6 herbs and spices for managing cancer symptoms

6 herbs and spices for managing cancer symptoms

Also called the emperor of maladies, cancer affects nearly 1 million people in the country. It is also the second leading cause of death globally, heart disease being the leading cause. Most of the time, cancer affects those people whose family has a history of cancer. Genes carrying cancer-triggering cells are passed down from one generation to the next. In other cases, prolonged exposure to radiation or toxic substances can chemically induce cancer. This exposure can be a result of occupational hazards, lifestyle choices such as smoking, or due to radiation therapy. Cancer can be of many types. We have listed 4 types of cancers below: Carcinoma is a type of cancer that mainly affects the epithelial tissue lining that covers most organs and the internal pathways and forms the skin layer. Major organs at risk include the esophagus, lungs, stomach, breast, pancreas, colon, rectum, and gland cells. Sarcomas mainly affect the bones and soft connective tissues in the body. There are over 70 different types of sarcomas that mainly affect the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, fat deposits, and also the lining of the joints. Leukemia is not a single cancer but a broad category of cancers that affect blood cells. Leukemia can either be acute or chronic, depending on whether white or red blood cells are affected and cancer’s progression. Lymphoma, on the other hand, develops and affects the lymphatic system of the body that stores and transports white blood cells to fight infections. Lymphoma is primarily classified as Hodgkin’s, where cancer spreads from one lymph node to the other, and non-Hodgkin’s, where cancer can randomly affect any part of the lymphatic system. In all of these cases, cancer prevention is very difficult unless all the risk factors are eliminated. But, more often than not, this is practically quite difficult.
RSV in babies – Symptoms and preventive measures

RSV in babies – Symptoms and preventive measures

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spreads like a cold virus from individual to individual. Virtually all children develop an RSV infection by the time they are two years old. While symptoms for this infection can vary by age, RSV seems to hit babies, especially those under the age of one, the hardest, making it a leading cause of infant hospitalization. It can also give rise to complications such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and asthma. Recognizing RSV in babies – Symptoms to watch for RSV symptoms look similar to the common cold in babies under one. They may include fever, which is 100.4°F or higher, wet or dry cough, runny nose, congestion, and sneezing. Some babies may also lose their appetite or become more fussy. In some cases, RSV can lead to complications like bronchiolitis, where the baby might experience swelling in their airways. This could cause symptoms such as rapid and shallow breathing, nostril flaring, wheezing, chest caving, and grunting while breathing. It is advisable to call 911 or visit an emergency room immediately if the baby’s breathing patterns change. Preventing RSV infections RSV is a highly contagious infection. So, protecting babies from it is crucial, as exposure to this virus and its potential complications could also put the baby’s life at risk. Taking basic preventative measures can help parents and guardians keep their babies safe. 1. Parents and caregivers should ensure their babies avoid any form of close contact, such as being hugged or kissed by individuals who may be sick. 2. It is crucial to not share personal items with others, especially if they are contaminated. These include bottles, toys, and cups, as they may carry the virus from one child to another. 3. Those in close proximity to the baby should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer before touching the baby.
5 foods that help cope with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

5 foods that help cope with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe disease that can cause scar tissue to grow inside the lungs. The abnormal growth of such tissue can slow the flow of oxygen from the lungs to the blood and make it harder to breathe. There is no cure for IPF, but a few treatments can slow its progression and prolong life expectancy. Furthermore, combining these five foods with treatments may also help cope with the lung condition. Apples Eating apples regularly is known to have several health benefits. Improving lung health is one of them. The fruit contains quercetin, an antioxidant that compliments the lungs. Eating about five or more apples a week will help reduce lung diseases like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Beetroots and beet greens People who eat beetroots and beet greens have shown signs of better lung function. The food is rich in nitrates, which help calm the blood vessels. The compound is also known to curb blood pressure and smoothen the flow of oxygen to the respective organs in the body. Furthermore, beet greens contain magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants. These elements also benefit lung health. Pumpkin Pumpkins are a popular fruit abundant in properties like carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta carotene. These elements have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. And studies reveal that young and older individuals with higher blood levels of carotenoids benefit from improved lung health. Tomatoes Adding tomatoes to one’s daily meals shows links to improved lung function. They contain lycopene – a carotenoid antioxidant associated with better lung health. Furthermore, people with asthma, who consumed tomato-based products, also experienced reduced airway inflammation. The compounds present in tomatoes also improve lung function in people with COPD. Oysters Oysters are a popular food that helps cope with lung diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Following a Healthy Diet for Hypothyroidism

