3 Natural Ways to Lower LDL Cholesterol

3 Natural Ways to Lower LDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol is present in your bloodstream and is classified as good and bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL or bad cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis, a plaque build up in the arteries which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These include angina, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. If your medical tests reveal, high LDL cholesterol levels, you need to take measures to bring it down. Listed below are ways that help to reduce LDL Cholesterol and keep them within a healthy range. Lose some extra pounds Being overweight can automatically lead to high LDL levels. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other chronic health conditions. Studies have proved that reduction in body weight does lower the LDL cholesterol levels. Exercising gives your metabolism a boost, and thus increases the fat burning capacity. You can take up low-impact exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, and stretching. You can also take up aerobics and running. Following a regular exercise schedule can effectively lower the LDL cholesterol levels by 5% to 10%. Adopt a healthy lifestyle Smoking leads to the formation of oxidized LDL, a potent type of LDL that can lead to atherosclerosis. So quitting cigarettes can considerably reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that you will be able to lower the LDL cholesterol levels by almost 5% by kicking the smoking habit. Limited consumption of alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer has been found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 4% to 8%. However, binge drinking can put you at an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore exercise moderation when it comes to alcohol. Follow the right diet What you eat has a huge impact on your heart health. A nutritious and balanced diet, not only helps you to knock off the excess pounds but also improves your cardiovascular functions.
Symptoms and Treatment for Heel Pain

Symptoms and Treatment for Heel Pain

Pain over the back of the heel is a common problem worldwide, and it is usually nothing serious. It is the most common type of foot pain. Posterior heel pain commonly affects the back or underside of the heel. There are a few causes of posterior heel pain. Pain over the back or underside of the heel can cause difficulty in walking, running, and standing. Wearing tight shoes often aggravates the problem. Posterior heel pain is prevalent in older people and overweight people. Commonly associated symptoms of this condition are swelling, tenderness, redness, and pain in the heel. These signs and symptoms worsen with activity and weight-bearing situations like prolonged standing. Posterior heel pain is not a diagnosis itself, but instead, it’s a sign of other conditions like plantar bursitis, Achilles tendonitis, etc. Back of heel pain treatment focuses on identifying the underlying cause and relieving pain and discomfort. Back of heel pain treatment involves medication, physiotherapy, and home remedies. Common causes of posterior heel pain Back of heel pain treatment depends first and foremost on an accurate diagnosis. Since posterior heel pain is a relatively vague symptom, it has a vast differential diagnosis. The three main causes of posterior heel pain are commonly called ‘terrible triad.’ They are—Insertional Achilles tendonitis, Retrocalcaneal Bursitis, and Haglund’s deformity. Insertional Achilles Tendonitis The Achilles tendon is a long and strong tendon that connects the large muscles of the calf to the heel. It is the largest tendon in the body and is regularly subjected to heavy forces up to 24 times a person’s body weight. Repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, especially in athletes, causes wear and tear over time. This weakens the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon tends to degenerate the most, at its insertional point in the heel called the calcaneus.
5 Natural Remedies for Treating Gout Pain

5 Natural Remedies for Treating Gout Pain

A gout is a form of arthritis, which develops due to the high level of uric acid in the blood. The acid creates a sensation which feels like needle-like crystals in the joints, which cause sudden, episodic pain, redness, swelling, tenderness, etc. Before knowing the popular and effective ways of treating gout pain, let’s understand the four types of gout pain that include asymptomatic hyperuricemia, acute gout, interval gout, and chronic gout. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia – This is the first attack of gout pain that is a signal of starting of this issue. In this stage, the level of uric acid becomes high in the blood and the start forming crystals in the joints. People don’t feel any physical symptom at this stage. Acute gout – In this stage, a person feels the first attack of gout due to increasing the level of uric acid in the blood. The inflammation and pain stay over the night or a week. After a week, the pain settles down by its own. In some cases, people never feel anything in the second stage. However, it mostly experienced by every sufferer. Interval gout – it is the middle stage of gout. In which, the little inflammation damages the joints. And, it is the time to start medication to prevent gout and stop attacks on it. You can also fix it here by doing few changes in your lifestyle. Chronic gout – This stage occurs when the level of uric acid remains high from many previous years and stays constant. People lose frequent mobility at this level and the attacks become frequent and more regular. The chronic stage of gout is preventable if you go with the right approach. Otherwise, it becomes worse and makes people restless. Are you tired of facing this issue and experience excruciating pain?
Popular Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

