Chronic constipation is caused when there are infrequent bowel movements on a usual basis. This condition makes it extremely difficult to pass stools for several days and can go one even for weeks. Constipation can be a condition on its own or can be a cause of a more severe disease. People experience constipation on few occasions and that is considered be normal. However, when constipation becomes chronic, it can disrupt one’s daily life and interfere with the ability to go about doing daily tasks. It also leads to discomfort due to extreme strain in order to have a bowel movement. There are several causes that may be responsible for chronic constipation. Not drinking enough water and follow a poor diet may be primary causes. However, there can be mechanical problems that lead to obstruction in the passing of stools. A blockage in the colon and rectum will hamper the smooth movement of stools and either slow down or stop the process altogether. The pelvic muscles that contribute to the movement of the bowels can be affected, causing chronic constipation. Diseases like diabetes and underactive thyroid or pregnancy in women too can lead to this condition due to an imbalance of hormones in the body. Chronic constipation brings with several complications such as: Anus fissure – If a stool cannot be easily passed, it can harden and tear the skin of the anus. Swollen anus veins – Chronic constipation leads to straining and forceful bowel movement. These stains can swell the veins that are present inside the anus and around it too. Hard stool accumulation – When stool is not naturally passed out, it begins to accumulate and harden. This hardened stool can get stuck in the intestine and cause severe complications. Rectal prolapse – A strained bowel movement can also affect the rectum.

What are shingles? Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is a condition that is triggered by the varicella zoster virus. It is the virus that is responsible for causing chickenpox. After chickenpox is treated, it remains in a dormant state inside the nervous system. Usually, shingles is characterized by a blistering rash on the skin. It is mostly a common condition in elderly individuals, who have a fragile immune system. However, any person can contract shingles. In most cases, after patients have recovered from shingles they will not get affected by it again. Although, it is possible for it to occur more than once. Shingles is not a contagious condition, but there is a small possibility of the virus spreading to someone who has never had chickenpox and isn’t vaccinated either. Symptoms of shingles The most common symptom that is witnessed is a persistent form of pain that can be dull, sharp or might even burn. However, for some patients, the discomfort could be intermittent. The other signs indicating the onset of shingles are – A rash that instantly progresses into blisters containing secretions. Apart from being painful, these can be immensely itchy, although they might not spread to the other parts of the body. They usually appear on the face and upper body, but on rare occasions, these can affect the lower areas of the body too. Severe inflammation might be noticed around the area affected by shingles. In some cases, the shingles might target the eyes, damaging the ophthalmic nerve which can lead to pain, swelling and in extreme circumstances temporary or irreversible loss of vision. Patients may also experience heightened sensitivity, i.e., even the slightest touch can cause distress. At times, blisters can form a band which may come across as a skin damage resulting from severe burns.

Shingles is a type of skin rash that is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus. It usually appears in the form of a band or a strip covering a small area over the face or other parts of the body. It is sometimes also referred to as herpes zoster. Older individuals who have a weaker immune system because of stress, injury, etc., usually suffer from this type of skin rash. Before we discuss the treatments for shingles, let us know what causes them. It occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox resurfaces in the body. After the patient starts recovering from chickenpox, the virus becomes dormant in the nerve roots. In some cases, the virus remains dormant forever. When the virus becomes active (normally due to a weaker immune system) and reacts to ongoing medicines, it causes shingles. There is no clear evidence that states the real cause of shingles; however, once the virus becomes active again, it causes shingles and not chickenpox. There is a minor possibility that a person who is infected with shingles can spread the virus to people who haven’t had chickenpox or a vaccination for protection against it. Following is a brief overview of the various available treatments for shingles: It is necessary to establish a fact that there is no cure for shingles. However, you can shorten the length of the illness and prevent further complications. One of the prominent treatments for shingles include antiviral medicines that will help in reducing the pain and duration of shingles. Other than this, medicines such as antidepressants and topical creams can help in relieving long-term pain. The initial treatments for shingles comprise antiviral medicines which are administered during the first three days from when the symptoms first began to appear. Undergoing this initial treatment, you might have a lower chance of further complications such as post herpetic neuralgia.

