Not all cholesterol is bad for your health. HDL (High-density lipoprotein) is also known as “good” cholesterol, and this type of cholesterol is actually better for your health. High HDL cholesterol levels in your body will help to carry cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, which in turn, helps in excreting it from the body. Also, if your HDL cholesterol level is high, you face a lower risk of heart disease. Moreover, high levels of high-density lipoprotein have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which are great for your health. To check your cholesterol levels, you need to go for a blood test. Most healthcare professionals recommend having a minimum blood cholesterol levels of 50 mg/dl in women, and for men, the minimum level is 40 mg/dl. If the HDL level is lower than this, your LDL level might build up, increasing the risk of heart diseases. If you have high LDL cholesterol levels, then treatment is necessary to lower the risk of a stroke or heart attack. Thus, to lead a fit and healthy life, maintaining the right levels of HDL is vital. If you are wondering how to treat high LDL cholesterol levels or how to raise HDL cholesterol levels, then you can go through these effective and healthy tips. Follow a ketogenic or low-carb diet A ketogenic and low-carb diet provides several health benefits such as reduced sugar levels in the blood and weight loss. If you are looking for ways to raise the levels of good cholesterol, you need to maintain a healthy weight. Losing a few extra pounds can go a long way in increasing your HDL cholesterol levels. You need to control your eating habits too. Along with having low-carb foods, try to include polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in your diet. These fats are mostly available in tuna or salmon fish, nuts, and plants.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance, made by the liver. It performs many vital functions in the body, so it is not inherently harmful. However, there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. Cholesterol Functions Cholesterol is produced by the liver. A small percentage is made available through the food you eat. All cholesterol is not bad, it has many uses for the body. Cholesterol aids in the production of steroid hormones. A deficiency in these hormones can affect many aspects of health including sexual function, digestion, mental health, and bone health. Cholesterol is a component of cell structure. It helps maintain the structural integrity of the cell membrane. Cholesterol plays a vital role in digestion. It helps the liver produce and secrete bile, which is necessary to digest fat. Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D. However, the body needs cholesterol, along with sunlight, in order to make Vitamin D. The Good and The Bad Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in the lipids. When you take a lipid profile test, it shows the total cholesterol level in your body, the LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides levels. There are three types of lipoproteins in the bloodstream- Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), and Triglycerides. LDL is referred to as bad cholesterol because it has very low protein content and is high in cholesterol. HDL is low in cholesterol and high in protein content. Triglycerides are lipids that help the body store excess energy. However, a rise in triglyceride level is also bad for health. LDL and Plaque Buildup Consider LDL as a sort of capsule where the outer shell, made of lipoprotein, encapsulates cholesterol. As LDL particles are not as dense as other cholesterol particles, the cholesterol can break off and stick to the walls of blood vessels. Your white blood cells, try to destroy LDL particles.

When one goes through problems in one’s sex life, they are bound to become deeply frustrated and dejected. The quality of life comes down and this problem can lead to psychological issues. What’s worse, it also affects one’s relationship with their partner. Erectile dysfunction has become a serious concern for many people. It is the inability to attain or maintain a hard and powerful erection. This condition needs to be treated effectively to restore the ability for a strong erection. The most important thing to resolve this problem is to identify the cause of ED and the underlying issue must be addressed to eliminate the problem. There are different types of erection aids available in the market that one can choose to find a solution to the problem. Major causes of erection related issues When your body gets aroused, signals are sent by the brain for releasing nitric oxide to the nerve endings and also to the penis’ vessels. At this juncture, an enzyme known as cGMP creates a relaxing effect on the penis tissues so that the blood flow is increased. It also dilates the arteries. Another chemical known as PDE-5 keeps the cGMP levels under control. When there is an unwanted amount of PDE-5 available in the system, the supply of cGMP comes down and this situation makes an inhibiting effect on the entire process. This is the most prominent reason of erection related issues. High-quality medicinal erection enhancers improve the cGMP quantity or inhibit PDE-5 production in your body to address the problem. Always choose natural options Prescription drugs may offer good results but they can also invite some side effects. The best choice is to select natural erection solutions because you do not have to worry about any side effects. They also improve your sex drive and desire.

Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis. There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include: AGEs Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis. Sugar High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar. Dairy The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein. However, some studies have shown that milk has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, you should only stop dairy if your body reacts negatively. Alcohol Alcohol leads to several health issues, one of them being arthritis. Drinking can increase the chances of you developing gout as well. Avoid alcohol as much as possible and concentrate on a healthier lifestyle to keep your joints free from irritation and stiffness. Tobacco Tobacco is a major culprit when it comes to health issues. Along with other major diseases, tobacco can also trigger inflammation that causes arthritis. The most common form of arthritis caused by tobacco is rheumatoid arthritis.

5 foods that ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disorder that causes a host of discomforting symptoms like inflammation in the digestive tract, pain in the abdominal area, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. At times, these symptoms tend to intensify and lead to a flare-up. Coping with Crohn’s disease flare-up can be extremely challenging as it can have a direct impact on your quality of life. Diet plays a crucial role in tackling the symptoms of this disease. What you eat can either help minimize the severity of the symptoms or worsen the condition. Herein, we discuss some of the best foods you can have to relieve these painful and discomforting symptoms. Refined grains Refined grains are some of the best food items that you can have to relieve yourself from the symptoms of this chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike whole grains, refined grain items can be easily digested. These food items contain a low content of fiber and are likely to help with the flare-up. Some of the refined grain food items you can consume to subside Crohn’s disease symptoms are white bread, rice, pasta, and pancakes. Fully cooked vegetables Fully cooked vegetables are known to support the digestive system’s overall health. It is advised to remove the seeds and skin of the vegetables before cooking them well. Consumption of well-cooked food will help promote the health of the gut when you are experiencing a Crohn’s disease flare-up. It lowers inflammation in the body and may reduce the frequency of bowel movements. Whether you are having asparagus or potatoes, ensure that the vegetable is fully cooked for best results. Low-fiber Fruits Fruits like bananas, honeydew melon, and peaches contain are low in fiber. This particular characteristic enables them to work wondrously on the symptoms of this chronic disease.

Endometrial cancer, also called endometrial carcinoma, begins in the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus. It’s the most common gynecological cancer in the country. Most endometrial cancers are adenocarcinomas, which means they occur in the cells of the glands in the endometrium. Research indicates that eating certain foods helps prevent endometrial cancer while improving overall health. Here, we’ve listed five such foods that may lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Tomatoes The anti-cancer properties of tomatoes are strongly linked to their rich lycopene content. Lycopene is a nutrient that helps stop the growth of cancer cells in the endometrium. It can also lower the risk of cancers of the breasts, lungs, and stomach. Thanks to their versatility, tomatoes go well with several recipes, especially pasta sauce and salads. Spinach Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense veggies. It’s full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals that can help ward off a slew of health conditions. Eating healthy spinach-based dishes or other leafy greens, such as kale or broccoli, may also lower the risk of endometrial carcinoma. Soybeans Soybeans are legumes rich in various nutrients, including fiber. A study has linked high soy intake with a 20 percent decreased risk of endometrial cancer. Soybeans are also high in protein, making them a good meat substitute. Blueberries These tiny fruits are packed with compounds that help inhibit the growth of cancer cells across the body, including the endometrium. In addition to blueberries, one can have other antioxidant-rich fruits like strawberries, blackberries, and grapes. Green tea Green tea is popular among those wanting to shed a few pounds, but there’s a lot more to it. A cup of green tea is brimful of powerful antioxidants that can help slow the reproduction and growth of cancer cells while providing other health benefits. Studies have also associated green tea with a lower risk of endometrial carcinoma.

