Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that currently affects around 5 million people in the world, out of which 1.5 million are in the people in the country with more than 16,000 cases being reported every year. This disease occurs when the immune system of the body can’t differentiate between the healthy tissues and harmful germs, leading to the creation of antibodies that attack healthy cells and tissues. Although the cause of the lupus is still unknown, research suggests that genes play an important role in the development of lupus symptoms in women as well in men. Lupus affects everyone differently and usually starts in early adulthood, anywhere between the teen years and the 30s. Some people are affected with mild symptoms, while others may have more severe symptoms of lupus. Early symptoms have some resemblance with other conditions, and this might make the diagnosis confusing. So, what are the symptoms of lupus? Let’s discuss them in the next context. Fatigue Almost 90 percent of people with lupus experience some level of fatigue. An afternoon nap can help fight people to deal with fatigue, but sleeping too much during the daytime can sometimes lead to insomnia at night. On the other hand, if you want to keep your energy levels high, then sticking to a daily routine and remaining active can be effective. Unexplained Fever An unexpected low-grade fever with no apparent reason is one of the early lupus symptoms. During this time, the body temperature may vary between 98.5 and 101 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of unexplained fever associated with lupus disease could be due to an inflammation, infection, or imminent flare-up which has a nature of frequent occurrences. However, if you are experiencing recurrent low-grade fevers, then making an appointment with a doctor is advisable. Hair Loss Hair loss or thinning of hair could be the result of inflammation of the skin and the scalp, which is often considered to be one of the early lupus symptoms.

Cholesterol is a thick and waxy, fat-like substance widely found in every cell of the body. Produced by the liver, cholesterol is essential for the production of certain hormones, vitamin D as well as some substances that aid in digestion. Cholesterol is transported through the bloodstream by small particles called lipoproteins. Healthy cholesterol levels protect an individual against heart diseases. However, at the same time, if the level of cholesterol rises beyond a certain limit, it can build up in the arteries and become the cause for a heart attack or stroke. There are two types of lipoproteins — low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which causes heart diseases, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which returns the LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination from the human body. If the level of LDL cholesterol is high, or the level of HDL cholesterol is low, fatty deposits can build up in the blood vessels, leading to a blockage of the arteries. This condition is called high cholesterol. Thankfully, there are plenty of treatment options that help in controlling the LDL cholesterol levels. Common symptoms of high cholesterol There are no visible symptoms of high cholesterol. So, an individual could have this condition and yet know nothing about it. If a person has high cholesterol, their body will store all the excess cholesterol in the arteries. Arteries are responsible for transporting blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can result in plaque, which in turn makes these arteries narrow. If the cholesterol levels keep rising, it can lead to a blockage in the arteries. In case the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles get blocked, a person can have a heart attack. Similarly, if there is a blockage in the artery that delivers blood to the brain, a person experiences a stroke.

Lupus is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and pain across the body. It occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks healthy tissues and organs, which means it is an autoimmune condition. Unfortunately, there is no specific meal plan for lupus. That said, eating and avoiding certain foods can help manage the symptoms and prevent complications. So, let’s look at what foods to eat to prevent lupus flare-ups. Flaxseeds It is considered a superfood by many nutritionists. Adding flaxseeds to your daily meals can avoid or reduce lupus flare-ups to a large extent. The alpha-linolenic acid present in it has atherogenic properties that can reduce inflammation associated with lupus. The lignans present in flaxseeds are platelet-activating factor (PAF) – receptor antagonists that can also be beneficial in treating lupus nephritis. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, trout, and herring are rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and HUFA (highly unsaturated fatty acid), which are a type of omega-3 fatty acid. These nutrients are associated with decreasing inflammation due to autoimmune diseases like lupus. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce or avoid lupus flare-ups include Brussels sprouts, algal oil, chia seeds, walnuts, among others. Whole grains Metabolism plays an essential role in any disease management. In this case, a poor metabolism may lead to developing lupus. Refined grains reduce the body’s metabolism, which can increase the risk of lupus inflammation as they take longer to process. Nutritionists recommend eating whole grains like rye, barley, cracked wheat (bulgur), quinoa, and oatmeal as they are lighter on the digestive system and contain healthy fiber that aids in digestion, decreasing the risk of inflammation. Fresh fruits and vegetables Researchers believe that one of the reasons for autoimmune diseases like lupus is the lack of nutrients in daily meals. As the body processes the food we eat, it leaves behind free radicals.

