Health is wealth, and the gastrointestinal tract plays an important role in maintaining the same. When it comes to healthy guts, one cannot ignore probiotics. To maintain the well-being of guts, many people are now relying on probiotics, instead of any pills or ointments. However, there are people who are still unaware of the basics of probiotics and look out for tips to find the top-rated probiotics. If you are also among them, it will be ideal to know what probiotics are before you start shopping for it. In simple terms, probiotics are different types of bacteria, friendly to the human body, specifically to the digestive system. The presence of these bacteria helps in improving the gut health, which in turn, boosts the overall health of a human being. Though people shop for different probiotics, these are present in every human being. Yet, the number varies from one person to another. Therefore, to increase the count, some people need to add different food and supplements to their diet. Like everything else, probiotics are also available online. You just need to follow some simple steps to find the top-rated probiotics for yourself. Know what you need – With the increasing demand for probiotics, many companies are now manufacturing different products containing these healthy bacteria. However, that does not mean that picking any of them will serve your purpose. To get the desired results, you need to consult a health expert which top-rated probiotics will suit you best. Check the label – Whether you are purchasing a top-rated probiotic from an online store or from any local shop in your area, you need to check the product label to know its composition. Not all food you purchase contain probiotics. So, you should check whether it mentions containing “active probiotics.” Checking the label will also allow you to know if there is anything to which you are allergic.

High cholesterol treatment can very well be done using natural, herbal, or home remedies. The treatment would be more effective if the disease has not progressed to an advanced stage yet. There are studies and research to support the claim of certain herbal and home remedies to treat high cholesterol level. However, no such claim has been made about heart failure. There are many who experienced success with alternative high cholesterol treatments. Thus many other rely on the power of herbal treatment which makes them follow an alternative treatment plan for high cholesterol. Here is a list of herbal and natural remedies that can be incorporated in your lifestyle and diet plan to reap their benefits for high cholesterol treatment: Astragalus The use of this herb is found in traditional Chinese treatment where it was used to strengthen the immune system. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Since it is considered as an “adaptogen,” it has the properties to protect the body against several health issues. Studies show that this herb has to offer certain benefits for your hearts health thereby contributing toward being an effective high cholesterol treatment method. Hawthorn Hawthorn is a shrub belonging to the rose plant family. Its leaves, berries, and flowers are in use since Roman times to treat a heart problem. Studies proved that this shrub could be helpful in treating a mild case of heart failure. However, there is no proof that this plant is effective as a high cholesterol treatment method. Flaxseed Flaxseed is derived from the flax plant. Both flaxseed oil and flaxseed contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in high levels. This is an omega-3 fatty acid which may be effective in lowering the risk of any heart ailment. Studies show that flaxseed may help to lower cholesterol levels, especially for people with high cholesterol levels as well as postmenopausal women.

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is the last thing that any man would like to experience in their lifetime. It not just hampers a man’s sexual life, it also has an adverse effect on his social and mental wellbeing. Studies have indicated that erectile dysfunction is one of the common sexual problems experienced by men in the United States and every year around thirty million people seek treatment for the improving the condition. Erectile dysfunction often affects the self-esteem of men in an adverse way and many hesitate to express their problems. If you too experience similar conditions, it will be better for you to get treatment instead of confining yourself. The following are some of the most effective ED treatments. Rhodiola Rosea – Studies have proven the fact that consuming 200gm of Rhodiola Rosea daily for three months can bring back the lost charm of your sexual life. Consuming this herb as per instruction will not just help you get back the erection, it will also help you retain the erection for a significant period of time. This is one of the most effective ED treatments. Panax ginseng – Also known as the red ginseng, this is a popular choice among men not only in the United States but also all across the globe. Popularly known as the natural Viagra, it has time and again proven itself as the best choice for treating erectile problems. The high anti-inflammatory property of the herb helps in getting an erection by improving the flow of blood throughout the body, including the penis. Not just that, it also gives a boost to the lung function. Thus, you can improve your overall health along with your sexual health, thereby making it one of the most effective ED treatments. Surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction – Medications are available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Advancement of science and technology has made the life of modern men quite comfortable. While it has eased several things, the changing lifestyle has also caused different adverse effects on humans. Health problems like diabetes, irregular blood pressure, thyroid and even cholesterol are often attributed to the modern lifestyle. Though irregularity in blood sugar or pressure is often easily diagnosed, cholesterol often remains unchecked and leads to severe health threats. If you too are suffering from high cholesterol level and looking for foods to reduce the problem, you can certainly consider taking supplements. Before taking any of the supplements, you need to gain some knowledge about them. A list of cholesterol-lowering supplements has been provided below for your guidance. Barley – One of the easily available diet supplement, barley can help in lowering LDL level of your body without leaving any side-effect on your health. Rich in fiber, barley is also a good choice for people with digestive problems. Before including barley in your diet, you need to know the required portion for yourself. Artichoke leaves- Quite popular as Cynara Scolymus, dried artichoke leaves can be one of the best choices for dietary supplements to lower cholesterol level. It not just reduces the bad cholesterol or LDL, but it cuts down the total cholesterol level of the body. However, people who are allergic to ragweed may not find artichoke leaves to be a suitable option as it often causes a reaction. Fish oil- Depending on your preference, you can directly consume fish oil in liquid form or as a tablet. Consuming fish oil every day can help in reducing the triglyceride level of your body. However, some people may not like the after effects like a fishy smell or foul smell from the mouth. Nausea and vomiting are also sometimes experienced as an adverse effect on fish oil consumption.

