Many people love the change of seasons, whether it’s spring or autumn. However, if you experience the changing seasons as days of sneezing and watery eyes, you may have seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It is an immune response that primarily affects the nasal cavity and the eyes. The symptoms of seasonal allergies are a runny nose, increased mucus production, sneezing, and coughing. Redness around the face, swelling of the nose and watery eyes are also noticed in some people. Allergy-causing allergens Seasonal allergies are inflammatory. The immune system reacts to particles present in the air and triggers an inflammatory process. These particles that cause an allergic reaction are called allergens. The allergen in seasonal allergies depends on the geographical area, local flora, and the season. The common allergens involved in seasonal allergies are flower pollen, wood pollen, and grass pollen. Most of the allergens that trigger seasonal allergies are light pollen from trees, weeds, and grass. Heavier pollen from insect-pollinated plants won’t stay airborne for very long. Hence, seasonal allergies are more common in spring, summer, and autumn and less common in winter. Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies are also called allergic rhinitis; it affects the nose and nasal passage. Characteristic symptoms of seasonal allergies are: Rhinorrhea (excessive nasal discharge) Itching Sneezing fits Swelling of the nose Nasal congestion and obstruction Redness of the eyes and conjunctiva Ear congestion Rarer symptoms of allergic rhinitis are coughing, headache, Shortness of breath, and wheezing. In some very persistent cases of seasonal allergies, there may be secondary infections of the sinuses and throat. The best seasonal allergy medicine will aim to relieve these symptoms. Causes of Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system identifies an outside substance as harmful. It immediately triggers a response to it.

If your body is functioning well and you are able to completely relieve yourself in the toilet every morning, everything goes well. However, if you are constipated, or if you are left feeling uneasy and bloated throughout the day, you have a problem. This also affects your general mood and work. Americans are reputed to spend more than $1 Billion each year on laxatives. So, if you suffer from constipation, you are not alone. Don’t fret. There are natural ways to stimulate your bowels and get the system functioning properly. Try these before you start searching for OTC laxatives. How to Treat Constipation: Simple Tricks to Try First If you are looking to how to treat constipation, put your feet up on a small stool while sitting on the toilet seat. This puts your body in a squatting position which is more natural and helpful for bowel movements. Drink a lot of water. Keeping your body hydrated can help in relieving constipation. Schedule regular times each day to go to the loo. This might help to train your system to relieve itself comfortably at those times. After a meal, take a walk. Don’t sit back and watch TV. Even a short walk can help the digestive system start its work, and you may find that eventually, your constipation problem disappears. How to Treat Constipation With Home Remedies If the above simple physical measures do not work, try some natural, food-based home remedies. We’ve picked a few for you. Olive or Sesame Oil Sesame oil and olive oil can act as lubricants in your digestive system, and they also aid in the digestion process. Consume a tablespoon of olive oil or sesame oil in the morning. You can also try sesame seeds instead of oil. You can add this flavorful seeds to salads, or add the crushed powder to your daily food as seasoning.

What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that primarily attacks the joints and other body parts like the ears, wrists, knuckles, knee, ankles, and other small joints. It is often characterized by painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of these affected joints. The swelling and stiffness are mainly the results of excess levels of uric acid forming crystals in the joints. The pain is due to the inflammatory response to the crystals formed. The causes of gout may include lack of exercise, high levels of uric acid in the system, genetics, excessive consumption of meat, being overweight, menopause, excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, and excessive protein content in the body. It mainly affects the big toe, causing an increased swelling, inflammation, and redness in the affected area. The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint causes inflammation and makes the movement of the joint agonizing. The elevated levels of uric acid in the system also causes the depositing of crystals in the kidney, which, in turn, leads to stone formation. Gout attacks An overweight or an obese person is more likely to suffer from frequent gout attacks. A gout attack generally results from years of having high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia might also lead to other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney failure, and heart failure. The most common sign of a gout attack is the night-time swelling of the big toe followed by redness, tenderness, redness, and gut-wrenching pain. This attack might continue for days or even weeks before the pain goes away completely. Swelling causes pain and pain induces swelling. Hence it is important to address both. Diagnosis of gout attacks After doing a thorough physical exam, the doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the swelling of the joint to look for uric acid crystals.

