol, insulin, and parathyroid hormones are also culprits in bone loss.

Histamine is a chemical that triggers allergic reactions in the body as the immune system’s way of defending the body against foreign matter. It triggers symptoms like a scratchy throat, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Most allergy medications contain antihistamines to combat the symptoms. Apart from medications, certain foods contain nutrients that act as natural antihistamines and may help ease allergies. Here are a few foods that can help combat allergies. Vitamin C Among all natural antihistamines, vitamin C is one of the most effective ones when it comes to dealing with allergy symptoms. The vitamin also boosts the immune system as foods that contain it have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding foods like oranges, lemon, lime, kiwi fruit, and cantaloupe melon to the diet can help relieve allergy symptoms. Bromelain Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and is often useful for alleviating inflammation and swelling of the sinuses due to allergies. It also helps treat respiratory distress caused by allergic reactions. Bromelain is available as a supplement, but it is also naturally present in pineapples. That said, it is recommended to have pineapples in moderation as the fruit also contains histamine. Probiotics This is another highly beneficial group of foods that act as natural antihistamines. Foods with probiotics are good for the immune system and may also help ease allergy symptoms. Probiotic foods contain healthy microbes and are good for gut health and the digestive system. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso are a few probiotics that can help soothe allergies like allergic rhinitis. Quercetin Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid that is commonly found in apples and onions. This natural antihistamine can alleviate respiratory distress that may occur due to allergic reactions. Dietary sources of this enzyme also include honey, raspberries, red grapes, cherries, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits. Quercetin is also available in the form of supplements.

Asthma and its triggers For people who suffer from asthma, one of their biggest nightmares is to come across asthma triggers. There are many common asthma triggers and each affects patients differently. Here are some triggers that may surprise you: Mold Breathing in mold can trigger an asthma episode. Inspect your house regularly for the growth of mold. Depending on the humidity and moisture in the air, mold can grow in various places. A dehumidifier or an air conditioner is one of the best ways to keep humidity under control. Additionally, you can also use a hygrometer so that the humidity levels don’t go higher than 50%. It is also recommended to fix the water leaks, which may lead to the growth of mold behind walls or under floors. Smoke exuded from burning plants The smoke that comes from plants or burning wood is made up of very small particles and harmful gases. When you breathe in too much of this smoke, you can get an asthma attack. It is one of the most common triggers that only a few know about. Avoid wood-burning entirely and if a wildfire causes poor quality of air in the area, keep a check on the news to avoid those areas. Physical infections Physical infections can also trigger asthma. These may be triggers associated with influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and even cold. Additionally, allergies, sinus infections, and acid reflux can result in an asthma attack as well. In some cases, external physical factors can be the main trigger for asthma. This may include bad weather, high humidity, or even thunderstorms. Medicines There are certain medicines which may trigger your asthma. It is recommended to avoid the use of over-the-counter medicines as much as possible. However, if you want to consume certain medications, consult your physician and take their opinion.

Probiotic foods are those that have bacteria that is good for digestion. This includes bacteria like lactobacillus, bifidobacterium that help smooth digestion of food. Sometimes, the good bacteria in the gut can get destroyed due to various reasons. This leads to digestive problems. Consuming food that has probiotics is thus good for digestion. It can improve mental health, reduce depression, improve skin health, and can also be good for the heart. On the other hand, prebiotics are foods that help the probiotic bacteria grow. They have resistant starch and other nutrients that help gut-friendly bacteria flourish. Consuming prebiotics naturally helps good bacteria. Foods like raw bananas, artichokes, and cooked cold potatoes are good prebiotics. Let’s take a look at some of the foods that can improve digestion: Yogurt One of the best sources for probiotics is yogurt. Since it is formed by fermentation of milk, it contains lactic acid bacteria. It helps prevent diarrhea and is also useful for those who have digestive troubles. Those who want a healthier option can choose low-fat yogurt without sugar. Sauerkraut Sauerkraut is a good probiotic. However, only unpasteurized sauerkraut should be consumed as it is safer. Miso soup This popular Japanese soup is made from soy paste that has been fermented. It is rich in probiotics and vitamins and low in calories and fat. Kefir Kefir is a milk drink that is made from goat’s milk and is fermented. The fermentation ensures the presence of probiotics. Apart from the positive effect on the stomach, it is also good for bone health and improves general immunity. Tempeh Tempeh is a fermented product that contains probiotics and is made from soybeans. Apart from the probiotic benefit, it also has vitamin B12 that is essential for the body. Sourdough bread This is a type of bread that is fermented and is thus rich in probiotics.

