What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that primarily attacks the joints and other body parts like the ears, wrists, knuckles, knee, ankles, and other small joints. It is often characterized by painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of these affected joints. The swelling and stiffness are mainly the results of excess levels of uric acid forming crystals in the joints. The pain is due to the inflammatory response to the crystals formed. The causes of gout may include lack of exercise, high levels of uric acid in the system, genetics, excessive consumption of meat, being overweight, menopause, excessive consumption of alcohol, stress, and excessive protein content in the body. It mainly affects the big toe, causing an increased swelling, inflammation, and redness in the affected area. The deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint causes inflammation and makes the movement of the joint agonizing. The elevated levels of uric acid in the system also causes the depositing of crystals in the kidney, which, in turn, leads to stone formation. Gout attacks An overweight or an obese person is more likely to suffer from frequent gout attacks. A gout attack generally results from years of having high levels of uric acid in your bloodstream. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia might also lead to other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney failure, and heart failure. The most common sign of a gout attack is the night-time swelling of the big toe followed by redness, tenderness, redness, and gut-wrenching pain. This attack might continue for days or even weeks before the pain goes away completely. Swelling causes pain and pain induces swelling. Hence it is important to address both. Diagnosis of gout attacks After doing a thorough physical exam, the doctor may also take a sample of the fluid from the swelling of the joint to look for uric acid crystals.

Are you facing an acne problem even when you are in your 30s or 40s? Acne has never been just a teen problem. However, it is infamous for affecting young people. These days, various causes like an increase in pollution and rising stress levels have caused a surge in the number of acne cases in men and women. Getting the right treatment can help adults control an acne breakout. What causes acne? Acne is a skin condition that results in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, pustules, and a lot more. These unsightly blemishes on the skin are most prevalent in teens because of hormonal changes. However, adult acne is also a common problem. Acne is caused by a buildup of excess body oil (sebum) in the skin pores. This sebum is sticky, and so hair, dust, and other particles stick to it, causing raised bumps. The blocked pores can no longer push out the excess sebum or clear the skin of toxins by sweating. So, the dirt accumulates, creating a conducive environment for bacterial infections. Causes of adult acne While acne breakouts mostly reduce once you enter your twenties, you can still get it if your skin pores are blocked. People with oily skin are especially vulnerable because their skin normally secretes excessive sebum. Adult acne can be triggered by: Environmental pollution Hormone fluctuations Using harsh cosmetic products Using creamy, oil-based skin-care products on oily skin Eating a high-sugar diet Not taking good care of your skin Treatments for adult acne One can use medications, light therapy, and home remedies to treat adult acne. Some of these treatment options are: Adult acne medication For adult acne, you may be asked to use the following — topical applications and oral medications. Topical applications Salicylic acid-based creams: These creams give a gentle exfoliation effect, thus removing dead cells.

Toe pain has many causes. Since there are many joints in these small digits, any injury can cause acute pain. It is important to find the causes of the pain, before picking the right treatment. Causes of Toe Pain Toe pain can result from a direct injury like a stubbed toe, or it can be the symptom or effect, or other disorders. Gout Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body, which results in the formation of urate crystals. These crystals can get accumulated in the foot and toe joints, causing swelling, redness, and sudden intense pain. Bunion This is a condition that causes deformation of the big toe and results in pain and discomfort. The big toe pushes against the next toe. Eventually, the top of the big toe turns inwards, while the bottom part is pushed out. The most common cause is by wearing shoes that squash the toes. Deformation in Other Toes Each toe in the foot has three joints. The exception is the big toe which has two. Besides bunion, you can also suffer from other toe misalignments like: Hammer Toe: The middle joint in the toe bends down, and pushes that joint up. This commonly occurs in the second toe. Claw Toe: The end and middle joints in the toe bend, and cause curling of the toe, and it is a painful condition. It often affects multiple toes. Mallet Toe: The top joint or distal joint, bend down. This prevents you from stretching the toe as you walk, and causes pain. Tennis Toe and Turf Toe These two conditions often affect sportsmen and others, who indulge in activities that cause constant shock and stress to the feet. Tennis toe is caused by the frequent slamming of the toes against the front edge of the shoes, that you are wearing.

