Sleep is nature’s way of helping the body rest and recover after a day’s activity. Whether you lead an active or a sedentary lifestyle, your body and the various organs that keep you going have to perform their functions on a daily basis. When you sleep, most of the body’s internal as well as external organs either rest or slow down. It gives the various systems and the organs a chance to rest and get ready for a new day’s activity. If you do not get adequate sleep, it affects the entire system, and you feel tired and dysfunctional. Sleep Disorder Symptoms There are many types of sleep disorders, and their symptoms might differ. However, certain basic symptoms are common to all sleep disorders. These include: Experiencing difficulty in falling asleep at night. Tiredness after waking up. Feeling irritable and short-tempered. Feeling sleepy during the daytime or wanting to take naps. Falling asleep while performing an activity like driving. Forgetfulness. Lack of focus and concentration. Unusual behavior while asleep. Disturbed sleep, having nightmares, and night time fears. Sleepwalking. Slowed down reactions during waking hours. Feeling the need for stimulants like coffee to stay awake through the day. If you experience all or some of these symptoms, consult your doctor. They could be signs of a deeper problem. These could also lead to other problems. Different Sleep Disorders And Their Signs Based on sleep disorder symptoms, there are a number of sleeping problems, four of the most common are insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. You can also experience Circadian Rhythm Sleep Disorders under certain circumstances. Insomnia Insomnia is the most common of sleep disorders. One in two people suffers from occasional bouts of insomnia, while a large number of people are victims to chronic insomnia. Common insomnia symptoms are:

Statins are the first type of medication prescribed to bring high LDL cholesterol within normal limits. However, they can have varied side-effects, and even be ineffective, in case your cholesterol problem stems from a genetic disorder. Read on to know about the different alternatives to statins that can help treat high cholesterol. Medication Below are a few alternatives to statins that your healthcare provider might recommend. Bile acid sequestrants Sequestrants bind themselves to bile acid in the intestines and get flushed out of the body via the stool. The liver starts absorbing more cholesterol if it senses a drop-in bile acid content. This entire cycle ends in effective reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Bile-acid-binding medicines include colestipol, cholestyramine, and colesevelam. Ezetimibe The second most recommended form of treatment – ezetimibe, is an inhibitor medicine that has a two-pronged approach to lowering your cholesterol. It first blocks proteins that facilitate the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, decreasing the cholesterol levels reaching the bloodstream. Second, the inhibitors work to reduce the amount of cholesterol available to the liver. This forces the liver to make up for the loss, by absorbing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Together, these effects can successfully lower your cholesterol levels. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B3 or niacin is a promoter of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. It also attacks adipose tissue, ridding it off high triglyceride stores. It does this by inhibiting the synthesis of triglycerides and the secretion of LDL particulates. Although niacin is not as effective as bile acid sequestrants or ezetimibe, doctors recommend Vitamin B3 to regulate blood cholesterol levels and save you from the side-effects of statins. Fibrates Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are carriers of triglycerides and cholesterol. Fibrates, which are derivatives of fibric acid, drive the liver to reduce its production of VLDL.

The thyroid is one of the most misinterpreted diseases in human beings. Very few people understand the exact condition when the numeric value of thyroid level showed in blood reports is lower or higher than the prescribed value. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive and is hence unable to release enough thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is the exact opposite of this. It is the overactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in a rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that can happen to any person at any given time of his or her life. However, it has been observed that older people, especially women, are more predisposed to hypothyroidism. A hypothyroidism diet is essential to promote the normal activity of the gland. Indicators of hypothyroidism The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the human neck. Doctors note that almost 40 percent of the population across the globe suffers from hypothyroidism at some phase of their lives. With age, women tend to become more prone to suffer from underactive thyroid glands. Apart from women, others prone to hypothyroidism include those who have diabetes, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. People notice certain changes in themselves that may not be normal as per their character. The main symptoms of hypothyroidism are: Fatigue or low energy levels Frequent mood swings Disturbed sleep patterns Poor digestion Weakened metabolism Loss of hair Infertility Weak nails Weight gain Muscle tenderness and pain Breathing problems Constipation Cracked or rough skinGoiter Disturbed menstrual cycle Frequent cold or flu These are the initial signs that often indicate towards the disease. If suspected, doctors usually suggest blood tests to the person to substantiate. Hypothyroidism is not a deadly disease that cannot be treated. With proper treatment, lifestyle changes and hypothyroidism diet plans, one can control hypothyroidism and gradually increase the thyroid level in the body.

