8 Useful Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

8 Useful Treatments for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A prevalent digestive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) currently affects millions of individuals in the country. This chronic condition causes abdominal pain and distress in the large intestine causing unusual bowel movements. The common symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea with constipation, intestinal cramps post meals, bloating, etc. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person. Interestingly, IBS is more common in women. However, the precise reason behind it is still not known. Although there is a combination of issues that can trigger IBS such as food allergies, pain sensitivity, bacterial infections, an imbalance in body chemicals, hereditary factors, psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, etc. There are three types of IBS, i.e., IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, and IBS mix (diarrhea with constipation). You can seek the help of your doctor for irritable bowel syndrome treatment, based on the type of your IBS distress. To help you understand your options better, here are some of the common irritable bowel syndrome treatments implemented. The remedies mentioned below are a combination of medical assistance and personal initiatives to improve your IBS condition. Medications – Under your doctor’s guidance, you can begin a course of prescription drugs. These may include antispasmodics, antidepressants, antibiotics, etc., which can assist in alleviating some of your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend any one of these or a combination of medications. For instance, antispasmodic medicines are for relieving spasms and abdominal pain. Moreover, antibiotics will be apt for an irritable bowel syndrome treatment for controlling bacterial infections. However, always remember you should not consume any medications without your doctor’s knowledge. Apart from prescription drugs, there are certain over-the-counter medications which can aid in decreasing your digestive woes. Psychological assistance – If the onset of IBS has led to depression or anxiety, then you should visit a therapist who could counsel you about stress management.
Important Things You Should Know about Blood Sugar Levels

Important Things You Should Know about Blood Sugar Levels

The blood sugar levels indicate the amount of glucose which is a source of energy in the body. It is the body’s ability to produce insulin and process sugar. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A person’s ideal blood sugar levels in a single day are measured using blood sugar level charts or blood glucose charts. This measure also includes blood sugar levels before and after meals. According to standard blood sugar level charts, the normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL. The blood sugar level can go up to 120 mg/dL after a meal. This usually comes down to normal levels in about two hours. The blood sugar level can be determined through a series of blood tests. These tests are conducted before a meal, which is known as fasting sugar value, and after a meal, which is known as post prandial or post meal value. The post prandial blood sugar level is measured two hours after a meal. Depending on the readings of the blood test, a person might suffer from low blood sugar or high blood sugar, if the sugar levels do not fall under the normal range. Here are a few diagnostic ranges that are given in every blood sugar level charts. The ranges are divided into three categories: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. These ranges will indicate whether a person is at a risk of having diabetes or not. Normal: If the minimum fasting value is 70 mg/dL and the maximum fasting value is 100 mg/dL, along with the post prandial value falling below 140 mg/dL, the person has normal blood sugar level according to the blood sugar level charts. There is no risk of diabetes. Pre-diabetes: The fasting glucose level is between 101 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL.
11 Natural Remedies to Treat Heartburn Symptoms

11 Natural Remedies to Treat Heartburn Symptoms

Heartburn is a condition wherein the stomach acid leaks into the esophageal system thus causing irritation and discomfort. There are a number of heartburn symptoms and triggers which are caused due to the malfunctioning of the LES sphincter which is a natural flap that stops stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Although there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat this disorder, it is always better to find some natural and home-made remedies to counter discomforts. The following 11 natural, home remedies can aid in treating heartburn symptoms: Baking soda: Baking soda has proven to be quite effective to cure heartburn symptoms. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, a spoonful of baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the burning sensation of heartburn caused due to a gastrointestinal reflux. It also has a high pH level which helps neutralize stomach acid. Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a natural therapy to help soothe the discomfort caused due to heartburn. Aloe vera has a lot of uses because of its anti-inflammation properties. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid to be thrown up into the esophagus and thus causes the burning and irritating sensation, which can be calmed down with a nice glass of aloe vera juice. Chamomile tea: Heartburn symptoms can also be a result of certain foods or beverages which do not get properly ingested into our system. There are certain foods that might actually be the cause of severe heartburn. Chamomile tea helps reduce the inflammation caused due to these foods and balances the acid level in your stomach. Stress is another factor which is known to trigger heartburn symptoms through acid reflux, which is why having a cup of chamomile tea on a regular basis is advisable. Mustard: Although at first, it may sound very odd to consume a spoonful of mustard straight up, this has proven to be a somewhat effective remedy for curing any heartburn symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease One Cannot Miss

