Vitamin D is very important for everyone to lead a healthy and longer life. Vitamin D is produced when we are exposed to the sunlight. There are many benefits to us from Vitamin D. The deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to many diseases and abnormalities in the body such as loss of immunity and problems in menstruation etc. In equatorial and Asian countries where there is plenty of sunlight all through the year, there are lesser complaints of deficiency of Vitamin D. In countries where there are long winters; many people suffer from the deficiency of Vitamin D. The amount of Vitamin D needed by the body depends on the age and the body type. The approximate amount of Vitamin D needed by infants is 200 IU and adults is 600 IUs The body absorbs less amount of Vitamin D as we age and so we age, the amount of Vitamin D needed will be more. Obesity is another factor which makes the absorption of Vitamin D difficult as the fat cells absorb a large amount of Vitamin D. It is advised by doctors and experts to take an approximate amount of 1,000 to 2,000 IUs of Vitamin D in the winter. The intake of Vitamin D is very important when the exposure to the sun becomes less especially in countries with harsh winters. Vitamin D helps in building the bones, cognitive function, improving the health of the joints. This vitamin also improves in maintaining the immunity, controlling the blood sugar levels, maintaining a positive mood etc. Vitamin D helps in preventing osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer and many more diseases. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the lifespan of anyone depends on the intake of Vitamin D. Doctors also recommend the consumption of Vitamin D supplements when there’s an extreme lack of the same.

A spinal fusion surgery is used to join or fuse the vertebrae in the lower back. It is used to join the vertebrae permanently to disable motion between them. This major surgery is conducted for hours. The techniques used in spinal fusion surgery are same as the normal healing of broken bones. A bone-like material is placed between the two vertebrae. Rods, screws, and metal plates can also be placed to fuse the spinal vertebrae together. The spinal fusion surgery basically aims to immobilize the spinal vertebrae. It limits the spinal cord’s movement. Due to this, some extra pressure or stress is exerted on the vertebrae. This could result in the quick degeneration of the spinal cord. The spinal fusion surgery is performed under the following conditions: The surgeons conduct the surgery to rectify pains and deformities of the spinal vertebrae. Various spine problems mentioned below can be corrected with the surgery. Spine deformities: Abnormal rounding of the upper spine, which is also known as kyphosis, and sideways curvature of the spine called scoliosis can be rectified with the spinal fusion surgery. Broken vertebrae: When the broken vertebrae cause pain and bring instability to the spinal column, they can be healed with a spinal fusion surgery. However, all the broken vertebrae don’t need the surgical process. Some heal naturally over time along with the dosage of medical prescriptions. Herniated discs: When the damaged herniated disc is removed, spinal fusions work well to reduce the pain and stabilize the spinal column. Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips on the next vertebra under it. Such conditions cause numbness or nerve crowding in the leg along with intense pain. This problem can be treated using spondylolisthesis. Spinal weakness: Too much motion between the vertebrae makes the spine unstable. This problem is quite frequent among people suffering from arthritis.

Diabetes is a disease which should not be ignored as it can lead to a number of complications owing to high blood sugar having an effect on the body. It can also lead to leg cramps and it can be safely said that diabetic leg pain signs can worsen if care is not taken in time to prevent the development of these. These leg cramps occur as elevated sugar levels lead to excessive urination and thus cause subsequent dehydration. Limb pain is another sign that diabetes has started to show off its symptoms and should be taken care of under the supervision of a trained doctor. Leg pain or cramps should not be taken as a simple sign of dehydration. Instead, the combination with arm and leg pain are a sign of diabetic neuropathy which occurs due to damage to nerves due to the presence of high blood sugar levels. These nerves are sensitive and change in temperature, light touch and vibrations cause damage to them resulting in leg pain which has evolved due to the diabetic condition of a person. The relation of diabetes with leg pain gets strengthened if the below-listed symptoms become evident. Numbness in feet and lower leg This numbness in feet and lower leg is one of the most common diabetic leg pain signs and indicators of the developing symptom. Numbness can cause a buzzing or a shocking sensation. If a person is suffering from diabetes and feels any of these sensations in the lower limbs or legs, it is a clear sign that ill effects of diabetes have percolated to the level of the legs. Impaired Sense of Touch Sensory nerve damage is also related to diabetes. Impaired sense of touch becomes forces the person to experience a semnsation of layergin on the epidermas.

