Good cholesterol is extremely important to the human body and it is produced in the liver. It is helpful in creating different hormones in the body and also helps in keeping the cells flexible. But, just like anything else, too much of anything is not good for the human body. So, having too much cholesterol or having it in the wrong places can create a lot of health issues. Fat gets dissolved in the water and it gets flushed out of the body, but it is not the same with the cholesterol. Risk of heart problems, blood pressure, obesity, and many other problems can be seen due to high levels of cholesterol in the body. Many people take up gym membership or try to work out at home in order to reduce cholesterol. This is definitely a good start, but exercise alone cannot do the magic that you are looking for. You need to make some changes in your diet or add some naturally healthy food that lowers your cholesterol levels. Here is the list of 10 naturally healthy cholesterol-lowering foods. Avocados Are you wondering which foods that lower cholesterol naturally? Then simply add some avocados to your diet. This is a great source of monounsaturated fats, nutrients, and fiber. Fiber and monounsaturated fats can be really helpful in lowering the cholesterol levels, and hence, this is a must in your diet when you wish to reduce cholesterol levels naturally. Legumes Commonly called as pulses, legumes are one of the best options to reduce cholesterol levels. Alfalfa, chickpeas, beans, and lentils are the plant foods and they are called legumes. As they are low in fat and also contain high fiber, minerals, and proteins, they are considered as good cholesterol-lowering foods. Nuts Yet another of the foods that lower cholesterol naturally, nuts are nutrient-rich food helping in reducing cholesterol in the human body.

Heartburn is an unpleasant condition often characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest. Most of the times, it is triggered by the food we consume, especially acidic, fatty or spicy foods. Heartburn and indigestion are often used interchangeably. But, it is important to understand that heartburn is a symptom of indigestion. Eating certain foods can cause some discomfort in the belly, resulting in digestive pain and heartburn. In a lot of cases, heartburn is also caused due to acid reflux, a condition in which some of the stomach’s content is forced back up into the esophagus. If the acid reflux happens more than two times a week, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, approximately 15 million Americans experience heartburn every day. Common causes of heartburn If one experiences occasional heartburn, then it is generally not a cause for concern. Persistent acid reflux may result in the diagnosis of GERD, which can have serious consequences for health or may indicate another underlying health issue. However, conditions such as digestive motility disorders, hiatal hernia, diabetes or asthma can also lead to excessive heartburn. Certain medications, such as anti-anxiety pills, steroids, antibiotics, and narcotics, can also trigger heartburn. Some ways to prevent heartburn There are plenty of ways to prevent this unpleasant and discomforting condition from occurring, such as the following: Avoid excessively acidic and spicy foods Maintaining a healthy body weight Not wearing very tight clothes, especially around the waist Eating regulated portions of food Avoiding smoking Avoiding constipation Getting adequate rest and reduce stress Consuming warm liquids after meals Waiting for 3 hours after eating before going to the bed or lying down Treatment of heartburn Treatment for heartburn and indigestion usually begins with making certain lifestyle and dietary modifications. In case, one experiences occasional bouts of heartburn, one can take some over-the-counter medicines for getting instant relief.

Foot pain is a very common problem faced by a majority of the people in the country. This is definitely not something that surprises everyone as you put a lot of pressure on your foot when you run, walk, or do any kind of physical activities. As foot pain is extremely common, many people do not realize the strain that the feet do through. Moreover, buying the wrong footwear can worsen the condition. Untreated foot pain can lead to a variety of other conditions that may be permanent. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that you are treating the condition well, and wearing the right shoes for foot pain is definitely part of the plan. Along with pain, you may also have nail infections, nail fungus, arthritis, foot odor problems, and other nerve disorders. Here is a list of the best footwear that you can opt for in case of foot pain. Adidas Adipower Weightlifting Basically, this shoe is designed for the weightlifting, but it can be used by anyone. These shoes have plastic heels and PU coated leather, which is going to protect the foot from pain in case of any excessive pressure on the foot. A special polymer in the sole of the shoe is another advantage of buying the shoes. Birkenstock Boston Birkenstock is one of the best shoes for foot pain, and Birkenstock Boston is definitely a good choice for those who are looking for an ache-free walking experience. The synthetic sole of these shoes offers you a comfortable walk. These shoes are made of fashionable leather, which makes the shoes more attractive. The adjustable strap makes the shoes perfect fit for any size and shape. Vionic Jon Orthotic These slip-ons are made using leather and durable rubber for the midsole. These are considered a perfect choice for those who want perfect shoes for foot pain on their vacation.

