The probiotic market has been on an expansion spree during past few years. Though doctors have been prescribing the use of probiotics since long, it is only recently that people have begun using these. People who have started using probiotics have not only enjoyed its benefits but have also have been able to maintain good health. The most effective probiotics have many benefits including improvement in digestive functions, weight loss among people who were aspiring for the same, lowering of cholesterol, and the normalization of blood pressure. It is, however, a tough task to find the best probiotics given the fact that all probiotic manufacturers claim that their products rank among the most effective probiotics. Before you shortlist a probiotic for yourself, the following five factors need to be kept in mind. Price aspect: This factor is predominately the most important and anyone will purchase a probiotic which falls within an appropriate price range. Potency factor: Potency is another key factor that should be considered while buying a probiotic. Around 50 percent of brands in the market do not have a live culture. Potency is measured by some live cultures present and should be considered as relevant. Colony forming units: This is referred to as total count of bacteria which are available in the probiotic. This is also a key factor which makes probiotic relevant to the buyer. Strains: This refers to a total number of bacteria which are present in each of the probiotic. Strain also affects some benefits which a user can derive from probiotic. The purity of strain: The functional quality of an active culture or the ability to perform a specific job is also measured as a sign of success for the probiotic. Health benefits of probiotics Balance the friendly bacteria: Probiotics contain good bacteria. These provide health benefits when taken on a regular basis.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are present in foods such as yogurt. A lot of research is being conducted on probiotics and constipation. Do they actually relieve constipation? Read on to know more. These friendly bacteria are known for being helpful for digestion. You can relieve your digestive woes by including the right amount of probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are also present naturally in the digestive tract. The extensive research concludes that probiotics have beneficial effects on those who suffer from or are prone to gastrointestinal conditions. These bacteria are known to ease bloating of the stomach, diarrhea, and constipation. Since maintaining a balance of good bacteria in the body is essential, you should take your ongoing dose of probiotics into your diet. It will top up the naturally existing friendly bacteria in your digestive tract and keep you healthy. Where can you get probiotics from? Probiotic supplements are very common these days. If you suffer from constipation, your doctor may prescribe probiotic tablets. These supplements are readily available in drug stores and are known to have healing effects on constipation. Probiotic supplements mostly contain friendly bacteria such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus. These two are the most commonly used species of bacteria that are used as probiotics and constipation is a disease that can primarily be treated with it. Feed your probiotics with prebiotics To treat constipation, it is not only essential to have an adequate intake of probiotics but also to include enough fibers in the diet. Indigestible fiber contains prebiotics that feeds the probiotics selectively. This process helps the friendly bacteria to grow faster than the harmful bacteria and overpower them. Prebiotics or fibers are healthy for you as all prebiotics are extracted from plant-based sources. Prebiotics may be naturally found in vegetables such as onions, chicory roots, and artichokes.

Vitamins are necessary for the body’s optimum functioning. Traditionally, our intake of vitamins has been through the food we ingest or the atmosphere around us. Some studies are beginning to point at vitamins as preventive measures for a growing number of ailments. Vitamin D is known to help with cholesterol absorption and is a crucial aspect of heart health. Our skin usually absorbs it through sunlight. Vitamin C helps prevent autoimmune disorders, combat eye disease as well as heart disease. There are many examples of vitamin based preventive measures that tackle everything from skin issues to cancer. However, our intake of vitamins has taken an unhealthy turn with changes in our lifestyle. It is almost impossible to get our daily intake of vitamins through natural means alone. That’s why vitamin supplements have become essential for healthy lives and longevity in mind. Here are a few reasons why you must ensure that you get your dose of vitamins: Vitamins are necessary for keeping up your energy levels. In the absence of vitamins, the body has to work harder, thus making you feel tired. It is imperative that you supplement your nutrition with vitamins. Vitamins are known to affect your brain’s functions. It is especially true for the part of your brain that regulates your mood. Thus, vitamins are a good way to boost your mood, Vitamins are a great way to regulate stress and anxiety. Vitamin B, in particular, has been shown to have a direct link with our nervous system. Our muscles are constantly being broken down by free radicals. Vitamins inhibit these free radicals and help maintain the strength of your muscles. Vitamins have been proved to have a strong link with short term memory. Studies have shown that people who take vitamins have a better ability to retain short term memories.

