Essential Vitamins for Preventing Hair Loss

Essential Vitamins for Preventing Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common condition that affects thousands of men and women across the country. A person can experience it on the scalp or other parts of the body. Frequent hair loss can affect a person’s self-esteem and can be an indicator of underlying health conditions. It is vital to know about the essential vitamins for preventing hair loss that can help in controlling the condition. Why does hair loss happen? First, let’s take a quick look at the causes and symptoms of hair loss. This condition is often a result of medication, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle or hereditary factors. Male pattern baldness or excessive loss of hair from the scalp, commonly known as alopecia, is mostly a result of genetic factors. Different people may experience different types of hair loss. Men and women lose their hair in different ways. Some people may experience symptoms such as thinning of hair or bald patches while others may find clumps of hair fall after brushing or washing their hair. People who have gone through radiation or chemotherapy experience hair loss all over the body, although this hair grows back once the treatment is complete. Other factors such as age, traumatic experiences or nutritional deficiency can also result in hair loss. The intake of nutrients in the form of vitamins is essential for preventing hair loss. Essential vitamins for preventing hair loss Vitamin A This vitamin is one of the best options for controlling hair fall. The cells in the body need vitamin A to grow and develop. This vitamin also helps the glands in the skin release a greasy substance known as sebum which conditions the scalp and maintains the overall health of the hair. However, an excess quantity of vitamin A can cause hair loss. Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, kale, and spinach are rich in beta-carotene which gets converted into vitamin A in our bodies.
A Guide to Identifying Alzheimer’s Disease and its Various Stages

A Guide to Identifying Alzheimer’s Disease and its Various Stages

Learning that a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s can take a toll on anybody. This progressive disease is emotionally and physically traumatizing as it gradually affects one’s memory, their ability to think and perceive. In order to manage the symptoms effectively, knowing about the stages of progress and treatment options is crucial. The experience of the disease may differ from person to person but the trajectory from the beginning to the end of the illness is the same. Given below are the 7 identified Alzheimer’s stages: Preclinical Alzheimer’s The preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s is not clearly observed and signs of memory loss or dementia are not evident. Family history alone may denote the risk of this stage or else one’s regular physician may recognize biomarkers signifying the risk, suggesting a visit to a neurologist. Normal forgetfulness After crossing 65, it is common to forget things. But at stage two of Alzheimer’s, the tendency to forget things tends to increase rapidly than in people of the same age group who do not suffer from the disease. Mild decline The symptoms at this stage are less clear and it usually continues for about 7 years. The symptoms gradually become obvious within 2- 4 years. Only those who are very close may detect the signs since they are still quite subtle. The quality of work may decrease and the victims may find it difficult to learn new skills. Other signs of the third stage include things like getting lost in a well-known route, difficulty in remembering correct words/names, an inability to remember recent news, inability to remember new names/ people, frequent loss or misplacement of an item, a decrease in concentration. Moderate Decline This 4 th Alzheimer’s stage lasts almost two years and marks the commencement of identifiable Alzheimer’s disease. In this stage, precise indications of the ailment are clear.
All You Need to Know about Neuropathy Foot Pain

All You Need to Know about Neuropathy Foot Pain

There are various ways to resolve neuropathy foot pain including medication and several therapies, but it is important to identify the underlying cause first. It occurs when there is damage to any of the peripheral nerves. Symptoms of Neuropathy foot pain Neuropathy foot pain is a result of some affected nerve of the peripheral system. The type of nerves that are involved include: Sensory nerves Sensations such as pain, temperature, touch, vibration through the skin are picked up by the sensory nerves. Motor Nerves The movement of the muscles is regulated by these nerves. Autonomic Nerves The heart rate, blood pressure, bladder, and digestion are controlled by the autonomic nerves. The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are as follows: Numbness or tingling A feeling of numbness or tingling that starts at your hands/feet and radiates to your arms and legs. Pain A feeling of sharp, burning, throbbing or freezing pain. Sensitivity You become extremely sensitive to light touch. Coordination Problems with balance occur as a result of poor coordination and sometimes you could fall. Muscle weakness If there is an impact on the motor nerves, there could be a resultant weakness of muscles or paralysis. Heat intolerance This occurs if there is an effect on the autonomic nerves. The sweating pattern is altered. Digestive problems Another side effect of the autonomic nerves that are affected is digestion problems. Bowel and bladder problems also arise. Dizziness Affected autonomic nerves are also responsible for dizziness along with changes in blood pressure. When only one nerve is affected due to peripheral neuropathy, it is referred to as mononeuropathy. When there are multiple nerves involved, it is known as polyneuropathy. Causes of Neuropathy in feet Neuropathy in feet can occur due to the presence of multiple diseases. The reasons for neuropathies are: Alcoholism There are vitamin deficiencies due to poor choice of diet in the cases of people suffering from alcoholism.
Gout Pain – Symptoms and Treatment

