Alcoholism is a drinking and alcohol abuse disorder, characterized by an uncontrollable urge to consume alcohol repeatedly. There are no known causes of alcohol abuse or addiction and the condition is influenced due to peer pressure and certain mental illnesses. In many cases, alcohol abuse is an indirect remedy taken up to counter the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Alcoholism is also a chronic condition and there is no proper cure. The condition can only be managed with proper treatment, medications, and therapy to avoid a relapse. In alcohol abuse, your genes can also boost the power of alcohol and simultaneously curb the symptoms of a hangover thus increasing your body’s resistance to these drinks. When resistance increases, addiction replaces habit and alcohol abuse can grow out of control. It is estimated that nearly 13% of the population suffers from mild, moderate, and severe symptoms of alcohol addiction. Symptoms of alcohol addiction The known symptoms of alcohol addiction will vary depending on the severity of the addiction. Here are some common warning signs you should look out when it comes to alcohol abuse. Increased tolerance to alcohol and reduced effects of a hangover Increased number of drinks consumed throughout your day Drinking out of control and blacking out as a result repeatedly Worrying about the quantity of alcohol left and restocking the bar more than usual Decreased productivity in many areas of life due to increased alcohol consumption Experiencing withdrawal symptoms while attempting to stay sober In case you experience any or even one of the aforesaid symptoms for prolonged periods, it is advisable to visit an alcohol addiction treatment center and assess the severity of the condition. Risks associated with alcohol addiction Alcohol abuse can result in several health complications including; Risk of developing a cancer Damage to the liver and internal organs Problems during pregnancy or complications during labor Homicidal and suicidal thoughts due to mental instability as a result of alcohol abuse Alcohol addiction treatment One in eight adults are addicted to alcohol and the number is increasing every year.

When you feel dehydrated, you may often find yourself reaching out for a soda can from your refrigerator. Or you may prefer to drink flavored water or packaged fruit juice. Although these drinks might quench your thirst, they are not fit for your body. Carbonated beverages, packaged fruits juices, and flavored water contain artificial sweeteners, caffeine, synthetic flavors, and other chemicals that can harm your health in the long run. So the next time you want to hydrate yourself or if you are craving a delicious drink, pick a natural and healthy juice or beverage. It’s quite easy to make these healthy drinks at home with seasonal fruits and vegetables. You will have a lot of options such as watermelon juice, aloe vera juice, or any mixed fruit mocktail. These are some of the most healthy drinks that will not only quench your thirst but also replenish your body by providing essential nutrients. Cranberry juice : Vibrant looking cranberries are commonly used during the festive season to make stuffing, sauces, and food decorations. It is loaded with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties too. These help in fighting age-related diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. Drinking cranberry juice is known to be effective in treating urinary tract infection. It also promotes a healthy digestive system. For women, cranberry juice can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Cranberry juice has an astringent quality. Hence, it is often mixed with other fruit juices or added to smoothies. Although it one of the most healthy drinks, cranberry juice is high in acidic content. Hence, people with acidity problems should avoid it. Children are also advised to drink only a limited amount of cranberry juice. People who take certain medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure medicines, and blood-thinning medicines are also advised against drinking cranberry juice as they could face adverse reactions and side-effects.

Juices are one of the easiest ways to add healthy nutrients to one’s diet without having to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These juices taste delicious and provide all the necessary nutrients. Health experts recommend consuming six to eight servings of whole fruits and vegetables which can be difficult to achieve. If you are one of those people who struggle to consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, then continue reading to find out about the top 10 healthy juices. These top 10 healthy juices mentioned below will help you cope with specific health issues. Energy-boosting juice A marvelous replacement for coffee is green juice. The green pigments in plants contain chlorophyll that helps in oxygenating the blood, increasing the brain function as well as physical energy. You need to use one large cucumber, a handful of kale, parsley, and spinach, eight stalks of celery, a small piece of ginger, and half a lemon to make this juice. Juice for healthy skin Vegetables and fruit juices, when combined appropriately, help in removing crud from the blood as well as the tissues. It helps in restoring alkalinity to the body and balancing the system. This juice also helps in making the skin look younger and provides energy too. The main ingredients of this juice are one or two cucumbers and a small piece of apple. Juice to relieve stress After a long and tiring day, you can turn to this juice to feel a little relieved and relaxed. This juice consists of only four ingredients — spinach, celery, broccoli, and carrots. Spinach is high in a naturally-occurring amino acid called tryptophan, which is great for elevating your mood and also helps you sleep better. This drink also has high levels of magnesium that helps in relaxing the muscles and nerves.

