Depression is a health condition characterized by feeling low and out of control of one’s moods for a long time period. Often, there is no specific cause this can be traced back to, but rather, it is the result of multiple factors at play at the same time. Depression has serious effects on one’s physical health and mental health. Individuals lose the motivation to indulge in hobbies, are listless throughout the day, and are unable to partake in their routine activities. Aside from medication and therapy, consuming the right food that can help boost mental health and fight depression is recommended. Foods that help manage the condition Just as some foods are good for the bones, there are some foods that go a long way in helping boost one’s mental health. Fighting depression is a gradual process, and the nutrients and foods listed below aid in the same. Omega-3 fatty acids Nuts like walnuts, fish, avocados are examples of food that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are among the favored foods to fight depression and boost mental health. Antioxidants Foods containing antioxidants help to fight the damage caused by free radicals, which in turn fights depression. Such foods are rich in vitamins. Proteins To help boost mental health in an individual, proteins should form a necessary part of their diet. Food items like eggs, chicken breast, and yogurt are protein-rich help boost mental health and fight depression in a person. Zinc Food containing zinc boosts the immune system of the body and also boosts mental health. Some examples are nuts, beans, and whole grains. Vitamin B Foods containing vitamin B aids in fighting depression and reducing mood swings. Some examples of food that are rich in vitamin B are eggs, oysters, fish, and whole grains. Mushrooms Research has shown that mushrooms are excellent to boost one’s mental health.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that makes one experience chronic swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint problems that majorly affect the arms or legs. However, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can also be experienced in different joints of the body. Inflammation is one of the glaring signs of one developing a condition like rheumatoid arthritis, and persistent flareups result in the worsening of these chronic symptoms. One of the first treatment options for a condition includes taking a prescribed course of the following class of medications. Prednisone Prednisone is a popular corticosteroid-class anti-inflammatory medication that targets inflammation and provides quick relief from one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. You can take this medication as a tablet or an oral solution. The dosage is adjusted accordingly depending on the form of the medication. Prednisone is the generic variant effective against rheumatoid arthritis. there are several brand variants of this corticosteroid that you can alternatively explore. With the GoodRx Gold Pharmacy card, you can save up to 78% on 10 tablets of 20 mg generic dosage. Depending on the dosage, the number of tablets purchased, and discount offered by the pharmacy, prices will vary. Ibuprofen It is an analgesic class non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication effective for managing the stiffness, swelling and pain due to rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. Ibuprofen specifically interferes with the production of certain enzymes as a countermeasure for the symptoms. It is available in the generic as well as the Motrin brand variants. Doctors may generally prescribe the oral tablets or a bottle of oral suspension that comes in varying doses. You can save up to 74% on 15 tablets of 400mg doses on the generic prescription. If you prefer the bottle of oral suspension, save up to 45% on a single 118 ml unit with 100mg/5ml dosage. Note that prices will vary depending on the form and variant of this popular medication.

A form of arthritis, gout leads to extreme pain, redness, and inflammation of the joints. The condition is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the bloodstream, leading to the formation of urate crystals. Uric acid formation takes place after the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods items and are also produced in the body. Gout flare-ups can occur suddenly. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties and eliminating foods with purines helps in dealing with the condition. Treatment methods using NSAIDs and corticosteroids can also help in the management of gout symptoms and flare-ups. Here are a few medicines that can be prescribed by the doctor for the same. Naprosyn (Naproxen) A popular medication, Naprosyn, is an NSAID available in different dosage combinations according to your prescription. This medicine is effective in dealing with muscle problems as well as severe joint pain. Furthermore, it helps in lowering inflammation and swelling. It is prescribed for gout and is also recommended for managing bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis. Generic versions of Naprosyn are available for $16.13 on an average, but with a GoodRX Gold membership, a discount of up to 76% can be availed for a dosage of 30 tablets of 500mg. A different dosage configuration will avail a different discount. Some pharmacies may offer lower prices with coupons of substantial discounts. Zyloprim (Allopurinol) With an average retail price of around $19.62, Zyloprim is available at a discount of up to 69% via GoodRx Gold in dosages of 30 tablets, each of 300mg. Different quantities and dosages have different offers applicable for them. A form of xanthine oxidase inhibitor, this medication works well in dealing with inflammation, pain, and other symptoms of gout. Moreover, Zyloprim is also prescribed for the prevention and treatment of high levels of uric acid, resulting from certain forms of chemotherapy.

