A blood pressure test indicates whether a person is suffering from low blood pressure or high blood pressure. The numbers indicated in this test need to be studied carefully to diagnose any potential problems. What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the circulatory system. A normal systolic falls to less than 120 and the corresponding diastole is less than 80. For prehypertension, systolic is 120-139 and diastolic is 80-89. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1 systolic is 140-159 and diastolic is 90-99. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 systolic is 160 or higher while diastolic is 100 or higher. Hypertensive Crisis(Emergency care needed) systolic is higher than 180 and diastolic is higher than 110. A medical professional needs to confirm the diagnosis of high blood pressure as well as evaluate any unusually low blood pressure. In general, it has been observed that low blood pressure readings and lower targets work for populations like the elderly, African-Americans, as well as patients who have underlying health issues like chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Categories of blood pressure The American Heart Association recognizes five categories of blood pressure: Normal blood pressure: Those who have normal blood pressure numbers that fall within the optimal ranges of being less than 120/80 mm Hg have a healthy level of blood pressure. Following heart-healthy habits like getting regular exercise and following a balanced diet goes a long way into maintaining normal blood pressure. Prehypertension: Prehypertension or early stage high blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure consistently ranges from 120-139/80-89 mm Hg. People who have prehypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure unless they take appropriate measures to take it under control. Hypertension Stage 1: Hypertension Stage 1 is marked when blood pressure falls in the range of 140-159/90-99 mm Hg.

Do you suffer from heartburn frequently? It could be a case of Acid Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, i.i., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Normally, during the process of digestion, there is a sphincter at the mouth of the stomach, that closes once you’ve finished eating. Then, the contents move into the stomach, where it is digested with the help of digestive enzymes. During the digestion process, acids are released. If the sphincter does not seal itself completely or opens too often, the acid flows back into the esophageal tract and causes heartburn. If this condition persists, you are suffering from acid reflux. Causes A stomach abnormality known as hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux. Lying on your back or bending over the waist, after eating a heavy meal. Being overweight and obese. Consuming certain foods can cause acid reflux. These include tomatoes, garlic, mint, onion, spicy and fatty foods. Smoking. Consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages. Snacking just before retiring for the night. Pregnancy. Blood pressure medication, certain muscle relaxers, common drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen also cause acid reflux Symptoms The common symptoms are heartburn, where the burning sensation extends from the chest to the throat and regurgitation. A bitter-tasting and sour acid backs into your throat and mouth. Other symptoms that show up include nausea, bloating, continuous hiccups, burping, bloody/black stools, vomit covered with blood, dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness, and chronic sore throat. Diet and lifestyle changes can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux disease. A diet for acid reflux is crafted by excluding foods that can trigger the symptoms and make them worse. Dietary Changes Acid reflux disease can cause a lot of discomfort. Dietary changes help to reduce the symptoms by excluding certain foods. Eating small and frequent meals rather than eating three large meals in a day, can greatly help in alleviating the symptoms.

Do you suffer from heartburn frequently? It could be a case of Acid Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, i.i., Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Normally, during the process of digestion, there is a sphincter at the mouth of the stomach, that closes once you’ve finished eating. Then, the contents move into the stomach, where it is digested with the help of digestive enzymes. During the digestion process, acids are released. If the sphincter does not seal itself completely or opens too often, the acid flows back into the esophageal tract and causes heartburn. If this condition persists, you are suffering from acid reflux. Causes A stomach abnormality known as hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux. Lying on your back or bending over the waist, after eating a heavy meal. Being overweight and obese. Consuming certain foods can cause acid reflux. These include tomatoes, garlic, mint, onion, spicy and fatty foods. Smoking. Consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated beverages. Snacking just before retiring for the night. Pregnancy. Blood pressure medication, certain muscle relaxers, common drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen also cause acid reflux Symptoms The common symptoms are heartburn, where the burning sensation extends from the chest to the throat and regurgitation. A bitter-tasting and sour acid backs into your throat and mouth. Other symptoms that show up include nausea, bloating, continuous hiccups, burping, bloody/black stools, vomit covered with blood, dysphagia, unexplained weight loss, dry cough, wheezing, hoarseness, and chronic sore throat. Diet and lifestyle changes can help in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux disease. A diet for acid reflux is crafted by excluding foods that can trigger the symptoms and make them worse. Dietary Changes Acid reflux disease can cause a lot of discomfort. Dietary changes help to reduce the symptoms by excluding certain foods. Eating small and frequent meals rather than eating three large meals in a day, can greatly help in alleviating the symptoms.

