Glowing skin is an indication of perfect health condition and also the fact that your health is not declining with the passing phase of time. Yet, the efforts that are usually being made to retain the suppleness of the skin are more with an eye on appearance, rather than health reasons. Interestingly to win over the inevitable process of aging, most of us believe and rely on various types of cosmetics. In fact, there is bountiful of beauty products in the market that claims to contain various antioxidants that can help you reverse the cycle of aging. Investigations and researchers in the beauty space have however claimed that such products rarely provide any effective result! Hence, are anti-aging vitamins a myth? Simply no! However, they act better when consumed as dietary nutrients, rather than creams that are to be applied to the skin! Three anti-aging vitamins can do wonders for your skin and can help you fight the process of aging. In this article, we will examine their benefits. Selenium One of the prime anti-aging vitamins that we talk about here, is selenium. This is one of the elemental nutritive intakes that can help a person prevent the dreaded disease of skin cancer. This element enters the body and prevents the adverse effects that can be caused due to being exposed to the sun’s ray for a long time. Selenium is also great for providing extra elasticity of the tissues. This is an aspect that reduces the rate of aging that occurs in the body. It also prevents the process of hardening of the tissues. One can get excellent quality of selenium through regular intakes of eggs, garlic, seafood, and cereals. Research has revealed that selenium is better absorbed by the body when it is consumed through dietary intake, rather than through application on the skin.

What comes to your mind when you first hear the word “bacteria”? Ailments, illness, and diseases! Yes, big-time most of us associate the word bacteria with various kinds of health problems. Our body is a complex and, at the same time, a fascinating machine. Investigations on our gut have revealed the fact that our stomach linings are infested with different types of bacteria. Now please do not go hyper! These bacteria are in fact friendly and rather beneficial for our systems. It has been proven that these bacteria can be much helpful for our digestive systems and can boost the health of our large intestines and our guts. Probiotics are supplements that provide the friendly bacteria so that they can thrive on the walls of the intestine and can balance the adverse effects of the bad bacteria. In most cases, we see that probiotics are taken in the form of supplements. They come in various forms such as tablets, capsules, drinks, and powders. They are intakes that come with a cost and are meant for long-term benefits. Research and investigations have proven the fact that probiotics are often good support elements and can contribute to improving your overall health and the digestive condition. However, probiotics must not be mistaken for medicines that can provide complete cure to the health problems. What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis is a condition where the large intestine is affected and is bloated in proportion. In most cases, the person affected by such a problem experiences stomach cramps and a feeling of inflammation in the stomach and guts. The person can also have bloody diarrhea. The problem is a rather chronic and unremitting one. In other words, it means that at times you will get respite as the symptoms will lie low, but yet again there will be times when you will experience acute inconvenience and problems.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a disease which restricts your diet immensely. There are different types of the disease and irritable bowel syndrome varies from person to person. You need to keep track of the food items that may trigger the syndrome. This can help you prevent it and lead a better, healthier life. The food items which make your symptoms flare up are called triggers. The IBS diet plans mentioned below will help you avoid problems with diarrhea, belly pain, bloating and constipation. It is all about making the right plan and following it to your best ability. Irritable bowel syndrome constipation There are several food items that can make IBS constipation worse. You need to avoid eating these food items and stick to a healthy diet plan. Here are a few food items you need to avoid at any cost. Coffee Carbonated drinks Alcohol Dairy products (especially cheese) Breads and Cereals Made with Refined Grains Processed Food Items High-Protein Diets Minimize or nullify your intake of these food items and you will have a great IBS diet plan to go. This does not necessarily limit you to eating peanuts all the time. You can boost your fiber intake by 2-3 grams per day to increase the likelihood of you reacting better to IBS constipation. Try to eat 25-38 grams of fiber per day and reap its benefits. There are several good sources of fiber. These include whole-grain bread, beans, fruits, cereals, and vegetables. You can also eat food items such as dried plums and prune juice. These are rich in sorbitol which is also a substitute of sugar. Eat this in moderate amounts. Drink plenty of water on a daily basis and you should see improvements soon. Irritable bowel syndrome-diarrhea Frequent visits to the washroom are certainly draining for a patient suffering from diarrhea.