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in the world today. Your blood sugar level is abnormally high when you have this condition. It happens due to the lack of insulin in the body. If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to severe conditions like stroke, cancer, and heart diseases. Having diabetes does not mean that you have to eat bland food. However, the diabetic food list has everything you will need to stay healthy and free from the complications caused by the disease. Here are foods that you must include on your diabetes food list. Avocado This rich and creamy vegetable has several benefits. It aids in digestion and keeps the blood sugar under control after a meal. It has the healthy fats that will help with the insulin resistance and stabilize the blood sugar levels in the long term. You can use avocados in sandwiches or salads and keep your insulin levels in control. Olive Oil Olive oil must be in your diabetic food list. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that are known to help patients with diabetes. It is used in the Mediterranean diet which is the best diet to prevent heart diseases. The healthy fats that are present in olive oil help with the digestion and prevents your glucose count from increasing. You can use olive oil in salads, pasta, or in any dish you prepare at home. Whole Grain Foods White bread or pasta is very harmful and can cause an immediate spike in the glucose levels. Switching to whole grain can help you keep your blood sugar levels in control. Whole grain foods take longer to digest and so they also assist in maintaining the metabolism fast. Refined foods lose all the nutrition in them. Instead, you can go for whole grain foods that are a lot more beneficial to you.

Bed bugs are pesky little insects that infect the soft furniture in a household like beds, sofas, couches, and other such places. They like to hide in dark places like the corners of drawers, seams of the mattresses, the bed box below the mattress and in the space between cushions. Although they do not cause any serious diseases, their presence can certainly be discomforting as they feed on human blood. Bed bugs bite humans, which sometimes causes red rashes and spots. These skin rashes, if scratched too hard, can cause breaks in the skin, causing bacteria to enter and infect it. The presence of bed bugs does not mean that your sanitation techniques should be questioned but they could have come from some other infested place like a hotel or a theatre through luggage, clothes or any other item. Bed bugs are extremely tiny in size and therefore are very hard to spot. But once you find their hiding spots, you can make use of any of some home remedies to get rid of those pesky little creatures hiding in your home. The following are some of the best ways to kill bed bugs, which you can make use of. Vacuum Cleaning Who knew that using your very own vacuum cleaner could be a simple fix making it one of the best ways to kill bed bugs? Just make sure to use your effective vacuum cleaner to reach all the hidden places like the corners of the drawers, behind the cushions, under the mattresses, along its seams, the space between the headboard and the mattress, behind the AC fittings, behind the wallpapers, in the bed box, and other such susceptible places. Make sure to clean all the places effectively and thoroughly so that no egg or larvae remain behind to restart the infestation process.

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and its prevalence is increasing with an increase in the risk factors like obesity. Other factors like smoking, pollution in the environment, or the inhalation of harmful chemicals or particles can cause several illnesses, one of which is lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, lung cancer cases in the year so far account for nearly 13% of the total cancer cases in the country. There are multiple treatment methods that a person undergoes for lung cancer. Though treatments can treat cancer, they might cause side effects like dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These can be managed through medication as well as diet. Different home remedies can help manage the symptoms and side effects of the treatments. Remedies for dry mouth Radiation therapy can often lead to dry mouth as the salivary glands are exposed to radiation. Salivary glands help lubricate the mouth with saliva, and the glands resume their functions after therapy, but they are not as effective as earlier. This causes dry mouth in lung cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy. There are several home remedies one can take up to treat dry mouth: Rinsing the mouth with water frequently will help retain moisture in the mouth. One can rinse their mouth every 2-3 hours. Adding salt or baking soda to the water can increase the efficiency of this remedy. Regularly applying lip moisturizer will benefit one to keep their lips and mouth moist. Sucking hard candies that have low or no negligible sugar content helps redevelop saliva in the mouth, preventing dry mouth. One may also use cool mist room humidifiers at night to prevent dry mouth while sleeping. Remedies for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Chemotherapy used for treating lung cancer can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea in patients.

Eczema is a condition where patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, cracked, rough, and red. For some people, blisters may occur too. While some people are cured of this condition, some continue to have it throughout their adulthood. It is important to recognize the symptoms and seek immediate professional help to make treatment more efficient. Symptoms to be aware of: In adults; rashes commonly appearing in the creases of the elbows or knees or the nape of the neck Rashes that cause very dry skin Itchy rashes that do not seem to go away Rashes that look scaly Skin infections caused by these rashes Rashes differ in infants under two years and children aged two years until puberty. For infants; They commonly appear on the scalp and cheeks They bubble up before there is liquid leaking from it Rash interferes with sleeping, and there’s a continuous itch For children aged two years and above; Rashes can be bumpy They can be light or dark in colors It develops a permanent itch or a knot Some treatment approaches While there is no cure for eczema, there are treatments that can help control the swelling, rash, itchiness of the skin, by using a mix of home cures and some doctor-prescribed medications. Some home remedies involve taking lukewarm baths, applying moisturizer on the skin within three minutes of the bath to ensure it keeps the skin hydrated; wearing cotton and soft fabrics is recommended over rough, scratchy, and tight-fitting clothes, using a humidifier in dry or cold weather, keeping fingernails short to prevent any scratching of the skin and inflammation caused due to it. Each person has their own triggers which make their condition worse, so it is important to recognize those symptoms and take control of what works and what doesn’t. Some medications that you could be aware of when getting treated for eczema are:

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Some trade names to be aware of when getting treated for this condition Skyrizi This is the trade name for risankizumab-rzaa. This medication is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is not known yet whether Skyrizi is safe or effective for children aged below 18 years. Stelara Its generic name is ustekinumab, and this medication is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that causes inflammation. Unlike skyrizi, this is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults as well as children aged 12 years and above.

