Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the contents of the stomach move in a backward motion and into the esophagus. A severe form of acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn or acid reflux is a common digestive condition which affects more than 60 million Americans at least once in 30 days, with more than 15 million Americans experiencing this phenomenon every day. There are different heartburn symptoms and signs, the most common one being a burning sensation in the chest. The feeling in the stomach radiates up to the mid-chest or throat. It may also cause a bitter taste in the back of the mouth and often lead to struggle while swallowing and in some cases, it is known to develop breathing problems too. Occasional heartburn is quite common and does not point to anything specific. Majority of the people are able to manage the discomfort caused by heartburn by introducing certain lifestyle changes along with some over-the-counter medications. However, if heartburn is more frequent and interferes with the daily routine, it is an indication pointing to a more serious condition that requires medical attention. Common heartburn symptoms and signs A burning sensation in the upper body, just behind the breastbone that starts immediately after eating and lasts for a few minutes to several hours Chest pain that becomes severe especially after lying down, bending over, or eating A burning sensation in the throat Consistent cramps experienced in the upper abdomen Dry mouth Gum irritation along with tenderness and bleeding Tooth erosion Pain or swelling in the throat Unpleasant breath because of slight regurgitation of acidic foods Bloating Burping or passing gas after meals Sometimes acid in the stomach can escape from the stomach and can make its way into the back of the throat.

Gout is an acute inflammatory type of arthritis. Gout attacks are chronic painful reddish inflammation and tenderness of the joints. The most commonly affected joint is that of the big toe which affects over 50% of the patients. Other commonly affected joints are the elbows, knees, fingers, and toes. Gout is caused by a deposition of uric acid crystals in the bone joints. Uric acid is formed by the natural breakdown of waste material in the body. In normal situations, the kidneys clear out the uric acid produced in the body. In gout, the uric acid is not cleared completely or not cleared out fast enough. Gout can evolve into a chronic condition with recurrent attacks over time. Gout was once called the king’s disease or the rich man’s disease since it was associated with a lavish lifestyle and excessively rich diets. Gout is most common in older men who consume a lot of meat, seafood, and alcohol. Gout: how does it start? The primary cause of gout is elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This uric acid forms crystals that deposit around bones, joints, tendons, and cartilage. The depositions cause inflammation and pain. Over time, uric acid deposits can also cause bone erosion. Gout attacks can start in many ways, but the usual course is a sudden onset of inflammation and redness in the night followed by intense pain in a few hours. This attack can last for days or weeks before subsiding. There may be associated symptoms of fever, fatigue, and insomnia. Lifestyle factors like a high-protein diet and high alcohol consumption are contributing factors. Red meat, seafood, shellfish, beer, etc. are primary stressors for gout attacks. Genetics also plays an important contributing factor. Treatment: best Gout medicine The best approach to gout treatment is a two-pronged approach:

Blood pressure is becoming a common problem among people of all ages. High blood pressure is the result of changes in the body and unhealthy lifestyle practices. High blood pressure is often associated with fatal and risky heart diseases. If you’re wondering how to lower high blood pressure, people suffering from high blood pressure often rely on medication. How effective are these medicines? More than medicine, it is the lifestyle that plays a vital role to lower your blood pressure. However, if your high blood pressure is out of control, it is better to rely on medications until the new and healthy lifestyle practices that you have adopted start making a positive difference to your blood pressure. Once you adopt a healthy lifestyle, you can consider delaying the intake of medications or reduce intake later. If you’re wondering how to lower high blood pressure, these following 10 lifestyle changes can help reduce the levels and its associated risks. Weight loss An excess of weight and a larger waistline indicate unhealthy lifestyle practices. When body weight increases, blood pressure also increases. Excessive weight can also cause breathing problems or sleep apnea, which is a form of disrupted breathing. This increases blood pressure in people already suffering from high blood pressure. Therefore, it becomes apparent to lose weight to lower your high blood pressure. It is, in fact, one of the most effective ways to lower your blood pressure. Losing at least 4.5 kg can have a significant change in the blood pressure of an individual. Another factor to monitor is your waistline. Larger the waistline, more are you at risk of suffering from high blood pressure. Men with a waistline measurement greater than 40 inches and women with their waist measurement greater than 35 inches are at risk of high blood pressure.

