If you suffer from a burning sensation or acute discomfort that travels up from your stomach into your chest and the regurgitation of food that you recently ate along with a sharp and sour taste of acid, these symptoms are native to acid reflux. While the occasional experience of acid reflux need not worry you, if it becomes regular, more intense, and disturbs your sleep, you must visit your doctor. Food that enters the stomach is retained by means of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a muscular ring, and it must close immediately as it may become weak or damaged. If it doesn’t close fully or remains open too often, it causes digestive acids to move up into the food pipe or esophagus. This causes the typical symptoms of heartburn, sour taste in the mouth, regurgitation, dyspepsia or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea, upset stomach, bloated feeling, difficulty swallowing, burping, dry cough, and a sore throat. Sometimes, the symptoms are so severe that they can be mistaken for a heart attack. If symptoms persist and are left untreated, you can develop gastroesophageal reflux disease. Relationship Between Food and Acid Reflux Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux. Foods that are acidic in nature contribute to the increase of acids in the stomach and there are more chances of these causing reflux through a weak or damaged LES. There are many such trigger foods, and along with the medication, exercise and lifestyle changes that your doctor recommends, avoiding such foods can help you manage and eliminate your symptoms. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime and lying down immediately after a meal can trigger an attack. Being obese or pregnant, bending over after a meal, snacking close to bedtime, smoking, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen and muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and blood-pressure medications can set off acid reflux symptoms.

People sometimes suffer from allergies for some part in the year. The most common among seasonal allergies are: Spring allergies Fall allergies Winter allergies But there are cases where you end up suffering from allergies all through the year. This seasonal allergy chart can help you prepare for any kind of allergic reaction. Let’s take a look at the range of seasonal allergies which affect people, and the part of the year when you’re most vulnerable. January: Pollen allergies may not be an issue during the cold months of winter. But indoor heating makes your house a dust-allergen hot spot. Some basic preventive measures against house dust allergies are: Maintain home humidity below 55% Vacuum your home often Cover pillows and mattresses with dust mite-proof covers February: Dust could act as a year-round allergen for a large number of people. But if dust allergies are not a trouble for you, trees may still cause your allergies to peak. In some parts of the world, tree pollen appears as early as February. Trees that account for the most allergies are: Catalpa Elm Hickory Olive Symptoms of tree allergies are the same as those caused by spring allergies. These include: Watery eyes Congestion Colds and flu March: Tree pollen stays the most common allergens in March as well. The month could cause spring allergies if grass grows early. Further, the pollen count in the air is also high in March. After this, is when the seasonal allergy chart gets into the real problem areas. April: April represents the onset of spring season. The flowers are in full bloom with pollen count at an all-time high. The flowers and the pollen, unfortunately, increase incidents of spring allergy. In some places, grass pollen acts as a powerful allergen in April. As grass pollen combines with flower pollen, spring allergies peak around April.

If you think a spider has bitten you, it is harmless in most cases, and you don’t need to panic. Spiders are generally harmless and prefer to hide in the dark. They attack when they feel threatened or when exposed from their hiding space. You will not have to worry if you have a spider bite as most of these bites are harmless. Treating spider bites is very simple, and the bite marks can be easily taken care of with timely care and treatment. The first step is spider bite identification. Once this is done, you can go ahead and treat the wound. Why Spiders Bite A few spiders in the wild are known to be aggressive. These spiders are capable of attacking and causing harm. They are the poisonous ones. On the other hand, the non-poisonous spiders often bite as an act of self-defense. They prefer to hide in dark and isolated places. You may even come across harmless spiders in your home and be unaware of it. Spider bites cause itchy red spots on the skin. The spots clear up in a few days, and you will find no sign of it. Most of the spiders have fangs that are too short to penetrate the human skin. While most of the bites are painless, you may experience a sting in some. Spider bite identification is essential as you need to be aware if a poisonous spider has bitten you. The venom from the spider reacts differently in each person. Dangerous spiders can inflict bites and leave unnoticed. It is later that you start feeling its effect. Spider Bite Identification You can identify spider bites in no time. You may not notice it for a few hours, but once you do, you can easily tell. There will be swelling and skin damage on the spot where you have been bitten.