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in strands. Mold could be present in homes all year round. The most common molds found in homes are as follows. Cladosporium Penicillium Alternaria Aspergillus Stachybotrys chartarum Stachybotrys chartarum is the greenish-black mold that is sometimes found indoors. It grows on surfaces rich in cellulose content, such as wood, fiberboard, paper, and dust. Molds reproduce by forming spores. These spores could travel through air and are invisible to the naked eye. Once mold spores form, they are hard to get rid of and could survive even in dry or harsh conditions. Molds travel with the wind and may grow when they come across a moist environment. Outdoor molds aid in the decomposition process of leaves and compost piles. These are most often found in damp and dark environments. The environments most suitable for growth of molds are as follows. Damp Warm Humid The mold found indoors could affect the surface where it grows and could lead to health issues as well. In homes, molds are most likely to be found in the following places. Bathrooms and basements Drywall Ceiling tiles Carpets Furniture Ductwork Roofing Wallpapers Mold spores enter homes through the following locations. Open doors Windows Vents Attached to shoes Through pets Molds may grow on foodstuff But not all molds are bad. Molds help in making some cheeses such as Brie Gorgonzola Stilton Molds involved with food manufacturing processes are safe and free from health risks. Health Risks Associated with Molds Molds produce allergens. Molds also produce mycotoxins. Presence of mold doesn’t imply that toxins are being produced. It may not imply a high health risk as well. Allergies are most common reactions caused by molds. But molds could lead to some other health problems, though these are rarer. Allergic Reactions to Molds Allergic reactions are the single most common problem associated with molds.

As small and non-debilitating as the problem may seem, hair loss does affect your self-esteem for, after all, your mane is your crowning glory. Caused by aging, genetics, side-effects of certain medication, or diseases, loss of hair can be treated in many ways such as through drugs, hair transplants, and scalp reduction treatment. One good way of treating hair loss at home is through the use of hair loss shampoos. These products prevent loss of hair via different mechanisms such as hair follicle stimulation, improved blood circulation to the hair follicles, provision of nourishment, and moisturizing the scalp and hair. The good news is that the market today is flooded with umpteen hair loss shampoos that leave you spoilt for choice. To make it easier for you to choose one that meets your requirements, here is a list of the best shampoos for hair loss. Hair Surge Shampoos These products contain caffeine, ketoconazole, and saw palmetto that together reduces hair loss and boosts growth. Caffeine stimulates hair follicles to foster hair growth and improves hair health. Ketoconazole confers anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects to help treat hair loss due to inflammation or fungal infection in the scalp. Saw palmetto blocks the chemical pathways that lead to loss of hair due to DTH formation. Best Shampoos for Hair Loss With Biotin, Niacin, And Other Vitamins Biotin, one among the B-complex vitamins, boosts the growth of hair and improves hair health. It also prevents dryness of the hair and scalp and renders the strands more elastic. On the other hand, niacin, another B vitamin, enhances blood circulation to the hair follicles to promote their development. Through these actions, these B vitamins, along with other vitamins, nourish, moisturize, and strengthen the hair to boost hair growth. Best Shampoos for Hair Loss With Different Oils Different oils present in shampoos include argan oil, jojoba oil, emu oil, pumpkin seed oil, black cumin seed oil, chia seed oil, and various essential oils.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance present in every cell of the body. It is essential for the production of vitamin D, hormones, and other chemicals in the body that aid in digestion. Cholesterol is carried throughout the body by low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). For a healthy person, it is important to maintain a healthy balance between the LDL and HDL levels. LDL is also called bad cholesterol while HDL is called good cholesterol. The accumulation of LDL is considered unhealthy as it leads to accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries, blocking them. This, in turn, can lead to severe health conditions like heart attack, strokes, and other ailments like coronary artery disease. The increased level of HDL is considered good as they take cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver, which removes it from the body. High cholesterol levels in the blood lead to the formation of plaque, which is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. This narrows the arteries and blocks oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart. This can cause heart attack and other severe health issues. How to reduce cholesterol levels Reducing cholesterol levels require a holistic approach, including healthy food, medication, and healthy lifestyle choices. Following are some of the ways which can help you reduce the cholesterol levels in the body. Eating healthy food Cholesterol can cause multiple health issues such as heart diseases, strokes, and heart attack. While medications can help in reducing the LDL cholesterol levels in the body, making healthy food choices can help the medicines work more effectively. For those who are looking to reduce dependence on medication, including healthy food in your diet is very important. Following is a list of some ‘cholesterol busters’ which can help you reduce cholesterol levels and some foods to avoid, which increases the LDL levels.

