One of the most common types of heel pain is caused by a condition called Plantar Fasciitis, which is the swelling of a ligament called Plantar Fascia on the underside of your foot. A whopping 10% of the people in the entire world suffer from this condition. Sometimes, the pain can even become chronic. However, there are simple ways to deal with it. Read further to find out treatment of plantar fasciitis at home. Plantar Fasciitis: An Overview This condition is caused whenever you put excessive strain on your feet. It is most common in middle-aged people, but it can also affect younger adults who are on their feet for long periods, like athletes. Repeated straining can cause small tears in the ligament which can lead to chronic pains. Home Treatment Of Plantar Fasciitis Even when you visit a doctor, the first solution they give you is steps you can take to treat the pain on your own. Some of these are mentioned below. Rest Your Feet: Ensure that you give your feet ample amount of rest. If any activity is causing pain, avoid it. Support Your Feet: The best way to do this is by wearing supportive footwear that has a good heel cushioning and arch support. You can even buy shoe inserts to put into your footwear instead of buying expensive shoes for treatment of plantar fasciitis. Use A Cold Pack: Using ice or a cold pack can reduce the inflammation and ease the pain. Don’t apply ice directly on your feet, always wrap it in a towel. You can also alternatively use frozen peas or grapes wrapped in a towel for the same effect. Give It Some Heat: If ice doesn’t help with the symptoms even after two or three days, you can try a heating pad or a hot water bag to relieve pain.

High blood pressure is a hazardous condition that is unfortunately prevalent today. If left untreated it can cause a stroke and heart disease. If your blood pressure reads above 140/90 mmHg, then you have a high blood pressure. The cause for high blood pressure cannot be tracked in some cases. However, you can control it if you follow a strict regime for an extended period. You can control your blood pressure naturally with a proper diet and healthy lifestyle. You will not have to take medications either. By following these suggestions, your blood pressure will be under control in no time. These remedies will also not have any adverse effects on your body. Healthy Body Weight Losing weight is one of the most efficient ways to control your blood pressure. Excess body weight has shown to increase the blood pressure. Sleep apnea is a common condition in those who are overweight. Disrupted sleep can also cause a rise in the blood pressure. Obesity is known to cause stress in the joints and poor blood circulation. It adds stress and affects the blood pressure. Losing weight is the first thing you should do if you are diagnosed with high blood pressure. Exercise Regularly Any physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes, 4 to 5 times a week will help you reduce your blood pressure level. It is best not to overdo it either as it may have adverse effects. For best results stick to a regime and exercise regularly. However, do not stop with the exercise as it may cause your blood pressure to shoot up again. If you have mild hypertension, you can prevent it from getting worse with a regular workout. On the other hand, if your condition is severe, you can reduce the levels and bring it to a safe level.

Sleep is nature’s way of helping the body rest and recover after a day’s activity. Whether you lead an active or a sedentary lifestyle, your body and the various organs that keep you going have to perform their functions on a daily basis. When you sleep, most of the body’s internal as well as external organs either rest or slow down. It gives the various systems and the organs a chance to rest and get ready for a new day’s activity. If you do not get adequate sleep, it affects the entire system, and you feel tired and dysfunctional. Sleep Disorder Symptoms There are many types of sleep disorders, and their symptoms might differ. However, certain basic symptoms are common to all sleep disorders. These include: Experiencing difficulty in falling asleep at night. Tiredness after waking up. Feeling irritable and short-tempered. Feeling sleepy during the daytime or wanting to take naps. Falling asleep while performing an activity like driving. Forgetfulness. Lack of focus and concentration. Unusual behavior while asleep. Disturbed sleep, having nightmares, and night time fears. Sleepwalking. Slowed down reactions during waking hours. Feeling the need for stimulants like coffee to stay awake through the day. If you experience all or some of these symptoms, consult your doctor. They could be signs of a deeper problem. These could also lead to other problems. Different Sleep Disorders And Their Signs Based on sleep disorder symptoms, there are a number of sleeping problems, four of the most common are insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. You can also experience Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders under certain circumstances. Insomnia Insomnia is the most common of sleep disorders. One in two people suffers from occasional bouts of insomnia, while a large number of people are victims to chronic insomnia. Common insomnia symptoms are:

Potassium is the third highest amount of mineral present in your body cells. Too high or too low amount of potassium can be dangerous. In case of high or low levels of potassium, you may need to change your eating habit. Be aware of foods that are low or high in potassium. Thereby, you can control the amount of potassium you get in your diet. Why do we need the right amount of potassium? There are many reasons for you to consume an adequate amount of foods with potassium daily. Given below are those reasons: It helps proper working of your nerves, kidney, brain, and muscles. The right amount of potassium in your body also helps to keep your heart beating at a steady rate. It maintains fluid and electrolyte balance in your system. It keeps the body hydrated. It supports cellular function in conjunction with sodium. It lowers blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart stroke. It Increases bone density. It decreases muscle cramps. It utilizes the carbohydrates you consume. Everyone requires potassium to build protein and muscle. Dangers of Low Potassium A deficiency in potassium is undesirable and can lead to: Tiredness Irregular bowels Losing temper Stiffness of muscles Weight gain Blood pressure abnormality Heart-beat anomaly Sickness Swelling of belly Dejection Rheumatism How Much Potassium Should You Be Taking In? The recommended intake of foods with potassium for male and female adults is 4,700 milligrams per day. Foods with Potassium Potassium is available in wide range of foods. You can choose from a wide variety of foods with potassium as one of the means to maintain your potassium intake. The list given below highlights the potassium content in various foods (expressed in mg per 100g): Fruits & Veggies The potassium content for some of the common fruits and vegetables are:

Nothing is more loyal and dedicated as belly fat—whatever you do, it just never seems to leave, it always overstays its welcome. Unfortunately, a majority of the world’s population suffers from belly fat issues. A lot of people try ab crunches, crash diets, detox diets, and many tricks to lose belly fat, but here’s the thing—you need to work hard to lose belly fat. Good exercise, healthy eating, and a good lifestyle are important if you want a flat stomach, there is no easy way out. Many factors are responsible for abdominal fat or belly fat. A few of them include: Your genes play an important role in your body type. If you have a family history of obesity, you’re more likely to be obese and have belly fat as opposed to those who don’t have a family history of obesity. If you have a hormonal imbalance or if your hormones are going haywire, you’re more likely to end up with belly fat. This is the reason why a lot of women experience bloating during their menstrual cycle. Also, women above 40 are more prone to belly fat because menopause includes hormonal imbalance, which, in turn, can lead to belly fat. Not getting enough sleep can cause a weight gain as it decreases your metabolism. Stress causes weight gain as well. When stressed, your body releases a hormone known as cortisol, which can alter the chemical balance of your body, and make you crave for comfort foods that are usually sugary and junk foods. Lose the flab – How to get rid of belly fat Belly fat is one of the most stubborn fats in your body, so if you’re wondering how to get rid of belly fat, then dedication and willpower is much needed. You need to make a few lifestyle changes and follow these tips if you want the perfect stomach.

Fluid buildup in the muscles and tissues cause swelling in the feet. If you are hale and healthy, swollen feet can be a result of exertion. Taking adequate rest and keeping the legs elevated brings down the swelling. When it gets severe, swollen feet, medically termed as peripheral edema, can lead to difficulty while walking, skin ulcerations, scarred tissue, increase the risk of infection and a decrease in blood circulation. Peripheral edema can manifest across all age groups. The elderly who have suffered a muscle wear and tear, and athletes engaged in high impact activities, are at a higher risk of suffering from swollen feet and ankles. The swelling is painless and can occur in one or both the legs. Primary Causes The feet can swell due to—injury, pregnancy, ageing, being overweight, excess consumption of salt, underlying medical conditions, high altitude, binge drinking, menstruation/PMS, standing or sitting in the same position for long duration, and intake of medications such as antidepressants, steroids, birth-control pills with high estrogen, calcium channel blockers, and medication for diabetes. Heart, liver and kidney failure can also cause swollen feet, due to the accumulation of fluids. Other underlying conditions that can be the cause for swollen feet include—varicose veins, insect bite, arthritis of the feet, thyroid disorder, venous insufficiency, blood clots, excessive use of laxatives, drugs, and diuretics, salt retention, malnutrition, lymphatic obstruction, any allergic reaction, and leg or foot surgery. Treating the underlying medical condition and a monitoring diet and lifestyle can help to prevent swollen feet. Here are 10 natural remedies for swollen feet that are effective in reducing the swelling. Foot Massage The best and effective remedy for swollen feet is a foot massage. When the feet are massaged, the pressure applied to the affected area relaxes the sore muscles and improves circulation.