Gout Pain – Symptoms and Treatment

All of a sudden one experiences extreme pain in the big toe or other joints. The pain is excruciating and occurs at any time of the day. Such symptoms are typical of gout. Gout pain is a complex type of arthritic pain that occurs due to the build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream. The accumulation of uric acid forms sharp crystals in bone joints. The most common location where gout occurs is the big toe. A gout attack can occur to anyone. A gout attack typically lasts for 10 days, out of which extreme pain occurs during the initial three days. Gout attack starts at one joint and spreads to other joints when not treated. Pain relief for gout can be achieved by reducing the inflammation. Prompt treatment of gout foot pain results in the reduction of inflammation and pain and prevents spreading to other joints as well. Symptoms of gout pain Symptoms of gout pain vary with the severity and build-up of uric acid. Extremely painful gout pain is caused when the uric acid accumulates to the extent where crystals are formed at the joints. The common symptoms of gout pain are: Excruciating pain in the joints : Big toe is the most common joint that is affected by gout pain. It can also spread to other joints like elbow, ankle, wrists, and fingers. The first two to three days of a gout attack are most painful. Swollen joints : Gout is caused by the accumulation of uric acid at joints. This accumulation manifests as a swelling or bulge at the joints. Excessive uric acid deposits form crystals at the joints, which appear like tiny nodes under the skin. Moderate discomfort : After the extreme pain reduces, moderate to mild pain lingers at the joints. This discomfort lasts for weeks.
Effective Tips for Managing Insomnia

Effective Tips for Managing Insomnia

Busy work schedules and high-tech lifestyles are not easy to sustain. They have their own demerits which are reflected in the form of medical conditions that we fall prey to unknowingly. One such condition is insomnia that robs a person of the inability to sleep well. Most of the people facing this problem resort to various medications available for managing insomnia. Changing one’s lifestyle and switching to healthier habits reflect immensely on the mind and body. It is only by adopting good habits and following them that one can keep several medical conditions at bay. People dealing with insomnia must put alternatives to use such as trying home remedies, like those listed below, before resorting to insomnia medications for managing the condition. No smoking If one is facing insomnia and are an active smoker, then this is high time that one should quit. Nicotine present in cigarettes can trigger insomnia. Moreover, quitting smoking will also lead to a lower risk of high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, and even cancer. Exercise If one has not been exercising, then now is the time to give it some serious thought. Studies have shown that exercising regularly for about half an hour fosters good night sleep. Also, think about the fitness that one would gain from the workout. Exercise enables the body to not fall prey to obesity and cardiovascular problems. Limit the consumption of alcohol Although alcohol is a good sedative that induces sleep readily, excessive consumption of alcohol over a long time can lead to insufficient sleep which ultimately keeps the body from relaxing fully. Alcohol can also lead to the risk of strokes and heart failure. Hence, it is vital that one should keep a watch on their alcohol intake. Healthy diets If one is serious about keeping themselves healthy both mentally and physically, they should ensure to consume healthy food only.
Effective Treatments for Diabetic Nerve Pain

Effective Treatments for Diabetic Nerve Pain

Diabetes can trigger long-term health problems in people. If you do not regulate your blood sugar levels, and they remain high for a protracted period of time, it can lead to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy causes damage to the nerves that send signals to the brain from the hands and feet. It can cause numbness in the hands and feet along with a sharp, burning pain, known as diabetic nerve pain. Diabetic nerve pain happens as a result of nerve damage in people who have diabetes. Some people experience very mild symptoms, whereas the others may go through severe and disabling aches. The best way to prevent diabetic nerve pain is by regulating your blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Common causes of diabetic nerve pain High blood pressure : High blood pressure is perhaps the biggest cause of diabetic nerve pain, as excessive blood glucose levels can cause severe damage to nerve fibers running throughout the body, resulting in excruciating pain. At the same time, high sugar levels reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the nerves, which in turn weakens them. Obesity and high triglycerides : Obesity and high levels of triglyceride are also believed to increase the likelihood of nerve damage, leading to diabetic nerve pain. Reduced levels of HDL cholesterol : Low levels of good HDL cholesterol and high levels of bad LDL cholesterol also boost the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Treatments for diabetic nerve pain Once the nerves have been damaged, they cannot be replaced. However, there are some treatment options that can prevent further damage as well as relieve the symptoms. To begin with, you need to closely check and regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent them from going up. For this, you can take the help of some diet charts, exercise, and medications to keep the sugar levels within the limit.
9 Tips to Ease the Symptoms of IBS

