Learn more about the herbs, supplements, and alternative treatment methods that form part of the natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes refers to a group of diseases in which elevated glucose (blood sugar) levels in your body occurs due to deficiency or ineffective use of the hormone insulin. There are two types of this disease– Type 1 and Type 2. In Type 2 diabetes, your body does produce insulin, but it is either not adequate enough or not used efficiently to ensure proper functioning. It is important that any type of diabetes is promptly treated by a doctor, as in the absence of treatment your diabetes can cause serious health complications. Seeking medical help to treat Type 2 diabetes is vital; but you can also consider trying some natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes. An increasing number of people are trying such remedies to battle their diabetes symptoms the natural way, and many studies done in recent years have shown potential links between the use of such natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes and improvement in blood sugar levels. Here are some of the natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes that can be effective in maintaining desired levels of glucose in your blood. Chromium Several studies indicate that taking chromium supplements can help insulin work well. It has been found that chromium improves glucose tolerance in people with Type 2 diabetes, and may also help reduce your risk of developing heart diseases. American Ginseng The consumption of this herbal remedy was found to lower blood sugar levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes. However, further research is needed to establish American ginseng as one of the sure shot natural treatments for Type 2 diabetes. Bilberry Bilberries contain flavonoids called anthocyanosides, which are strong antioxidants that can strengthen the capillaries in your body.

Colitis is the term used to refer to the inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine. Colitis is caused by many different reasons. Some of the common causes are diarrhea, infection, or Crohn’s disease. If you are suffering from colitis, you might show symptoms like belly cramps, constipation, a serious case of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, etc. Colitis is one of those diseases where you cannot prolong the treatment. The longer you wait, the more severe the situation might become. So, if you show symptoms of colitis, then it is advisable that you do not take it lightly and see a doctor. A popular trend observed nowadays is the trend of seeking alternative treatments for colitis along with regular treatment. Many people are opting for this complementary approach, as they believe that it helps in further reducing their colitis pain. While these alternative treatments for colitis are said to bring additional benefits to some patients, there are some who feel that these did not help much in their case. So, how to know whether these alternative treatments are for you or not? The smart thing to is to consult your doctor about it. Ask for his or her opinion on zeroing in the best alternative treatments into your routine, while you are undergoing regular treatments for colitis. If you get their green signal, then you can try out the below listed alternative treatments for colitis: Guided therapeutic imagery Stress may not be a direct cause of colitis, but if you suffer from colitis, it is one of your biggest enemies. When in stress, you release a chemical called cortisol. Cortisol heightens your sense of pain and makes colitis pain worse. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique which is believed to be effective in reducing colitis pain.

Sitting in the backyard and enjoying the weather can be an issue especially in warmer seasons when mosquitoes freely buzz around and pose a potential threat to the health of your family. Although mosquito repellants serve as an interim solution to this problem, a proper backyard mosquito control becomes essential for permanent results. Before finding out ways to get rid of these tiny insects, it essential to know about the breeding cycle as well as common locations where they might reproduce. Understanding the breeding cycle – A female mosquito has the capacity of laying eggs multiple times after one session of mating with the male mosquito. The surface of the water body is where t he mosquito lays eggs, and these do not hatch until the water level rises due to rain, etc. While mosquitoes grow in a typical larvae-pupae-adult cycle, the time duration taken by each stage will depend on the species present in the backyard. Adult mosquitoes are capable of biting in the winter season as well. Possible locations – The eggs are laid in damp areas such as water and marshes where there is sufficient amount of moisture. In the backyard, the hotspots include areas such as gutters, pots, tires, bird baths, buckets and the like. It is noteworthy that mosquitoes can fly up to forty miles from the place of their birth. Reducing breeding areas can at least prevent them from mating and producing more mosquitoes in the house. The size of mosquitoes may be small, but their sting can cause life-threatening diseases. There are numerous backyard mosquito control measures, and a combination can be undertaken for effective elimination. Some mosquitoes are resistant to certain forms of control methods and therefore, hiring the services of a professional pest controller can ensure that the right method is used.

