Migraines are a chronic form of headaches, which are caused by several environmental, physiological, and psychological factors. With close to 1 billion cases worldwide, nearly 40 million people in our country suffer from this condition. While there are medications that provide relief from migraine symptoms, regularly consuming certain foods can also help manage the same. Here is a list of some of the top food items that can help you keep the pain in check. Caffeine While having excess caffeine can aggravate migraines, caffeine is one of those foods that can help get rid of a headache or migraine attacks naturally. Beverages such as tea and coffee contain caffeine, which, when consumed with specific over-the-counter medications, can help relieve a headache. Bananas Bananas are not only a great source of energy, but the magnesium present in the fruit can help treat migraines and headaches effectively. Apart from this, bananas have more than 70 percent water. They, thus, help in improving the body’s hydration levels, providing further relief from headaches. Watermelon Dehydration is one of the primary risk factors for headaches and migraines. Watermelons contain more than 90 percent water. So, a couple of slices of this fruit can provide relief from the condition. Apart from this, the natural sugars present in the fruit can also replenish the energy levels of the body. Seeds and nuts Magnesium is one of the key nutrients that can provide relief from aches and pains. Seeds such as flaxseeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are rich in magnesium, and a handful of them can help effectively manage migraines and headaches. Additionally, walnuts and cashews are magnesium-rich too and can be used to control the flare of symptoms. Peppermint It is yet another one of those foods that can help get rid of a headache or migraine attack naturally.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a chronic lung condition where a patient experiences difficulty breathing due to scarred and strained lungs. The condition is generally seen in people aged 70 years or above. The exact cause of IPF is not known. However, there are measures that can be taken to manage the condition and lifestyle. While some foods help manage the condition and control its symptoms, there are foods that result in exacerbated symptoms. This article talks about the foods that are better avoided with IPF. Dairy Dairy is one of the food groups that should be consumed in small portions. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients must try to avoid it completely. Milk and other milk products can lead to increased phlegm and mucus production in the body. This can, in turn, contribute to difficulty in breathing for the patients. It can also lead to increased coughing and wheezing, exerting excessive pressure on the lungs. Daily consumption of dairy products like ice cream and butter should be avoided at all costs. Dairy alternatives like soy milk, tofu, almond milk, and other plant milk products can be used. Processed meat Processed meats have long been condemned for their potential to cause harm to an individual’s health. Foods like salami, sausages, and other cured meat are harmful to individuals for health concerns. These foods often contain added salts and preservatives like nitrates to increase the shelf life of the meat and make its color appear more appealing. The excess amount of salt in processed foods leads to water retention that can cause patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to experience difficulty breathing. It is advisable to opt for nitrate-free options or avoid deli-meats in its entirety to avoid complications that arise from these foods. Sodas Sodas or other foods with added sugars are best avoided for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Garcinia Cambogia, also known as Malabar Tamarind, Brindleberry, and Kudam Pulli (Pot Tamarind), is native to Indonesia and is a tropical species of Garcinia. The name Garcinia Cambogia is a former scientific name of the same species of fruits. It is also known as Garcinia Gummi-Gutta. It is found and grown in moist forests where the climatic conditions are suitable for its survival. They are found in various color variants such as greenish, yellowish, or reddish pumpkins. In 2012, Mehmet Cengiz Oz, widely known as Dr. Oz, claimed that the Garcinia Cambogia extracts were “an exciting breakthrough in natural weight loss.” The claims were highly scrutinized and the results were that there was no significant scientific evidence to support the claim. In fact, the usage of Garcinia Cambogia resulted in various adverse gastrointestinal conditions, and almost no weight loss at all. The widespread claims and the supplements available in the market are those that are based on the existence of Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). HCA is said to boost the fat-burning-capacity of the body. The research into this supplement has yielded mixed results. Majority of the positive results were shown from research performed on animals. Not much research has gone into its effect on humans. There isn’t enough research to determine the long-term effects of HCA extracted from Garcinia Cambogia. The Garcinia Cambogia extract might or might not aid in weight loss. It might or might not even work on human bodies. This can be due to the complexity of the human body compared to those of the tested animals. However, what is less known are the Garcinia Cambogia side effects. These side effects can vary from person to person. Here is a list of the Garcinia Cambogia side effects, along with a description of each side effect. Headaches A headache caused by Garcinia Cambogia does not occur in every person.