9 Tips to Ease the Symptoms of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea can be daunting. It affects your large intestine, and you might experience symptoms like bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, and even constipation. It is a common disorder, and people under the age of 45 are known to be prone to it. Moreover, the disease occurs among women more than men as their reproductive hormones influence their gut hormones. Luckily, today several medications are available to treat IBS. Some people wonder about the effectiveness of these medicines, and it is true that for several years pharmaceutical companies struggled with developing safe medication for diarrhea. However, recently, they have come up with new medications to treat IBS. The two medicines are eluxadoline and rifaximin. Eluxadoline is known to cause fewer bowel contractions and therefore eases diarrhea. Rifaximinis an antibiotic that focuses on changing your gut bacteria, thus leading to a reduction in the symptoms of diarrhea. Even though IBS does not cause any grave ailment, its symptoms are quite painful and can interfere with an individual’s daily life. Although medication for IBS can help with the condition, other ways to ease the symptoms are available. Here are some tips that will help you if you have IBS: Talk to a mental health professional Speaking with a mental health professional is a good idea if you are looking for ways to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Anxiety and pain are correlated and talking to a psychologist can help you deal with the disorder. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy can also help in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. According to studies, over 40% of patients have experienced a reduction in their symptoms such as abdominal pain as well as bloating. A lot of professional therapists can help you go through the process of healing. They use the power of imagination for creating uplifting images in your mind.
Top 5 Acne Products to Choose From

Top 5 Acne Products to Choose From

According to various medical research reports, acne is a common skin condition that affects almost 85% of the people worldwide at some point in their lives. Usually, acne occurs when the pores in the skin get clogged with dead skin cells and oil. Some of the common symptoms of acne include pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Many factors like diet, genetics, excessive stress, various infections, and hormonal changes may contribute to developing acne. However, here is a list of the best acne products that are currently trending on the market. Also, some effective home remedies for acne treatment have been mentioned here. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne-Fighting Face Wash Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in this face wash. It helps in gently exfoliating the top layers of the skin unclogging all the pores. It not only lets the skin feel supple but squeaky clean as well. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment This product contains 5.5% benzoyl peroxide, which is a great option to kill bacteria and is good for spot treatment for the normal skin type. In addition, it contains LHA (lipohydroxy acid) that helps in exfoliating the skin to keep the pores free from future clogs. Differin Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment According to dermatologists, this is one of the best acne treatments . Adapalene, a type of retinoid, treats the acne by exfoliating your skin to unclog pores. A thin layer should be applied all over the face every day. Moreover, this treatment helps in reducing wrinkles, banning blemishes and combating aging. Sun protection should be used while using this. Neutrogena On-The-Spot Acne Treatment Vanishing Cream Formula If one has sensitive skin and is worried about the pimples, one can opt for this effective cream. It contains 2.5% benzoyl peroxide that helps in removing spots and even works for the sensitive skin.
Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

For some people, when they have a bloated stomach, their belly looks swollen or they might encounter intense abdominal pain. The reason may be abdominal bloating caused by something as mild as indigestion or too much gas forming up in the stomach and bowels. Fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, or infection are the possible causes of abdominal bloating. The cause of bloating is mostly harmless, and it can be treated at home by most people. However, abdominal bloating can be disturbing, especially when it is extremely painful. Let us have a look at some of the causes and treatments to get stomach relief from bloating: Causes of bloating Digestive disorders People who have various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have a bloating stomach. Studies show that stomach bloating is experienced by almost 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS. Fluid retention Excess bloating and temporary weight gain can be caused by bodily fluids that are deposited around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. Fluid retention in the abdomen is called the ascites and it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. It can be due to an abdominal infection, liver disease or, evendue to cancer. Dehydration Dehydration pauses digestion. The more water you drink, the more you get bloated. Constipation Another main reason for having a bloated stomach is constipation. Constipation causes the stool to settle in the intestines, thus leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach which causes pain, discomfort, and gas. The prominent reasons for constipation are the limited amount of fiber intake, not drinking enough water, or avoiding physical activity. Food allergies Food allergies, sensitives or lactose intolerance are other common causes of gas and bloating. The foods that trigger gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates.
Enlarged Prostate – Symptoms and Natural Remedies