Menopause is a phase wherein a woman stops having her menstrual periods. Women can manage menopause by including the below-mentioned foods in their diet. The risk factors linked to menopause are inevitable to most women. Nutrition by managing your health with best foods to eat during menopause can help in many ways. The transition from a normal menstruation cycle to menopause can be difficult. Estrogen declines, and the balance between progesterone and estrogen declines as well. This affects metabolism and makes women gain more weight without even having to eat much. Other disorders include sleep apnea, nerve twitching, reduced bone density — these can be managed by consuming the following foods. Dairy products One of the major symptoms is reduced bone density and risk of fracture. Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk have phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamins D and K. This is one of the best foods to eat during menopause because it helps induce sleep. During menopause, women should get deeper sleep. Nowadays, due to several reasons, women have been affected by menopause at a very early stage. Dairy products are beneficial as they help reduce premature menopause by around 17%. Whole grains Whole grains are high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. They are an ideal food to eat during menopause because it has been proven that a whole grain diet reduces heart disease, and has anti-cancer properties. Whole grains lower the risk of developing heart diseases by 20 to 30%. Intake of every 2000 calories per day with 4.7 grams of whole grain fiber reduced the risk of death by 17%. Food items such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, quinoa, rye, and barley can be consumed during menopause. Salmon Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fats and Vitamin D. It is known to reduce palpitation, breast cancer, and pain associated with menopause.

The food we consume plays an important role in keeping our body fit and healthy. So including foods that are rich in nutrients should be included one’s diet. Healthy snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are the right way to go about a perfectly healthy diet . A huge variety of processed snacks are available in the market which will help fill up your kids’ stomach but will not be healthy. Kids are fussy eaters, so it is very important to balance their diet by introducing foods offering a perfect balance of nutrients in the form of tasty snacks. Some snack ideas that offer the perfect combination of fiber, protein, and fat are discussed herein. Popcorn An absolute favorite among kids, popcorn has a lot of nutritional value as it is made of whole grain. Popcorn is rich in polyphenols, which is a great source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which helps in preventing the body from different types of diseases. A great source of fiber popcorn in keeping the bad cholesterol levels low. Nuts A handful of nuts consumed regularly helps in the growth and overall development of kids. Regular consumption of nuts also helps in regulating bowel movements, blood pressure and also helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Cheese Cheese makes an excellent snack for growing kids as it provides a great source of proteins, fats, and calcium. A variety of flavors are available to savor the taste buds. Intake of cheese helps in keeping the bones strong and healthy. Eggs A great source of protein, minerals, and vitamins, eggs make a perfect snack for kids. Eggs also contain amino acids that help in the growth of healthy hair and nails. There are various ways in which egg delicacies can be prepared and enjoyed by kids as snacks.

Chemical waste known as creatinine is produced in the blood that passes through the kidneys to be separated and excreted in urine. A by-product of normal muscle function and the chemical waste, creatinine produce depends on the muscles in a person’s body. More muscles mean more creatinine produce. The level of creatinine in a person’s body reflects both amount of muscle and their kidney function. A healthy kidney function for most men has approximately 0.6 to 1.2 milligrams/deciliters (mg/dL) of creatinine. Women with normal kidney functions have 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL of creatinine. The reason levels of creatinine are low in women is because an average woman has lesser muscle mass than compared to a man. Other factors that may contribute to the low level of creatinine in the blood include body size, activity level, and medications. A higher level of creatinine can cause impaired kidney function, kidney dysfunction or kidney disease. Hence, it is essential to keep a check on your creatinine levels and take the necessary steps to maintain good health and well-being. Here are a few home remedies on how to reduce creatinine naturally: Reduce vigorous exercise Regular exercise is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, if an individual does an excess amount of physical activities or tasks, it can spike the creatinine levels in the blood. As muscle metabolism initiates creatinine production, overusing muscles through strenuous exercise might raise levels. A recent study indicated that an individual who does intense workout had increased levels of creatinine and this was in response to increased muscle breakdown. Consult your doctor about types of exercise and the number of sets you can or should do. Walking instead of running and yoga instead of lifting weights are better ways of maintaining a healthy life and yet keeping the creatinine levels under control.