All of us love our hair. No one has ever wanted to go bald out of choice. However, some do like it bald even though that is something they didn’t want in the first place. We get used to what we are given and try to find happiness in that. Though men can make do with being bald after an age, for women, it is their worst nightmare. Losing and thinning of hair is a bad thing in itself for women. Knowing what is normal and what isn’t is just as important as finding out effective hair thinning solutions. Here are some facts we want you to know before we move to finding thinning hair solutions. There is nothing wrong with losing some hair every day. It is very natural. On an average, a person loses 100 strands of hair each day while bathing, brushing and some of it just drifts away during the course of a day Losing 100 strands of hair every day will not decrease your hair’s volume Knowing when to pay attention: When you see or notice that you are losing more than just 100 strands every day and each time you comb, there is a lot of hair fall. You find your hair losing its volume When you find your body losing hair from other parts of your body without any other health related problems Habits to avoid to prevent hair thinning: Don’t use hair products that are too harsh for your hair Avoid towel drying your hair. Use a cotton t-shirt instead Don’t use hair dryer as that causes dryness and weak scalp Don’t comb fast. Be gentle while combing or brushing your hair as it may cause damage to your hair quality Don’t tie your too tight as that will cause them to break Avoid using styling products, especially when they stay on your hair for longer period There could be some medication you are taking that could cause your hair to fall and thin eventually Inevitable causes of hair thinning are as follows:

Every individual could suffer from leg muscle pain. There are different kinds of leg pain problems such as muscular pain, joint pain, leg cramps, nerve pain, and blood clots. Some of the types of leg muscle pain are as follows: Muscle cramp: It causes sudden pain in the lower leg; this is also known as a Charley horse. A muscle cramp can occur anytime during the day or when sleeping. Tired or dehydrated muscles cause leg cramps. Massage the cramped area or stretch it gently to cure the tensed muscles. A high water intake is beneficial for leg cramps. Shin splints: The shin splints occur in the upper front calves. The muscles in the shin bone get inflamed which hurt when running or jumping. If you have flat feet or outward turned feet, you may probably suffer from shin splints. Ice works wonders to reduce the pain of shin splints. It numbs the nerves sensing pain. You can even try antibiotics such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen. Wear comfortable shoes and avoid moving or running on hard surfaces. If you feel some stretching in the legs, it is advisable to take some stretch. See the doctor if the problem prevails. Tendinitis: Pain in the lower calf or at the back of heel indicates Achilles tendon which causes the tendon to tear apart, stretch or swell. It is also one type of leg muscle pain. Excessive walking or climbing stairs can cause tendinitis. Put some ice to sooth the pain. You can even take anti-inflammatory medications. If you experience less pain, stretching the legs can prove to be helpful. Severe pains indicate the tearing of Achilles tendon which can be treated by surgeries. Sprains: Twisting of ankles result in mild sprains. The RICE treatment which is an acronym for rest, ice, compression, and elevation is effective for sprains.

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is the last thing that any man would like to experience in their lifetime. It not just hampers a man’s sexual life, it also has an adverse effect on his social and mental wellbeing. Studies have indicated that erectile dysfunction is one of the common sexual problems experienced by men in the United States and every year around thirty million people seek treatment for the improving the condition. Erectile dysfunction often affects the self-esteem of men in an adverse way and many hesitate to express their problems. If you too experience similar conditions, it will be better for you to get treatment instead of confining yourself. The following are some of the most effective ED treatments. Rhodiola Rosea – Studies have proven the fact that consuming 200gm of Rhodiola Rosea daily for three months can bring back the lost charm of your sexual life. Consuming this herb as per instruction will not just help you get back the erection, it will also help you retain the erection for a significant period of time. This is one of the most effective ED treatments. Panax ginseng – Also known as the red ginseng, this is a popular choice among men not only in the United States but also all across the globe. Popularly known as the natural Viagra, it has time and again proven itself as the best choice for treating erectile problems. The high anti-inflammatory property of the herb helps in getting an erection by improving the flow of blood throughout the body, including the penis. Not just that, it also gives a boost to the lung function. Thus, you can improve your overall health along with your sexual health, thereby making it one of the most effective ED treatments. Surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction – Medications are available for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Among all human organs, the skin makes up the entire body, hence it is essential to take care of it. Dead cells are periodically shed and the skin is renewed. But in some cases, abnormalities occur which further results to dry and itchy scalp. Nowadays pollution, chemicals and constant styling can reduce the quality of hair. Dry scalp may also result in itchiness and dandruff. This happens due to various reasons like normal dry scalp, sensitivity to certain ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate. There are other chemicals like silicones as well as resins which are normally used in hair care products to smoothen, straighten, curl or volumize hair. Also, improper washing of hair can lead to dryness of scalp. Apart from dandruff, there is a medical condition termed as psoriasis which is a non-contiguous condition wherein the skin becomes dry and flaky. In addition to the above, excess sebum, food, stress can also result in scalp dryness. An effective and a suitable shampoo can cure this condition. But before choosing the best shampoo for dry scalp, it’s important to know the possible reasons and implications of dryness. Reasons Of Dry Scalp Dandruff is a scalp condition wherein flaky skin is shed from the dry scalp. As per the dermatologist, it does not cause any severe harm. The other reasons include Seborrheic dermatitis which is a common skin problem resulting in redness, itchiness and flaky skin. Several parts of the body may get affected due to this skin condition and when it affects the scalp, it results to dandruff. Over-the-counter medicated shampoos are quite useful for treating this issue. In case of difficult situations, steroid creams and prescribed shampoos are most effective. In some other cases, scalp psoriasis can be the reason behind dandruff like white flakes and itchiness of scalp.