How to deal with hair loss? This is a very common question for many people who are looking for a permanent solution for their hair fall woes. Not just older individuals, even young people are dealing with significant hair loss issues. However, to treat hair loss, one first needs to figure what is the root of the cause. Various factors are responsible for hair loss, some of them include genetics, diet, insufficient sleep, stress and hormonal variations. You can come across a lot of methods to treat hair fall. One of the simplest and effective ways of controlling and preventing hair fall is to make use of the right vitamins. If you can consume the best vitamins, hair loss can be prevented quite efficiently. Best vitamins to treat hair loss You can eat natural foods or vitamin supplements on a daily basis to strengthen the health of your hair and prevent hair loss. Some essential vitamins you must have are vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E and biotin. They are known to improve the health of your skin and hair. Vitamin A Vitamin A is extremely good at regulating the synthesis of retinoic acid in the hair follicle and hydrates the scalp as well. It is especially beneficial for promoting skin health as well. What are sources you can depend on to get vitamin A? Food items like spinach, mango, carrot, sweet potatoes, dark leafy green vegetables, lettuce and tuna contain a high amount of vitamin A. You can increase the intake of these ingredients to stop hair loss. Vitamin A supplements are also available in the market. You need to choose the best one with right elements to keep your hair healthy. Vitamin B Vitamin B is one of the best vitamins that assist you in maintaining the health of your hair.

High intake of proteins boosts the muscle building process. This essential nutrient fastens the growth and repair process of tissues. These proteins are present in the food we eat, and there are high chances that people might suffer from the deficiency of the same, especially women. Inadequate amount of proteins can cause severe health implications. And those of you who go for regular workout need proper doses of protein to undergo the tough training regimen. Protein powders come as supplements to increase the intake of proteins. Have them with milk or water. These dietary supplements provide the body with a high concentration of proteins. The protein found in the protein shakes are generally derived from plant and animal sources. Some of them are milk, eggs, soy, peas, and cranberries. There are different brands of protein shakes. You must buy the best protein shakes for women to boost the energy levels. The shakes are a complete amalgamation of vitamins, fats, and minerals. Thus, they are powerful energy boosters which tend to keep the body healthy. Benefits of protein shakes The growth of lean muscles: Protein shakes contain low content carbohydrates and have high levels of proteins. The development of saturated fats in the body is lessened. Proteins replace the body fats and ensure the quick growth of the body muscles. Control Satiety: The proteins take a long time to be digested by the digestive system. This means you can stay full for a long time. You won’t be tempted to eat again and again. Proteins control the appetite and give you the feeling of full-stomach. Good bone health: The macronutrient protein is necessary for good bone health. People who don’t have strong bones likely suffer from the problem of bone degeneration. Proteins from dairy products ensure a great bone health and proper calcium absorption.

