Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are present in foods such as yogurt. A lot of research is being conducted on probiotics and constipation. Do they actually relieve constipation? Read on to know more. These friendly bacteria are known for being helpful for digestion. You can relieve your digestive woes by including the right amount of probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are also present naturally in the digestive tract. The extensive research concludes that probiotics have beneficial effects on those who suffer from or are prone to gastrointestinal conditions. These bacteria are known to ease bloating of the stomach, diarrhea, and constipation. Since maintaining a balance of good bacteria in the body is essential, you should take your ongoing dose of probiotics into your diet. It will top up the naturally existing friendly bacteria in your digestive tract and keep you healthy. Where can you get probiotics from? Probiotic supplements are very common these days. If you suffer from constipation, your doctor may prescribe probiotic tablets. These supplements are readily available in drug stores and are known to have healing effects on constipation. Probiotic supplements mostly contain friendly bacteria such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus. These two are the most commonly used species of bacteria that are used as probiotics and constipation is a disease that can primarily be treated with it. Feed your probiotics with prebiotics To treat constipation, it is not only essential to have an adequate intake of probiotics but also to include enough fibers in the diet. Indigestible fiber contains prebiotics that feeds the probiotics selectively. This process helps the friendly bacteria to grow faster than the harmful bacteria and overpower them. Prebiotics or fibers are healthy for you as all prebiotics are extracted from plant-based sources. Prebiotics may be naturally found in vegetables such as onions, chicory roots, and artichokes.

Bladder control problems can be a very embarrassing situation for most people. Some people suffering from urinary incontinence or bladder leakage tend to lose some amount of urine performing simple tasks like running, coughing or sneezing. An inability to control bladder function, however, can be quite bothersome for the patient. Things that fall under this ambit include frequent trips to the washroom or untimely leakage of urine. While many people tend to skirt the issue because they feel embarrassed, the problem itself can be avoided. In most cases, women, more than men seem to be the ones facing trouble with bladder control. It is advisable to seek bladder leakage treatment at the earliest to treat the problem before it worsens. When must one seek bladder leakage treatment Bladder leakage can be a major inconvenience. Apart from the actual problem itself, people also feel a certain amount of stigma tied to it. People who face problems with bladder control are more likely to avoid crowds and social gatherings to avoid any untoward incidents. Being unable to control urine flow holds the person back from engaging in physical activities and sports because of the fear that they might trigger an unfortunate incident. If you experience urine leakage once or twice, it’s likely nothing out of the ordinary. But if this unintentional urinary leakage becomes a recurring phenomenon, or it hampers the quality of life for the person, you should seek medical help. Visit a urologist or a general physician to undergo bladder leakage treatment and nip the problem in the bud. Bladder leakage treatment The first step of bladder leakage treatment involves the urologist understanding the patient’s medical history. This includes frequency of urination, urination patterns and how long the patient has faced bladder leakage problems. This helps diagnose the reason and type of urinary incontinence the patient might be facing.

Epilepsy, which is commonly known as seizure disorder can be a serious cause of concern if not treated at an early stage. A chronic problem of the central nervous system, epilepsy is caused when there is a sudden disruption of nerve cells present in the brain. Though epilepsy is known to be the fourth common medical issues experienced by the people in the United States, many people still hesitate to visit a doctor. There are others, who fail to understand the symptoms of a seizure. If you are also among them, who are not quite familiar with the signs of epilepsy seizures, checking the list of common symptoms mentioned below can be helpful. Seizure The name of the disease says it all. Seizures or a sudden stroke f illness is the prime symptom of epilepsy. Seizures are experienced all of a sudden and paralyze the patient for a certain period. Depending on the type of attack, seizures are further classified into two different types, viz. focal seizures and generalized seizures. Focal seizures Also known as a partial seizure, this type of attack is felt in a restricted area of the body. For ease of treatment, focal seizures are further sub-divided into two categories. One is the simple partial seizure or focal seizure in a conscious state, and the other is complex partial seizure or focal dyscognitive seizure. Simple partial seizure or focal seizure in a conscious state As the name says, the person experiencing this type of seizure does not lose consciousness. They may experience some changes in their mental state or might also feel some difference in sound, taste, feel, smell or look. Many people affected with this type of seizure also get sensory symptoms like flashes of light, dizziness or tingling sensation. Sudden involuntary jerk in the arm, leg or any other part of the body is also an indication of focal seizure.

