Living with a chronic condition isn’t easy; you’ll always have to be on guard against elements that trigger the condition and will have to lug your medications wherever you go. Asthma is one such chronic condition that, according to the CDC, affects approximately 25 million people in the country. Moreover, this condition is quite prevalent in children—1 child out of every 12 is diagnosed with asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects the airways to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. This, in turn, makes performing any physical activity impossible. Mostly, people opt for medications to keep asthma under control and prevent an asthma attack. But there are others who rely on alternative treatment techniques to control asthma symptoms and keep the condition in check. Here are some effective home remedies to keep asthma under control. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. In fact, this method has been used in western countries as well to improve the symptoms of asthma. Acupuncture improves lung function and is believed to modulate the immune system as well. Also, there is an increase in studies on the effect of acupuncture in treating respiratory conditions. Although some have yielded inconclusive results, some have reported that acupuncture can control the symptoms of asthma. Yoga One of the major triggers of asthma is stress, and one of the best ways to deal with stress is to practice yoga. The breathing exercises used in yoga can help people with asthma control breathing as well as relieve stress. There are certain yoga poses that can improve asthma symptoms as they open your throat and chest and facilitate easy breathing. The Bound Angle Pose, Bridge Pose, Bow Pose, and Cat Pose are some of the effective yoga poses that can help you deal with asthma symptoms.

One of the most difficult parts of suffering from diabetes is the inability to eat most things due to their sugar content. It is essential for a diabetic to stick to healthy snacks, but how many times can one munch on the same food item? Individuals have to choose snacks that contain high levels of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, helping keep blood sugar levels in control. Here are some great snack ideas for those who have diabetes: Hard-boiled eggs A super healthy snack for diabetics, hard-boiled eggs provide as much as 6 gm of protein per egg, keeping blood sugar levels in control and making one feel full as well. Yogurt with berries Yogurt with berries makes for a great diabetic snack due to various factors. Firstly, the berries’ antioxidants lessen inflammation, preventing pancreatic damage. They are also fibrous, helping slow digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Yogurt is protein-rich and helps keep the blood sugar levels under control. What’s more, the two go beautifully together, with the tartness of the yogurt balancing the sweetness of the berries. Almonds Almonds are a convenient, nutritious snack for diabetes patients. 28 grams of almonds provide more than 15 minerals and vitamins. They have been found to reduce insulin levels in the body and benefit heart health by promoting weight management and lessening cholesterol levels. These are chief factors for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in almonds is likely to stabilize blood sugar levels. Veggies and hummus Hummus is a great accompaniment to raw vegetables as the combination is an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber. It is also protein-rich. Pair it with veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. Avocado Snacking on avocados is a great way to manage blood sugar levels due to the monosaturated fatty acids and high fiber content in them.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ® Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

Various odors and fragrances surround us, but not everyone is tolerant of them. Especially for people with migraine, different strong smells can act as a trigger because of smell sensitivity. Inhalation of these strong odors can lead to dizziness, headaches and other health issues. One can also look for ways to prevent a migraine attack due to such odors. Here are some odors that can be toxic to people with migraine: Car exhaust Car exhausts are among the leading cause of environmental pollution. The gas leak from car exhausts is therefore understandably harmful. The leak has a very strong odor and can be the reason for high CO or carbon monoxide gas buildup over time. These fumes often cause nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness. Cleaning supplies Cleaning supplies often contain Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. These emit gases that may or may not have a strong smell. Exposure to these gases can cause headaches and respiratory issues. They are considered toxic and are often the reason for migraines. Additionally, VOCs can also turn out to be carcinogenic for some people. Therefore, it is essential to use VOC-free cleaning products. Oil-based paints Oil-based paints also contain VOCs. These solvents get released into the environment once the paint is applied on any surface. These VOCs find their way into the body on inhalation, leading to dizziness and migraine. Alternatively, opting for odor-free or water-based paints is also a suitable option. Gasoline Gasoline emits potent vapors that hold the ability to dilate blood vessels. The unnecessary change in the state of blood vessels combined with the strong odors can lead to debilitating migraines and a heavy head. Gasoline generally contains more than 100 chemicals that make it toxic for anyone inhaling it. Using nose plugs is a safe way forward for people who work at places near gasoline or petroleum tanks.

