Here’s How to Maintain Your Cholesterol Levels

Here’s How to Maintain Your Cholesterol Levels

According to various medical research reports, over 70 million adults in the country suffer from high cholesterol. People who have high cholesterol are more likely to get a heart attack or develop different heart diseases as compared to the people with right or controlled cholesterol level. Different medications are available for high cholesterol treatment. However, according to the healthcare professionals, some healthy lifestyle changes and maintaining a good and healthy diet can help you to keep your cholesterol level within the normal levels. Read on to know the natural ways that help in keeping your heart healthy and fit by controlling the cholesterol levels. Include heart-healthy foods in your diet Eat foods that contain rich omega-3 fatty acids – The foods that contain high omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing the blood pressure along with keeping your heart in good health. The best sources for these omega-3 fatty acids are the wild-caught oily fishes such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and tuna. The more you add these oily fishes to your diet the better you can maintain your cholesterol level. Include more foods having soluble fiber in it – The soluble fiber helps in reducing the cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Kidney beans, oatmeal, apples, pears, Brussels sprouts etc. are rich in soluble fiber. Hence, people who are undergoing high cholesterol treatment should include these foods in their diet list for effective results. Avoid foods having trans-fats in it – Various medical research reports have reflected the fact that trans-fats increase the overall levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Hence, medical experts advise avoiding such foods that contain trans-fats to the people suffering from high cholesterol. Foods such as store-bought cakes, crackers, and cookies are rich in trans-fats and while going through the high cholesterol treatment, these foods should be avoided.
10 Preventive Measures to Keep Diabetes under Control

10 Preventive Measures to Keep Diabetes under Control

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can cause several other complications if not treated on time. It can lead to kidney failure, blindness, and other such serious conditions. If diagnosed in the initial stages, diabetes can be fought with. You certainly cannot change certain factors like age and genes but you can definitely reduce the risk of diabetes. Here are 10 diabetes control measures that you can use to keep the condition under control. Cut sugar as well as refined carbs from your diet You are more likely to develop diabetes if you eat high-sugar foods and refined carbs. The body tends to burn down this sugar rapidly which are then absorbed by the bloodstream. The rise in blood sugar prompts the pancreas to produce insulin. However, in those who have prediabetes, the body cells become resistant to the action of insulin. Therefore, the sugar remains in the blood. In response to this, the pancreas produces insulin. This goes on until both the blood sugar and insulin level increase in the body. Eventually, it leads to diabetes. This is why you should keep the consumption of carbs and sugar at the minimum. Exercise One of the most effective diabetes control measures is exercise. Regular physical activity can help in preventing diabetes. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity by over 85% when it is high-intensity. Aerobic exercises, strength training, and other such types of physical activities help a lot. It is advised to go for exercises that you actually enjoy and can stick to in the long run. Drink a lot of water Whenever you feel thirsty drink water instead of any other beverage. This will naturally help you stay away from any other beverage that might contain sugar. Drinking sugary beverages is linked to an increased risk of diabetes. It is a great idea to simply cut down from any type of sugary beverage so that you can only have healthy fluids.
Remedies for Effective Relief from Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Remedies for Effective Relief from Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

One of the first signs of having an enlarged prostate is the frequent usage of the bathroom at night. The trouble starts off slowly but soon it becomes more frequent making it difficult to adjust to. This is usually when men usually book a doctor’s appointment. Enlarged prostates occur due to aging. It can get so frequent that it may become difficult to go through the day to day activities. In this article, we have covered the most common symptoms and discussed the various enlarged prostate remedies that can be adopted to help alleviate them. What are enlarged prostates? The condition is referred to by several terms. Benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH is one of its common references. This condition generally occurs in men that are over the age of 50. By the time they are 60, almost 50% of men have this condition. As age progresses, the number also increases. The condition occurs when the prostate has cells that multiply and divide abnormally. This causes the organ to increase in size. When the person has the condition, the flow of the urine through the urethra is blocked. The cells multiply over time putting more pressure on the urethra. This causes the frequent urination. Over time, the bladder may become more sensitive and thicker. It then contracts and so cannot contain even small amounts of urine at a time. The muscles along the bladder become ineffective in even emptying the bladder completely. It can be very frustrating and uncomfortable to deal with. It comes with a long list of symptoms as well. The problems that come up can also have a negative impact on the quality of life and needs enlarged prostate remedies. It is, however, not a severe health threat. Symptoms of enlarged prostates There are some signs that show you may have enlarged prostates.
Dietary and Lifestyle Measures to Control High Blood Pressure