Living with pets can be a pleasure. Their company helps you relax and enjoy life as they do, by living in the moment. However, there is always the possibility that you or someone in your family might have an allergic reaction to pets. Common pet allergies symptoms Pet allergies symptoms can affect the respiratory tract and manifest themselves in the form of common cold symptoms. You may also develop allergic reactions on the skin, which is also known as dermatitis if you come into contact with an animal. If you suffer from asthma, pet allergies could also aggravate the symptoms. Regular pet allergies symptoms Sneezing Nasal congestion Runny nose Itchy, watery eyes Facial pain due to congestion Coughing Dark patches under the eyes Dermatitis symptoms caused due to pet allergies Skin inflammation Itching Rashes or hives Pet allergies symptoms in asthma patients Disturbed sleep Chest tightness Breathing problems Wheezing Repeated inflammation of the nasal passage can create obstructions in the sinuses. This increases the chances for bacterial infections like sinusitis. Pet allergies can also be a serious threat to asthma patients. It can aggravate their problems to such an extent that it might need emergency medical attention. Confirm your allergy While a large number of people suffer from pet allergies, cat allergies are estimated to be twice as common as dog allergies. However, there are more pet cats than dogs in American households. If you feel you are allergic to dogs or cats but want to get a pet, you can try spending a day with a friend’s dog or cat. You can spend a day in the company of that animal to see how you react over a period of 24 hours. Get a medical test confirmation You can consult with an allergist who can help you make sure whether you have an allergy to a dog or cat.

The Federal Government features a health insurance program under Medicare for people who are 65 years or older and are suffering from any disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Medicare is one of the most popular options for comprehensive health insurance. The Original Medicare mainly includes two parts, Part A and Part B, which provide insurance coverage for hospital costs and medical costs. There is an additional insurance cover available from third-party private insurance companies that provide for Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). One must also note that the Original Medicare and Medicare Part C do not cover medication expenses, which is why Part D Prescription Drug Plan under the Medicare system pays for medical costs. The Original Medicare does not cover premiums for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, which is why one must also purchase the Medicare Supplement Plans that provide for these expenses. Medicare Supplement Plans mainly feature 10 policies under the federal health insurance scheme. Plan A to Plan F feature different benefits under the scheme, wherein Plan F is one of the most popular ones. There are many insurance plans that can be mistaken for Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap policies. The health maintenance organization (HMO) plan, the Prefered Provider Organization (PPO) plan, the private fee-for-service plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicaid, Federal Employees Union Health Plans, TRICARE, Veterans Benefits, and other long-term insurance policies do not form part of comprehensive Medicare coverage. Points to consider when buying Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) The applicant must already have the Original Medicare before he/she can compare and purchase different Medicare Supplement Plans. Plan F is one of the most popular supplement plans for Medicare as it offers comprehensive coverage for health insurance. In comparison to other Medigap policies, Plan F provides better coverage for copayment, coinsurance, and deductibles, which ensure that the out-of-pocket hospital and medical expenses are paid for by the insurance.

Constipation is an uncomfortable problem that affects almost more than 20 percent of the adult population in the country. According to a survey, more than 2.5 million people visit doctors and clinics for treating the problem of constipation. It often affects more women than men. In addition to difficulty with passing stools, people often face other symptoms throughout the day such as bloating, gas, stomach pain, lower back pain, anxiety issues, and fatigue. The good news is that constipation is curable with the help of fiber supplements. These natural remedies can solve your gut problems with minimal effort. So, in this article, we are going to discuss certain natural fiber supplements that can help improve the bowel movements in your body. But, before we start with the remedies, let’s understand what constipation is, and what its causes are. What is constipation and what are its causes? Constipation is often defined as a difficulty in emptying the bowels. In other words, in constipation, your body takes more than the usual amount of time and effort to move food waste through the large intestine tract. According to the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), someone has constipation if he or she experiences fewer than three bowel movements in a week or has a hard or dry stool that is difficult to pass and often painful. Constipation is usually caused by a combination of several external and internal factors, including some that are related to your diet and body movements as well as your levels of stress. Low intake of fiber is often the leading cause of constipation. Insufficient water consumption is another reason for this problem. Sometimes, dealing with emotional stress can also lead to constipation. Let’s have a look at the factors that are responsible for causing constipation.

