Shingles also called herpes zoster is a type of viral infection and a painful rash can be associated with this disease. At some point, a large number of people develop shingles and the varicella zoster is the virus that causes this infection and it is the same one that causes chickenpox. If you had suffered from chickenpox during your childhood days, the shingles virus will stay dormant in your body and it reactivates after a certain period to cause a shingles rash. The rash can affect any part and the first symptom of the shingle is the pain. In addition to the rash, you can find fluid-filled blisters within a few days and there can fatigue, light sensitivity or fever as well. You cannot find a magical solution for shingles. Anyhow, antiviral medications are available for reducing the symptoms and you can find several types of shingles ointments to treat this condition. Baking soda or cornstarch paste A past can be made with the help of water and cornstarch or baking soda to reduce the itching tendency involved with shingles. You have to add two parts cornstarch into a cup and one part water must be added to get the expected consistency. This mixture can be applied to the rash and it can be washed off after 15 minutes. This process has to be repeated many times in a day. Zovirax ointment Zovirax is a very popular prescription ointment cream for addressing the symptoms of shingles. It contains acyclovir, an anti-viral medication, and this shingles ointment is commonly used for treating cold sores and genital herpes found in your mouth. This product also offers good results when it comes to healing the skin lesions and you can use it to prevent the spread of the virus. All lesions need to be covered with Zovirax ointment and the only area you need to avoid is your eyes.

The virus varicella-zoster that causes chickenpox is also responsible for causing shingles. It is a viral infection that causes painful rashes on the skin. Usually, those who have been infected with chickenpox are more likely to acquire shingles. It appears as a stripe of blisters typically on the neck, face, or torso. In most cases, shingles take two to three weeks to clear up. Usually, if a person gets shingles once, it rarely happens again. According to various medial study reports, shingles is so common in the country that it affects almost one in the three people at some point in their lifetime. Here is a list of some of the most common symptoms of this viral infection along with the ways of how to treat shingles. Symptoms of Shingles The most common symptom of this viral infection is burning and pain. It can be a constant gnawing, stabbing, or sharp pain that comes and goes. Along with this pain, the affected person may experience blistering skin rash. The characteristics of the rashes may include red patches, itching, rashes on the ears and face, rashes wrapped around the torso starting from the spine, and blisters filled with fluid that breaks out easily. Some shingles-affected patients can experience symptoms beyond these rashes and pain. Some of these symptoms are chills, fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle weakness, and sensitivity to light. Other than all these abovementioned signs and symptoms of shingles, it can involve some rare as well as serious complications. Intense pain in one of the ears or loss of hearing, loss of taste on the taste buds, dizziness etc. All these can be the symptoms of the Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Rashes and pain, which involve the eye. To avert permanent damage of the eye, it is important to know how to treat shingles.

Constipation is a common problem and can be caused due to consuming certain types of food, medication or living a particular lifestyle. Constipation is when you experience less than three bowel movements per week. There are several other symptoms that are associated with the condition such as discomfort when you use the washroom, abdominal pain and bloating, and stools that are difficult to pass. Constipation can definitely affect your day to day life and can cause a lot of frustration. The situation is even worse when you experience severe constipation. Below are a few ways in which you can deal with the condition. Drink plenty of water Constipation is also caused by being dehydrated. This is why it is necessary to drink a significant amount of water. Sparkling water helps a lot in case you are facing severe constipation. According to studies, sparkling water is more effective than tap water and helps a lot in relieving constipation. However, you should not drink carbonated drinks like soda as it can make the condition worse. Keeping dehydration away is a great way of staying healthy and dealing with constipation. Eat fiber-rich food People who are facing constipation are often advised to eat a fiber-rich diet. Fiber helps in increasing the consistency of bowel movements as well as its bulk. This makes the stool pass easily. Insoluble fibers such as vegetables, whole grains, and wheat bran add bulk to your stools. Whereas soluble fiber such as nuts, lentils, beans, and peas soften the stools and helps with its consistency. One of the best ways of treating severe constipation is by consuming a mix of both- insoluble and soluble fibers. Exercise While exercising is not directly linked to constipation, it certainly helps in relieving the symptoms. Going for regular walks or running and doing yoga can help in staying healthy in general.

