The term osteoporosis translates to “porous bones”, and is a disease in which your body either loses too much bone, or doesn’t make enough bone, or in some cases even both. This results in weakening of the bones. A minor bump, or sneezing can also cause injuries to the body. Women are more prone to being diagnosed with osteoporosis. How do you know you have osteoporosis? While many diseases can be diagnosed as its symptoms are experienced in the early stages, but with osteoporosis, one can experience little to no symptoms. It progresses slowly, making the condition severe over time. Some of the osteoporosis symptoms you need to watch out for are: Experiencing back pain Because of loss of bone density, you may have a fracture or a collapsed vertebrae. In this condition, back pain should be taken lightly as it can relate to your bone health. Loss of height As strange as this sounds, loss of height is one of the signs and symptoms of the onset of osteoporosis. This essentially denotes that your spine has been fractured making you unable to stand straight. Some of these spine fractures are painless so you may not recognize this sooner. Hence, you need to watch out for this osteoporosis symptom. Stooped posture This is another sign that shows a decreased amount of bone density. With bones being more porous and soft, they are unable to hold your body up straight leading to a curved spine. This curved spine naturally leads to a stooped posture. Easy fractures Fractures are not easy injuries, so if you are injuring your bones often, it is probably because your bones are porous and not strong enough. Tips for a healthy lifestyle While you cannot prevent any disease, you sure can manage it, and lower the risk of triggering it further.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the antibodies present in the body mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects over 1.3 million people in the country, as reported in 2018 by Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network. There is no specific cause of RA, and hence treatment is varied, and many rely on home remedies that give them some relief. Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of pain and stiffness caused in arthritis: Mustard oil, and camphor remedy Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor in it. Heat this together till the camphor dissolves completely. Wait till the oil is lukewarm, and then use this mixture to massage on the areas where you experience swelling. Mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to soothe aches and pain. Also, camphor has properties that relieve pain and inflammation. Olive oil and lavender essential oil remedy Take some warm olive oil in a small bowl and add 2 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Use this mixture to massage the affected areas to alleviate discomfort and inflammation. Olive oil has a special compound called oleocanthal, and oleic acid that reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory markers in the body. Lavender essential oil is just for your own home spa experience. Turmeric milk Turmeric has a chemical called curcumin, it helps reduce the pain and brings down the swelling. Many Indian dishes use this as one of the main spices in cooking, but if you aren’t a fan of those recipes you can try turmeric milk. Take one glass of milk and add 1 tablespoon of turmeric. Mix this and consume it daily before going to bed. Consume apple cider vinegar & honey Take one glass of warm water Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar Add 1 tablespoon honey Mix this well, and drink this once daily Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing the pain and stiffness caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

6 FDA-approved medications for high cholesterol High cholesterol leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Over time, these deposits grow, causing difficulties for the blood to flow through the arteries. In some cases, the deposits may break off and form clots. These can cause a stroke or heart attack. There can be multiple causes of high cholesterol; the causes can be genetic or a result of unhealthy lifestyle habits. This makes high cholesterol a preventable and treatable health disorder. High cholesterol can be easily managed by following a balanced and healthy diet along with regular exercise. In case the cholesterol levels are extremely high, medications may be required to control and manage the condition. There are a few medications for high cholesterol that are approved by the FDA. All these medications must be taken only when prescribed by a doctor. Kynamro A cholesterol-lowering medication, Kynamro works by lowering bad cholesterol in the blood, such as non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), apolipoprotein-B (apo-B), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is effective when used along with a low-fat diet and other prescribed treatments. Kynamro is usually recommended to those with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited type of high cholesterol. It is, however, not suitable for those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Although Kynamro lowers high cholesterol levels, it is uncertain if the medication can lower the risk of heart diseases. Altoprev Altoprev, when used with a diet, helps lower blood levels of bad cholesterol such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Altoprev works by increasing the levels of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The medication also lowers the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. A high level of triglycerides increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders. The use of Altoprev has been known to lower the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other heart complications resulting from diabetes.