Cholesterol levels vary with age, gender and weight. A human body starts to produce more cholesterol with time. Thus, it is important for an adult to check their cholesterol levels every four to six years ideally, sooner than later. There are three categories in which cholesterol is measured: Total cholesterol HDL or good cholesterol LDL or bad cholesterol Most people struggle to balance these levels. It is important to keep LDL and total cholesterol level in check. However, having increased levels of HDL cholesterol would offer protection against developing heart-related ailments like strokes and heart attacks. How cholesterol levels differ with age? Cholesterol levels increase with age due to various reasons related to health and lifestyle. Thus, doctors recommend taking precaution early on in life to avoid high levels of cholesterol development as a person grows older. Unmanaged cholesterol developed in the past years would be quite difficult to treat. Children are rarely diagnosed with high cholesterol levels and thus they need to have their levels checked only once or twice before they are 18 years old. Children who are at risks of having high cholesterol levels due to other health conditions, they must check their levels frequently. It is seen that males tend to have increased levels of cholesterol than women throughout their life. It increases with age. However, it is not rare to see high cholesterol level in women as well. The levels in women increase when they go through menopause. Healthy levels as per different age group Healthy levels of cholesterol do not differ much in adults. The recommended levels change due to additional health conditions and considerations. Ideal cholesterol levels in adults The total cholesterol levels in an adult should be below 200 mg/dL. If the range is between 200 and 239 mg/dL, it is considered borderline high.

There is a general misconception that cholesterol is bad for your health and heart. Fat is needed by the body to perform all metabolic functions. Not all cholesterol is bad. The fats that you consume, contain cholesterol in them (the levels differ depending on the food category). And it is the bad cholesterol that plays havoc with your heart health. A high level of bad cholesterol (LDL), low levels of good cholesterol (HDL) are a cause for concern. To maintain ideal cholesterol levels, wherein the levels of HDL is more than LDL calls for a proper diet and active lifestyle. What is good and bad cholesterol? HDL Good cholesterol or HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is healthy cholesterol that is needed by the body. High HDL levels, not only help in lowering the levels of LDL, they also help in prevent heart diseases and stroke. In fact, when a blood test is done to verify the cholesterol levels, doctors first read the levels of HDL. As long as the HDL levels are greater in proportion, in total cholesterol levels, you’re on the safer side. Numerous studies have proved that low HDL levels increase the risk of heart disease. LDL LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is bad cholesterol that causes plaque build up along the artery walls, causing blockages and resulting in heart attack. Higher LDL levels put you at a greater risk of having a heart disease. If your blood tests have high LDL levels, it’s time to take measures through diet and exercise which can help in lowering LDL levels. Triglycerides The most common type of fat in our body are triglycerides. The excess energy from the food that you eat, is stored as triglycerides. High triglycerides, low HDL, and high LDL is the potent combination that can lead to heart disease. Impact of cholesterol Excess amounts of cholesterol in the body forms a thick layer in the artery walls.

A smoothie is a multi purpose diet solution that is both tasty and healthy. Smoothies are entirely customizable, which is why they can be personalized to suit your health goals. When it comes to smoothies the two most common purpose they are drinking are weight loss and detox. Here are a few quick healthy and yet tasty recipes to the perfect slurry of health. Weight Loss Smoothies Peach and Cream Oatmeal Smoothie This smoothie is rich in proteins and cholesterol lowering oatmeal. This recipe would amount to as low as 331 calories and 46 carbohydrates. In a blender mix the following ingredients and enjoy the tasty smoothie: Peach slices – 1 cup Greek yogurt – 1 cup Oatmeal – ¼ cup Vanilla extract – ¼ teaspoon Almond milk – 1 cup Coconut And Mango Smoothie Chia shake This shake is a great breakfast option. The Chia seeds are a good source of protein. Prepare the Chia seeds before by allowing it soak and expand in water overnight. This smoothie amounts up to only 235 calories and as low as 29 carbohydrates. The ingredients you need to blend are: 2 tablespoons of Chia seed 1 cup of Coconut milk half a teaspoon of vanilla extract half cup organic mango half a teaspoon of flaked coconut You can make the same smoothie with almond milk as well if you prefer it over coconut milk. Flaked coconuts are an optional ingredient in this recipe and you can skip if you wish to. Chocolate, Banana and Almond Butter Smoothie This is a protein packed smoothie that tastes great. A serving would add not more than 151 calories and 24 carbohydrates to your breakfast. All this, without disappointing your taste buds. Ingredients you need to blend together are: Unsweetened almond milk – 1 cup Banana – 1 fruit Fat-free chocolate syrup – 1 tablespoon (preferably home-made) Almond butter – 1 tablespoon Add a handful of ice to this smoothie, since it tastes best when chilled.