What is Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force that transports blood through our circulatory system. It is a life force which pushes oxygen and nutrients around our circulatory system to feed tissues and organs. Blood pressure is also important because it distributes white blood cells and antibodies for immunity, and hormones such as insulin. The fresh blood that gets delivered also gathers the toxic waste products of metabolism along with the carbon dioxide we breathe out, and the toxins we clear through our liver and kidneys. The heart builds up blood pressure by pumping out blood when it contracts with every heartbeat. Biology Our blood pressure is highest at the commencement of its journey from our heart, and it is lowest at the end of its journey along smaller branches of arteries. That pressure difference is what causes blood to flow around our bodies. The condition of the arteries effect on the blood pressure and flow. What does Blood Pressure Values denote? Measurement of your blood pressure will give two readings. Your blood pressure will have two numbers, e.g., 120/80 mm. Hg. The number which appears on the left-hand side, being the highest number, is called systolic. The number which appears on the right-hand side, being the lowest number, is called diastolic. Systolic blood pressure denotes the highest pressure registered during the time your heart pushes the blood in your body system. Diastolic blood pressure denotes the lowest pressure registered, at the moment your heart rests between beats. Which number is more important? Typically, systolic blood pressure (the left side number) poses the main risk agent for cardiovascular disease for people over 50. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises incrementally with age due to the increasing rigidity of arteries. Blood Pressure Chart The blood pressure chart maps out levels of blood pressure at different times.

It is very easy to lose sight of your health in today’s life. With increasing cases of various diseases, it becomes vital to use every opportunity to remain healthy. Diet and exercise are two vital components to lead a healthy lifestyle. A diet is considered the single most crucial aspect of a healthy routine. Maintaining a balanced diet is extremely difficult and getting the right kind of nutrition while eating the right quantity of food can be a tricky balancing act. A well-balanced diet should have small servings of fiber, complex carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and protein. You should not overcompensate one aspect of the diet for another, e.g., substituting carbohydrates for protein. Each element of a diet has an importance that cannot be substituted with another. Understanding a diet includes understanding the nutritional value of the food consumed per meal. The ideal ratio for any meal would be high value and quality to low quantity. Quality of life also plays a major role in the type of diet that should be adopted. A sedentary lifestyle can be balanced with a diet consisting a list of high fiber foods; an athletic lifestyle requires a diet that consists of a list of high-protein foods. Managing meals in most diets is tricky. Listed below is a recommended meal plan based on the athletic diet, each meal has a list of high-protein foods. Breakfast Breakfast is considered the first important meal of the day. A healthy breakfast can keep you fresh and energetic throughout the day. An ideal breakfast has high doses of complex carbohydrates, protein, polyunsaturated fats complemented with lower doses of minerals and vitamins. Here is our recommended breakfast plan: Steel-Cut Oats Oatmeal is considered one of the best breakfast. Oats are filling and have a high nutritional value. Oats are rich in complex carbohydrates, fibers, magnesium, and thiamin and are on the list of high-protein foods.

Know about the New and Existing Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes a long-term condition in most people and may become worse with time, especially if left untreated. When the person suffering from this disease is not given proper treatment or when the treatment is prolonged, it can cause serious damage to the joints in the body. To avoid serious and permanent joint damages, it is important to get an early diagnosis. Learning and knowing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is hence important to get the right diagnosis and timely treatment. Psoriatic arthritis may develop post a psoriasis disease. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly patches that develops on the skin. Not all types of psoriasis lead to psoriatic arthritis; however, in some cases of psoriasis can lead to an onset of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body. When psoriatic arthritis occurs in the spine, the condition is called spondylitis. It causes a stiffness in the neck or back, causing difficulty to the person while bending. People who have psoriatic arthritis may also get tender spots in the tendons. This causes a pain in the feet or the back of the heel. Most people fear a permanent joint damage that could be caused by psoriatic arthritis; however, it is not entirely true. Psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage; however, this can only happen when it is left untreated or when the treatment is provided too late. An early diagnosis and treatment can cure psoriatic arthritis and not cause any harm to the joint. There are different types of treatments available to cure psoriatic arthritis. To know about them, read on! Existing treatments for psoriatic arthritis Patients with psoriatic arthritis undergo several types of treatments, some of them include doses of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines.

