All You Need to Know about Testosterone Home Test Kits

All You Need to Know about Testosterone Home Test Kits

As you age, your testosterone levels come down. It is a natural process and all men have to have to go through this phenomenon. Nevertheless, reduced testosterone levels can be linked with men of younger age as well. You can easily smell an underlying health problem if your testosterone levels decrease unnaturally and it can be an injury, obesity, an issue in the pituitary gland or some other health disorders. Patients undergo cancer treatments also have low testosterone levels. Most common symptoms of reduced levels of this hormone are concentration problems, reduced sex drive, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, physical fatigue, reduced body hair growth, decreased sex drive and lowered muscle mass. You have to see your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms. How can you confirm that testosterone levels are below the standard levels? That is where the importance of testosterone test kits comes in. How to check testosterone levels without a blood test? If you see a doctor, you have to undergo a physical examination to check the hormone levels. The doctor will assess the symptoms and then, you will be asked to undergo a blood test determine the hormone levels. The hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and they will be at the highest point during the morning time. That is why doctors take the blood sample in the morning. Even without taking a blood test, you can come to know whether you are experiencing low levels of testosterone with the help of test kits. Home test kits You can come across different types of testosterone test kits to check your hormone levels at home. All these testosterone test kits check your saliva instead of blood and the sample can be collected at home with great ease. The method of collecting saliva and the number of samples to be taken rely on the specific product you purchase.
13 Popular Foods that Fight Inflammation

13 Popular Foods that Fight Inflammation

The human body has many immune responses which contribute to the healing process. Inflammation is one such process without which healing cannot be ensured. However, in conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, this can damage the body. Inflammation in the body increases if a diet, that is rich in sugar and saturated fats, is followed on a regular basis. This can lead to pain in the joints, fatigue of the body, and can also result in damage to the blood vessels. The popular foods that fight inflammation include: Fish rich in fats Fish which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, tuna, and sardines are among the popular foods that fight inflammation in the human body. If you eat fish several times a week, inflammation in the body will definitely be under check. People who are not avid fish eaters can also use fish oil supplements which might help in lowering inflammation. The intake of omega-6 fatty acids should also be kept in check if you wish to keep inflammation in control. Whole grains If grains are consumed as whole grains and not as white bread, pasta, and rice, it will help keep the inflammation under check. Whole grains are a rich source of fiber and thus are included in the list of popular foods that fight inflammation in the body. Dark leafy vegetables Vitamins, especially vitamin E, has a key role in keeping inflammation at bay from the human body. If dark leafy vegetables as spinach and broccoli are consumed on a regular basis, this will reduce the incidence of inflammation in the human body and keep the person healthy. Nuts Nuts are also one of the popular foods that fight inflammation from the human body and these nuts have antioxidants in large amount which can cure the inflammation-related problems.
Effective Treatments for Eczema

Effective Treatments for Eczema

Eczema is a skin problem which causes blisters on the skin. It starts with red and itchy skin however the problem aggravates to flare-ups on the skin. Rashes, itching and bumpy skin are some of the symptoms of eczema. If you find the symptoms of eczema, visit the dermatologist. Share the problem with your dermatologist who will conduct a physical test to find out the allergies and other probable causes. Depending on that information he will suggest you the best eczema treatments. Some of the effective eczema treatments are: Emollients: Emollients are the moisturizers that prevent the water loss and protect the skin. The mild anti-inflammatory properties of emollients reduce the flare-ups in the skin. Different emollients are available to treat dry skin. You can use emollients instead of soap while others can be added to water when bathing. Wipe skin properly to apply the emollient after bathing. Topical corticosteroids: The topical corticosteroids reduce the flare-ups and inflammation in few days. They come as mild, moderate and strong corticosteroids depending on the severity of the skin infection. Hydrocortisone, Clobetasone Butyrate and Mometasone are the best topical corticosteroids. Topical corticosteroids must be applied after the emollient has been absorbed by the skin. The best time is to apply them during the night. Antihistamines: The antihistamines obstruct the production of histamine in the body. Antihistamines are both sedating and non-sedating and work effectively to relieve itching skin. Get the doctor’s recommendation for the usage of anti-histamines. Stay away from triggers: Your dermatologist will tell you about the probable triggers of eczema. Once you learn about them stay away from the triggers. For example: Avoid using soaps and shampoos that cause skin irritation. Certain fabrics may affect your skin. Always choose to wear cotton fabrics. Bandages: At times your dermatologist may recommend you to apply wet wraps, medicated bandages on the affected skin.
10 Popular Face Washes for Oily Skin