Dietary and Lifestyle Measures to Control High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where the blood pressure along the artery walls becomes high. As time passes, the increase in the blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels, leading to heart diseases, strokes, or even kidney diseases among other health problems. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because it does not show any symptoms. In some cases, it even goes unnoticed until the symptoms get out of hand. Over 75 million people in the country have hypertension. DASH diet The most popular and effective way to control high blood pressure is through a DASH diet. It stands for a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension. This diet includes plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nuts. Meats like poultry and fish are also a part of this diet. Low-fat dairy is another vital part of the DASH diet. The diet is curated to ensure that it has low amounts of sugar and salt, which will lower the blood pressure over time. There are no sweet beverages, red meat, fats, and desserts in this diet. People who follow this diet for a long time can also reduce their risk of strokes as well as artery diseases. Here are the recommendations that one needs to follow according to the DASH diet. Ideally, one should only consume 2,000 calories per day as a part of this diet. Grains with eight servings: You can include half a cup of pasta or one slice of bread. You can vary the portions and types of whole grains that you consume each day. Vegetables: That includes half a cup of cooked vegetables as well as raw green leafy vegetables. It is an essential part of the diet that one must consume every day. Fruits are also a vital part of the diet.
Tips to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels Naturally

Tips to Lower LDL Cholesterol Levels Naturally

With the number of processed foods on the rise, it is of grave importance to maintain a healthy diet to live a long and fruitful life. While contracting diabetes or high blood pressure may be a result of eating junk food or processed food over periods of time, we can definitely do our bit to ensure that we do not live a life of pills and medications. High cholesterol levels is a great problem faced by many in the country. It is important that we learn how to manage and balance the cholesterol levels in the body. To put it into perspective, there are three different categories of cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol, LDL is the bad cholesterol and of course, we have a total cholesterol count. Cholesterol levels vary with weight, age, and gender and we should make it a habit to check our cholesterol levels every 4-6 years. Adults typically have higher cholesterol levels as the body tends to produce more with age. Here is how you can lower LDL cholesterol levels in your body naturally. How to lower LDL cholesterol naturally Diet changes: Bringing about certain changes in your diet can go a long way in helping to reduce LDL levels naturally. Try to reduce eating saturated fats. They are generally present in full-fat dairy products and red meat products. Eliminate trans-fats from your diet. They are often used in cakes, crackers, kinds of margarine, and store-bought cookies. They are labeled as “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” on boxes. Try to eat food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids. While these do not lower LDL cholesterol levels, they have other health benefits which include the likes of reducing blood pressure and heart-related benefits. Some food items rich in this substance are walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, mackerel, and herring.
Natural Ways to Treat Allergic Disorders

Natural Ways to Treat Allergic Disorders

Allergies can be of many types, such as skin allergy, dust allergy, pollution allergy, food allergy, animal allergy, drug allergy, and many more. As per a study of the American population by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, it has been found that around 25% of the American population suffers from allergic disorders. Well, there are many medications available in the market that may help you get instant relief from an allergy, but they do not help you remove the substance of allergy from your system. The symptoms of allergic reactions Most allergy symptoms may occur when your body or the immune system reacts to allergic elements. Allergic elements are the substances that the body is not able to adapt to naturally, which may cause an allergy, such as dust mites, insects’ stings, plant pollen, molds, pollution particles, certain types of food, and more. Some visible symptoms of allergic reactions are as follows: Low energy level or dizziness Feeling fatigue, which may also be extreme at times May get a hay fever in which you may experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion Eczema Asthma Nasal drip Improper digestion or an upset stomach Skin rash or redness Feeling nausea and vomiting sensation Dryness as in dry skin, dry mouth, or more Anaphylaxis Natural allergy treatments It has been found that 50% of the population rely on or try the natural allergy treatments more than any other remedies according to the different types and causes of allergies. It is best to use natural allergy treatments that may not help in getting you instant relief but that help in removing the allergic substances from your body with some natural elements. Here are some preventive and natural allergy treatments that may surely provide instant relief from your allergies: Change your diet regime One of the simple and easiest natural ways of allergy treatment is to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a change in diet.
Bladder Infections – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Bladder Infections – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