Small changes in your current lifestyle can be extremely beneficial for your overall physical and mental well-being. If you suffer from psoriatic arthritis, lifestyle modifications are much needed as there is no cure for this autoimmune disease. Medications would continue as a part of the daily regime, but controlling what you eat and engaging in physical activities can help reduce the symptoms associated with it. Essentially, you try to bring small and basic changes to your current lifestyle, including your eating habits, sleeping patterns, emotional state, and overall quality of life. Following are some of the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis if followed religiously: Exercising Keep the adrenaline pumping no matter what. However, start with slow and low impact exercises such as walking and swimming. Ensure that your regular workouts do not affect your joints in any way. You can additionally switch to yoga for an overall holistic experience. Simple and easy stretching exercises under the guidance of an expert can help too. Also, you may want to consider Tai Chi as it improves the functional strength. Continue with moderate exercises to improve your overall metabolism and strength. Consider Pilates, stationary biking, and water aerobics to improve cardiovascular strength. Eating healthy Your intake must be nutritious, balanced, and healthy so that it improves your overall strength and immunity. Eventually, your overall body metabolism must keep improving to fight psoriatic arthritis and its associated symptoms. Vegetables are the best source of antioxidants. Add loads of Omega-3 fatty acid products to your everyday food such as fish, chia, flaxseeds, walnuts, and salmon. You can also add fiber-rich carbohydrates and proteins to your everyday intake in substantial amounts. No alcohol and substance abuse Try to completely quit smoking or drinking. This is an absolute no as it physically takes a major toll on your body, especially when suffering from psoriatic arthritis.

Peyronie’s disease is the formation of plaque inside the penis which makes it bent in shape. Most men who are suffering from Peyronie’s disease can still have sexual intercourse. However, some might find sexual intercourse to be painful. There are some Peyronie’s disease patients who might find themselves having erectile dysfunction. That is why you need to look for the Peyronie’s disease cure at the earliest in case you are or anyone you know is suffering from the disease. Tests and diagnosis of Peyronie’s disease If you think that you have Peyronie’s disease, the first and foremost thing you have to do is visit a doctor. A thorough physical examination will help you to determine whether you really have the problem or not. This will also involve measuring the size of your penis. By doing so, your doctor will find out the exact location where you have the scar tissue and the amount you have. This examination will also help you to find out whether you have a shortened penis or not. There are times when your doctor might ask you to go for an X-ray test to find out about the existence of the scar. After doing so, he or she might refer you to a urologist. Treatment of Peyronie’s disease If you have Peyronie’s disease, the first thing you would be looking to find out is Peyronie’s disease cure. However, before you proceed further, you should know that there is no cure for this disease. But the good news is, Peyronie’s can be treated. It also may get treated on its own. It is obvious for the doctors to prescribe medications for the disease; however, many doctors like to wait for the symptoms to go away on its own or not in case your symptoms are not that severe.

IBS or irritable bowel syndrome is a condition where patients experience discomfort or pain in the belly along with unusual bowel habits. For some, the bowel movements might be more or lesser than usual, and for others, they might pass a different kind of stool. Almost 25 to 45 million people in the country suffer from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Among them, the majority are women. An individual is more likely to be affected by IBS between their late teens and early 40s. The symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and the passing of mucus during bowel movements. This complex motility and sensory disorder has physical as well as stress-related dimensions. Some people are able to control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, altering their lifestyle, and controlling stress. Others might need the support of medication or counseling. Here are the various treatment options for IBS: Changing the lifestyle and diet Note that your dietary intake, as well as the stress-related factors, can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Discuss measures to reduce or avoid these symptoms with your health care provider or dietitian. Sometimes, even eating smaller quantities in frequent intervals helps reduce abdominal discomfort. Avoiding caffeine and including fiber in one’s diet can help one battle the symptoms of IBS. Adequate rest and exercise reduce stress levels, stimulate the regular contractions of the intestines, and increase positivity. If followed diligently, this can be one of the best treatment options for IBS. Medication If lifestyle changes don’t work, there are numerous medications available in the market that can provide relief from the symptoms of IBS. Even though antispasmodics have limited benefits, if you have the symptoms soon after eating, then such medication helps in relieving the abdominal pain. Consuming anti-diarrheal agents helps in reducing the diarrheal symptoms, but it might not be helpful for the pain associated with IBS.