When it comes to dog food, one size does not fit all as different canine breeds have varying needs. Also, due to growing concerns about the use of synthetic and artificial food additives in commercially available pet food, more people are switching to organic and all-natural variants among the hundreds of options available. Here we bring you the top brands that manufacture the best organic pet food for dogs. Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Natural Balance is grain-free pet food that also has no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. One of the popular formulas is made with high-quality duck protein and carbohydrate-rich potatoes and features in the Limited Ingredient Diet® series. It is one of the best dog food options for pets suffering from food allergies or acute sensitivities as most are triggered by an improper food source. Popular formulas include Chicken & Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato & Venison, and Sweet potato & Fish. Of the few organic options, Natural Balance is not the most economical one but is well worth the premium. Castor & Pollux Natural Ultramix ® Adult Dog Food To keep their energy up throughout the day, adult dogs need a wholesome meal, full of nutrition and great taste. Created by Castor & Pollux, Natural Ultramix® is premium adult dog food (dry variant) completely free of corn, soy, and wheat. Made with chicken and farm-grown vegetables, along with other poultry and fish-based protein sources, the food mix also boasts essential nutrients for healthy growth. The formula helps maintain a shiny thick coat and supplements healthy bone and teeth growth. Blue Buffalo Co. Blue Buffalo Co. ensures a healthy and holistic approach to manufacturing pet food using natural ingredients with just the right balance of organic supplements. The formula excludes any artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives, wheat, soy, and corn.

When it comes to water, we only think of it as a basic need and do not lay much emphasis on its quality. However, these days, several top brands have a reputation for selling unique artisanal water. Several bottled water brands sell products that come under the luxury category. Thus, these days, luxury is not just limited to fashion brands and property, but luxury bottled water is available as well. Water from aquifers and natural springs are taken from different parts of the world, treated, and then sold. Not only do these products have great taste, but they are also enriched with minerals. Here is a list of some of the best brands of bottled water. Beverly Hills 9OH20 Luxury Collection Diamond Edition This bottled water is sourced from Northern California’s mountain springs. It contains minerals like calcium and potassium which enhance its taste and nutritional value. Some customers even call this product the “champagne of water” because of its high quality and taste. In the whole world, only nine bottles of this water were ever made. Thus, it is one of the best and most exclusive bottled-water products. VOSS Artesian Water This water has its roots in the frigid aquifers of the Nordic region. It is naturally still and sparkling. The water from this brand has this unique quality because, over the years, it was protected by thick layers of rock and sand. Thus, it is free of pollutants, which ensures that its purity and quality remain naturally intact. evian natural mineral water This water has natural curative and restorative powers. Its source is in France. evian® gets this water from the Source Cache where it is found at the temperature of 52.88 degrees Fahrenheit. The water gets its unique mineral composition due to the glacial sand which surrounds and protects this water from pollution.

An alkaline diet is a diet that maintains a balanced pH level in the body by controlling the alkaline nature of the fluid. Many health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, vitamin D deficiency, and low bone density to name a few can be prevented by following a regular alkaline food chart. An alkaline food chart includes fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed foods which help in protecting the healthy cells in the body. There are many other benefits from alkaline foods such as have preventing the formation of plaque in the blood vessels, preventing the formation of calcium stones in kidneys and other areas of the body, reducing the blood pressure, etc. The alkaline levels of the body constantly change in a day depending on the intake of diet, the last time when you passed urine, etc. The pH levels vary between 7.35 and 7.45 depending on the conditions as mentioned above. The pH levels of the tissues and fluids are what is considered as the pH levels of the body. The pH levels can also vary in different parts of the body. The levels of magnesium and potassium in the body decrease by consuming food with high levels of sodium. Let us look at the benefits of following a diet as per the alkaline food chart: The alkaline food chart includes a diet that helps to protect the bone density and muscle mass. The bones and muscles get damaged by taking food to more acid levels. The alkaline rich foods such as vegetables and fresh fruits help in maintaining the alkaline levels of the body which in turn helps in maintaining the ratio of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium etc. The alkaline diet helps in lowering hypertension and stroke. The diet in the alkaline food chart helps in decreasing the inflammation and increases the production of hormones in the body.