If one has been taking several trips to the bathroom within a few hours and is experiencing a burning sensation while passing urine, then one probably has contracted a bladder infection. A bacterial infection within the bladder is termed as a bladder infection. A weakened immune system invites yeast and bladder infections. Bladder infections may be contracted by using unhygienic toilets where Escherichia coli bacteria thrive. In some cases, the bacteria can move from the intestines to the urinary system. Bladder infections treatment is fairly easy. Once a proper diagnosis is done to confirm bacterial infection in the bladder, the physician may prescribe antibiotic medication. Apart from medication, one may need other home care remedies to completely heal from the infection. When left untreated, a bladder infection may turn into a life-threatening condition when it spreads to the kidney or bloodstream. Symptoms of bladder infections A urinary tract or bladder infection symptoms vary with the severity of the infection. Common symptoms are as follows: Pain or burning sensation while urinating Bloody or clouded urine Foul smell from urine Frequent urination Frequent urge to urinate Pressure or cramps in the lower abdomen and back. Causes of bladder infections As mentioned above, bladder infections are caused due to E. coli bacteria. This bacterium enters the bladder through the urethra or from the anus. Once it enters the bladder, it attaches itself to the walls of the bladder and multiplies rapidly. Using unclean toilets is one of the main ways of contracting the E. coli. Consumption of unhygienic food could also result in intestinal infections, which in turn, causes a build-up of E. coli bacteria. Treatment for bladder infections Bladder infections treatment varies with the severity of the infection. From drinking plenty of water to heating pads, there are a number of simple home care techniques to fight bladder infections.
Multiple Sclerosis – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Multiple Sclerosis – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerve functioning and causes problems related to the vision, muscle control, and other body functions. The adversity of the disease varies from person to person. While some people might not need treatment at all, some go through a lot of hindrances in their daily activities as well. Due to the disease, the brain cannot send signals through your body. As a result, you might experience symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty in walking, tingling and numbness, double vision, depression or trouble in focusing. However, proper multiple sclerosis diets can help a lot in dealing with the condition. A good diet can help you to cope better with multiple sclerosis disorder. It can help in maintaining regular bowel functions and can improve the health of your skin, teeth, heart, gums, and flexibility. With a healthy diet, you can also avoid weight gain and heart diseases in general. If you have MS, then you should consult your doctor before following a certain type of diet. Here are the foods that you should eat and those you need to avoid when you have MS. Foods to eat when having MS A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. Multiple sclerosis diets include fruits and vegetables that provide the required nutrition that the body needs. Your diets should essentially include things that help the body to maintain and grow along with a lot of fluids. You can eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, skinless chicken, and meat that is trimmed of visible fat is also a good option. Beans, soy, lentils, and nuts should also be included. Not to mention vegetables and fruits that is a must for a healthy diet. It is advised to consume whole grain products of which you can have three to four servings per day while following multiple sclerosis diets.
9 Tips to Ease the Symptoms of IBS

9 Tips to Ease the Symptoms of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea can be daunting. It affects your large intestine, and you might experience symptoms like bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, and even constipation. It is a common disorder, and people under the age of 45 are known to be prone to it. Moreover, the disease occurs among women more than men as their reproductive hormones influence their gut hormones. Luckily, today several medications are available to treat IBS. Some people wonder about the effectiveness of these medicines, and it is true that for several years pharmaceutical companies struggled with developing safe medication for diarrhea. However, recently, they have come up with new medications to treat IBS. The two medicines are eluxadoline and rifaximin. Eluxadoline is known to cause fewer bowel contractions and therefore eases diarrhea. Rifaximinis an antibiotic that focuses on changing your gut bacteria, thus leading to a reduction in the symptoms of diarrhea. Even though IBS does not cause any grave ailment, its symptoms are quite painful and can interfere with an individual’s daily life. Although medication for IBS can help with the condition, other ways to ease the symptoms are available. Here are some tips that will help you if you have IBS: Talk to a mental health professional Speaking with a mental health professional is a good idea if you are looking for ways to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Anxiety and pain are correlated and talking to a psychologist can help you deal with the disorder. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy can also help in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. According to studies, over 40% of patients have experienced a reduction in their symptoms such as abdominal pain as well as bloating. A lot of professional therapists can help you go through the process of healing. They use the power of imagination for creating uplifting images in your mind.
Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