10 Popular Face Washes for Oily Skin

It is common knowledge that oily skin is more prone to pimples and other skin problems which occur due to excessive production of oil from sebaceous glands. However, if oily skin is properly cared for, getting rid of oily skin is easily possible. No 7 Foaming Cleanser Cleansing with a foamy formula is the best bet if you are suffering from oily skin. No 7 Foaming Cleanser is one of the best face wash for oily skin and will help you deal effectively with excess oil. The cleanser helps a person deal with oily skin since it helps in breaking apart and dissolving of oil on the skin surface. This cleanser effectively works in reducing oily skin due to zinc found inside the cleanser which effectively helps in regulating the amount of oil in the skin. Avene Cleansing Foam This face wash is a popular face wash for oily skin since it is formulated with glutamic acid which helps in cleaning and removing of extra sebum. It also makes a person smells fresh and those who apply it on regular basis feel the difference for themselves. Dr. Schweiger Skin Solution Refresh Cleanser Doctors usually recommend avoiding those face wash which has a fair proportion of salicylic acid. The ones containing salicylic acid is not considered as an ideal face wash for oily skin. Using such a cleanser can rob your skin from its share of natural oils and using such a face wash can cause the production of more oil since the skin will become very dry. In such a scenario, a gentle cleanser that has a fair proportion of aloe or glycerin should ideally be used. Dr. Schweiger Skin Solution is one of the recommended face wash for oily skin in such cases as it contains an effective aloe-cucumber formula and will help clear the pores without any stripping of the skin.
10 Tried and Tested Treatment Methods for Curing Nasal Congestion

10 Tried and Tested Treatment Methods for Curing Nasal Congestion

Nothing irritates a person more than sniffling throughout the day, and the very fact that it is the harbinger of other diseases should make you wary of it. What starts as an itchy throat can lead to a full-fledged case of nasal congestion. The human body has the ability to protect itself from various diseases, and the immune system is what helps it in this endeavor. However, due to poor diet or the magnitude of the disease, at times, the immune system fails to protect the body from the onslaught of diseases. Nasal congestion is one such infection which the body’s immune system couldn’t ward off. Though various treatments for nasal congestion are available, it causes great discomfort till the time it lasts. There’s not just one cause of nasal congestion; it stems from different sources. Irrespective of what is the source of nasal congestion, the treatment for nasal congestion is directed towards curing it of the roots. The causes and symptoms of nasal congestion Usually, common cold has been identified as the cause of nasal congestion. The common cold is known to give the individual a runny nose, which is a symptom of nasal congestion. However, one cannot simply limit the causes of nasal congestion to the common cold. Nasal congestion occurs when the nasal passage is blocked since the membrane lining of the passage is swollen due to inflammation of the blood vessels. It’s not just a common cold that results in such condition; there are other factors that cause nasal congestion. They are as follows: Various elements in the environment can irritate the individual when he comes in contact with it. These are often responsible for triggering nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is also caused due to a deviated septum. Another cause of nasal congestion is hay fever.
Most Common and Popular Eczema Treatment Options

Most Common and Popular Eczema Treatment Options

Eczema can be a highly irritating and annoying skin condition. You need to follow the guidelines of your doctor and work closely with him/her to create a plan that reduces the rash and itch. Best eczema treatments plans have four objectives, and they include controlling the itch, healing the affected skin, complete stop f flares and controlling the infections. The treatment method can vary based on the nature of symptoms, medical history, and age of the patient. Highly effective treatment plans combine various remedies to achieve the best results. Medications Eczema medications offer great relief, and they make the healing process of the skin faster. A specific treatment may not create the same impact on everyone, and that is why doctors try out different methods to find out what works best for a patient. OTC hydrocortisone Corticosteroid creams and solutions control the inflammation and itching in a fast manner. They are available in different concentrations, and you can also find ointments and foams as well. Many doctors recommend this one as the first step in treating mild eczema. Various concentrations of this steroid are required on the basis of the location and intensity of rash. If you have a thick, scaly skin, the doctor may advocate a steroid with increased potency. When it comes to side effects of these medications, patients have to deal with stretch marks or sagging skin very rarely. The key is to follow the correct guidelines of the doctor. It is also one of the best eczema treatments. NSAID ointments They can be described as a relatively new medication for the best treatment for eczema. These non-steroidal ointments have anti-inflammatory properties and they are popularly known as Crisaborole. You can use them to address mild to moderate versions of eczema and applying them two times a day controls inflammation very effectively.
Know about the Top 5 Nail Fungus Cures