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that attacks the central nervous system and has a potential to cause permanent disability. The condition is serious, affecting the brain and the spinal cord. When the protective sheath – myelin, is attacked by the immune system, multiple sclerosis is triggered. The nerve fibers are damaged due to lack of myelin and this leads to damage to the nerve signals between the brain and other body parts which further affects the communication process. The illness can also lead to deterioration and permanent damage to the nerves with each passing day. Multiple sclerosis has serious effects on the body and this entirely depends on the extent of damage to the nerves. The symptoms may differ from the nerve that is attacked. Moreover, every individual will experience different types of signs and symptoms. Some of the commonly experienced symptoms include: Thinking problems – An individual begins to find it difficult in understanding things and suffers from memory loss. Abstraction and processing information becomes a huge task for the patient. Loss of vision – Due to this disease, one has to also go through the loss of vision, either in one eye or both. Even the smallest eye movement stimulates excruciating pain to the patient. Color-distortion can also be one of the symptoms. Sensory feelings – One experiences sudden tingling in certain body parts. Such unexpected movements may be painful just like piercing of needles into the skin. Fatigue – An individual may feel tired during the entire day and will not be fit to carry out basic tasks and activities. This may also be accompanied by slurring in the speech. Generally, people who suffer from multiple sclerosis go through relapse very quickly. The signs and symptoms will defer over the course of time. Even an increase in the body temperature can worsen the symptoms.

Gum diseases, bad breath, and tooth decay are some of the primary oral healthcare conditions. In most cases, a good dental hygiene can help you fight the situation. But, even if you have a high dental hygiene it does not ensure that you will not have any oral health issues. Hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes are an ideal remedy if you are suffering from oral health diseases or gum issues. It also helps in cleansing your mouth and keeps them away from germ building, strengthens your enamel and keeps plaque away. Here’s how hydrogen peroxide mouthwash works: Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash is a mild antiseptic that helps you get rid of minor irritations in your mouth caused by conditions like gingivitis, dentures and other oral health conditions. It works by releasing oxygen when it is rinsed in the mouth. The oxygen causes foaming that removes the mucus formed and cleanses the area. Let us look at some of the tips to use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash: If you buy hydrogen peroxide mouthwash from the market, make sure you read all the instructions on the product carefully and follow them diligently. Some brands give you a concentrated version of the product, you might have to dilute this product with water before you use it. For the ones that are ready to use, you can rinse your mouth directly. Keep an eye on the amount of dosage mentioned on the packaging. Swish it around your mouth for a minute or 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat the action twice or thrice in one session to get the best results from the product. In any case, if you are unsure about the usage directions, it is safe to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Swallowing this product can be hazardous, so you must make sure you do not swallow it.

One of the most important pieces of equipment to facilitate a good night’s sleep is a mattress. However, if you’re not using the right mattress, or if your mattress is too old, it could harm you in ways you probably can’t imagine. Numerous studies show that mattresses are responsible for poor sleep and a range of health problems. Here, we discuss some ways in which a mattress can negatively affect your overall health. It can trigger allergies When a mattress gets old, it tends to attract dust mites. These microscopic creatures live off dead skin cells and thrive in a warm environment. People who are allergic to dust mites can experience coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Dust mites are especially problematic for people with asthma, as they can trigger shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing. It can cause pain Not using the right mattress can lead to pain in the back, neck, and joints. Back pain occurs when the mattress is excessively soft or saggy and doesn’t support your spine. A mattress with many lumps and saggy parts can contribute to neck pain. If your mattress is too firm, on the other hand, it can cause joint pain. It can result in night sweats Night sweat refers to excessive sweating while asleep. Although several health conditions can cause night sweat, one factor that is often overlooked is the mattress. If your mattress is made of material that can trap heat, it can cause excessive sweating. It’s advisable to choose a mattress that promotes airflow and dissipates heat. It can promote snoring An old mattress or one that doesn’t support the body properly can put excess pressure on your airways, contributing to snoring. While snoring sometimes may not be a severe problem, it can decrease sleep quality and disrupt the sleep of those around you.