What is Paleo Diet? You must be wondering what Paleo diet is, and from where did it originate? The answer lies deep down the history lane, with our ancestors. The people, who lived in the old era, did not have any foods of the modernized world and had everything that was available naturally in their surroundings. This is the reason they stayed healthy and fit and even lived longer, unlike us from the modern world, where everything is available on the go like milk, eggs, pulses, green leafy vegetables. It is no surprise that we lack the stamina and the energy that our previous generations possessed. Today most of the food items we consume are processed or artificially made, that takes away the real nutrients that our body requires. The idea of the Paleo diet revolves around avoiding food like pulses, sugar, and dairy products like milk, eggs, yogurt, salt, legumes, etc. Paleo diet is the latest trend among health enthusiasts and is being successfully followed by millions, to maintain a healthy and an energetic life, eliminating different deficiencies and avoiding various diseases. Paleo also helps in maintaining a clear skin, reduces obesity, puts away laziness, prevents diabetes, supports a healthy heart, makes one immune to specific allergies, minimizes inflammation and provides a good quality sleep. To get the benefits out of a Paleo diet, pair it with exercise, intake of enough water, a good sleep and an active lifestyle. Paleo Diet Meals Vegetables : All vegetables are suitable for a Paleo diet until they are fresh and artificially processed. Vegetables provide us with vitamins and minerals. However, some vegetables contain high levels of carbs. One should stay away from them, in case they are adopting Paleo diet plan for weight loss. Vegetables suitable for Paleo diet: • Broccoli • Celery • Peppers or capsicum • Carrots • Spinach • Cauliflower • Green onions • Eggplant • Zucchini • Asparagus • Lettuce • Parsley • Avocado • Brussels sprouts • Sweet potato Fruits :

Digestion is a complex process of breakdown of food into simpler substances or nutrients for easy absorption by the body. This process is facilitated by heat and certain chemicals produced by our body called digestive enzymes. Since the process of digestion occurs in multiple stages, at each stage, these digestive enzymes contribute to the breakdown of certain macro and micronutrients. What are natural digestive enzymes? Our body produces a number of enzymes. Most enzymes are proteins and some of these are involved in the process of digestion. They speed up the digestion process by helping the breakdown of complex macromolecules into smaller molecules. Every enzyme has a different target nutrient to break down and make it available for the body. Digestive enzymes are secreted at every step of the digestion process. The salivary glands produce amylase enzyme in the mouth that kick-starts the digestion process. Mainly, the digestive enzymes are produced in the pancreas and small intestine. Other enzymes are produced in the mouth and stomach. Why do we need digestive enzyme supplements? When the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of digestive enzymes or when the enzymes fail to function properly, this leads to several digestive issues such as bloating, chronic constipation, and inflammatory bowel syndrome. The undigested food passes on to the intestines, which becomes the breeding ground for the bad bacteria. This can cause colon related problems. In such cases, it is advisable to take digestive enzyme supplements for smooth digestion. What causes digestive enzyme deficiency? Our body requires digestive enzymes to digest food. But in some cases, the production of these enzymes is restricted due to some disease such as pancreatic cancer, celiac disease or Crohn’s disease. It can also be caused due to old age or low acid production in the stomach. Some other habits that affect the enzyme production are chronic stress, alcoholism, and drug abuse.

Dental implants are the best option available to restore the look, feel, fit and function of your natural tooth. Although there are other options like dentures and bridges, they often interfere with speaking, eating and smiling. All these complexities can be avoided with implants. They would also last longer. Dentures may last for 8 to 10 years, and you need to replace them after this time frame. The cost adds up to such a situation. On the other hand; implants last a lifetime, and you just need some periodic adjustments to enhance the longevity of this dental procedure. In other words, an average cost of dental implants is much less compared to other types of procedures when you consider the long-term benefits. Cost for the X-Ray may add to the cost temporarily but saves money in the future. When it comes to implants, the initial consultation is vital. Most of the planning for the entire treatment is done during this stage. Your teeth and jawbone health is analyzed during the consultation stage and if forms an essential aspect of the treatment. You might have heard a few people saying that their implants have failed to live up to the expectations. If you everything is not done properly during the planning phase, you may not get the expected results. Experienced dental surgeons give utmost importance to the initial consultation to eliminate any future complication. Some people may want to combine the initial phase with the first stage of the treatment to save money. In such a situation, you need to remember that diagnostic imaging such as panoramic X-ray is essential, and it should never be avoided in the name of added cost. X-rays are critical for this procedure, and you should not choose a dentist who is willing to do an implant without an X-ray.