Vitiligo is a health condition in which one gradually loses skin color because of depigmented patches appearing on the skin. Essentially, the immune system begins attacking melanocytes, or the cells in the body that produce melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. Although vitiligo has no definite cure, doctors usually suggest certain repigmentation treatments to alleviate its effects. Opzelura (ruxolitinib) is one such topical repigmentation option often prescribed to treat this skin condition. About vitiligo With approximately 1.9 million patients diagnosed with vitiligo in the country, it is a fairly common skin condition involving depigmented skin patches. These patches usually begin to appear on the face, hands, genitals, and around the openings in the body, but eventually, they may spread throughout the skin. The discolored areas may progressively increase in size, and the disease can also affect one’s hair and the insides of the mouth. Further, those with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid, lupus, etc. are more vulnerable to vitiligo. Opzelura for vitiligo It is a first-line treatment option for vitiligo that has been approved by the FDA as a prescription cream to control melanocyte destruction and restore one’s natural skin pigmentation. Ruxolitinib is the main ingredient in Opzelura and it works to protect the skin’s melanocytes. Who can apply Opzelura? Since Opzelura is a prescription treatment, one should apply it only with a doctor’s prescription and under their guidance. In general, doctors prescribe Opzelura for patients with non-segmental vitiligo (patches appearing on both sides of the body), who are aged 12 years and above. This product can also be applied on sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and genitals. The treatment course may last over 24 weeks before one experiences visible results. Before using Opzelura for vitiligo, one should speak with their doctor about the area(s) on which it should be applied more extensively.

A burning sensation in your feet is often related to nerve damage caused by certain underlying health conditions, out of which diabetes is one of the major causes. The feeling of pain can range from mild to harsh, and intermittent to constant. Sometimes you may get the feeling of hot, tingling or prickling pain or numbness in your feet which usually gets worse during the night. Causes of burning foot pain Sometimes, cases of burning foot pain have unknown causes. However, most of the times, doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions that lead to the sensation of burning foot pain. Here are some of the top causes: Diabetic neuropathy Uncontrollably high levels of blood sugar can gradually damage your blood vessels and nerves, leading to a reduction in the transmission of signals from the nerves. It can also weaken the blood vessel walls that are responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients to nerves all over the body. Altogether, this can affect the ability to feel sensation in various parts of the body, including the feet. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, around 60-70 percent of people with uncontrolled diabetes have some nerve damage or neuropathy. Certain factors can increase the risk of neuropathy: Obesity High blood pressure Smoking Alcohol consumption When the nerve damage takes place in your legs and feet, it’s known as peripheral neuropathy. It is the most common form of diabetic neuropathy. Apart from the burning sensation in the feet produced by peripheral neuropathy, there are some other symptoms which are as follows: Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet Sharp and stabbing pains Weakness in your legs or arms Excessive sweating Small fiber sensory neuropathy (SFSN) SFSN is painful neuropathy which often leads to a painful burning sensation in the feet.

Also known as diabetes mellitus type 2, adult type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to metabolize sugar i.e. glucose which is the main source of energy in the human body. In such a condition the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin which is an important hormone responsible for maintaining the glucose level in the body. There are certain underlying causes responsible for developing type 2diabetes; however, the exact cause is still unknown. In this article, some of the important facts are discussed that would help in the proper diagnosis and prevention of adult type 2 diabetes. Causes The human body develops type 2 diabetes when it becomes resistant to insulin. More precisely, the pancreas at first produce more insulin to give energy to the cells but eventually it can’t cope up with the requirement and stops producing insulin when the body fails to utilize that insulin. This then gets deposited in the bloodstream as sugar. Lifestyle factors This is a contributing factor as to why the body develops adult type 2 diabetes. Being obese, not doing much physical activity and leading a sedentary lifestyle can be the contributing factors of type 2 diabetes. Eating unhealthy foods with artificial sweeteners, saturated and trans fat and too much junk food together with a poor diet may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Too much stress can also trigger the blood sugar level. Genetics Genetic factors cannot be justified much. These are the factors that are beyond human control. Different DNA contributes to different abnormalities in the body cells and this is one such abnormality. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes in adults Frequent urination and increased thirst Collection of excess sugar in the blood causes more fluid that tends to be pulled out by the tissues resulting in triggering your thirst.

