A gout is a form of arthritis that that causes inflammation in the joints because of high levels of uric acid in the blood. It usually affects the big toes, fingers, knees, and elbows and is characterized by symptoms of pain, stiffness, redness, and inflammation in the affected joints. If appropriate treatment for gout is not taken, then the attacks can occur consistently. When this condition remains unattended for a long time, it increases the risk of permanent joint and tissue damage. How is gout diagnosed? Your doctor will start by assessing your symptoms by conducting a physical examination. Sometimes, a sample of fluid from the joint is extracted to evaluate the uric acid crystals closely. It is the best method for diagnosing gout. Additionally, the doctor may also ask for a blood test for estimating the uric acid levels in your blood. What kind of medications are used for treating gout? The best treatment for gout is starting a course of medications to lower the uric acid quantity in the blood quickly. When it comes to the gout medications, they can be classified into two categories, i.e., short-term and long-term medications. Short-term medications for treating gout Short-term drugs provide relief from pain and they also lower the inflammation while having an acute attack. These types of medications also play a vital role in preventing the recurrence of a severe attack. One of the best treatment for gout includes the use of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Most common choices are naproxen, indomethacin, and ibuprofen. Your doctors might also recommend corticosteroids which are available in the form of pills or shots. During an attack, most doctors recommend a maximum daily dose of one or two medicines as a part of short-term treatment. This is a feasible type of treatment when the gout symptoms are not that severe.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that is characterized by the symptom of acute pain in the muscles and the joints of the body. It can severely affect the day-to-day life of a person. Since it is associated with muscle and joint ailment, it is pretty easy to misunderstand the condition. The correct diagnosis might be delayed because the conventional diagnostic tools can’t detect fibromyalgia. Despite the fact that fibromyalgia has no cure, it can be successfully managed with a combination of measures like healthy diet, daily exercise, stress management, and medications. Body pain accompanied by acute tiredness and disturbed sleep is a distinct sign of fibromyalgia. Several experts suggest that the vitamins play a crucial role in helping the condition of fibromyalgia. Therefore, if you are suffering from fibromyalgia, then you should consider increasing the intake of the following mentioned vitamins. Vitamin D – One of the most useful vitamins for fibromyalgia treatment is Vitamin D. Although the experts are not clear about the exact effect, it is suggested that Vitamin D can provide respite from the pain and muscle cramps associated with fibromyalgia. Generally, doctors do carry out a blood test so that the levels of Vitamin D in the body can be monitored. In case the Vitamin D level is low then your doctor may suggest taking a supplement. Stick the dosage prescribed by your doctor, otherwise prolonged overdose of Vitamin D could lead to kidney and cardiac problems. If you want to avoid supplements, then increase the intake of foods rich in Vitamin D like egg yolks, salmons, milk, mushrooms, oatmeal, sardines, and herring. SAM-e – SAM-e is another natural element in the body that could be quite beneficial in easing the pain and effects of fibromyalgia. It helps to prevent inflammation in the body that causes pain.

Shingles is a condition caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same one responsible for chickenpox. In childhood, when a person is affected by this virus, it causes chickenpox. The immune system makes sure that the virus remains inert and hidden inside the body. It retreats to the two nerve cells near the spine. This virus becomes active again, in one-third of the total cases of chickenpox, and reaches the skin surface through a nerve and causes painful blisters and rashes. This virus attack is called herpes zoster, or shingles. Shingles is an extremely painful skin condition which causes blisters and rashes that cause sharp, unbearable pain, and crusty skin that might burst open. In most of the cases, this pain goes away on its own in few weeks. However, in 10 to 20 percent of the cases, the pain never ends and becomes a condition that lasts for months, weeks or for an entire lifetime. This pain is called Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN), which is a form of neuropathic pain that appears after an episode of shingles. The risk of developing this pain is around 50 percent in people above the age of 60. The symptoms of this condition vary from individual to individual. In some cases, the pain is mild but in others, it can be excruciating and the flare-up can be caused due to a slight touch, friction due to clothing or even a slight breeze. Some people experience an intermittent pain while others have a continuous stabbing, burning sensation in the affected area. Unlike chickenpox, shingles affect a specific part of the body which is connected to the inflamed nerve. The PHN also affects the same area of the skin. Preventing Postherpetic Neuralgia The causes of postherpetic neuralgia have been unknown to modern medical science.