Human life would have been simpler if we weren’t threatened by the onset of diseases every once in a while. However, with the right kind of lifestyle that involves eating healthy food and exercising regularly, we can lead an “almost” disease-free life. The right kind of food and our attempts to maintain the perfect body weight goes a long way in strengthening our immune system. One can think of our immune system as the guardian of our entire system. A healthy immune system helps keep a lot of diseases at bay. Thus, we are capable of thwarting certain diseases with the help of a strong immune system. Have you ever given a thought what the consequences will be if our immune system is the one that becomes the cause of our misery? Well, if the immune system is the culprit of the misery inflicted on you, it results in allergies. What causes allergies? Certain harmless elements in the environment can trigger an allergy. The immune system is known to protect the body against viruses and bacteria. However, when these harmless elements enter the body, the immune system mistakes them for some malicious agents and begins attacking them. This reaction of the immune system is the root cause of allergies. The allergens are basically harmless elements, but it’s the immune system’s reaction to it that causes allergies. What are the most common allergens? The most common allergens are nothing but some of the elements that we come across so many times in our lives. Some of them are as follows: Certain foods can cause allergy. For example, nuts, fish, fruits, etc. If you own a pet, the cause of your allergy might be pet dander. Sometimes, certain medicines can trigger an allergic reaction in an individual. Pollen allergy is one of the most common kinds of allergies.

For anyone who is over the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be checked intermittently every 5 years to keep a track record of health. The test used to screen cholesterol levels is known as lipid profile, and it is recommended by experts that women above the age of 45 years and men above the age of 35 years should get frequent screenings done to check for lipid disorders. The aspects covered by the lipoprotein profile include the following: Total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more famously known as “bad” cholesterol) HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more commonly known as “good” cholesterol) Triglycerides (fats that are carried into the blood from the food that is consumed. Too much of alcohol, sugar or calories in the body get converted to triglycerides that are stored in fat cells throughout the body.) The results of the blood test for the lipid profile come in the forms of numbers. The numbers indicated in the test should not be the only proof to predict the risk of any potential heart problems. They also cannot help formulate ways in which the predicted risk can be lowered. These numbers are simply part of a much larger equation under which other factors like age, blood pressure, sugar levels, hormone profile, smoking habits, use of medications and other factors are also accounted for. This complete information profile is used by the doctor to calculate the 10-year risk a person may be at for serious heart problems. Once the key areas have been identified, a health strategy may be developed to reduce the risk. The test report shows all cholesterol levels in a measure of milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are one of the many factors that are considered by a doctor to predict a 10-year risk assessment or a lifetime risk assessment regarding heart disease, like heart attacks or strokes.

Caused by a virus that infects the liver and spreads through the blood, hepatitis C has been known to affect approximately 3 million people in the country as per studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, nearly 75% of the affected people are unaware of the presence of hepatitis C virus in their body. A virus can be present for years or decades before any symptoms become evident. This is the reason why hepatitis C is also known as the “silent killer.” Since the virus remains undetected for a long time, the disease is often diagnosed at a late advanced stage. The CDC estimates that nearly 15,000 of people die every year due to liver disease related to hepatitis C. This mortality rate due to hepatitis C is more than that of HIV. Here are some common hepatitis C FAQs. What does hepatitis mean? This is a common hepatitis C FAQ as many aren’t aware of what hepatitis C is. The inflammation of the liver is called as hepatitis. Hepatitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infection, excess consumption of alcohol, exposure to toxins, and certain medications. The group of viral infections that damage the liver is known as hepatitis. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C are the common types of hepatitis. Each of these types of hepatitis is caused by different factors, and each of these has different symptoms. What is the difference between hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C? Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is caused by the consumption of contaminated food, specifically food contaminated by raw shellfish and fecal matter. There is no permanent liver damage caused by hepatitis A, and there is no occurrence of chronic disease. Once diagnosed and treated, recovering from hepatitis A is possible in three to six weeks.