The food items we eat greatly influence our health. In today’s food market, processed and junk food is quite high in consumption. This leads to a variety of diseases including high cholesterol. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the lipids in your blood. While cholesterol is a necessity when it comes to building healthy cells, having high levels of cholesterol in the body increases your risk of the onset of heart diseases. Cholesterol level diagnosis is a necessity when it comes to determining the cholesterol levels in your blood. The only way to determine cholesterol levels in your blood is a blood test. High cholesterol in your blood may lead to the development of fatty deposits in your blood vessels. These deposits hamper the flow of blood through your arteries. Having a decreased flow of oxygen-rich blood increases your risk of heart disease and may lead to a stroke as well. We have covered the course of cholesterol level diagnosis and treatment. Cholesterol level diagnosis LDL cholesterol level diagnosis – Mentioned below is LDL cholesterol level diagnosis. Having cholesterol levels below 70 mg/dL is best suited for people suffering from diabetes or heart disease. Having cholesterol levels between 100 mg/dL and 129 mg/dL is near optimal if you are not suffering from heart disease, and high if you are. Having cholesterol levels between 130 mg/dL and 159 mg/dL is borderline high if you are not suffering from heart disease and high for those suffering from heart disease. If your LDL cholesterol levels are between 160 to 189 mg/dL, it is considered to be high. If you are suffering from heart disease, these levels are dangerous. If your cholesterol levels are above 190 mg/dL, they are very high. You should seek immediate treatment for the same. HDL cholesterol level diagnosis – The lower the amount of LDL in your blood, the better it is for your health.

A type of fat, cholesterol is lipid is essential for the body to function properly. However, too much cholesterol is bad for the health and can have an impact on the most vital organ of human body, the heart. Bad cholesterol often causes heart stroke and other heart-related diseases. Medical terms used by doctors to signify bad cholesterol include lipid disorder, hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia. Cholesterol level diagnosis is made with a simple blood test called lipoprotein profile or fasting lipid. Following are the four numbers that are taken into consideration while performing cholesterol level diagnosis. These are: Total Blood or Serum Cholesterol This takes into account the total sum of High-Density Lipoprotein and High-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol scores.It is also a good indicator of whether the patient has a risk for heart disease. Optimal – Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline high – 200-239 mg/dL High – 240 mg/dL or higher High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Known as good cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) helps in keeping the arteries clear of blockage caused by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is also known to protect people against heart disease. For this reason, higher HDL score is always good. But, if HDL falls below the marked range, it is considered that the patient is prone to suffer heart diseases. Low – Should be less than 40 mg/dL(men) and 50 mg/dL (women) Normal – 45 mg/dL + for men and 55 mg/dL + for women Optimal – 60 mg/dL and above lower danger of heart disease Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) High level of bad low-density lipoprotein cholesterol leads to blockage in arteries and increases chances of heart diseases. Thus, low level of bad LDL is always good to protect health. Optimal – Less than 100 mg/dL Normal/Near Optimal – 100-129 mg/dL Borderline High – 130-159 mg/dL High – 160-189 mg/dL Very High – 190 mg/dL and above People suffering from metabolic syndrome or heart diseases should ensure that their LDL is lower than the optimal number recommended.

