Depression? Nausea? Gallstones? Are these regular illnesses or hepatitis C symptoms? First discovered in 1989, hepatitis C is a contagious disease which is caused by a virus that infects the liver. Hepatitis C virus or the HCV, is the most common cause of chronic liver disease with the number of cases increasing worldwide with each passing year. As reported by the World Health Organization, approximately 150 million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus. Around 350,000 people lose their lives from hepatitis C-related liver ailments every year. If left undetected or untreated, hepatitis C can eventually lead to liver cancer, liver damage and liver failure. Hepatitis C can be of 2 main types: Acute (generally brief but severe) Chronic (spread over a long duration) Acute Hepatitis C Symptoms Individuals suffering from acute hepatitis C usually do not display visible symptoms, and the few people that do generally manifest symptoms that are similar to the other cases of acute hepatitis A or B. These include flu-like symptoms, joint aches or mild skin rash. Individuals that are particularly likely to experience severe hepatitis C are those individuals that already have hepatitis B and become infected with acute hepatitis C. Other common hepatitis C symptoms: Loss of appetite Abdominal pain Dark urine Grey colored stools Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) Fatigue Joint pain Itchy skin Sore muscles A hepatitis C infection can cause damage to your liver (cirrhosis). If you develop cirrhosis, you may see symptoms such as: Redness on the palms due to expanded small blood vessels Clusters of blood vessels just below the skin surfacing usually on one’s chest, shoulders, and face Swelling of the abdomen, legs, and feet Shrinking muscles Bleeding from enlarged veins in your digestive tract referred to as variceal bleeding Encephalopathy which is damage to your brain and nervous system.

Turmeric is often known as a magical herb. It is because of the amazing benefits this organic spice offers. Everybody knows that it is used as an essential ingredient in curries, but this spice has many more advantages to offer. The color of turmeric is bright yellow, and it has significant similarities with ginger. Firstly, people boil it and then it is sun-dried before being ground into a powder. The flavor of turmeric is peppery and warm, and it also has a light fragrance. Huge demand all around the world Turmeric can be described as a perennial herb, and it is native to India. The scientific name of this spice is Curcuma Longa. The herb is taken from the plant’s rhizome, and it requires a particular environment and temperature to survive. And this is the reason why this herb is not extensively cultivated all around the world. At the mean time; the demand and desirability are really high across the world. In India and some other Asian countries, it is widely used as an ingredient in various types of curries and foods such as biscuits, meat dishes, soups, rice preparations, and much more. Here are six of the most prominent turmeric benefits: Excellent anti-inflammatory properties Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Although many healthy active ingredients can be found in turmeric, curcumin is the most important ingredient. The medical community is highly appreciative about this compound because of its amazing abilities as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It has become a very powerful pharmaceutical option to lower inflammation, and that is why consuming turmeric is highly advocated for lowering gout and arthritic pain. It is also used to reduce the muscle pain after having met with an injury or exercise. Normal consumption of turmeric offers relief to all these conditions, and it can also be used in the topical form.

With growing age comes a string of other health issues that are known to give never-ending problems to an individual. One of the common issues that more than half the older section of the population suffers from is joint pain. However, the younger lot too can be affected by joint pain if they were ever injured in an accident or suffer from certain degenerative diseases. Joint pains can occur in any part of the body, and as the name suggests, causes excruciating pain in the joints. The joints are what connects the bones throughout the body, and facilitates easy movement. Imagine a person’s plight if he cannot move around due to the excruciating pain in the joints. And the very fact that every joint in the body is susceptible to this condition makes it worse. Usually, it’s the process of aging or the onset of certain diseases that triggers joint pain in individuals. Which diseases are characterized by joint pain? Arthritis, gout arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, sprains, fractures, and other injuries can lead to severe joint pain. Since the pain becomes unbearable, people resort to taking Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that are known to provide quick joint pain relief, but it comes with certain drawbacks. For instance, prolonged use of NSAIDs leads to the body becoming immune to its effects, or it can weaken the bones as well. As a result of this, people prefer going natural for gaining quick relief from joint pain. Here are some amazing home remedies that will provide quick joint pain relief to the individual suffering from the same. Hot and cold compress Usually, the pain in the joints is due to inflammation, an effective way of reducing the inflammation is by using hot and cold compress simultaneously. The heat will loosen the joints and get rid of the joint stiffness, and the cold compress will reduce the inflammation and swelling in the joints.