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels that are located in the smooth muscles in the anal or rectum walls. The exact location of hemorrhoids is at the junction of small arteries and veins. When hemorrhoids swell up, they become painful, itchy and may cause bleeding. They can be extremely painful and cause a lot of discomforts while passing stools. Hemorrhoids can either be internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids develop within the rectum or anus, while external hemorrhoids develop outside of the anus or rectum. When pressure builds up in the small vessels that make up the hemorrhoids they swell up and engorge with blood. This buildup of pressure may be due to a number of reasons like diarrhea, obesity, colon cancer, constipation, or pregnancy. Hemorrhoid relief creams are the most commonly followed treatment method for relief from pain and itching due to hemorrhoids. Symptoms of hemorrhoids The symptoms of hemorrhoids vary with the severity of the condition. Common symptoms of hemorrhoids are as follows: Painless bleeding Itching Severe pain Swelling or inflammation Feeling a lump at the anal opening Difficulty in passing stools Treatment for hemorrhoids Treatment options for hemorrhoids depend on the severity of the condition. Internal hemorrhoids are classified into 4 grades based on the extent of prolapse below the pectinate line into the anus. There are a number of medical and natural treatment methods for hemorrhoids based on the grade of hemorrhoid. Grade I hemorrhoids can be treated with over-the-counter medications, warm Sitz baths, and by consuming less spicy food. Stool-softening medicines enable easy passage of stools by increasing the water and fat content of the stool. Hemorrhoid treatment creams are effective in reducing the inflammation or swelling at the anal opening. Over-the-counter suppositories are also available for reducing the inflammation at the anus. The severe form of hemorrhoids or Grade 4 hemorrhoids that do not clear with above remedies may require surgical treatment.

There are minerals and salts in urine which lead to the formation of stones in the kidney. There are ways to dissolve kidney stones naturally like drinking copious amounts of water, lemon juice and so on. What are kidney stones? One of the major reasons for the formation of kidney stones would be dehydration. Due to dehydration, the movement of fluid in the kidneys slows down with a higher possibility of salt and mineral compounds getting stuck together. In most cases, calcium oxalate forms hard deposits in the kidney. They can be found in other parts of the urinary tract as well. Kidney stones are also known as calculi. Depending on the size of the stone, surgical intervention may be required. How to dissolve kidney stones without medical intervention is what we’re going to find out. Ways to dissolve kidney stones naturally The process of the kidney stone exiting the body through the urinary tract is known as passing a kidney stone. This could be quite painful in some cases. Before using any methods to dissolve kidney stones naturally, it is important to determine if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are on medications for some ailment. There are antibiotics, blood pressure medications, diuretics, cholesterol and liver medications which don’t agree with natural remedies. These natural remedies to dissolve kidney stones naturally are not monitored by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Water: Prevention and treatment of kidney stones can be easily done with water. It is recommended to have 8 glasses of water per day. If you increase it to 12 glasses per day, then the passage of the stones becomes smoother and the growth of deposits is also checked. Lemon juice: There is citrate in lemon juice which breaks down the deposits of calcium and impedes their growth.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in all the cells of our body. It is essential for the proper functioning and production of hormones like vitamin D and pepsin. Cholesterol is also found in food items from animal sources like egg yolk, cheese, and meat. Even our body is capable of generating all the cholesterol it requires. The thing with cholesterol is to maintain its equilibrium as too much of it tends to combine with other food substances in the blood and form plaque which eventually sticks to the arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. This can subsequently cause multiple coronary heart diseases blocking up the blood flow through the arteries. But as it is said there is always a solution to a problem. Likewise, cholesterol can be easily eliminated by many methods. One being, use of prescribed drugs like statins that function by inhibiting an enzyme needed to produce cholesterol. But with the interaction of these drugs, specific food products can turn out to be very dangerous causing severe side effects like joint aches, muscle pain, vomiting, increased blood sugar, kidney damage and many unexpected neurological side effects. It has also been reported that statins can cause a breakdown in muscle cells leading to permanent muscle damage. Alternative to statins Cholesterol absorption inhibitors If statins are not your savior, then a common alternative to statins is cholesterol absorption inhibitor. These drugs function by preventing your small intestine from properly absorbing the cholesterol you consume. It is pretty evident that what is not absorbed cannot reach your bloodstream. One such inhibitor is “Ezetimibe” which when combined with a low-fat diet helps reduce cholesterol efficiently. Resins Other common alternatives to statins are sequestrants or acid-binding resins. They are efficient and function by binding itself with the bile in your intestines, blocking cholesterol absorption to a great extent.