When the prostate cells divide and multiply abnormally, it causes the organ to get enlarged in size. The benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. A person, who is affected by enlarged prostate experiences difficulties in the urinal and sexual activities. These issues may decrease the affected person’s overall quality of life. Various enlarged prostate treatment options are available which include medications, lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and in critical cases, surgery. Well, before taking any kind of medication, it is always advisable to consult a medical expert. Here is a list of some of the natural ways along with some healthy lifestyle changes that can help to ease the enlarged prostate symptoms. Lifestyle changes The following lifestyle tips are a major part of the prostate enlargement treatment: Eating fruits and such foods that are rich in fiber will help you in avoiding constipation. Constipation can put extra pressure on your bladder and can worsen the enlarged prostate symptoms. It is better not to go to sleep with a full bladder. Hence, you should avoid drinking fluids 1 or 2 hours prior to your bedtime. Make a habit of drinking at least 2 liters of water on a regular basis. Also, as much as you need to stay hydrated, make sure not to drink too much water at one go. Having regular exercise is another important part of the treatment of enlarged prostate. You should learn how to maintain a healthy body weight. Double voiding can help you in dealing with this condition. While visiting the bathroom, after urinating once, try to urinate again after a few minutes just to drain the bladder as much as you can. You can use absorbent urinary pants or pads that can absorb the urine leaks. It will also help to reduce the discomfort caused by wetness.

Irritable bowel syndrome, which is also known with its abbreviated form IBS refers to a colon disorder or the large intestine disorder. Being a chronic disorder, it can affect the normal lifestyle of patients to a great extent. Though the symptoms often vary from one patient to other, the common signs experienced by patients are constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain and cramping. Even if the signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are quite distressing, it does not increase the risk of colorectal cancer. Apart from a few exceptional cases, the signs and symptom of irritable bowel syndrome can be easily controlled with certain irritable syndrome medication as well as lifestyle changes. Medication to treat irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome is generally treated depending on the symptoms experienced by patients, as the causes often vary from one individual to other. Apart from lifestyle and dietary changes, doctors recommend two types of irritable bowel syndrome medications for treating the condition, viz. Alosetron and Lubiprostone. Alosetron works by relaxing the colon and controlling the waste movement by lowering bowel. Though this is an effective medicine for Irritable bowel syndrome, it is seldom prescribed owing to some side-effects related to it. Doctors prescribe it when other medications fail to control diarrhea or improve the symptoms of IBS. Lubiprostone is an effective medication for women, who have attained the age of 18 years and are seldom used for men. It increases the fluid secretion in the small intestine, which in turn helps the stool to pass easily. Patients taking this medicine often complain of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Supplements and symptomatic medication for irritable bowel syndrome Antispasmodic and anticholinergic medication- Patients complaining of painful bowel spasm or diarrhea are generally prescribed this irritable syndrome medication to control bowel movement. However, some may get constipated or face difficulty in urinating after taking this medication.

The human body comprises 75% of water. On an average, people drink 7–8 glasses of water per day and most of the water is lost from our body in the form of stools. Drinking sufficient water helps to digest our food and prevents the hardening of the stool. Our body needs a lot of water for the normal functioning of the digestive system. Constipation occurs if people do not drink an adequate amount of water or if their fluid intake is less. Moreover, constipation occurs due to unnecessary retaining of stool in our body for a longer time. If it’s difficult, uneasy, painful, or infrequent to pass the stool it can lead to chronic constipation. Constipation is very common nowadays due to changes in one’s lifestyle, and it’s not considered as a disease but as one of the symptoms of a disease. Constipation is considered as one of the gastrointestinal disorders and it represents one of the major public health concerns. Constipation is more prevalent among women than men and it progresses with age. Constipation is related to colon and rectal diseases and it can affect other organs if medical supervision is not taken. Constipation affects the quality of our life, well being leading to stress and anxiety thereby weakening the immune system. Causes of severe constipation Constipation is difficulty in passing stools out of our body or irregularity in bowel movements. Causes of constipation range from various factors depending on dietary patterns, age, gender, exercise, and bowel habits. – Lack of physical activity and exercise can lead to constipation. Lack of exercise or living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the same. – Side effects of prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and a certain dosage of drugs can lead to constipation. Medicines or drugs alter our bowel movements causing its irregularity.

