Good cholesterol is extremely important to the human body and it is produced in the liver. It is helpful in creating different hormones in the body and also helps in keeping the cells flexible. But, just like anything else, too much of anything is not good for the human body. So, having too much cholesterol or having it in the wrong places can create a lot of health issues. Fat gets dissolved in the water and it gets flushed out of the body, but it is not the same with the cholesterol. Risk of heart problems, blood pressure, obesity, and many other problems can be seen due to high levels of cholesterol in the body. Many people take up gym membership or try to work out at home in order to reduce cholesterol. This is definitely a good start, but exercise alone cannot do the magic that you are looking for. You need to make some changes in your diet or add some naturally healthy food that lowers your cholesterol levels. Here is the list of 10 naturally healthy cholesterol-lowering foods. Avocados Are you wondering which foods that lower cholesterol naturally? Then simply add some avocados to your diet. This is a great source of monounsaturated fats, nutrients, and fiber. Fiber and monounsaturated fats can be really helpful in lowering the cholesterol levels, and hence, this is a must in your diet when you wish to reduce cholesterol levels naturally. Legumes Commonly called as pulses, legumes are one of the best options to reduce cholesterol levels. Alfalfa, chickpeas, beans, and lentils are the plant foods and they are called legumes. As they are low in fat and also contain high fiber, minerals, and proteins, they are considered as good cholesterol-lowering foods. Nuts Yet another of the foods that lower cholesterol naturally, nuts are nutrient-rich food helping in reducing cholesterol in the human body.

We all lay focus on hitting the gym and indulging in heavy workouts to keep the body in shape, but did you know that there are several other exercises that are equally important to keep some parts of the body, which are not visible otherwise, healthy and strong? One such area of the body is the pelvic floor, and Kegel exercises and the best Kegel exercisers are recommended for this. Kegel exercises involve exercises that make the pelvic area of the body stronger. Pelvic area is the one between the hips and has the reproductive organs of an individual. Strengthening of this area is usually done by stretching the muscles and then clenching the same to put pressure on the pelvic floor. So, why should we resort to the best Kegel exerciser to strengthen the pelvic area? Well, the answer is simple; a stronger pelvic area leads to a better ability to control the bladder or bowel. Kegel exercises are quite easy to undertake and carry out, and once you start these exercises, you will be able to perform them anywhere, anytime. Kegel exercises can be done by both men and women; however, it is recommended that before jumping into any particular exercise, you must consult with the doctor if you have any health issues. Poor health of the pelvic floor in men can lead to erectile dysfunction and incontinence associated with orgasm. To overcome these problems, men should work on making their pelvic stronger. Women tend to have a weakened pelvis floor owing to pregnancy, weight gain, and aging. A stronger pelvic area supports the womb, bowels, and bladder and hence such exercises are a must for women as well. Kegel exercises are also important to be practiced as several pelvic-related problems start surfacing with age, which can make the routine bodily activities cumbersome.

According to a study by The John Hopkins University, over 60 million people in the country do not get enough sleep and over 40 million of the country’s population struggles with sleep disorder symptoms. Lack of sleep can affect a person’s daily routine and it is important to know about natural sleeping aids that can help you increase the quality of your sleep. Why do you need to sleep well? An individual ideally requires between seven to eight and a half hours of sleep each night, but this figure can differ based on a number of factors. Every person has a natural internal clock or circadian rhythm that controls sleep patterns and helps a person know when to sleep and when to wake up. Moving away from this pattern can cause sleep deprivation that can negatively affect a person. The effects of sleep deprivation range from poor physical and emotional health to difficulty in concentration and memory. It can also lead to major health conditions such as depression, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is important for a person to enjoy good sleep quantity and quantity and natural sleeping aids can go a long way to boost this process. The most beneficial natural sleeping aids Melatonin Melatonin is a hormone released by the brain that helps in regulating a person’s circadian rhythm. Studies have shown that this hormone helps in improving sleep patterns and can also help increase the length of sleep. Melatonin has also been found to be effective in decreasing the jet lag levels while traveling. However, just like many other natural supplements, melatonin supplements are is tested and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it is best to consult a doctor to know if it is suitable for you. Valerian Extracted from herbs, this is one of the most popular natural sleeping aids in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety.