Would it not be great if you could add nutrients to your kid’s diet through foods they love to eat? There are some excellent snack ideas that actually make it possible for you to make snacking both fun and nutritionally-satisfying for your kid. And you can prepare these at home without applying too much of an effort. Here are some snacks for your child that are healthy and nutritious: Popcorn: Popcorn is a huge favorite with children. The best part is that it is made from whole grains that are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. Cookies : Cookies can be healthy, unlike what most people think. You simply have to use the correct ingredients. For instance, you should opt for whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour; you can even add rolled oats to make them fiber-rich, and can replace butter with applesauce to lower the amount of saturated fats. When you give your child healthy cookies with low-fat milk, the snack becomes both well-balanced and nutritious. Pizza : This is similar to the sandwich as a snack idea but it is possible to make it healthy by using toppings like sliced peppers, olives, and ham. The pizza should be made from premade whole wheat dough, which is easy to buy. Crispy rice treats : These are puffed rice snowballs that have seeds and dried fruits, and makes for an excellent kid-friendly snack that’s rich in fiber and proteins. Cheese : This is a readily available home snack that can be an excellent source of calcium, fats, and protein for your kid. Full-fat dairy foods will satisfy your kid’s need for calcium and Vitamins D and A, while cheese will give your kid high-quality protein that is a must for optimum growth. Veggie pita pocket : Most parents are worried that their kids do not eat enough vegetables.

Are you facing an acne problem even when you are in your 30s or 40s? Acne has never been just a teen problem. However, it is infamous for affecting young people. These days, various causes like an increase in pollution and rising stress levels have caused a surge in the number of acne cases in men and women. Getting the right treatment can help adults control an acne breakout. What causes acne? Acne is a skin condition that results in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and a lot more. These unsightly blemishes on the skin are most prevalent in teens because of hormonal changes. However, adult acne is also a common problem. Acne is caused by a buildup of excess body oil (sebum) in the skin pores. This sebum is sticky, and so hair, dust, and other particles stick to it, causing raised bumps. The blocked pores can no longer push out the excess sebum or clear the skin of toxins by sweating. So, the dirt accumulates, creating a conducive environment for bacterial infections. Causes of adult acne While acne breakouts mostly reduce once you enter your twenties, you can still get it if your skin pores are blocked. People with oily skin are especially vulnerable because their skin normally secretes excessive sebum. Adult acne can be triggered by: Environmental pollution Hormone fluctuations Using harsh cosmetic products Using creamy, oil-based skin-care products on oily skin Eating a high-sugar diet Not taking good care of your skin Treatments for adult acne One can use medications, light therapy, and home remedies to treat adult acne. Some of these treatment options are: Adult acne medication For adult acne, you may be asked to use the following — topical applications and oral medications. Topical applications Salicylic acid-based creams: These creams give a gentle exfoliation effect, thus removing dead cells.

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.

A burning sensation in your feet can have many causes like diabetic neuropathy, athlete’s foot, alcohol use, and so on. Identifying the cause is vital for focused medical treatments. Besides this, you can also try several home remedies. What causes a burning sensation in the feet? Many diseases and infections can cause burning pain in your feet. Diabetic neuropathy: If you have diabetes, gradually, your nerves can get damaged. This nerve damage starts in the feet. Damaged nerves may send incorrect signals to the brain, inducing pain sensations even when there is no wound or another injury. Heavy alcohol use: If you have a practice of regularly consuming alcohol in large amounts, then you can face nerve damage. Erythromelalgia: This condition produces a shooting and burning pain in your feet, without any recognizable cause. It is a rare disease. If you have it, then the pain can get worse after stressful activities like long walks, running, or standing for a long time. Infectious diseases: Infectious diseases like Lyme disease, athlete’s foot, shingles, and HIV can induce a sharp pain in your feet. Kidney Disease: Kidney dysfunction results in a build-up of toxins as the kidneys are no longer capable of clearing the waste and toxins from your body. Thus, this can result in pain in your feet. Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid results in low levels of thyroid hormones. A low level of these hormones can cause your feet to swell up and feel painful. Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin B deficiency can cause burning pain in feet. Treatments for burning pain in the feet Depending on the cause of the burning pain, treatments may vary. For instance, burning pain in the feet caused by diabetic neuropathy may require you to keep your blood sugar levels in control by taking the right medications. Kidney disease-induced burning feet pain may be relieved by dialysis, which is a process that removes toxins from the body.