Kids can be extremely picky eaters, and dealing with their mid-day hunger pangs is always a tough task. However, snack time is a central part of a kid’s day. As soon as hunger pangs set in, they can feel irritated, get cranky, and experience intense mood swings. Keeping their little tummies full is the only way to get their cheerful selves back. While you may understand the importance of feeding healthy snacks to your kids, you might not be able to take out sufficient time in the day to prepare these snacks. Parents juggle between different tasks and often give in to packaged foods as an easy solution. However, we have some good news for you. You can create several easy and irresistible snacks in your kitchen. Not only do they taste delicious, but also keep up the energy levels of your little ones. Without further ado, here are some easy snack recipes that you can create quickly: Cherry tomato and yogurt dip: The cherry tomato and yogurt dip is an easy and vibrant snack that is loved by most kids. The bright red color of the cherry tomatoes contrasts with the creamy yogurt, making this snack even more appealing. Cherry tomatoes are yummy and are abundantly available, especially during the summers. Moreover, they are healthy as they are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. They also boost the immune system. Pairing these tomatoes with a rich Greek yogurt will replenish your little one’s protein levels. This delectable snack is bound to be a hit with children and adults alike. Crunchy crispy chickpeas: Most kids love crunchy foods that can be finished quickly. What could be better than some healthy and crispy chickpeas? To make this easy snack, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Now rinse and drain some canned chickpeas and drizzle some olive oil, salt, and garlic powder over it.

We often exercise caution when we are maneuvering our way in the dark to the kitchen, because stubbing our little toe against the table or TV stand will be incredibly painful. Though the throbbing dull ache will subside, there are injuries worse than a swollen little toe where the pain keeps getting worse. The pain one experiences when injured in an accident or after undergoing a surgery isn’t something that will eventually fade away on its own. For this very purpose, doctors prescribe opioids to the patient. Opioids are medications that are used to treat moderate to severe acute pain like the ones people experience due to injuries or surgery. These synthetic medications are engineered to mimic the effects of natural opiates like opium and morphine, from which they are partially derived. The commonly prescribed opiates include codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, morphine, meperidine, and even include the banned drug, heroin. Though opiates are effective in relieving pain, these are considered to be extremely dangerous, as they have a high potential of dependency, misuse, and overdose. The various components in the opioids can have a great impact on the neurotransmitters in the brain such as dopamine, which is responsible for producing a feeling of euphoria and reward. This sudden feeling of elevation is what drives people to get addicted to opioids. Opioid addiction is quite rampant, and even famous Hollywood celebrities fell prey to the exalting effects opioids had on them. However, instead of succumbing to opioid addiction, these celebrities fought back and recovered and are celebrating their sobriety by leading an opioid-free, healthy life. Take a look at the famous Hollywood stars who waged a battle against opioid addiction and came out victorious. Robert Downey Jr. The “Iron Man” star wasn’t always the suave, self-assured gentleman we have all come to know.

Sinuses are the area in the forehead just in the center of the eyes and behind the cheekbones. They are hollow air spaces whose primary function is to make mucus. This mucus keeps the inner side of your nose moist, thus protecting you from pollutants, allergies dust, and more. Hence, sinuses are not the cause of any problem. The problem occurs when you have a cold or any other allergy, and your nose gets swollen. This swelling blocks the sinus passage of your nose, making you feel uncomfortable. You may also find yourself unable to drain the nose. If you have a blockage in the sinus area of your nose, your speech is also affected. Let’s have a look at some of the common causes and triggers that can lead to sinus problems. Viruses Usually, sinus infections start with a cold. When you have a cold, your nasal tissues gets swollen, blocking the holes that drain the sinuses which leads to breathing difficulties. In case a virus is the cause of your sinus infection, then antibiotics are not capable of curing it as these medicines only kill bacteria, and not viruses. One should wash their hands regularly and keep themselves away from any sinus-infected person. Most of the times, a decongestant will cure you in four to five days. Allergies Allergies are one of the most common causes of sinus problems. People with a sinus infection can develop allergies, thus leading to aggravated sinusitis. If you are prone to allergies, avoid things that lead to an allergic reaction like dust, cockroaches, and so on. Prescribed nasal sprays can reduce chronic inflammation in the nasal lining that accompanies an allergy. Bacteria In case your sinus infection or cold does not get better in ten to twelve days, you may have a bacterial infection.

