The changes in your body that you have been ignoring may actually be cervical cancer symptoms. Here’s what you need to know. Cervical cancer is the type of cancer that affects the cells of the cervix in a woman—cervix is the narrow lower part of your uterus and is connected to the vagina. The cause of this form of cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually-transmitted infection that is quite common. When you are exposed to this virus strain, your immune system usually stops the virus from causing any harm. But in some women, this virus survives in their bodies for several years and adds to the process of causing cells on the surface of the cervix to turn cancerous. It is possible that a woman experiencing certain cervical cancer symptoms has been brushing it aside as some minor bodily change. This delay can lead to worsening of the symptoms, so visit a doctor at the earliest if you notice any of the following cervical cancer symptoms occurring in your body. Unusual vaginal bleeding Many women experience irregularities in the menstrual cycles, in addition to some harmless cases of bleeding between the regular cycles. However, it can also be one of the cervical cancer symptoms, so it is always safer to consult your doctor to determine the exact cause. Particularly, bleeding after sexual intercourse, longer and heavier periods than usual, and bleeding after you have reached menopause can be worrisome, so don’t delay getting such problems checked by a medical professional. Changes in vaginal discharge If you notice any unusual vaginal discharge, it may be an indication of cervical cancer. It is normal to have a small amount of discharge, but if it is one of the cervical cancer symptoms, the discharge may be watery, pale or brown in color, and have a foul odor.

Is there a connection between your heart’s irregular rhythm and a brain stroke? When it comes to brain strokes, most people know that having high blood pressure puts you at increased risk of suffering a stroke. High blood pressure is perhaps the most common potential risk factor for strokes. However, it is by no means the most powerful one. It might come as a surprise to you but Afib or Atrial Fibrillation is the single most powerful potential risk factor for brain strokes! In fact, a person with high blood pressure has twice the chance of getting a stroke, whereas a person with Afib is 5 times more likely to get an Afib stroke as compared to those that do not suffer from this heart condition. Afib affects your heart, while a stroke happens in the brain, what’s the connection? It all comes down to how the brain functions. This unique organ requires nourishment in the form of constantly supplied blood and oxygen. These nutrients are sent to the brain by the pumping of the arteries. If the brain does not receive this nourishment, brain cells begin to die rapidly. A stroke is simply defined as a “sudden loss of brain function”. In general, strokes are the result of an artery bursting or getting clogged. In the case of a person with high blood pressure going through a stroke, the cause is the weakening of the arteries due to the sheer force with which the blood is being pumped. As the name suggests, people with “high blood pressure” have their blood pumped by the arteries at a very high pressure. Over a period of time, more and more arteries of a person’s body get damaged due to the high pressure pumping. Some of these arteries are the ones that supply blood to the brain.

Is your skin itchy, inflamed, flaky or scaly? You are probably headed toward developing psoriasis! Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease of the skin that ranges from mild to severe. Those affected by chronic psoriasis develop scaly patches on their skin that are inflamed, itchy, and painful. Depending on the symptoms, psoriasis is classified into various types. Chronic psoriasis treatment is based on the symptoms and the extent to which it has spread. Like all autoimmune diseases, there is no specific cause for chronic psoriasis. Contributing factors for chronic psoriasis are mental stress and anxiety, low self-esteem, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Chronic psoriasis treatment depends on the severity of the condition and aims at alleviating the associated symptoms. Common symptoms of psoriasis Psoriasis occurs due to changes that occur beneath the skin rather than on the skin. Although psoriasis is classified into different types based on appearance and symptoms, the following are the common symptoms: Red patches on the skin Scaly, silvery patches Itchy skin Swelling of joints, stiffness or pain If you need information on psoriasis and its symptoms, you should know that they are specific to the type of psoriasis. Types of chronic psoriasis Classifying chronic psoriasis helps in deciding the line of treatment. For some only one type of psoriasis exists, whereas for others a combination of two or more types may exist. In some cases, once the symptoms of existing psoriasis wear away, a new type may develop in response to a trigger. There are 7 types of psoriasis as listed below: Plaque psoriasis – Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of chronic psoriasis. It is also referred to as psoriasis vulgaris. It is characterized by raised, inflamed, reddish skin covered by silvery white scales. It causes itching and burning sensations. Elbow, lower back, scalp, and knees are common places where plaque psoriasis occurs.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder. The condition results in acute abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, as well as changes in the patterns of one’s bowel movement. IBS with constipation is one of the most common scenarios that can greatly affect your quality of life. According to a study, the IBS affects more than 10% of the population in the country. The reason for the occurrence of IBS is unknown, which is why there is no specific cure for the condition. However, certain kinds of food items, stress, and hormonal changes are known to flare up the symptoms of this disease. Understanding these symptoms and following some basic steps that ease IBS can help to manage the condition in an effective way. Here are some ways to manage IBS. Making dietary changes Simple changes in the diet can help to relieve the troublesome symptoms of IBS. There is no specific diet for the same as some foods may cause IBS symptoms in one person whereas, on the other, they may not. Eliminating certain foods According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Disease, certain items have shown to trigger the IBS symptoms: Dairy products High-fat products Caffeine Alcoholic drinks Broccoli, beans, and cabbage Drinks containing artificial sweeteners Chocolate and nuts Increasing dietary fiber Increasing your fiber intake is especially helpful in alleviating the symptoms of IBS with constipation. Doctors suggest consuming 22 to 34 grams of fiber each day. There are plenty of food items that are rich in fiber such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, etc. It is important to note that fiber should be added gradually to the diet, little by little. For instance, 2 to 3 grams should be added each day. Adding too much fiber in one go can cause bloating and gas, and further, aggravate the IBS symptoms.