Know about the Top 5 Nail Fungus Cures

Do you have thick yellow toenails that look terrible? Do you need to soak them in the bathtub before clipping them off? Do you need to scrape out the chalky substance grown under the nail? If yes, you are probably suffering from nail fungus infection. A nail fungus infection causes the nail to turn inwards and thicken over time. At times it could be painful even to touch it. There are many treatments to cure the toenail fungus. Medications can be used to restore healthy nails. These medications remove the nail fungus and ensure the infection doesn’t come back. Top 5 nail fungus cures: Fungavir: Fungavir absorbs deep down the nail cuticle and fights the hidden bacteria and fungus. It inhibits the production of fungus, therefore, cutting down the frequency of the infection. Fungavir has all the essential oils and herbs which heal the infected nails. It softens the skin around the nail beds and restores healthy nails. It is one of the top 5 nail fungus cures. Regular application of the oil gives fungus-free nails. The strong ingredients of Fungavir work effectively to kill the fungus and boost the growth of healthy nails. ZetaClear: ZetaClear is a topical and oral medication which fights nail fungus. Sulphur, Arsenicum Acidum, Arbor Vitae and Mancinella are the ingredients of the oral spray. The topical nail solution contains tea tree oil, clove oil, almond oil, lemongrass oil, jojoba oil and Vitamin E oil. ZetaClear is approved by FDA. You can spray the ZetaClear solution directly into the mouth. In contrast, the topical solution must be applied to the infected nail. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should use Zeta clear only after consulting the doctor. ZetaClear softens the nail bed ensuring healthy and smooth nails. It is one of the top 5 nail fungus cures.
Things You Should Know about Meniscus Tear Treatment

Things You Should Know about Meniscus Tear Treatment

Both our knee joints have a meniscus, which is a cartilage that acts as padding between the femur and tibia. This piece of cartilage can be damaged or torn while performing activities that exert pressure on the knee joints. For people who play games like football, basketball, soccer, and tennis, a meniscus tear is quite common. However, it is not necessary that only athletes get a meniscus tear, just a sudden and careless movement of standing from a squatting position, a pivot turn, or heavy lifting is good enough to cause a meniscus tear. Meniscus tear treatment, of course, then depends on the severity of the injury, which may vary from home remedies to surgery. However, being a little careful while exercising or playing goes a long way to help prevent injury to the menisci. Who is more prone to a meniscus tear? Children, adolescents, as well as aged people, anyone can get a meniscus tear. Children and adolescents can injure their menisci while playing organized or competitive sports. As the meniscus also tends to weaken with age, tears are more widespread in people who have crossed the threshold of 30 years. Someone with weak menisci, weaker and thinner cartilage can even get it injured from squatting or misstepping. People with osteoarthritis are also at a high risk of injuring the knee cartilage. Symptoms of a meniscus tear are many, starting right from pain, swelling, difficulty in movement or bending the knee, knee giving way, and a knee locking and popping sound coming from the area around the knee joint. In case you find any of these symptoms, it’s advisable that you see your doctor. The diagnosis of a meniscus tear is done through various ways like a physical exam, image tests, knee x-ray, MRI, Ultrasound or arthroscopy depending on the condition of the knees and symptoms.
All You Need to Know about Breast Pain

All You Need to Know about Breast Pain

Left breast pain in women can often be a warning sign of a future heart attack or be an underlying symptom of other serious conditions. Women tend to take these signs lightly, and in extreme cases, the result is death. Left breast pain can be a major indicator of underlying health problems. The best way to figure out if you’re really in trouble is by learning how to identify the location of the breast pain. Pain can originate from bodily structures located in the area under the breast. This is why non-breast related issues also need to be taken seriously. Heart attack symptoms may manifest as left breast pain, and this is an issue that is often overlooked amongst women. Common symptoms of oncoming heart attacks related to left breast pain include—a tightness in the chest, pain in the neck, jaw, or left arm, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and a gut-feeling followed by a sense of uneasiness. Causes of left breast pain in women Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of left breast pain: Injuries Injuries to the breasts, come with scar tissues and this can cause pain in those regions. The elastic layer protecting nerve endings is sensitive, and injuries to this layer can cause pain. Surgeries Surgeries related to the left breast can cause pain due to the development of scar tissues and fat necrosis. This takes time to heal, and pain is caused during this process. The healing of incisions due to augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction, can also lead to left breast pain. Hormonal Imbalances Hormonal changes or imbalances in the female body can lead to breast pain. This typically occurs during menstrual cycles, or if the woman is consuming hormonal pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Taking certain oral contraceptives and infertility treatment procedures can also cause left breast pain in women.
Everything You Needed to Know about Leg Cramps

