Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the inability of the pancreas to secrete sufficient insulin or the body’s inability to effectively use the secreted insulin. In fact, diabetes mellitus is a silent killer, and if a person suffers from high blood pressure along with diabetes, it can prove to be fatal. Studies have reported that approximately 37% of the global population is diabetic and these figures are rising due to increased incidence of obesity and other lifestyle habits. An Insight Into Diabetes Diabetes can manifest in two types. People usually develop type 1 diabetes or diabetes mellitus in adulthood. Sufferers of type 1 diabetes are completely insulin dependent. Type 2 diabetes is more common and in this condition, the body does not produce enough insulin or body cells are insulin resistant. There is an increased incidence of juvenile diabetes and gestational diabetes. Medications and lifestyle changes can help manage the conditions effectively. Diabetes is a cause of adult blindness. Also, diabetics are at an increased risk of suffering from a fatal stroke. Moreover, they are prone to infections that do not heal quickly, resulting in amputation of the limbs. Hence, it is essential that blood sugar levels are constantly monitored with the help of a blood sugar chart. These charts serve as tools to determine the quantum of sugar that has accumulated in the blood. What Is A Blood Sugar Chart? A blood sugar chart helps track your blood glucose levels. The chart contains columns that keep a track of the date, and fasting and post-meal blood glucose levels. It also shows target readings which will help you conclude your current levels vis-a-vis the normal blood glucose levels. The normal blood sugar levels before meals range between 70-130 mg/dl. Post meals, that is about 2 hours after meals, the blood sugar levels should be below 180 mg/dl.

The painfulness of your muscles and bones make you feel tired! Well, then you might be suffering from fibromyalgia. This type of pain spreads often affects a wide area of the body and causes fatigue, sleepiness, mood swing and even memory loss. The painful sensation may occur even when you are at rest and may interrupt the pain signals sent by the brain to the rest of the body. Studies have proven that both men and women can get this condition, yet women are more likely to be affected than men. In most of the cases, fibromyalgia is triggered by an infection, surgery or physical trauma. Excessive psychological stress may at times be responsible for the problem. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be quite distressing at times. Yet, it can be managed effectively by following some simple tips. Manage your pain with yoga The health benefits of yoga have been proven time and again. You may like to know that researchers have proven the fact that yoga can help in controlling fibromyalgia pain significantly. Therefore, you can at once get an appointment with a yoga practitioner and try some gentle poses under his guidance. You can also practice different breathing exercises and meditation to improve your health. Group discussion can also help in the effective control of the pain, especially for people, who have got this as a result of stress or mental trauma. To get the best results, you should always discuss your problem freely with the instructor and abide by his suggestions. Anti-depressants can be useful While yoga plays an effective role in managing fibromyalgia pain, many people prefer anti-depressants for their relief as medications for fibromyalgia. A sound sleep after taking anti-depressants can rejuvenate your body and your brain can also start functioning in a better way.

If you’re an avid tennis player or a player of another racket sport, you may have heard the term tennis elbow. But what is tennis elbow exactly? Tennis elbow is a repetitive strain injury to the tendons in the elbow. It is a type of tendonitis that can be acute or chronic. It affects the extensor muscles of the forearm. Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis affects people who do a lot of striking motions with their forearm like playing tennis, using hammers, etc. Even activities that require excessive gripping motions can cause tennis elbow, like painting and hedge clipping. When playing tennis the following maneuvers can cause tennis elbow—one-handed backhand with poor technique, twisting the wrist while serving at full power, and a late forehand swing that causes the wrist to bend. Treatment of tennis elbow focuses on reducing the pain and inflammation. To protect the elbow while letting it heal, a tennis elbow brace is recommended. A tennis elbow brace will restrict movement of the elbow while also being supportive and protective. Signs And Symptoms The most common sign of tennis elbow is a pain over the lateral (outer) aspect of the elbow. The outer portion of the elbow can also become tender. Specifically, the pain and tenderness will be 1-2cm around the outer bony prominence. There can be a weakness of the muscles in the forearm, especially the extensor muscles. The extensor muscles help to extend the finger and the wrist upwards. The pain will be increased, with gripping motions of the wrist and with activities that require the use of the extensor muscles like— pouring from a jug, sweeping, lifting with the palm down, etc. An acute case of tennis elbow occurs immediately after the activity. The muscles get overloaded in a short period of time causing tears in the tendons.