If you have pet cats at home and occasionally feed them from your plate, you must know which foods are safe for them. Cats can be greedy eaters, and irrespective of the cute faces they make at the dinner table, it’s best not to give them anything besides cat food until you’re a hundred percent sure. To help you, we’ve listed a few human foods that are safe for cats to eat. Salmon Cats love fish, and vets recommend feeding them fish-based cat foods. Most options are rich in omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish, in particular, like tuna, salmon, or mackerel, is excellent for their eyesight and joints. However, don’t feed your feline straight from the can; they might lick it too aggressively and cut their tongues. It’s best to provide them with cooked pieces that have no bones. Whole grains Grains are power-packed with nutrients and are healthy for both humans and cats. Oats, mainly, have lots of protein, but not many cats like it. Some cats prefer coarse food made from brown rice and cornmeal. If you’re not feeding your cat meat or fish, whole grains can be a good substitute. You can cook smaller grains like millet, couscous, or wheat berries at home. Boiled eggs Boiled eggs are an excellent source of vitamin B and protein and are healthy for your cat. But ensure the eggs are cooked well to avoid bacteria like salmonella or E. coli from entering your feline’s system. Moreover, some cats can be allergic to eggs, so proceed with caution. Fresh veggies and fruits While not all cats are vegetable and fruit lovers since they cannot taste the sweet flavors, some do nibble on fresh fruits and veggies. Cucumber, cantaloupe, steamed broccoli or asparagus, baked carrots, and green beans have the proper nutrients and minerals.

Any kind of abnormal curvature of the spine is called as scoliosis. For any person, the spine has one curve at the top of the shoulder and one curve at the lower back. But if you see anyone having a curve from side to side, in the shape of C or S, then that condition is called as scoliosis. There are can be many reasons for this problem like genetic conditions and birth defects and it can also be due to the neurological abnormalities. These kinds of changes of the curvature occur during the stage of growth like puberty. Symptoms of scoliosis The symptoms of scoliosis will depend on the degree of the problem or curvature a person has. The scoliosis treatment will also depend on the degree and symptoms of this problem. Here is a list of symptoms that you can see in a person having this problem. The shoulders of the person suffering from scoliosis are going to be uneven. The shoulder blade of one shoulder appears to be higher than the other shoulder blade. The shoulder blade of one shoulder sticks out than the other shoulder blade. The spine rotates. Severe back pain. The functioning of the lungs is disturbed as the chest space is reduced due to the spine curvature. One hip appears to be higher than the other hip and they appear uneven. Usually, you should consult a doctor when you see any of these symptoms. Your doctor is going to work toward controlling the symptoms from getting worse. You need to get started with the scoliosis treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications. Treatment of scoliosis In most of the cases, scoliosis treatment is not required for the children as the curves are mild. The doctor will keep checking them for every 3 to 6 months in order to make sure that the curve is not getting worse.