Digestive enzyme supplements are small chewable tablets that aid in the digestion process and help improve the rate of nutrient absorption in the body. These supplements help in breaking down the food into smaller molecules so that they can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. These supplements are safe for use by children and adults. However, it is best to consult your medical provider to ensure that the enzyme you choose merits your body. In the following, some of the popular digestive enzyme supplements have been listed; these digestive enzyme supplements can help alleviate all your digestive troubles: Source Naturals Essential Enzymes Source Naturals Essential Enzymes contains Lactase to improve digestion. Moreover, it contains herbs and nutraceuticals which, when combined with bio-active nutrients, aid a number of health conditions. This supplement is gluten-free with zero wheat, soy, yeast, or egg. These enzymes provide relief from gastric distress and help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, thus keeping you energetic all day long. American Health® Super Papaya Enzyme Plus This is one of the best digestive enzyme supplements that work to keep your digestive system in the best possible condition. It contains an enzyme known as Lipase that breaks down compound fats into smaller fatty acids. This helps in preventing issues such as heartburn, dysentery, and stomach cramping. The capsules taste like peppermint and offer effective relief from frequent acid reflux and gastritis. However, make sure to consult your doctor about taking these supplements in case you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical ailments. Zenwise Health Labs Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes Zenwise Health Labs’ Digestive Enzymes are made from an array of plant-based enzymes along with CFU multi-strain probiotics that aim to improve your overall well-being. These supplements are especially helpful if you are facing any gastrointestinal complications such as diarrhea.

Diabetes is a condition that has affected a large population of the United States and continues to spread rapidly. There are several causes that can be blamed for this and these include unhealthy eating habits, irregular sleeping habits, lack of physical exercise, and more. Diabetes is a disease that triggers the sugar or glucose level in the bloodstream and it is essential to manage diabetes through blood sugar control. The high blood glucose level can be the consequence of an inadequate production of insulin or inability of the body’s cells to respond to the produced insulin. It is also possible for a person to be suffering from both the occurrences. There are several symptoms that indicate that a person may be suffering from diabetes. An individual may begin to experience sudden weight gain or weight loss, tingling in the fingers and feet, the need to frequently urinate, tiredness, and a constant feeling of hunger and thirst. When a person suffers from a cut or injury, diabetes tends to delay and slow down the natural process of healing; this can be considered as the worst symptom of diabetes. This leads to other complicated conditions such as the formation of gangrene that may also be life-threatening. Once a person is diagnosed with diabetes, it is necessary to manage diabetes through blood sugar control or the condition can become worse. There are different types of diabetes and these include Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Prediabetes, and Gestational diabetes. While the first three kinds of diabetes can affect anybody gestational diabetes is one in which the blood sugar increases and affects pregnant women. A diabetic patient may be at a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease. Thus, it is essential to eat healthy and monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly to avoid complications.