Fighting wrinkles has been an age-old battle that both women and men have been fighting since time immemorial. We all want flawless, wrinkle-free skin, and with the right care and useful tips, this isn’t impossible. Preventing wrinkles is no herculean task, and you don’t need to go under the knife for it. A healthy lifestyle and these tips are all you need for a face that is worthy of the limelight: Too Much Sun Is Bad If you love sunbathing and getting a tan, you should know that too much exposure to sunlight won’t work in your favor. While the vitamin D from the early rays of the sun is great for your skin, the sun also produces ultraviolet rays that are no good for your skin. From wrinkles to cancer, the UV rays can prove to be harmful, so make sure you avoid exposing yourself to the sun. Give Up Smoking Quitting smoking is not just great for your lungs, it can work wonders on your skin as well. When you smoke, enzymes are produced. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down collagen and elastin. These are essential components that help in keeping your skin supple and maintaining elasticity. Research has shown that people who smoked showed early signs of wrinkles and aging as opposed to people who didn’t smoke. Beauty Sleep Is Necessary Getting adequate sleep is something you should work on if you want to stall the appearance of wrinkles and prevent them. Lack of sleep can produce a hormone called cortisol, and excessive production of cortisol can break down your skin cells. On the contrary, getting enough sleep can produce human growth hormones or HGH. These hormones can help produce new cells and keep your skin thick and elastic, preventing wrinkles. Sunscreen Is Your Best Friend A lot of people reserve sunscreen for only the sunny days, but you should know that the sun’s ultraviolet rays can reach you even on a cloudy day.

Vitiligo is a health condition in which one gradually loses skin color because of depigmented patches appearing on the skin. Essentially, the immune system begins attacking melanocytes, or the cells in the body that produce melanin, which is responsible for skin pigmentation. Although vitiligo has no definite cure, doctors usually suggest certain repigmentation treatments to alleviate its effects. Opzelura (ruxolitinib) is one such topical repigmentation option often prescribed to treat this skin condition. About vitiligo With approximately 1.9 million patients diagnosed with vitiligo in the country, it is a fairly common skin condition involving depigmented skin patches. These patches usually begin to appear on the face, hands, genitals, and around the openings in the body, but eventually, they may spread throughout the skin. The discolored areas may progressively increase in size, and the disease can also affect one’s hair and the insides of the mouth. Further, those with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, thyroid, lupus, etc. are more vulnerable to vitiligo. Opzelura for vitiligo It is a first-line treatment option for vitiligo that has been approved by the FDA as a prescription cream to control melanocyte destruction and restore one’s natural skin pigmentation. Ruxolitinib is the main ingredient in Opzelura and it works to protect the skin’s melanocytes. Who can apply Opzelura? Since Opzelura is a prescription treatment, one should apply it only with a doctor’s prescription and under their guidance. In general, doctors prescribe Opzelura for patients with non-segmental vitiligo (patches appearing on both sides of the body), who are aged 12 years and above. This product can also be applied on sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, and genitals. The treatment course may last over 24 weeks before one experiences visible results. Before using Opzelura for vitiligo, one should speak with their doctor about the area(s) on which it should be applied more extensively.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Although the common symptoms are fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and joint pain, these can vary from person to person and can be confused with many other illnesses. Lupus is, therefore, referred to as “a disease with a thousand faces.” Like most other conditions, though, food choices play an essential role in managing the symptoms. Here are four foods to avoid for lupus. Alfalfa sprouts Alfalfa sprouts, or the shoots of the alfalfa plant, can increase inflammation in the body. This is particularly true for people with lupus and other autoimmune conditions. A compound called L-canavanine present in alfalfa is responsible for this. L-canavanine can stimulate the immune system and worsen the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, lupus patients must avoid alfalfa, whether as sprouts or as a garnish for soups and sandwiches. Garlic Garlic enhances the activity of white blood cells, including the lymphocytes and macrophages of the immune system. While this enhanced immune response is beneficial for others, it can prove counterproductive for lupus patients. This does not mean one should entirely eliminate the herb from the menu. Mindful and monitored consumption of garlic is okay without going overboard. Saturated fats Saturated fats and trans fats are considered harmful even for those who do not have health concerns. But the danger is, of course, magnified in the case of people with lupus. Those with this health condition are already at risk of heart attack, and saturated fats found in fried foods, red meat, full-fat dairy, and baked goods can affect heart health. Further, their calorie-rich and nutrient-deficient nature makes them one of the foods to avoid for lupus. Echinacea Echinacea is a flowering plant whose extracts are effective in improving immune function. But it does not help everyone.

