Who would not love to have hair growth that is just not lustrous but healthy too? Our crowning glory, the quality of hair can be easily damaged due to the lifestyle that we lead today. From unhealthy diets to bad sleeping habits, many factors can have a negative impact on hair growth. Fortunately, there are several measures that you use to improve the natural sheen and growth of your hair. Here are five natural hair treatment ingredients that you use to protect your hair from further damage. They are extremely safe and naturally stimulate healthy growth for the most desirable results. Coconut oil A miracle therapy for maintaining quality hair growth, coconut oil massages revered since ages for its great effects. The oil is extremely high in fatty acid content that penetrates the hair shaft to reduce the loss of protein in the hair. Depending on the type of hair, the massage can be used before or after a hair wash. The oil must be gently massaged into the shaft or the hair and left until well absorbed. According to proven research, the oil can also improve the luster of your hair over time, making it a great treatment option. Onion Juice Onion juice may not be very fragrant, but it does offer some great benefits whenit comes to hair treatment. Onion juice acts as a great blood stimulator and is found to successfully treat alopecia areata. All you have to do is blend in some onion and extract the juice before applying it to your scalp and hair cuticles. Leave it for about 15 minutes before normally washing it off with a natural shampoo. Aloe Vera Aloe vera has one of the best reputations for treating skin and hair issues. Not only does it soothe the scalp but also unblocks hair follicles.

How to manage skin flare-ups for psoriasis: treatment and medications Psoriasis is a skin condition that is known to be a recurring autoimmune disorder. This condition is characterized by red, flaky patches on the skin, and there is a rapid buildup of skin cells, which causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Though some treatments help ease the symptoms of psoriasis, there is no cure for this condition. These treatments are a combination of home remedies and prescribed medications to control specific triggers. Different treatment approaches There are two types of approaches to treating this condition. The first is topical and involves direct application of creams and ointments on the skin to relieve mild to moderate psoriasis. The other is the systemic approach, which involves taking medication orally or injecting it directly to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Since these medications can have severe side-effects, they are just short-term prescriptions. Light therapy is another approach to treatment that uses ultraviolet or natural light to kill the overactive white blood cells that attack healthy skin cells and cause rapid cell growth, leading to the buildup. Patients are advised to use both UVA and UVB light to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Some trade names to be aware of when getting treated for this condition Skyrizi This is the trade name for risankizumab-rzaa. This medication is an injection prescribed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is not known yet whether Skyrizi is safe or effective for children aged below 18 years. Stelara Its generic name is ustekinumab, and this medication is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that causes inflammation. Unlike skyrizi, this is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults as well as children aged 12 years and above.

When the normal functions of the large intestine (colon) are disturbed and one experiences crampy abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea, it is due to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). When one has IBS, the pattern of bowel movements might change over time, that is, bowel movements may occur either more often (diarrhea) or less often (constipation) than usual, like having more than three bowel movements in a day or less than three in a week. Also, the feces may vary in size and consistency; it may be hard, pencil thin, or loose and watery. The exact cause of IBS is not yet known, but factors like bacterial infections, food allergies, and lifestyle patterns play an important role in the development of the condition. Here’s a list of food and snacks that can help one with IBS: Lactose-free dairy products : The natural sugar found in milk is known as lactose. People having IBS show signs of intolerance to lactose, so they should avoid milk and dairy products. The consumption of milk products can be replaced with foods that are lactose free like oat milk, soy milk, or rice milk, and normal cheese can be replaced with hard cheeses, and brie and camembert cheese. One should check for dairy products labeled as lactose-free products before consuming them. Vegetables : For a healthy and balanced diet, one should eat green vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli cause abnormal bowel movements and should be avoided. Instead, vegetables like green beans, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, and squash should be included in the diet. One should also consume cooked vegetables rather than having them raw as it might disturb the bowel movements. Fruits : The fructose present in fruits can also trigger IBS, so one should avoid fruits that are high in fructose and consume fruits or snacks that help with IBS like bananas, blueberries, grapefruit, oranges, and strawberries, which have low fructose.

