The liver is one of the vital organs in our body. Located in the upper right part of the abdominal cavity, the liver performs multiple functions and plays a significant role in ensuring the metabolic processes are carried out by the body. Functions of the liver The main function of the liver is to filter the blood coming in from the digestive tract, before the blood moves to the rest of the body. The liver is a detoxifying organ. A lot of toxins get into our body through the food we ingest. The liver detoxifies the chemicals and metabolizes drugs. Bile, an enzyme that is needed to break down the fats, is secreted by the liver. The liver also synthesizes proteins that are needed for blood clotting and other important functions. Conditions that damage the liver Like other organs, the liver is also prone to infections. Conditions that affect the liver are hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, ascites, primary biliary cirrhosis, gallstones, hemochromatosis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Common liver damage signs Low platelet count When you accidentally cut your hand, the blood flows stop and its clots. It is the function of the platelets to help in clotting. Platelets are minute, disk-shaped cell fragments in the bloodstream that help the blood to clot. If a person suffers from liver damage, one of the signs is that his/her platelet count would bound to be low. Medically, this condition is known as Thrombocytopenia. A complete liver study is accomplished through a blood test and a low platelet count is one of the key liver damage signs. Nausea Nausea is a sensation where there is an urge to vomit. Persistent nausea not only causes discomfort but can also be debilitating. When the liver malfunctions, nausea occurs. Nausea is one of the first liver damage signs, along with lethargy and fatigue.

Our feet bear our entire body’s weight. They help us to stand upright, walk, jump, run, i.e., conduct all physical activities that require one to move from one place to another. However, our feet are usually taken for granted. Any discomfort to the feet should always be taken seriously as a fatal condition might impair us from performing even simple activities like walking to the washroom. A common complaint of diabetes patients is burning feet pain. Basically, burning feet sensations may be nothing to worry about or can be indicative of a critical health issue. The situation differs from person to person. It is best to seek professional help to be sure. Doctors do treatment for burning feet pain relief. Neuropathy In most cases, doctors diagnose neuropathy to be the root of the problem. This is a condition where a person suffers from a sense of burning or pain, usually on the soles, that generally worsens during bedtime. Burning sensations in the feet may be indications of nerve damage. The patient usually suffers the discomfort due to the nerve fibers getting damaged and overactive. These nerve fibers send signals to the brain, though there is actually no cut or wound in the feet. Some patients may also feel numbness, tingling feeling in the feet, tenderness, or hypersensitivity. The symptoms may vary from person to person. In case you visit a specialist at the very onset of the problem, the doctor can suggest you necessary advice to prevent further nerve damage and provide burning feet pain relief solutions. Causes of Burning Feet Pain Burning feet pain is most common in patients with diabetes. However, some other health conditions may also result in burning feet pain. Some other disorders are as shown below. Alcohol abuse Nerve damage High blood pressure Chronic kidney diseases Hypothyroidism or low thyroid level Vitamin B deficiency Gout Nerve entrapment Lyme disease Athlete’s foot Trauma HIV/AIDS Fatigue Metal poisoning Contact dermatitis Erythromelalgia Fluid retention Circulatory disorder Inflamed blood vessels Sarcoidosis Exposure to chemicals or toxins If a person is already undergoing treatment for either of these health concerns, the pain or irritation of the feet is likely to get resolved with time.

Probiotics are the food supplements which are added to the diet for health benefits such as immunity, digestive functions, and growth. It is safe to include the dietary intake in proper doses. High dose of probiotics at times have a bad impact on health. The probiotics can be taken orally. Live microorganisms work effectively to boost human health; however, there are some side effects related to them. These side effects range from mild to severe. They can cause digestive complications such as bloating and gas in the stomach. In some cases, the usage of probiotics can cause infections that can be only treated using antibiotics. It can cause problems for people suffering from health complications and cause unusual metabolic responses. Although the probiotics are pretty good for the body, they may cause some rare side effects. These side effects are common among people with underlying medical complications. At times, the body responds badly to the good bacterial intake. Normally, the pH level in the colon must be between 6.7 and 6.9. The pH levels below 7.0 are said to be acidic, whereas pH levels more than 7.0 are said to be of basic nature. The colon must be acidic to combat the growth of pathogenic bacteria and promote the growth of good bacteria. Medications and other drugs make the colon environment alkaline. The consumption of the probiotic supplements makes the colon acidic. The change of the colon’s pH from acidic to alkaline causes a war between the good and bad bacteria. This tug of war causes bloating, abdominal pain, and complications in bowel movements. The side effects of probiotics don’t last for long. Discontinuation of the probiotic intake will help you get rid of the symptoms and prevent their worsening. Side effects of probiotics Stomach problems Stomach problems such as bloating, pain in the abdomen, and gas production are some of the side effects of probiotics.