What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy-like substance that is found in almost all cells of the human body. Unlike what most people think cholesterol is an essential compound which is essential for your body to produce vitamins, hormones and other elements which help in the digestion of the food you ingest. Cholesterol is not the bad guy, in fact, its a significant factor inside your body. Your body is capable of meeting all the cholesterol needs by manufacturing it. On the other hand, cholesterol is also available in some of the foods you consume. It makes its way into the bloodstream using tiny packages called lipoproteins. These packages are composed of proteins on the exterior and fat on the interior. It is essential to know how to lower LDL cholesterol. Types of cholesterol: There are two kinds of lipoproteins which circulate the cholesterol around your body. Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) High-density Lipoproteins (HDL) Maintaining a nominal level of both of these types is crucial for good health. LDL cholesterol is referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. A high value of LDL in your blood means that there’s an active buildup of cholesterol in the walls of your arteries (these are blood vessels which are responsible for transporting blood from your heart to the rest of the body). If you have a high LDL level, you need to know how to lower LDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is also known as ‘good’ cholesterol. That’s because HDL is responsible for bringing cholesterol from various parts of the body to the liver. The liver is capable of eliminating cholesterol from your body. High blood cholesterol High cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol are terms that can be used interchangeably because they pretty much mean the same thing, cholesterol that isn’t good for your body. You need to figure out how to lower LDL cholesterol.

A common gastrointestinal disorder, irritable bowel syndrome or IBS, leads to a mixture of symptoms including abdominal discomfort, disturbed bowel movements, and abnormal stool texture. These symptoms last long and may be present for a minimum of three days every month over a period of three months. Also called as spastic colon, this disorder is not life-threatening and does not put you at a greater risk for other more serious intestinal conditions such as colon cancer and Crohn’s disease. However, the syndrome may impede normal lifestyle to the extent that sufferers may be confined to their homes. IBS is of two types, one accompanied by chronic or recurring diarrhea, and the other characterized by pain in the abdomen and constipation. In some cases, patients may experience both constipation and diarrhea in an alternating pattern. Unfortunately, research is yet to pinpoint the precise reason why IBS occurs. However, it is known that there are several factors, ranging from abnormally contracting intestinal muscles to psychological problems that act as the causes of IBS. Abnormal Movement of the Intestinal Walls Normally, the muscles lining the intestinal walls relax and contract in a coordinated fashion to help food from the stomach move through the entire length of the intestinal tract and reach the rectum. However, in patients with IBS, the muscles contract irregularly thus causing the symptoms of the syndrome. For example, if the muscle contractions are stronger than usual, they tend to last longer and lead to bloating, gas formation, and diarrhea. On the other hand, if the contractions are weak, movement of food through the intestines slows down, which causes the formation of hard and dry stools. One reason for the abnormal contraction of intestinal muscles is the flawed signaling between the gut and brain. Owing to miscommunication, muscle spasms occur that either hasten or retard stool passage through the gut.

As small and non-debilitating as the problem may seem, hair loss does affect your self-esteem for, after all, your mane is your crowning glory. Caused by aging, genetics, side-effects of certain medication, or diseases, loss of hair can be treated in many ways such as through drugs, hair transplants, and scalp reduction treatment. One good way of treating hair loss at home is through the use of hair loss shampoos. These products prevent loss of hair via different mechanisms such as hair follicle stimulation, improved blood circulation to the hair follicles, provision of nourishment, and moisturizing the scalp and hair. The good news is that the market today is flooded with umpteen hair loss shampoos that leave you spoilt for choice. To make it easier for you to choose one that meets your requirements, here is a list of the best shampoos for hair loss. Hair Surge Shampoos These products contain caffeine, ketoconazole, and saw palmetto that together reduces hair loss and boosts growth. Caffeine stimulates hair follicles to foster hair growth and improves hair health. Ketoconazole confers anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects to help treat hair loss due to inflammation or fungal infection in the scalp. Saw palmetto blocks the chemical pathways that lead to loss of hair due to DTH formation. Best Shampoos for Hair Loss With Biotin, Niacin, And Other Vitamins Biotin, one among the B-complex vitamins, boosts the growth of hair and improves hair health. It also prevents dryness of the hair and scalp and renders the strands more elastic. On the other hand, niacin, another B vitamin, enhances blood circulation to the hair follicles to promote their development. Through these actions, these B vitamins, along with other vitamins, nourish, moisturize, and strengthen the hair to boost hair growth. Best Shampoos for Hair Loss With Different Oils Different oils present in shampoos include argan oil, jojoba oil, emu oil, pumpkin seed oil, black cumin seed oil, chia seed oil, and various essential oils.