When there is an excess amount of uric acid in the bloodstream its crystals are formed in the joint, and that condition is termed as gout. Uric acid is present in many foods that we consume. When the body cannot handle the uric acid that is present in the bloodstream, the crystals formed can give rise to many health issues such as arthritis. These crystals block the kidney filter tubules, causing stones to form in the kidneys, which can also lead to the failure of kidneys. Gout is basically of two kinds: Primary gout if it occurs on its own it is called. Secondary gout if it is due to other medical conditions. Gout arthritis can cause sudden pain as well as red and hot swelling near the joints, especially near the toes. This kind of problem is more likely in men who have crossed the age of 40; some of the symptoms of gout are as follows. Symptoms of Gout You will feel pain in the joints of the affected area, along with red and hot discoloration, swelling, and tenderness. Most commonly, you will experience gout near the small joints of your toes. It might also affect other areas like ankles, wrists, knees, elbows, and fingers. The pain can be so intense in some people that even a feather touch can cause a lot of pain. This pain can last from a few hours to a day also, irrespective of whether you take medication. In very rare cases, the gout attack can also last for a week. Diagnosis of Gout When a patient reports frequent attacks of arthritis, especially in the toes, knees, or ankles, then the patient is tested for excess uric acid and uric acid crystals near the affected joints. Usually, some fluid is extracted from the joints of the patient using a needle and it is sent for testing.

The mild winter warm days have a surprise accompanying them, an increase in the pollen count around you. The pollen grains in the air are a count of the pollens of plants such as grass, olive or ash in the air. This pollen count is measured in order to understand the pollens in the atmosphere. Pollen in each cubic meter is measured in order to determine pollen count. The colder the winters, the delay in the release of pollen would be felt. Hot weather or the comparatively warm weather is when pollen is released into the air. The state does release a national survey of the pollen grains in the air. There are several ways to measure the pollen count, one of the ways is to take a silicon grease clad rod and rotate it in the air to collect all the pollen. Periodic rotation of the rod occurs through an entire 24 hour day. This rod is then removed and then is taken to a lab to get analyzed in order to understand the type of pollen in the air and the concentration of the pollen present in that air. Another method of measuring pollen count is using the 7-day volumetric spore trap. This is done by using a Burkard trap. The direction of the wind is determined and this device is kept in the wind and air is drawn by a pump. The rotating rod has a sticky film on it that helps to trap the grain. During a course of seven days, the drum rotates very slowly in one direction. These 7 days are used to collect particles in order to aid the process of measuring the pollen grains. This tape on the drum is then removed and tested for pollen count. The actual allergy to pollen is referred to as hay fever.

One of the major functions of your heart is to pump blood to the various parts of the body. The force with which the heart pumps the blood through the blood vessels exerts a pressure on the walls of the arteries. This pressure is known as blood pressure. Blood pressure of a person can get affected by the condition of your heart and also the passageway width of your blood vessels. A high blood pressure is a condition of hypertension and can cause cardiac arrests and strokes. The problem of high blood pressure is in fact very common in our times. A lot of research has been done on the various ways through which blood pressure can be minimized through medicines and how to lower blood pressure naturally. In fact, research has stated that medicines are hardly a cure for the ailment. As a result, prevention is a better method. In the following article, we shall attempt to point out the various measures and means that can help you to find out how to lower blood pressure naturally. Manage your weight This is one of the most important aspects that must be provided with a good amount of attention. Maintaining a proper body mass index (BMI) happens to be very important. If you exercise regularly, you know exactly how to lower blood pressure naturally. Eat healthy Eating healthy mean that you do cut down on your entire protein intake. In fact, one must have lean meats that can provide your system with the right amount of proteins to develop amino acids. However, one must reduce or simply stop the intake of red meat. Lean meat like chicken is good for your health. At the same time, one must also reduce the oil and fat intake as much as possible. Include more antioxidant-rich items like fresh fruits and vegetables within your diet.

