Snoring is a very common phenomenon, and you see most people snoring at night. However, the snoring may just not be because of a long day at work. Sleep apnea can cause snoring and leave you feeling tired of the rest of the day. This will affect your mood and can be dangerous to your health. Sleep apnea treatments can help you sleep better and stay energetic for the entire day. The first step is to recognize the symptoms of sleep apnea. There are treatments that can be used at home or you can consult a doctor for sleep apnea treatment too. What is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a condition where your breathing is interrupted when you sleep. The short breaths will interrupt your deep sleep and leave you tired and dull. The interruption may not even be noticed by many. Action must be taken to treat it as it may hinder your productivity and leave you feeling exhausted all day. For treating sleep apnea, the first step is to diagnose the type. Types of sleep apnea There are three types of sleep apnea. The Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common. The soft tissue in the back of the throat becomes relaxed when you sleep and blocks the airflow thus making you snore loudly. The other type is central sleep apnea. This is not as common, and it involves the central nervous system. It happens when the brain loses control over the muscle that aids in breathing. This does not cause snoring as much as the first type. A complex sleep apnea condition is where the patient is affected by a combination of both conditions. Sleep apnea treatment methods There are many ways in which this condition can be treated. Once you identify it and the extent of the condition, you can either try a few home remedies or go to a doctor.

Foot pain is a common problem. This could be due to standing for the complete day, lifestyle choices or some medical problems. Foot pain may occur on the heels, toes, arches, and soles. It causes discomfort to the sufferer. The foot ache can be low, mild and severe. Some pain lasts for short time while others may be chronic. The common causes of foot pain are: Lifestyle Wearing improper shoes can cause discomfort. High heels and tight shoes exert pressure on the toes. Intense exercises, sports, and jogging can also cause foot injury and pain. Medical Reasons Certain medical problems such as diabetes and feet disorders aggravate the foot pain. Arthritis is another big reason for foot pain. Other foot implications such as damaged foot nerves, foot ulcers, hardened foot arteries and sores cause enormous foot pain. People who are obese are prone to foot pain. Foot injuries such as tendinitis, sprain and fractures are other causes of foot pain. Pregnant ladies are more susceptible to foot aches. Warts, ingrown toenails, corns and athlete’s foot are the potential causes of foot ache. Hammertoes, joint pain, calluses and fallen arches could be the probable causes of foot pain. Medical treatment and home remedies for foot pain can cure it. Initially, it is to use herbal remedies for foot pain. Here are some of the best herbal remedies for foot pain: Vinegar Vinegar reduces the inflammation. It is an excellent remedy for foot pain caused by strains and sprains. Take two tablespoons of vinegar and put them in a bucket of hot water. Dip your feet in the water for twenty minutes. Do this twice or thrice every day. Ice Ice numbs the affected foot and relieves pain. Place ice cubes on the aching foot and rub it in circular motions. The coldness numbs the paining nerves and reduces inflammation.