Excessive stress brings about a humongous disturbance in your daily routine, affects your diet as well as weakens your immune system. When it comes to maintaining good body metabolism, thyroid gland plays a crucial role in this. The thyroid gland produces a hormone named thyroxin which is necessary to maintain body metabolism. A sudden fluctuation in the functioning of this gland leads to Hashimoto syndrome. Scientifically known has hyperthyroidism it is caused due to an underactive thyroid. One of the reasons for concern today is that ailments associated with thyroid are quite common amongst people within the age group of 30 to 47 years. A lackadaisical attitude towards maintaining a healthy diet as well as zero exercise is one of the prime reasons for people suffering from thyroid. Hashimoto syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system intervenes in the functioning of hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland thereby causing severe inflammation. People suffering from this syndrome need to maintain and mandatorily follow a strict Hashimoto’s diet plan to help maintain thyroid stability. Iodine Iodine is the most important element which helps in proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Seafood is rich in iodine and hence is a part and parcel of Hashimoto’s diet plan. People suffering from hyperthyroidism must ensure to have a regular intake of iodine in your daily Hashimoto’s diet. The right proportion of iodine helps in strengthening the thyroid gland thereby avoiding the Hashimoto syndrome. Consult a dietician for Hashimoto’s diet plan People are unaware of such kind of ailments caused due to thyroid weakening and hence end up consuming more than required about of food thereby aggravating their conditions. Individuals down with this syndrome need to maintain their intake amount which is possible only with a proper Hashimoto’s diet plan. People suffering from this ailment must consult a dietician before consuming any form of food.

If you have pet cats at home and occasionally feed them from your plate, you must know which foods are safe for them. Cats can be greedy eaters, and irrespective of the cute faces they make at the dinner table, it’s best not to give them anything besides cat food until you’re a hundred percent sure. To help you, we’ve listed a few human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Salmon Cats love fish, and vets recommend feeding them fish-based cat foods. Most options are rich in omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish, in particular, like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, is excellent for their eyesight and joints. However, don’t feed your feline straight from the can; they might lick it too aggressively and cut their tongues. It’s best to provide them with cooked pieces that have no bones. Whole grains Grains are power-packed with nutrients and are healthy for both humans and cats. Oats, mainly, have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer coarse food made from brown rice and cornmeal. If you’re not feeding your cat meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. You can cook smaller grains like millet, couscous, or wheat berries at home. Boiled eggs Boiled eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B and protein and are healthy for your cat. But ensure the eggs are cooked well to avoid bacteria like salmonella or E. coli from entering your feline’s system. Moreover, some cats can be allergic to eggs, so proceed with caution. Fresh veggies and fruits While not all cats are vegetable and fruit lovers since they cannot taste the sweet flavors, some do nibble on fresh fruits and veggies. Cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli or asparagus, baked carrots, and green beans have the proper nutrients and minerals.

A rare but severe lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH, results in narrowed blood vessels, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. PAH can increase the risk of heart failure. While there are medications to decrease the severity of disease, incorporating the following foods in daily meals can keep the heart healthy by preventing the progression of PAH and its symptoms. Consult a nutritionist before making any changes in your meal plans. Dark leafy greens Pulmonary arterial hypertension limits the arteries’ ability to transfer oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to other parts of the body. Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale have high amounts of iron, which can increase red blood cell count, thereby increasing its efficiency in carrying oxygenated blood. This can also decrease the risk of heart disease. Other iron-rich foods include lean red meat, shellfish, legumes, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa. However, doctors recommend limiting leafy greens if patients take blood thinners. Berries Inflammation can worsen pulmonary arterial hypertension as it can reduce the elasticity of blood vessels. Hence, it is important to incorporate foods that help reduce inflammation. Berries like blueberries contain lycopene and flavonoids, improving elasticity and blood flow. Other anti-inflammatory foods include watermelon, olive oil, salmon, and dark chocolate. Citrus fruits Incorporating foods rich in iron may not be sufficient as other nutrients are required to absorb the iron for improving its effectiveness. Citrus fruits such as orange, pineapples, and kiwis are rich in vitamin C, which helps blood absorb iron, thereby improving its oxygen-carrying capacity. Other foods rich in vitamin C include tomatoes, broccoli, and red and yellow bell peppers. Garlic Restricted blood flow in the lungs is one of the major causes of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Hence it is important to include foods in daily meals that facilitate blood flow in the lungs.