What is Sciatic Nerve? The sciatic nerve is a huge nerve which is the longest nerve found in humans. It originates in the lower back and runs its way through the buttock, down to the lower limb and the foot. The sciatic nerve connects the lower area, i.e., muscles and skin of legs, thighs, and foot to the nervous system. The sciatic nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the skin of the feet and legs, excluding the inner leg area. Pain due to pressed or petulant sciatic nerve, in the lower back area, is termed as sciatica. The most common cause of sciatica is spinal disc herniation, a medical condition in which the spinal disc develops a crack and pinches into the sciatic nerve. However, there exist some other lower back problems too, which may also lead to a sciatic nerve disorder, like a degenerative disc, spondylolisthesis or piriformis syndrome. Treatment for Sciatic Nerve Pain Acupuncture This is a Chinese treatment for sciatic nerve pain, in which painless, hair-like needles are poked into the skin near the area of pain. Acupuncture helps in improving or reviving the natural energy flow of the body and has been found to be an effective treatment that has been used for ages. For better results, warming acupuncture is recommended in which the needles used are heated. Heat or Ice Packs In case of acute sciatic nerve pain that you experience in the initial stage, applying heat or ice packs can be helpful, for reducing the pain to some extent. Apply the heat or the ice pack for at least 20 minutes and if needed, repeat it every 2-3 hours. Hot water bottles can be used for applying hot packs. For applying ice packs, one must keep the ice between a towel or any other thick cloth, to avoid the risk of ice burn.

An allergic reaction is often a result of detection of a foreign substance that is harmful to the immune system. As a reaction to these allergens, the immune system reacts with symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and inflammation. If the allergy is mild then it can be treated with the help of over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, if the allergy is chronic, then it requires medical intervention. In case the allergy is severe then it might need emergency medical care. The following allergy treatment options can help in reducing allergies or managing them. Nasal decongestants Sinuses, sore throats or coughing can be treated with nasal decongestants. There are pills, sprays, and liquids that are used to help with swollen and stuffy sinuses. However, these nasal decongestants should not be taken for more than 72 hours continuously. They are one of the most popular allergy treatment options. Often times, due to allergy, you might not be able to breathe and these nasal decongestants will clear the nasal track and ensure normal breathing. Saline sinus rinse The sinuses can be rinsed with saline in order to clear the way and remove the allergens. Here is a method recommended by the AAAAI for preparing the saline rinse. Take 3 tablespoons of salt without iodine and mix well with 1 tablespoon of boiled water. Next, add one tablespoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of hot water. Then dissolve this mixture in water and use as a saline. The saline gets rid of all the allergens and reduces the symptoms of allergy. You can also buy sinus rinsing devices from a pharmacy or online. If the allergy does not recede, then you are advised to see a doctor for further treatment. Immunotherapy Some allergies are not completely relieved by treatments and so the doctors might suggest allergen immunotherapy.

Pollen can cause allergies and hay fever, and this is a very common problem in the country. Pollen is a powdery substance produced by flowers and trees. Many people show adverse effects when they breathe in pollen. Usually, when a harmful invader like bacteria or virus enters the body, the immune system starts to fight against it. However, some people face a problem whereby their immune system starts attacking pollen when it enters the body, even though it is not harmful. This response is known as an allergic reaction, and the pollen is known as the allergens. Many people face this problem throughout the year while others have to deal with it only during a specific time of the year. Pollen count Pollen count is the level of pollen present in the atmosphere in a particular place. Checking this count is quite useful for the people who suffer from a pollen allergy. Based on the weather condition, the count will vary from place to place. An allergist carries out this test which helps us know the exact pollen count in an area. When you have an idea about the pollen levels outside, you will be able to plan your outdoor activities with ease. Usually, there are three levels of pollen count — low, medium, and high. Sometimes, you can also find detailed information about which kind of pollen is present in the air in a specific area. How is pollen counted and measured? The allergist will place a pollen counter on the top of a building. With the help of these pollen counters, air is collected through different methods available. The allergist will also place a microscopic glass on the top of the building with a jelly-like substance on it. The pollen sticks to the glass because of this substance.