Following a Healthy Diet for Hypothyroidism

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.
Special varieties of meal kit services to try

Special varieties of meal kit services to try

Meal kit services have something for every taste palette, with options for vegans, pasta junkies, and gourmet lovers. Although many services cater to a mix of categories, we found a few that stand out because they tend to certain niches. If you’re looking for a meal kit service that fits specific food preferences, whether refined, earthy, or vegan, take a look at these delicious choices. Sakara Life for luxurious vegan meals Sakara Life offers fresh and refreshing plant-based food on their weekly menus. When you subscribe to the service, you’ll receive premium-quality meals inspired by different cultures around the world. The luxury element comes from the careful selection of flavorful ingredients and extraordinary fruits and veggies. Think of the meals from Sakara Life as the food you would normally be served at a lavish wellness retreat. Some of their meals include watermelon-rose salad, Phuket bowl with Thai sticky rice, and matcha udon bowl. Eattiamo for Italian cuisine All pesto, lasagna, and Focaccia lovers assemble because Eattiamo is the go-to meal kit service for some fine Italian cuisine. The subscription model allows you to enjoy six or seven different meals from different regions every month, from Tuscany to Naples to Sicily. Each box has seven products, including everything from seasoning and sauces to the pasta itself, to prepare a dinner for the whole family. Follow the given recipe, and you might be able to recreate a true-blue tasty Italian feast. They have monthly, three-month, and six-month payment plans. Hungryroot for produce lovers Hungryroot is another unique meal kit service that lets you take a quiz on their food preferences. Based on that, they send groceries plus recipes to your doorstep. Their boxes celebrate produce and balanced flavors. For instance, if you pick the “Super Zucchini’d Falafel Bowl,” you will receive amazing zucchini falafel and organic zucchini along with flavorful coconut curry and jasmine rice.
4 tips to get rid of fleas and ticks

4 tips to get rid of fleas and ticks

Having pets is not all fun and games; it comes with a great sense of responsibility. We respect working adults and parents who are brave to take on the additional responsibility of adopting or rescuing pets. And in the bid to help some pet parents out, we have compiled the easiest remedies to rid their pets and house of the most unwanted guests – fleas and ticks. We hope these simple home remedies help you out. Use essential oils Rubbing some diluted essential oils on our pets’ coats is one of the best remedies to get rid of fleas and ticks from troubling our pooch. Use the essential oil that suits your pet, something that you may have tested on them before. It is advised to do a patch test and remember only to use diluted versions, as essential oils are strong and could easily irritate their skin. Keep the home squeaky clean No one’s saying your home isn’t clean, but let’s face it, with babies and pets around the house, the parents have to be extra careful. Like we would keep the floor vacuumed and dry at all times if we had a baby in the house, pet parents need to ensure their floors, couches, and bedding are well-vacuumed. Because if there’s any dirt or moisture in these nooks, they can easily catch infestation. It won’t be long before you see signs of fleas and ticks on your furry friend. Use natural flea treatment product If you don’t like using any chemicals on your pets, there are many home recipes to make a solution to get rid of fleas and ticks. To make this treatment solution, you will need distilled white vinegar, water, and essential oil. Use 1 cup of vinegar, mix it with 1 quart of water, and a few drops of essential oil to store it in a spray bottle.
Dry Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Dry Eyes – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