Schizophrenia affects an individual’s ability to think, receive, or comprehend sensory information. Changes in behavior are among the first noticeable signs of a developing mental disorder. Although the condition is uncommon, it can disrupt a person’s ability to live a normal life. The family of the affected person must also exercise caution on their part to provide a comfortable surrounding and environment. In rare cases, children can also suffer from schizophrenia. Normally, adults between the ages of 16 and 30 can experience positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Positive psychotic behaviors include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, and movement disorders. Negative behaviors can cause an individual to suffer from reduced speaking, feelings and expression of emotions. They may have trouble performing simple activities as well. A person might also experience subtle cognitive symptoms including problems with working memory, focusing, and reduction in the ability to understand and use information. Understanding medical care and rehabilitation for schizophrenia. Medications and medical follow-ups In most cases, antipsychotic medications, commonly referred to as neuroleptics, can help a person control the varied symptoms. Here, one must understand that antipsychotics simply control the symptoms to help the person shift their attention to other aspects of their lives. Medication and subsequent follow-ups are a crucial part of the rehabilitation process. Subsequently, the purpose of a follow up is to monitor compliance for the medications taken and adjust the dosage levels depending on the prognosis. In simple terms, the medication can be adjusted depending on the measure of improvement shown by the affected person. At any given stage in the condition, medical professionals may work with both the patients and their families. Open communication Medication and medical follow-ups are an ongoing process. The next stage in rehabilitation includes psychotherapy sessions. A person suffering from schizophrenia must stay in touch with their doctor to discuss everything related to the condition.

Psoriasis sufferers know how frustrating the condition can get. But did you know that staying away from these causes of psoriasis breakouts can reduce and even prevent your symptoms? Psoriasis is an abnormality of the skin, and this recurring autoimmune disorder presents itself in your body as thick, scaly, and itchy patches of skin. The symptoms of psoriasis include red, itchy patches of thickened skin covered in silvery scales; dry and cracked skin prone to bleeding; tiny scaling spots; nails that are thickened or ridges; and stiff, inflamed joints. The patches of psoriasis on your skin can range from just a few ones to major outbreaks that spread across a large area. Psoriasis is not a curable condition. It is a long-lasting disorder that can get quite frustrating for patients, particularly those who have frequent and major eruptions. At times, these flare-ups can even be painful. While there are medications and treatments available to provide relief to your skin, preventing the occurrence of psoriasis breakouts can be a more effective way of reducing your discomfort. For this, you need to be aware of what causes psoriasis breakouts. These triggers are not universal, but knowing the specific causes of psoriasis breakouts for you can help you stay away from such triggers and prevent painful psoriasis flare-ups. Watch out for these causes of psoriasis breakouts. Stress Studies suggest that stress can worsen your psoriasis symptoms, as it acts as one of the major causes of psoriasis breakouts. Since your symptoms may also lead to you getting stressed, it may seem like an endless cycle. However, you can work towards reducing stress in your everyday life by making yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises a part of your daily routine. Also remember to focus on the positive, talk to friends, and have a healthy lifestyle—all of which can contribute to reducing stress.

Apple cider vinegar is prepared by combining apples with yeast which makes it a fermented health tonic with all the goodness of apples. Apple cider vinegar has a composition of 5% acetic acid. This also contains various other vitamins and minerals from which you can benefit in many ways. Drinking apple cider vinegar can benefit us in many ways. Let us look at some of the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar: – Apple cider vinegar helps in losing weight. This is possible as the vinegar breaks down the fats and helps in losing weight. – Drinking apple cider vinegar helps in fighting bad breath. Its antibacterial properties help in removing plaque from the teeth in a natural way. It also helps in killing the bacteria in the mouth and acts as a natural mouth freshener. – Apple cider vinegar helps in reducing heart diseases. One who drinks apple cider vinegar can lower the risks of heart diseases. – The vinegar helps in keeping the blood sugars under control. Drinking apple cider vinegar helps in fighting diabetes. – The vinegar helps in the process of digestion as apple cider vinegar is a fermented tonic. – Drinking apple cider vinegar helps in reducing the risk of cancer. The polyphenols help in coping with stress which can help in fighting cancer and other stress-related diseases. – The vinegar helps in slowing down the aging process and reducing wrinkles. Besides these benefits, there are also some side effects or disadvantages of apple cider vinegar. Following are some side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar in large quantities: – We have seen that apple cider vinegar is beneficial as it regulates the blood sugar levels. The consumption of vinegar in large quantities can slow down the process of food entering into the digestive tract from the stomach.