Asthma is caused by the inflammation of the airways. The inflammation causes the airways to be swollen and sensitive. This leads the airways to react to specific substances on inhalation badly. The muscles of the airways constrict and lessen the air flow to the lungs. There might be the excess development of mucus in the cells of the airways, making them narrower. All these lead to the aggravation of asthma attack symptoms. Often beginning in childhood, asthma continues to affect a person into adulthood. It is estimated that nearly 25 million people have this chronic lung disease. Around 7 million children have been reported to have asthma. Who is at the risk of experiencing asthma attack symptoms? Asthma can be hereditary, or it can be caused by environmental factors. If someone in the family has asthma, it is highly likely that a child might be prone to asthma attack symptoms. An allergic condition such as atopic dermatitis or hay fever can also increase the possibility of asthma. Obesity, smoking, passive smoking, and frequent and prolonged exposure to pollution such as exhaust fumes or exposure to certain chemicals can also trigger asthma attack symptoms. People who work as hairdressers, farmers, and in the manufacturing industry are frequently exposed to harmful chemicals. These can also trigger asthma attack symptoms. What triggers asthma attack symptoms? If a person has asthma, several causes can trigger an attack involving extreme wheezing and breathlessness. The following are some of the common triggers of asthma attack symptoms: Dust, pollen, spores, dander, and even cockroach waste particles that are present in the air we breathe can cause asthma attack symptoms. Asthma can also be induced by exercise that causes an extreme strain on the respiratory system. Cold air can also act as a trigger for asthma attack symptoms.

Following healthy diet plans or healthy eating does not mean that you have to implement strict dietary restrictions. It also does not mean that you have to deprive yourself of the foods you really would love to eat. On the other hand, it refers to feeling energetic and vibrant, stabilize your mood and enhance your health. When you feel tired of all the strict limitations and inadequate nutrition, you lose interest, and the purpose of losing weight becomes complicated. Everybody would come up with a lot of advice, but you need to choose what serves best for you. These simple tips help you remove all confusion, and you can learn how to develop a nutritious and healthy diet plan that brings excellent results. Strike a balance Some rigid yet healthy diet plans put forward rigid guidelines. What you need is a perfect balance of minerals, vitamins, fiber, fat, carbohydrates and protein and it helps you sustain a healthy body. It is not all about eliminating specific food categories from the diet, but selecting the healthiest choices from every category is the best option. Learn how to add essential fats to your healthy diet plan You must realize that not all fat belongs to the same category. The bad fats can make your efforts ineffective, and they make you more vulnerable to heart diseases and other related health problems. On the contrary, good fats safeguard your health in the best manner. Healthy fats like omega-3 are essential in stabilizing your mental as well as physical health. You must learn how to add healthier fats to your healthy diet plan to improve your health and lose weight effectively. Mix protein from animal sources and plant sources in a balanced way Protein is one of the best energy boosters for the human body.

Vitamins are necessary for the body’s optimum functioning. Traditionally, our intake of vitamins has been through the food we ingest or the atmosphere around us. Some studies are beginning to point at vitamins as preventive measures for a growing number of ailments. Vitamin D is known to help with cholesterol absorption and is a crucial aspect of heart health. Our skin usually absorbs it through sunlight. Vitamin C helps prevent autoimmune disorders, combat eye disease as well as heart disease. There are many examples of vitamin based preventive measures that tackle everything from skin issues to cancer. However, our intake of vitamins has taken an unhealthy turn with changes in our lifestyle. It is almost impossible to get our daily intake of vitamins through natural means alone. That’s why vitamin supplements have become essential for healthy lives and longevity in mind. Here are a few reasons why you must ensure that you get your dose of vitamins: Vitamins are necessary for keeping up your energy levels. In the absence of vitamins, the body has to work harder, thus making you feel tired. It is imperative that you supplement your nutrition with vitamins. Vitamins are known to affect your brain’s functions. It is especially true for the part of your brain that regulates your mood. Thus, vitamins are a good way to boost your mood, Vitamins are a great way to regulate stress and anxiety. Vitamin B, in particular, has been shown to have a direct link with our nervous system. Our muscles are constantly being broken down by free radicals. Vitamins inhibit these free radicals and help maintain the strength of your muscles. Vitamins have been proved to have a strong link with short term memory. Studies have shown that people who take vitamins have a better ability to retain short term memories.