Allergies among children of various age groups is a very common phenomenon, but it hampers the immune system of the child and allows other infections to enter the body. Parents must keep a close eye on various child allergy symptoms for the better health of the little one. An allergy is a condition where the immune system abnormally treats certain substances as irritants which may not necessarily be harmful to the body. The patient is said to have developed an allergy to a particular substance when the immune system overreacts by producing antibodies in the bloodstream as if fighting a foreign element or an invader that has entered the system forcefully. Airborne allergies are the most common type found among children which causes a condition known as allergic rhinitis. Child allergy symptoms of allergic rhinitis reportedly affect nearly 10 percent of children in the United States. The child allergy symptoms can be anywhere from mild effects on the patient to being a potential threat to their quality of life. Hence it is imperative for parents and guardians to know about these allergies, so as to provide intensive care and proper medication to the child on time. The following are certain child allergy symptoms that can be diagnosed in the early onset of the illness to prevent the allergy from worsening. Breathing Difficulties Breathing difficulties are one of the most common child allergy symptoms. In the case of respiratory signs, child allergy symptoms include irritable airways in the child that leads to uncontrolled coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest, and also shortness of breath. Child allergy symptoms such as breathing difficulties are often encountered in allergic asthma, which is recorded as the most common type of asthma. Nasal Congestion Postnasal drip is a very common child allergy symptom which is caused when there is an irritant or allergen that has entered the nasal passage causing nasal congestion.

Leg pain behind the knee is also called posterior knee pain. There can be multiple causes of this pain. Arthritis, road accidents, muscle injuries, old age and faulty sports techniques, and the like are some of the major causes of posterior knee pain. Posterior knee pain can be mild and is only noticeable after a long day’s work or if you try to straighten your leg completely. It can also be severe, debilitating and can restrict your movement, making it difficult to sit and stand straight. In some cases, leg pain behind the knee can be accompanied by stiffness, tender and sore muscles, which can be painful to touch. Posterior knee pain is caused due to severe arthritis, tumors, and blood clots. Other conditions can cause compressed nerves which inflame the muscles behind the knee. Baker’s Cyst Baker’s Cyst is also referred to as Popliteal Cyst. Popliteal sac is a fluid-filled sac, present at the back of the knee. Often in arthritis patients, the fluid from the joints leaks into the popliteal sac, causing it to swell. Baker’s cyst can also be caused due to repetitive bending and flexing of the knees, which causes a fluid buildup. This fluid then forms a cyst which resembles a small balloon. The swelled popliteal cyst causes pain and inflammation at the back of the knee joint. Baker’s cyst can pose a problem in flexing the leg completely or while bending. It can be treated at home using ice packs or by electrotherapy. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) This is a condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the veins that are behind the knee. There can be one or multiple clots that can make it difficult to sit or stand properly. DVT can be serious because if the cysts burst they can cause a heart attack or blockage of arteries in the lungs.

