With the number of processed foods on the rise, it is of grave importance to maintain a healthy diet to live a long and fruitful life. While contracting diabetes or high blood pressure may be a result of eating junk food or processed food over periods of time, we can definitely do our bit to ensure that we do not live a life of pills and medications. High cholesterol levels is a great problem faced by many in the country. It is important that we learn how to manage and balance the cholesterol levels in the body. To put it into perspective, there are three different categories of cholesterol. HDL is the good cholesterol, LDL is the bad cholesterol and of course, we have a total cholesterol count. Cholesterol levels vary with weight, age, and gender and we should make it a habit to check our cholesterol levels every 4-6 years. Adults typically have higher cholesterol levels as the body tends to produce more with age. Here is how you can lower LDL cholesterol levels in your body naturally. How to lower LDL cholesterol naturally Diet changes: Bringing about certain changes in your diet can go a long way in helping to reduce LDL levels naturally. Try to reduce eating saturated fats. They are generally present in full-fat dairy products and red meat products. Eliminate trans-fats from your diet. They are often used in cakes, crackers, kinds of margarine, and store-bought cookies. They are labeled as “partially hydrogenated vegetable oil” on boxes. Try to eat food items rich in omega-3 fatty acids. While these do not lower LDL cholesterol levels, they have other health benefits which include the likes of reducing blood pressure and heart-related benefits. Some food items rich in this substance are walnuts, flaxseeds, salmon, mackerel, and herring.

Overreactive bladder or the OAB is a problem with bladder function that causes a sudden need to urinate. Overactive bladder is common among women but may occur in men also. If you’re encountering symptoms of overactive bladder, like an urge to pee eight or more times a day, the necessity to wake up to pee twice or more per night, or urinary leaks, consult a urologist. It can be linked with a lot of underlying diseases. But if it is because of an overreactive bladder, these natural cures for overactive bladder will improve the condition. Cut down on bladder-irritant foods Researches show that spicy foods can be an irritant to the bladder lining. Curry, oranges, spicy chili, chili peppers, or horseradish, and juice are bladder irritants. Furthermore, highly acidic foods can also trigger your bladder. It may not be practical to give up all foods that possibly irritate your bladder, however, you can take note which foods are worst for you, and you can avoid those particularly before bed. Reduce caffeine and alcohol Another of the many natural cures for overactive bladder is reducing caffeine and alcohol consumption. These are diuretics (they make you pee) and they stimulate bladder function. In some women, reducing or eliminating caffeine has helped in decreasing and resolving problems of urinary incontinence. Likewise, alcoholic beverages appear to be bladder stimulants and diuretics in most people. So, if you have a difficulty with urinary continence, drinking even small amounts of alcohol can cause the worst effect. Try to drink coffee in the morning if it is hard for you to skip your daily cup of coffee. And if you crave for a glass of wine limit it to one and keep it away from bedtime. Stay hydrated Drinking water might be the last thing you want to do when you always have the urge to pee.

The blood sugar levels rise when the body fails in transporting the sugar in the blood to the cells. To lead a healthy life, it is important to maintain the blood sugar levels in the body. The best way to control blood sugar levels includes making some lifestyle changes. Here are some ways to naturally lower blood sugar. Regular exercise Exercising on a regular basis is an effective way of weight loss and well as increasing the sensitivity of insulin, leading to lower blood sugar. When the sensitivity of insulin increases, the sugar that is present in your blood is used more efficiently by the cells. Muscle contraction is much better and blood sugar is used by your muscles for energy. If controlling blood sugar is a problem for you, it is important that the levels are checked on a regular basis. This will help you access what form of activity works best for you. Exercise options include brisk walking, biking, running, lifting weights, swimming, hiking and so on. Lower carb intake Insulin takes the glucose created after carbs are broken down by your body and transports it to the cells. This process doesn’t work when the carb intake is too high or the insulin is not functioning properly, leading to higher levels of blood glucose. This can be managed by planning your meals to ensure the carb content is within limits. High fiber intake for diabetes type 1 The digestion of carbs and absorption of sugar are slowed down by fiber. Hence, the rise in the blood sugar levels is also gradual. Fiber can be soluble or insoluble. When it comes to lowering blood sugar levels, soluble fiber is more effective. Type 1 diabetes responds better to a high-fiber diet, which helps reduce blood sugar levels. Vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grain vegetables have high fiber.