Testosterone is a hormone that is present in both men and women. The hormone is made in the testes of men and the ovaries of women. The primary function of testosterone is to play a role in puberty and fertility. Low testosterone levels is a condition faced by most men aged above 30; this is a common condition. Testosterone affects the sexual desire to a great extent and can be threatening if the levels drop at an early age. However, there are many treatments for low testosterone problems. In the case of very low testosterone, the individual loses the drive for sex at a rapid pace, witnesses fatigue, and a prolonged feeling of being low/depressed. Let us first look at some of the initial symptoms related to low testosterone: Erectile dysfunction or inability to maintain an erection Lack of spontaneous erections can also be a symptom Constantly decreasing libido or sexual activity Infertility Massive hair loss Fattening and loss of muscles Depression or brain fog Sleep disturbances Fatigue Let us look at the treatments for low testosterone: Working out: Intense sessions of exercise can result in the rise of testosterone levels and is a proven treatment for low testosterone. Extensive training is likely to add pressure to your muscles and allow them to grow thereby increasing the testosterone levels in your body. These increases are higher among younger men as compared to older men. Cardiovascular exercises: The main goal here is to lose excessive fat on the body; cardiovascular exercise particularly helps with losing weight, subsequently increasing the levels of testosterone. This can be of great effect to people who are obese, as that is one of the primary reasons for their loss of testosterone. Testosterone boosters: There are many herbal supplements that claim to increase the testosterone levels in an individual’s body.

Lifestyle changes and diet modifications are essential when lowering triglycerides is on your mind. Triglycerides are a type of fat which is present in the blood, and when it elevates to a certain level, it increases the incidence of heart diseases. The fats present in our food are also a form of triglycerides, and when an excess of sugar is taken, it is also stored in the fat cells in the form of triglycerides. Therefore, it is vital that a healthy balance of diet is managed so that triglycerides level in the body comes down. There are numerous choices in terms of the diet to lower triglycerides in the body, and if a combination of these is taken on a regular basis, the level of triglycerides will definitely fall and come to a healthy level eventually. Here are some foods one must include in their diet to lower triglycerides in the body. Fatty acids and fish Fish are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and can thus lower the triglycerides level in the blood. The level of triglycerides has been known to come down by 25 to 50 percent in a month’s time when around 3.4 grams of fish oil was used on a daily basis. This omega-3 fatty acid is known to reduce the number of triglycerides that is produced in the body and therefore fish is considered to be a key diet to lower triglycerides. Soy protein The effect of soy protein on triglycerides levels has also been studied, and some encouraging results have come out. In a study done in Canada, twenty people who had high blood lipid levels ate a diet containing 25 grams of soy protein for six weeks on a regular basis. After the desired duration when tests were conducted it was found that the triglycerides levels in these people had fallen by 12 percent.

Heartburn and indigestion are commonly used terms. However, heartburn and indigestion are the two things which lead us to confusion always as we actually do not know what we are going through. These are digestive issues but are often confused and make way for people to get medicated incorrectly. Heartburn Heartburn is caused due to a lot of reasons such as side effects due to medicines, hiatal hernia, Gastroesophageal reflux disease and also upon consumption of certain food substances such as peppermint, chocolate, spicy and acidic foods, fatty foods etc. When you experience heartburn there will usually be a pain in the neck or throat, feeling or sourness in the mouth and this often reaches the throat or a burning feel in the chest. Indigestion Indigestion or dyspepsia is mainly a discomfort or pain that is caused in the stomach area and also under the ribs. It is associated with numerous symptoms. Normally indigestion is caused when you eat quickly, eat a large portion of food, consumption of excess alcohol or excess caffeine and consumption of spicy, greasy, and high-fat food. It could also be caused due to various health disorders such as gastritis, pancreatitis, gallstones or ulcers. Indigestion can also be caused when you feel anxious or stressed or when you smoke tobacco products or through medicine side effects. When indigestion is caused, you can sense it through certain symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, belching, heartburn, discomfort in the belly and feeling of bloating. These two problems can be caused at the same time. You may feel that they are similar. Normally the symptoms are associated with eating food that is not suitable for you or eating in excess or eating quickly. Here are some quick tips on how to treat heartburn and indigestion. It is better to avoid fatty and spicy foods as these are the main elements that lead to heartburn and indigestion.