The general assumption is that calcium supplements improve bone strength and while that is the very reason we take these supplements, overuse could result in heart problems. In this article, we will discuss why calcium supplements are important. Why do people need calcium? The body needs calcium to build and maintain strong and healthy bones. 99% percent of the body’s calcium is in the teeth and bones while the remaining one percent is present in the bloodstream and is used to release hormones such as insulin, send nerve signals and regulate how blood vessels and muscles should dilate and contract. Calcium is needed to maintain proper bodily functions. If you do not receive an adequate amount from your regular diet, your body will pull calcium from your teeth and bones to use it elsewhere. This causes a weakening of the bones and teeth and causes complications. Recommendations for calcium intake Calcium has to be taken according to the recommendations that are dependant on your age gender and of course health concerns. Women aged 50 years or younger need 1000 mg per day and women over 50 years of age need 1200 mg per day. Men aged 70 years and younger need 1000 mg per day and men over 70 years old need 1200 mg per day of calcium. There is a limit to the maximum amount of calcium one can consume as well. The cap is set at 2500 mg per day for adults up to 50 years of age and 2000 mg per day for people aged over 50 years. It is possible to get the recommended amount of calcium from the food you eat every day. Foods that are rich in calcium include leafy greens, dairy products, beans, nuts, and tofu. However, people who do not consume calcium-rich food in sufficient amount might need to use calcium supplements.

Eczema is usually referred to atopic dermatitis, which one of the most common diseases across the country. It is a condition in which your skin becomes inflamed, itchy, cracked, and rough. There are also cases in which blisters may occur. There are several foods, nuts with certain chemical components, and environmental factors such as smoke and pollen that can trigger eczema. It is not a contagious disease and the treatment focuses on healing the damaged skin tissues as well as providing relief from symptoms. Symptoms of eczema Before we head to answer the question of how to treat eczema, here are some symptoms that you should look out for: – The most primary symptoms of eczema in infants are rashes that appear on the scalp and cheek. – These rashes might develop into blisters before oozing out fluid causing extreme itchiness. This can further lead to uncontrolled scratching and skin infection. – In adults, rashes usually appear behind the creases of the elbow and knees. They are prominent around the neck, face, and around the eyes. – A person suffering from eczema might suffer from asthma or hay fever. This is generally seen in children aged between 10 to 15. Here are some options on how to treat eczema If the symptoms of eczema are light or moderate, home care should be sufficient to provide relief. Some of the home treatments that provide the solution to how to treat mild symptoms of eczema are mentioned below. – Taking lukewarm baths will provide you relief from the itching. – People suffering from eczema experience itchiness due to dry skin. Applying moisturizer after bathing will help in locking in the moisture. – Tight-fitted clothing and rough scratchy fibers can elevate the symptoms of eczema, thus loose-fitted clothes soft fabrics (made of cotton) should be used instead.

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes is diagnosed in an individual when the pancreas produce little or no insulin. The cells in the pancreas are destroyed by the immune system which further affects the These cells are known as beta cells and are responsible for making insulin. Role of Insulin Insulin as a hormone is known to help in movement of sugar or glucose in the body tissues. These are used by body cells as fuel helps produce energy. The lack of insulin would slow the pace of the entire process of energy build up in the body. This means that glucose will no longer move into the cells as there is no insulin. It builds up in the blood only causing the cells to starve. This results in high blood pressure which leads to multiple abnormalities including: Dehydration Due to the presence of extra sugar in the body the urge to urinate more crops up. This is the natural way for the body to get rid of the same. Therefore, a large amount of water goes out from the body and it leads to dehydration. Weight Loss This glucose, when lost from the body due to urination, flushes the much-needed calories along with it. This makes people with high blood pressure lose weight. Damage to the body High glucose levels also harm the nerves and blood vessels in the eyes, heart, and kidney. This can also lead to hardening of arteries which ultimately causes strokes and heart attack. Risk Factor Type 1 diabetes is a rare occurrence. Only about 5% of the people have this disorder. It affects men and women with same impurity and can begin at the age of 20. What causes Type 1 diabetes? Though nothing is known with certainty about the causes of type 1 diabetes, genes are known to play a major role in the same.

