What is meningitis? An inflammation of the membranes and fluids that cover the spinal cord and brain is known as Meningitis. According to statistics, over 1 million people every year get affected by different types of meningitis. The most common cause of meningitis is the infection, and this infection can be caused by different kinds of germs like parasites, viruses, fungi, and bacteria. What are the different types of meningitis? Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis is an aggressive type of meningitis that can develop quickly – often within a few hours. Bacterial meningitis is so dangerous that it leads to death or permanent disability within a few hours. In 10-20% of the cases, bacterial meningitis is fatal, accounting for about 170,000 deaths around the world every year. Most of these deaths occur within 24-48 hours of the onset of the symptoms. Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (the meningococcus) and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) are the main causes of bacterial meningitis. These bacteria are divided into groups of three that are known as serotypes or serogroups. To state an example, 95% of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia cases are caused by meningococcus serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y. Septicaemia, also known as blood poisoning, is a potentially life-threatening infection that is caused when meningitis-causing bacteria gets into the bloodstream. The infection can occur on its own or in addition to meningitis. It is very common to find meningitis bacteria in the throat and nose area in people. The bacteria that live in these areas of the human body usually cause no harm and help build immunity against infections. In case the bacteria invade the body, in a rare case, the disease manifests itself. Through respiratory droplets released through coughing, sneezing and making close contact, the bacteria becomes contagious as it can spread from person to person.

In brief, vertigo means that you feel the outside environment is in a spin. “Almost as if you are dizzy,” that is how vertigo sufferers define the feeling. The disease is attributed to issues in the inner ear or even the brain. These could include infections, inflammations, tumors, sclerosis, or trauma. Other causes might also include a migraine, neck injuries, diabetic complications, as well as restricted flow of blood to the brain base. In advanced cases, the same can be attributed to Meniere’s disease. The most common feeling involved in vertigo is to feel disoriented, but this could be accompanied by sweating, vomiting, nausea, and abnormal movements of the eye. Related symptoms attributed to vertigo include: – Sensation of ringing in the ear – Eyesight issues – Speech issues – Lower consciousness level – Issues with walking The diagnosis of vertigo is made with the aid of physical examinations, detailed scans, and a thorough analysis of all medical history. Now when it comes to vertigo treatment, there are a bunch of options. These include medicines, home remedies, as well as therapy maneuvers. Prognosis for vertigo is much dependant on what the cause for the same is. All self-limiting instances of vertigo can be controlled using all the methods involved. The differentiating factor of vertigo and dizziness is that the former comes with a sort of illusory movement. In case the patient feels movement, the type of vertigo is subjective vertigo, while in case he/she feels that everything else around is also moving, it is called objective vertigo. Vertigo is symptomatic of some other issues but is not itself contagious in any way. The most commonly prevalent form of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV. In this, vertigo lasts for few seconds to minutes. It could come about as a result of head movement of sudden nature or even directional movement of the head.

People’s lives can be stressful, and as a result, they get prone to migraines. Migraines are headaches that occur frequently and can range from severe to moderate. Usually, a migraine can be masked by popping a painkiller tablet, but if you get a migraine headache, it means that your body is missing something. It could be sleep, water, or something that you need to eat. There are cases where vitamins or other nutrient deficiency can cause a migraine. Some of the factors that can trigger a migraine include—eyestrain, alcohol, fatigue, low blood sugar, constipation, and allergies. If you’re someone who is constantly annoyed by migraines, you should try out these home remedies for migraine headaches that can make you feel better. Magnesium Magnesium is known to be one of the best options for a natural migraine relief. Also, it’s safer to consume compared to painkillers. There are studies that suggest people who have constant migraine attacks have low levels of magnesium in their body. Also, consumption of magnesium can decrease the chance of getting a migraine significantly. People who are prone to low levels of magnesium inside the body are alcoholics and people with diabetes and heart diseases. When magnesium is consumed, it blocks all the chemicals that are responsible for transmitting pain to the brain. The best recommended daily intake of magnesium is 200 to 600 mg. Doing so, can improve the platelet count in your body and reduce the frequency in which migraines occur. Sources of magnesium: Fiber, beans, whole grains, nuts, broccoli, and other leafy greens. Magnesium is a very good home remedy for a migraine headache. Drinking lots of water There are many things that we consume in our day to day life that has dehydrating effects on our body like coffee, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