Who does not enjoy some sugary treats from time to time? A lot of people talk about having a sweet tooth. It is not always related to a preference for chocolates or sweets. Some people are habituated to eating something sweet after a filling meal, while others munch on candy to kill time. Today, almost all foods have some amount of sugar in them. Having a sweet tooth is not bad, but when it affects your health, you need to take it seriously. Everyone must try to maintain a normal range of blood sugar levels. One should not consume products with too much sugar or salt. They should also avoid eating sweet or salty foods over long durations as both of these items can gravely affect their health. No one wants to spend the rest of their lives swallowing pills and restricting their diet. They can avoid this by controlling the amount of sugar they consume and following a healthy and active lifestyle. Diabetes in the country Today, a large number of people in the country have diabetes. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. Approximately 30 million citizens, i.e., 9.4% of the total population suffers from diabetes, and approximately 84.1 million citizens have prediabetes. If prediabetic patients do not treat this condition, they will go on to develop the disease within five years. This is a grave illness and reports suggests that the number of patients will rise steadily over time. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country, and this number is only expected to rise with time. Some areas of the country have a higher rate of mortality than others, while other areas are affected on a larger basis.

Gum disease or gingivitis is a common, non-destructive periodontal disease that happens due to inflammation in the tissues that surround and support the teeth. In gingivitis, a bacterial infection of the gums leads to the development of a sticky film called plaque, and this consequently destroys the gums. A hardened plaque will subsequently turn into a tarter, thus causing irritations and inflammation in the affected gums. Gingivitis is characterized by swollen and red gums which bleed. Prolonged gingivitis can destroy the bones supporting the teeth and might necessitate removal of the teeth. So, looking for a natural treatment for gum disease is essential if you do not wish to visit the dentist ever so often. Causes of gum disease: One of the most important causes is poor dental hygiene. A few other causes include stress, smoking, nutritional deficiency, excessive consumption of sugars and immune disorders such as cancer, diabetes, or AIDS. Dietary factors such as processed foods containing additives and sugars, hydrogenated oils which cause inflammation in gums can also cause gingivitis. Common symptoms of gingivitis are bad breath, tooth pain, bleeding, and inflamed gums. Treatment : There are several options for natural treatment for gum disease. A few are listed below: Diet : There are several dietary components which reduce the inflammation and provide essential nutrients. For example, wild-caught fish, fat-soluble vitamins, raw vegetables, and fresh vegetable juices are good for gum health. Oil pulling: It can be effectively employed as a natural treatment for gum disease. In oil pulling, the mouth is swished with coconut oil or sesame oil. This helps remove the harmful bacteria from the mouth by improving oral hygiene. Coconut oil, arimedadi oil, and tea tree oil are commonly used for oil pulling . Oral probiotics : Use of oral probiotics populates the mouth with “good, beneficial bacteria” which helps in removing the disease-causing bacteria.

People suffering from the issue of high blood pressure are constantly looking for some easy home remedies on “how to lower blood pressure naturally?” Here, we have compiled some effective home remedies for lowering the blood pressure and keeping your body in the best possible shape. But first, let us understand some key facts about high blood pressure. What is high blood pressure? Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the level of blood pressure increases to extremely high and unhealthy levels. The measurement of blood pressure includes taking into account the amount of blood passing through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance it faces while the heart is pumping. When the arteries narrow down, the resistance increases. If the problem of high blood pressure is not accurately treated, it can cause serious health issues such as heart disease. According to research, nearly half of adults in the country are diagnosed with the problem of high blood pressure. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Before we address the most significant query “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”, let us have a look at some of the most common symptoms of hypertension: Headaches Nosebleeds Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Flushing Urine in the blood Visual changes It is important to note that a lot of people do not experience any symptoms at all. So, it is best to get regular blood pressure readings taken. How to lower blood pressure naturally? Here are some easy home remedies you can perform to keep your blood pressure in control. Let’s have a look. Exercise Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine is a significant aspect of healthy living. It not only lowers your blood pressure but also helps to control diabetes and has a positive effect on your mood and strength.