Nearly 20 million people in the country above the age of 12 in the have an addiction problem; alcoholism being one of the major causes. Often, mental illnesses are underlying conditions for various forms of substance abuse. The first step toward sobriety is to ask for help. The best way to get help is to undergo addiction counseling and see an addiction therapist. Addiction counseling can help a person control or lessen the abuse of substances or alcohol. A therapist can also help a person to achieve abstinence and explore the various triggers of addiction. Although it is never easy to seek help, it is one of the best things a person can do to kick their addiction problems. Therefore, it is important to find the right person or persons for addiction counseling to ensure that the right kind of help is received on time. Before looking for the right addiction counselor, it is essential to know the different professionals who work with addiction patients: Addiction psychiatrist Addiction psychiatrists are same as medical doctors. Their specialization is mental health and addiction problems. Their treatment plans include prescribing medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and other medications to deal with mental health issues that might have triggered the addiction problem. These medications also help in detoxification and withdrawal from substance abuse. A psychiatric evaluation usually checks how well a person is adjusting to the medications and whether the medications are effective. Along with prescribing medications, many addiction psychiatrists provide therapy. Addiction psychologist Often, addiction psychiatrists work along with addiction psychologists to provide a holistic addiction counseling to patients. Unlike addiction psychiatrists, addiction psychologists are not medical doctors but are trained mental health professionals. Their addiction counseling revolves around understanding the role of addiction in a person’s life. A psychologist can help to understand the triggers and factors affecting a person’s addiction habits through methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relapse prevention based on mindfulness techniques, motivational interviewing, community reinforcement, family training, and 12-step facilitation treatments.

Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate acute pain, such as the pain one experiences after undergoing a surgery. These drugs interact with the opioid receptors in the brain cells and mollify the feeling of pain and enhance the feelings of pleasure. They are produced using poppy plants or synthesized in a lab. When used according to the medical practitioner’s directions, opioid can spare the patients from pain while recovering from a health condition. However, at the moment, opioids are considered an epidemic, not only by medical communities but also by political and social bodies because of the rampant addiction cases. Since 2000, deaths because of narcotic prescription painkillers have tripled. On the other hand, over 600 thousand individuals are battling with heroin addiction. Like prescription painkillers, the deaths caused because of heroin overdoses have multiplied by 4 times since the early 2000s. A considerable chunk of people has switched from prescription painkillers to heroin as it is easier to access and cheaper. This clearly infers that the country’s opioid crisis has dramatically risen in a span of just 15 years. Lower doses of opioids can make the patient feel sleepy, whereas higher doses can slow down the breathing and pulse rate. As opioid releases endorphins in the brain, it keeps the person ecstatic for a while. When the drug’s effects start fading, one might crave to experience these feelings of pleasure again, which eventually can lead to addiction. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, insomnia, abdominal pain, tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting can make it increasingly tough for the person to maintain abstinence from opioids. Consistent opioid consumption in high doses can prove fatal too. Signs of opioid overdose Dangerously slowed breathing patterns and heart rate Pale face Sweaty hands Blue or purple fingernails and lips Vomiting Inability to speak or making gurgling sounds Unconsciousness Limp body If one notices these signs they should immediately contact 911.