Hair problems like dandruff and medical conditions like thyroid and alopecia areata can inhibit hair growth. However, with the help of certain remedies, you can restore your hair growth and enhance the natural beauty of your precious locks. Listed below are proven remedies for hair growth and nourishment that deserve a spot in your hair care routine for achieving lustrous hair. Castor oil Castor oil is an excellent source of fatty acids and other growth-boosting compounds. These compounds effectively combat hair problems and encourage the growth of new hair. It is a potent ingredient that has been used for ages as a hair treatment. Pamper your hair with castor oil to enhance the overall health of your hair and boost their growth. Massage it all over the scalp area to stimulate blood circulation. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a potent hair care ingredient that is often used for treating an array of hair problems. It also helps in improving the condition of hair strands. The acidic properties of apple cider vinegar enable it to improve the state of the scalp by exfoliating dead skin cells and removing dirt or grime. By doing so, apple cider vinegar promotes hair growth and prevents scalp infections. It also works as a wonderful hair conditioning agent that leaves hair looking smooth and shiny. Rinse your hair with diluted apple cider vinegar to get great-looking locks. Coconut milk A storehouse of key nutrients, coconut milk is another proven hair care remedy that works wondrously for promoting the growth of new hair. As it is enriched with vitamins and minerals, coconut milk nourishes hair and helps retain moisture in it. It tackles problems that inhibit the growth of new hair. Use coconut milk as a hair rinse to boost growth and get healthy, shiny hair.

According to studies, diet can help improve seizure control in people who suffer from epileptic seizures. While these studies have been based on strict diets such as the Ketogenic diet, recent studies have shown that less restrictive diets such as the Low Glycemic Index diet and the modified Atkins diet can also be helpful in managing conditions such as epilepsy. When it comes to diet and dietary habits, they can be very hard to change, especially when a lot of changes are administered at the same time. Also, it is common for one to get all excited about a “new diet” in the beginning, but people tend to lose all that enthusiasm after a while. So, trying to make one change at a time is probably the best, sustainable way to start a diet, especially one that can help them manage certain conditions effectively. Eliminating simple sugars: The very first and important step for following a diet and nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy is to eliminate foods that contain high amounts and concentration of simple sugars. This type of carbohydrates have high glycemic indices, which leads to them being absorbed rapidly by the body. Once one has eliminated these sugary foods completely for more than just a few weeks, they could probably find that one no longer has the desire to eat them at all. One’s body will be more satisfied with the next step of the diet—whole, natural foods. Following a whole, natural foods diet: The step of following a wholesome, natural diet is a complex one that needs to be broken down into smaller, simpler-to-follow step. Healthy food items which have extremely little to no processing factor at all should be included in the diet. Foods that are minimally processed have a maximum of 3 ingredients.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a health condition involving the accumulation of the white blood cell eosinophil in the esophagus. It is characterized by swallowing difficulties, chest pain, regurgitation, etc. Although this condition’s exact causes are unknown, an allergic reaction to specific foods or environmental agents can add to the risk. Doctors typically recommend eliminating and reintroducing specific foods to gauge which food group is the trigger. These food groups are likely to trigger EoE: Dairy and its products Milk protein often causes the body to produce excessive quantities of eosinophils, leading to EoE. Those with this condition may have allergic reactions to dairy in general or specific dairy products or forms. Eliminating dairy from your food routine and reintroducing it in stages can help you identify whether you are allergic to dairy. Wheat Gluten intolerance can be a contributing factor to the development of EoE. Studies have demonstrated that eliminating gluten for some days can help identify whether gluten intolerance is responsible for the development of EoE in one’s body. One must also consider that wheat is not only present in other baked items but also a latent part of oats, barley, and some ice creams. Look for gluten-free options while purchasing groceries and other eatables. Seafood Certain proteins in fish and shellfish can sometimes trigger EoE; one can be allergic to either or both. You can eliminate both varieties for a specific period and reintroduce them one by one to identify any repercussions. For example, one must be weary of including fish and shellfish in certain ready-to-eat foods like Caesar dressing and Worcestershire sauce. Soy This protein source can be an allergen and cause EoE in some individuals. To determine if it is a trigger, one must eliminate soy in all forms, including soymilk, soy sauce, soy butter, and tofu.

