Strep meningitis refers to the enlargement or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. This swelling can trigger a severe headache, stiff neck and high fever. In scientific language, these membranes enveloping the brain are called ‘Meninges’, thus giving the illness its name: Meningitis. This form of the disease can occur in three types, be it viral, bacterial or fungal. Bacterial strep meningitis is the most life-threatening form and if left untreated can lead to whole-body paralysis, sepsis, stroke and even death. Cause and symptoms of strep meningitis Having strep meningitis in the system may be the cause for certain other illnesses, like blood infections, sinus infections, pneumonia. This bacterium is highly contagious and may come in contact with another person via coughing, sharing cosmetics, sneezing etc. In strep meningitis, a bacterium, fungus, virus or parasite spreads through the bloodstream until it reaches the target organ i.e. brain or spinal cord. It tends to set base up in the membrane lining and slowly spreads through the vital body parts and develops into a much more advanced infection. The initial symptoms for meningitis mimic the symptoms of influenza which is usually just eyewash. Possible signs and symptoms include: Stiff neck Nausea and sudden high fever Confusion and stiffness in the body Stroke and seizures Lowered appetite or thirst Sleepiness Skin rash in extreme case Type of strep meningitis Meningitis can be broadly classified into three types. Bacterial strep meningitis Bacterial strep meningitis can be fatal within days if prompt treatment is not initiated. The bacteria enter the bloodstream and invade the meninges. This may also be triggered by a sinus infection or a skull fracture. Delayed action in extreme cases may result in permanent brain damage and even death. Several strains of bacteria that can cause acute strep meningitis which is Streptococcus pneumonia.

One of the most crippling diseases that can affect the lungs today is pneumonia. Of course, as with any infectious disease, there are many steps that you can take to avoid such an infection, but they aren’t always 100% efficient. Also, like with most other infections, bacteria are often the biggest culprit in adults. The infection in itself causes difficulty in breathing because it blocks the air sacs in the lungs and fills them with fluid or pus. Here are the symptoms, causes, and, most importantly, treatments that one can follow. Understanding Pneumonia Symptoms The symptoms of the infection depend greatly on how long the infection has been manifesting. This is why when these symptoms ever surface, one should get the possibility of Pneumonia ruled out as soon as possible. The symptoms can also be mild, severe, or life threatening. General pain around the chest area Coughing with phlegm and other types of mucus discharge A high body temperature that fluctuates Sweating and chills accompanied by shortness of breath Remember that these are just the basic symptoms of the infection. Depending on the state of your general health and well-being, your age, your symptoms may include other things as well. Symptoms influenced by age differ greatly for infants. They have difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing in general. They are also likely to show a lack of energy and vomit frequently. People on the other end of the spectrum will probably suffer from a body temperature that falls dangerously low during the infection. However, by far, the most interesting collection of symptoms come from the kind of infection that has plagued you. Viral pneumonia is likely to show the above-stated symptoms and resembles flu when it comes to the same. It also includes wheezing, but bacterial pneumonia is different. Bluish lips and a blue tint in the nails along with a general sense of confusion are only some of the symptoms that are involved when it comes to bacterial pneumonia.

Deficiencies and diseases are no longer related to a specific timeframe or age. No matter where you stay or how old/young you are, health-related deficiencies can occur at any point in time. For instance, the case of the US, about 43 percent of residents have the likelihood of being diagnosed with a deficiency of magnesium. The deficiency of magnesium in the human body attracts a horde of diseases such as fibromyalgia, heart issues, osteoporosis, diabetes, and even depression. The role and utility of magnesium depend on the role of other linked compounds such as calcium, vitamin K2, and vitamin D. Magnesium naturally occurs in some foods, and the easiest and optimal way to incorporate more magnesium into your body is to go the natural way. However, if you are prescribed bringing a supplement into your daily diet, and you indeed need the same, you could try out one of the following which is considered as the best magnesium supplements in the market. To begin with, you have to understand that the benefits of such supplements vary as per type. Magnesium Glycinate Magnesium Glycinate is a glycine magnesium salt. Glycine is actually an amino acid. This is one of the best magnesium supplements is also available as magnesium diglycinate and magnesium bisglycinate. Mostly “chelated” products of magnesium contain these forms. Of course, the human body easily absorbs these. In order to enhance magnesium levels for hypomagnesemia, this, being one of the best magnesium supplements, is advised to be consumed. The supplement also comes with a high-level for bowel tolerance. Magnesium Oxide This is not usually available in bio-form. This, which is also considered as one of the best magnesium supplements, is used for the treatment of acid reflux or acidic stomach. The low level of bioavailability makes this compound perfect for individuals having constipation.