N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, or NAC, is an FDA-approved health supplement that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. It helps prevent infections, lowers inflammation, and improves the functioning of various organs in the body. There are many NAC options available in the market. But when it comes to having supplements, it’s crucial always to get them from the best, most trusted sources. This article lists the five best NAC supplements out there that one can consider. Nutricost NAC Nutricost uses high-quality ingredients to make its NAC capsules. Their supplements are free of artificial colors, gluten, and preservatives, which help stabilize the production of proteins. It also helps strengthen the immune system and optimize the function of the liver and lungs. Nutricost’s 120 servings bottle costs around $18, and the company offers a 90-day moneyback guarantee. Swanson NAC Swanson’s NAC helps fight free radicals and toxins and improves lung function. In addition, it helps replenish glutathione, a component necessary for strengthening the body’s defense mechanism. The brand sells its 100-capsule pack for around $7, and customers can avail of a 100% moneyback guarantee if they aren’t satisfied. Life Extension NAC This is another NAC option that promotes healthy glutathione levels. In addition, it improves respiratory functions, immune health, and liver function. A single bottle of Life Extension’s NAC supplements costs about $10.50, but if one buys four units, they get it at a discounted price of $9.25 per bottle. Integrative Therapeutics NAC NAC capsules by Integrative Therapeutics help fight free radicals and promote glutathione production, an important antioxidant that prevents cell damage. It’s easily absorbed by the body and is free from artificial colors, preservatives, dairy, and gluten, making it one of the best NAC supplements. One can get 60 capsules for around $16.70. NOW NAC NAC capsules by NOW are free from eggs, dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten.

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.

Women who consume a lot of vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables, are less likely to develop ovarian cancer. This cancer is one of the major causes of deaths. Since the symptoms are barely noticeable in its initial stages, people often get the required treatment after the condition has reached its advanced stage. Currently, there are no screening methods that can detect cancer at an earlier stage. Cruciferous, along with other vegetables, completely eliminates the odds of developing ovarian cancer. Cruciferous vegetables are plants that grow in the cold conditions and get their flowers with 4 petals that are in the shape of a crucifix or a cross. Some examples of these vegetables include kale, bok choy, daikon, mustard leaves and seeds, collard greens, turnips, arugula, wasabi, horseradish, watercress, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, cauliflower, radish, and cabbage. Moreover, cruciferous veggies possess high amounts of phytochemicals. When these phytochemicals are broken down, they transform into isothiocyanates. There are many studies that prove that isothiocyanates help stop the development of many types of cancers by inhibiting the growth of tumors. These vegetables have been proven to reduce inflammation that can assist in the prevention of cancer or diseases related to the heart as well. Those who love eating fresh fruits and vegetables have a possibility to lead a better life. However, when consumed in excess, like any other food, these too can be fatal. Always consult a doctor about your diet and the quantity of food one should maintain. Sadly, people who eat more of cured, processed, and red meats are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. This has been found in many on-going experiments as well. Studies proved that individuals who eat more cruciferous and yellow veggies experience a lot of benefits than those who do not. Additionally, women who consume milk of any kind may have a shorter survival period as compared to those who did not have milk.

It has been observed that those who have schizophrenia, a chronic psychological illness, usually have diets that are unhealthy, low in fiber and fruit, and high in saturated fats. Unhealthy eating habits typically lead to other health problems which can also put people with schizophrenia at high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more. According to research, dietary changes do really help manage schizophrenia. Here are some best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Foods to eat Fruits Many studies show that people with schizophrenia usually do not get enough fiber, and thus, need to eat fruits. Some of the best sources of fiber are apples, pears, and raspberries. Fiber not only helps reduce bad cholesterol but also helps in digestion, thereby reducing the chances of certain health problems associated with schizophrenia such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Vegetables Vegetables don’t have heart-heavy cholesterol, are packed with essential vitamins and fiber, and are low in calories and fat. Veggies like sweet potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans contain potassium that could help in keeping blood sugar in check. The best food for schizophrenia is spinach as it is high in folate, which could help in easing symptoms of schizophrenia. Apart from spinach, folate can also be found in asparagus and black-eyed peas. Fatty fish Since omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, one needs to get them through food such as fatty fish like salmon and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids not only ease but also prevent the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progress of the disease. Vegetarians can intake walnuts and ask their doctor to prescribe omega-3 supplements. Crab and oysters According to research, there could exist a relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc, which can be found in lobsters, crab, and oysters, as well as fortified cereals and beef.