Fibromyalgia is a condition in which a person suffers from excess musculoskeletal pain and fatigue without having any physical injury or inflammation. The cause(s) of fibromyalgia is still unknown; however, many doctors suggest it to be genetics. The symptoms may develop after an illness, physical trauma or stress. There are various options for pain relief for fibromyalgia, but first, let us have a look at its symptoms. Symptoms of Fibromyalgia Common symptoms associated with fibromyalgia are as follows: Pain and localized tenderness Fatigue Difficulty in sleeping Problems in concentrating Depression or anxiety IBS, Irritable Bowel Syndrome Headaches Morning stiffness Tingling in the hands, arms, and feet Painful menstrual cramps Treatments for Fibromyalgia Pain Relief Fibromyalgia pain can be minor or acute enough to muddle with one’s everyday activities. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies as well as medical treatments that are helpful in acquiring fibromyalgia pain relief. Some of the most common ones are listed below. Painkillers There are many over-the-counter medicines available that help to reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia, such as aspirin or naproxen. You can consult your doctor before taking any of these. However, their long-term use is not recommended. Generally, painkiller medicines help to reduce pain and inflammation, reduce the severity of muscular aches, and diminish sleep problems. Antidepressants Antidepressants are another alternative for relieving fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. However, these medicines can cause certain side effects such as nausea and vomiting, weight gain, and loss of sex drive. Thus, it is important to understand the potential risks and consult your medical professional before their intake. Narcotic Pain Medications Narcotic pain medicines, also known as opioids, alter the way your brain responds to pain. These medicines have been found helpful in treating different kinds of pain. However, these are generally addictive, and so, their limited use has been recommended.

Dogs are the best friends of a human being unless he or she is allergic to them. Americans love dogs. However, pet allergies are also quite common in the country. According to a report, 15% to 30% of the population has pet allergies. Allergic reactions due to other pets are not as severe as allergic reactions to dogs. Moreover, people with asthma are quite likely to have a dog allergy. This article gives the reader some information about the symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatments for dog allergies. Symptoms of dog allergies in humans Patients with dog allergies will experience several symptoms when they come in contact with a dog. These symptoms could range from mild to severe. People with low sensitivity may not experience symptoms for several days after they come in contact with dogs. Some of the symptoms of dog allergies include: Itching and swelling of the membrane in and around the eyes and nose A patient’s skin becomes red after getting licked by a dog Wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath within 10 to 30 minutes after exposure to dogs Rashes on the face, chest, and neck A severe attack of asthma for asthma patients Trouble with sleeping due to shortness of breath Pressure and pain in the face Nasal congestion Causes of dog allergies in human beings The proteins that a dog secretes generally end up in their dead skin or dander, urine, and saliva. When an allergic person comes in contact with the dog, their immune system starts to react abnormally to these harmless proteins secreted by the dog. You should also remember that different breeds of dogs produce different dander. Thus, it is possible that an individual is only allergic to a specific breed of dogs. Also, the dander could get into various surfaces like the carpet, clothing, walls or even couch cushions.

A hernia is a condition where an internal body part pushes into an area where it doesn’t belong. The hiatus is an opening in the muscular wall which separates the chest cavity from the abdomen called the diaphragm. It is through the hiatus that the esophagus (food pipe) attaches itself to the stomach. The stomach bulges up into the chest through that opening in a hiatal hernia (also called hiatus hernia). There are two types of a hiatal hernia, sliding hiatal hernias and fixed or paraesophageal hernias. When your stomach and esophagus slide into and out of your chest through the hiatus, it is known as a sliding hiatal hernia. This condition is relatively common, and usually, doesn’t cause any symptoms. This type of hernia may not even require treatment. In a fixed hiatal hernia, a part of your stomach pushes through your diaphragm and stays there. This condition is not dangerous in most cases. However, if the blood flow to your stomach is blocked, then it could cause damage. Following are some treatment options for a hiatal hernia: Lifestyle and dietary changes A hiatal hernia occurs most commonly in people who are overweight or obese. Losing weight relieves the abdominal pressure that promotes herniation. Even though this won’t necessarily reverse a hernia, it may prevent a mild hernia from developing into a grave paraesophageal hernia. Consuming a low-fat and high fiber diet helps normalize bowel function and relieves constipation that contributes to herniation. Eating high-fiber foods is the most effective treatment for a hiatal hernia. Proper hydration can further reduce the risk of constipation and dilute the concentration of acid in the stomach. So, one must ensure that they drink at least eight glasses of water per day. Whatever your age may be, you should avoid trigger foods like red meat, fried foods, spicy foods, whole-fat dairy products, tomato-based sauces, citric foods, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol, and excessive salt.