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.

Histamine is a chemical that triggers allergic reactions in the body as the immune system’s way of defending the body against foreign matter. It triggers symptoms like a scratchy throat, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Most allergy medications contain antihistamines to combat the symptoms. Apart from medications, certain foods contain nutrients that act as natural antihistamines and may help ease allergies. Here are a few foods that can help combat allergies. Vitamin C Among all natural antihistamines, vitamin C is one of the most effective ones when it comes to dealing with allergy symptoms. The vitamin also boosts the immune system as foods that contain it have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding foods like oranges, lemon, lime, kiwi fruit, and cantaloupe melon to the diet can help relieve allergy symptoms. Bromelain Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and is often useful for alleviating inflammation and swelling of the sinuses due to allergies. It also helps treat respiratory distress caused by allergic reactions. Bromelain is available as a supplement, but it is also naturally present in pineapples. That said, it is recommended to have pineapples in moderation as the fruit also contains histamine. Probiotics This is another highly beneficial group of foods that act as natural antihistamines. Foods with probiotics are good for the immune system and may also help ease allergy symptoms. Probiotic foods contain healthy microbes and are good for gut health and the digestive system. Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso are a few probiotics that can help soothe allergies like allergic rhinitis. Quercetin Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonoid that is commonly found in apples and onions. This natural antihistamine can alleviate respiratory distress that may occur due to allergic reactions. Dietary sources of this enzyme also include honey, raspberries, red grapes, cherries, green leafy vegetables, and citrus fruits. Quercetin is also available in the form of supplements.

Boost your health the natural way with these heart Afib treatment options. Heart Afib or atrial fibrillation is a condition characterized by irregularly fast heartbeats. It is a type of arrhythmia. For people with normal heart functions, the heart contracts and expands at a regular pace producing a regular heartbeat. However, for someone with heart Afib, the upper two chambers of the heart, known as the atria, pump blood at a much faster pace than the lower two chambers, known as the ventricles. The chaotic and irregular beating of the two upper chambers produces beats that are not in synchronization with the lower two chambers. As compared to normal heartbeats that range from 60-100 beats every minute, people with Afib record heart rates from 100-175 per minute. Other than causing irregular flow of blood to your body, heart Afib may also result in complications such as blood clots in the heart, plaque build-ups, etc. According to the National Heart Association, more than 2.7 people in the United States alone suffer from heart Afib. Heart Afib Treatment Plans Symptoms of heart Afib include fatigue and weakness, heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. Not only does heart Afib reduce your quality of life, but it is also a risk factor for a number of other conditions such as a stroke. When it comes to treating heart Afib, doctors advise treatment options depending on what the cause of Afib is in every case. For example, if your heart Afib is being caused due to asthma/COPD, hyperthyroidism, etc., then the treatment plan will include specifically targeted treatment for the underlying problem. In general, treatment plans include conventional allopathic medication. However, many people find that the effect of medication on their heart Afib is not as profound as they would like it to be.