A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet can not only help fight cancer and also help prevent the risk of it. Cervical cancer is one of the deadliest cancer that women face today. It often originates in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is one of the main reasons for this disease. When the body is exposed to HPV, most often, it is able to fight against it, but at times, the virus survives for years and becomes one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. One can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer through screening tests and a vaccine. Diet can also play a significant role in fighting against this life-altering disease. Read on to know about some of the best superfoods for fighting cervical cancer. Research shows that regular consumption of certain foods, most notably, fruits and vegetables, can help offer protection against cervical cancer. It is so because this cancer is caused by an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and a diet rich in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate can help fight this off effectively. Many superfoods, such as the ones listed below, contain these ingredients that can be beneficial for fighting cervical cancer. Carrots This is not only good for the eyes but also for diseases like cancer as it has both beta-carotene and carotenoids—natural compounds that are highly effective at inhibiting the development of cancer. The best part is that one can eat them in any form. Have them raw in salads or blanch them whole—this vegetable is versatile! Green tea It is a popular alternative drink instead of regular tea and is known to have many health benefits. It is considered as one of the popular superfoods that can help fight cervical cancer due to its antioxidant properties.

Aspects to consider while selecting the best dog food Before grabbing any bag of kibble that you came across online, it’s important that understand your pet’s food requirements. Your dog’s health and development are directly proportional to the quality of nutrients in the food they intake. Dry or wet? High-fiber or protein-rich? Meat-based or vegetarian? Raw or cooked? Packaged or fresh? All of these questions will be answered herein. Think about your dog Selecting the best food for your dog can be confusing, challenging, and costly. While all dogs have similar basic needs, not every one of them can be met with the same type of food. Canines have individual needs based on their health, age, and breed. Of course, bigger breeds have different nutritional needs compared to those of smaller ones. Not to mention the dogs and puppies with special dietary needs. Also, your dog’s lifestyle and weight also play an important role in the selection process. For instance, a hyperactive husky will have different nutritional needs than a nursing one or from a chihuahua that mostly lazes it out on the couch. The number of meals and treats, similarly, would also depend on their weight and allergies. There is a chance that you might end up with prescription dog food if your pet has allergies. Check the ingredients You must remember to check out the ingredient list for the products it contains. While the list does not specify the amount or quality of ingredients used, it comes handy when your dog has special dietary needs. It is also very useful for owners who want to feed their pets with the best dog food and are specific regarding the sources of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber. Dogs aren’t strictly carnivores, but their diet does consist mainly of meat. The mixture of grains, vegetables, meat, and other food sources might not seem appealing to us but dry kibble and wet canned food are nutrient-rich and meet the requirements.

Parkinson’s is a highly common neurodegenerative disease that affects a large number of people. It is characterized by tremors, rigid muscles, and slowed movements. This condition affects the day-to-day life of the individual and makes it very difficult to function. This article lists some foods and medications that can help fight Parkinson’s disease. One must remember that there is no specific foods that can help tackle Parkinson’s disease head-on. Maintaining a healthy body which in turn nurtures a healthy mind is important for Parkinson’s patients. This means that you need to eat cleaner and healthier foods. Here are some foods that can help: Fatty fish Fatty fish that is high in essential omega-3 fatty acids should be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies suggest that the oil extracted from fatty fish can actually help slow the progression of Parkinson’s to a certain extent. This is because of the presence of omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the nerves and even improve neurotransmission. Studies also indicate that omega-3 fatty acids can help slow down the neurodegeneration that takes place due to Parkinson’s disease. Seafood that has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids are mackerel, salmon, and oysters. Foods high in antioxidants Free radicals can cause damage to DNA and fatty tissue. This damage is known as oxidative stress and occurs when there are a large number of free radicals in the body. Multiple studies have found a link between oxidative stress and Parkinson’s disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants can help tackle free radicals. This helps reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Foods that are high in antioxidants include green tea, blueberries, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits. Research further suggests that those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease usually have some sort of nutrition deficiencies. To tackle this, it is important to eat foods that have tons of iron, zinc, and other essential vitamins.