What is psoriasis? It is a completely irritating and unpredictable disease. You can also describe it as one of the most persistent skin disorders, and the main characteristics of this disease is that skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. Since the underlying cells that get onto the surface of the skin die, you experience an extreme hike in their volume and the red plaques get covered with white scales. The most vulnerable areas for psoriasis are the scalp, elbows, and knees. You can also find them in the sole, palms, and torso. A large number of people are always on the quest for authentic information about psoriasis. Leading psoriasis symptoms Psoriasis patients often have to deal with red skin plaques, and they are covered with silver-colored, loose scales. The lesions become excessively itchy, and you have to deal with a lot of pain. Cracking and bleeding sometimes occur in the lesions, with chronic conditions, the plaques grow fast and even merge into one another. It may get spread into large areas as well. Toe and fingernail disorders such as nail pitting and discoloration are also symptoms of psoriasis; moreover, with the passage of time, the nails may crumble or detach from the nail bed. People who suffer from this condition often have plaques of scales on their scalp. Psoriasis can be linked to psoriatic arthritis, which results in swelling and pain in the joints. Various research studies show that 10% to 30% of people suffering from psoriasis also face psoriatic arthritis-related problems. Psoriasis can be described into different categories. Pustular psoriasis The most prominent characteristics of this skin condition are scaly and red skin on the hands or palms. They may even appear on the feet with small pustules. Guttate psoriasis This form of psoriasis often begins in young adulthood or even in childhood.

Irritable bowel syndrome or spastic colon is a health disorder that affects the colon or large intestine. This painful condition can strike anyone at any time. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition that requires long-term management. Remedies for irritable bowel syndrome focus on providing relief from symptoms such as pain and abdominal cramps. IBS causes pain and discomfort but does not cause permanent damage to the intestinal tissues. Since there is no known cure for IBS, those affected by it will need to make changes in their diet and lifestyle to control its symptoms. Women are more prone to IBS than men. Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome Bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation are some common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome affects as many as one in five adults in the country. IBS affects a patient’s digestion and causes abdominal pain and changes in normal bowel function. There can be many triggers for IBS such as stress, unhealthy eating habits, irregular meal timings, indiscriminate caffeine consumption, or side effects of medicines. Top ten home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome So far, there is no single remedy or treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. However, there are numerous remedies for irritable bowel syndrome that help combat its symptoms. Here is a list of top ten home remedies for irritable bowel syndrome. Before following these remedies, it is best to consult your physician. Slippery elm extract: Native Americans have used this herbal supplement for several generations. It soothes the intestinal lining and relieves diarrheal symptoms. It is available in bottles as a therapeutic extract. You should mix a teaspoon of this extract in a glass of warm water. Green tea: It is rich in antioxidants and has a relaxing effect on the intestines and colon. You can make a glass of green tea and have it along with two drops of freshly squeezed lime.