With advancing age, most organs start to lose their functional effectiveness. The eyes are prime examples of this statement as vision loss is common in older adults. While some cases can be treated with medications and surgery, some may lead to complete blindness. Even simple changes in your daily food routine can help prevent major eye-health problems to a significant extent. Here are three food types that have proven eye benefits in the long run. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E The lack of vitamin A in daily nutrition is known to cause blindness. Vitamin A mainly helps the retina convert incident light into perceived images to complete your vision. Carrots and sweet potatoes can help replenish this vitamin requirement for better eye health. Moreover, fruits that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, like blueberries, help repair damaged tissue. Orange, grapefruits, tangerines, and lemons are excellent citrus-rich options that can delay the effect of certain age-related eye diseases. Nuts and seeds rich in vitamin E can further help keep the cells in the eyes healthy and promote better vision. Foods rich in carotenoid antioxidants Lutein and zeaxanthin are examples of carotenoid antioxidants that help protect the eyes from harmful UV and blue-light emissions. Foods that are rich in such carotenoids can help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Several leafy green vegetables can naturally provide this nutrient. Popular picks include Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, parsley, romaine lettuce, collard greens, turnip greens, broccoli, and peas. Avocados, sweet corn, and even eggs can supplement this requirement to promote better eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3s are the essential good fats that the body must process to maintain proper eye function. The retina contains a compound called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and any deficiency linked to this DHA can increase the risk of getting macular diseases.

Today, people all over the world are beginning to recognize the benefits of turmeric. This humble root is an essential part of Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines and medical systems. Turmeric’s active constituent is an organic chemical called curcumin. What is turmeric? Turmeric is a rhizome plant from the ginger family. The plant has its origins in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. In its present form, it’s a cultivar and doesn’t grow in the wild. People in these countries use the rhizome root-stems as a spice for color and flavor in a variety of dishes. It is also used as a dye and cosmetic. It is also used for religious purposes in some countries. The benefits of turmeric have been known for a long time in the traditional medicine systems of these countries. Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin provides a wide range of health benefits. Some parts of the harvest are used fresh, while the rest of it is boiled and dried in ovens. The dried roots are then ground into a fine powder. This powder consists of nearly 70% carbohydrates, almost 13% water, various proteins, fats, minerals, essential oils, and natural phenols or curcuminoids that give this ingredient a bright yellow-orange color. Curcumin The main constituent of turmeric is a phytochemical (plant-based chemical) called curcumin. In some traditional medicinal systems, turmeric is valued for its diverse properties. However, modern research was initiated only in the 19th century when curcumin was isolated from turmeric chemically. Its complete chemical structure was mapped only in the early 20th century. The benefits of turmeric Turmeric is an essential ingredient in Indian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It imparts an attractive color to food and gives it a rich, palatable appearance. Apart from this, its subtle yet slightly bitter, pepper-like aroma and sharp mustard-like flavor complement other spices in a variety of dishes.

Arthritis, in simple language, refers to joint disease causing joint pain. Arthritis is not a single disease; doctors have been able to discover more than 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis is not age-specific, which means it can happen to anyone, at any age, any sex, and any race. In America, it is the major cause of disability where more than 300,000 children and 50 million adults suffer from arthritis. The body of a person suffering from arthritis is in an inflammatory state. Certain foods are to be avoided with arthritis as they not only increase inflammation but also push the person towards obesity and other chronic diseases such as heart attack and disabilities. Even though arthritis does not have a specific diet cure, certain foods to avoid with arthritis have shown to trigger inflammation, affect bones, and damage the immune system. There are different kinds of food that have the ability to promote or control inflammation. When anti-inflammatory food options are made a part of daily diet, pain resulting due to arthritis can be crushed to a great extent. Certain inflammation triggers in foods that can lead to arthritis and attached pain and swelling. Here is a list of foods to avoid with arthritis. Fried and processed foods – Researchers have proved that by lowering consumption of fried food and frozen meals, inflammation can be reduced and natural defenses of the body can be restored. Red meat – Red meat is loaded saturated fats well as omega-6 fatty acids and can trigger inflammation. This food should be avoided if you have arthritis. Patients have reported that after avoiding red meat, they have noticed a drastic improvement in the symptoms. Sugar and refined carbs – High sugar level results in inflammation. It is best to avoid processed food, candies, cakes as well as cold drinks loaded with soda.