Bunions are a common condition among many people. You might have either experienced one or seen a foot that has a bunion. The medical term for bunion is hallux valgus. Bunions are formed when the bone or the tissue shifts out of place at the bottom joint of the big toe. This change is often a result of prolonged abnormal motion of the feet. One of the most common causes of bunions is wearing the wrong kind of footwear for years. Excessive pressure on the big toe joint forces it to bend away, thus causing a lump at the joint. This lump or bunion is often very painful and requires immediate attention. Are Your Shoes To Blame? Bunions are mostly the result of the kind of shoes you wear. Shoes significantly influence the way we walk and might cause excessive pressure on the toes. Stilettos are a common cause of bunions among women. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Avoid wearing stilettos every day or for prolonged hours as a precaution against bunions. It is a common condition among older women. Research suggests that women tend to develop bunions more often than men. If your joints are flexible, your foot joints may adapt to all kinds of shoes. But if you have stiff joints, you are vulnerable to getting bunions. Here are a few bunion treatments that are sure to help you. Bunion Pads, Splints, And Shoe Inserts Help If your bunion isn’t too painful, you might have developed it due to uncomfortable shoes. Switch to comfortable footwear immediately. Make sure that you wear shoes of the right fit and avoid high heels. Orthotic specialists often suggest bunion pads, splints, and shoe inserts for relieving one’s feet of a bunion. However, if you have been advised to use these, you must take care that they don’t put pressure elsewhere on your foot.

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.

Among all types of skin textures, dry skin is one of the toughest to handle. Apart from people who naturally have flaky skin, most people will experience dryness as the winter approaches resulting in dullness, pigmentation, and itchiness on the face. Naturally, you have to alter your skin care ritual as season transitions. However, a skin care regime is influenced by a range of factors such as age, gender, skin type, skin concerns, and preferences. So, it is apparent that an identical skin care system or a single product will not work for all individuals. However, you can take a number of measures that can help you achieve revitalized skin even in winters. Following are some helpful dry skin care tips you can incorporate in your daily skincare ritual. Since the facial skin is sensitive, these mostly focus on using the right elements for cleansing and moisturizing. Coconut oil – If you don’t like using manufactured products, then you can use coconut oil to hydrate your skin. Just take a few drops of the oil and apply it to your face before bedtime. Apart from moisturizing, coconut oil is also an excellent makeup remover which gets rid of all the grime from your face. Likewise, it also has antibacterial properties which curb infections such as breakouts and tackles premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. Milk – Do you have sensitive skin? Then try milk instead of chemical face washes and creams. Apply some cold milk and oats on your face and wipe it away with cotton. You can also combine milk with turmeric to fight lifeless skin. Apart from nurturing the skin, milk also is an excellent dry skin care tip for slowing down fine lines and managing sunburn. However, ensure you only use milk if you don’t suffer from acne.

Helicobacter pylori are one of the most common types of bacteria to cause infection in the stomach lining and upper part of the small intestine. It’s the primary cause of ulcers across the globe, and about two-thirds of the world population have it inside their body. It is infamously referred as the “ulcer bacteria,” however with it can be avoided efficiently with healthy habits. Until the discovery of Helicobacter pylori, researchers believed spicy food, stress, smoking and other bad lifestyle habits are responsible for ulcers. But in 1982, experts found that this bacteria attacks the stomach lining that protects the stomach from acids which help in digesting food. It produces a cytotoxin named vacuolating cytotoxin A. After damaging the lining, it may bleed or cause infections and even keep food from moving through the alimentary canal. How can H. Pylori enter the body? Typically, this bacteria can enter the body via contaminated food or water. It’s most predominant in developing and underdeveloped nations where a shortage of proper facilities and infrastructure which ultimately leads to lack of basic sanitation. It is contagious and easily infects other people. Both adults and children are susceptible to this condition. The H. Pylori infection symptoms don’t arise instantly. So the condition can stay in a dormant state for years. What are the H. Pylori infection symptoms? In several cases, symptoms of infection don’t manifest. However, acutely infected people may have symptoms like: Belching Bloating Burping Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting, in severe cases the person might throw up blood Abdominal uneasiness Chronic abdominal pain In case of ulcers, a burning sensation may come and go and mostly when the stomach is empty. Ulcers bleed the linings of stomach and duodenum, thus show some symptoms like: Bloody, dark red or black stools Fatigue without no reason Anemia Breathing problems Diarrhea Dizziness Feeling full even eating minimal amounts of food Unexplained weight loss How are H.

Lower back pain can be caused due to an injury to the spine, muscles, or ligaments in the lower back area of the body. In some cases, it can also be caused by the compression of nerves coming out from the spinal cord, due to some medical condition or accident. Tearing or damage to the lumbar discs can also cause severe back pain and inflammation, that needs immediate attention. Sometimes, pain in the lower back region can also result due to some degenerative condition like arthritis or osteoarthritis . It can also be caused due to tumors, infections or any other bone deformity. The severity of the back pain depends on the degree of injury sustained by the spine. If the spine is badly bruised or injured in an accident, you must visit a doctor and get a check up done for any serious complications. However, if the pain is mild and is caused by sudden twisting or bending, it can be treated at home. The treatment you opt for the Lower back pain relief depends on the nature and severity of the cause. Following are some of the treatment options available for Lower back pain relief. Home remedies Home remedies like hot or cold treatment are effective in alleviating back pain, by numbing the area or blocking the nerves from delivering the pain signals to the brain. You can also increase the blood flow in the area to reduce any swelling. An ice pack or a hot compress can be used to treat lower back pain. Antibiotic Medication If the home remedies do not work for you, you can consult a doctor and can follow a treatment course. Muscle Relaxants to relax the muscles that surrounds the lower back and to ease the pain. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to reduce inflammation caused by injuries.