For some people, when they have a bloated stomach, their belly looks swollen or they might encounter intense abdominal pain. The reason may be abdominal bloating caused by something as mild as indigestion or too much gas forming up in the stomach and bowels. Fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, or infection are the possible causes of abdominal bloating. The cause of bloating is mostly harmless, and it can be treated at home by most people. However, abdominal bloating can be disturbing, especially when it is extremely painful. Let us have a look at some of the causes and treatments to get stomach relief from bloating: Causes of bloating Digestive disorders People who have various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have a bloating stomach. Studies show that stomach bloating is experienced by almost 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS. Fluid retention Excess bloating and temporary weight gain can be caused by bodily fluids that are deposited around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. Fluid retention in the abdomen is called the ascites and it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. It can be due to an abdominal infection, liver disease or, evendue to cancer. Dehydration Dehydration pauses digestion. The more water you drink, the more you get bloated. Constipation Another main reason for having a bloated stomach is constipation. Constipation causes the stool to settle in the intestines, thus leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach which causes pain, discomfort, and gas. The prominent reasons for constipation are the limited amount of fiber intake, not drinking enough water, or avoiding physical activity. Food allergies Food allergies, sensitives or lactose intolerance are other common causes of gas and bloating. The foods that trigger gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates.
Fibromyalgia – Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Fibromyalgia – Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment

There are a variety of factors leading to the development of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and it is important to determine the underlying symptoms. If anyone experiences symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as the ones listed below, a timely diagnosis has to be made before treatment can be initiated. Fibromyalgia symptoms checklist The following are some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia: Widespread pain A dull ache that has persisted over 3 months is not supposed to be concluded as a symptom of fibromyalgia. The pain must be present on both the sides of the body as well as below and above the waist. Fatigue Even after getting sufficient sleep, patients who are suffering from fibromyalgia have complaints of fatigue when they wake up. In most cases, patients with fibromyalgia symptoms could be suffering from other disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Difficulties with cognition Patients with fibromyalgia suffer from “fibro log” which leads to an impairment of the ability to focus, problems in paying attention, as well as concentrating on tasks involving the mind. There are certain coexisting health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, various types of headaches including a migraine, interstitial cystitis which is also known as a painful bladder, as well as disorders of the temporomandibular joint, so these can be considered symptoms of fibromyalgia as well. Risk factors that can cause fibromyalgia There could be a plethora of factors that could lead to the development of fibromyalgia: Genetics : One could be prone to acquiring fibromyalgia through various gene mutations which tend to run in the family. Infections : Fibromyalgia can often be triggered by certain illnesses. Trauma : Traumatic incidents like car accidents could contribute to the development of fibromyalgia as well. It could also occur as a result of psychological stress.
What You Need to Know about the Medications Used to Treat Bone Cancer Symptoms

What You Need to Know about the Medications Used to Treat Bone Cancer Symptoms

Bone cancer symptoms can be painful. Here are some of the medications your doctor may use to treat the disease and minimize its symptoms, and the side effects that these drugs may cause. Bone cancer is the type of cancer that creates malignant tumors which can damage the normal bone tissue in your body. It is a rare form of cancer and accounts for less than one percent of all cancer cases. The usual and not-so-common bone cancer symptoms include pain in the bones, inflammation and tenderness in and near the affected area, numbness and tingling, problems in movement, weaker bones that are susceptible to fractures, fatigue, unusual weight loss, and fever. If you have been experiencing any of these bone cancer symptoms, report it to the doctor at the earliest. These symptoms may also occur due to some other health condition and most people tend to mistake them for some less-serious problem, but getting it checked at the earliest is vital. There are treatment options available for bone cancer, and your doctor may recommend one depending on the specific type of cancer you have, the stage of your bone cancer, and other health issues that you may have. To treat the various bone cancer symptoms, the doctor may suggest some oral medicines. It is important for you to know about the medications that may be prescribed by your doctor to treat bone cancer symptoms. In addition, being aware of the side effects that these medicines may cause can help you understand what you can expect from your treatment. Here are some of the medications that may be recommended to provide relief from your bone cancer symptoms. For pain that is mild to moderate If you have been experiencing pain due to bone cancer and the pain is mild to moderate in intensity, you may be given over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), or some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).