Common Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease One Cannot Miss

Crohn’s disease is a complication that can be considered as a type of inflammatory bowel disease and affects parts of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to the anus region. This inflammation of the digestive tract can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Common Crohn’s disease symptoms Crohn’s disease affects different people in distinct ways. At times, only the last segment of ileum, which is also known as the small intestine, is affected. In some patients, Crohn’s disease affects the colon or large intestine. The last portion of the small intestine and colon are generally affected by Crohn’s disease. This disease can either be mild or severe. Mostly, the common Crohn’s disease symptoms develop at a gradual pace; however, in some cases, these symptoms come up suddenly. The most common Crohn’s disease symptoms usually include diarrhea, fever, fatigue, blood in the stool, and reduction in appetite and mouth sores. People who have reported severe Crohn’s disease symptoms suffer from inflammation of the skin, joints, and eyes and inflammation of the liver and bile duct. Delay in the growth in children is also an indication that the child might be suffering from signs of Crohn’s disease. Pain in the belly: This pain is intermittent and can cause cramps. The belly of the patient might feel sore when touched in such cases. This pain can turn into a constant ache and the condition of the patient can worsen with time. Diarrhea: Patients who suffer from an advanced stage experience Crohn’s disease symptoms of diarrhea ten to twenty times in a day. Such patients can also experience blood in their stool. Loss of appetite: Patients who experience Crohn’s disease symptoms may also suffer from loss of appetite and experience a reduction in the intake of food. High fever: Sometimes patients who experience Crohn’s disease symptoms might also suffer from high fever.
Few Vital Causes and Cure of Chronic Dry Eye

Few Vital Causes and Cure of Chronic Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when the tears fail to keep the surface of eye adequately lubricated. The risk of developing chronic dry eyes increases with age Consequences of dry eyes range constant eye irritation to significant inflammation and can also lead to scarring of the front surface of the eye. Dry eyes are one of the common syndrome affecting most of the citizens in the country. Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include burning sensation, itchy eyes, aching sensations, eyes that feel heavy and fatigued, sore eyes, dryness sensation, red eyes, photophobia, and blurred vision. One of the other common symptoms is something that is called foreign body sensation. It is that grit feeling of some object or material in your eye. An odd symptom of dry eyes is watery eyes. This happens because of dryness of the eye’s surface sometimes overstimulate production of a watery component, which is nothing but a protective mechanism. Following are the causes of chronic dry eye syndrome: • A consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keep eyes healthy, comfortable and seeing well. The water content in the eyes keep them moist and washes away the dust, debris, and microorganisms, which might damage the cornea, leading to an eye infection. • Each component of the tear serves a critical purpose. Tear lipids increase lubrication and keep the tear film from evaporating too quickly. Mucin helps to anchor and spreading tears across the surface of the eye. The problem with these components can result in dry eyes. • One of the causes of the chronic dry eye is the Meibomian glands that do not secrete enough lubricating oil to keep the tear film in the eyes from evaporating. • In other cases, causes of the chronic dry eye could be due to lacrimal glands that fail to produce a watery fluid that is enough to keep the eyes sufficiently moistened.
Different Types and Causes of Pneumonia You Should Know

Different Types and Causes of Pneumonia You Should Know

Pneumonia is a health condition where the lungs or one of the lungs get infected. The infection causes the inflammation of air sacs. The sacs get filled with fluid or pus which makes it difficult to breathe. The infection can be caused by bacteria, fungus, virus, etc. The Pneumonia symptoms can vary from patient to patient depending on the intensity of the attack. The Pneumonia symptoms can be a cough, cough with phlegm, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, sweating, chills, fever, etc. The Pneumonia symptoms differ depending on the age of the patient and the type of pneumonia. Let us look at the classification of pneumonia based on the germs that cause the infection. Pneumonia symptoms caused by bacteria : The bacteria called Streptococcus pneumonia can cause the Pneumonia. The other kinds of bacteria such as Chlamydophila pneumonia and Legionella pneumophila can also cause bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia symptoms caused by the virus : Pneumonia caused by viruses is less dangerous than bacterial pneumonia. Viral pneumonia usually affects children and older people as the lungs are weaker when compared with the younger and middle-aged people. Pneumonia symptoms caused by Mycoplasma : Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma is less severe when compared to pneumonia caused by bacteria and virus. The adults and children above 12 years get infected with this kind of pneumonia. Pneumonia symptoms caused by the fungus : People with weak immune system get infected with this type of pneumonia where the fungi from the soil, bird droppings or any other source can cause the infection. Let us look the classification of Pneumonia based on the place where it was acquired: A person can get infected with bacteria during his/her stay in the hospital. This infection is dangerous as the bacteria would have become resistant to all kinds of medicine. A person can get infected with Pneumonia in an environment other than the hospitals which make it less dangerous comparatively.
Understanding The Importance of Blood Sugar Levels Chart