One of the most common types of heel pain is caused by a condition called Plantar Fasciitis, which is the swelling of a ligament called Plantar Fascia on the underside of your foot. A whopping 10% of the people in the entire world suffer from this condition. Sometimes, the pain can even become chronic. However, there are simple ways to deal with it. Read further to find out treatment of plantar fasciitis at home. Plantar Fasciitis: An Overview This condition is caused whenever you put excessive strain on your feet. It is most common in middle-aged people, but it can also affect younger adults who are on their feet for long periods, like athletes. Repeated straining can cause small tears in the ligament which can lead to chronic pains. Home Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis Even when you visit a doctor, the first solution they give you is steps you can take to treat the pain on your own. Some of these are mentioned below. Rest Your Feet: Ensure that you give your feet ample amount of rest. If any activity is causing pain, avoid it. Support Your Feet: The best way to do this is by wearing supportive footwear that has a good heel cushioning and arch support. You can even buy shoe inserts to put into your footwear instead of buying expensive shoes for treatment of plantar fasciitis. Use A Cold Pack: Using ice or a cold pack can reduce the inflammation and ease the pain. Don’t apply ice directly on your feet, always wrap it in a towel. You can also alternatively use frozen peas or grapes wrapped in a towel for the same effect. Give It Some Heat: If ice doesn’t help with the symptoms even after two or three days, you can try a heating pad or a hot water bag to relieve pain.

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.

Fluid buildup in the muscles and tissues cause swelling in the feet. If you are hale and healthy, swollen feet can be a result of exertion. Taking adequate rest and keeping the legs elevated brings down the swelling. When it gets severe, swollen feet, medically termed as peripheral edema, can lead to difficulty while walking, skin ulcerations, scarred tissue, increase the risk of infection and a decrease in blood circulation. Peripheral edema can manifest across all age groups. The elderly who have suffered a muscle wear and tear, and athletes engaged in high impact activities, are at a higher risk of suffering from swollen feet and ankles. The swelling is painless and can occur in one or both the legs. Primary Causes The feet can swell due to—injury, pregnancy, ageing, being overweight, excess consumption of salt, underlying medical conditions, high altitude, binge drinking, menstruation/PMS, standing or sitting in the same position for long duration, and intake of medications such as antidepressants, steroids, birth-control pills with high estrogen, calcium channel blockers, and medication for diabetes. Heart, liver and kidney failure can also cause swollen feet, due to the accumulation of fluids. Other underlying conditions that can be the cause for swollen feet include—varicose veins, insect bite, arthritis of the feet, thyroid disorder, venous insufficiency, blood clots, excessive use of laxatives, drugs, and diuretics, salt retention, malnutrition, lymphatic obstruction, any allergic reaction, and leg or foot surgery. Treating the underlying medical condition and a monitoring diet and lifestyle can help to prevent swollen feet. Here are 10 natural remedies for swollen feet that are effective in reducing the swelling. Foot Massage The best and effective remedy for swollen feet is a foot massage. When the feet are massaged, the pressure applied to the affected area relaxes the sore muscles and improves circulation.

Living with a chronic condition can take the fun out of many things, and that’s exactly how people with diabetes feel. They have to constantly monitor their blood sugar levels, as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia might be just around the corner. People with diabetes are taught to coexist with the condition, as there is no complete cure discovered for this ailment that affects more than 100 million people in the country. Diabetes is a condition that arises due to the body’s inability to create or process insulin, which causes disparities in the blood sugar levels. What we eat has a major impact on our blood sugar levels, and people with diabetes have to be extra cautious about what they eat, as it can dramatically alter their blood sugar levels. However, this doesn’t imply that a person with diabetes has to completely give up eating tasty food just because tasty equals unhealthy in a diabetic individual’s dictionary. In addition to the three square meals that are imperative for a diabetic to consume, it is equally important for them to keep munching on snacks every two to three hours, as it will keep their blood sugar levels steady. Instead of sulking about eating salads for snacks, here are some easy snack recipes you can try making. You can rest assured, as these easy snack recipes are absolutely diabetes-friendly, and they wouldn’t tamper with your blood sugar levels. Sliced apples with peanut butter Apple is the quintessential nutritious fruit; it contains a plethora of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins, and when it is paired with the all-time favorite peanut butter, you have just created the uber-nutritious easy snack to binge on. Contrary to what people believe, peanut butter is quite healthy; it contains specific amounts of vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium, each of which plays a major role in helping manage diabetes.