Skincare products are formulated to help cleanse, exfoliate, and counter surface odors. But most of these daily-use sunscreens, moisturizers, and creams are made using synthetic compounds. Regularly using such products intensifies chemical concentration on the skin and triggers irritation and allergies. People with sensitive skin or a disorder like eczema usually switch to organic products to protect the skin. This article elaborates five skincare ingredients that can be quite aggravating for those with eczema. Parabens A lot of beauty products come with a “paraben-free” disclaimer. This ingredient is one of the most used preservatives in almost all cosmetic products in the market, especially fragrances. Compounds like propylparaben and Iosbutylparaben will increase the shelf life of the product but are quite harmful to sensitive skin and people with eczema. Moisturizing agents Lanolin, propylene glycol, and petroleum jelly are largely used in moisturizing products and protective lotions. Any skin care product with these ingredients worsens the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema. Improper refining processes trigger a release of irritants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Synthetic fragrances Fragrances are formulated to mask body odor and have a long-lasting effect even on hot days. But a lot of these fragrances are made with chemicals and added scents that may smell good but trigger irritation in eczema patients. Many everyday skincare products are also laced with such fragrances to mask the smell of the base formula. Even unscented products contain some strong ingredient that was added to mask the original smell of the product. Essential oils Daily use of essential oils made with tea tree, mint, citrus, and lavender oils can trigger irritation and dryness. Many products feature these natural oils in their formula. The risk is high when mixed with other synthetic fragrances and odor dampeners used in daily skincare products. Preservatives Shampoos, shower gels, and soaps are mostly filled with preservatives and skin bleaching ingredients.

Muscular dystrophy is a group of debilitating health conditions that progressively cause muscle mass loss and weakness. It is caused by abnormal gene mutations which disrupt the production of natural proteins in the body. This makes building healthy muscle mass difficult. Most hidden signs of muscular dystrophy start in childhood. But for some types of muscular dystrophy, the symptoms do not show up until adulthood. Here are some common signs based on the type of muscular dystrophy. Duchenne type muscular dystrophy This is one of the most common types of muscular dystrophy. The symptoms start showing during childhood. Some of the known signs include the following: Falling frequently Finding it difficult to get up from a sitting or lying down position Difficulty in jumping or running Waddling gait Walking on the toes Enlarged calf muscles Muscular stiffness and pain Delayed growth Becker muscular dystrophy The symptoms of this type are mostly the same as that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, the severity of the symptoms is mild. Moreover, the symptoms progress slowly over time compared to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Also, these symptoms are usually experienced during the teen years. But in some cases, there are no symptoms until the mid-20s or later. Myotonic muscular dystrophy This type of muscular dystrophy has symptoms such as the inability to relax the muscles after contractions. In this, the muscles of the face and neck are affected in the initial stage. It is characterized by a long and thin face structure with drooping eyelids and swanlike necks. Facioscapulohumeral (FSHD) muscular dystrophy In this type, muscle weakness begins in the shoulders, hip, and face. The shoulder blades tend to bulge whenever the arms are raised upwards. These symptoms usually start during the teen years. But in some cases, the symptoms may become evident during childhood or even after 50 years of age.