A beautiful smile can be your biggest asset, and as strange as it may sound, you can get pearly whites by adding some foods to your diet! Our diet plays a key role not only in improving our health but also our teeth. A balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, water, and dairy products will not only guarantee an optimum weight but also a ravishing smile. Top foods that help whiten teeth naturally Strawberries: They contain an enzyme known as malic acid which is known to whiten teeth naturally. You can mash strawberries and apply it on the teeth. After around five minutes, you may rinse it with water and floss. Apples : Apples are one of the foods that help whiten teeth naturally because chewing it produces a scrubbing effect. Apple contains high amounts of malic acid, a common ingredient in toothpaste. This stimulates saliva production which acts as a self-cleaning agent and helps destroy bacteria that are responsible for bad breath. Pineapple: It contains bromelain which has cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties; this is why it is used for making stain-removing toothpaste. Broccoli: Being rich in fiber, broccoli helps reduce inflammation of the mouth. When you eat raw broccoli, your teeth are automatically cleaned and polished. The European Journal of Dentistry states that iron in this vegetable builds a protective wall for your teeth against acids which can degrade the enamel. So, broccoli is one of the foods that can help whiten teeth naturally by removing stains and preventing cavities. Raisins: They may be sweet but they protect your teeth. When you eat bran cereal with raisins, you can cleanse your mouth much faster. Moreover, chewing raisins stimulates saliva secretion and thus prevents the growth of plaque, cavities, and stains. Carrots: Chewing carrot increases the production of saliva in the mouth which cleans it; moreover, vitamin A in carrots boosts enamel growth.

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and it is essential to know about ways to help manage it in a better way. People suffering from this condition might look for effective ways to stay seizure-free; however, with conflicting information available on the internet, it can be difficult to know what can help ease the condition and what cannot. It has been found that a balanced diet that has the right amount of nutrients from various food groups can ensure that the brain and body function efficiently. Therefore, after consulting with a doctor, one can follow a diet plan as it can help control seizures and live with epilepsy. How does diet affect epilepsy? While no food has been found to trigger an epileptic seizure, a well-planned diet can reduce the risks of seizures by helping one maintain good health. A balanced diet can help provide one with the energy and important nutrients, better sleep, and better stamina for engaging in activities. By following a healthy diet, one can live better, be more positive, and develop a stronger focus, all of which can help control and manage the condition effectively. Top nutrition tips for living well with epilepsy When the body metabolizes fats, it produces ketones. So, following a Ketogenic diet forces the body to utilize more fats for energy production instead of glucose or sugar through a diet that increases fat intake and lowers carbohydrate intake. This diet plan can work in reducing seizures among people, both kids and adults, suffering from epilepsy. But, for this diet to work effectively, one will have to follow it without any breaks. So, the types of food and the respective amounts must be precisely measured. Preparing meals may be a time-consuming affair. However, the Keto diet may not work for kids. The MCT diet or medium-chain triglyceride diet is one where people use an oil supplement for their dietary fat intake instead of getting oil from foods.

Prostate cancer is the cancer that starts in the prostate gland and is one of the most common cancers in American men. Here is a list of the prostate cancer symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. The prostate gland is the male sex gland that is responsible for producing the thick fluid that helps sperms propel out of the penis during sexual intercourse. It is almost the size of a walnut, and is located below the bladder, just in front of the rectum. You are diagnosed with prostate cancer when the cells in these glands become cancerous and start multiplying out of control. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects American men, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in them. According to the American Cancer Society estimates, around 221,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year. Prostate cancer is mainly diagnosed in older men, it is extremely rare for it to be diagnosed in men younger than 40 years of age. There are no known causes of prostate cancer, however, there are certain risk factors associated with it. These are your age, family history, ethnicity, diet, smoking, and obesity, exposure to toxins, vasectomy, and infections that are transmitted sexually. Even though the exact cause of this cancer is not known, you can still reduce the risk of developing it by managing the risk factors that are in your control. There are two diagnostic tests that are commonly used for prostate cancer, digital rectal exam and ‘prostate-specific antigen’ or PSA blood test. These are just the initial tests, the diagnosis is confirmed by performing a biopsy and examining the prostate cells. The treatment of prostate cancer does not follow the premise ‘one size fits all’. There are different treatment options available, and the one that is ideal for you depends upon your age, your overall health, size of your tumor, and the stage of the cancer.