Understanding The Importance of Blood Sugar Levels Chart

Blood sugar is the amount of glucose (sugar) that is present in the blood. For metabolic homeostasis, the body naturally regulates blood glucose levels. The primary source of energy in blood cells and blood lipids is glucose. Blood sugar level is usually low in the morning and rises after one consumed food. It is when the blood sugar levels are not in the normal range, medical attention is required. A blood sugar level chart shows the fluctuation of blood sugar and insulin (sugar lowering hormone) in people through the day. The chart shows at what time of the day were the glucose, insulin, starch, and sucrose levels are high and low. From blood sugar levels chart you can find the blood glucose levels before and after meals. Blood sugar levels chart is great monitoring your glucose intake and manage it. Here are some of the reasons why this testing through chart is important: Testing blood sugar level through blood sugar levels chart is important for diabetes care. If you have been trying to curb your diabetes, then this chart helps you to gauge how well you are doing in trying to achieve your overall goal. The measure you are taking such as diet and exercising, how that has been affecting your diabetes can be known and monitored well with the help of these blood sugar levels chart. The chart helps you understand how other factors such as illness or stress can contribute to affect your diabetes. If you are on medications, then a blood sugar levels chart will help you understand how well those medicines are working for you. And it also states the high and low blood sugar levels. The right time to check the blood sugar levels chart: Doctors usually tell you when you should check your blood sugar level.
8 Effective Ways to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels

8 Effective Ways to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels

An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with the amount of stress we are burdened with to achieve the “perfect life” has left us combating various serious health issues. Some of these ailments are hereditary, whereas, some of them are self-created. And, then there are those ailments that fall under both these categories. Diabetes is one such ailment that is known to have its roots firmly planted in our genes and can be a result of our reckless lifestyle as well. However, if normal blood sugar levels are maintained, people can easily coexist with diabetes and lead a normal life. Whichever treatment a person opts for controlling their diabetes, it involves maintaining normal blood sugar levels. A rise in the blood sugar levels leads to a string of other problems. So, the key to living with diabetes involves taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn’t an ailment that can be cured completely. So, one must follow these tips to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lose weight Obesity is the root cause of a wide-range of disease or is known to worsen an already existing condition. Excess weight makes the person resistant to insulin, and this, in turn, disrupts the normal blood sugar levels in the body. In such cases, it becomes imperative to lose at least 5% to 10% of the current body weight. One can even seek a dietician’s help to succeed in their endeavor to lose weight. The right weight assures that normal blood sugar levels are maintained. Follow a balanced diet with complex carbs When we say that one’s unhealthy lifestyle can also trigger diabetes, it implies going on a binge eating session, where the only food one consumes, are fried and high in everything harmful for the body. So, in order to maintain normal blood sugar levels, one needs to adhere to consuming a balanced diet.
6 Natural Ways for Treating Nerve Pain

6 Natural Ways for Treating Nerve Pain

Nerve pain is the result of damaged nerves. Often persistent, nerve pain can be symptomatic of other ailments such as shingles, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, cancer, diphtheria, or HIV. Apart from these, there are other causes of nerve pain: deficiency of essential vitamins, aging, and toxin exposure. It has been observed that nearly 30% of nerve pain instances do not have any definite cause. Nerve pain is usually experienced as pinpricks, stabbing, burning sensation, prickling, and sudden electric shocks. The intensity of the pain varies from person to person depending on the cause, the person’s health condition, and their immunity strength. Also known as neuropathic pain, nerve pain may cause hindrance in carrying out routine activities and may make it difficult for the person to work. This may further lead to anxiety, sleeping disorder, or depression. Common signs of nerve pain The feelings of pinpricks, tingling, burning sensation, and so on are the obvious signs of nerve pain. However, these are not the only signs to diagnose and detect nerve pain. The following are some of the additional symptoms that may indicate that what is being experienced is really nerve pain: It becomes difficult to move the body parts affected by the pain. There is a loss of motor ability, There is a sharp, tingling pain from the lower back to one of the legs. The pain always occurs in this part of the body. The ability to coordinate declines and there might be repeated episodes of stumbling and falling. There are occasional periods of intense headaches. These headaches seem to like receiving brief electric shocks. There is excess or no sweating at all. Bladder becomes weak requiring more visits to the bathroom. There is no sensation when there is an injury such as burns or cuts. Popular nerve pain treatment options There are ways to treat nerve pain; nerve pain treatments can decrease the intensity of pain, or in certain cases, treatments can eliminate the pain completely by repairing the damaged nerves.
8 Causes of Foot Pain You Must be Aware of