The first meal of the day or breakfast is a great way to boost your morning and prepare for a power-packed day. An ideal meal provides all the vital nutrients that our bodies need to carry out our day-to-day activities. Moreover, as our grandmas have always said, not only does breakfast act as a great start to the day, but it also provides a host of health benefits. A healthy breakfast is a boon as it contributes to regulating our sugar levels and also aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Individuals may often miss out on breakfast due to their hectic schedule and the inability to whip up a quick meal after waking up. While an elaborate and healthy spread may be preferable, it does not seem like the most realistic idea. At such times, an energy bar can come to the rescue. It is a quick snack that one can have before walking through the door. However, it is time to stop consuming packaged breakfast bars regularly as they can cause more harm than good. Loaded with sugar and preservatives, these can leave you feeling dull or give you an intense sugar rush. Instead, one should turn to healthy breakfast bar recipes as anyone can create these great alternatives in their kitchen. It will prevent the consumption of chemical additives and save on shelling too much money. What’s more? Many websites have gluten-free breakfast bar recipes that make for an excellent meal to kick-start the day. Here are three tempting gluten-free healthy breakfast bar recipes to try now! Oatmeal and Choco banana bar The oatmeal and choco-banana bar is very delicious and an absolute treat, especially for chocolate lovers. The dish is chewy, soft, and can be wiped up with milk super conveniently. To prepare this tasty oatmeal and choco-banana bar, preheat the oven to 350°F and set aside a square baking tray lined with greased foil.

Chronic fatigue can have many causes. It may also occur without any identifiable underlying cause like a medical condition or illness. Identifying the type of chronic fatigue can help doctors design better treatments. Chronic fatigue Chronic fatigue indicates fatigue that persists for a long time and does not go away quickly even with adequate sleep and rest. Physical fatigue is the inability to initiate or complete any physical activity. Mental fatigue involves cognitive difficulties, inability to focus, and so on. Chronic fatigue can involve both of these. Usually, fatigue or extreme tiredness goes away after a period of rest and good sleep. However, chronic fatigue is not so easy to shake off. Medical conditions that may cause chronic fatigue Many health conditions like diabetes, anemia, and cardiovascular diseases can cause chronic fatigue. Diabetes: When patients have diabetes, they may experience a sharp change in their blood sugar levels, which may cause extreme tiredness. However, diabetic patients may also suffer from fatigue that is not linked to their sugar levels. Cardiovascular diseases: Cardiovascular diseases weaken the heart muscles and impair the heart’s ability to pump blood. Thus, the regular blood circulation and oxygen supply are affected, leading to fatigue. Cancer: Extreme tiredness can be a symptom of cancer. This illness can cause chronic fatigue, especially in the advanced stages. Cancer-related fatigue may also be a side effect of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Disorder of the nervous system: Patients who have suffered a stroke, or those who have Parkinson’s disease may also suffer from chronic fatigue. If muscle weakness is a prominent part of your chronic fatigue issues, then the cause might be a neuromuscular disorder like muscular dystrophy, immune neuropathy, or metabolic myopathy. Anemia: Anemia is a principal cause of chronic fatigue. In this condition, a patient has a low red blood cells count.

The most common disorders of the nervous system are headaches—especially migraine headaches. Statistics show that nearly 15% of adults in the US experience severe headaches with an overwhelming majority of the people affected being women. One in four households has a person who is affected by a migraine. Americans who were surveyed reported that their migraine symptoms lasted between one to three days. It runs within the family genes and 90% of the migraineurs have a family history of the condition. Migraines are not just a headache It is a neurological condition with distinct debilitating neurological symptoms. Throbbing recurrent pain usually on one side of the head but both sides can be involved. Accompanying disabling symptoms include visual disturbances, heightened sensitivity to sound, smell, light, touch, numbness in limbs and face, weakness, nausea/vomiting, dizziness. Attacks may last between 4-72 hours. Impacts the quality of your life. Might be undiagnosed in children. Can cause depression, anxiety attacks, dependence on painkillers. A migraine as a disability The World Health Organization has classified severe migraine headaches as comparable to disabling illnesses like dementia, psychosis, and quadriplegia. Since it affects people largely in the age group of 18-55, the impact is on the productive years of a person’s life. 113 million workdays are lost due to a migraine and employers lose more than $13 billion annually. The annual economic burden for migraine sufferers in the US is approximately $78 billion. This means that chronic migraineurs must spend between $8500-9500 and episodic migraineurs must spend at least $2000 annually on medication, treatments, and healthcare. This figure also takes indirect costs into account such as—lost wages, productivity, etc. Treatments Mild attacks can be addressed with OTC pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc. Drugs like triptans are used specifically as remedies for migraines. Ergotamine/Caffeine combinations are also effective.