Milk intolerance is a condition where the body is not able to easily digest the natural sugar that is found in milk leading to several gastrointestinal problems on the consumption of milk or any other dairy products. Watch out for these milk intolerance symptoms so you can avoid the inconvenience. Inability to digest lactose is medically termed as lactose or milk intolerance. Milk intolerance is a condition that is caused by the deficiency of the intestinal enzyme called lactase, which splits lactose into two sugars called glucose and galactose. This splitting is what helps lactose to be absorbed by the intestine. Hence it can be said that milk intolerance is a direct effect of a lactase deficiency. Lactase deficiency is caused in the body due to a certain mutation in the gene that is responsible for the production of lactase. This condition is also referred to as a congenital cause of milk intolerance. Secondary causes of milk intolerance include damaged lining of the small intestine and developmental lactose intolerance, which is a gradual genetically programmed decrease in the amount of lactase produced from the patient’s childhood itself. This decrease continues through adulthood, and is categorized as adult-type hypolactasia. The severity of milk intolerance varies depending on the amount of lactose that has been consumed by the patient. It has been clinically proven that it takes from 30 minutes to an hour for the milk intolerance symptoms to surface after the consumption of any dairy products. The following are certain prominent milk intolerance symptoms that need to be paid attention to in order to seek treatment in good time: Diarrhea Milk intolerance symptoms such as diarrhea appear in the early stages of the reaction. Since the body is unable to break down the sugars and digest lactose, it causes problems with the digestive system that leads to diarrhea on consumption of any dairy products like milk, cheese, etc.

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when there is a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your body. Here is everything you need to know about the different methods used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. When you have a blood clot in one of the deep veins, you are suffering from deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Typically, DVT affects the deep vein in your leg, and may cause swelling and pain in the leg without any other symptoms. You are at a higher risk of developing DVT, if you smoke, are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and are over the age of 60. It is extremely important that you keep an eye out for the possible signs of DVT, if you have a high risk of developing it. Deep vein thrombosis is considered to be a serious medical condition because if the blood clots break loose from your vein, they can travel to your lungs and block the blood flow there, leading to a life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism. Therefore, it is crucial to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of DVT. DVT can show no symptoms in some of the cases, at least initially. However, when you do experience symptoms they will mostly be a pain in the leg that starts in your calf, and swelling in the leg that is affected. Some of the risk factors that are associated with deep vein thrombosis include prolonged bed rest, surgery, inheriting a blood-clotting disorder, pregnancy, smoking, heart failure, age, and cancer. In order to confirm the diagnosis of DVT, you may have to have tests such as duplex ultrasound, MRI and venography. Duplex ultrasound is a painless diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of your blood vessels to check for clots.

The development of cancerous cells in the testicles, generally observed as a lump in the testicles, is called testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is disease that can be fatal. Here are the lifesaving testicular cancer treatment options you should know about. *body* Testicular cancer can be described as a disease where cancerous cells are formed in the testicles. The testicles are testosterone and sperm producing glands which are placed in the scrotum sac (loose skin that is located below the penis). The spermatic chord consisting of numerous blood vessels and nerves holds the testicles inside the scrotum sac. Most testicular cancers begin from the germ cells which produce premature sperms that flow through tubules and get stored as matured sperms. Cancerous cells affect the healthy cells, and multiply causing various kinds of symptoms such as painful or painless lumps in the testicles, discomfort, sense of heaviness in the lower abdominal area, enlargement of the testicles, collection of fluids in the scrotum sacs, excessive pain in the back and groin area, etc. There are various testicular cancer treatment options such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, however there are certain drawbacks or side effects that may or may not occur depending on the stage of cancer that the patient is on. Side effects may include infertility and problems in the sexual functioning of the patient. The following are different kinds of testicular cancer treatment options that are made available for the patients diagnosed with this disease. Radiation Therapy Radiation therapy is characterized by the use of external beam radiation directed at the infected areas. The radiation causes irritation among the infected cells, the normal cells have enough time to recover from the damage caused while the cancerous cells are weak and do not recover from the damage. Hence there are a number of sessions arranged for testicular cancer treatment through radiation therapy.