When a tumor or any other illness grows and spreads from its point of origin to other parts of the body, it is called metastasis. Similarly, metastatic breast cancer occurs when the cancerous cells from the breast spread to other body parts. In most cases, if breast cancer metastasizes, it is likely to appear in the following regions: Brain Bones Liver Lungs If the cancer is confined to the breast, several effective treatment options are available to cure it. However, if it spreads to the nearby areas, it becomes quite difficult to cure. Therefore, it is vital to spot the signs of metastatic breast cancer as soon as possible to ensure that suitable treatment can start immediately. Symptoms of metastatic breast cancer The initial stages of breast cancer typically do not exhibit any symptoms. Once the symptoms begin to appear, they are most likely to include a strange formation or lump in the breast or under the armpits. In the case of inflammatory breast cancer, the symptoms can include redness or swelling in and around the breast area as well as a mild sensation of pain. When breast cancer metastasizes, a patient may experience the following symptoms: Development of a lump Changes in the skin such as skin ulceration or dimpling Nipple discharge Pain or discomfort while moving the arms Swelling in the breast or arms Large, hard, and deep lymph nodes under the arm or the neck. Also, the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer are easily noticeable changes in the shape of the affected breast. Here are some advanced symptoms of the condition: Difficulty in sleeping Excessive fatigue Digestion problems Shortness of breath Anxiety or depression A feeling of pain or discomfort Some significant signs of metastatic breast cancer One of the most common signs of metastatic breast cancer is difficulty in breathing.

Have you ever heard about meningitis? Do you know what it is and what are all the things that are related to it? Is meningitis contagious? These are some of the common questions about meningitis. The fact of the matter is that many people are not completely aware of this disease. However, as it turns out, this is one of the most serious diseases. An acute inflammation of the meninges (the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) is known as meningitis. As it affects the membrane that protects the brain, this disease is dangerous. According to the statistics, there were around 4,100 cases of bacterial meningitis each year from 2003 to 2007, and 500 of those cases were fatal. Meningitis is a disease that is found in various parts of the world. It has many types, of which bacterial meningitis is the most common. And sometimes the symptoms vary based on the age too. Types, causes, and symptoms of meningitis Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis is caused by the bacteria that enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and the spinal cord. This can also happen if the bacteria invade the meninges directly. The causes for this are skull fracture, an ear or sinus infection, and sometimes surgeries. The symptoms in this type of meningitis usually develop suddenly. Altered mental status, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, irritability, headache, fever, chills, stiff neck, drowsiness, and lethargy are some of the symptoms of bacterial meningitis. One should seek immediate medical attention if he or she notices any of the above symptoms as bacterial and another type of meningitis called viral meningitis can be very dangerous and lethal. Viral meningitis Viral meningitis is mild in nature and mostly clears on its own. Most of the cases of this disease in the country are due to a group of viruses named enteroviruses.

Hepatitis C is an infection caused by a virus that attacks the liver and damages it. This leads to inflammation of the liver. The virus that causes this condition is the hepatitis C Virus (HCV). This disease was identified in the year 1989 until when it was termed as non-hepatitis A and non-hepatitis B. HCV is one amongst the well-known hepatitis strains of hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. As of 2015, about 2% of the world, that is, around an estimate of 143 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis C. Though there are various methods of treatment available for this disease, there is no availability of vaccines to prevent the occurrence of this disease. The disease is spread by direct blood to blood contact. It is a highly contagious disease. The spreading of the disease occurs majorly due to organ transplant, blood transfusion, sharing needles (usually with the usage of intravenous medicines), body modifications (tattooing with unsterile needles, nose/ear piercing), shared items (sharing items such as razors and toothbrush), during childbirth (the mother can pass down the virus to the child), and sexual contact (if it involves the exchange of blood). There are various methods of treatment for this disease. Few do not need a treatment because the antibodies produced as a natural phenomenon by the body take care of fighting off the infection. They are given antiviral medications and are constantly monitored. The identification of the presence of these antibodies in the blood is a method of detection. For the patients whose level of liver scarring is high, a liver transplant is recommended. Symptoms of hepatitis C In humans, the symptoms of hepatitis C are not obvious and are dormant for a long term. In order to be able to avail proper treatment for this highly contagious disease, here is a list of symptoms of hepatitis C.