Pollen can cause allergies and hay fever, and this is a very common problem in the country. Pollen is a powdery substance produced by flowers and trees. Many people show adverse effects when they breathe in pollen. Usually, when a harmful invader like bacteria or virus enters the body, the immune system starts to fight against it. However, some people face a problem whereby their immune system starts attacking pollen when it enters the body, even though it is not harmful. This response is known as an allergic reaction, and the pollen is known as the allergens. Many people face this problem throughout the year while others have to deal with it only during a specific time of the year. Pollen count Pollen count is the level of pollen present in the atmosphere in a particular place. Checking this count is quite useful for the people who suffer from a pollen allergy. Based on the weather condition, the count will vary from place to place. An allergist carries out this test which helps us know the exact pollen count in an area. When you have an idea about the pollen levels outside, you will be able to plan your outdoor activities with ease. Usually, there are three levels of pollen count — low, medium, and high. Sometimes, you can also find detailed information about which kind of pollen is present in the air in a specific area. How is pollen counted and measured? The allergist will place a pollen counter on the top of a building. With the help of these pollen counters, air is collected through different methods available. The allergist will also place a microscopic glass on the top of the building with a jelly-like substance on it. The pollen sticks to the glass because of this substance.

Peyronie’s disease can prove to be quite the stumbling block when it comes to your sex life. It may not harm your sex life much if it is mild, but can be quite embarrassing in some cases. Peyronie’s disease is characterized by a condition which leads to a curved penis. In some cases, the condition can be mild where erections are possible, while in some cases, one cannot enjoy intimacy. For the former case, you may not need treatment, but if you are suffering from the latter you will have to seek immediate treatment for Peyronie’s disease. There are several injections and medicines that can help. In some cases, you may even require a surgery. Whatever the case may be, here are a few of the best treatment options for this disease. Diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease Diagnosing Peyronie’s disease is fairly simple. A doctor may ask for one of the following diagnostic tests to be done. Physical Exam Your doctor might feel your penis when it is not erect to determine the amount of scar tissue and its location. He might measure the length of your penis as well. This will help your doctor determine whether your penis has shortened over time. Your doctor may also ask you to bring in pictures of your penis taken at home. This will help your doctor determine the location of the scar tissue, the degree of curvature, and other details necessary to decide the best treatment option for you. Other tests Your doctor may order other tests as well as an ultrasound. Your doctor will examine your penis when it is erect. Your doctor will inject your penis with a substance which will make it erect instantly. This will help determine abnormalities during imaging. The tests will show the presence of scar tissue, the location of damage, the extent of damage, and any other abnormalities which will help your doctor best decide a Peyronie’s disease treatment option for you.

Recently, there has been a lot of hype on the role of probiotics in promoting health. Almost everyone with a digestive problem is prescribed probiotics. They are essentially bacteria which are good for your health. Probiotics contain good bacteria that are very similar to the bacteria found in the human gut. Certain types of bacteria like lactobacillus and bifidobacteria are present in the intestinal flora and the gut lining. The lower digestive tract is home to complex and varied strains of healthy bacteria that are more in number than the cells in one’s body. These healthy bacteria help with digestion of food and also enhance immunity against infections. What are probiotics made of? They are foods that contain bacterial strains having similar properties as the healthy bacteria present in the intestinal lining. FDA regulations treat probiotics as foods and not medications. Probiotic foods Infection of the intestinal tract or consumption of an unhealthy diet that destroys healthy bacteria in the gut generates more “bad” bacteria than “good” bacteria. This imbalance may lead to weight gain, diarrhea, constipation, and other chronic health conditions. Probiotics are prescribed to restore the balance. Popular natural foods containing probiotics are as follows: Certain yogurts Yogurt is the most popular source of probiotics. Yogurt is known to ease out lactose intolerance. Other digestive issues like diarrhea, gastric trouble, and constipation can be eased out by consuming yogurt. Some types of cheese Fermented cheese like Gouda is loaded with probiotics. Compared with other types of cheese, Gouda cheese is robust enough to retain probiotics all through the journey from the stomach to intestines. Sourdough bread This bread packs consist of probiotics that enhance digestion. Sauerkraut The unpasteurized type of sauerkraut is the best way to retain good bacteria in sauerkraut. Pasteurization process kills the good bacteria, hence, unpasteurized sauerkraut is the best source of probiotics.