Kidneys are the filtering units of the human body. They filter the blood and expel the toxins which are flushed out of the body during urination. At times kidneys fail to perform their function. They become incapable to filer the waste from the blood. The kidney health deteriorates along with several other factors. Kidney trauma, chronic disease medications, and pollutants can aggravate the problem and cause complete kidney failure. This results in the overloading of toxins in the body. Kidney failure is life-threatening if it isn’t treated the right way. Kidney failure symptoms There are different symptoms of kidney failure. In the beginning, the kidney failure symptoms can’t be traced. As the kidneys weaken, symptoms such as reduced RBC production, imbalance of electrolytes, and uneasy waste clearance from the body arise. Some of the main kidney failure symptoms are: Lethargy, fatigue, and weakness Regular nausea and drowsiness Urine reduction Short breath Inflammation in ankles, feet, and legs caused by fluid retention Pain in chest Confusion Less appetite Congestive heart failure Metabolic acidosis High potassium levels in blood (hyperkalemia) High uric levels in the blood Irregular heartbeat rhythm Coma Causes of kidney failure Acute and chronic health problems result in the failure of the kidney. Some of the likely causes are: Acute renal failure: It occurs in quick successions when kidneys fail to function properly. Every human has two kidneys. If one kidney fails it can be operated and removed from the body. Single kidney continues to function normally. However, if both the kidneys fail, transplantation of kidney is the only viable solution. Pre-renal kidney failure: The pre-renal kidney failure is caused by the inefficient blood supply to the kidney. The pre-renal kidney failure symptoms are dehydration, fever, low blood volumes (hypovolemia), sweating, water loss and improper blood flow. Sepsis: Infections in the body affect the immune system.

Our body is capable enough of protecting itself from disease-causing agents to a certain extent. The immune system is what keeps harmful agents at bay. However, there are instances when the immune system isn’t strong enough to keep the body from harm’s way. In such situations, the viruses and bacteria enter the body and wreak havoc and the result is that you are bed-ridden for a few days. What might begin as symptoms of a common cold can turn into full-fledged nasal congestion in no time. Nasal congestion is a common ailment that affects children and adults alike. It causes a hindrance in breathing and worsens if left untreated. It starts as a normal common cold and, if left unchecked, can cause severe nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is a result of a variety of causes, but there are various treatments to relieve nasal congestion. If you wish to learn more about the same, keep reading. Various causes of nasal congestion Stuffy nose or nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passage is blocked. This blockage is the result of swelling of the membrane lining which is in turn caused by the inflammation of the blood vessels. In addition to causing great discomfort, nasal congestion affects the individual’s ability to breathe effortlessly. The common cold is usually the cause of nasal congestion, but there are a few other causes that are known to trigger nasal congestion. They are as follows: One of the common causes of nasal congestion is hay fever. Many times, a deviated septum is responsible for causing nasal congestion. People are usually allergic to certain substances in their surroundings. When the allergy is triggered, it can also lead to nasal congestion, especially if it involves a runny nose and sneezing. Exposure to certain chemicals can lead to nasal congestion.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that hampers with a child’s ability to move by affecting motor nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement. This disease is progressive in nature and is caused by the loss of specialized motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brainstem. This affects a child’s ability to perform motor activities such as sitting up, jumping, walking, crawling, and controlling head movement. SMA mainly causes muscle wasting and weakness. Moreover, some people who suffer from severe cases of SMA face difficulty in breathing and swallowing as the muscles used for these functions are also affected. Below is some information on different types; diagnosis and treatments of SMA that can help families of the affected children understand the disease better. Types of SMA SMA can be classified into five different types: 0, I, II, III, and IV. Each type is categorized on the basis of different symptoms, and physicians often determine the type by understanding the symptoms. Type 0 Type 0 SMA is one of the most severe types. It is identified on the basis of symptoms such as decreased fetal movements, joint abnormalities, inability to swallow properly, and respiratory failure. This type occurs in a child before birth or within the first few months of birth. Type I Type I SMA is also called the Werdnig-Hoffman disease. It is one of the severe types of SMA that affects a person since their birth or within the first few months after birth. It is quite similar to the type 0 SMA as type I affected infants also face delayed physical developments. Children with this type exhibit symptoms such as breathing and swallowing problems that can cause choking. Other symptoms include diminished limb movements, fasciculation, tremors, hypotonia (severely reduced muscle tone), and lack of tendon reflexes.