People who suffer from unexplainable mood swings, or have difficulty in sleeping or feel tired most of the time should understand that the body is producing thyroid hormones in excess. This is an indication that the person is suffering from hyperthyroidism. The best course of action is to take natural thyroid supplements so that the elegant balance of thyroid is maintained in the body. Lemon Balm Lemon balm is from the mint family and is usually used for flavoring ice cream or tea. It is however known to aid the thyroid health and is thus considered among natural thyroid supplements. Lemon balm controls the condition related to thyroid through its unique mechanism. Lemon balm is known to inhibit the thyroid stimulating hormone from attaching to the receptors. Lemon balm blocks the synthesis of T4 and thus prevents T4 from being converted to T3. This dilutes the effect of thyroid stimulating hormone and thus prevents the antibodies from speeding up the functioning of the thyroid. 300 to 500 milligram of lemon balm juice can be taken on a daily basis for normalizing the functioning of thyroid gland. Lemon balm can also be combined with bugleweed natural supplement for effective results. Kelp It has been found out medically that lack of iodine can result in mental retardation and damage to the brain. World Health Organization has come out with a report that 30 percent of the world population is suffering from the deficiency of iodine. Consumption of excessive iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism and to keep the thyroid level under control, kelp can be taken as it does not have a large amount of iodine and thus will help in curing thyroid related problems. Kelp is also a rich source of minerals and vitamins. It is among great natural thyroid supplements and can be taken for overactive thyroid conditions.

The gallbladder or the little sac in your body that gathers bile produced by the liver and releases it to the small intestine for breaking food particles seldom gets any attention. Although it is an important organ, it draws interest only when it starts malfunctioning. Generally, the gallbladder does not cause any disturbance to your health. It creates trouble only when the path to pass the bile to the intestine is somehow blocked. Gallbladder problems can vary from one person to other. While some get it as a chronic condition, there are others who need immediate medical attention; thus, the symptoms vary as well. Some of the common symptoms for detecting gallbladder problems are mentioned below: Vomiting and nausea Vomiting and nausea are among the most common symptoms of gallbladder problems. Whether it is a stone in the gallbladder or it is an inflammation of the organ, vomiting and nausea are experienced by all. Yet, people with chronic gallbladder problem may also get gas, acid reflux, or other digestive problems, apart from nausea and vomiting. Feeling full As the disorder of your gallbladder affects the digestive system, you may lose the urge to eat. A feeling of fullness in the abdominal area is often experienced by many patients diagnosed with this condition. Abdominal tenderness is also not something unusual when your gallbladder malfunctions. Chills or fever Do not ignore unexplained fever or chills as these can be a sign of an infection in your gallbladder or any other organ of the body. Ignoring the condition may aggravate the condition and might also cause a threat to your life, especially if it is a symptom of the gallbladder. Pain Gallbladder problems and pains are inseparable. In most cases, patients experience pain in their middle or upper abdomen on the right side of the body.

An alkaline diet is a diet that maintains a balanced pH level in the body by controlling the alkaline nature of the fluid. Many health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, and low bone density to name a few can be prevented by following a regular alkaline food chart. An alkaline food chart includes fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed foods which help in protecting the healthy cells in the body. There are many other benefits from alkaline foods such as have preventing the formation of plaque in the blood vessels, preventing the formation of calcium stones in kidneys and other areas of the body, reducing the blood pressure, etc. The alkaline levels of the body constantly change in a day depending on the intake of diet, the last time when you passed urine, etc. The pH levels vary between 7.35 and 7.45 depending on the conditions as mentioned above. The pH levels of the tissues and fluids are what is considered as the pH levels of the body. The pH levels can also vary in different parts of the body. The levels of magnesium and potassium in the body decrease by consuming food with high levels of sodium. Let us look at the benefits of following a diet as per the alkaline food chart: The alkaline food chart includes a diet that helps to protect the bone density and muscle mass. The bones and muscles get damaged by taking food to more acid levels. The alkaline rich foods such as vegetables and fresh fruits help in maintaining the alkaline levels of the body which in turn helps in maintaining the ratio of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium etc. The alkaline diet helps in lowering hypertension and stroke. The diet in the alkaline food chart helps in decreasing the inflammation and increases the production of hormones in the body.