A prevalent digestive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) currently affects millions of individuals in the country. This chronic condition causes abdominal pain and distress in the large intestine causing unusual bowel movements. The common symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea with constipation, intestinal cramps post meals, bloating, etc. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person. Interestingly, IBS is more common in women. However, the precise reason behind it is still not known. Although there is a combination of issues that can trigger IBS such as food allergies, pain sensitivity, bacterial infections, an imbalance in body chemicals, hereditary factors, psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, etc. There are three types of IBS, i.e., IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, and IBS mix (diarrhea with constipation). You can seek the help of your doctor for irritable bowel syndrome treatment, based on the type of your IBS distress. To help you understand your options better, here are some of the common irritable bowel syndrome treatments implemented. The remedies mentioned below are a combination of medical assistance and personal initiatives to improve your IBS condition. Medications – Under your doctor’s guidance, you can begin a course of prescription drugs. These may include antispasmodics, antidepressants, antibiotics, etc., which can assist in alleviating some of your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend any one of these or a combination of medications. For instance, antispasmodic medicines are for relieving spasms and abdominal pain. Moreover, antibiotics will be apt for an irritable bowel syndrome treatment for controlling bacterial infections. However, always remember you should not consume any medications without your doctor’s knowledge. Apart from prescription drugs, there are certain over-the-counter medications which can aid in decreasing your digestive woes. Psychological assistance – If the onset of IBS has led to depression or anxiety, then you should visit a therapist who could counsel you about stress management.

The blood sugar levels indicate the amount of glucose which is a source of energy in the body. It is the body’s ability to produce insulin and process sugar. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A person’s ideal blood sugar levels in a single day are measured using blood sugar level charts or blood glucose charts. This measure also includes blood sugar levels before and after meals. According to standard blood sugar level charts, the normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL. The blood sugar level can go up to 120 mg/dL after a meal. This usually comes down to normal levels in about two hours. The blood sugar level can be determined through a series of blood tests. These tests are conducted before a meal, which is known as fasting sugar value, and after a meal, which is known as post prandial or post meal value. The post prandial blood sugar level is measured two hours after a meal. Depending on the readings of the blood test, a person might suffer from low blood sugar or high blood sugar, if the sugar levels do not fall under the normal range. Here are a few diagnostic ranges that are given in every blood sugar level charts. The ranges are divided into three categories: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. These ranges will indicate whether a person is at a risk of having diabetes or not. Normal: If the minimum fasting value is 70 mg/dL and the maximum fasting value is 100 mg/dL, along with the post prandial value falling below 140 mg/dL, the person has normal blood sugar level according to the blood sugar level charts. There is no risk of diabetes. Pre-diabetes: The fasting glucose level is between 101 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body and extremely painful. The abnormal metabolism of uric acid results in the excess of it in the tissues of the body and blood. In case of an individual who suffers from gout, the body either produces too much of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Gout can be a primary condition or can be associated with other medical conditions. High levels of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of urate crystals that get deposited in the joints. This causes excess inflammation and pain. Gout can affect anybody, irrespective of gender and age. However, men are more likely to suffer from this condition. Also, a large number of women are susceptible to gout after the period of menopause. Gout causes an attack that can be described as a string or severe burning. These gout attacks can occur at any time, however, they are more likely to spring-up in the middle of the night. During a gout flare, the skin looks red and there is severe swelling in the joint. The base of the big toe joint is the most common place for gout, followed by the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist. The pain is in the joint can be so excruciating that the mere touch of the finger can send down a burning sensation. Gout comes with a few symptoms that begin with redness in the area and severe tenderness. A sudden attack can be the first sign and stop spontaneously after a while. The pain and swelling eventually disappear even without treatment but common returns after a few days in the same or another joint. As gout flares increase in frequency, the pain caused is much more severe and last longer.