Allergies can be of many types, such as skin allergy, dust allergy, pollution allergy, food allergy, animal allergy, drug allergy, and many more. As per a study of the American population by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, it has been found that around 25% of the American population suffers from allergic disorders. Well, there are many medications available in the market that may help you get instant relief from an allergy, but they do not help you remove the substance of allergy from your system. The symptoms of allergic reactions Most allergy symptoms may occur when your body or the immune system reacts to allergic elements. Allergic elements are the substances that the body is not able to adapt to naturally, which may cause an allergy, such as dust mites, insects’ stings, plant pollen, molds, pollution particles, certain types of food, and more. Some visible symptoms of allergic reactions are as follows: Low energy level or dizziness Feeling fatigue, which may also be extreme at times May get a hay fever in which you may experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion Eczema Asthma Nasal drip Improper digestion or an upset stomach Skin rash or redness Feeling nausea and vomiting sensation Dryness as in dry skin, dry mouth, or more Anaphylaxis Natural allergy treatments It has been found that 50% of the population rely on or try the natural allergy treatments more than any other remedies according to the different types and causes of allergies. It is best to use natural allergy treatments that may not help in getting you instant relief but that help in removing the allergic substances from your body with some natural elements. Here are some preventive and natural allergy treatments that may surely provide instant relief from your allergies: Change your diet regime One of the simple and easiest natural ways of allergy treatment is to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a change in diet.

Apple cider vinegar is a very common weight loss remedy among people active about weight loss. Apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits and must be included by most of us in our diets. It helps in leading a probiotic life, acts as a tonic for your body, and allows you to lead a healthy life. Even as many people did not trust apple cider vinegar for weight loss in the beginning, it has grown in popularity. Apple cider vinegar weight loss plans are being used widely by people, and it has also proved to be a strong method for gradual weight loss. Apple cider vinegar belongs right in your weight loss plan as it is high on acetic acid, and acetic acid has many properties that lead to weight loss. Acetic acid dissolves into acetate and hydrogen in the human body as it is a small-chain fatty acid. Here is why and how apple cider vinegar could be the protagonist of your weight loss plans. Lowers blood sugar levels : Acetic acid is said to improve the sugar taking ability of the liver and muscles. This, in turn, reduces the blood sugar levels. Effectively reduces insulin levels : Lower insulin to glucagon is said to result in body fat burning; acetic acid reduces insulin levels to glucagon. Higher metabolism : A higher metabolism means that your food gets digested faster than usual and you burn a lot more calories; acetic acid contributes to speeding your metabolism thereby inducing weight loss. Minimal fat storage : Acetic acid, in a study, proved that it could help in increasing the expression of genes that reduce belly fat storage. It also reduces the liver fat, hence leading to evasion from obesity. Reduces appetite : In a study performed to test acetic acid, there was a claim that acetic acid has the ability to push down centers in the brain that control appetite, hence reducing your food intake.

The urge of frequent urination is often considered to be a symptom of type 2 diabetes. Though the increased frequency of urination is a condition commonly associated with increased blood sugar level, it is not just the lone cause. People with overactive bladder problem also need to urinate at frequent intervals as their bladder loses the capacity of retaining urine for prolong period. In most of the cases, people get this condition with age, yet some also develop it as a side-effect of some disease. Whatever be the reason, medication can help in dealing with the problem to some extent. However, a majority of patients these days are searching for natural cures for overactive bladder instead of relying on the prescription pills. Change in diet – The natural cures for overactive bladder are the best choice for complete treatment of the condition, as it heals the conditions from within. Before taking any herbal supplements or medication, it is important to take care of the diet. Foods like artificial sweeteners, chocolate, spicy dishes and even tomatoes should be avoided by people with overactive bladder as these worsen the condition. Apart from that, patients should also maintain abstinence from alcohol, caffeine, citrus juices or fruits, cranberry juice, dairy products, corn syrup, fizzy drinks or soda, vinegar as well as sugar and honey. The effect of the abovementioned foods may vary from one person to other. Therefore, it is better to maintain a strict watch on the diet to understand what is triggering the condition. Monitor fluid intake – As the fluid retaining capacity of bladder decreases, it is better to restrict the consumption of liquids. Drink water as much as you need and stay away from juices or any other fluids. This will help in healing the bladder condition gradually, which in the long run will increase the capacity of fluid retention.