A pulmonary embolism can have many symptoms that are associated with other medical conditions like heart disease. However, if you do identify any of these symptoms in yourself or others, contact your nearest medical emergency services as it can be a life-threatening situation. What is a Pulmonary Embolism? A pulmonary embolism is a block in blood vessels associated with your lungs. These blockages can restrict blood supply to the lungs and deplete oxygen levels in the body because the lungs are affected. It can also lead to other complications. Mostly, pulmonary embolism is caused by blood clots, and a major cause of these blood clots is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Deep Vein Thrombosis DVT is a condition in which a blood clot develops in a vein that is deep in your body and not near the surface. These blood clots commonly begin at the calf muscles or thighs. However, these deep-vein blood clots can also begin somewhere else in the body. Wherever they begin, they can travel through the bloodstream and reach vital organs in your body, like your lungs. When the block occurs in a blood vessel that is connected to the lungs, it is a pulmonary embolism. Some of the most common causes of DVT are as follows: A leg fracture that damages a blood vessel which leads to blood clotting Obesity which can exert pressure on your legs A catheter inserted into a vein Hereditary – Other members of your family, previous generations, have had DVT Smoking Hormone medications Hormone fluctuations like pregnancy Being seated for a long time Some medical conditions like cancer, heart disease, and irritable bowel syndrome Surgery can also result in blood clots Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms and Diagnostic Tests A pulmonary embolism is caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to your lungs.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure along the artery walls becomes high. As time passes, the increase in the blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to heart diseases, strokes, or even kidney diseases among other health problems. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because it does not show any symptoms. In some cases, it even goes unnoticed until the symptoms get out of hand. Over 75 million people in the country have hypertension. DASH diet The most popular and effective way to control high blood pressure is through a DASH diet. It stands for a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. This diet includes plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Meats like poultry and fish are also a part of this diet. Low-fat dairy is another vital part of the DASH diet. The diet is curated to ensure that it has low amounts of sugar and salt, which will lower the blood pressure over time. There are no sweet beverages, red meat, fats, and desserts in this diet. People who follow this diet for a long time can also reduce their risk of strokes as well as artery diseases. Here are the recommendations that one needs to follow according to the DASH diet. Ideally, one should only consume 2,000 calories per day as a part of this diet. Grains with eight servings: You can include half a cup of pasta or one slice of bread. You can vary the portions and types of whole grains that you consume each day. Vegetables: That includes half a cup of cooked vegetables as well as raw green leafy vegetables. It is an essential part of the diet that one must consume every day. Fruits are also a vital part of the diet.

Dyskinesia is an involuntary movement that can either affect major muscle groups in the body or certain internal organs. Most commonly, it is observed as a long-term side effect of Parkinson’s disease. However, biliary dyskinesia that affects the gallbladder can also trigger severe sharp bouts of pain due to the involuntary movement. Dyskinesia can be managed with some necessary dietary changes given below: Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s Dyskinesia is a known symptom of the Parkinson’s disease that can also lead to a sudden increase in the daily calorie requirements. Note that a calorie deficit can trigger rapid weight loss among Parkinson’s patients. The best diet for dyskinesia must include bright-colored fresh fruits and vegetables including seasonal produce, which can restore nutritional balance. Berries, cranberries, pomegranate, and grapes rank among the top fruits. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help manage the symptoms to some extent. Salmon, tuna, Mackerel, halibut, herring, and sardines are some seafood that are packed with omega-3. One can also add whole grains, legumes, and nuts as directed by the nutritionist to supplement fiber and aid digestion. Nutritionists also recommend continuing daily protein intake sourced from lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy-free alternatives to build muscle and improve immunity. Proteins must also be balanced with carbohydrates taken from potatoes, rice, and bread among other substitutes. It is also important to drink plenty of water as it allows digestive systems to process foods and efficiently flush out toxins from the body. Biliary dyskinesia Dyskinesia in the gallbladder, the organ responsible for storing bile produced by the liver, is termed as biliary dyskinesia. The pain is often a result of the bile flowing back into the gallbladder due to a damaged sphincter duct connecting the small intestine. Although pain medications, NSAIDs, and surgery are some effective treatment options, here are some dietary changes that can help manage the condition.

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.