Vertigo is an ailment where a person feels dizzy or has a sensation of being off balance. The person might feel that the world around him or her is spinning. Medical diagnosis has clearly stated the fact that vertigo is a problem that can occur due to inner ear problems. Some of these inner ear problems could be: · Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo, also known as BPPV, occurs when very small particles of calcium get deposited and clogged up in the ear canals. · Meniere’s disease is yet again another disorder of the inner ear in which there is an increase of fluid that changes the pressure in the ear. This can lead to vertigo coupled with the loss of hearing power. · The problem of Vestibular neuritis is another infection that could lead to inflammation in the inner ear that can give rise to vertigo and loss of balance. · The other minor reasons for vertigo could be aging, injury to the head and neck, medications of certain types, migraines and also strokes and tumor in the brain. Symptoms of Vertigo Some of the most common symptoms of vertigo are as follows: · Spinning of the head · Nausea · Titling of the body · Feeling of being pulled in one direction · Headache · Sweating · Loss of hearing at times Treatment of Vertigo Treatment for vertigo is done in many different manners. Doctors often advise patients to take rest, ample of fluids and wait for some time. Often the brain can get accustomed to the condition of the inner ear and stabilize the body functions. In this context, we see that often all problems and other uneasiness can go away without having to go to any particular type of treatment for vertigo. However, depending on the nature and the seriousness of the problem, there can be a few types of treatment for vertigo that you could try.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths that occur due to cancer. It is estimated that lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers combined. Based on the statistical data by the American Cancer Society, there are about 220,000 new cases of lung cancer every year. Several types of treatments are being developed and researched on to stop or at least slow down the disease progression in lung cancer patients. Apart from this, several oncologists and nutritionists also suggest that maintaining a proper diet can help in fighting the symptoms of lung cancer. There are some foods that can keep lung cancer symptoms at bay and can also be used as home remedies along with mainstream treatments. Some of the foods that can aid a lung cancer patient are mentioned below: Green tea According to several oncologists, green tea not only helps in preventing lung cancer but can also benefit to those who are living with the disease. Green tea contains theaflavin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which can potentiate the effect of chemotherapy medications. It is important to know that bottled green tea may have very little or no EGCG as the compound doesn’t last long when bottled. Nutritionists suggest drinking green tea with a dash of lemon juice as it can enhance the absorption of the compound. Ginger Known for its hot and zesty yet sweet flavor, ginger contains a compound called 6-shogaol that can prevent the development of malignant (cancerous) cells in the lungs through apoptosis (cell suicide) of cancer cells. It can also lower the risk of metastases of the disease thereby stopping or slowing its progression. Its anti-inflammatory compounds can also help in relieving the pain caused due to the side effects of medicines that are used to treat lung cancer.

Different foods can have positive effects on our body and mind. There are foods that may help fight lung cancer and other types of cancers. However, patients who are already affected by lung cancer should be more careful with their dietary habits and food choices. Some vitamins and minerals may be beneficial for the body during the course of treatment – chemotherapy, medication, and radiation. Studies show that there are potential cancer-fighting fruits, vegetables, and food items that could make a significant difference in the health of a person. Let us now look at those specific foods that inhibit the growth of cancer cells or stop them from becoming metastatic. Foods that may help fight lung cancer Is there anything as a lung cancer diet? Technically, there isn’t anything such. However, some foods may help fight lung cancer or even prevent the disease. It is debatable. There’s no reason to fret. Multiple studies are still looking into the effect of diet on cancer cells already present in the body. The lists of foods given below discuss the nutritional value and their effects on lung cancer. If you are already affected by lung cancer and are going through chemotherapy and radiation therapy, this information might prove to be helpful. Green tea: Green tea is believed to be very effective in fighting lung cancer. Not only does it play a preventive role but it may also benefit people living with this disease. Green tea contains caffeine in very less quantity. So, if you have caffeine sensitivity, you have to look for a caffeine-free option. Pears: A recent study showed that fruits like apples and pears induced apoptosis which is programmed cell death in cancer cells. These fruits contain phloretin, a phytochemical, which may be used as an adjunct for the treatment of non-small lung cancer cells.