The eyes are your window to the world. Not only do your eyes tell a tale during your times of happiness, but also in your times of sadness. You may cry out of joy or in pain, the only thing common to the two situations is the secretion of tears. They help provide lubrication and moisture which help you see properly and ensure that your eyes are comfortable. Tears are a mixture of several substances which include water for moisture, oils for lubrication, mucus to ensure that they spread evenly and antibodies and special proteins which ensure that infections are kept at bay. All in all, tears have quite a few more uses than you would imagine. These ingredients come from glands present around the eye. Dry eyes is a condition commonly characterized by the tear system being out of order. Symptoms and causes of dry eyes There are several symptoms of dry eyes which include itching, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, a gritty feeling, and a feeling like there is something in your eye when there is actually nothing. The condition may sometimes lead to the secretion of excess tears as well. This condition is referred to as reflex tearing. This occurs as there is a lack of moisture in the eye that causes irritation. A distress signal is then sent which leads to the production of excessive tears in order to provide lubrication. The problem is that these tears do no good as they are mostly made of water and cannot coat the eye and provide it with moisture. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry eyes: One of the most common causes of dry eyes is a lack of balance in the system that creates tears. Another common cause of chronic dry eyes includes the air conditioner or heater, which could dry out the tear film.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure and How to Lower It Naturally

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure and How to Lower It Naturally

People suffering from the issue of high blood pressure are constantly looking for some easy home remedies on “how to lower blood pressure naturally?” Here, we have compiled some effective home remedies for lowering the blood pressure and keeping your body in the best possible shape. But first, let us understand some key facts about high blood pressure. What is high blood pressure? Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure occurs when the level of blood pressure increases to extremely high and unhealthy levels. The measurement of blood pressure includes taking into account the amount of blood passing through the blood vessels and the amount of resistance it faces while the heart is pumping. When the arteries narrow down, the resistance increases. If the problem of high blood pressure is not accurately treated, it can cause serious health issues such as heart disease. According to research, nearly half of adults in the country are diagnosed with the problem of high blood pressure. Common symptoms of high blood pressure Before we address the most significant query “how to lower blood pressure naturally?”, let us have a look at some of the most common symptoms of hypertension: Headaches Nosebleeds Shortness of breath Chest pain Dizziness Flushing Urine in the blood Visual changes It is important to note that a lot of people do not experience any symptoms at all. So, it is best to get regular blood pressure readings taken. How to lower blood pressure naturally? Here are some easy home remedies you can perform to keep your blood pressure in control. Let’s have a look. Exercise Incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine is a significant aspect of healthy living. It not only lowers your blood pressure but also helps to control diabetes and has a positive effect on your mood and strength.
Heat Rashes – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Heat Rashes – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

While summer is a welcome break for many, it can also become a dreaded time for those who suffer from prickly heat rashes. These reddish, itchy spots can cause a lot of irritation if you don’t resort to the right preventive and curative measures. Heat rashes or sweat rashes commonly occur in tropical, humid climates. Prickly heat rash can occur in adults, children, or even infants. Timely heat rash treatment and preventive measures can help combat the condition effectively. Mild prickly heat rashes usually clear up by themselves, if you reduce your exposure to the sun and maintain good hygiene. The face, neck, chest, back, groin area, under the breasts, and shoulders are likely to be affected by heat rashes. Heat rashes occur when the sweat glands are blocked and the sweat is unable to reach the skin surface to evaporate. This clogging of the sweat pores causes inflammation or rashes. Common causes of heat rashes include the following: Over-exposure to the sun Poor personal hygiene Heavy creams or lotions Wearing tight clothing Symptoms of heat rash Prickly heat is also referred to as miliaria rubra. They are characterized by tiny red bumps on the skin that are accompanied by an itchy or prickly feeling. The prickly sensation feels like a sunburn. The tiny blisters look like beads of sweat or bubbles. Heat rashes may spread to other parts of the body as well. However, it is not an infectious skin condition that could spread to others. There are mainly three types of heat rash: Clear or miliaria crystallina – This is the mildest form that usually disappears on its own Red or miliaria rubra – This occurs on the outer skin layer in the form of tiny red bumps Deep or miliaria profunda – It occurs due to repeated bouts of heat rash that may inflame deeper skin layers.
Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Hepatitis C – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods

Hepatitis C is a viral liver disease which is also contagious. The disease spreads via blood contact and it is necessary to avoid any exposure to the hepatitis C virus. The infection can go on to be chronic and can be treated with medications. HCV can also cause liver cancer and in some worse conditions, it can also lead to death. The virus usually invades the liver which causes dysfunction and swelling. It is possible for a person to get re-infected with the virus that has a different strain. Symptoms of HCV Acute Hepatitis C Due to the lack of definitive symptoms, acute hepatitis C is very rarely diagnosed. People even refer to it as a silent epidemic. From exposure to symptoms, it takes up to 4 to 15 weeks. Symptoms of the same could be nausea, joint pain, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice. Chronic Hepatitis C When the virus remains in the blood for more than six months, hepatitis becomes chronic. During diagnosis, if the HCV virus is detected for more than two times then the chronic HCV is confirmed. The infection will continue unless it is treated with proper medication. It should be noted that after 25 to 30 years the infection might result in scarring or even fibrosis of the liver. If the situation worsens then it can cause liver cancer and even liver failure. The damage of the disease is not apparent until the liver is almost on the verge of collapse. Proper treatments for Hep C are the only way to go in this case. Causes of HCV Hepatitis C is caused by the HCV virus. Viruses are usually inactive unless they enter a living body. These viruses then attack the cell and start replicating. In case of chronic HCV, millions of copies of the virus are produced in the body.
Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention of Adult Type 2 Diabetes

Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention of Adult Type 2 Diabetes

Also known as diabetes mellitus type 2, adult type 2 diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects the body’s ability to metabolize sugar i.e. glucose which is the main source of energy in the human body. In such a condition the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin which is an important hormone responsible for maintaining the glucose level in the body. There are certain underlying causes responsible for developing type 2diabetes; however, the exact cause is still unknown. In this article, some of the important facts are discussed that would help in the proper diagnosis and prevention of adult type 2 diabetes. Causes The human body develops type 2 diabetes when it becomes resistant to insulin. More precisely, the pancreas at first produce more insulin to give energy to the cells but eventually it can’t cope up with the requirement and stops producing insulin when the body fails to utilize that insulin. This then gets deposited in the bloodstream as sugar. Lifestyle factors This is a contributing factor as to why the body develops adult type 2 diabetes. Being obese, not doing much physical activity and leading a sedentary lifestyle can be the contributing factors of type 2 diabetes. Eating unhealthy foods with artificial sweeteners, saturated and trans fat and too much junk food together with a poor diet may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Too much stress can also trigger the blood sugar level. Genetics Genetic factors cannot be justified much. These are the factors that are beyond human control. Different DNA contributes to different abnormalities in the body cells and this is one such abnormality. Symptoms of type 2 diabetes in adults Frequent urination and increased thirst Collection of excess sugar in the blood causes more fluid that tends to be pulled out by the tissues resulting in triggering your thirst.
Red Eyes – Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Red Eyes – Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Red eyes refer to a condition in which the white portion of the eye, known as sclera, becomes reddened or “bloodshot.” The redness occurs when the vessels in the eye become inflamed or irritated. Redness in the eye can manifest in various ways ranging from the occurrence of squiggly pink dots on some part of the sclera to the development of lines in the entire sclera. Red eye can happen in either one or both the eyes. A few symptoms associated with red eyes are as follows: Irritation Dryness Itching Pain Watery eyes Blurry vision Burning sensation Sensitivity to light Common causes of red bloodshot eyes There are several allergens present in the environment that can trigger red eye. These allergens include the following. Airborne allergens Pollution in the air caused by smoke Dry air in airplane cabins, closed office buildings, or arid climate Dust Airborne fumes generating from gasoline or solvents Chemical exposure caused by chlorine in swimming pools Excessive exposure to sunlight, for example, going out without wearing UV-blocking sunglasses Some serious eye conditions that can cause red eyes are as follows: Eye trauma or injury Eye infection Conjunctivitis Recent eye surgery including cosmetic eye surgery or laser treatment Scleritis, in which the sclera becomes excessively swollen and red Uveitis Acute glaucoma Corneal ulcer Few lifestyle factors can also trigger red eyes, such as the following. Smoking marijuana or tobacco Excessive alcohol consumption Continual use of digital devices Inadequate sleep Red eye treatment Simple measures can help treat red eyes. Some of these measures are as follows: Avoid rubbing eyes as it promotes mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Instead, you can use cool compresses to alleviate itching. In order to ease mild red eye symptoms, you need to close your eyes and splash cold water several times a day onto your eyelids.