Insomnia is a complicated condition that leads to people not getting a proper sleep. It is also known as sleeplessness. People find it difficult to stay asleep if they have insomnia. Anyone suffering from insomnia never gets a satisfied sleep and therefore feel fatigued, face difficulty in concentrating, and lack energy. Their performance also diminishes, and they suffer from stress and mood swings. Types of Insomnia There are mainly two types of insomnia conditions – Acute Insomnia which is not a serious condition and is usually influenced by life circumstances such as excitement or shock. This type of insomnia is temporary and flees away with time. The other type of insomnia is chronic insomnia which is rather more difficult to handle as it occurs for more than a month. Chronic insomnia tags along with many causes such as environmental change, indefinite sleeping habits, heavy workload and it could even be a result of side effects of certain medications. There are a number of medications available for treating insomnia. The treatment may vary from person to person depending upon what kind of insomnia they are suffering from. Insomnia Medications The following drugs help in treating insomnia to a large extent. However, these drugs should be consumed in combination with proper sleeping habits. • Zolpidem : Zolpidem or Ambien or Intermezzo are the medicines that help in getting a sound sleep. However, this insomnia medication may not suit some people as they woke them up at night. This drug in most cases helps you sleep properly for long hours. An extended version of Zolpidem is available called Ambien CR. Zolpidem is also approved by FDA in oral spray form called Zolpimist which can be used for treating acute insomnia. • Eszopiclone : Eszopiclone or Lunesta helps a patient suffering from insomnia fall asleep in no time.

Food plays an important role in managing diabetes. According to several studies, the most severe and chronic diabetes cases and complications triggered by the condition are caused by the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods. These can increase insulin resistance and heighten blood sugar levels in the body. It is, therefore, important to learn about the foods that can worsen the condition. Here are some of the foods that those with diabetes should avoid. Flavored coffee drinks Flavored coffee drinks, unlike regular coffee, are loaded with sugar, carbohydrates, and calories, all of which may lead to an increase in weight and spikes in blood sugar levels. Such complications will eventually lead to a severe form of diabetes and other health conditions, like high blood pressure and cholesterol. Margarine Margarine is used as a healthy alternative to butter because it is low in saturated fats. However, the food contains high levels of trans fats. These fats may trigger inflammation, increase insulin resistance, and reduce the healthy cholesterol levels in the body. White bread White bread is a processed food that is rich in carbohydrates. Studies indicate that foods high in carbohydrates may raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They may also affect brain function, especially in those with type 2 diabetes and mental health issues. Sugary drinks Drinks like sodas, sweetened ice tea, and lemonade are extremely high in carbohydrates. These drinks also contain excessive fructose levels. These can influence the body to resist insulin and worsen diabetes. Fruit-flavored yogurt While plain yogurt is suitable for those with diabetes, fruit-flavored yogurt has the opposite effect. Such yogurt is derived from nonfat or low-fat milk with high concentrations of sugar and carbohydrates. So as delicious as fruit-flavored yogurt may taste, one must steer clear of the food to avoid unnecessary spikes in blood sugar and insulin.

Not all bacteria are bad for you, no matter how strange that sounds! Probiotics are essential and beneficial bacteria that help control the growth of bad bacteria that harms the gut. They replenish the body’s microbiome with healthy cultures and are strongly recommended for women aged 50 and above. While there are several food items like kefir, kombucha, cheese, and yogurt that contain probiotics naturally, there are several women who do not get enough of these foods in their diet, making it absolutely essential for them to take supplements. Women who are above 50 should ideally focus on their health and receiving probiotics is an essential part of that process. There are several probiotic supplements available in the market, and we have made the process of choosing the best one easier for you. Here are a few of the best probiotics for women! Ultimate Flora Probiotic by Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotic by Renew Life is one of the best probiotics for women. It provides immense support for vaginal, urinary, immune, and digestive health. To best keep the cultures alive, refrigerate the substance right after it is opened. This vegetable capsule supplement contains 25 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) Bifidobacterium strains and Lactobacilli. Higher CFU supplements are available as well. It is best to purchase a supplement of theirs with a CFU of at least 1 billion. It will not serve the purpose otherwise. Women’s Daily Care Probiotics by Garden of Life Women’s Daily Care Probiotics by Garden of Life is a vegetable capsule probiotic supplement. It is to be taken once daily and it aims at restoring and maintaining immune, vaginal and digestive health. It comes with 40 billion CFUs and was carefully designed using L. fermentum and L. reuteri strains. What makes this supplement stand out is the fact that it is resistant to stomach acid and bile.