Everything You Needed to Know about Leg Cramps

Leg cramps happen when the muscles in the leg contract, which causes pain. This involuntary contracting of leg muscles causes leg cramps. Leg cramps mainly affect muscles in the thigh or the foot. It mostly occurs when you are asleep or just after you wake up. Reasons For Leg Cramps The sudden pain in the muscle can be due to different reasons: Inadequate supply of blood There are times when you exercise too much or have been sitting in same posture for hours. This prevents adequate supply of blood to your legs, causing contraction of muscles. Compression of nerves The spinal cord nerve directly connects to your leg muscles. Pain in the spinal cord or compression of spinal cord nerve can also cause pain in your legs. Walking with a good posture can help prevent compression of the spinal nerve. Mineral depression There are certain minerals needed for efficient working of leg muscles. Deficiency of minerals such as magnesium or calcium can cause leg cramps. There are certain medications that deplete the content of these minerals in your body. To add to the causes, there are factors that increase the risk of leg cramps: Age As you age, you lose strength and the muscles grow weak, leading to loss of muscle mass. Therefore, when muscles are overstressed, it leads to leg cramps. Dehydration Most of the time, you are always doing an activity that requires leg strength. Lack of water intake leads to inadequate fluids in the body that result in contraction or tightening of your leg muscles. This generally happens to athletes; they feel sudden pain while training on a hot sunny day, due to loss of more fluids than usual, from the body. Pregnancy Pregnancy is one major factor of leg cramps. This is because, during pregnancy, the body requires more minerals such as potassium and calcium for adequate functioning of leg muscles.
Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails. There’s a lot about nail fungus on the Internet. However, the article focuses on how to cure nail fungus. Before delving into how you can cure nail fungus, it’s essential to analyze what causes this nail attack. Causes of fungus Just as the term suggests, nail fungus related infections are the result of the infestation of microorganisms called fungi on your nails. There’s this particular family of fungi by the name of dermatophyte which has a significant stake in the nail attack mafia organization. Age is a detrimental factor of nail fungus too. As the nails on your hands or feet age with time, they are prone to dry and become brittle; paving the way for fungi to enter your nails. In other cases, poor blood circulation in feet, and a weak immune system could be possible reasons for nail fungus. However, it is important to know the symptoms before knowing how to cure nail fungus. Symptoms of nail fungus Sudden thickening of nails Visible discoloration (colors include whitish to brownish yellow). Brittle or ragged nails. A dark shade on the surface of your nail as a result of debris built up below the surface of your nails. How to cure nail fungus Visit the dermatologist This is the safest and quickest way to recovery. A professional dermatologist knows about nail fungus way more than most people, and it would be an entirely safe bet to shell out a few bucks and time to visit a dermatologist. If you think your situation isn’t that serious or if you have doctor-phobia, below is a list of home remedies to cure nail fungus.
Chronic Diarrhea- Its Causes and Treatment

Chronic Diarrhea- Its Causes and Treatment

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements. It is caused by bacteria such as salmonella; viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus; or parasites like giardia. They infect the bowel and cause irresistible urges to use the toilet. This can also cause abdominal pain, bloody stool, vomiting, weakness, and tiredness. What Is Chronic Diarrhea? Usually, diarrhea gets resolved on its own within a week. But if the symptoms persist for more than four weeks, it is a case of chronic diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea can be dangerous especially when it leads to extreme dehydration. The frequent watery bowel movements cause excessive loss of water from the body, which leads to dizziness, reduced the amount of urine, lethargy and other problems. This can further lead to multiple infections in the body. What Causes Chronic Diarrhea? The recurring diarrhea episodes can be a result of an underlying health condition such as inflammation in the intestines due to gluten or lactose intolerance, bowel cancer, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome. Other causes of chronic diarrhea include certain antibiotic and anticancer drugs. How Is Chronic Diarrhea Diagnosed? Chronic diarrhea is diagnosed by examination of the blood and the stool. Sometimes sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy is advised to rule out the presence of the inflammatory bowel disease. How Can Chronic Diarrhea Be Treated? Treating Chronic Diarrhea At Home: If you are suffering from chronic diarrhea, it is essential to take proper care of yourself so that the symptoms do not aggravate further. You can make individual steps at home to treat chronic diarrhea or stop it from exacerbating. Avoid Dairy Products If your diarrhea is aggravated by lactose intolerance, try to avoid dairy products like milk and other milk products. This is a great way to treat chronic diarrhea. Go For Gluten Free Food Items If gluten is the cause of diarrhea, avoid foods such as pasta, bread, crackers, wheat starch, and semolina.