Halitosis is the medical term used for the condition we commonly know as bad breath. It is also termed as Fetor Oris, where fetor refers to an unpleasant odor emanating from an individual. The condition may cause embarrassment in social situations, lead to increased anxiety and become a thought-irritant, playing constantly on your mind. Depending on the symptoms and the underlying cause, halitosis could occur as a singular incident – an acute condition or could persist over a longer period in a chronic form. It is the third most common reason for you to visit your dentist, the first being tooth decay and second, gum disease. Symptoms Of Bad Breath Bad breath goes unnoticed until someone comes nearby and points out the condition. When people around you – friends, relative, colleagues, start maintaining a physical distance it may be because of bad breath. Other signs may include: · An unpleasant/sour taste · Dry mouth · Changes in taste · Tongue coating Causes Of Bad Breath The condition of halitosis is one which all of us have to suffer through at some time. For some, it may cause significant distress and psychological anguish. Causes of Fetor Oris or bad breath include: · Food – A primary reason for bad odor from the mouth is food. Food stuck in the teeth, or its breakdown chemicals are often the cause of bad breath. · Dry Mouth –When the body fails to produce enough saliva; as a result, the mouth goes dry, and odors build up. · Tobacco – Smoking or chewing tobacco can leave breakdown chemicals in the mouth that carry their distinct odor. Smoking can also lead to other bad-breath causes like gum diseases or oral cancers. · Poor Dental Hygiene – To ensure that no food particle is left behind in the mouth, brushing and flossing the teeth is recommended for a good oral health.

The neck and shoulder area is a complex network of bones, muscles, and tissues. This complex part of the body is often the site of pain, soreness, injury, and other degenerative issues. The neck and shoulder pain may be caused by many different factors. You may experience the two in isolation or together. Let’s take a look at some of the most common neck and shoulder pain causes. What can cause neck pain? We are constantly using our neck muscles even without realizing it. Hence, the muscles of the neck are highly susceptible to injuries and sprains or strains. Spraining a muscle in the neck is the most common cause of neck pain. This may cause pain in the muscles, ligaments or tendons and the pain may be categorized as acute pain or chronic, long-term pain. Some of the other causes of neck pain include: Poor posture Injury or trauma Tumors Degenerative diseases Abnormality of the bones What can cause shoulder pain? The shoulder joint is a ball and socket joint that is capable of a wide range of movements. This makes it highly prone to injuries which are a common cause of shoulder pain. Some of the other causes of shoulder pain are: Overexertion and overuse of the muscles Instability of the joint Tendonitis Dislocation Frozen shoulder Fracture of the collar or upper arm bones Can neck issues cause shoulder pain? Neck and shoulder pain causes are often related. The neck is made up of seven small bones that are highly susceptible to postural misalignment and injury as well as degenerative conditions like arthritis. Neck problems can often lead to shoulder pain in the form of cervical radiculopathy. This is because the nerve roots on either side of the spinal column, including the neck bones, branch off toward other parts of the body including the arms.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection caused by inflammation of the liver. In some cases, it can lead to serious liver damage in people with the condition. The disease mainly spreads through contamination of blood. Earlier the treatment of hepatitis C involved weekly injections that were given to patients and certain oral medications. However, many hepatitis patients could not take these medications due to their other health problems and due to side effects. Chronic HCV is curable using oral medications that are taken daily for at least two months. There are about half of the people suffering from HCV, and they don’t know they are infected. This happens when a person experiences no symptoms of the problem. Symptoms can take a decade to appear in many students. This is why the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention ask a person to get a one-time screening of blood test for those who can be at increased risk of infection. The largest group at the risk of the situation is born between 1945 and 1965. A population is five times more likely to get infected with the problem than people born in other years. Symptoms of hepatitis C There are many factors by which can determine if a person is suffering from hepatitis C. People suffer from long-term infection with hepatitis C virus. It is also known as chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C remains silent for many years. This becomes evident sometimes when the virus has damaged liver enough to cause signs and symptoms to appear. Here are a few signs and symptoms of the condition. Easy bleeding Easy bruising Fatigue Poor appetite Discoloration of skin and eyes, a form of jaundice. Urine that is dark colored Itchy skin Abdomen fluid build up Leg swelling Weight loss Drowsiness Confusion Slurred speech Spider-like blood vessels in the skin or spider angiomas.