Almost a third of the population over the age of 60 in the country have experienced symptoms of constipation, which increases with age. An outcome of a poor lifestyle and diet, constipation is difficulty in passing stools or reduction in one’s bowel movement. This article lists foods that not only relieve constipation but are also better for bowel movements. Water: Water is probably the solution to half the health problems in the world. Since dehydration is one of the commonest causes of constipation, and drinking plenty of water can often help in easing or resolving the symptoms. Due to dehydration, the intestines are unable to add enough water to stools — this results in lumpy, dry, and hard stools, leading to constipation. Pulses: Most pulses such as peas, chickpeas, lentils, beans, and more are extremely rich in fiber, which is a nutrient that promotes good digestion and reduces constipation. According to a study conducted in 2017, 100 grams of cooked pulses pack in close to 26% of the daily recommended fiber intake. It also contains substantial quantities of other nutrients that help in easing constipation, such as vitamin B6, zinc, folate, and potassium. Broccoli: Broccoli is an extremely healthy vegetable and contains sulforaphane, which is a substance that could end up protecting the gut and easing digestion too. Sulforaphane could also help in preventing the overgrowth of some intestinal microorganisms, which could interfere with healthy digestion. Broccoli is also said to improve bowel movements. Yogurt and kefir: Probiotics are extremely effective in improving gut health. Many dairy products, including kefir and yogurt, contain microorganisms called probiotics, helping improve gut health and in softening stools. According to a 2014 study, 180 ml of unflavored probiotic yogurt every morning for two weeks improved bowel movements in those with chronic constipation. Fruits: Specific fruits such as pears, apples, grapes, kiwis, raspberries, and blackberries are helpful in solving the problem of constipation.

Everyone wants beautiful hair, as good hair adds charm to one’s personality. Hair care is an important regime to be followed by both men and women. Having shiny and strong hair makes one look confident and presentable. Taking proper care of health makes them last longer and reflects a person’s personality. Some essential hair care tips for healthy hair growth are as follows: Avoid washing hair daily Pat dry your Use a good conditioner Minimize the use of styling products Make sure you use heat protectants before styling A regular hair care regimen helps in keeping healthy hair but healthy food habits help in promoting healthy growth of hair. It also helps in keeping the hair strong and shiny. Apart from caring for the hair, a proper diet also plays an important role in keeping the hair healthy. Read on to know more about what are the best foods for healthy hair growth. Proteins A protein-rich diet not only helps in promoting healthy growth of hair, but it also strengthens the hair, making it look silky and shiny look. Whole eggs, almonds, lean beef, tuna, peanuts, milk are rich in protein nutrients which can be easily added to one’s diet. Protein supplements are also available. Iron One of the main causes of hair loss is iron deficiency. Due to a lack of sufficient iron nutrients to the hair roots, the problem of hair thinning and hair fall begins. So it is very important to eat foods that are rich in iron like dark leafy vegetables, fish, chickpeas, soybeans. Omega-3 and fatty acids As the body cannot produce these healthy fatty acids one needs to get its nutrients from foods containing omega-3. The nutrients in these fatty acids provide volume and nourishment to the hair. Some foods rich in Omega 3 are walnuts, salmon, canola oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not a life-threatening problem but it can alter your lifestyle drastically. Women are more likely affected by this condition and it can be experienced during their late teens to the early 40s. IBS tends to affect bowel habits drastically. One can experience discomfort or pain while passing stools. Your bowel habits are likely to change completely from less or more than normal which can be diarrhea or constipation. The texture of the stool may be thin, hard, soft or liquid. Some common symptoms of this condition are as follows: Bloating or a lot of gas Constipation Diarrhea Cramps/ belly pain Pellets or flat ribbon stools (i.e. hard or loose) Common things that activate IBS are: Refined grains that are used to make bread and cereals Processed foods Coffee, alcohol Carbonated drinks Dairy products like cheese High protein diets Stress-related activities like work, commuting, family problems, financial issues Medicines that evoke this condition are antibiotics, some antidepressants and sorbitol included medicine like cough syrups Eating in a hurry while working or driving Chewing gum regularly Not exercising enough It is a well-known fact that a proper diet and consumption of the right food helps control IBS to a great degree. Here are some of the diets prescribed for IBS patients. High fiber diet Fiber adds bulk to your stools that helps aid the movement. It is estimated that an adult consumes only 5 to 14 grams of fiber per day. Eating 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day is an essential way to manage IBS. Foods such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are high in fiber that helps prevent constipation. Low fiber diet People with regular gas and diarrhoea might find it difficult with the high intake of fiber as it can worsen the symptoms.