Sciatica is caused due to irritation of a particular nerve in the human body. It happens to about four out of every ten people at some point in their lives. The sciatic nerve runs along either side of the lower spine, through the buttocks and pelvis, passes through the upper legs, and then divides at the knee. It also branches into the feet. What causes sciatica pain? When there is pressure or irritation on the nerve, it causes pain that shoots through the back of the legs. The pain will vary depending on the situation. A patient may also face weakness, numbness, and a tingling sensation along the nerve. The pain becomes worse if the person sits, stands, sneezes, coughs, or strains their body for a long time. The best treatments for sciatica can provide relief and help the patient recover quickly. Best treatment options for sciatica The treatments vary from cold or hot packs to medications. Exercise is another remedy for sciatic nerve pain. Medications for sciatica pain People can use several medications for getting relief from sciatic pain. Here are some oral medications that can help: Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers provide temporary relief from sciatic pain. Few that help with the condition are acetylsalicylic acid, NSAIDs, ibuprofen, naproxen, and paracetamol. Doctors also prescribe muscle relaxants to calm muscle spasms. Antidepressants may also help with severe back pain. It is important to note that children below the age of 18 should not take aspirin as it increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome. In a few cases, a doctor may inject steroids into space around the nerve. This type of medication can help reduce the irritation. It mostly works in cases where the cause of the irritation is a ruptured or herniated disc. Exercises to get relief from sciatica pain One of the best treatments for sciatica is physical exercise.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are responsible for severe swelling or enlargement of the veins in the lower part of the rectum. As we know, the walls around such organs comprise of thousands of blood vessels. A condition in hemorrhoids causes these very vessels to stretch out, leading to an unpleasant and painful experience. Although having hemorrhoids can be a dreadful situation, they can be easily treated with simple ointments, suppositories, and non-surgical options, if and when treated on time. What causes hemorrhoids? The enlargement of veins around the anus can be caused by the following factors: Aging : Such a condition usually occurs among adults aged between 40 to 65 years. This, however, does not mean that it cannot affect people at a younger age. Constipation : Chronic constipation triggers the formation of hemorrhoids due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which puts additional pressure on the veins, causing them to bulge. Relief from hemorrhoids in such a condition can be incurred by consuming high fiber food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Heavy lifting : Lifting heavy weights without proper padding and knowledge can trigger the enlargement of veins around the rectum area. Obesity : Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods : Long periods of sitting in one position, especially on a toilet seat, can trigger hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be of two types: Internal hemorrhoids : These occur deep inside the rectum. They are usually painless, but they can worsen if excessive straining activities are undertaken. They tend to protrude through the anus and are, hence, commonly called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Such type of hemorrhoids can be very painful. External hemorrhoids : These are visible abruptions and usually occur under the skin around the anus. They are far more painful than internal hemorrhoids due to the presence of more sensitive nerves around the rectum.

Have you felt a stabbing pain in your shoulder when you stretch your arm to grab something? Or do you have trouble raising the hand? If so, you may have a rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is a group of tendons (the strong chords that attach your muscles to bones) and muscles placed in the upper back and shoulder. It joins the upper part of the arm to the shoulder blade and helps it move. Irritation of the tendons might be because of age-related degeneration, overuse of the shoulder or an injury. The pain makes it difficult to even perform simple routine activities like brushing your hair or putting on a t-shirt. Doctors may prescribe painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases, a rotator cuff repair surgery might be needed to treat tears. In mild cases, one can opt for a combination of home remedies and stretches. Here are some of them: Apply ice packs Application of ice packs at the very first twinge can help to lessen inflammation, minimize swelling, and decrease pain. Using an ice pack for about 10 to 30 minutes will bring down the pain. Instead of an ice pack, you can even use a bag of frozen peas or an ice-filled plastic bag. However, don’t let your skin touch the ice directly as it could cause a cold burn. You can also use a damp towel to wrap the ice pack and then apply it to the affected area. Do this every other hour and as the pain reduces, apply ice three times a day until you’re free from pain. Apply heat Heat helps in increasing blood flow to tissues. It soothes the inflammation and speeds healing. It also increases flexibility and relaxes muscle spasms. Therefore, it can enhance your shoulder’s motion and strength.

Halitosis or as it is commonly known, bad breath, is an embarrassing condition. Gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only temporary measures as they don’t address the cause of the problem. Some food items, health conditions, and habits are the main causes of bad breath. You can cure bad breath with proper and consistent dental hygiene. The malodor may vary depending on the underlying cause. If self-care techniques don’t work, it is best to see your dentist or physician to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of other serious condition. Symptoms Some people may have bad breath and don’t know about it. Other people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. It is hard to self-assess your breath. Therefore, ask a close friend or relative to check if you have bad breath. Causes There are many probable causes for bad breath. They are: Food The breakdown of food particles in your mouth increases bacteria and causes a foul odor. When you eat certain foods like onions, garlic, and spices, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and affect your breath. Tobacco products Smokers and oral tobacco users are prone to having gum diseases, which could lead to bad breath. Tobacco has an unpleasant odor as well. Poor dental hygiene Food particles remain in your mouth and cause bad breath if you don’t brush and floss daily. Plaque, a colorless and sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. This plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums if you don’t brush regularly. Not only your teeth, but the tongue can also trap bacteria that produce odors. Dry mouth or xerostomia Saliva helps cleanse your mouth. If you have a problem with your salivary glands, it may result in chronic dry mouth.