The painfulness of your muscles and bones make you feel tired! Well, then you might be suffering from fibromyalgia. This type of pain spreads often affects a wide area of the body and causes fatigue, sleepiness, mood swing and even memory loss. The painful sensation may occur even when you are at rest and may interrupt the pain signals sent by the brain to the rest of the body. Studies have proven that both men and women can get this condition, yet women are more likely to be affected than men. In most of the cases, fibromyalgia is triggered by an infection, surgery or physical trauma. Excessive psychological stress may at times be responsible for the problem. The symptoms of fibromyalgia can be quite distressing at times. Yet, it can be managed effectively by following some simple tips. Manage your pain with yoga The health benefits of yoga have been proven time and again. You may like to know that researchers have proven the fact that yoga can help in controlling fibromyalgia pain significantly. Therefore, you can at once get an appointment with a yoga practitioner and try some gentle poses under his guidance. You can also practice different breathing exercises and meditation to improve your health. Group discussion can also help in the effective control of the pain, especially for people, who have got this as a result of stress or mental trauma. To get the best results, you should always discuss your problem freely with the instructor and abide by his suggestions. Anti-depressants can be useful While yoga plays an effective role in managing fibromyalgia pain, many people prefer anti-depressants for their relief as medications for fibromyalgia. A sound sleep after taking anti-depressants can rejuvenate your body and your brain can also start functioning in a better way.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease which causes pain and swelling in different parts of the body. It has affected more than 5 million people worldwide so far. Treatment for fibromyalgia can be difficult since the exact reasons are not known for this condition. Due to lack of medications for treating fibromyalgia, many people have begun taking food items which have been listed as curative foods for fibromyalgia. Below are listed some of the food items which help in reducing the incidence of fibromyalgia- Fruits Fruits are known to be complex carbohydrates which give the required energy when taken on regular basis. Fruits like apple and bananas are filled with fiber and will help in treating conditions like fibromyalgia. These can be incorporated during meal times and can be a worthy replacement for dessert. Hence, fruits have to be a part of the best diet for fibromyalgia. Vegetables Similar to fruits, vegetables take little more time for digesting since they are also rich in fiber. These keep the blood glucose level in check and are a viable cure for fibromyalgia. These can be incorporated into the diet in different manners, and you can take spinach for breakfast, bell peppers for lunch and roasted broccoli can be taken as dinner. Eating vegetables on a regular basis will help you get rid of fibromyalgia. It has to be a part of the best diet for fibromyalgia. Salmon Salmon is a food rich in omega 3S and is a healthy brain food. Salmon can be taken on a regular basis and you can couple them with walnuts during lunch hours. Salmon is known to reduce fibromyalgia related inflammation and eases the pain also. Hence, it has to be a part of the best diet for fibromyalgia. Chicken and Fish Meat like chicken and fish are also a curative food for fibromyalgia.

Excessive stress brings about a humongous disturbance in your daily routine, affects your diet as well as weakens your immune system. When it comes to maintaining good body metabolism, thyroid gland plays a crucial role in this. The thyroid gland produces a hormone named thyroxin which is necessary to maintain body metabolism. A sudden fluctuation in the functioning of this gland leads to Hashimoto syndrome. Scientifically known has hyperthyroidism it is caused due to an underactive thyroid. One of the reasons for concern today is that ailments associated with thyroid are quite common amongst people within the age group of 30 to 47 years. A lackadaisical attitude towards maintaining a healthy diet as well as zero exercise is one of the prime reasons for people suffering from thyroid. Hashimoto syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system intervenes in the functioning of hormone-producing cells in the thyroid gland thereby causing severe inflammation. People suffering from this syndrome need to maintain and mandatorily follow a strict Hashimoto’s diet plan to help maintain thyroid stability. Iodine Iodine is the most important element which helps in proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Seafood is rich in iodine and hence is a part and parcel of Hashimoto’s diet plan. People suffering from hyperthyroidism must ensure to have a regular intake of iodine in your daily Hashimoto’s diet. The right proportion of iodine helps in strengthening the thyroid gland thereby avoiding the Hashimoto syndrome. Consult a dietician for Hashimoto’s diet plan People are unaware of such kind of ailments caused due to thyroid weakening and hence end up consuming more than required about of food thereby aggravating their conditions. Individuals down with this syndrome need to maintain their intake amount which is possible only with a proper Hashimoto’s diet plan. People suffering from this ailment must consult a dietician before consuming any form of food.

Does your sleep often get disturbed by painful leg cramps at night? These cramps are a common problem experienced by many adults in the country. These ill-timed cramps usually affect the foot and the calf, although they can also cause pain in the hamstring. Although this is a widespread condition, its causes and remedies are far from certain. As you do your research, you will come across many different opinions and theories, but not all of them are true. This article will outline some common causes of leg cramps at night time. Failing to stretch certain muscles Our modern lifestyle is to blame for this. Although our ancestors spent most of their time squatting and walking, our contemporary lives have removed the need for such physical movements. We hardly do any activities that stretch the leg muscles and tendons. Moreover, our sedentary lifestyle decreases tendon and muscle length and reduces flexibility, which could lead to cramping. Sleeping in awkward positions Experts have also noticed that when you lie in bed with your face down, your foot is usually in a “plantar flexion” position. Your toe points are away from you, and this shortens calf muscles. If the foot stays in this position for a long time, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Consider sleeping on your side or in any other position that will keep your toes neutral. Multiple sclerosis Leg cramps at night may also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) which is a nervous system disorder. People who have MS can experience spasticity which may include different types of involuntary muscle twitches and spasms, including leg cramps. Note that spasticity feels like a mild tingling or tightness in the muscles or severe cramping. Tough workouts Vigorous exercise routines are related to different muscle cramps.