The foods we eat play a significant role, and that dictates how our organs function. The eyes are vascular, and it is necessary to eat nutritious foods to keep the blood vessels in good health. Eating unhealthy foods may block the veins that provide the eyes with the essential nutrients and oxygen. Such restrictions may affect one’s vision. Keeping this in mind, here are five foods that can worsen eye health. Margarine Margarine is considered a healthy alternative to butter, as it is made from vegetable oils. However, it still contains trans fats. These fats may increase a person’s cholesterol levels and put them at risk of heart diseases and eye problems. Red meat Red meat contains preservatives like salt, cholesterol, and fat, making them tasty and increasing their shelf life. However, these chemicals may harm one’s health and lead to high blood pressure. Such pressure spikes can lead to Choroidopathy, a fluid buildup below the retina. Fish Several fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may offer health benefits. However, fish also contain hints of mercury. People who eat lots of fish may be at risk of eye damage because of the chemical element. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, an energy-boosting component that helps people stay active. But studies link caffeine to a slew of health problems, including those related to the eyes. Caffeine may increase the pressure inside the eye, especially in people with ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. The increase in pressure may result in loss of vision and even blindness. Sweetened beverages Sweetened beverages like energy drinks, sodas, and lemonade contain an abundant amount of sugar. Each drink might contain about seven to ten teaspoons of added sugar. Such sugars may increase the risk of type-2 diabetes and heart diseases. These diseases may also lead to conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy.

Is this new treatment option as “promising” or “revolutionary” as it is touted to be? Here’s what they do not want you to know about Cancer Immunotherapy treatment. According to the National Cancer Institute , approximately 1.6 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed in 2015, while around 600,000 people are likely to die of the disease this year. The most common cancers in 2015 were breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer. However, the statistics also show that the number of people who will live beyond a cancer diagnosis will touch 19 million by 2024. This indicates an improvement in early detection techniques as well as cancer treatment options. The newest treatment option is that of cancer immunotherapy treatment. Touted to be a “revolutionary” approach to solving the cancer problem, and one of the most “promising” and “encouraging” treatment options out there, here’s the truth about cancer immunotherapy treatment that you ought to know. What is cancer immunotherapy treatment? Also known as biologic therapy, cancer immunotherapy treatment is a type of treatment that is designed to improve the body’s immune system and natural defenses to fight cancer. Unlike most other diseases, cancer is not an invading disease. In case of invader diseases, the body’s immune system is designed to fight and target the foreign cells. However, because cancer cells are the body’s own cells that have gone rogue, the immune system is not designed to target them as they are not recognized as foreign cells at all. Cancer immunotherapy treatment uses immunotherapy drugs to switch the immune system back on and target the cancerous cells as they would other foreign bodies. What are the main types of cancer immunotherapy treatment?

Testicular cancer is a life-threatening disease. Early detection of the cancer results in a better prognosis. Watch out for these testicular cancer symptoms, and seek help if you notice them. Testicular cancer is a disease that is characterized by the growth of cancerous cells in the testes of the male reproductive system. The cancer is said to have metastasized if the cancer begins to multiply and spread to the other healthy organs of the body through the bloodstream. However, the good news is that unlike most cancer cases, testicular cancer can be cured even after metastasis. In general, testicular cancer begins in the cells that produce immature sperms in the testicle, these cells are called germ cells. . There are different types of testicular cancers, such as carcinoma in situ, seminomas, non-seminomas, stromal tumors, Leydig cell tumors, sertoli cell tumors, secondary testicular tumors, etc. Although it is curable, many people lose their lives to this cancer because the testicular cancer symptoms are not diagnosed early enough. In order to ensure early detection and treatment of the disease in time, it is essential to know about the various significant testicular cancer symptoms. Testicular Lump One of the early testicular cancer symptoms includes the development of a pea-sized swelling or a lump in either testicle. This lump or cyst also known as spermatocele develops in the epididymis. The lump may or may not be painful, however it may cause discomfort for the patient as the swelling increases. Pain in the Lower Abdomen Owing to the swellings and lumps in the testicles or in the scrotum, most patients experience pain in the lower abdomen and/or groin area. Shortness of Breath One of the common testicular cancer symptoms is the experience of shortness of breath also known as dyspnea, followed by excessive coughing and chest pains.