Do you suffer from extreme body odor and does it makes you feel self-conscious? If yes, this article will provide you with information on how to get rid of body odor naturally. It is unpleasant to not smell good. Not only does it make us conscious but also affects our confidence. Some of the common causes of bad body odor are systematic deficiencies within the body, stress, sweating, menstruation, yeast infections, etc. Fortunately, by incorporating the below-mentioned tips, one can get rid of body odor and reverse the condition. Personal hygiene Bathe or shower regularly – Body odor is caused by bacteria reacting with sweat produced by the sweat glands. Thus, it is important to shower regularly using a gentle, plant-oil based, or anti-bacterial soap. Wear fresh cotton clothes – Natural fiber clothing allows the skin to breathe, thus reducing the amount of odor. Although while exercising, using synthetic materials is acceptable, but it is always good to shower after a workout and change into the natural fibers. Avoid wearing closed footwear for long periods – Closed footwear does not allow the feet to breathe. This gives rise to body odor as the sweat gets locked in non-breathable materials. Quit smoking and tobacco – Smoking generates production of free radicals which are very harmful to the body. Regular smoking and chewing of tobacco lead to bacteria formation on the skin, which later emits bad body odor. Drink water – Drinking lots of water is the best remedy to get rid of body odor. An excellent solvent, water helps in flushing out toxins from the body and prevents bacteria formation in the intestines. One should have around 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to keep the skin healthy, glowing, and hydrated. Always opt for natural antiperspirants, even when store-bought. Opt for natural products as these would help in naturally getting rid of body odor.

If you are scouting everywhere to find some of the best sleep medicine, which are available over the counter, the first thing you need to do is to decide which type would suit you the best. Most over-the-counter (OTC) options for the best sleep medicine fall into any of these three main types: herbal remedies, antihistamines, and melatonin. The basic difference between the three types of some of the best sleep medicines that are available over the counter are as follows: Herbal remedies – These pills have a lighter effect. Anti-histamines – These pills have the strongest sedative effect. Melatonin – It helps in regulating disrupted sleep after shift work or jet lag. Given below are some of the most popular and best sleep medicines that are available over the counter: KIRKLAND Signature Sleep Aid In the antihistamine group, you would find this to be most effective and powerful over the counter sleeping aid. The active ingredient, doxylamine, is an antihistamine. It is known for its strong sedative effect. Thus, as soon as you take this pill you would feel drowsy both mentally and physically which is what you are exactly looking for in a sleeping pill. The best thing about this variant of sleeping pill is that it is not addictive like any other prescription pill. You would not feel the need of upping the dosage every night thereafter. This is a very effective option if you are looking for the best sleep medicine to help you get through the night peacefully. Unisom SleepGels This variant contains diphenhydramine hydrochloride, another type of anti-histamine found in sleeping pills. This product has three versions of itself—SleepTabs, QuickMelts, and SleepGels. The difference lies in how quickly these are absorbed in the body. This is best for those who want a good night’s sleep without having to feel its effects the next morning as well.

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.