Skin-related diseases like psoriasis and eczema have become a deep source of concern for several people. They make people constantly worry about their appearance and reduce the quality of life. Psoriasis and eczema can be described as non-infectious skin diseases, and the most common symptoms are scaly red patches and rashes on the skin. These skin diseases lead to painful swelling and severe scaling. You also have to deal with plaques, burning, itching, and bleeding cracks. They may affect different parts of your body including feet soles, genitals, neck, knees, elbows, palms, and scalp. Psoriasis is a disease with a hereditary nature while eczema is an allergic reaction. What are the best eczema and psoriasis treatment options available? Popular eczema and psoriasis treatment options: Treatment options for eczema There are a good number of home remedies as well as medications available for treating eczema. Since it is an allergic reaction, you have to remove the things or circumstances that cause the allergy. It can be anything from changing the fabric softener or detergent to switching to a new climate. Take a bath with lukewarm water and apply moisturizing lotion all over the body You should do everything to prevent your skin from being dry. It is a good option to have showers or baths using lukewarm for around 10 to 15 minutes. A body cleanser or a mild soap can be used while taking a bath. You must dry yourself carefully. You should never vigorously rub your skin; therefore, you must ensure to pat your skin dry. After the bath, moisturizing skin lotions should be applied all over the body. You should not use any lotions with irritating substances including fragrances. Enough care should be taken not to come in contact with irritating fibers like mohair or wool. Never wear rough clothes and never scratch on the affected area You must not wear any rough, scratchy or tight-fitting cloth while facing eczema-related issues.

Sterols are naturally occurring fats in the human body and cholesterol is the main sterol. There are two primary sources of cholesterol in our body. The liver is the leading producer of cholesterol. The human body requires a certain level of cholesterol for normal functioning. But excess cholesterol, in addition to other fatty substances, can cause the formation of plaque which then adheres to the walls of arteries. With the increase in plaque buildup, the blood and oxygen flow in the arteries is bound to reduce. Sometimes the plaque ruptures, causing a blood clot to form. If this blood clot is big enough, it would completely block the artery. This is the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. To know if you have ideal cholesterol levels, you must first understand that a cholesterol indicator test indicates four numbers. Total Cholesterol LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) HDL (High- Density Lipoproteins) Triglycerides Since fat is insoluble in water, it cannot circulate throughout the body. The human body has found a way to produce water-soluble fat and transport it. These are Lipoproteins. This is the form in which most of the fat exists in the human body. A higher risk of coronary heart disease has been linked to higher levels of Triglycerides.Therefore your ideal cholesterol level is actually a measure of whether these specific lipoproteins are within the required range. The Yin & Yang of cholesterol LDL & HDL are the two fundamental cholesterol types. Their numbers define their presence and one ought to know more about them before deciding if or not you have the ideal cholesterol levels. LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) LDL tends to build up against your arterial walls and thus leads to a blockage and heart diseases. They are therefore referred to as the “bad cholesterol”. The lower the LDL levels, the lower is the risk.

The total cholesterol or the total blood cholesterol is a measure of HDL cholesterol level, LDL cholesterol level, and other lipid components. Total cholesterol is not actually a type of cholesterol but a composite of the different types of cholesterol. Twenty percent of the triglyceride level plus the LDL and HDL cholesterol level score gives the total cholesterol score of a person. For anyone who is over the age of 20, cholesterol levels should be checked every five years to keep a track record of health. The test that used to screen the cholesterol levels is known as the lipid profile, and it is recommended by experts that women above the age of 45 years and men above the age of 35 years should get frequent screenings done to check for lipid disorders. The risk for heart disease is determined on the basis of the total cholesterol number by a doctor who can devise a medical health plan to lower the risk. Overall, regular routine checkups, an active lifestyle, and a clean diet with the minimum intake of triglycerides are said to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The aspects covered under the lipoprotein profile include the following. Total cholesterol LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more famously known as “bad” cholesterol) HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, more commonly known as “good” cholesterol) Triglycerides (fats that are carried into the blood from the food that is consumed. Too much of alcohol, sugar or calories in the body get converted to triglycerides that are stored in the fat cells throughout the body.) The test report shows all cholesterol levels in a measure of milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are one of the many factors that are considered by a doctor to predict a 10-year risk assessment or a lifetime risk assessment in terms of heart disease like heart attacks or strokes.