Popular Treatment Options for Frozen Shoulder

The frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis refers to pain, stiffness and restricted range of movement in the shoulder. Overuse of the shoulder is a major contributor and an injury can also result in frozen shoulder. Diseases like stroke or diabetes also make you vulnerable to this condition. When you develop frozen shoulder, the tissues that surround the joint feel stiffened and the formation of the scar tissue also takes place. In such a situation, shoulder movements become highly painful and difficult. You develop this condition gradually over a period of time and it goes away in a slow manner after a year or so. Major causes frozen shoulder Sometimes, you are compelled to stop using the shoulder joint normally and it can be because of injury, pain or severe health conditions like stroke or diabetes. This situation makes you vulnerable to frozen shoulder. Any type of shoulder problem can result in this condition if you do not make efforts to maintain a full range of motion. People suffering from chronic diseases are prone to frozen shoulder and it has been found out that this problem occurs mostly between 40 and 70 years of age. Women are more susceptible compared to men, particularly during the postmenopausal stage. Frozen shoulder treatment options The frozen shoulder treatment involves managing shoulder pain and maintaining an optimal range of motion in the shoulder. Popular painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications In order to eliminate or reduce the pain, there are over-the-counter painkillers available. The most popular ones are aspirin and ibuprofen and these medications also reduce inflammation linked with frozen shoulder. If the pain is severe, you can opt for stronger anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving drugs but they should be taken under the supervision of your doctor. Diagnosis of frozen shoulder When the physical exam reveals restricted shoulder movement, doctors suspect frozen shoulder.
Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails. There’s a lot about nail fungus on the Internet. However, the article focuses on how to cure nail fungus. Before delving into how you can cure nail fungus, it’s essential to analyze what causes this nail attack. Causes of fungus Just as the term suggests, nail fungus related infections are the result of the infestation of microorganisms called fungi on your nails. There’s this particular family of fungi by the name of dermatophyte which has a significant stake in the nail attack mafia organization. Age is a detrimental factor of nail fungus too. As the nails on your hands or feet age with time, they are prone to dry and become brittle; paving the way for fungi to enter your nails. In other cases, poor blood circulation in feet, and a weak immune system could be possible reasons for nail fungus. However, it is important to know the symptoms before knowing how to cure nail fungus. Symptoms of nail fungus Sudden thickening of nails Visible discoloration (colors include whitish to brownish yellow). Brittle or ragged nails. A dark shade on the surface of your nail as a result of debris built up below the surface of your nails. How to cure nail fungus Visit the dermatologist This is the safest and quickest way to recovery. A professional dermatologist knows about nail fungus way more than most people, and it would be an entirely safe bet to shell out a few bucks and time to visit a dermatologist. If you think your situation isn’t that serious or if you have doctor-phobia, below is a list of home remedies to cure nail fungus.
Chronic Plaque Psoriasis And its Effective Treatment

Chronic Plaque Psoriasis And its Effective Treatment

Psoriasis is a disease of the skin, and it affects hands and feet, elbows, knees, scalp, eyelids, skin folds, or can appear anywhere on our body. Psoriasis is not limited to any specific part of the body, and it significantly affects the quality of our life. It is a chronic inflammatory cell-mediated disease mostly affecting skin and joints. Psoriasis is considered a very common and complex disease which can be cured with various treatments available. Chronic psoriasis is a rare and dangerous type of disease because they reduce the body’s ability to fight off the infections. It is a T-cell mediated autoimmune disorder with a strong genetic basis. Both men and women are affected with psoriasis. It can occur in any age groups but uncommon in children or early infants. Chronic psoriasis is caused due to various causative agents/ factors like environmental such as climate change, hereditary like psoriasis associated genes, frequent medications, the immune system of the host, etc. Psoriasis occurs when the cells of skin rise from below the skin surface and pile up on the surface before they shed off. T-cells often help to protect the body against various infections. In psoriasis, these T-cells are put into action by mistake, and they trigger other immune responses by being in an active state. Individuals with chronic psoriasis experience physical discomfort, itching, and pain. It interferes with a daily routine of walking, playing sports, self-care, looking after family members, sleeping, etc. Patients with chronic psoriasis become self-conscious about their appearance leading to depression and social isolation. Psoriasis is classified as mild, moderate and severe respectively. It is associated with several other conditions like diabetes, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and cardiovascular disorders, etc. Psoriasis is not a contagious disease and touching a person cannot pass this skin condition from one person to another.
Top 5 Gout Treatment That You Should Start Following Immediately