Shingles or the red patchy marks on the skin characterized by an intense pain can bring extreme discomfort to anyone. Also known as Herpes Zoster, this is caused by the Varicella Zoster virus, which remains dormant in almost every human being. It is the same virus, which is responsible for causing chicken pox in kids also sometimes in adults. This is why the symptoms of these diseases are quite similar. If not cared for at the initial stage, shingles can cause unbearable itchiness as well as pain. Some patients also complain of light sensitivity, fever, fatigue, headache, and body pain. Irrespective of the symptoms, shingles remedies are available. While some patients prefer over-the-counter medicines, others opt for home remedies. Some of the useful home remedies for shingles are as follows: Apple cider vinegar – You are really lucky if you have this at home as it is one of the most effective and popular shingles remedies. Just dab some cotton in this astringent and put it in the affected region to relieve the pain. Ensure that the skin is not peeled up. While this reduces the pain, applying this liquid twice a day can help you get a complete cure from this skin infection. You can also mix apple cider vinegar with any juice or water and drink it every day to get cured from within. Make a paste of baking soda and cornstarch – Mix two parts of cornstarch or baking soda in a cup of water to form a paste. The quantity of the paste can be varied depending on the size of the affected area. Once you make the paste, apply it on the affected area at least twice a day and leave it for around 15 minutes before washing it with cold water. Honey – Many of you may not know that honey work wonders on the blisters caused by shingles.

A beautiful smile can be your biggest asset, and as strange as it may sound, you can get pearly whites by adding some foods to your diet! Our diet plays a key role not only in improving our health but also our teeth. A balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, water, and dairy products will not only guarantee an optimum weight but also a ravishing smile. Top foods that help whiten teeth naturally Strawberries: They contain an enzyme known as malic acid which is known to whiten teeth naturally. You can mash strawberries and apply it on the teeth. After around five minutes, you may rinse it with water and floss. Apples : Apples are one of the foods that help whiten teeth naturally because chewing it produces a scrubbing effect. Apple contains high amounts of malic acid, a common ingredient in toothpaste. This stimulates saliva production which acts as a self-cleaning agent and helps destroy bacteria that are responsible for bad breath. Pineapple: It contains bromelain which has cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties; this is why it is used for making stain-removing toothpaste. Broccoli: Being rich in fiber, broccoli helps reduce inflammation of the mouth. When you eat raw broccoli, your teeth are automatically cleaned and polished. The European Journal of Dentistry states that iron in this vegetable builds a protective wall for your teeth against acids which can degrade the enamel. So, broccoli is one of the foods that can help whiten teeth naturally by removing stains and preventing cavities. Raisins: They may be sweet but they protect your teeth. When you eat bran cereal with raisins, you can cleanse your mouth much faster. Moreover, chewing raisins stimulates saliva secretion and thus prevents the growth of plaque, cavities, and stains. Carrots: Chewing carrot increases the production of saliva in the mouth which cleans it; moreover, vitamin A in carrots boosts enamel growth.

If you’re someone who has the urge to scratch the skin regularly, then you have itchy skin. It is a common problem and it can be mild as well as severe. In some cases, they can be intensely aggravating and could affect your day to day activities. There are some who have trouble sleeping due to itchy skin. The main cause of itchy skin are allergic reactions, infections, dry weather, detergents and soaps, insect bites and in some cases, it can be the side effect of certain medications. Scratching yourself can give you relief at the moment, but it is proven that excessive scratching can cause further complications. It is best that you consult a medical professional if you have intense symptoms. Mild cases of skin itching can be cured at your home. If you want to know how to treat itchy skin with simple home remedies, read on. Clay Clay is one of the best remedies to treat itchy skin. It’s become popular over the decade because of its skin healing properties. It can cure other types of skin problems such as acne. Clay is also useful in healing venomous stings and bites from bees, spiders, and wasps. Applying clay on the skin helps in extracting the venom out of the skin, thus providing a soothing and a relaxing effect. It also helps in quick healing of the sting. Researchers suggest that untreated virgin clay, when applied to the itchy skin, can provide quick relief. You can do so by mixing it in a bowl with filtered water, to obtain a creamy mixture. Apply the mixture directly to the affected area. Let the mixture dry on the skin and then peel it off. Repeat this procedure throughout the day at regular intervals for fast relief. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Apple cider vinegar is one of the liquids that boast a number of healing properties.