8 Causes of Foot Pain You Must be Aware of

Your feet manage your entire body weight, and at times, they too can get strained. The causes of foot pain can vary, sometimes it could be a result of stress, injuries, wrong footwear, or health disorders. Foot pain specifies any form of discomfort that occurs in the toes, arches, soles, and toes. Depending on the cause, the pain can be mild or severe. Many of these can be easily managed at home, but seeking the counsel of a podiatrist is always a great way to steer clear of any doubts. Medical intervention can also help you to evade any possible risks such as infections or permanent joint damage. Here are some of the common causes of foot pain: Sprains and strains A very common kind of foot injury, sprains and strains mostly affect the muscles and the ligaments. A sprain refers to a condition where one or more ligaments have twisted or bent. Moreover, a strain implies that muscle fibers are ripped or stretched. Usually, they occur when you suddenly move, fall, or collide with something. Apart from pain, these may result in inflammation and contusions. These can be administered at home with simple remedies such as cold compression, OTC medications, and rest. Plantar fasciitis Caused due to damage to the fascia, a ligament situated in the bottom of the feet, plantar fasciitis is extremely common in athletes and individuals aged above 40. It can also affect people who are constantly on their feet for long hours throughout the day. The discomfort is usually at its peak when you wake up in the morning. Along with home treatments, plantar fasciitis can be fixed with physical therapy, prescription drugs, and orthopedic footwear. Bunions These are a type of bone abnormality that occurs in the big toe, which makes it lean inward towards the other foot.
Dealing with Sore Throat Caused by Allergies

Dealing with Sore Throat Caused by Allergies

Allergies are discomforting and only people who suffer from this condition can come understand the constant inconvenience it causes. From itchy skin to constant coughing, it can also lead to a burning sensation. Allergies result in several kinds of unpleasant symptoms. Allergy reactions typically take place when one’s immune system is intolerant towards certain substances that are allergens. These allergens can be any substances, from dust mites and pollen to bee venom. Allergies can affect any individual, irrespective of age or sex. Allergies can be severe; however, in most cases, the repercussions include mild symptoms. One common mild allergic reaction that many people suffer from is a sore throat. Yes, a sore throat from allergies can sound unusual but there is a very high chance that an itchy and inflamed throat is caused by an allergen. How is a sore throat from allergies caused? The body reacts to different allergens in different ways. It is possible that one of the allergens is making the throat itch. The throat is comprised of walls from the inside that are covered with mucous membrane. This membrane contains nerves that can turn sensitive to one or many allergens. It reacts to impure air, inflammatory reactions or even some types of foods. The mucosal glands also produce mucus throughout the day. This mucus is responsible for keeping your respiratory tract moist and clean at all times. It also protects you from any kinds of infections and ensures the smooth passage of food and water. Then the glands encounter an allergen, they secrete too much or not enough mucus. The excess exposition of nerves or excess mucus leads to soreness and tickling in the throat. Symptoms that indicate a sore throat caused by allergies The symptoms begin with mild coughing and go on to become more aggressive.
8 Popular Natural Remedies for Treating Tinnitus

8 Popular Natural Remedies for Treating Tinnitus

Affecting almost 50 million people in the country, tinnitus is a sound that is not produced by any external source, it is rather a subjective noise that is only heard by the person. Most patients describe tinnitus as a high-pitched ringing tone which can be recurrent or continuous. However, it could also involve hissing, rumbling, buzzing, or snapping sounds. Although tinnitus is not a severe health condition, it can cause an immense amount of irritation to the person suffering from it. This is because it can significantly interfere with your listening and concentration abilities. At times, it can also be a symptom of another medical problem. What are the causes of tinnitus? Usually, the primary reason of tinnitus is harm caused to the fine sensory hair situated in the cochlea of the inner ear. This can be a result of two consequences, i.e., aging and continued exposure to unreasonably harsh sounds. Apart from these two, here are some other causes of tinnitus: Heart diseases Excessive buildup of earwax Diabetes Atherosclerosis Ear infections TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder) Trapped foreign object Severe injuries to the head, brain, and neck Issues in the Eustachian tube Rigid middle ear bones Certain types of medications Is there a natural cure for tinnitus? If you are suffering from tinnitus, it is advised that you see an audiologist immediately. They will provide you with an accurate diagnosis and appropriate solutions. In cases of traumatic injuries, you might have to seek the assistance of a neurologist. Apart from medical treatments, there are several natural cures for tinnitus that can help you minimize the discomfort. Here are some of the identified natural cures for tinnitus. However, before utilizing some of these, have a word with your doctor to ensure safety from any possible risks. Foods to avoid – Your eating habits can play a significant role in influencing the condition of tinnitus.