Enlarged Prostate – Symptoms and Natural Remedies

The prostate is the muscular gland in the reproductive system of men, which is very small in size. Almost 50% of men who are in their 60s face prostate enlargement, and this percentage reaches 90% for those who are 85 years old or above. The first sign of prostate enlargement is frequent urination at night. This condition of an enlarged prostate is also called BPH or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. This condition takes place when the number of cells in the prostate gland begins to multiply, and the additional cells prevent the flow of urine by squeezing the urethra. Here are some of the causes and natural remedies for prostate enlargement. Causes of an enlarged prostate Enlarged prostate or BPH is a common medical condition for men who are aging, and men above 80 are the most likely to face some symptoms of BPH. However, the exact cause or the reason for BPH is still unknown. One of the factors for this could be the changes that occur in the generation of the male sex hormone with aging. Sometimes, prostate problems could be hereditary as well. Also, if there are any issues with the testicles, the person might also face the risk of developing BPH. Moreover, men whose testicles have been removed previously will not be facing the problem of an enlarged prostate. Symptoms of BPH Before proceeding further to know the remedies for prostate enlargement, you should be aware of the symptoms that are associated with BPH. These symptoms are mild at the beginning. However, they become more and more critical as time passes by. Therefore, it is extremely important to take the required action as soon as you face the following symptoms: The bladder is not getting emptied properly Urinating more than two to three times every night Weakened urinary stream Urge for urination out of nowhere Dribbling toward the end of urination Pain while urinating Blood coming out while urinating If you are continuously experiencing such serious issues, you need to seek advice from your doctor straight away.
Use These Remedies to Avoid or Control the Symptoms of Mold Allergy

Use These Remedies to Avoid or Control the Symptoms of Mold Allergy

Mold and mildew are types of fungi. The “seeds” called spores spread through the air. This usually happens in dry and windy weather; however, they also spread in fog or dew due to high humidity. A mold allergy is an overreaction due to breathing in mold spores. A person allergic to mold spores experiences itching and cough in eyes. In some people, mold allergy can be caused due to asthma. When people suffering from asthma are exposed to mold spores, they experience restricted breathing and other airway symptoms. This happens when the spores reach the lungs through the nasal tract. One may also experience symptoms of hay fever due to mold spores. Like symptoms of any other types of allergies, symptoms of mold allergy include sneezing, itching, runny nose, congested chest or a dry cough, and scaling of the skin. Here are some ways through which you can reduce the symptoms of mold allergy: To control the symptoms of mold allergy, take steps to limit your exposure to the spores, both indoors and outdoors. Pay attention to outdoor spore levels when they are high. Spore levels are more likely to be high in places like greenhouse, farms, flower shops, construction sites, and antique shops. If you still have to visit these places, make sure that you take your medication or wear a dust mask before you go in. If you are already experiencing symptoms of mold allergy, be aware of what to avoid. Wear a dust mask when you are near uncut fields and piles of damp leaves. Take a shower and wash away any mold spores that might have got stuck on your skin or hair. In order to control the symptoms of mold allergy, take measures to make the indoors less moisture friendly by controlling the amount of moisture in the air.
Here’s What Causes Chronic Diarrhea

Here’s What Causes Chronic Diarrhea

Diarrhea, an illness that leads to frequent watery stools, is a common healthcare concern in most developing countries, and even elsewhere. Almost everyone goes through some form of diarrhea at some point in their lives. Diarrhea is one of those conditions where the intensity of the illness makes the difference. While mild diarrhea may cause mere inconvenience, chronic diarrhea causes disabling and life-threatening conditions. Usually, diarrhea can majorly be characterized by loose stools, dehydration, cramping, and the like. Diarrhea becomes a major concern when it leads to dehydration and reduction of essential fluids in the body. While a minor case of diarrhea generally lasts for a few days, acute diarrhea gets cured in a couple of weeks. Chronic diarrhea, however, is the one that usually lasts for more than four weeks. Such a condition usually requires complete diagnosis and treatment. Several reasons can cause chronic diarrhea. While diarrhea that is caused by an excess of a certain food item can be easily treated, chronic diarrhea that may have stemmed out of a disease or a serious medical condition requires extensive treatment and care. Some of the common chronic diarrhea causes have been listed below. Infections Infection is one of the most common chronic diarrhea causes that requires immediate treatment. Chronic diarrhea can also be a result of the presence of an intestinal parasite or infection. An infection can be contracted from contaminated food and water, undercooked food, and the like. Often, food poisoning also causes chronic diarrhea that may also cause you to have the runs. People who are frequent travelers to tropical countries may have recurrent bouts of diarrhea. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is another common cause of chronic diarrhea which is accompanied by cramping and bloating. While most doctors cannot entirely diagnose the real cause of IBS, it is often caused by imbalances in gut bacteria, alterations in the gut motility, issues with fermented sugar, etc.