A wax-like substance that is found in the human body cells is known as cholesterol. It has varied uses in our body, like enabling the building of the body’s cells; it is present in our bloodstreams and fixed to proteins called Lipoproteins. Our body consists of two types of Lipoproteins, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), i.e., the bad cholesterol and High-density lipoprotein (HDL), i.e., the good cholesterol. It is essential that these two types are present in the right quantities as any sort of imbalance will lead to health concerns. The idea is to raise HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol. Therefore, you need to constantly get your cholesterol levels checked by a medical practitioner who will guide you on any medications if required. Your HDL or good cholesterol has an optimum level generally prescribed by doctors. In men and women, a level of 60mg/dL or above is desirable, anything below 50 mg/dL is considered to be a risk. It is widely acknowledged that people who have a naturally higher level of good cholesterol, i.e., HDL, are perceived to be at a lower risk of a heart attack or stroke. Herein, we list below some of the ways on how to raise HDL cholesterol. Exercise Get going on that exercise routine that you have been dreaming of but skipping out on for so many days. It is widely seen that physical movements and exercise have proven to raise the HDL cholesterol in your body. Take it on slowly and build it into your daily routine. If you’re new, try to jog or walk for 15-30 minutes daily and then go to traditional gyms. Aerobics, core-strength training, and high-intensity workouts are very effective for raising HDL cholesterol. Exercise will enhance the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of HDL. Shed those extra pounds If you follow the above advice, i.e., exercise, then you’re bound to lose some of that extra weight that you have.

The human body comprises 75% of water. On an average, people drink 7–8 glasses of water per day and most of the water is lost from our body in the form of stools. Drinking sufficient water helps to digest our food and prevents the hardening of the stool. Our body needs a lot of water for the normal functioning of the digestive system. Constipation occurs if people do not drink an adequate amount of water or if their fluid intake is less. Moreover, constipation occurs due to unnecessary retaining of stool in our body for a longer time. If it’s difficult, uneasy, painful, or infrequent to pass the stool it can lead to chronic constipation. Constipation is very common nowadays due to changes in one’s lifestyle, and it’s not considered as a disease but as one of the symptoms of a disease. Constipation is considered as one of the gastrointestinal disorders and it represents one of the major public health concerns. Constipation is more prevalent among women than men and it progresses with age. Constipation is related to colon and rectal diseases and it can affect other organs if medical supervision is not taken. Constipation affects the quality of our life, well being leading to stress and anxiety thereby weakening the immune system. Causes of severe constipation Constipation is difficulty in passing stools out of our body or irregularity in bowel movements. Causes of constipation range from various factors depending on dietary patterns, age, gender, exercise, and bowel habits. – Lack of physical activity and exercise can lead to constipation. Lack of exercise or living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the same. – Side effects of prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and a certain dosage of drugs can lead to constipation. Medicines or drugs alter our bowel movements causing its irregularity.

Are your clothes getting tighter around the waist? Is your body becoming more oblong and out of shape? If the answer to the above questions is a yes, then you are suffering from increasing belly fat, that gets accumulated due to a number of natural and man-made triggers. Belly fat is more than a just an aesthetic disposition of the body. An abdominal bulge is due to the storage of excessive visceral fat around the liver, stomach, and pancreas. This ‘beer gut’ is a predictor of metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, some heart diseases, and cancer. A simple tape can measure stomach fat. Standing up, wrap the tape around your waist and check your girth at the belly button. Make sure that the tape measure is level. A healthy body mass index dictates that your waist size be less than 35 inches in women and less than 40 inches in men. Ways To Burn Stomach Fat Losing fat from the abdomen area can be a difficult task, Some well-proven strategies target the specific fat buildup in the belly area. Fibrous Diet Soluble fiber is mostly indigestible plant matter that binds water, forming a viscous gel that ‘sits’ in the gut. This viscous gel helps in slowing down food as it passes through the digestive tract and gives you the feeling of being full. There is better absorption of nutrients, and your appetite remains in check. It is also known to decrease the number of calories that your body absorbs from the food thus helping burn stomach fat. High fiber foods include consuming vegetables and fruits. Legumes, flax seeds, shirataki noodles, Brussels sprouts, avocados, blackberries and some cereals like oats are excellent sources of fiber. Furthermore, a fiber supplement like glucomannan can be taken to provide benefit to the digestive system.