Does your sleep often get disturbed by painful leg cramps at night? These cramps are a common problem experienced by many adults in the country. These ill-timed cramps usually affect the foot and the calf, although they can also cause pain in the hamstring. Although this is a widespread condition, its causes and remedies are far from certain. As you do your research, you will come across many different opinions and theories, but not all of them are true. This article will outline some common causes of leg cramps at night time. Failing to stretch certain muscles Our modern lifestyle is to blame for this. Although our ancestors spent most of their time squatting and walking, our contemporary lives have removed the need for such physical movements. We hardly do any activities that stretch the leg muscles and tendons. Moreover, our sedentary lifestyle decreases tendon and muscle length and reduces flexibility, which could lead to cramping. Sleeping in awkward positions Experts have also noticed that when you lie in bed with your face down, your foot is usually in a “plantar flexion” position. Your toe points are away from you, and this shortens calf muscles. If the foot stays in this position for a long time, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Consider sleeping on your side or in any other position that will keep your toes neutral. Multiple sclerosis Leg cramps at night may also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) which is a nervous system disorder. People who have MS can experience spasticity which may include different types of involuntary muscle twitches and spasms, including leg cramps. Note that spasticity feels like a mild tingling or tightness in the muscles or severe cramping. Tough workouts Vigorous exercise routines are related to different muscle cramps.

Esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects this muscular tube. It is rare cancer that can also lead to life-threatening complications. Most patients are diagnosed with this condition in its advanced stages as this type of cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stage. Keep reading to learn more about some common alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Also known as dysphagia, facing trouble swallowing is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can occur because of a tumor that makes it difficult for food to pass through by obstructing the esophagus. The pain and difficulty in swallowing may be because of damage to the nerves that control the movement of esophageal muscles. Alternatively, it can also happen because of physical obstruction. As the tumor grows, the patient might experience increasing pain and difficulty swallowing solid food and eventually face problems with liquids. However, this symptom can also be attributed to several other health conditions. Acid reflux Acid reflux is considered one of the common indicators of esophageal cancer. It occurs when the contents of the stomach or the hydrochloric acid in the stomach go back up into the esophagus. It can cause irritation and inflammation of the food pipe. Chronic acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus. It is a condition in which the esophageal lining changes, making it more susceptible to developing cancer. Chest pain Another symptom of esophageal cancer is chest pain. This results from cancer cells have invaded the chest or the back wall. This chest discomfort can be constant, or it may come and go. Some might even experience worsening pain over time. However, various other conditions share this symptom, so it is important to have yourself examined by a health expert immediately.

The skin gets its pigment or natural color from melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes, which also protect the skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Certain conditions, like vitiligo, often classified into segmental and nonsegmental, can cause abnormal melanocyte development. Depending on the type, the skin can gradually or rapidly start losing its color in certain or all areas of the body. So, individuals with vitiligo may require treatment involving repigmentation or restoring the skin’s pigment. Nonsegmental vitiligo vs segmental vitiligo In nonsegmental or bilateral vitiligo, the skin on both sides of the body starts to lose its natural pigmentation. For instance, the condition might cause symmetrical white patches to appear on either side of the body, such as on both hands or knees. It is an autoimmune disorder and is often triggered by other autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Addison’s disease. This form differs from segmental vitiligo, which causes rapid pigment loss on just one side. After 6 to 12 months, this type of vitiligo stops spreading. This means the color loss stops, and no new patches or spots develop. Repigmentation to manage vitiligo Repigmentation involves restoring the color or natural pigment of the skin with the help of various processes, such as light therapy or surgery. Often, repigmentation is one of the main ways of managing the condition and is usually done if an individual has widespread vitiligo. Light therapy Also known as phototherapy, light therapy involves using light boxes, medical-grade lasers, or UVB or ultraviolet light sources. Here, the skin is exposed to any of these sources over several sessions to restore its pigment. Surgery This can involve procedures like skin grafting and blister grafting. Skin grafting involves using skin from one part of the body to cover a vitiligo-affected part. A similar procedure is followed with blister grafting.