While sweating is completely natural and, in fact, healthy, excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis can be caused by underlying health conditions like diabetes, menopause, and tuberculosis. Following a nutrient-dense food regimen plays a crucial role in keeping one healthy, and in this case, it can help one manage hyperhidrosis. On that note, here is a list of must-have foods one should eat daily to keep their body cool and decrease sweating. Foods to eat Water-dense fruits and vegetables Staying hydrated is a great way to manage excessive sweating. One can add water-dense fruits and vegetables to their meals in addition to drinking water and beverages that are low in sugar. Regularly eating watermelon, apples, oranges, peaches, pineapples, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries, grapes, celery, eggplant, and red cabbage can reduce excessive sweating episodes. Calcium-rich foods like low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt Calcium is an essential mineral that regulates the body’s temperature. Getting enough calcium through meals is vital for those dealing with excessive sweating. A few calcium-rich foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark leafy greens. Those who have been told to decrease their fat intake due to health reasons can look for low-fat substitutes of yogurt, cheese, and milk. It is important to note that having low-fat foods can be beneficial for those with hyperhidrosis, as the body needs more energy to digest high-fat foods, leading to excessive sweating. Green tea Decaffeinated green tea is a great way to keep the body cool. This beverage is known to help calm the nerves, thereby reducing sweating. One can think of replacing their daily cup of Joe with tea. Magnesium-rich foods like almond, cashew, spinach, and soy Excessive sweating can cause a deficiency in magnesium, so it is important to include foods like spinach, almonds, soy, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and dark chocolate in one’s meals.

Every once in a while, there’s a question that even the most outgoing of individuals find uncomfortable discussing with a gynecologist. While it’s normal to feel that way out of fear of judgment, most gynecologists will tell you that these topics come up regularly and are vital to ensure that you are in good reproductive and vaginal health. Here are some of the most frequently asked “uncomfortable” questions at the gynecologist’s office: Should I groom my pubic hair before my visit? If it’s your first time visiting a gynecologist, or you’re meeting a new one, it can be a very intimidating experience and cause you to ponder whether you need to groom your pubic hair in advance. Instead of thinking of what gynecologists think about your grooming practices, it is best to go as you are as long as you feel comfortable and clean. Does everything look normal? Oftentimes, you end up thinking about how your vulva looks and how it compares to others. This is completely normal, but it is vital to remember that vulvas come in various shapes and sizes and look different for everyone. If you notice abnormal growth or abrupt changes, it may be advisable to talk about them with your gynecologist. Is vaginal discharge normal? The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, making discharge a completely regular part of its cleansing cycle. The color and consistency of your discharge change throughout your menstrual cycle and may even increase during pregnancy due to changes in hormone levels. However, if you begin to notice changes in your discharge pattern or an odor, it may be a sign of infection that you should have evaluated professionally. Why does my vaginal discharge smell? The vagina is a complex ecosystem of bacteria that can never fully be odorless. This is also impacted by one’s activity levels, lifestyle, and choice of undergarments.