When you feel dehydrated, you may often find yourself reaching out for a soda can from your refrigerator. Or you may prefer to drink flavored water or packaged fruit juice. Although these drinks might quench your thirst, they are not fit for your body. Carbonated beverages, packaged fruits juices, and flavored water contain artificial sweeteners, caffeine, synthetic flavors, and other chemicals that can harm your health in the long run. So the next time you want to hydrate yourself or if you are craving a delicious drink, pick a natural and healthy juice or beverage. It’s quite easy to make these healthy drinks at home with seasonal fruits and vegetables. You will have a lot of options such as watermelon juice, aloe vera juice, or any mixed fruit mocktail. These are some of the most healthy drinks that will not only quench your thirst but also replenish your body by providing essential nutrients. Cranberry juice : Vibrant looking cranberries are commonly used during the festive season to make stuffing, sauces, and food decorations. It is loaded with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties too. These help in fighting age-related diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. Drinking cranberry juice is known to be effective in treating urinary tract infection. It also promotes a healthy digestive system. For women, cranberry juice can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Cranberry juice has an astringent quality. Hence, it is often mixed with other fruit juices or added to smoothies. Although it one of the most healthy drinks, cranberry juice is high in acidic content. Hence, people with acidity problems should avoid it. Children are also advised to drink only a limited amount of cranberry juice. People who take certain medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure medicines, and blood-thinning medicines are also advised against drinking cranberry juice as they could face adverse reactions and side-effects.

Artificial tears are specialized products that have been designed to assist people who are suffering from dry eye syndrome. Most of these eye drops for dry eyes are available over the counter. The products are many, and it can become challenging to select the right one. Most people end up using several brands before they can find the ideal one. The problem, however, is that many people self-medicate and self-diagnose, and this is never recommended. Therefore, make sure you undergo a comprehensive checkup to determine whether you have an underlying medical reason for the dry eye syndrome before you can start using an eye solution for dry eyes. To make it easy to choose a suitable brand, we have created a list of the seven best eye drops for dry eye syndrome. NanoTears® MXP Forte This is a product that’s specially designed to address both evaporative and aqueous dry eye diseases. It uses patented nano-liquid technology to form a clear colloidal lipid solution for relieving burning, discomfort, and irritation caused by the dryness of the eye, particularly after exposure to the sand or wind. The lipid component in this product lowers tear osmolarity through the repair and respiration of the surface lipid layer. This reduces tear evaporation and allows for proper aqueous buildup including dilution. SYSTANE® ULTRA If you are searching for the ultimate eye drops for dry eyes for high performance, then this is your best option. This product is sterile, recommended by doctors, and is known for providing first symptom relief and extended protection that lasts longer. Once you use it, your eyes will feel refreshed and lubricated even if you have severe dry eyes. The eyes will feel comfortable with few interruptions in your daily life. This product is the latest brand created by Systane for dry eye syndrome treatment, and it will protect the entire ocular surface.

Constipation is an uncomfortable problem that affects almost more than 20 percent of the adult population in the country. According to a survey, more than 2.5 million people visit doctors and clinics for treating the problem of constipation. It often affects more women than men. In addition to difficulty with passing stools, people often face other symptoms throughout the day such as bloating, gas, stomach pain, lower back pain, anxiety issues, and fatigue. The good news is that constipation is curable with the help of fiber supplements. These natural remedies can solve your gut problems with minimal effort. So, in this article, we are going to discuss certain natural fiber supplements that can help improve the bowel movements in your body. But, before we start with the remedies, let’s understand what constipation is, and what its causes are. What is constipation and what are its causes? Constipation is often defined as a difficulty in emptying the bowels. In other words, in constipation, your body takes more than the usual amount of time and effort to move food waste through the large intestine tract. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), someone has constipation if he or she experiences fewer than three bowel movements in a week or has a hard or dry stool that is difficult to pass and often painful. Constipation is usually caused by a combination of several external and internal factors, including some that are related to your diet and body movements as well as your levels of stress. Low intake of fiber is often the leading cause of constipation. Insufficient water consumption is another reason for this problem. Sometimes, dealing with emotional stress can also lead to constipation. Let’s have a look at the factors that are responsible for causing constipation.