The healthy vagina hosts a small number of yeast fungus along with other bacteria. When the number of yeast increases, it is called a yeast infection. Yeast infections can occur multiple times and for many reasons. Primarily, when the balance of the bacteria in the vagina is affected, the number of yeast cells increases. Causes of yeast infections Not keeping your vaginal area dry: If the moisture level of your vaginal area increases, the yeast cells will find the perfect conditions to multiply. Not changing your tampon or pads regularly keeps moisture around. Even wearing tight underwear that doesn’t allow for airing out the vagina can cause moisture to build up. Taking antibiotics: Antibiotics do not discriminate. Taking antibiotics can destroy all the good bacteria in your vagina. These bacteria keep the yeast cells in check. Without them, the yeast cells will multiply. High blood sugar levels: Yeast requires sugar for energy. High sugar levels guarantee to make the yeast cells stronger. Having sex with an infected partner: Yeast is contagious. If you engage in sex with a partner who has oral yeast, or even penile yeast, you can get infected easily. Having sex often with an uninfected partner can change the pH of your vaginal area. This could be detrimental to the good bacteria. What are probiotics? Probiotics are a collection of healthy bacteria and yeasts. They replace any good bacteria that you may have lost and restore balance. They are useful for disorders of the gut, as well as other conditions in the body. Probiotics for yeast infections are specifically beneficial. Probiotics also aid in weight loss, improved digestion, healthy skin, and a stronger immune system. Probiotics are good for your health and you need to consume them on a daily basis. Here are some probiotics for yeast infection you must consider especially if you have a vaginal yeast infection:

High Cholesterol levels are injurious to health. They increase the potential risk of cardiac diseases such as heart failure and attacks. It is better to control the cholesterol levels. No doubt, medication works wonderfully to improve the cholesterol. But it is wise to make specific lifestyle changes to keep the cholesterol under control. The lifestyle changes keep you at bay from the cholesterol-lowering medications. Even if you take those drugs, these changes increase the effect of the prescribed medicines. Here are some of the ways to lower cholesterol levels in the body: Eat heart-friendly food: Foods that contain saturated fats increase the cholesterol amounts. Avoid dairy products and red meat as they result in the bad cholesterol. Try to reduce 7% of the total calories you take per day. Choose low-fat milk products and leaner meat cuts for a healthy diet. Bring small changes to your diet and make it a heart-healthy diet. Fried foods contain trans-fats. These trans-fats are injurious to health as they boost the bad cholesterol and decrease the good cholesterol levels. Such condition results in possible chances of heart diseases. Food products with less than 0.5 grams are known as trans-fat-free. Stay away from foods that contain trans-fats and hydrogenated oil. Omega-3 Fatty acids are good for health. They boost the lipoprotein and lessen the blood pressure and are beneficial for the healthy heart. Eat food products rich in omega-3 fatty acid. Include almonds, walnut, salmon, herring, and flaxseeds in your diet. Increase the intake of soluble fiber. Add oats, brand, fruits, vegetable, and lentils to your diet for heart-health benefits. Whey protein is another essential ingredient which is a must-add for a healthy diet. Regular exercising: Adopt the habit of daily exercising. Increase the hours of physical activities and workout. Proper levels of physical exercising increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Water is an essential life force that regulates one’s temperature, supports food digestion, and flushes out toxins from the body. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and prevents dehydration. Studies have shown that insufficient water intake can lead to many side effects. While some can be immediately noticed, like headache and dry mouth, others can cause long-term health concerns like kidney stones. Here are some common side effects of dehydration that prompt one to drink water. Headaches Headaches can be caused due to temporary factors like lack of sleep. But it is also a symptom of dehydration caused due to fatigue and reduced oxygen supply to the brain. So, before one associates headaches with anything else, it is advisable to drink a large glass of water. Dehydration can also lead to poor concentration and affect one’s cognitive functions in the long run. Muscle cramps Without enough water or fluids, muscles tend to become more sensitive to cramps or spasms with every movement. Water helps to lubricate the joints and avoid the build up of any toxins in the body, thus reducing inflammation and ensuring good muscular health. Bad oral health Insufficient water intake leads to a dry mouth where enough saliva is not produced. Saliva helps to thwart bacteria growth in one’s mouth. This, in turn, leads to tooth decay and bad breath. So, drinking enough water also ensures good oral hygiene. Fatigue Lack of sufficient water could drop one’s energy levels and make one feel tired without any major physical activity. One must have enough water, especially during exercise, since sweating can lead to electrolyte and water loss from the body and aggravate the feeling of fatigue. Skin damage Keeping the body hydrated also has an impact on one’s skin. Dry or rough skin may be due to prolonged dehydration.