Gout pain can become unbearable if not treated properly. It might be an activity which requires a change in the lifestyle and also proper medications. There are some basic steps to get relief from an acute gout attack. First and foremost, one should put an ice pack on the affected area and drink more water. Sometimes stress can also be a cause of gout attack, so one needs to keep patience. With the increase in age, the pain gets more unbearable, and the chances of getting gout attacks are high. So a proper maintenance of lifestyle is very important along with regular doctor checkups and proper body examinations. Normally a gout attack stays for a week and then it goes away, sometime it may take more than a year. But even after getting relief after a gout attack, it may come back later sometime. So it is important to consult a doctor for further treatment and to maintain the lifestyle required to fight the pain. Some of the medicines often prescribed by doctors are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for quick relief from pain and swelling of the foot. If such medicines can be taken within 24 hours, they can be very effective. Also, there are corticosteroids, which can be both injected or consumed directly. It can be injected directly if other medicines fail to do the job. Normally, it also starts working within 24 hours after taking them. A 2000-year-old technique used to get relief from gout pain is the cochicine. It is obtained from plants. Just like all medicines used for treating gout, cochicine is also very effective and is still a popular remedy to fight the pain. An increase in the level of the uric acid in the blood is one of the main causes of a gout attack.

High cholesterol makes you extremely vulnerable to a lot of health complications including stroke, heart attack, and other types of heart diseases. How to lower cholesterol? The cholesterol available in your body can be controlled with the help of medications; however, the most preferred method would be to bring the right lifestyle changes. Even if you are using medications, changes in your lifestyle can speed up the cholesterol-lowering effect. Consume healthy fats Following unhealthy eating habits has become common practice nowadays. People are after junk foods and over a period of time, they develop unhealthy eating habits. If you’re wondering how to cholesterol, you must introduce some changes in your diet to lower your cholesterol and lower your heart. Excess consumption of saturated fats is not a good option. These types of fats can be found in dairy and red meat products and they increase your total cholesterol and bad cholesterol called LDL. Doctors advise people to keep the daily calories from saturated fat to below 7 percent. The healthier options of fat are monounsaturated fats and these types of fats can be found in canola oils and olive oil. You can eat low-fat dairy products and leaner cuts of meat to have healthy fats. Remove foods that contain trans fats from your diet Trans fats raise your bad cholesterol (LDL) and they also reduce the quantity of HDL or good cholesterol. When you keep on consuming trans fats, you are increasing the chances of getting affected with heart attacks. Fried foods are the main source of trans fats and several commercial products available in the market also contain these types of fats. If you consume products like snack cakes, crackers, and cookies; you are absorbing these unwanted fats. Small quantities of trans fat add up when you keep on consuming processed foods, and you should avoid food items that contain partially hydrogenated oils.

Strong medications are not the only answer if you want to lower cholesterol. These lifestyle changes can be effective too. It is estimated that over 100 million Americans have high cholesterol levels, which can lead to further health problems, and even cause strokes and heart attacks. Cholesterol in your body is a waxy substance found in the fats of your blood. While this substance is required to continue the process of building healthy cells in your body, too much of it can clog your arteries and put you at an increased risk of heart diseases. High cholesterol is often the result of unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle, although in some cases it may be an inherited condition. You can lower cholesterol in your body with medications, but there are also ways in which you can achieve optimum cholesterol levels naturally. If you want to lower cholesterol without the use of chemical drugs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best solutions. Here are some tips and lifestyle changes that you can make to lower cholesterol the natural way. Make dietary changes Maintaining a healthy diet is the most effective way to lower cholesterol. Even if you have not been eating healthy till now, it’s not too late to start. Here’s how you can modify your regular diet. Do away with trans fats : Eating foods that have trans fats increases the “bad” cholesterol and lowers the “good” cholesterol, which can increase your risk of heart attacks. Avoid these fats in your diet by eliminating deep fried foods and commercial packaged food. Even small amounts of trans fats can cause harm, so if the ingredient list on a food package says ‘partially hydrogenated oils,’ give it a miss. Opt for healthier fats: Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids can help to lower cholesterol as these are healthier fat options, and these are founds in oils derived from sunflower, canola, grapeseed, olive, and peanuts.