Diabetes, which is also referred to as diabetes mellitus, is a health disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. This is caused due to fluctuating insulin levels in the body. It is a long-term condition that affects various parts of the body like heart, kidneys, and limbs in the long run. But what is the relation between diabetes and foot related issues? Diabetics are prone to foot issues because the disease damages the nerves and affects the blood flow to your feet. Diabetic feet problems require periodic checkups almost as often as you check your blood sugar levels. Regular and consistent foot care is vital for a diabetic patient. Even the slightest neglect or postponement of foot checkups may lead to serious complications like loss of limbs. Taking good care of diabetic feet goes a long way in the prevention of infections and other complications. Foot Complications Due to Diabetes Diabetes affects vital organs in the long run. Maintaining sugar levels through medication and active lifestyle can prevent health complications due to diabetes to a large extent. Uncontrolled and unmonitored diabetes leads to several life-threatening complications. Unregulated diabetes can lead to eye, foot, skin, hearing, cardio, and renal complications. Common diabetic feet complications are neuropathy, foot ulcers or sores, and gangrene, which lead to amputation of the limb. Prolonged diabetes affects the nerves (diabetic neuropathy) and hampers the blood supply to the feet. Also, wearing ill-fitting footwear can also lead to diabetic feet problems. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy affects the nerves of the feet, resulting in numbness and complete loss of sensation if left untreated. People with long-term diabetes or uncontrolled diabetes are likely to develop peripheral neuropathy. What starts as a tingling sensation and occasional periods of numbness becomes a permanent loss of sensation to the feet. As a result, walking and balancing become difficult for the person.

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that 20% of women live with the Candida fungus without developing yeast infections. However, for most women, yeast infections are a nuisance that occurs at least once in an average woman’s life. Men can also develop yeast infections. A yeast infection can be quite troublesome as it comes with symptoms like itchiness, a burning sensation, and an embarrassing discharge. Symptoms and types of yeast infections The Candida fungus is a commonly occurring fungus that lives in the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina. Usually, the body can keep its growth under control. However, when the fungi growth is uncontrollable, it leads to an infection. Vaginal candidiasis is the most common infection. It is also known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, vaginal candidiasis, or candidal vaginitis. Symptoms of this condition include: Soreness and itching in the vagina Unusual and smelly vaginal discharge Painful urination Painful sex Men experience the following symptoms: White shiny patches on the skin A white substance collecting in the folds of the penis A burning or itching sensation A yeast infection is termed as complicated in the following situations: When yeast infections happen more than four times in a single year When there are tears or sores When you are pregnant When a fungus other than Candida albicans causes the infection When you have low immunity. For instance, patients who live with diabetes or are HIV positive have low immunity levels. How to get relief from yeast infections? Yeast infections are treatable. You can get relief from yeast infections with some simple remedies. Here are some of the best remedies for getting relief from a yeast infection: Hydrogen peroxide It is a well-known antiseptic that is effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi. Hydrogen peroxide can be safely applied topically (on the skin).

Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood flowing in the blood vessels. Blood vessels carry blood pumped by the heart to all parts of the body. Proper supply of blood requires an optimum level of blood pressure and anything above or below this level is a cause of concern. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg, where 120 is systolic pressure and 80 is diastolic. Blood pressure measuring 130-139/80-89 mmHg is considered as the first stage of hypertension, and pressures above 140/90 mmHg are considered as the second stage of hypertension. Pressure above 180/120 warrants immediate medical treatment. Prolonged hypertension results in thickening of the blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis). Other health complications caused by hypertension are a stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure. How to lower your blood pressure? This is an important question faced by those affected by hypertension. Read on to understand the causes of high blood pressure and ways to control high blood pressure. Causes of High Blood Pressure Hypertension is classified as primary and secondary hypertension. Primary or essential hypertension develops over time with no particular cause, whereas secondary hypertension occurs rapidly and becomes more severe than primary hypertension. Although the exact pressure cause of high blood pressure is not known, several risk factors are attributed to hypertension. When looking for information on how to lower your blood pressure, the common causes of hypertension should be understood first: Being Overweight Being overweight is a predisposition to developing high blood pressure. Excess body fat overloads the heart, which results in increased blood pressure. Smoking High blood pressure is among other health disorders caused by smoking. Lethargic Lifestyle Those leading a lethargic lifestyle without any physical workout are at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Unhealthy eating habits combined with a lethargic lifestyle result in fat deposits in blood vessels, which in turn narrow blood vessels.