Usually, people follow a routine skin care process that involves cleansing, sun protection, and moisturizing but forget to include exfoliation. An occasional skin facial includes an exfoliating process so that skin pores can easily be opened for cleaning. It will be incorrect of you to assume that a cleanser and moisturizer will do its work and you have provided enough nourishment to your skin by just that. Using a good exfoliating scrub is one of the best ways to start off a skin cleansing routine. There are so many best-seeming exfoliating face scrubs in the market that you may get confused at a glance. What does a face scrub do? In practical terms, a face scrub is helpful in removing the clogged pores and releasing dirt particles that settle down deep inside the open pores. It is not easy to remove the dirt from clogged pores by merely using a face wash. Exfoliation is a method by which the skin starts breathing again and allows oxygen to travel deep within. Dead skin occasionally sheds when facial scrubbing is performed. It prevents the formation of acne, reduces wrinkles and helps to maintain an even skin tone. In the online market on various websites, you can find many exfoliating face scrubs that are the best and can be used daily due to their affordable rates. Some face wash products include microbeads that help in exfoliation. How should you use a face scrub? You should use face scrub when skin exposure to harmful elements is the least. It means that when you are at home, and any outdoor activity not scheduled for 2 to 3 hours later, then skin treatment must accomplish. Here are some steps you should follow- First of all, wipe your face with a cleanser pad or a mild lotion to remove dirt from all over face.

External hemorrhoids also known as piles affect the veins present outside the anus, resulting in bleeding, itching and cracking. These cause the veins to swell and get inflamed due to an increase in pressure in the lower rectum. There are a variety of reasons which can cause hemorrhoids like sitting on the toilet for long periods of time, being obese, anal intercourse, low fiber diet, straining to have bowel movements, pregnancy, poor posture and more. Here’s how to treat hemorrhoids with some home remedies: Eating high fiber food Fruits, whole grains and vegetables soften the stool and increase its bulk, which aids in avoiding the straining that can worsen existing symptoms of hemorrhoids. Apart from this, adding fiber to the diet will also aid you in avoiding problems with gas. Also, make sure to drink lots of water and avoid caffeine. This is one of the best hemorrhoid treatments. Witch hazel This hemorrhoids treatment with its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce pain, swelling, and itching which are the two big problems of hemorrhoids. It can be found in liquid form as well as wipes too. Aloe Vera Used historically as a treatment of hemorrhoids, Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties which may help in reducing irritation. It is advisable to use pure Aloe Vera and one of the ways of getting it is by harvesting the inside of an Aloe plant’s leaves. If you want to check if you are allergic then just rub a small portion on your forearm and wait for 24 to 48 hrs for reactions. Cleaning the affected area The affected area should be cleaned using warm water or with moist towelettes. Don’t use dry toilet paper, perfumed or alcohol-based wipes since they can irritate the area. Apply cold Use cold compresses or ice packs on the anal area to reduce swelling and get relief from irritations.

Spinal stenosis is an extremely painful condition that causes the narrowing of the spaces within the spine. This puts pressure on the nerves that travel through the spine and may lead to several complications. Spinal stenosis commonly occurs in the neck and the lower back. One of the major drawbacks of this condition is the fact that its onset may come with symptoms to indicate the presence of the condition. If you do experience the symptoms of spinal stenosis though, expect to face severe pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling in the affected areas. The symptoms generally worsen with the progression of the condition, so consult a doctor immediately. The onset of spinal stenosis is generally due to wear and tear in the spine related to osteoarthritis. To make things easier for you, here are a few of the best spinal stenosis treatment methods for you to choose from. Spinal Stenosis Treatment Options Treatment for spinal stenosis is dependent on the severity of the signs and symptoms of the disease as well as its location. You must consult a doctor to determine the treatment method that suits you best. If your condition is mild, home remedies may be enough to keep your condition at bay. If you are suffering from severe spinal stenosis, or if home remedies are doing you no good, your doctor may recommend physical therapy, medications, or even surgery. Here are a few of the best spinal stenosis treatment methods. Medications The doctor may prescribe the use of pain relievers and anti-depressants. Pain medications may be successful in providing temporary relief and may ease the discomfort associated with the disease. Try not to use them for long periods of time as they can cause more harm than good. Anti-depressants can help ease chronic pain. Again, do not use them for long periods of time.