Unpleasant, inconvenient, and unfortunately very common, diarrhea is one of the second most common illnesses in the US and has happened to almost everyone at least once. While an adult gets diarrhea for any reason at least four times on an average in one year, American children typically display seven to fifteen cases of diarrhea from infancy up till the age of five. Stress, medication, and even everyday food can cause diarrhea. It could also be a signal toward an underlying medical condition. There can be different triggers for diarrhea—it can happen to anyone, anytime. What are the common diarrhea causes? Bacterial causes As a part of everyday life, bacteria co-exist with humans in various forms and places. There are different types of bacteria—some bacteria are good for the human body while others can be very bad for the digestive system. These microscopic organisms make a breeding ground in places like unpasteurized milk, raw meats, shellfish, and even eggs, apart from stale or rotting food. Poultry, eggs, and meat should be cooked completely and thoroughly to reduce the risk of bacteria-related diarrhea and all surfaces, utensils, as well as hands, should be kept clean. Any food leftovers should be refrigerated quickly and should not be left out at room temperature for any longer than necessary. Before going out to dine in a new place, one should clarify the ratings of the health department online or the ones posted at the restaurant as these ratings offer insight into the cleanliness and hygiene conditions of the kitchen in the restaurant along with food safety practices. By following such safety tips, you would be able to curb the common diarrhea causes and lead a healthier life. Viral causes Viral infections are also one of the most common diarrhea causes. Moreover, these viral strains are very contagious and can easily travel from one unwashed hand to another.

Inflamed joints are a painful condition. Joint pain due to arthritic conditions like gout is one of the leading cause of pain worldwide. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that is characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals around the joints. The course of gout is recurrent with attacks of inflammation, followed by pain that starts a few hours later. The pain is often severe and of rapid onset. Gout is caused by various genetic and environmental factors. Gout occurs when there is a high level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid forms crystals and these uric acid crystals deposit around bone joints, tendons, and supportive tissues. Gout was once called “the rich man’s disease” or “the king’s disease” since it was associated with excessively rich diets. With modern diets and prolonged life spans, gout has become increasingly common. Being overweight, eating too much meat, and drinking too much beer increases your chances of developing gout. Gout diet plans aim to ease the symptoms and reduce the frequency of attacks. Causes of gout The primary cause of gout is uric acid buildup. In most cases, the underlying reason for overaccumulation of uric acid is underexcretion of urate by the kidneys. Though uncommon, sometimes the reason could be an overproduction of uric acid. Genetic and dietary factors play a huge role in the development of gout. Diets with excessive amounts of meat, seafood, alcohol, and sweetened beverages, increase the risk of developing gout. Gout diet plans include consuming vitamin C, dairy products, and coffee along with moderate levels of physical exercise. Symptoms to watch out for The most defining symptom of gout is recurrent attacks of acute arthritis. The joints become red, inflamed, tender, hot to the touch, and even painful. In half of all cases, the joint of the big toe is affected.

A person with psoriasis must avoid all triggers. Doing so will manage the condition and avoid any unexpected flare-ups. Such triggers may include certain foods, so their complete removal from the food plan may help patients live discomfort-free lives. Also, as psoriasis is a chronic condition, its management becomes extremely difficult, but avoiding potential triggers may prevent the worsening of symptoms and flare-ups. Given below are food items that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Foods to avoid Patients with psoriasis and its accompanying symptoms should avoid food that can increase inflammation because immune system response and inflammation may lead to a flareup. Hence, here are some foods that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Eggs Eggs are considered harmful for people who have psoriasis. In this case, one factor that plays a significant role is the presence of a fatty acid known as arachidonic acid, a known trigger for psoriasis symptoms. Hence, patients are suggested to steer clear of eggs and avoid consuming them in any form. Wheat In most cases, celiac disease is characterized by an immune response to gluten. Research suggests that psoriasis patients have shown increased gluten sensitivity markers. Thus, cutting out all wheat-based products containing gluten is suggested, and opting for gluten-free alternatives such as buckwheat, quinoa, and rice is recommended. Tomatoes Popular belief suggests that nightshades such as tomatoes can trigger psoriasis flare-ups. Fruits and vegetables obtained from nightshade plants also contain solanine, which has been shown to hamper digestion and cause inflammation in the body. This may cause worsening of psoriasis symptoms and lead to increased discomfort to the patient.