Diabetes is a disease that is caused by a set of metabolic dysfunctions in your body. Medically, this ailment is referred to as Diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose is the main source of energy in the body that comes from the food we eat. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps generate energy from the glucose. This energy is then used by the body cells. Diabetes occurs when there is inadequate insulin production, or the body cells stop responding properly to insulin. This discrepancy causes the glucose to remain in the blood, hindering the formation of energy. High levels of glucose that remain in the bloodstream as blood sugar leads to several associated health problems over time, one of them being diabetes. An individual also can refer to blood sugar charts to maintain their blood sugar levels when suffering from diabetes. Types of Diabetes Diabetes has been categorized into 3 types. Type I DM In this type of diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any insulin at all. The immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas, destroying their capability to produce the hormones. As Type I diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, it is also known as juvenile diabetes or early-onset diabetes. Approximately 10% of all diabetic cases are Type I. People suffering from Type I diabetes are required to inject insulin into their bodies, in the subcutaneous layer of the abdomen, every day, throughout their lives. They need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels and keep them balanced by a special diet. Type II DM Type II diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, that means the cells don’t use the insulin properly. This leads to an increase in blood sugar levels that harm the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and this cause and effect lead to inadequate production of insulin in the body.

Probiotics can be defined as the living microorganisms which are useful for human health. They can be taken in the form of supplements and fermented foods. Probiotics have great health benefits and take good care of the gut bacteria. The intake of probiotics improves the general health. It has proven results to boost the digestive function, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, weight loss and reduce sickness and fatigue. Doctors recommend the intake of probiotics in the daily diet. Well, there are many brands of probiotics in the market. It is not easy to select the right one. All the probiotics products available in the market pronounce themselves to be the best products. It is difficult to choose the right product which caters your individual needs. Here are some of the factors you must consider when buying the probiotics: The probiotics must be manufactured in clean and hygienic conditions. Take a dig at the cost. Make sure you get all the essential nutrients at an affordable cost. Check the Colony forming units (CFU). The CFU gives the estimate of the bacteria count in the probiotic. Also, check the strains and strain purity level of the probiotics. The top probiotics of 2017 are as follows: BlueBiotics Ultimate Care: The Bluebiotics Ultimate Care probiotics are the choice of doctors. Doctors worldwide recommend the probiotics to their patients. It has a total count of 61 billion live probiotics per single serving. A total of 11 proven strains are included in the BlueBiotics. It contains the S. Boulardii which is the most expensive and powerful probiotic. It has no side effects and comes in the shape of small capsules. The Bluebiotics Ultimate Care shows wonderful results to improve the health performance. It increases the cognitive function, reduces weight, improves body metabolism, and makes the digestive system strong.

Diverticulitis is a severe medical implication. It is caused by the swelling of the diverticula. Diverticula are the pouches along the lining of the large intestine. An exertion of pressure causes weak spots in the intestinal wall. Due to this, the intestine bulges the colonic wall structure outwards. Diverticulitis occurs among people after the age of forty. As individual ages, the symptoms of diverticulitis are often seen. Initially, diverticulitis is characterized by minor infection or inflammation. But it can aggravate and tear, and cause the serious problem of diverticulitis. Some of the medical conditions related to diverticulitis include abdominal pain, fever, bloody bowel movements, and nausea. Diverticulitis can be treated with medications. However, if the problem is serious, surgeries are other viable approaches. Making lifestyle changes is the best way to control the worsening of diverticulitis over time. Changing the diet proves helpful for treating diverticulitis. There are certain foods which you must take and avoid. Include the good foods and stay away from the bad foods if you want to prevent the aggravation of diverticulitis. The diet for diverticulitis works efficiently to give the digestive system enough time to rest. It includes liquids and easily-digestible food. These food products are digested quickly and don’t strain the digestive tract. What is the right diet for diverticulitis? Liquid Diet: The intake of liquid diets must be increased. Some of the liquid diets you must take are water, ice chips, fruit juices that don’t contain pulp (apple), vegetable juice, skimmed tea or coffee, gelatin, and broth. If the symptoms of diverticulitis improve with the intake of the liquid diet, your doctors may suggest the intake of fiber diet. He will start with the low-fiber diet and then recommend the high fiber diet. Some of the low fiber foods include eggs, fish, and white bread, cooked foods without seeds, foods without skin, green beans, and juices without pulp, white rice, yogurt, milk, pasta, and low-fiber cereals.