Anxiety disorder is the frequent and intense restlessness regarding activities or events. Usually associated with panic attacks, it involves repeated and sudden feelings of intense terror or fear that reaches its peak within minutes. This feeling can last for a few minutes or for a much longer period, interfering with daily life. Symptoms of anxiety include intense nervousness, restlessness, hyperventilation, trembling, and having a sense of impending doom. Social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder are some examples of the condition. Apart from treating the disorder via therapy and lifestyle changes, the following medications can be used to keep anxiety symptoms at bay. Buspirone (Buspar) It is an inexpensive medication used to treat anxiety, but is slightly less popular than other generic medication. The most common version of Buspirone or Buspar is available with the GoodRx Gold membership club at a discount up to 77% for $4.55 for 60 tablets of 10mg. Make sure to check with the doctor regarding the dosage of the medication before using it; discounts differ accordingly. Alprazolam ER (Xanax XR) Alprazolam is a type of benzodiazepine that is used for treating panic attacks and anxiety. You can buy Xanax ER or Alprazolam ER in the form of a tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, dose pack, and a bottle of oral solution. A GoodRx Gold membership lets you save up to 86% for 30 tablets of 1 mg at $7.13. Diazepam (Valium) Another type of benzodiazepine, Diazepam is used for treating nervousness and anxiety. Diazepam or valium can also be used for relaxing muscles, alcohol withdrawal, and even certain types of seizures. There are generic and brand forms of this medication. It is available at as little as $2.62 with GoodRx Gold for 30 tablets of 5mg. You are thus getting a discount of up to 83% on the average retail price.

Depression is a mood disorder that manifests as persistent sadness and loss of interest. It affects an individual’s feelings, thoughts, and behavior, and it can trigger a variety of physical and mental issues like fatigue, anger, and hopelessness. Depression is much deeper than the feeling of sadness, and nobody can overcome it overnight. Most people require long-term treatment with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Medications are a crucial part of depression treatment, and doctors usually prescribe antidepressants or antianxiety or antipsychotic medications. Let’s look at some of the common medications used for managing depressive symptoms: Zoloft (Sertraline) Zoloft is one of the most popular medications prescribed to people undergoing treatment for depression. It is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), a group of medications that work by boosting the serotonin levels in the brain, which elevates mood. Additionally, it is prescribed to people dealing with panic disorder, anxiety disorders, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If one has a prescription for sertraline, they can sign up for a GoodRx Gold membership to get amazing discounts on both generic and brand versions of the medication. GoodRx Gold offers a whopping 88 percent discount on 30 sertraline tablets of 50 mg. If one is looking for the brand version of Zoloft, they can save up to 17 percent with the membership. Prozac (Fluoxetine) Prozac is another SSRI used to treat major depressive disorder, eating disorders, and a few other mental disorders. The medication affects neurotransmitters in the brain and helps people cope with panic, anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Fluoxetine is available in both generic and brand versions, and a GoodRx Gold membership offers up to 86 percent savings on 30 capsules of 20mg generic fluoxetine. If specifically looking for the Prozac brand, one can get up to 21 percent discount on the same dosage and quantity of the medication.

A migraine is a headache that occurs due to changes in the brain and the blood vessels surrounding it. This headache can last from four hours to three days, with the frequency varying from a daily basis to less than once a year. National Headache Foundation has found out that around 37 million people in the country have issues related to migraine. Also, it affects women three times more than it affects men. Causes of migraine headaches The exact causes of migraine headaches are yet not known, but it is believed that it occurs due to the expansion of the blood vessels and release of some chemicals, which results in the occurrence of pain. Two chemicals, namely serotonin and dopamine, have been found to be responsible for the occurrence of a migraine. These two chemicals are generally found in the brain but can result in abnormal functioning of blood vessels. It is, however, known that different triggers ignite a migraine, and different people have distinct triggers, which incite a migraine in them. Foods such as cheese, nuts, and chocolate are the causes of migraine headaches in some people. Others find that missing a meal can result in a headache, which eventually transforms into a migraine. Tension and stress are some other causes of migraine headaches. This stress could be emotional or physical. Symptoms of a migraine The symptoms of a migraine also vary with people. Five distinct phases of a migraine are known now. Prodrome A migraine has many pre-warnings before it occurs. Change in mood, change in sensations, fatigue, and muscle tension are some of the warnings which indicate that a migraine is about to occur. Aura This is kind of sensory disturbance which precedes a headache. Some people see blind spots and feel as if geometric patterns and colorful lights are visible.