Statistics show that one out of eight American women gets breast cancer during her lifetime. This type of cancer is the most common in women after lung cancer, and researchers discovered that between 1970-2014, the number of breast cancer cases have increased fourfold. Eating more plant-based foods, keeping a check on your body weight, and performing regular exercises may help you to treat breast cancer. There is no one magic food which can prevent or treat this disease on its own. The home remedies listed in this article for breast cancer will not treat this condition completely. They can, however, definitely boost your immune system, and even destroy cancerous tissues to some extent. These include: Garlic This spice is known for its anti-cancer properties because it contains phytochemicals and allyl-sulfur compounds. There are studies which show that garlic can inactivate carcinogens and repair DNA so that cancer loses its power to spread further. Garlic can successfully thwart the blood vessel growth inside the tumor. You can either use whole garlic or slice it to get a mild flavor. Broccoli Broccoli is another great addition to your diet when you are undergoing treatment for breast cancer. It is a cruciferous vegetable which contains glucosinolates, vitamin C, carotenoids, quercetin, and compounds that help deactivate carcinogens. These antioxidant components can decrease inflammation and boost the immune system. Grapes Grapes are a great source of resveratrol, which is a phytochemical known for its anti-cancer properties. There is proof to suggest that the chemical works as an antioxidant. It can retard cancerous cell growth inside the breast tissue. Green tea Green tea contains catechins which have antioxidant effects. It is also said to have anti-cancer properties. Vegetables Lignans present in sesame seeds, flaxseeds, broccoli, and kale are phytoestrogens that can reduce cancerous cell development inside the breast tissue.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ® Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

Various odors and fragrances surround us, but not everyone is tolerant of them. Especially for people with migraine, different strong smells can act as a trigger because of smell sensitivity. Inhalation of these strong odors can lead to dizziness, headaches and other health issues. One can also look for ways to prevent a migraine attack due to such odors. Here are some odors that can be toxic to people with migraine: Car exhaust Car exhausts are among the leading cause of environmental pollution. The gas leak from car exhausts is therefore understandably harmful. The leak has a very strong odor and can be the reason for high CO or carbon monoxide gas buildup over time. These fumes often cause nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness. Cleaning supplies Cleaning supplies often contain Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. These emit gases that may or may not have a strong smell. Exposure to these gases can cause headaches and respiratory issues. They are considered toxic and are often the reason for migraines. Additionally, VOCs can also turn out to be carcinogenic for some people. Therefore, it is essential to use VOC-free cleaning products. Oil-based paints Oil-based paints also contain VOCs. These solvents get released into the environment once the paint is applied on any surface. These VOCs find their way into the body on inhalation, leading to dizziness and migraine. Alternatively, opting for odor-free or water-based paints is also a suitable option. Gasoline Gasoline emits potent vapors that hold the ability to dilate blood vessels. The unnecessary change in the state of blood vessels combined with the strong odors can lead to debilitating migraines and a heavy head. Gasoline generally contains more than 100 chemicals that make it toxic for anyone inhaling it. Using nose plugs is a safe way forward for people who work at places near gasoline or petroleum tanks.

Deep vein thrombosis or DVT occurs when there is a blood clot in one of the deep veins in your body. Here is everything you need to know about the different methods used for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis. When you have a blood clot in one of the deep veins, you are suffering from deep vein thrombosis or DVT. Typically, DVT affects the deep vein in your leg, and may cause swelling and pain in the leg without any other symptoms. You are at a higher risk of developing DVT, if you smoke, are overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, and are over the age of 60. It is extremely important that you keep an eye out for the possible signs of DVT, if you have a high risk of developing it. Deep vein thrombosis is considered to be a serious medical condition because if the blood clots break loose from your vein, they can travel to your lungs and block the blood flow there, leading to a life-threatening complication called pulmonary embolism. Therefore, it is crucial to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of DVT. DVT can show no symptoms in some of the cases, at least initially. However, when you do experience symptoms they will mostly be a pain in the leg that starts in your calf, and swelling in the leg that is affected. Some of the risk factors that are associated with deep vein thrombosis include prolonged bed rest, surgery, inheriting a blood-clotting disorder, pregnancy, smoking, heart failure, age, and cancer. In order to confirm the diagnosis of DVT, you may have to have tests such as duplex ultrasound, MRI and venography. Duplex ultrasound is a painless diagnostic test that uses sound waves to produce pictures of your blood vessels to check for clots.