The genetic health condition called spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) affects that part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movements. There is wide variability in the age of the onset, rate of progression, and even symptoms of the condition. For individuals diagnosed with SMA, it is not that easy to roll out of the bed and start the day. However, when a patient has a caregiver’s assistance along with the right medical equipment, it helps a lot to carry out daily activities like showering, dressing, going to the toilet, and even eating. Even though in the early stages of the condition, the family members themselves act as the primary caregivers for SMA patients, it is usually not so in the long run. This is because as the condition progresses, one does need professional caregivers for SMA patients as they help to take care of numerous things. When one is planning to hire caregivers for SMA patients through an agency, they need to ensure that the caregivers hired are trained professionals. Below are some tips that will help one hire a professional caregiver for SMA patients- Have a conversation with the insurance providers and social work departments One needs to realize how many hours will be allotted to the SMA patient by the government before hiring caregivers. While building a case, it is necessary to talk to the insurance provider and a qualified social worker. As the condition tends to vary from person to person, so does the level of help they need. There are some SMA patients that need 24*7 caregivers assistance while there are others who only need someone who can help them get up and get ready in the morning, and put them to bed at night. One needs to determine the level of care their family member needs and communicate the same to their social worker or any other type of independent living department with whom they are working.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition characterized by the tear glands not producing adequate fluid to keep the eyes lubricated. This condition can lead to symptoms such as scratchy eyes, eye fatigue, heavy eyelids, pain, light sensitivity, and even blurred vision. These can disrupt one’s daily schedule and be very painful, causing further distress. This article shares some home remedies that one can try to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. 5 Tips and Home Remedies to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome Use warm compresses Warm compresses basically stimulate the tear glands to promote the production of tears. This can be a regular practice and can provide great relief when done every day. Have a good night’s sleep Lack of sleep can instigate dry eyes and eye fatigue in people who would not have the condition otherwise. It is recommended to take short breaks between screen time and get some shut-eye. Use a humidifier People who reside in a region that is dominated by dry and cold weather must invest in a humidifier for it retains the moisture in the air and helps relieve the discomfort caused by the dry weather. Stay hydrated An adequate intake of water is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for patients with dry eye syndrome. Having enough water can further help to keep the eyes lubricated, which helps in soothing the dry eye symptoms. Use eye drops or ointments Any over-the-counter eye drops available can help soothe the dry eye syndrome and provide temporary relief. You can also opt for eye drops that induce artificial tears to lubricate the eyes; however, remember to buy the ones without preservatives. Foods to Have for Dry Eye Syndrome Foods that are a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids significantly help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes when eaten over a period of time.

Constipation is a disorder related to the digestive and excretory systems of the body. Constipation affects a lot of people in the country and many suffer from chronic constipation, for which they often seek a doctor’s help. The constipation treatment is a complicated process because it could very well be caused by the foods one consumes or avoids, or how the patient lives their life, or the medication they are under and so on. For chronic constipation treatment, many go for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or laxatives these days. However, improving your lifestyle and what you consume can relieve you of constipation very easily. As a disease, constipation is often characterized by the most common symptom of it, which means less than three bowel movements per week. Enlisted below are some tips to treat constipation that can be tried by adults at home conveniently. Increasing one’s daily consumption of water Being dehydrated, that is, devoid of the proper amount of water required by the body on a regular basis can make anyone become constipated to a large extent. To stop this from occurring, it is important to drink enough water and stay hydrated all through the day, under all circumstances. When a patient is constipated, then the first treatment for constipation suggests that they should try finding relief by drinking some carbonated or sparkling water, which would help them to rehydrate and get things moving again. Some studies and surveys have pointed out that sparkling water at times can prove to be even more effective than tap water. This technique is effective for most people, which include people with chronic idiopathic constipation or another type, namely the irritable bowel syndrome. The chronic constipation treatment shows great results in this aspect. However, patients are not advised to drink a large number of carbonated drinks such as sugary soda as doctors claim them to be a bad choice for health and might make one’s constipation worse.

Many people suffer from a headache on a daily basis. A headache is caused due to various reasons like stress at work, common cold and it can even pop up without any reason. But at times, a headache may be more persistent and irritating than always. One of the reasons for this to happen could be a sinus. A sinus headache is usually accompanied by a runny nose, facial pain, and nasal congestion. It is a chronic or an acute disease that has affected the daily lives of countless people. You can also be among them if you don’t take precautions to prevent it. For more information about the causes and remedies for sinus, please read on. What are sinuses? These are empty glands that are connected to the hollow cavities of the skull. The common misunderstanding that people possess about these glands is that there are only two of these present at the beginning of the bridge of the nose. Actually, these glands are present over the entire nasal path and vary in size. This misconception of only two sinuses arose as sinus headaches were acute at two points residing at the starting of the nose bridge. These are actually the Frontal Sinuses. There are sinuses between your eyes and even in the bones behind your nose. The largest sinuses, the maxillary sinuses are located in your cheekbones. Their main purpose is to help humidify and filter the air. Their purpose is still a hypothetical statement. Even experts don’t know the reason for the existence of the sinuses. Symptoms of sinus headaches The sinus infection (Sinusitis) is caused due to the inflation in the nasal cavity. This causes blockages and eventually severe headaches. Before deciding the remedies for sinus, one needs to know the symptoms that indicate a presence of sinusitis.