Creatinine is a chemical waste product produced during body metabolism. The chemical is usually flushed out of the body through urine. Normal kidney function ensures that these waste products do not accumulate in the body and are regularly cleared out of the system. How Is Creatinine Produced? from amino acids like methionine and glycine are processed in the kidneys. It results in the production of guanidinoacetate acid. The acid travels to the liver, and here it is converted into another amino acid known as creatine. This creatine is stored and used in muscle tissues to produce energy. When you exercise your muscles, creatine in the muscles is used up and produces the waste product, creatinine. Creatinine tests show creatinine levels in the urine and blood. Normally, creatinine level in the urine would be higher than the level in the blood. This is because the kidneys usually remove the creatinine through urine. Knowing how to reduce creatinine levels will help mainatin a stability in its production. Normal creatinine levels in the blood for men and women: For men, blood creatinine level is usually in the range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL For women, blood creatinine level is usually in the range of 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL Creatinine level in men is higher than women because of greater muscle mass. Kidneys and Creatinine If the kidneys are not functioning normally for some reason, many waste products, including creatinine, can build up in the body. If you have persistently high levels of creatinine in your blood, it may indicate an underlying problem. High creatinine levels in the blood beyond the normal range for your sex can lead to serious health issues. It can even result in life-threatening disorders like uremia. Before it gets too late, consider the following treatments to know how to reduce creatinine.

Working out, eating right, and catching up on your beauty sleep yields wonderful results. However, stress and pollution can wreak havoc on your hair and skin. While there are numerous skin products available that can repair the damage inflicted by the environment, when it comes to hair treatments, people prefer opting for natural remedies. Moreover, certain hair types are more prone to damage than others, and that’s where natural hair treatments come to your rescue. Visiting the salon might be the only viable solution, but there are better options. The ingredients for your hair treatment can be found easily, and you can whip them up in no time. Here are some of the most effective homemade hair treatments that will leave you with a strong and lustrous mane. Fancy some black tea? Tea can have an amazing effect on your hair. If your hair has been looking dull lately, you can revitalize it with the help of black tea! For this homemade hair treatment, all you have to do is brew some black tea. Let it cool and pour the tea onto your hair. You’ll have to wait for ten minutes and then wash it off. Et voila! Your hair will be shinier than it has ever been. You can repeat this hair treatment twice a week for best results. Butter it up Butter is a perfect remedy for dry and frizzy hair. It is creamy and rich, and adds softness and moisture to your hair. This hair treatment is inspired by a practice prominent in Ethiopia, where people use butter to moisturize their hair and protect it from sun damage. This hair treatment works wonders even if you have curly hair. It enhances your natural hair texture, and adds moisture and sheen to it. Go bananas! Bananas are the powerhouse of nutrients and are high in potassium too.

There are various warning signs that may actually be an indication of Alzheimer’s, which you have been brushing off as old age-related problems or stress. Are you or a loved one displaying any of these Alzheimer’s symptoms? Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive condition that affects memory and important functions of the mind, usually affect the elderly, but can also appear in younger people. This mental disease causes the death of brain cells in a person, which can eventually lead to drastic personality changes and significant memory loss. Alzheimer’s disease is also the leading cause of dementia, a cluster of brain disorders that result in the loss of social and intellectual skills in people. There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but the proper medications and treatment plan can help in keeping Alzheimer’s symptoms under control. Early detection of this health disorder is crucial as you can get the maximum benefits out of your treatment if you seek medical help during the initial stages of the disease. For this, it is important that you are aware of the Alzheimer’s symptoms, especially the ones that could be warning signs of the onset of the disease. Here are some of the early Alzheimer’s symptoms that you need to look out for in people close to you, whether it is a family member, friend, or even yourself. Memory loss that causes problems in daily life This is one of the most common Alzheimer’s symptoms, yet one that we tend to ignore easily. Every person experiences the occasional memory lapses wherein you forgot where you put your keys, to get the milk from the store, or the name of an acquaintance. However, if your memory loss is due to the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms, it can be a persistent condition. Notice if you or a loved one constantly loses track of important information, big events, and names of friends and family members.