Heartburn is a condition wherein the stomach acid leaks into the esophageal system thus causing irritation and discomfort. There are a number of heartburn symptoms and triggers which are caused due to the malfunctioning of the LES sphincter which is a natural flap that stops stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Although there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat this disorder, it is always better to find some natural and home-made remedies to counter discomforts. The following 11 natural, home remedies can aid in treating heartburn symptoms: Baking soda: Baking soda has proven to be quite effective to cure heartburn symptoms. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, a spoonful of baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the burning sensation of heartburn caused due to a gastrointestinal reflux. It also has a high pH level which helps neutralize stomach acid. Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a natural therapy to help soothe the discomfort caused due to heartburn. Aloe vera has a lot of uses because of its anti-inflammation properties. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid to be thrown up into the esophagus and thus causes the burning and irritating sensation, which can be calmed down with a nice glass of aloe vera juice. Chamomile tea: Heartburn symptoms can also be a result of certain foods or beverages which do not get properly ingested into our system. There are certain foods that might actually be the cause of severe heartburn. Chamomile tea helps reduce the inflammation caused due to these foods and balances the acid level in your stomach. Stress is another factor which is known to trigger heartburn symptoms through acid reflux, which is why having a cup of chamomile tea on a regular basis is advisable. Mustard: Although at first, it may sound very odd to consume a spoonful of mustard straight up, this has proven to be a somewhat effective remedy for curing any heartburn symptoms.

The sluggish way of life and lack of planned routine is hampering human health thereby affecting the immunity level and paving the way for serious medical illness. The increasing fast-paced life has brought with its addiction to foods which directly harm primary organs of the body. Medical conditions which could initially be identified in geriatric people are now being seen in people falling within the age group of 30 to 45. Heartburn is one such condition which is commonly found in youngsters today thanks to binging disorders and haywire routine. Heartburn is a condition where contents of the stomach get pushed through the esophagus thereby leaving a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Heartburn is also commonly known as acid reflux. Repeated bouts of this acid reflux, if not treated on time can lead to severe gastro related medical conditions. Apart from consulting a doctor, here are a few remedies to help suffice pain and burn caused due to heartburn. Chewing gum Saliva is a natural healing element to it which helps in sufficing the burning sensation caused due to heart burn. Medical research has proved that people who are suffering from heartburn, chewed chewing gum and experienced pain relief caused due to heartburn. Constant chewing of chewing gums increases the production of saliva in the mouth which in turn helps in diluting the acidic elements caused by heartburn thereby leaving a soothing effect. Aloe Vera Herbal healing remedies are one of the finest and trusted forms of medicines when it comes to medical conditions like heartburn. Aloe has a natural soothing component which helps in cooling down the burning sensation caused because of stomach acids. If consumption of raw aloe is quite difficult for you, then you can find natural aloe juices in herbal medical shops. Consumption of a spoonful of raw aloe or half a cup of aloe juice on a regular basis will help to keep heartburn at bay.

Regular exercise, healthy eating, insulin therapy and monitoring blood sugar levels are the most important methods that help deal with type 2 diabetes. Although no specific diet has been proven to work for diabetes, it has been observed that a diet that has low-fat foods and high in fiber works well to keep a multitude of health issues at bay, including diabetes. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables should be regularly consumed. Eating less meat, sweets and refined carbohydrates are also helpful. Another factor that helps reduce the risk of diabetes type 2 as well as managing the problem is consuming foods that have a low glycemic index. Glycemic index is a quantity that measures the rate at which a particular food raises the blood sugar upon consumption. If food upon consumption, raises the glycemic index very quickly, it will be known as food with a high glycemic index. If food raises the blood sugar slowly upon consumption, it will be known as a portion of food with a low glycemic index. Foods that have a low glycemic index usually have a lot of fiber and are considered healthier. Exercise While everybody requires aerobic exercises on a daily basis, people with type 2 diabetes need it even more. However, people who have diabetes need to consult with a doctor before starting with an exercise program. People are advised to choose activities that they enjoy, and this can range from biking, walking, dancing and swimming. It is necessary to make physical activity a part of daily life. A good recommendation to stay healthy is to work out or exercise for at least 30 minutes for at least five days in a week. Anybody who does not exercise regularly needs to build up their stamina slowly and steadily and include exercises like strength training and stretching.

