Cholesterol plays a vital role in the normal functioning of the body. It is made in the liver and mainly helps in keeping the cell walls of the body flexible and also plays an important role in making several hormones. Then again just like too much of anything is bad, so is too much cholesterol in the body. Just like fat, cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, and instead, it floats in the blood with the help of lipoproteins. Now, different types of lipoproteins have different effects on a person’s health. It has been observed that high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cause cholesterol to deposit in the walls of the blood vessels. This can lead to strokes, clogged arteries, kidney failure, and heart attacks. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) helps carry cholesterol away from the walls of the blood vessels and it prevents various diseases. So, let’s take a look at a few of the natural methods to reduce cholesterol levels. Focus more on monounsaturated fats Unsaturated fats tend to have a double chemical bond, which changes the way they are processed by the body. Monounsaturated fats have only one double bond. Many experts recommend having a low-fat diet for weight loss, but the problem with this diet is that it also reduces the beneficial HDL cholesterol from the body. In contrast, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels or the harmful LDL, but it maintained the healthy HDL level in the body. Monounsaturated fats are good for health as they tend to reduce the level of harmful LDL cholesterol, increase the levels of good HDL cholesterol and inhibit harmful oxidation. Following are some good sources of monounsaturated fats. Avocados Olives and olive oil Tree nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews Canola oil Use polyunsaturated fats, such as Omega-3s Polyunsaturated fats tend to have several double bonds, which changes the way they are used by the body.

The primary sex hormone for men is testosterone. However, a small amount of testosterone is present in the female body as well. The production of this hormone takes place in the testicles of men and ovaries of women. At the time of puberty, testosterone plays a crucial role in hair growth, changes in voice, and other physical changes. It is essential to have the right amount of testosterone throughout one’s lifetime. Here are some of the top natural testosterone boosters. Healthy eating One of the most important natural testosterone boosters is a healthy diet. So, one has to take good care of their dietary habits. If you eat too much, then it will disrupt the level of testosterone in your body. However, increasing the protein, carb, and fat intake can boost your testosterone levels. Consuming whole foods that have a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates can help in optimizing the hormone levels and improving one’s overall health condition. The bottom line is that you cannot overeat or restrict your overall calorie intake. Rather, you must focus on having a balanced diet that gives you protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Lower cortisol and stress levels An increase in the level of cortisol in your body can reduce your testosterone levels. Cortisol and testosterone affect each other inversely. If one increases, the other will inevitably go down. Too much cortisol and stress will increase your food intake, and lead to the storage of harmful fats in various organs of your body. Thus, these factors also play a vital role in weight gain. All these factors will result in a lower level of testosterone. Try to change your lifestyle and avoid stressful situations in your daily life. All of this will help you lower your cortisol and stress level, and boost your testosterone.

According to a survey, diabetes is one of the most rapidly growing health problems. Nowadays, millions of people suffer from raised blood sugar levels. This disease affects people from several age groups. About 132,000 children up to 18 years old have juvenile diabetes. According to medical studies, a fasting blood glucose level that is higher than 126 mg/dL or ranges around 100-125 mg/dL is known as a pre-diabetic condition. If a patient’s blood glucose levels are around 99 mg/dL, it is considered normal. According to a medical survey, the standard benchmark of fasting blood glucose levels is below 83 mg/dL. When a patient’s blood sugar level increases, their risk of heart disease rises as well. There are numerous preventive measures to control your blood sugar level from the start. So if you want to lead a normal life, you can follow some steps to reverse diabetes naturally. Along with these measures, one has to follow a strict schedule which includes healthy eating habits as well as exercises for weight loss. Adding natural foods such as cinnamon or apple cider vinegar to your diet can help improve your body’s insulin sensitivity. Essential tips for reversing diabetes naturally The effectiveness of these reversing techniques will depend upon various factors such as the severity of the condition, the duration for which one has had diabetes, and the genetics of the individual. However, one you inhibit your blood sugar levels, you should not go back to your old habits. Hence, these tips are only valuable if an individual follows a strict schedule along taking medications on time. Here are some essential tips which can help you reverse diabetes naturally: Increase your consumption of foods which contain whole grains The food items which have whole grains contain ample amounts of essential nutrients as well as fiber.