Foods play a significant role in helping one manage pain in the body. Consuming foods that are deep-fried or high in sugar can worsen bone health and increase pain. On the other hand, eating foods that help improve bone density and contain anti-inflammatory properties may help manage pain and inflammation effectively. Let’s take a look at foods that help fight pain. Omega-3 fatty acids Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This helps reduce inflammation in the body and reduce pain significantly. They also protect against heart disease and other chronic conditions. Moreover, they improve brain function and provide one with protein, vitamins, and nutrients. Flax seeds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Berries and cherries Berries like blueberries and strawberries contain phytonutrients that help reduce pain and inflammation. One can consume fresh or frozen berries to help manage their pain effectively. Similarly, cherries contain anthocyanins, vitamin C, and polyphenols, all of which help control inflammation. If you cannot get access to fresh cherries, you can consume sugar-free cherry juice as it has similar effects on the body. Root veggies Garlic and ginger are two root vegetables that help elevate food preparations significantly. But apart from being tasty, they also contain healing properties that help reduce or manage pain and inflammation. Garlic also helps maintain a healthy heart and contains anti-cancer properties. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe stomach problems, cramps, nausea, and joint pain. Extra virgin olive oil Ditch the high-sodium salad dressings and fatty oils and opt for extra virgin olive oil instead. The “extra-virgin” on the packaging means that the olives have undergone minimal processing during oil extraction. Olive oil is super-healthy for the heart and contains lubricin, which helps keep the joints and cartilages healthy.

Family remedy books as well as research state that natural produce goes a long way in helping one deal with a health issue. Be it a common cold or flu or a long-term illness such as arthritis, natural foods, in combination with other remedies, help one manage the symptoms effectively. In fact, there has been research that states the presence of natural compounds that could help in the prevention of skin cancer. Anti-cancer options derived from natural resources Research shows that anti-cancer remedies are dominantly derived from natural resources like marine, microbial, and botanical sources. Skin cancer, specifically cutaneous malignant melanoma, is among the aggressive types of cancers that have a high mortality rate. Therefore, there has been a pressing need to study flavonoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, sulforaphane, vitamins, some polyphenols and crude plant extracts. These phytochemicals have been observed for their anti-skin cancer or anti-melanoma activities. Natural compounds that help combat skin cancer After discovering which natural compounds can be used to treat skin cancer, the best way to help prevent the illness is to consume these compounds in their most natural form. This article compiles a list anti-skin cancer compounds and which foods are a rich source of them. Flavonoids This plant-based compound comes with a variety of health benefits, and is renowned for its ability to reduce the risk of several types of cancers. Foods that are a potent source of flavonoids include berries, cabbage, onions, kale, tea, dark chocolate, parsley, soybeans, and citrus fruits. Terpenoids Terpenes are found in many spices, herbs, fruits, and vegetables. To load up on terpenoids, consume foods like mangoes, apples, citrus fruits, and spices like basil, rosemary, cinnamon, oregano, cloves, lavender, and black pepper. Carotenoids This compound is associated with an orange pigment, and that’s why foods high in carotenoids are in the shade of orange.

Cancer has become widespread in today’s world. Out of the many types of cancer, lung cancer is becoming common. Rapidly changing lifestyle and food habits contribute to the increase in cancer cases. Habits such as smoking and excessive drinking lead to the development of this disease. Once a person is affected by lung cancer, they need to analyze their lifestyle and make healthy changes. One of the most important ways to prevent the onset of cancer is to consume healthy food. Given below is a list of foods that help fight lung cancer: Pears and apples As per recent studies, scientists have discovered that pears and apples have a certain amount of phloretin chemicals in it, which helps in the recovery of lung cancer. Phloretin helps in reducing the growth of tumors. They also prevent fibrosis in the lungs, due to the presence of photo-chemicals in them. Green tea Green tea contains compounds such as Theaflavin and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG). These compounds are mainly used in cancer-curing drugs. It is important to consume freshly made green tea and not the bottled ones available in store, as the bottled ones have less or no traces of these compounds. Salmon Increased intake of salmon helps in providing increased nutrition. Salmon consists of Vitamin D3, which is one of the powerful resources to heal or recover from cancer. In most cases, the intake of Vitamin D can be increased by being exposed to sunlight regularly. However, people undergoing chemotherapy face a higher risk of sunburns, and therefore, cannot be exposed to the harsh sun rays. In such cases, salmon and other food products can provide your daily dose of Vitamin D. Ginger Ginger has several health benefits and it is rich in antioxidants like 6-Shogaol. It plays a prominent role in preventing the development of lung cancer by reducing the level of metastasis or spread of lung cancer.