The diverticular disease was sporadic before the 20th century but now it is quite common especially in the western countries. Diverticulitis is the most severe kind of diverticular diseases. The diverticula or pouches are formed in the intestinal wall, they are bacterially infected and inflamed and they form diverticulitis. The diverticulitis often comes with many complications. The diverticulitis treatment guidelines should be followed to combat diverticulitis; otherwise, it can lead to some serious health complications. Here are a few things related to diverticulitis. The common symptoms of diverticulitis There are several stages of diverticulitis. They vary from mild to severe with simple to complicated symptoms. These are: Abdominal pain occurs typically in the lower left side of the abdomen Fever Nausea Vomiting The increased urge for urination, frequent urination, or feeling of a burning sensation at the time of urination Constipation Diarrhea Blood in stool The causes of diverticulitis There are multiple factors responsible for causing diverticulitis. These are: A low-fiber diet The lack of dietary fiber in food is considered one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. Heredity From research, it is seen that there is a link of heredity with diverticulitis. There is at least 50 percent of the potential risk of diverticulitis which comes from genetics. Obesity Obesity is one of the main reasons for diverticulitis. It raises the risk of diverticulitis and its bleeding. Lack of physical workout The lack of physical exercise and living a sedentary life always increase the chance of diseases like diverticulitis. Smoking From studies, it is proven that smoking can cause diverticulitis and its complications. Certain medications Regular intake of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs may raise the chance of diverticulitis. The opiates and steroids can increase the risk of the perforation, the severe difficulty of diverticulitis. The deficiency of vitamin D From the studies, it is proven that people with less amount of vitamin D are more prone to diverticulitis and its complications.

According to various medical research reports, over 70 million adults in the country suffer from high cholesterol. People who have high cholesterol are more likely to get a heart attack or develop different heart diseases as compared to the people with right or controlled cholesterol level. Different medications are available for high cholesterol treatment. However, according to the healthcare professionals, some healthy lifestyle changes and maintaining a good and healthy diet can help you to keep your cholesterol level within the normal levels. Read on to know the natural ways that help in keeping your heart healthy and fit by controlling the cholesterol levels. Include heart-healthy foods in your diet Eat foods that contain rich omega-3 fatty acids – The foods that contain high omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing the blood pressure along with keeping your heart in good health. The best sources for these omega-3 fatty acids are the wild-caught oily fishes such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. The more you add these oily fishes to your diet the better you can maintain your cholesterol level. Include more foods having soluble fiber in it – The soluble fiber helps in reducing the cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Kidney beans, oatmeal, apples, pears, Brussels sprouts etc. are rich in soluble fiber. Hence, people who are undergoing high cholesterol treatment should include these foods in their diet list for effective results. Avoid foods having trans-fats in it – Various medical research reports have reflected the fact that trans-fats increase the overall levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Hence, medical experts advise avoiding such foods that contain trans-fats to the people suffering from high cholesterol. Foods such as store-bought cakes, crackers, and cookies are rich in trans-fats and while going through the high cholesterol treatment, these foods should be avoided.

With the number of processed foods on the rise, it is of grave importance to maintain a healthy diet to live a long and fruitful life. While contracting diabetes or high blood pressure may be a result of eating junk food or processed food over periods of time, we can definitely do our bit to ensure that we do not live a life of pills and medications. High cholesterol levels is a great problem faced by many in the country. It is important that we learn how to manage and balance the cholesterol levels in the body. To put it into perspective, there are three different categories of cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol, LDL is the bad cholesterol and of course, we have a total cholesterol count. Cholesterol levels vary with weight, age, and gender and we should make it a habit to check our cholesterol levels every 4-6 years. Adults typically have higher cholesterol levels as the body tends to produce more with age. Here is how you can lower LDL cholesterol levels in your body naturally. How to lower LDL cholesterol naturally Diet changes: Bringing about certain changes in your diet can go a long way in helping to reduce LDL levels naturally. Try to reduce eating saturated fats. They are generally present in full-fat dairy products and red meat products. Eliminate trans-fats from your diet. They are often used in cakes, crackers, kinds of margarine, and store-bought cookies. They are labeled as “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” on boxes. Try to eat food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids. While these do not lower LDL cholesterol levels, they have other health benefits which include the likes of reducing blood pressure and heart-related benefits. Some food items rich in this substance are walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, mackerel, and herring.