Natural thyroid supplements help combat a poorly functioning thyroid, which leads to a host of problems ranging from fatigue, weight gain and hair loss, to memory issues. It is important that you get your thyroid levels checked when suffering from these problems so that proper treatment can be started. Here are some effective natural thyroid supplements: One Body Thyroid Support An efficiently functioning thyroid, immune system as well as metabolism are the benefits of taking this supplement. An added bonus is that common allergens such as gluten, wheat, milk, soy, fish, egg, and tree nuts are not present in this supplement. It comes with a free book on weight loss and there is a marked improvement in energy as well as concentration levels. Thorne Research – Thyrocsin Vitality and energy levels rise significantly with the use of this supplement and T4 levels are increased due to the presence of iodine and tyrosine. Its formulation is non-glandular. It does not contain GMOs, gluten, wheat, artificial preservatives, barley, rye, nuts or eggs. With a vegetarian-friendly formulation that free of sugar, yeast, corn, soy, and dairy, this supplement is another excellent choice amongst the natural thyroid supplements out there. It has 120 capsules. Zhou Nutrition Thyroid Support Iodine in this supplement ensures that thyroid gets its essential nutrient. There is a significant improvement in mood, metabolism and focus in a natural way. It does not contain soy and gluten because of its non-GMO formula. Its formulation is vegetarian-friendly and it can be used by both men and women. Pure Encapsulations – Thyroid Support Complex Your thyroid functions in a healthy way with the mix of minerals, vitamins as well as herbal extracts present in this supplement. There are no added fillers, common allergens or coating in this hypoallergenic formulation. It is vegetarian-friendly as well as gluten-free.

Neuropathy is a kind of nerve damage which may occur in folks who have diabetes. It can damage or weaken nerves of the person’s body. What are the symptoms of neuropathy? Loss of sensation in the feet Tingling or Numbness of the feet Burning sensations or pain What are the causes of this disease? Genetic factors Alcohol abuse and Smoking Inflammation in the nerves Let’s explore some effective natural treatment for neuropathy, which will give you quick relief. Treatment options for Neuropathy Warm water bathing The warm water bath is one of the ways which can give you relief from the neuropathy. The heat provides the warmth which helps in treating the pain. When heat received in the body, it increases the blood circulation and hence provides the blood to the damaged nerve. You can put Epsom salt in your water for better results. Do it once or twice a week. This will help you more in getting your pain away. Have long shower for about 15 minutes to get relief from the pain. Control your blood sugar Levels Keep a check on your blood sugar levels and don’t let it reach a level which is not good for your health. By keeping your blood sugar levels in control you can reduce the risk of nerve damage by 60%. So, keep a check on your diet and do exercises to control your sugar level in your blood. Capsaicin compound This is an active compound which is found in hot peppers. It is actively used in massaging cremes as massaging with this ingredient makes the part of the body (which has gone through the nerve damage) less sensitive to pain. So, when you suffer from the neuropathy, massage the body part with the product having Capsaicin compound. The massaging creme is available at chemists shop.

Diabetes is recorded to affect millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, the widespread of this condition doesn’t seem to show any signs of slowing, and the only way to deal with it is through effective control. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot effectively transport sugar from the blood to the cells. If left unchecked, it can turn deleterious over the years, leading to the development of several other conditions. It is essential to seek medical help and undergo the right treatment when affected by diabetes. This includes the use of medications like metformin and insulin injections. While medical intervention is usually necessary for diabetes, there are several natural home remedies and measures that can be used to show promise in treating the same. Stay well-hydrated Water plays a key role when keeping blood sugar levels under control. It prevents dehydration and aids in flushing out excess blood sugar from the urine. There are some studies that point at how people who drank more amount of water daily had a reduced risk of developing unhealthy blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of water effectively hydrates the blood and keeps blood sugar levels in check. Keep stress levels in check Stress has a highly negative impact on the levels of blood sugar. In times of excessive stress, hormones such as glucagon and cortisol can cause an immediate spike in the blood sugar levels. Stress can be reduced using several measures such as mindful meditation and daily relaxation. Quality sleep Today, most people lead a lifestyle that has a direct effect on sleep quality. Poor sleeping habits, late sleeping hours, and not getting enough rest can affect blood sugar levels and trigger diabetes. Additionally, improper sleeping habits can increase appetite and bring about unhealthy weight gain. One must get enough quality sleep every night to ensure optimum health.