Cholesterol levels play a vital role in defining our overall health. It differs from person to person depending on their age, gender, and weight. Cholesterol levels change gradually, and we should check it frequently. Excessive cholesterol can adversely harm your health, and once you cross the age of twenty, you should check your cholesterol levels from time to time. Excessive cholesterol often results in plaque that blocks the arteries. Therefore, you should keep an eye on these levels. Recent studies have shown that nearly one million Americans die due to heart diseases, and one of the primary reasons for these diseases is excessive cholesterol. Why should one maintain healthy cholesterol levels? After getting a cholesterol test, one can check if their cholesterol levels are in the healthy range by consulting a cholesterol level chart, but there are some points that one needs to keep in mind while checking this chart. Generally, cholesterol is measured in three different categories that include total cholesterol, LDL or bad cholesterol, and HDL or good cholesterol. The primary challenge begins with the maintenance of these levels. Experts suggest keeping the total cholesterol and LDL levels low. High cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke and heart diseases among patients. Therefore, it is essential to maintain to maintain one’s cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of heart-related illnesses. The connection between age and cholesterol levels Cholesterol levels have a close relationship with an individual’s age. Excessive cholesterol can lead to several diseases. Moreover, unmanaged cholesterol is tough to treat. Hence, experts suggest maintaining healthy cholesterol levels from an early age. Cholesterol generally affects men after older than 20 years, and usually, children don’t suffer from high cholesterol. You don’t have to check a child’s cholesterol levels more than twice before they turn 18. It is quite rare for children to suffer from high cholesterol, and you should only monitor their cholesterol levels after consulting a doctor.

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.

Cholesterol is a type of fat molecule which is present in your blood. It is an essential component that helps to maintain and shape cell structures. It is vital to have a certain level of cholesterol in your blood, but high levels of cholesterol can be harmful to your health. High levels of cholesterol according to the cholesterol chart could mean that there are deposits of fatty substances in your blood. These fatty substances occur due to high cholesterol levels and make it difficult for your blood to flow through your arteries. It can lead to a heart attack or stroke. A cholesterol levels chart typically monitors your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Types of cholesterol There are two types of cholesterols in your blood, namely high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. HDL helps remove the excess cholesterol while LDL is the cholesterol that accumulates in your arteries. Cholesterol level charts for adults and children Cholesterol levels can be categorized as good, borderline, low, and high. The cholesterol level charts are different for children and adults. The total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels are measured and then categorized as good, low, high, bad or borderline. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has defined the values indicated below. Cholesterol levels for children Good cholesterol corresponds to total cholesterol of 170 or less, HDL cholesterol of 45 or higher, LDL cholesterol of 110 or less, triglycerides of 75 for age group 0-9 years and less than 90 for the age group of 10 to 19. Borderline cholesterol suggests total cholesterol of 170 to 199, HDL cholesterol of 40 to 45, LDL cholesterol of 110 to 129, triglycerides of 75-99 for age group 0-9 years and 90 to 129 for the age group of 10 to 19.