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition which can lead to very serious consequences if not kept under control. Unchecked diabetes may result in cardiovascular problems, blindness, kidney diseases, and various other complications. Aside from medication, there are certain lifestyle and dietary changes which can help an individual manage diabetes. Eating a well-balanced diet helps patients diagnosed with this condition maintain their health more easily. Given below are foods that you should avoid when you have diabetes. Sugary drinks Sugary drinks should be completely avoided when you have diabetes. Not only are these very high in carbohydrate content, but they are also rich in fructose, which causes insulin resistance. Studies show that when you drink sweetened beverages, risks of a diabetes-associated condition such as fatty liver become very high. High fructose content triggers metabolic changes and leads to belly fat, high triglyceride, and blood cholesterol levels. Trans fats Trans fats are very unhealthy and are found in peanut butter, margarine, creamers, spreads, and frozen meals. Food manufacturers often add this to muffins, crackers, and baked products so that they last longer. Trans fats do not spike blood sugar levels directly, but they can cause inflammation, belly fat, and insulin resistance. They also lower good cholesterol levels and impair the function of arteries. White bread, rice, and pasta None of these foods are good for people affected by diabetes because they are processed and high in carbohydrates. It is advisable to stay away from bagels, white bread, and other foods made of refined flour. These raise blood sugar levels in those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Flavored yogurt You must avoid fruit-flavored yogurts as these contain a lot of sugar. Instead, you can consume whole-milk yogurt which is a healthier alternative and beneficial for gut health and weight control. Fried foods Deep-fried foods like french fries and packaged foods must not be part of your diet, as these can produce toxic compounds like aldehydes, which heighten risks of diseases.

There are a variety of treatments for skin conditions like eczema, but unlike with steroids or other medications, treating the condition with natural remedies has no side effects. Eczema leads to the skin becoming excessively dry, itchy, flaky, and oozing clear liquid in severe cases. Luckily, it can easily be treated at home using ingredients commonly found in kitchens. Combining these home remedies for eczema with lifestyle and dietary changes can help the skin heal faster and you may not need to opt for any other medication at all. If the condition does not improve after a week of using home remedies, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Natural remedies to treat eczema Aloe vera You can prepare a gel from the leaves of aloe vera at home or buy a gel from the market. Aloe vera has proven to have positive effects on the skin. It is anti-inflammatory and can improve the body’s immune system, which helps it fight allergies more effectively. Calendula Calendula lotion is made from the calendula flower. It is a natural remedy that is gentle on the skin and helps to reduce symptoms of itchiness. You can mix calendula lotion with aloe vera and apply to the affected area. If you are buying commercially, look for natural calendula lotion without other artificial ingredients. Oatmeal bath To prepare an oatmeal bath to treat eczema, you first need to powder oats. Then, mix this powder into a bath containing lukewarm water and let the oats soak for at least ten minutes. Bathing in the water is very helpful to moisturize the skin and reducing itching. An oatmeal bath also helps to reduce inflammation. Natural oils Several natural oils can be used to moisturize the skin instead of store-bought lotions. These oils, when applied to the eczema-affected area, provide relief from itching.

When the body loses bone mass faster than it can restore its bone health, this bone disease is known as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bone loss and affects the mineral density that makes the bones weak and more susceptible to fractures. An estimated 10 million people in the country suffer from osteoporosis and 80% of the cases reported are women. Identifying the symptoms Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease as one may suffer from the symptoms and be completely unaware of the condition. There are a few ways to watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms that cause pain and can affect a person’s mobility. Some can be identified in the early stages while severe symptoms are only evident in the advanced stages. Symptoms in the early stages A developing condition of osteoporosis can be identified when even the slightest of impact from a fall or injury causes the bones to break. One can watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms in the early stages. Weak gums A receding gum line suggests the jaw is losing bone mass. The gums become weak and can no longer anchor the teeth. Low grip strength If one experiences trouble holding onto an object or maintaining a strong grip, it can be a result of a developing osteoporosis condition. Studies have associated low bone mineral density to reduced hand grip. Brittle fingernails Physical changes in one’s fingernails as a result of compromised bone health is another possible indicator in the early stages. Symptoms in later stages One can watch out for these osteoporosis symptoms in the advanced stages as the bone deterioration increases in intensity. Height loss Loss of height is the most noticeable symptom caused due to the compression of the spine as a result of bone loss. Fractures Fragile bones are more susceptible to fractures and some of the most harmless actions including a sneeze or cough can trigger a mild fracture.