Nerve pain is the result of damaged nerves. Often persistent, nerve pain can be symptomatic of other ailments such as shingles, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis C, cancer, diphtheria, or HIV. Apart from these, there are other causes of nerve pain: deficiency of essential vitamins, aging, and toxin exposure. It has been observed that nearly 30% of nerve pain instances do not have any definite cause. Nerve pain is usually experienced as pinpricks, stabbing, burning sensation, prickling, and sudden electric shocks. The intensity of the pain varies from person to person depending on the cause, the person’s health condition, and their immunity strength. Also known as neuropathic pain, nerve pain may cause hindrance in carrying out routine activities and may make it difficult for the person to work. This may further lead to anxiety, sleeping disorder, or depression. Common signs of nerve pain The feelings of pinpricks, tingling, burning sensation, and so on are the obvious signs of nerve pain. However, these are not the only signs to diagnose and detect nerve pain. The following are some of the additional symptoms that may indicate that what is being experienced is really nerve pain: It becomes difficult to move the body parts affected by the pain. There is a loss of motor ability, There is a sharp, tingling pain from the lower back to one of the legs. The pain always occurs in this part of the body. The ability to coordinate declines and there might be repeated episodes of stumbling and falling. There are occasional periods of intense headaches. These headaches seem to like receiving brief electric shocks. There is excess or no sweating at all. Bladder becomes weak requiring more visits to the bathroom. There is no sensation when there is an injury such as burns or cuts. Popular nerve pain treatment options There are ways to treat nerve pain; nerve pain treatments can decrease the intensity of pain, or in certain cases, treatments can eliminate the pain completely by repairing the damaged nerves.

The liver is also an important part of the digestion process as it helps break down the nutrients in the food, stores them as useful substances, and provides it to your body when required. Not just that, the liver also flushes out the toxins in your body. This makes your liver a vital body organ, which you cannot afford to lose. Hepatitis C (Hep C) is a virus which causes inflammation of the liver, and if left unattended for some time, it causes permanent damage to the liver. Many times, liver damage and Hep C go hand in hand. So, it is important that you start your treatments for Hep C as soon as you find out that you have caught the virus. Hep C is of two types: Acute hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis C. While acute hepatitis is less severe and a short-term viral infection, chronic hepatitis C can cause serious ailments like cirrhosis and liver cancer. The worst thing about Hep C is that most of the times, people don’t find out about their condition until they are nearing the last stage of the disease. This is because the symptoms of this disease in most cases are very generic and not easily distinguishable. Some of the popular medicines prescribed by doctors for hepatitis C include interferon, ribavirin, and many such similar drugs antiviral drugs. Talk to you doctor before taking them as these drugs come with potential side-effects if taken without considering the guidelines. Treatments for Hep C are expensive and there are various factors you need to consider before opting for it. What should you consider before opting for treatments for Hep C? The severity of your disease The type of hepatitis you suffer from Other health conditions you suffer from Your liver health condition Natural treatments for Hep C and lifestyle changes Milk thistle:

The primary male sex hormone is known as testosterone. A woman’s body also contains a small amount of this hormone. This hormone is created in the testicles of a man and the ovary of a woman. Adrenal glands produce small amounts of this hormone too. Testosterone is the hormone that drives physical changes such as the growth of the hair, voice change, and muscle development during the puberty stage in a boy. This hormone is needed in the adulthood phase and old age as well. One has to maintain optimal qualities of this hormone to ensure good health and body composition; it also plays a vital role in making your body resistant to diseases and improving sexual function. If you do not wish to consume any supplements, the following are some natural testosterone boosters you can try. Follow a good stress management technique Many people have become victims of unwanted stress. When you feel stressed all the time, your body produces high amounts of the stress hormone called cortisol. It adversely affects the ability of your body to produce testosterone. You need to manage your stress well by following the right techniques to keep the right amount of testosterone in your body. Workload needs to be reduced and practicing meditation or yoga helps you manage work-related stress. You have to follow a good exercise regime daily and getting engaged in relaxing activities such as listening music and reading motivational books lower your stress to promote the production of testosterone effectively. Cross check your medications Several research studies show that certain medications such as Opioid drugs and Glucocorticoid drugs reduce the testosterone levels available in your body. If you are taking any such medications, you should not stop them abruptly. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor before making any changes.