The dry eye syndrome can be a progressive and chronic condition that needs to be treated as early as possible. Depending on the cause of the problem and severity, the condition might not be completely treatable. However, dry eyes are manageable in most cases and this result in fewer dry eye symptoms, greater eye comfort, and sharper vision. Since the dry eye disease has many causes, various treatment methods can be used. Some treatments focus on managing or reversing the condition while others improve the tear quality or hinder tears from draining away from the eyes quickly. Let’s have a look at the top five effective dry eye treatment options. Artificial tears If you’re experiencing a mild case of dry eyes which is caused by reading, computer use, school work or any other situation cause, the perfect dry eye treatment is using artificial tears or lubricating eye-drops. Usually, the artificial lubricating tears are the initial step in the treatment of dry eyes. You can get different artificial tears brands even without a prescription; this over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating eye drops come in a wide range of ingredients as well as viscosity. Those with a low viscosity offer quick relief with no or little blurring to your vision once applied. However, the relief is short-lived and must be used frequently. High viscosity artificial tears are gel-like and offer long-lasting lubrication. These tears blur your vision so they should only be reserved for bedtime use. Make sure you adhere to the directions on the brand you use and don’t substitute different brands from those the doctor has recommended. Steroid eye drops In recent years, doctors have realized the significance of inflammation in relation to dry eyes. The inflammation causes the burning and redness linked with the dry eye problem even though it may be present without symptoms or signs of dry eyes.

The prostate gland has a direct relationship with pelvic organs such as the rectum, bladder, and pelvic muscles along with the central nervous system. If you are facing the symptoms of enlarged prostate including frequent urination, urinary leakage, and urinary tract infections, among others, then it is vital to seek different remedies. Men with enlarged prostate also suffer from symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even insomnia. Initially, it is best to seek the opinion of a medical professional to establish the extent of the condition. In some cases, the enlargement of the prostate is indicative of an underlying health issue. Thus, it is essential to fully evaluate the treatment options for enlarged prostate before opting for natural treatments. Natural treatments for an enlarged prostate If your problem is at the initial stage and is not yet severe, treatment options may include acupuncture, prostate massage, herbal and nutritional supplements, medical hypnosis, and relaxation. However, if your condition is advanced, then you should depend upon the advice of an experienced health professional. Sometimes, surgeries may be required to remove excess prostate tissue. This procedure is vital to restore full urinary functioning. The traditional treatment, however, includes pharmaceutical medicines that help to alleviate the symptoms and address the root cause of the enlarged prostate. Keep in mind that these medicines may have potential side effects. So, it is best to opt for natural treatments for an enlarged prostate. These include: Adjustments in lifestyle It is only through improvement in your lifestyle that can you address the problem. Here are some natural lifestyle changes that can help with the treatment of an enlarged prostate: Shedding extra weight Eating a healthy diet which is rich in antioxidants Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Increasing the intake of leafy, dark vegetables, and tomatoes Consuming products that contain phytoestrogens, such as soy foods, chickpeas, alfalfa, and fava beans Avoiding red meat, starchy refined foods, carbonated drinks, and nicotine Minimizing alcohol consumption to approximately two drinks per day Reducing caffeine consumption Consuming minimum water right before bedtime Staying hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water daily Walking regularly Incorporating a healthy exercise schedule Learning yoga techniques for reducing the size of the prostate Exploring herbal options Saw palmetto is one of the most common herbal treatments for an enlarged prostate.

Recent medical reports have revealed that life expectancy of the human race has deteriorated over the past few years, thanks to rising stress and poor health conditions. People within the age group of 25 to 45 suffer from serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, facial paralysis and so on due to excessive workload and ignorance of health. According to a health report released by World Health Organization (WHO), on a global platform there are approximately 7.5 million deaths caused because of high blood pressure. High blood pressure also known as hypertension results in medical risks like stroke and coronary heart disease. High blood pressure is a condition where the body puts intense pressure on the heart thereby straining the blood vessels. On the basis of a single reading do not consider that you are suffering from high blood pressure. Doctors need to take multiple readings, over a period of few weeks to understand that constant readings are over 140 or 90. Following are a few remedies which can help your blood pressure in control. Weight check Fast paced lifestyle has brought with it fast food which is not only unhealthy for the body but also is a prime reason of rising obesity cases. People with excess weight around the waist line are the prime targets for high blood pressure. Excess fat puts strains the blood vessels thereby obstructing smooth blood flow to the heart. Create a weight planner and ensure to cut down on excess weight to avoid high blood pressure. Power walks Doctors insist on regular walks to maintain good health. If you are suffering from high blood pressure a brisk power walk must be your mandatory health activity. Brisk walking helps release excess pressure on the heart and blood vessels thereby allowing smooth blood circulation. It also helps in proper circulation of oxygen throughout the body thereby keeping you energized.