Long before the world became familiar with the pills and other medications that are now used to cure different ailments, people sought solace for their ailments with whatever ingredients one could find in nature. And, true to nature’s nurturing ability, these ingredients did help people combat their ailments. Some of these ingredients are still actively used to cure ailments and with a certain degree of success as well. For instance, turmeric, which found its way into our food and at times in the milk, which we so religiously consume at night, was known to increase our immunity levels and came in handy when we suffered from cold and cough. Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin, which is known to be the reason behind its effectiveness. Turmeric curcumin is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which come in handy and makes it one of the most effective home remedies. If you still aren’t convinced about the benefits of adding turmeric curcumin in your diet, here are some reasons why you should. Natural medicinal properties We are aware that the pills that we so recklessly pop can cause irreversible damage to the body in the form of side-effects. This is why nature gives us turmeric curcumin which is known to possess medicinal properties. Turmeric contains certain compounds called curcuminoids, out of which curcumin is the most potent one. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants which help in keeping the immune system protected. Natural anti-inflammatory agent Inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system goes haywire and attacks the healthy blood cells instead of the bacteria and viruses it is supposed to target. Instead of popping painkillers to reduce the pain caused by inflammation, or to prevent it from occurring, you can consume turmeric curcumin as a part of your daily diet. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can prevent such incidents from recurring in future.

When it comes to stomach diseases, colitis is one of the major ones that is found in a large number of people. In this disease, a person feels inflammation and irritation of the colon. Apart from this, it also promotes some other health issues including bowel disease, allergies, and Crohn’s disease. The reason behind raising the colitis is a disturbed lifestyle. Yes, the unscheduled lifestyle is one of the major causes that increase this problem. Besides, people who are habitual to consume tobacco and alcohol are often arrested in this problem. Moreover, the bad diet including spicy food and other junk food also increases the chances of colitis. The street side spicy food has a different type of bacteria, which present in the air. These bacteria easily enter in the stomach by consuming infected food. The bad bacteria increase in the stomach and cause inflammation and swelling in the colon. At the initial stage, you can diagnose colitis with a few symptoms, which include: • Abdominal Pain • Cramping • Diarrhea • Blood in the Stool • Fever • Chills • Fatigue • Dehydration • Eye Inflammation • Joint Swelling • Skin Inflammation If you are also noticing the same symptoms with you and facing the same issue in your life, then it is better you start some quick and effective colitis treatments at home. You will definitely find a number of medicines at every store. But, as we all know that the effect of those medicines is not last long. So, it is beneficial to opt some home remedies instead of drugs. We have arranged few effective colitis treatments that you can do in your home using a few kitchen ingredients. Turmeric Turmeric, yes it is a daily use ingredient that you add to all your vegetables to make it more healthy and attractive.

The best liquid diet plans are based on the idea that solid foods are eliminated from your diet and all your calorie intake comes from liquids. You can replace all your meals with fruit or vegetable juices, or you can choose to replace one or two meals of a day along with a few healthy snacks. The best liquid diet plans can be used for a variety of purposes from weight loss to being diets after certain surgeries. Liquid diet for weight loss There are many kinds of liquid diets that will help with weight loss. Consulting with a physician and educating yourself about these diets will go a long way in ensuring that you get the right plan for yourself. At its simplest, weight loss occurs when more calories are burnt than consumed. An average person requires 2000 calories a day. Most liquid diets provide a calorie count that is much lesser than that. Hence, once you put yourself on a liquid diet, you are bound to lose weight. Most liquid diets for weight loss will recommend consuming fruit juices. You can opt for juices that you make at home, or you can even buy juices outside. If you choose the latter, remember to choose juices that are low in sugar, or else it will be counterproductive to your weight loss objective. Other liquids you can choose to take are smoothies, soups, and vegetable juices. Remember to consult with your physician before embarking on the best liquid diet plans for weight loss. Cut up some pineapple, beets, cabbage, carrots, spinach, and orange. Dump it in a blender and blend until smooth. Keep any pulp in for its high fibrous content. This recipe is not just healthy; it is tasty too. Liquid diet for detoxification Everyone you know and their grandmothers are talking about going on a detox diet.