Leiomyomata or Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors and are generally found on the uterus. Leiomyomata or uterine fibroids are mostly seen among women, and it is unfortunate that there are no such symptoms to identify it. There are many reports on leiomyomata or uterine fibroids, wherein the patients suffer from heavy bleeding or severe pain. It is important to visit the doctor if you are facing similar pain or heavy bleeding. Fibroids can be prevented, and if you are wondering how to shrink fibroids naturally, this article highlights the matter. There are numerous treatments for leiomyomata or uterine fibroids, and we have compiled some of the many remedies available so that you can get an idea on the treatment and take adequate actions depending on your conditions. However, it always better to first consult your doctor. Avoid Foods that Worsen the Condition Foods play an important role in developing uterine fibroids; hence, you should keep an eye on your food habits. We recommend you to avoid several types of foods to get rid of your problem, some of them are as follows: Processed Meats and High Fat If you are wondering how to shrink fibroids naturally, you can start by avoiding the consumption of high-fat processed meat. Doing so can help you shrink fibroids naturally. Processed and non-organic foods contain unhealthy fats, and they can aggravate the inflammation. Such foods also contain toxic chemical additives that are not suitable for your diet. Refined Sugar and Conventional Dairy We also recommend you to avoid refined sugar and conventional dairy products as they both contain harmful chemicals and steroids that can affect your hormone levels. Refine sugar can also endorse inflammation and it leads to weight gain. Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption You should avoid alcohol and caffeine to prevent uterine fibroids in an effective and natural way.

Both men and women produce testosterone. Low levels of testosterone in the body can be an indication of an underlying health issue. Having too low levels of testosterone can impact bodily traits in both men and women. The substance is responsible for traits such as strength, body hair and muscle mass. Too little of it in men can cause a reduction in these traits, while too much of it in women can cause these traits to be more predominant in appearance. If you are suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone levels in the body, you can choose to either visit a doctor to get yourself tested, or make use of testosterone test kits. Taking a test to determine your testosterone levels is recommended so that you can take a course of action to get it back on track as it can be having a telling impact on your day to day activities and routine. It may affect your mental health as well. In this article, we will explain the utility of testosterone test kits and why you need to purchase one today. Testosterone Test Kits There are several testosterone test kits available in the market today. These devices are used to test your testosterone levels at home before visiting a doctor to seek treatment in case your testosterone levels are low. Unlike tests conducted by doctors, testosterone test kits do not involve the drawing of blood. These test kits make use of your saliva for testing purposes and are just as effective as conventional blood testing procedures. You will need to collect saliva samples for testing and the number of samples you need may be dependent on the product you buy. Once you have collected saliva samples, you are required to mail these collections to a lab for testing.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, 1 in 4 households in the country have someone who suffers from migraines. This number includes around 10% of all children in the country. Despite advances in neurology, migraine is a health condition that is still poorly understood. What neurologists agree on is that migraines are set off by sensory triggers. These triggers, however, differ from individual to individual. If one suffers from migraines, understanding the triggers is very important so as to avoid them and mitigate them. Some of the top migraine triggers have been explained in brief below: Food Foods with strong smells and flavors are some of the common migraine triggers for many people suffering from migraines. Dairy products, chocolate, and cured meats are the most common food triggers. Products that contain Mono Sodium Glutamate (MSG), histamine, and other common artificial food sweeteners and colorings are also common triggers. Food triggers are simple to identify and track. Ensure that one reads the labels on food items before buying. Changes in the weather Weather change is one of the most common causes of chronic migraines. Some of the factors that can cause a migraine are changes in barometric pressure, high heat, and humidity. This also happens when a migraine sufferer moves to a new location where the weather is different. Such triggers are difficult to avoid since the weather is uncontrollable. Common coping tactics include staying indoors in an air-conditioned room as well as scheduling activities according to weather forecasts. Stress According to the American Migraine Foundation (AMF), around 70% of migraine sufferers cite stress as one of the top migraine triggers. For a good number of migraine sufferers, this is a vicious cycle. Getting worried about migraine attacks can bring on anxiety and worry which can elevate stress level and trigger a migraine.