Testosterone is the male sex hormone which is produced in the testicles of men. It is also produced in small amount by the adrenal glands. The production of testosterone during the puberty age results in physical changes, hair growth and deeper voice of men. It is necessary to have adequate levels of testosterone during adulthood and old age. Optimal levels of testosterone ensure proper sexual functioning (sperm production) and better health. Testosterone also ensures healthy bones and muscles. Healthy levels of testosterone are essential for good health. Aging and chronic illness can result in the loss of testosterone. Now the important question is how to increase testosterone. There are multiple ways to increase the testosterone levels in the body. You can try testosterone-boosting foods and exercises to increase the low testosterone levels. If you are wondering how to increase testosterone, you may try some of these foods. Tuna Tuna fish is a good source of vitamin D. The protein-rich fish has low calories and contributes to higher testosterone production along with better health. You can eat fresh or canned tuna daily to get a proper dose of vitamin D. Sardines or salmons are also rich in vitamin D. Low-fat milk Milk contains calcium and proteins. Drink skimmed milk with fewer fats. Fat is saturated from milk and keeps the cholesterol under control. Saturated milk keeps the testosterone levels under control. Cereals A good intake of cereals can help to increase testosterone. Cereals and low cholesterol foods must be taken for vitamin D. Take nutrient supplements for your breakfast regularly. Egg yolks The nutrient content in egg yolks is higher than egg white. Vitamin D is also present in good levels in egg yolks. Consume egg yolks on daily basis to keep a check on the testosterone. Oysters If you have low testosterone levels, zinc is a necessary nutrient.

A blood pressure test indicates whether a person is suffering from low blood pressure or high blood pressure. The numbers indicated in this test need to be studied carefully to diagnose any potential problems. What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the circulatory system. A normal systolic falls to less than 120 and the corresponding diastole is less than 80. For prehypertension, systolic is 120-139 and diastolic is 80-89. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1 systolic is 140-159 and diastolic is 90-99. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 systolic is 160 or higher while diastolic is 100 or higher. Hypertensive Crisis(Emergency care needed) systolic is higher than 180 and diastolic is higher than 110. A medical professional needs to confirm the diagnosis of high blood pressure as well as evaluate any unusually low blood pressure. In general, it has been observed that low blood pressure readings and lower targets work for populations like the elderly, African-Americans, as well as patients who have underlying health issues like chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Categories of blood pressure The American Heart Association recognizes five categories of blood pressure: Normal blood pressure: Those who have normal blood pressure numbers that fall within the optimal ranges of being less than 120/80 mm Hg have a healthy level of blood pressure. Following heart-healthy habits like getting regular exercise and following a balanced diet goes a long way into maintaining normal blood pressure. Prehypertension: Prehypertension or early stage high blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure consistently ranges from 120-139/80-89 mm Hg. People who have prehypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure unless they take appropriate measures to take it under control. Hypertension Stage 1: Hypertension Stage 1 is marked when blood pressure falls in the range of 140-159/90-99 mm Hg.

Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder in humans. It is a disorder that makes a person lose his or her control over sleep and wakefulness. Many people suffer from excessive sleepiness during the daytime. This is a common symptom of narcolepsy. The sleepiness can be at any time during the day, devoid of any environmental factors such as place, time, or activity. This sudden attack of sleepiness compels the person to drift off to sleep at odd intervals. The actual cause of narcolepsy is not known to health professionals, though studies in the field are still in progress. Difference between normal sleep and narcolepsy sleepiness Sleep is normally associated with night-time, with maybe 1 or 2 short naps during the daytime. The human sleep cycle involves various phases and levels. One does not slumber into a deep sleep the minute he or she closes their eyes. Studies show that a normal person takes approximately 90 minutes after falling asleep to enter a phase of deep sleep. Clinically, this phase of the sleep cycle is termed as Rapid Eye Movement or REM. This is the phase of sleep in which we have dreams. One does not wake up during this time. A patient with narcolepsy enters the REM phase almost immediately after falling asleep. This sleep need not take place during the night but can happen anytime during the day and any number of times. This abnormal and untimely sleep pattern often disrupts the person’s regular sleep cycle resulting in disrupted or sleeplessness during the night. Narcolepsy decreases the overall quality of a person’s sleeping pattern. Causes of narcolepsy The actual cause of narcolepsy is yet to be pinpointed upon by health experts. Researchers and health practitioners are still conducting studies to find out the exact causes of narcolepsy and understand why some people tend to suffer from untimely daytime sleep.