5 natural treatment options for amyloidosis Those suffering from amyloidosis are impacted due to a build-up of excessive the protein amyloid. Amyloidosis can affect any of organ, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and spleen. If not treated immediately, amyloidosis can lead to organ failure. There is no known cure for this condition, but there are treatment options that control the spread of these abnormal proteins. One of the treatments is the administration of chemotherapy medication. In addition, patients can also use certain methods to naturally treat amyloidosis. Here are five natural ways in which patients can get relief from this disease and control their symptoms: Follow a light-to-moderate exercise regime Amyloidosis often takes away the motivation and physical drive required to exercise. Yet, movement is necessary to stay healthy and keep your joints and muscles in good shape. Strenuous gym sessions are never recommended, but you can opt for a light to moderate exercise pattern. Exercises that may help you include yoga, walking, jogging, or even weight training. Tai chi has also been proven to help relax the mind while working out the body. Practice meditation to de-stress. Patients suffering from amyloidosis often have a hard time following regular sleep patterns. Body ache may force them to take naps during the day which can leave them wide awake at night. This insomnia can then cause fatigue the following day. This is a vicious cycle indeed. Studies have shown that practicing meditation helps a great deal in fighting insomnia and stress that comes along with amyloidosis. Ask for prescription diuretics Amyloidosis often leads to fluid retention and swelling in the extremities. This can cause patients much discomfort. Prescription diuretics are known to be highly effective in dealing with curbing water retention in the body. Do check with your doctor for the diuretic pills that are best suited to your health needs, Eat a balanced diet Amyloidosis can upset the digestive tract and often make a patient lose their appetite.

Dietary changes to naturally treat amyloidosis Amyloidosis is a condition in which the protein amyloid is excessively produced and gathers in the organs. Till date, there is no known cure for this condition; there are, however, many ways to successfully manage this condition naturally. Here are some dietary changes you can make to successfully treat amyloidosis the natural way. Limit salt intake The heart and the kidneys are two organs that suffer major damage from amyloidosis. With this condition, the heart loses its ability to move and circulate blood efficiently. The kidneys lose their ability to retain sufficient protein. These problems can lead to swelling in the body. This swelling becomes most prominent in the hands and feet. A diet that is heavy in salt can worsen the patient’s health. It is always recommended to follow a diet that is low in salt to minimize the damage from swelling. Apart from adding less salt to your food, you would need to minimize your intake of processed snacks and pickles that are high in salt. Limit bowel irritants For those who have bowel problems as part of amyloidosis, doctors recommend limiting the intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee. On the other hand, certain research indicates that tea may have beneficial properties for the digestive tract in people suffering from this condition. Amyloidosis patients also need to minimize intake of spices. Avoid over-drinking water While we often focus on the issue of dehydration and drinking less water, only a few realize the opposite problem that may occur when people drink too much water. For patients suffering from amyloidosis, drinking excess quantities of water can worsen any swelling in the hands and feet. In fact, for people suffering from cardiac amyloidosis, the daily intake of water should not exceed one and a half liters at the most.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to have or maintain an erection that is adequate to engage in intercourse. It may give rise to feelings of inadequacy and shame but one need not worry too much as the condition can be treated. Occasional ED is not a cause for concern; if the condition is long-term and persists and one frequently has a problem keeping an erection, then he will need to treat the underlying disease responsible for the condition. Herein, we look at some natural treatment options that can help treat ED. Check testosterone levels Testosterone levels decline sharply after a man hits 50 according to experts. Every year following 40, testosterone levels are said to drop around 1.3% and this could be a cause for concern. One is advised to consult a doctor if he experiences moodiness, low sex drive, trouble making decisions, or inadequate erections as these are all signs of low testosterone levels. The doctor could talk about the situation and prescribe something to help. Kegel exercises Kegel exercises are repeatedly advised for preventing incontinence and solving other sexual problems like premature ejaculation. However, there is limited evidence to show its efficacy in dealing with ED. Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the muscles in the pelvis repeatedly and it is said to have multiple benefits like allowing men to last longer and preventing incontinence as well. One can definitely try out Kegel exercises but remember that for full efficacy he needs to pursue these exercises daily for a long period of time. Stay away from anabolic steroids Anabolic steroids are used by many sportsmen, athletes, and weightlifters. They are abused to give an added boost to their performance and this has a negative impact on sexual health. These steroids shrink the testicles and sap their ability to produce testosterone.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is characterized by persistent difficulty in maintaining an adequate erection to engage in sexual intercourse. There are several reasons why men get ED: some include natural aging process while others may be the outcome of an underlying medical condition wherein blood vessels and associated nerves that supply blood to the penis are affected. Herein, we discuss some tips you can try to protect your potency and prevent erectile dysfunction. Follow a healthy diet Anything that is bad for the heart is also bad for the penis. Doctors opine that unhealthy food that may be causing blockages to the coronary arteries in your heart may also be responsible for inadequate sexual performance. People who consume fewer vegetables and fruits and more fatty, fried, and processed foods are at a greater risk of erectile dysfunction. According to experts, the best diet is the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and nuts, as these are fats that are healthy for the heart. Keep weight in check Type 2 diabetes can cause nerve damage that affects the entire body. The nerves that supply blood to the penis may also be affected and this could give rise to erectile dysfunction. Maintaining a healthy weight will also allow you to last longer in bed and have a more satisfying sexual life. You are advised to control your weight through a regimen of healthy food and daily exercise. If you are overweight, do consult a nutritionist and join a gym for good guidance on how to stay in shape. Monitor levels of cholesterol and blood pressure It is important to constantly check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Research shows that high blood pressure and cholesterol can severely affect blood vessels that carry blood to the penis. This will give rise to erectile dysfunction.