Cholesterol is present in your bloodstream and is classified as good and bad cholesterol. High levels of LDL or bad cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis, a plaque build up in the arteries which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These include angina, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. If your medical tests reveal, high LDL cholesterol levels, you need to take measures to bring it down. Listed below are ways that help to reduce LDL Cholesterol and keep them within a healthy range. Lose some extra pounds Being overweight can automatically lead to high LDL levels. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and other chronic health conditions. Studies have proved that reduction in body weight does lower the LDL cholesterol levels. Exercising gives your metabolism a boost, and thus increases the fat burning capacity. You can take up low-impact exercises such as jogging, swimming, cycling, and stretching. You can also take up aerobics and running. Following a regular exercise schedule can effectively lower the LDL cholesterol levels by 5% to 10%. Adopt a healthy lifestyle Smoking leads to the formation of oxidized LDL, a potent type of LDL that can lead to atherosclerosis. So quitting cigarettes can considerably reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that you will be able to lower the LDL cholesterol levels by almost 5% by kicking the smoking habit. Limited consumption of alcoholic drinks such as wine and beer has been found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 4% to 8%. However, binge drinking can put you at an increased risk of heart disease. Therefore exercise moderation when it comes to alcohol. Follow the right diet What you eat has a huge impact on your heart health. A nutritious and balanced diet, not only helps you to knock off the excess pounds but also improves your cardiovascular functions.

Fibroids are benign growths in the outer uterine walls in women called the myometrium. Fibroids are also called myomas and can cause pain, pressure, and discomfort in the pelvic region. They are non-cancerous, benign tumors that tend to shrink after menopause. While most of the fibroids do not show any symptom, some can cause noticeable symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding, pain during menstruation, and pelvic, back and leg pain. Modern science has not found any specific causes of fibroids but there are certain factors and conditions that increase the risk of developing fibroids or increasing their growth. Some of these factors are hormonal imbalance, high blood pressure, and obesity. The treatment of fibroids requires a holistic approach that includes right diet, physical exercise, and medical supplements and medication. Here are some natural ways to shrink fibroids. Make Changes To Your Diet The basic rule to follow while making changes to your diet to reduce fibroids is to avoid foods which cause hormonal imbalance and high blood pressure and including healthy, organic food items that keep your body processes running. Here is a list of food items you should avoid and include in your diet to aid in fibroid reduction. Foods To Avoid: Food products like processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and sugar should be avoided as they lead to obesity and hormonal imbalance in the body. Processed meat often contains chemical additives that disrupt the natural chemicals in the body and hinder their proper function. Alcohol and caffeine should also be avoided as they put excessive pressure on the liver and lead to increased estrogen levels and inflammation. Foods To Include: Green Leafy Vegetables Green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamin K. This helps in blood clotting and reducing excessive blood flow during menstruation. Iron Rich Foods One of the symptoms of fibroids is excessive blood loss during menstruation.

Diet is one of the main factors which account for high cholesterol levels in our body. However, maintaining a proper diet can also help maintain cholesterol at requisite levels. If we choose the right foods to include in our diet, it can help manage fats in the bloodstream. We must consume foods that are lower in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This would allow us to maintain our cholesterol at requisite levels. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is one of the body’s lipoproteins and an important carrier of cholesterol. Having an excess of it is harmful to our body and can lead to clogging of the arteries. They are also known as “bad cholesterol.” Foods that lower cholesterol naturally in our body do so in different ways: Some foods bind cholesterol in the digestive system. Therefore, the cholesterol exits the body before it reaches the circulatory system. Some foods increase the amount of polyunsaturated fats in the body. This lowers the LDL levels in the bloodstream. Some foods contain sterols. These block the absorption of cholesterol in our body. Let’s look at some of the best foods that lower cholesterol naturally that can be included in your diet. Oats One of the best foods that lower cholesterol naturally is oats. You can choose to start the day with a wholesome breakfast of oatmeal. You may also have cold oats-based cereal for breakfast. This has 1 or 2 grams of soluble fibers. If you add a banana or some strawberries, this would add another half a gram of soluble fibers to your breakfast. Barley and other whole grains Barley and other whole grains reduce the chances of occurrence of cardiovascular disorders and are among the top foods that lower cholesterol naturally. One of the key mechanisms is by delivering a high percentage of soluble fibers to the body.