Intestinal gas, stomach aches, and uncomfortable bloating are some common ailments experienced by most people. Stomach gas pains are caused by improper digestion, diarrhea, constipation, and so on. It causes a lot of discomforts, especially when the intestinal gas (also known as flatus) is not expelled from the body. The gas builds up in the intestine thereby leading to pain. Most of the time, stomach gas pains are not much serious but are just a result of the digestive system going haywire momentarily. However, recurring episodes of stomach gas pains can be an indication of something more serious that may warrant immediate medical attention. If you tend to suffer from frequent bouts of stomach gas pains, visit a doctor and get yourself tested. Common signs of benign stomach gas pain There are certain signs of gas pains that are quite benign and go away with simple stomach gas pains remedies. An urge to belch or pass gas, which once done, gives immediate relief from stomach pain and bloating. The bloating or pain goes away and does not persist for long. Changes in dietary habits reduce the occurrences of bloating and excess gas. The bloating or pain goes away when less air is swallowed. Serious health problems associated with stomach gas pains There are instances when stomach gas pain is a symptom of another health issue, which can be aggravated if left untreated for long. In such cases, stomach pain is accompanied by other symptoms. Stomach gas pains can be symptoms of the following ailments: Constipation Appendicitis Irritable bowel syndrome Kidney stones or gall stones Inflammation of the gall bladder Abdomen tumor Ulcerative colitis Crohn’s disease Lactose intolerance These ailments can be diagnosed through medical tests such as blood test, endoscopy, CT scan, and X-ray. Treating stomach gas pains with natural remedies If there are persistent bouts of stomach gas pains, it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow a prescribed treatment plan to avoid further health complications.

Sleep is essential for the body to maintain good health; sleep affects not only physical health but also mental health. Getting adequate sleep can help to keep health complications such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, etc., at bay. Proper sleep also ensures a good appetite, lesser stress, clearer thinking, healthy weight control, better mood, good sex life, and immunity from diseases. Despite the obvious health benefits of good sleep, many people are suffering from unhealthy sleeping habits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sleeping disorders have become “a public health epidemic.” In 2009, the CDC conducted a study among 74,571 adults in 12 states across the country. The study found that nearly 35.3% of the respondents had less than 7 hours of sleep every day. About 48.0% complained of snoring, 37.9% unintentionally fell asleep during the day at least once in the month preceding the study, and 4.7% of the respondents reported incidents of nodding off while driving at least once in the month preceding the study. Although this CDC study is not recent, the statistics are still relevant. One of the reasons for this is a skewed work–life balance. Also, due to an increased usage of personal devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the percentage of people with sleeping problems is on the rise. Unless the lack of sleep causes any significant health complications, almost all cases of sleeping disorders go unreported. In her book The Sleep Revolution , co-founder and editor-in-chief of Huffington Post, Ariana Huffington points out that we are a generation suffering from a sleep deprivation crisis. In this well-researched book, she dispels the notion that less sleep means more productivity and urges her readers to bring about a sleep revolution. The bottom line is simple: get sufficient sleep to be more productive and healthy.

Every individual could suffer from leg muscle pain. There are different kinds of leg pain problems such as muscular pain, joint pain, leg cramps, nerve pain, and blood clots. Some of the types of leg muscle pain are as follows: Muscle cramp: It causes sudden pain in the lower leg; this is also known as a Charley horse. A muscle cramp can occur anytime during the day or when sleeping. Tired or dehydrated muscles cause leg cramps. Massage the cramped area or stretch it gently to cure the tensed muscles. A high water intake is beneficial for leg cramps. Shin splints: The shin splints occur in the upper front calves. The muscles in the shin bone get inflamed which hurt when running or jumping. If you have flat feet or outward turned feet, you may probably suffer from shin splints. Ice works wonders to reduce the pain of shin splints. It numbs the nerves sensing pain. You can even try antibiotics such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid moving or running on hard surfaces. If you feel some stretching in the legs, it is advisable to take some stretch. See the doctor if the problem prevails. Tendinitis: Pain in the lower calf or at the back of heel indicates Achilles tendon which causes the tendon to tear apart, stretch or swell. It is also one type of leg muscle pain. Excessive walking or climbing stairs can cause tendinitis. Put some ice to sooth the pain. You can even take anti-inflammatory medications. If you experience less pain, stretching the legs can prove to be helpful. Severe pains indicate the tearing of Achilles tendon which can be treated by surgeries. Sprains: Twisting of ankles result in mild sprains. The RICE treatment which is an acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation is effective for sprains.