Teeth begin to turn yellow with age. But, some simple ways can help you in retaining the white color of your teeth. There are numerous tooth whitening kits available in your nearest medical store. But, most of these are chemical-based products, which bleach your teeth. If you want to whiten the teeth and at the same time want to avoid chemicals, you should intake foods that whiten teeth naturally say no to red wine, dark berries, and black coffee. Here is a list of 10 such foods that whiten teeth naturally. Strawberries Strawberries are known as the most efficient natural tooth whitener. They are the storehouse of malic acid, which is a natural astringent that prevents tooth discoloration. No matter how you eat them, cereal, salad or dessert, strawberries will ensure that you always own a brighter smile. You can even mash strawberries and use them as toothpaste as they are counted as one of the top foods that whiten teeth naturally. Seeds and nuts Most of the seeds and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, cashews or sunflower seeds have an abrasive texture. This abrasive texture works as a stain remover of your teeth and naturally whiten them. Onion Ignore its breath. Onions are the prime source of sulfur. The sulfur compounds available in onions keep plaque from forming on your teeth. Keep in mind that the anti-plaque powers of onion work when you eat them raw. Apple The loud crunch of apple helps in strengthening your teeth. Further, its high-water content increases the production of saliva. While eating an apple, this washes away the bacteria and leads to discoloration of teeth. Baking soda Baking soda works almost similar to a bleaching agent. You can switch to baking soda instead of your regular toothpaste to brush your teeth in the morning.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which the patient’s bones become brittle and porous. This increases the chances of getting bone fractures and experiencing joint pain. Sometimes bones become so brittle that coughing or bending over causes a fracture. Although osteoporosis does not have a permanent cure, there are ways to manage its symptoms and strengthen weakened bones. Listed in this article are some of the steps that can be taken to promote bone health naturally. Opt for calcium-rich foods Calcium plays an integral part in the maintenance of bone density for osteoporosis patients, which is why it needs to be incorporated in every meal. Dairy products are an ideal source of calcium. However, calcium-fortified food options like cereals, yogurt, juices, and more can be equally resourceful. Include physical activity In our fast-paced lives, physical activity often takes a backseat. This lack of daily physical activity can prove to be a concern, especially for patients with osteoporosis. Strength training or weight-bearing exercises like swimming, walking, running, hiking, and more are recommended by health care professionals. Eat vitamin-rich foods While vitamin D helps the body improve calcium absorption, vitamin K2 ensures that the absorbed calcium is not lost. Both these crucial components can be obtained from food. However, in some cases, osteoporosis patients might need to be prescribed supplements to overcome vitamin D deficiency. Avoid carbonated drinks One of the negative outcomes of sodas and other fizzy beverages is the loss of bone strength. It is believed that the phosphoric acid present in these drinks hinders the body’s absorption of calcium and results in weaker bones and decreased bone density. Limit sugar intake Unchecked sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, decreased bone density, and increased risk of osteoporosis, all of which needs to be avoided in order to promote good bone health.