Swollen ankles are very common and not a cause for too much worry. They are painful at times but do not pose any serious threat. The main reason for swollen ankles or feet would be pressure on the legs. So, walking or standing for a long time may typically lead to swelling of the ankles. In most of the cases, swollen feet and ankles get better on their own. They go away in a short time with enough rest to the legs. But sometimes the swelling may remain for a long time. It may cause severe symptoms and lead to serious complications. Here we discuss the various causes and the treatment options for swollen ankles. Causes There are many causes of swollen ankles. It may occur due to an injury or any underlying medical conditions. Doctors tend to place importance on understanding the cause of swollen ankles before delving into different swollen ankles treatment options. So, understanding some of the causes is important. Some of the common causes of swollen ankles are: Pregnancy – Swollen ankles are very common during pregnancy. It may occur due to the increased weight or increased pressure on the legs. But sometimes, it may be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that needs immediate medical attention. Hot weather – When the weather is hot, the veins expand and sometimes cause poor blood flow. The fluids start collecting in the feet and ankles. This results in swelling of the ankles. Injury – This is one of the main causes of swollen ankles. When there is an injury, the blood rushes to that area. The sudden rush of blood causes the ankles to swell. Edema – It is a condition where tissues in the body trap the excess fluid. This results in swelling of the tissues near the feet and ankles.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are responsible for severe swelling or enlargement of the veins in the lower part of the rectum. As we know, the walls around such organs comprise of thousands of blood vessels. A condition in hemorrhoids causes these very vessels to stretch out, leading to an unpleasant and painful experience. Although having hemorrhoids can be a dreadful situation, they can be easily treated with simple ointments, suppositories, and non-surgical options, if and when treated on time. What causes hemorrhoids? The enlargement of veins around the anus can be caused by the following factors: Aging : Such a condition usually occurs among adults aged between 40 to 65 years. This, however, does not mean that it cannot affect people at a younger age. Constipation : Chronic constipation triggers the formation of hemorrhoids due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which puts additional pressure on the veins, causing them to bulge. Relief from hemorrhoids in such a condition can be incurred by consuming high fiber food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Heavy lifting : Lifting heavy weights without proper padding and knowledge can trigger the enlargement of veins around the rectum area. Obesity : Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods : Long periods of sitting in one position, especially on a toilet seat, can trigger hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be of two types: Internal hemorrhoids : These occur deep inside the rectum. They are usually painless, but they can worsen if excessive straining activities are undertaken. They tend to protrude through the anus and are, hence, commonly called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Such type of hemorrhoids can be very painful. External hemorrhoids : These are visible abruptions and usually occur under the skin around the anus. They are far more painful than internal hemorrhoids due to the presence of more sensitive nerves around the rectum.

Have you felt a stabbing pain in your shoulder when you stretch your arm to grab something? Or do you have trouble raising the hand? If so, you may have a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons (the strong chords that attach your muscles to bones) and muscles placed in the upper back and shoulder. It joins the upper part of the arm to the shoulder blade and helps it move. Irritation of the tendons might be because of age-related degeneration, overuse of the shoulder or an injury. The pain makes it difficult to even perform simple routine activities like brushing your hair or putting on a t-shirt. Doctors may prescribe painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, a rotator cuff repair surgery might be needed to treat tears. In mild cases, one can opt for a combination of home remedies and stretches. Here are some of them: Apply ice packs Application of ice packs at the very first twinge can help to lessen inflammation, minimize swelling, and decrease pain. Using an ice pack for about 10 to 30 minutes will bring down the pain. Instead of an ice pack, you can even use a bag of frozen peas or an ice-filled plastic bag. However, don’t let your skin touch the ice directly as it could cause a cold burn. You can also use a damp towel to wrap the ice pack and then apply it to the affected area. Do this every other hour and as the pain reduces, apply ice three times a day until you’re free from pain. Apply heat Heat helps in increasing blood flow to tissues. It soothes the inflammation and speeds healing. It also increases flexibility and relaxes muscle spasms. Therefore, it can enhance your shoulder’s motion and strength.