A chronic inflammatory disorder, Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation to the gastrointestinal tract. It may develop anywhere between mouth and anus. Some brief points regarding Crohn’s disease information are listed below Crohn’s disease usually occurs at the end of the small intestine It appears in patches. This means, the inflammation will not be constant throughout the gastro intestinal tract, it would appear near the rectum and some patches of inflammation would be prominent in the mouth. Crohn’s disease sometimes extends through the entire thickness of the wall Crohn’s disease information available on the internet might confuse the reader as this inflammatory bowel disease has similar symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The main difference between Crohn’s disease is that IBS is a disorder that it affects the muscle contractions of the bowel while Chron’s disease causes inflammation to the gastrointestinal tract. There is no information entailing the causes of Crohn’s disease. Several studies suggest it is caused by some factors that involve genetics, environment, and an overactive immune system. It is a misconception that Crohn’s disease is caused due to eating habits. Crohn’s disease characteristic information states that its severity is different for different people and may vary from time to time. It also depends on which gastrointestinal tract is infected. And since the symptoms vary from person to person, it might be harder to track the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Some common Crohn’s disease symptoms include: Rectal bleeding Unexplained weight loss Fever Recurring Diarrhea Abdominal pain and cramping with reduced appetite Based on the area of inflammation there are five types of Crohn’s disease: Ileocolitis This Crohn’s disease affects ileum, which is the end of small intestine and colon which is the part large intestine. The symptoms include diarrhea, cramping flowed by pain in the right lower abdomen, and sudden weight loss.

Uric acid is a natural waste product that results from the breakdown of crystalline compounds found in the body. Usually, uric acid dissolves in the blood and gets passed out in the form of urine. If your food contains high amounts of purine, the kidneys are unable to get rid of the excess amount of uric acid. When the uric acid levels in the blood become too high, it leads to serious ailments including gout. To prevent the formation or progress of gout, it is imperative that we maintain a well-balanced diet and have proper medication. To lower uric acid levels in the body, it is essential that some lifestyle changes are incorporated. Some of the ways that can help lower uric acid levels in the blood stream have been listed below. Try to avoid beverages with fructose High fructose drinks and soda consumption increase the risk of gout and should, therefore, be avoided. Fruit juices and sugary drinks should be eliminated from the diet. Avoid alcohol Since alcohol is responsible for dehydrating the body, limiting or entirely avoiding alcohol is the best way to lower uric acid levels in the body. Beer which is high in yeast content is responsible for increasing uric acid in the blood stream, wine, on the contrary, has little effect on uric acid levels. Try to reduce inflammation Often inflammation in the body can lead to the concentration of uric acid. To eliminate inflammation and lower uric acid levels, it is advised that you include foods with anti-inflammatory properties. You can also include diuretic foods that can alkalize the blood and reduce inflammation and uric acid. Maintain a healthy body weight Excess of body weight can be a result of having a high purine diet. However, at times rapid weight loss can also be one of the causes of high uric acid.

Though we try to lead a healthy lifestyle by making the necessary amends, some defect in the bodily functions, caused due to some ailment or the process of aging, can cause us great pain and unease. Though a majority of these diseases are curable, they cause immense discomfort and excruciating pain while they last. Gout is one such disease that affects a person’s ability to move around freely. The individual suffering from gout can experience a gout attack anytime, and the only saving grace is to opt for home remedies that would give quick gout relief. The following sections will help increase your awareness about gout. What is gout? Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the feet, especially the big toe. It is characterized by a sudden onset of stiffness, sudden excruciating pain, and swelling in joints, especially the big toe. Gout arthritis is known to cause severe damage to the tendons, joints, and tissues if it is left untreated over a long period. Gout attacks can cause severe pain, and it renders the person unable to move around. Gout shows all the symptoms that accompany all types of arthritis. What causes gout? Gout arthritis is the result of high level of uric acid in the blood. People usually have uric acid in their blood, and it is harmless. However, high levels of uric acid in the blood results in the crystallization of the same, and it settles in the joints. These uric acid crystals are the sole cause of the excruciating pain an individual has to suffer when he suffers from gout. Gout attacks subside if one adheres to quick gout relief treatments that can thwart the pain from spreading. What are the home remedies for quick gout relief? There are various medications available for providing relief from the pain caused by gout, but people are often hesitant because of the side-effects caused by the same.