Sciatica is a painful problem that begins somewhere near your lower back. In most cases, this pain is able to shoot itself up toward the legs or even the feet. In our body, there is a nerve called the sciatic nerve that, when getting compressed or pushed by say a bone-like herniated disk, results in a pain so sharp and intense that it literally worries people. While a common issue by itself, some people also experience tingling, weakness and numbness in their back or the legs, which can last for moments to days. There are multiple treatment options available that are both invasive and non-invasive. Here’s everything you need to know about sciatica pain treatments and its remedies: Stretching and Exercising Majority of the sciatica cases are treatable at home. People who are middle-aged and do not exercise at a higher risk. Visiting a physician or a trainer who can provide you with a physical routine to follow will help relieve you off of some symptoms. Exercising and stretching in certain postures has helped many treat the problem at home. About half the patients suffering from sciatica have been able to recover within 6 weeks without any invasive or surgical procedure required. Hot and Cold Treatment Making hot and cold packs and their application to the affected area will not only help in reduction of swollen parts and numbness but also provide relieve people of the pain associated with the disorder. This treatment is coupled with three days of bed rest, i.e., off your feet. Yes, we are asking you to stay in bed for roughly three days straight in a firm position on a good mattress. This will help straighten out the problem. Therapy Acupuncture treatments, yoga, physical workout, massage as well as biofeedback all have proven for temporarily and sometimes, even permanently eliminating the issue.

Hemorrhoids are quite a problem, and home remedies are a preference when it comes to natural hemorrhoid treatment. There are a large number of ways to treat hemorrhoids naturally. So much so that one would have difficulty knowing which one to apply. Hence, it is very important to have a thorough knowledge of the process. Now, one good thing about hemorrhoids is that they aren’t all that painful; however, they can bleed incessantly. Hence, if the problem has gone way beyond measure, it is ideal to connect with a high-quality colorectal surgeon. In fact, if your hemorrhoids are painful, then it means that the situation is out of hand and you need to do something real soon. In technical terms, these have reached the canal of your bowel passage owing to irregular bowel movement, which has also caused the bowels to larger. On top of all of this, if you have a blood clot, the consequences are much more severe. Now, there are countless clinical and home-based remedies to rid yourself of such issues. The most basic thing that you are supposed to do is to shrink them. Now, if you don’t do it correctly, then the process can be dangerous and can worsen your situation. Hence, ensure that you know what you’re doing before you try a natural hemorrhoid treatment. If you are bleeding, it is best to not try any natural hemorrhoid treatment on your own and consult a doctor. It is ideal if you are facing hemorrhoids for the first time. After all, proper diagnosis is the basis of any treatment. Hence, do as the doctor says. For all you know, it might turn out to be something else altogether, rendering your home-based remedy null and void. However, some homemade treatments work and even the doctors recommend those.

Testosterone is a steroid hormone which is the main sex hormone in men. But females also have a small amount of it. These are produced in men’s testicles, and for women, it is in their ovaries. A small amount of testosterone is also produced by adrenal glands. The physical changes that experienced in boys during their puberty phase like the change in voice, hair growth, and muscle development are due to the testosterone hormone. Having an optimal level of testosterone during adulthood and old age is vital. Healthy levels of testosterone in adults are important for their body composition, sexual functioning, and for avoiding risks of diseases. In addition to that, increasing the testosterone levels helps you to gain muscle mass and vitality within weeks. Testosterone plays an important role in the well-being of female sexual and physical health. Making your endocrine system work properly helps in optimizing the performance and maintain a healthy sex drive. Following are some of the recommended herbs to increase testosterone levels naturally and to maintain a healthy endocrine system. Tribulus Terrestris Tribulus Terrestris is the most common herbs that help increase testosterone levels. It is found in almost all the supplements that are designed to boost the men’s hormones and increase the sex drive. Studies have shown that Tribulus increases the body’s production of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones. These hormones signal the testicles to produce testosterone. DHEA, another powerful androgen and precursor to testosterone, is also produced dramatically by Tribulus. Pine Pollen Unlike other herbs, this one increases the testosterone levels directly. Pine pollen is the only herb that provides the body with an externals source of testosterone and other phyto-androgens that supplement the body’s own production. It comes in powdered, tincture, and capsule forms. Among these, the tincture form is the most efficient and powerful in giving increased levels of testosterone.