Usually, people follow a routine skin care process that involves cleansing, sun protection, and moisturizing but forget to include exfoliation. An occasional skin facial includes an exfoliating process so that skin pores can easily be opened for cleaning. It will be incorrect of you to assume that a cleanser and moisturizer will do its work and you have provided enough nourishment to your skin by just that. Using a good exfoliating scrub is one of the best ways to start off a skin cleansing routine. There are so many best-seeming exfoliating face scrubs in the market that you may get confused at a glance. What does a face scrub do? In practical terms, a face scrub is helpful in removing the clogged pores and releasing dirt particles that settle down deep inside the open pores. It is not easy to remove the dirt from clogged pores by merely using a face wash. Exfoliation is a method by which the skin starts breathing again and allows oxygen to travel deep within. Dead skin occasionally sheds when facial scrubbing is performed. It prevents the formation of acne, reduces wrinkles and helps to maintain an even skin tone. In the online market on various websites, you can find many exfoliating face scrubs that are the best and can be used daily due to their affordable rates. Some face wash products include microbeads that help in exfoliation. How should you use a face scrub? You should use face scrub when skin exposure to harmful elements is the least. It means that when you are at home, and any outdoor activity not scheduled for 2 to 3 hours later, then skin treatment must accomplish. Here are some steps you should follow- First of all, wipe your face with a cleanser pad or a mild lotion to remove dirt from all over face.

Halitosis or as it is commonly known, bad breath, is an embarrassing condition. Gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only temporary measures as they don’t address the cause of the problem. Some food items, health conditions, and habits are the main causes of bad breath. You can cure bad breath with proper and consistent dental hygiene. The malodor may vary depending on the underlying cause. If self-care techniques don’t work, it is best to see your dentist or physician to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of other serious condition. Symptoms Some people may have bad breath and don’t know about it. Other people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. It is hard to self-assess your breath. Therefore, ask a close friend or relative to check if you have bad breath. Causes There are many probable causes for bad breath. They are: Food The breakdown of food particles in your mouth increases bacteria and causes a foul odor. When you eat certain foods like onions, garlic, and spices, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and affect your breath. Tobacco products Smokers and oral tobacco users are prone to having gum diseases, which could lead to bad breath. Tobacco has an unpleasant odor as well. Poor dental hygiene Food particles remain in your mouth and cause bad breath if you don’t brush and floss daily. Plaque, a colorless and sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. This plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums if you don’t brush regularly. Not only your teeth, but the tongue can also trap bacteria that produce odors. Dry mouth or xerostomia Saliva helps cleanse your mouth. If you have a problem with your salivary glands, it may result in chronic dry mouth.

The human joints can be considered as engineering marvels that bear an enormous amount of stress. They are body parts that not only connect your bones but also support and carry the weight of your body and facilitate easy movement. Prolonged daily functions can impose a huge strain on them. As a result, they suffer wear and tear, injuries, and damage, causing symptoms like pain, and reduced mobility and flexibility. Statistics show that there are at least 30 million adults in the country who currently live with joint pain. It can be a debilitating condition that prevents you from carrying on daily activities, engaging in sports, entertainment, and recreation. If it is severe, it could affect your career and almost all parts of your life. Based on the underlying cause, severity, and available resources, there are a variety of treatment options that can help provide quick joint pain relief. They include medications, injections, dietary supplements or changes, alternative therapy, massage, yoga, chiropractic options, surgery, lifestyle changes, and exercise. Causes of joint pain Some of the common causes of joint pain include the following: Inflammation Diseases or infections like arthritis and chikungunya Aging and natural wear and tear Accidents and injuries Impact and trauma Nerve damage Poor posture Over-use of certain parts of the body Lack of exercise; sedentary job and lifestyle Being overweight Certain autoimmune disorders Breakdown of cartilage in the knee joints Hypothyroidism Rheumatic fever Dislocation, sprains, and strains Bursitis There are some medicinal and natural remedies one can resort to when looking to get quick relief from joint pain. While acute symptoms caused by accidents, injuries, and certain diseases can be treated with over-the-counter medications or a course of antibiotics, certain other s ymptoms that are caused by lifestyle factors can be treated with exercise regimes, yoga, and even weight-loss.