The hemorrhoid is a common disease that affects the masses at large. Every three out of four people suffer from hemorrhoids at some point in time in their lives. The disease is not fatal and may or may not come with symptoms. The symptoms of hemorrhoids include a feeling of discomfort, bleeding, and itching. The disease is also referred to as piles and is categorized by the swelling of the veins in the lower rectum and the anus. Of the many causes of hemorrhoids, increased pressure on these veins, or strain during bowel movement is quite common and may lead to the onset of the disease. It develops under the skin inside the anus, and around it. While there are several causes of hemorrhoids, its cause is often unknown to individuals. You must visit a doctor if you are suffering from the symptoms of the disease. Here are a few of the most common causes, symptoms, and treatment methods of the disease. Causes of Hemorrhoids There are several causes of hemorrhoids. Swollen veins around the anus and within it can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum. The veins tend to strain and stretch under this pressure and well up. Hemorrhoids may also be a result of age. With age, the veins in the anus and the rectum weaken and stretch. Here are a few of the most common causes of hemorrhoids. Higher risk of contracting the disease if you strain during bowel movements Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet may result in the onset of the disease as well Chronic constipation and diarrhea also lead to the disease Obesity too is a cause of the disease Pregnancy may lead to the disease as well Maintaining a low fiber diet may result in the disease as well.

Shingles is a type of viral infection that results in a painful rash in the form of blisters. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus that is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person encounters chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the body in the nerve tissues near the brain or spinal cord. After several years, this virus may reactivate in the form of shingles. Although this rash can appear anywhere on the body, it mostly occurs as a strip of sore blisters either on the right or left side of the upper body. It is best to get vaccinated for shingles in order to prevent the occurrence of the condition. Common symptoms of shingles In most cases, the symptoms of shingles can only be seen in a specific part of the body. These symptoms include the following: Pain, numbness or tingling in a specific body part A red rash that develops after a few days of the pain Fluid-filled blisters that crust over Itching in the affected area Sensitivity to touch Apart from these, some people also experience Fever Headache Excessive fatigue Sensitivity to light Usually, one of the first symptoms of shingles is the pain. In some cases, it can be really excruciating and severe. Because the rash mostly occurs on the torso, shingles pain is generally mistaken for a pain of the heart, kidneys or lungs. Sometimes, shingles also develop around the eye or on either side of the face and neck. Effective treatment for Shingles Medications There is no cure for this condition. However, some medications can help in reducing the severity of the symptoms of shingles: Antiviral medicines Antiviral medicines such as famciclovir and acyclovir help to reduce pain and aid the recovery process. Anti-inflammatory medicines Medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin help to reduce pain and swelling.

Shingles is a troublesome infection that is caused by the same virus—varicella zoster (VZV) virus—that is responsible for causing chickenpox. It appears as a painful rash and persists for at least 2 weeks. While it goes away in a maximum of 4 weeks, it causes immense pain, itching, burning, and all-around discomfort. The symptoms can be tough to handle, but there are a number of ways one can make themselves feel more comfortable during its outbreak. There are a number of home remedies available for treating shingles pain. When one is affected by shingles, after a consultation with the doctor, they can look for the best cream for shingles pain. Ointments for treating shingles pain are readily available in the market and provide great relief. Some of the popular creams for treating shingles pain have been listed as follows. Calamine lotion Calamine lotion is a topical anti-itch lotion. It has astringent and skin protecting properties which can help one get relief from the itching sensation caused due to shingles. They also slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent the infection from getting even worse. Calamine lotion soothes the skin and can be considered as one of the best creams for shingles pain. Lidocaine Lidocaine is a numbing medicine that is used to control and alleviate pain. It comes in a variety of different forms which include the likes of sprays, powders, patches, and lotions. It is generally used in the lotion form and is quite effective. One can apply this lotion moderately on affected areas to get relief from the pain caused by shingles. Capsaicin cream Capsaicin is mainly found in chili peppers. It is the ingredient which makes the mouth burn when one has too many chili peppers. Capsaicin creams help relieve one of the pain experienced due to shingles.