Top 5 Gout Treatment That You Should Start Following Immediately

Gout is a type of arthritis or joint disorder. It causes severe pain accompanied by swelling and stiffness in the joints. Most commonly people are affected by gout on their toe. Once incurred gout could recur again. Over the long run, it damages the tissues in the affected area due to prolonged inflammation. Gout can be treated with medication. Most commonly gout is treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These oral medications reduce the pain and inflammation in the area affected by gout. In mild cases, home remedies could work. Although for long term recovery of gout, medication is the best treatment. The Following Are Top 5 Gout Treatments GoutClear Gout clear is one of the top 5 gout treatments to get rid of gout. Features of this gout treatment product are: The product is highly capable of controlling gout symptoms and prevents uric acid buildup in the body. One of its unique features is it’s all natural ingredients. With a variety of active ingredients that supplement the body during a gout attack, it is an effective product. Along with gout treatment, this product also provides relief from water build up. it promotes kidney function and also helps the immune system that increases overall health. Goutclear helps the body regenerate at a cellular level with the help of relevant nutrients. Active ingredients like tart cherry extract and turmeric root assist in the reduction of arthritis, that causes inflammation and pain. The product has a perfect blend of nutrients containing vitamins minerals and herbs. They support the entire body and also reduce the symptoms of gout. The active ingredients that target gout treatment in gout clear are: Artichoke Rutin and Dandelion . These ingredients directly target uric acid in the body and eliminate it. This prevents the formation of uric acid crystals in the body.
Bloating Stomach Relief for A Happy You

Bloating Stomach Relief for A Happy You

Bloated stomach is an unusual swelling that is noticed in the abdominal area due to the presence of gas. The stomach or the abdomen appears to project out of normal proportions. It also seems to be hard and is usually accompanied by cramps. You may also experience pain or growling in the abdomen area because of the bloating. This kind of pain is usually sharp and can change its’ locations quickly, i.e., at one point in time, you may experience pain in the stomach. However, after some time the pain may shift to your back, and you may experience chest pain. Some of the common causes of stomach bloating include overeating, weight gain, heartburn, constipation, visceral fat, ovarian cancer, irregular diet, dehydration, hormonal changes, infection, and gastric distension. There are many bloating stomach relief medications and treatments available. The suitable bloating stomach relief may depend upon the bloating one experiences and the relevant cause of it. Bloating Stomach Relief Methods • Probiotics : Probiotics are referred to as good bacteria, i.e., friendly bacteria present in the digestive system which help in killing off the bad bacteria. This, in turn, may be the source of stomach bloating in the first place. These probiotics are available in supplement form and are also present in foods like yogurt, coconut water, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, and probiotic chocolate. They are an effective way for bloating stomach relief. • Drink Luke Warm Lemon Water : Every morning after you get up, make it a habit of drinking lukewarm water with lemon on an empty stomach. It is one home remedy that will help you get away with bloating and the pain that follows. The lemon water contains acidity level that helps produce hydrochloric acid, an acid that helps in breaking down the food we eat. That means more the food breaks, less the bloating.
Eczema – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Eczema – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

The skin is the largest organ of the body by weight making about one-sixth of our total body weight. It’s a complicated structure and consists of three layers namely; epidermis the outermost one, the dermis which is a layer beneath the epidermis and the subcutaneous layer the deepest one. Eczema commonly called as ‘dermatitis’ is a skin disorder characterized by inflammation and intense itching. People suffering from eczema have extremely dry skin which is highly susceptible to bacterial, fungal or viral infections. The affected skin is not a smooth, protective barrier but patches of skin with rashness, red lumps or blisters. Eczema can affect people of all age group from infants or adults and continue to have symptoms throughout their life depending on the severity. Normally in infants, itchy rashes appear on the skin. The eczema photos show that these rashes can produce oozing, crusty condition majorly on the child’s scalp and face. Eczema is a recognizable health condition among a number of skin diseases and can be prevented by keeping the skin moisturized, nourished and healthy. Types of eczema Eczema is not considered as a contagious disease and cannot catch when in close contact. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers suggest that people develop eczema because of a combination of genes and environmental triggers. When an allergen gets activated, skin cells behave like a foreign agent causing an eczema flare-up. There are eight different types of eczema like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, hand eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. It is possible to identify the types by looking for eczema photos online. Atopic dermatitis, which is severe and long-lasting is the most common one and can occur in combination at a time. All types of eczema cause itching, redness or blisters.
Treatment Options Available for Alcohol Addiction

Treatment Options Available for Alcohol Addiction

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.
6 Healthy Drinks to Quench Your Thirst

6 Healthy Drinks to Quench Your Thirst

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.
Top 10 Healthy Juices to Fight Common Health Problems

Top 10 Healthy Juices to Fight Common Health Problems

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.