With a jam-packed schedule, do you wake up and get ready to eat waffles topped with chocolate sauce for breakfast? Then amidst the back-to-back meetings, do you quickly grab a soda, burger, and fries for lunch? Does your dinner regularly comprise of pasta or spaghetti? Do you often remain thirsty and don’t hydrate regularly? If this is what your daily dietary routine looks like, your kidneys are silently yearning for help. Kidneys are vital for your health and play an essential role in the well-being of your body. Kidneys perform the following essential functions: Eliminate toxins Filter the blood Absorb minerals Neutralize acids Damage to the kidneys can often go unnoticed for a long time, as kidneys can function with as little as 20% of its capacity. Therefore, prevention is better than cure holds true in the case of kidneys. If you have any kidney disease, you should know which products are harmful and which are beneficial for your condition. Vitamins for kidneys are essential nutrients that our body needs to grow, develop normally and maintain its functions. Here are some vitamins for kidneys which are essential for the maintenance and recovery of your kidneys. Vitamin A Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that is generally classified as retinoids. Retinoic acid promotes embryonic development and is needed for normal immune function. Vitamin A is transported through to retinol-binding protein (RBP). These vitamins for kidneys are recommended to be consumed in a liquid form. Recommended Dosage : Daily Reference Intake (DRI) of 700-900 ug/day. Sources : Liver Fish liver oil Dairy Products Butter Eggs Red and yellow colored fruits and vegetables Dark green leafy vegetables 2) Vitamin B12 Known as Cyanocobalamin, B12 is found in high protein foods. Thus, patients who consume low amounts or remain on very low protein diets for an extended period may have insufficient B12 levels.

Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease that affects millions of men and women all over the world. Depending on the type and severity of lung cancer, overall health condition, and age of the person, the healthcare providers may recommend a series of treatment procedures like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. During and after treatment, it is essential to eat a healthy diet that contains foods that may help you battle lung cancer. Green tea Green tea contains polyphenols that demonstrate high antioxidant properties. Research has found that green tea consumption may inhibit tumor growth and help fight lung cancer. It was also found that consuming green tea regularly may reverse some of the damages caused by smoking. In addition to that, studies have proven the effectiveness of green tea in lowering the risk of developing lung cancer. Pears Pears are rich sources of phloretin, which a compound that possesses anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. The powerful effects of phloretin help enhance the anticancer effects of chemotherapy medications like cisplatin. These medicines are often used for the treatment of lung cancer, specifically non-small cell lung cancer. The anticancer properties of pears make it one of the most potent fruits that may help in your battle with lung cancer. Dark green leafy vegetables Packed with various nutrients, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, chicory, lettuce, and collard greens are some foods that can help prevent and manage certain types of cancer like lung cancer. These vegetables are enriched with carotenoids and folate and act as natural antioxidants. Consume a diet rich in leafy greens to help your body fight against lung cancer. Ginger As per the findings of clinical studies, ginger demonstrates potent chemopreventive effects against life-threatening conditions like lung cancer. The high abundance of phenolic compounds like 6-shogaol found in ginger enables it to work as an anti-tumor agent.

Dupuytren’s contracture, a deformity, is triggered in the hand. It develops when a layer of tissue beneath the skin in the palm forms knots. These knots then go on to create a thick cord that pulls one or more fingers, causing them to bend. Unfortunately, this condition can make everyday tasks difficult like shaking hands, using gloves, and holding objects. Symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture Typically, the two fingers that are farthest from the thumb are affected by Dupuytren’s contracture. Since this condition progresses at a very slow pace, it is quite difficult to understand or detect it early on. However, some of the symptoms that are most likely to be noted include: Thickening of the skin that covers the palm of the hand. Overtime or with further development of the condition, the skin on the palm may appear dimpled. There may be a lump formation in the palm. The lump tissue feels thicked against the skin and there may also be sensitivity when touched. However, one may feel no pain. Over the advanced stages, the cord knots in the fingers begin to pull much tighter. The fingers are pulled closer towards the palm, causing them to bend further. As a result, one may have difficulty using their hands for basic functions. In rare cases, Dupuytren’s contracture can affect even the index and middle finger. Sometimes, the thumb too be may be affected. The condition may also occur in both hands; however, one hand usually suffers a more severe impact. The symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture can range anywhere between mild to severe, depending on the progression of the condition. Despite intense medical research, professionals are unable to point out the main cause of Dupuytren’s contracture. Currently, there is no evidence that points out specific factors that lead to its development. However, there are some factors that are believed to increase the risks of developing the condition with time.