People aged above 50 often complain about chronic knee pain and stiffness in their knee joints. The ache and the stiffness are nothing but symptoms of Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs because of the wear and tear of the tissues in our knees. It is the most common type of arthritis, which you get to see in aging people. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout, caused by weak immune system and high level of uric acid in blood respectively, are other two commonly seen types of arthritis. You must know that there is a long list of different kinds and forms of arthritis known to the medical world. Arthritis pain is one of those annoying pains in the world which demands your attention. You will notice that if arthritis is not treated, it will eventually make something as simple as walking or getting in and out of a seat seem like a task. If you suspect that you may have arthritis, it is advisable to immediately book an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. Meanwhile, there are some easy habits for arthritis pain relief, which you can start implementing in your daily routine. These habits might not cure your arthritis, but they are sure to lessen your pain and help you in the long run. Here are the 5 daily habits one can inculcate for arthritis pain relief: Meditation Meditation is the best mind and body relaxing technique known for arthritis pain relief. Doctors and researchers have noticed that when we are stressed or depressed, our body releases chemicals like cortisol, which suppress our immune system and increase our pain. Meditation helps you keep your stress levels in check and strengthens your immune system. It also helps you relax your muscles, which tense up and knot because of the arthritis pain. Try meditating every day for about 20–30 minutes.

Also known as nocturnal hyperhidrosis, night sweats is a condition where a person experiences an unusually high level of perspiration while asleep. Normally, it is not a serious cause for concern, but in a significant number of cases, night sweats can be a sign of an alarming health condition. The best way to recognize the condition of night sweats is by associating it with your room temperature. For instance, the reason for sweating profusely can be high room temperature or several layers of clothing and sheets. In such a case, you don’t have anything to worry, as you can simply adjust these external factors to sleep comfortably. However, it’s time to see a doctor if external influences are not the causes of night sweats. What are the different night sweats causes? To gain an effective solution for nocturnal hyperhidrosis, you must immediately see a general practitioner. This is because there are several causes of night sweats, so each one will have a different treatment approach. To enlighten you a bit more about this condition, here are some common night sweats causes that you must know about. Menopause – One of the most common night sweats causes in women, menopause significantly affects the hormonal levels in the body. In this condition, the estrogen levels suddenly fall affecting the hypothalamus (a part of the brain that controls the body temperature). The hypothalamus detects the increasing heat in the body, and to reinstate the balance, it prompts the sweat glands. This helps the body to cool off. To minimize the frequency of night sweats during periods, you can use breathing techniques and exercise daily. Doctors can prescribe you with drugs and in extreme cases hormonal therapy. Infections – Like menopause, infections too are a prevalent cause of night sweats. Mostly, because infections lead to fevers and when it breaks, it’ll cause extreme perspiration.

The onset of spring and summer is meant to be all about sunshine, colors, and outdoor trips. But is that not the case with you? Do you associate change of seasons with watery eyes, loss of voice, red nose, and going through endless boxes of tissues? Do you notice that there is a pattern to your allergy and you see them arrive at the same time every year? If you nodded for the above questions, then you are highly likely to suffer from a pollen allergy, hay fever, or as the doctor’s like to address it, allergic rhinitis. But the good news is that you are not alone. It is estimated that more than 25 million Americans suffer from signs of pollen allergies. It is also observed that kids are more vulnerable to catch season allergies than adults. You might be looking for ways to make your life allergy friendly by looking up treatment methods. But if you want to know the best reliefs, you must need to know more pollens, its causes, and the signs of pollen allergies. Let’s start by knowing what are pollens and how do they affect us. What are pollens? Pollens are powdery substances found in flowering plants, which help the plants reproduce their own species. Though some of the population is neutral to these pollens, there is a whole different set of people who are highly sensitive to them. Note that not every flowering plant causes pollen allergy. This is because only some plants like ragweed, oak, maple, etc., transfer pollens by releasing it in the air. Other plants use insects as the medium to transfer the pollen. Symptoms and signs of pollen allergies The signs of pollen allergies can be as simple as sneezing and coughing to something as fatal as tightness in chest and difficulty in breathing.