Scabies is a highly contagious skin condition that spreads easily among people who live in crowded areas or close-knit communities. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of serious complications. What is scabies? Scabies is a skin condition with symptoms like severe itching and a rash that can spread all over the body. It is caused by a small mite that burrows just underneath the skin, leading to the formation of tiny bumps all over the body. Scabies can lead to complications if it is not detected and treated on time. You can run an internet search for photos of scabies rashes to understand how these rashes look. You can see a widespread rash and reddened skin in these scabies rash photos. What’s not visible to the human eye is the infestation by a microscopic mite housed underneath the skin. Symptoms of scabies The most common signs and symptoms of scabies are extreme itchiness that may worsen at night and small, red blisters or bumps all over the skin. In adults and older children, these bumps are all over the body but mostly in the area around the fingers, armpits, waist, wrists, knees, breasts, buttocks, and male genitalia. In infants or babies, this condition is seen on the scalp, face, feet, or palms. A search for photos of scabies rash in babies will show you the areas in which this rash typically forms. Symptoms may not appear for up to six weeks after a person has been infected. However, in the case of people with a prior scabies infestation, the signs may show up after a few days. The condition can worsen even if symptoms are not visible. In the initial stages of the condition, scabies may often mimic other skin rashes caused by acne or mosquito bites. The main difference is the constant itching a person will experience.

A short-term increase in the body temperature is referred in medical terms as pyrexia. Commonly known as fever, it is a common occurrence in both adults and children. As the temperature of your body becomes higher than the normal temperature, it becomes indicative of an underlying illness which may be an infection in some part of the body such as the throat or stomach. Having high fever is an important sign that some changes are occurring in the body. The temperature of our body is regulated by the hypothalamus which is present at the base of the brain. The state of fever is experienced by almost every human being at some point of time irrespective of sex or age. Many medical experts are of the opinion that fever is a natural defense of the body against infection. Relevant treatment for fever is recommended by medical experts after assessing the symptoms carefully and conducting certain diagnostic tests. Causes of high fever in adults Diseases such as malaria, upper and lower respiratory tract infections or flu, cold, bacterial infections, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections or skin infections etc Excessive heat exposure Abnormalities in the brain or malignant tumors Disease of the endocrine which is associated with a hormonal or glandular system of the body Inflammation caused by tissue injury Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis which is the inflammation of the lining of joints Side effects of certain medicines Common symptoms High fever comes with a lot of physical discomforts. It is only after adequate treatment for the fever that you can feel better. High fever is typically characterized by a rise in oral temperature as it soars above 100°F (37.8°C) to touch 103°F. Temperature in adults can be measured with a thermometer placed under the tongue. General symptoms that accompany high fever include:

In the country, more than 18 million suffer from atopic dermatitis. This condition is a type of eczema which affects the skin. This condition commonly begins in childhood and can progress into adulthood. It is important for a person to know the right atopic dermatitis treatment plans for effective management of the condition. What Is atopic dermatitis? This condition is characterized by inflamed skin and itchiness. Although this condition is mostly seen in children, it can happen at any age. It is a chronic condition with periods of extreme redness and itchiness on the skin and asthma or hay fever may occur along with it. Signs and symptoms can differ from person to person but the most common ones include extremely dry or scaly skin, itching, red or brown patches all over the body, and tiny raised bumps or open sores due to scratching. In children, the first symptoms are usually dry and scaly skin patches that are seen on the face, forehead, and scalp. Atopic dermatitis pictures mostly show children with a patch or patches of reddened skin on the cheeks. Atopic dermatitis is a genetic condition that prevents the skin from retaining the moisture it needs. This leads to the skin easily getting affected by several environmental factors and allergies. Some children may develop the condition due to food allergies. Other conditions like hay fever or asthma can increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. How is atopic dermatitis treated? There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. However, with the right treatment, symptoms can be reduced and a person can experience a normal life. Atopic dermatitis treatment begins with examining a person’s skin and checking for a family history of the condition. As this is a chronic condition, treatment, and care over a long period of time can be effective in reducing the symptoms.