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a medical condition where the pressure of blood running through the body’s blood vessels rises sharply. HBP as we may call it may lead to the damaging of blood vessels, which in turn can lead to diseases related to heart, kidney, or even the eyes. High blood pressure is dangerous as it does not have any symptoms associated with it. High blood pressure is categorized into two types: primary high blood pressure, and secondary high blood pressure. Primary high blood pressure is the most common type of high blood pressure. It is caused by a number of lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive salt consumption, alcohol intake, obesity, or even genetic disorders. On the other hand, Secondary high blood pressure is a rare type of high blood pressure, which may be caused by kidney disease, constriction of the arteries in your kidneys, taking birth control pills, or even an endocrine disorder. While medication certainly helps alleviate the symptoms of high blood pressure, it is important to combine this with the right high blood pressure diet. The right high blood pressure diet can tackle the problem at its root, instead of only alleviating the symptoms of the problem. If you suffer from high blood pressure, incorporate the following foods into your diet. Leafy vegetables : Vegetables that are high in potassium are often advised on a high blood pressure diet. This is because potassium acts as a cleansing agent, i.e., it helps in cleaning out extra sodium accumulated in the body through urination. Leafy vegetables that contain good amounts of potassium include turnip, spinach, kale, broccoli, green beans, green peas, mustard greens, beet greens, coriander, romaine lettuce, and Swiss chard. Yogurt and milk : Yogurt is high in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, and helps in regulating high blood pressure levels to a great extent.

Meningitis refers to a medical condition in which the meninges or the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain get inflamed mostly due to viral infection. Fungal and bacterial infections may also lead to this health issue. Often characterized by the stiffness of the neck, high fever, and headache, meningitis can turn fatal, if not treated on time. In some rare cases, meningitis gets cured in a couple of weeks without any medication. However, it is never recommended to leave meningitis untreated and report to a doctor if you can find any of the below-mentioned symptoms of meningitis. General meningitis symptoms are- Symptoms of meningitis and flu are often quite similar, making it difficult to recognize at the very onset. However, some patients get many prominent meningitis symptoms in a few hours while others may take several days for developing the meningitis symptoms. Both adults and children have the risk of getting this infection. Anyone above two years of age is expected to show the following signs when infected by this disease germ. Getting high fever all of a sudden Neck stiffness, sometimes complete immobility of neck Developing concentration difficulty or confusion Difficulty in waking up, sleepiness in the daytime or excess fatigue Seizures or epilepsy signs Difficult to see in light or increased sensitivity to sunlight Low appetite and thirst Rad rashes on skin A severe headache accompanied by fever. In most cases, the pain is quite unusual than a normal headache. Many patients also get vomiting or nausea along with a headache Meningitis symptoms in babies below two years- Meningitis in infants below two years can be extremely difficult to diagnose and may turn fatal. Therefore, consult a doctor if you see any of the signs in your child. Constant crying accompanied by high fever. In most of the cases, the babies do not stop crying and might cry harder when trying to be consoled.

Foot drop or drop foot is a condition where your leg or calf muscles weaken either due to paralysis, or a serious injury. This affects your stride and causes you to drag your foot while walking because of your inability to lift it up. But there are ways you can avoid yourself from dragging your feet. Read further to understand how you can treat drop foot. What Is Drop Foot? As mentioned above, drop foot leads to difficulty in moving your feet. This is the result of an injury or paralysis and is not actually a disease. The simplest way to diagnose this condition is by trying to walk on your heels. If you find this to be difficult, you may have drop foot. Most commonly, a condition in your lower back affects your nerves that connect to your leg muscles and lead to a drop foot. Foot Drop Characteristics While it looks simple and straightforward, foot drop is actually a complex condition. Sometimes it can cure on its own, other times, it might require a detailed surgery. If you have a herniated disk in your back bone that results in drop foot, curing this can cure drop foot as well. But if you have consistent issues with the muscles that are attached to these nerves, then the drop foot will persist. Sometimes, you can be affected by this condition even without any other signs or symptoms beforehand. The dropped foot will be the only symptom and you’ll feel pain or a tingling or a burning sensation along with the drop foot. Foot drop causes lack or complete loss of balance while walking, making you unable to walk without assistance. Both your feet are equally prone to being affected by this condition. Foot Drop Treatment: Drop Foot Braces Drop foot treatment depends on the underlying cause that leads to this condition.