Not all cholesterol is bad for your health. HDL (High-density lipoprotein) is also known as “good” cholesterol, and this type of cholesterol is actually better for your health. High HDL cholesterol levels in your body will help to carry cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, which in turn, helps in excreting it from the body. Also, if your HDL cholesterol level is high, you face a lower risk of heart disease. Moreover, high levels of high-density lipoprotein have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are great for your health. To check your cholesterol levels, you need to go for a blood test. Most healthcare professionals recommend having a minimum blood cholesterol levels of 50 mg/dl in women, and for men, the minimum level is 40 mg/dl. If the HDL level is lower than this, your LDL level might build up, increasing the risk of heart diseases. If you have high LDL cholesterol levels, then treatment is necessary to lower the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Thus, to lead a fit and healthy life, maintaining the right levels of HDL is vital. If you are wondering how to treat high LDL cholesterol levels or how to raise HDL cholesterol levels, then you can go through these effective and healthy tips. Follow a ketogenic or low-carb diet A ketogenic and low-carb diet provides several health benefits such as reduced sugar levels in the blood and weight loss. If you are looking for ways to raise the levels of good cholesterol, you need to maintain a healthy weight. Losing a few extra pounds can go a long way in increasing your HDL cholesterol levels. You need to control your eating habits too. Along with having low-carb foods, try to include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in your diet. These fats are mostly available in tuna or salmon fish, nuts, and plants.

A healthy person ideally has a well-maintained cholesterol level. However, many people rarely check this vital health parameter and eventually tend to suffer from multiple health-related issues. An individual who has crossed the age of 20 should normally get their cholesterol levels checked every five years of his or her life. A simple test of lipoprotein panel tells if a person is at a risk of suffering from coronary heart disease. This test states the total cholesterol level, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and HDL (good) cholesterol level. This test also states triglycerides levels which are another form of fat that can increase the risk of heart disease. Before a detailed analysis of a cholesterol levels chart is done it is important to understand the concepts of total cholesterol, bad or LDL, and good or HDL cholesterol. Total cholesterol: It is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in the blood which is inclusive of low-density lipoprotein or LDL and high-density lipoprotein or HDL. Bad cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered to be the main source of cholesterol buildup and leads to a blockage of the arteries. Good cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps in removing the excess cholesterol from the arteries. Factors affecting the cholesterol levels The following factors can affect the cholesterol levels of any person: Diet of a person: The food a person eats also contributes to the cholesterol level. Saturated fats also contribute toward increasing the cholesterol levels of a person on the cholesterol levels chart. If a person tends to reduce the saturated fats in the food, it would thereby lead to a decrease in the cholesterol levels. The weight of a person: People who are overweight also tend to have a higher cholesterol level. If a person works toward reducing his or her weight, the volume of bad cholesterol or LDL decreases.

The best diets are the ones which are easy to follow, safe, nutritious and effective for weight loss and offer preventive measures for heart disease and diabetes. So, here’s a list of the 12 best diets of 2017 as per the nutrition experts: Vegetarian Diet The vegetarian diet has made its spot in the top 10 list of best diets of 2017 from being number 13 in 2016. This diet is as simple as it can get. There is no meat allowed as the name suggests. The meat will be replaced with a lot more vegetables high in nutrients content to make you feel full. Ornish Diet This diet plan is developed by Dr. Dean Ornish. This diet sees food on a “spectrum” with certain food items being healthier than the others. The less processed, the better as far as eating healthy is concerned. The diet emphasizes on consuming fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and fat as well only if it contains omega 3 fatty acids. It is also among the top ranking diets for heart disease. Jenny Craig Diet This diet plan is promoted by the likes of Mariah Carey and Kirstie Alley. Jenny Craig uses weight-control counseling, and the prepared meal can be picked up from a Jenny Craig location or delivered to your address. Volumetrics Diet Volumetrics diet is developed by Barbara Rolls, a nutrition professor at the Penn State University. This diet plan categorizes food items based on their density. Foods which are less dense like soups, vegetables with high water content, etc. are preferred over cookies, butter, and pizza. Fertility Diet As the name suggests, this diet is meant for those women who are having a problem conceiving. This diet is developed by Dr. Walter Willet and Dr. Jorge Chavarro of the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.