Boils, also known as abscesses, are basically red-colored bumps that develop beneath the skin. These bumps are not always painful, but as they grow larger and accumulate more pus, the tenderness and pain increase. Also, they do not drain until they are fully saturated. Boils are those kinds of skin infections that initiate at the root of the oil glands or the hair follicles of the skin. Boils can be very painful and warm when touched since they penetrate into the deeper subcutaneous layer of the skin. In case of small insignificant boils, it can be treated at home giving warm compresses. The repeated soakings will drive the pus to the head of the boils and it bursts to release the same. Whatever might be the case; boils should never be pricked with a needle for draining the pus as this can make the infection even worse. Due to infection, the base of the oil glands or the hair follicles and the area of the skin associated with the infection become red. The reddish appearance indicates that an inflammation has occurred. Immediately after, a soft painful coagulum develops from that place. It takes a maximum of 4 to 7 days for the clump to accumulate enough pus and turn white. for those who do not know how to get rid of boils, a hot compress is an effective home remedy. In case the pus does not drain even after applications of repeated hot compresses, it should be understood that the sepsis has metastasized to the deeper layers of the skin. In such a condition the boil is termed as furuncle or an abscess. Causes of Boils There are multitudes of bacteria’s present on our skin’s surface. Some are beneficial for our skin and some are bad. Boils are caused by Staphylococcus that resides on our skin.

There is a network of connective-tissue strands present beneath the skin that holds the fat in place. These are known as septae. In case the septae become loose, which often happens due to genetics, the fat begins to bulge out, creating unsightly ripples on the skin’s surface. This is known as cellulite. Cellulite can affect various areas of the body such as the thighs, booty or stomach. It doesn’t matter whether you are size zero or close to becoming obese, cellulite can occur in anyone. Also, it is more common in women than in men. The wide occurrence of this has led to the advent of many cellulite treatments. All these treatments can help in making the unpleasant skin dimpling less noticeable. Here, we have listed some of the best and most effective cellulite treatments. Some effective cellulite treatments Cellfina ® This is the first and perhaps the only FDA-approved minimally invasive cellulite treatment that is shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite for a minimum period of 2 years. The treatment can be easily performed at one’s dermatologist’s office. In this, the specialist uses a distinctive needle-sized device to cut out a section of septae that holds the body’s fat together to smooth out dimpling. This is a one-step procedure that offers visible results in about a week. The results last for up to 3 years. The only downside of this treatment is that it is expensive. VelaShape This is another non-invasive and effective cellulite treatment option that makes use of a handheld device that emits infrared light rays and bi-polar radio frequency energies to contour the body and reduce fat layers. The process involves gently heating the fat cells and the surrounding tissues to minimize the appearance of cellulite. In this, the results begin to appear after four treatments.

Shingles is a troublesome infection that is caused by the same virus—varicella zoster (VZV) virus—that is responsible for causing chickenpox. It appears as a painful rash and persists for at least 2 weeks. While it goes away in a maximum of 4 weeks, it causes immense pain, itching, burning, and all-around discomfort. The symptoms can be tough to handle, but there are a number of ways one can make themselves feel more comfortable during its outbreak. There are a number of home remedies available for treating shingles pain. When one is affected by shingles, after a consultation with the doctor, they can look for the best cream for shingles pain. Ointments for treating shingles pain are readily available in the market and provide great relief. Some of the popular creams for treating shingles pain have been listed as follows. Calamine lotion Calamine lotion is a topical anti-itch lotion. It has astringent and skin protecting properties which can help one get relief from the itching sensation caused due to shingles. They also slow down the growth of bacteria and prevent the infection from getting even worse. Calamine lotion soothes the skin and can be considered as one of the best creams for shingles pain. Lidocaine Lidocaine is a numbing medicine that is used to control and alleviate pain. It comes in a variety of different forms which include the likes of sprays, powders, patches, and lotions. It is generally used in the lotion form and is quite effective. One can apply this lotion moderately on affected areas to get relief from the pain caused by shingles. Capsaicin cream Capsaicin is mainly found in chili peppers. It is the ingredient which makes the mouth burn when one has too many chili peppers. Capsaicin creams help relieve one of the pain experienced due to shingles.