Toenail fungus occurs mainly due to a living organism called dermatophyte which starts growing in your toenail. It lives and thrives in places that are damp and dark. Therefore, your toenail becomes a perfect place for the organism to grow. There are multiple, both cheap and expensive, treatment options available for toenail fungus. However, one of the cheapest and the most effective treatment options for toenail fungus would be the listerine mouthwash. However, many are skeptic about the results of l isterine for toenail fungus . So, in this article, let’s see the benefits of listerine. What is listerine? Before diving any further into the discussion, let’s have a look at the background and history of listerine. It was invented in the year 1879 as a disinfectant and surgical antiseptic by Dr. Joseph Lister. It is used effectively for the treatment of gonorrhea. Listerine is sometimes also used as a floor cleaner. Although it was invented long ago, listerine was not used as a bottle of mouthwash until the 1970s. Presently, many use listerine for toenail fungus treatment as well. How listerine Works for Toenail Fungus Listerine uses different antiseptic properties of various alcohols and other substances to treat toenail fungus. It has some incredible ingredients that really make listerine effective. However, the manufacturers of listerine do not market the product as a useful treatment option for fungal infection. Nonetheless, because it has some ingredients that might help to treat toenail fungus, you have all the right to assume the efficacy of Listerine for toenail fungus. Let’s have a look at some of those ingredients. Thymol It is extracted from the herb called Thyme. Thymol is rich in Vitamin A and C. It is also a good source for calcium and magnesium. It gets absorbed in the skin and plays the role of an anti-inflammatory agent.

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ located below the liver. It collects and stores bile, which is produced by the liver and releases it into the small intestine to aid the process of digestion. Majority of people seldom give a thought to the health of their gallbladder. Although unlike the liver, heart and the kidneys, the gallbladder isn’t really necessary for maintaining body health and proper functioning, yet it is an important body organ. There are varieties of foods that keep the gallbladder healthy while there are some that increase the likelihood of problems like gallstones or inflammation. These problems can trigger agonizing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating and abdominal pain. Such a scenario often leads to surgery, where the gallbladder is removed. Therefore, it is important to consume a healthy gallbladder diet to promote good health and keep problems at bay. Although diet doesn’t have a direct impact on gallbladder problems, watching what one eats and maintaining a healthy body weight can help to prevent the formation of gallstones and consequently, avoid the discomfort they cause. Diet and gallstone risk Diets that are high in fat and cholesterol and low in fiber are more likely to result in gallstones. Also, the risk of gallstones is much higher in people who are overweight and obese. If one is overweight and wishes to lose the extra pounds, then it should be done gradually. Following crash diets can also cause the liver to release more cholesterol into the bile, upsetting the normal balance of bile salts and cholesterol. This extra cholesterol can form crystals, leading to gallstones. Diet for a healthy gallbladder A healthy gallbladder diet is full of fruits and vegetables. Both are extremely rich sources of nutrients and fiber, the latter of which is essential to promote gallbladder health.

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system, which wraps around the urethra. The main function of this gland is to add fluid that carries the sperm to the semen. The prostate has two phases of growth. It is during the first phase, during the teenage years, when its size doubles. It keeps on growing for the rest of a man’s life after 25 years of age. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or the BPH, is a common problem among men. The enlarged prostrate clamps down the urethra which affects the urine flow from the bladder. If one suffers from nighttime urination (nocturia), frequent urination, urinary hesitation, weaker urine stream, urinary tract infections, or having trouble in emptying the bladder completely, they may be diagnosed with BPH. There are different types of treatments available for treating an enlarged prostate. Some popular herbal treatments for treating enlarged prostate are as follows: Saw palmetto One of the most popular herbal treatments for enlarged prostate is the use of saw palmetto. There are several studies that indicate that saw palmetto helps reduce the size of the inner lining of the prostate by inhibiting the production of testosterone. African Plum Extract or Pygeum The African plum extract has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the urogenital tract because of the high amount of alcohols, fatty acids, and sterols such as the beta-sitosterol. Studies show that having around 100–200 mg of pygeum extract daily or splitting it into half and consuming it twice a day helps in reducing BPH symptoms. Zishen Yutai Pill or the ZYP The ZYP is an ancient Chinese mixture of three plants dating back to the 13th century. This is one of the herbal treatments for prostate enlargement that is still being studied for its effectiveness.