Breast cancer is a condition that develops in the breast cells. Changes that are known as mutations cause a division of the cancer cells that begin to multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Typically, the cells begin to grow in the ducts and lobules of the breast while spreading to the fatty tissues and connective tissues. Treatment of breast cancer solely depends upon the stage of cancer or the growth of the tumor. The most common forms of treatment employed include surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Apart from medical treatment methods, one can explore some natural methods and therapies that have great supporting effects. Holistic therapies Holistic therapies are widely revered for their great effects in promoting a sense of peace and bringing about a desirable balance in an individual’s state of mind. Not only does it reduce the level of stress but it also aids the patient in feeling more relaxed. While this therapy does not have a direct effect on the control or treatment of breast cancer, holistic therapies are widely reported to bring a positive change in the mental health and the reduction of anxiety among patients. Some of the most popular forms of therapy include aromatherapy, journaling, art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and meditation among several others. These holistic therapies can be used in combination or singularly depending on likes and comfort. Special diet A healthy diet can have several desirable effects on the body. While a specially formulated diet does not aid in the cure of cancer or other diseases, it can have several positive effects in the promotion of better overall health. Eating the right food will help in supporting the medical treatments employed for breast cancer and reduce the ill effect of certain treatments. One should consider adding more vitamins and foods rich in minerals as part of the diet plan.

All you need to know about food allergies in dogs If you observe your dog constantly itching or shaking their head vigorously as if to dislodge something, it may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it is not easy to confirm a food allergy, but a visit to the vet can help rule out any other causes of your dog’s behavior. While most of the cases of dog allergies are a direct result of an adverse reaction to an ingredient, a latent allergy can be triggered by environmental factors too. Keep in mind that food allergies are different from food intolerance. What is a food allergy in dogs? These happen when your pet’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the food. You may think that meat alone supplies proteins to your dog, but there are many grains and vegetables which are equally good sources of proteins. Any of these proteins are capable of causing a food allergy. What are the signs of a food allergy? The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are a gastrointestinal disorder, itching, chronic diarrhea, ear inflammation, and licking their feet. What are the most common allergens found in dog food which can trigger a reaction? Beef: When you have been feeding one type of food for years to your dog, it can cause intolerance to it or an allergic reaction to its ingredients. Beef is perhaps the most common component of any kind of pet food and thus, also the most common allergen. Dairy products : Dogs may have problems digesting lactose and this is usually intolerance and not so much an allergy per se. It can result in diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Wheat: Dogs are more likely to develop an allergy to meat rather than whole grains. But, there are always exceptions to this and wheat may be a trigger too.

The chronic lung disease asthma is known to trigger difficulty in breathing due to the inflammation of air passages. This condition is usually accompanied by the excess production of mucus in the lungs, which makes breathing a lot more difficult. A person suffering from asthma normally experiences shortness of breath. While medications are available to treat asthma, bringing about nutritional changes is equally important. Avoiding these foods may help prevent the frequency of attacks. Milk Drinking milk increases mucus production, which can worsen asthma symptoms. Hence, nutritionists and doctors advise against dairy consumption to avoid triggering an asthma attack. Switching to probiotic foods like Greek yogurt is usually recommended. Doctors also recommend steering clear from dairy products that contain preservatives. Eggs Eggs are rich sources of nutrients, but they can trigger asthma attacks. Asthma patients with egg allergies can suffer from an attack on consumption. Eggs can also cause asthma flare-ups in some people. Hence, asthma patients are advised to to rely on other protein source like soy, pulses, and tofu. Carefully read the labels of packed foods to make sure they do not contain eggs as an ingredient. Peanuts Another allergy-based food that asthma patients need to avoid is peanuts as an asthma attack can be triggered. An anaphylatic shock can cause impaired breathing due to swelling in the throat and a sudden drop in blood pressure. Such a reaction can make managing an asthma attack more difficult than usual and cause other severe symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and pale skin. Children suffering from asthma are more vulnerable to the allergens present in peanuts. Hence, steering clear from peanut-based foods is strongly recommended to keep asthma symptoms at bay. Shellfish Shellfish have high amounts of sulfites that are one of the most powerful triggers of asthma attacks. These allergens make steering clear from shellfish and other crustaceans like crabs, crayfish, lobsters, and shrimps all the more important.