People become aware that they have a bad skin rash or itchy skin rashes or a skin allergy when their skin becomes extremely red and itchy in nature, with small bumps or other changes in the particular person’s skin color, appearance, texture or any other feature. In short, the skin does not behave like it normally does or looks. This kind of an aberration could be visible on any part of the body. This is more often than not caused by other problems of the skin like psoriasis, allergies, and a general low immunity of the skin, among other factors. Irritation from artificial products like shampoos, cosmetics, body washes or face powders can also lead to rashes because they are in direct contact with the skin. Wondering how to treat itchy skin rash? There are a few techniques to make sure that itchy skin rashes are kept in check. Some of them include the following, which you can try at home. Olive oil Olive oil is one of the essential oils which help in healing and promoting skin renewal because of the presence of vitamin E as well as antioxidants. It also facilitates the smoothening of the skin and reduces itching as a result. One should rub extra-virgin olive oil or a combination of olive oil and honey on their itchy skin rashes a few times daily until they finally start to heal. It is also advisable to add a pinch of turmeric powder to this mixture of olive oil and then one should apply it two to three times a day for a few days. Turmeric in itself is extremely rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which make sure that the rashes do not extend to an area more than they are already, and relieve itching. Apart from olive oil, the other oils which are effective include castor oil and coconut oil, both of which also help to heal rashes naturally.

Osteoporosis makes your bones fragile and brittle by reducing the quality of your bones. Read on to know more about the different osteoporosis symptoms. Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes your bones to become so weak and brittle that sometimes, even activities like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Some of the most common fractures associated with osteoporosis happen in your hip, wrist, and spine. About 200 million women all over the world suffer from this debilitating disorder, and it is more common in white and Asian women. As the bones are living tissue, the old bones in your body are constantly being broken down to create new bones and this rebuilding process is termed as ‘remodeling’. However, when the remodeling pace does not keep up with the pace of the breaking down of the bones, the bones become weak, brittle, and fragile, leading to osteoporosis. It is clear how this disorder develops over a period of time, however, what is not clear is what exactly causes osteoporosis. There are, however, certain risk factors that are associated with the development of this disorder. These are your race, body frame size, age, family history, sex, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and eating disorders. Osteoporosis is typically diagnosed by a bone density test, which involves the use of X-rays to scan the body. The treatment methods that are generally used for osteoporosis mainly depend upon your risk of a fracture. If your risk is low, the treatment plan will mainly involve lifestyle changes and modifications that can reduce the risk factors related to osteoporosis. If you are at a higher risk of breaking a bone, the doctor will prescribe you medications like Actonel, Binosto, Boniva, and Fosamax. Osteoporosis is mainly regarded as a silent disease because there are no telltale signs and symptoms in its early stages.

A detailed guide to understanding what BRCA testing is, who should get tested, and what results you can expect. There are many forms of cancer, out of which some are hereditary cancers. With so many different types of the disease and many treatments and screening tests available, understanding hereditary cancers can be confusing. Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) is one such topic. There is also a genetic testing available to determine your risk factors for such cancers, known as BRCA testing. Here are some of the most common FAQS (frequently asked questions) about various aspects of BRCA testing. You most likely had one or more such questions on your mind, but did not know whom to ask. We provide you the answers that you were looking for about BRCA testing. What is BRCA testing all about? First of all, the genetic BRCA testing is not a test to detect whether or not if you have cancer. Rather, it is a test that helps doctors determine whether you and your family are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer. BRCA testing is done to check if there are any mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genes are usually present in all people, and belong to a class of genes called tumor suppressors. What does HBOC mean? Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) refers to these two cancers that run in certain families, and this may occur because of some alteration in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes of the family members. If you have a BRCA gene mutation, you can have up to an 87 percent chance of breast cancer and up to 44 percent of developing ovarian cancer. Such genetic mutations can be passed down to you from either parent. If a man has such a mutation, his risk of developing breast cancer and prostate cancer goes up.