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.

Different kinds of foods can cause acid reflux. Acid reflux is referred to the condition when the acid from the stomach backflows to the esophagus. This is caused due to the damaged or weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES closes to avert the food present in the stomach from moving up to the esophagus. Given below is a list of some foods that cause acid reflux and hence should be avoided Tea, Coffee, and Soda Caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee and soda trigger the symptoms of acid reflux. Even decaffeinated tea can trigger acid reflux as well. It is best to avoid them altogether. Cheesecake Although delicious, it is one of the food items that cause acid reflux. The high content of fat in cheesecake causes the issue. Broccoli If you get acid reflux due to indigestion and gas; vegetables like broccoli will increase gas in your digestive system which will trigger acid reflux in return. Citrus Fruits The acid containing the citrus fruits will trigger acid reflux because they calm the lower esophageal down. Moreover, citrus fruits have more acid which aggravates the symptoms in most people. Alcohol Liquor of any kind like wine, beer, etc. causes acid reflux symptoms in two ways. Firstly, the alcohol calms the lower esophageal sphincter muscles letting the acid into the esophagus and secondly, alcohol helps in producing more stomach acid, which in turn causes acid reflux. Spicy Foods Among the most common causes of acid reflux, spicy food is one of them. If you suffer from the condition of acid reflux, it is best to avoid hot and spicy foods like curry and chili. Chocolate Both dark and milk chocolate are known to cause acid reflux. It contains a compound known as theobromine which relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscles thereby allowing the acid to travel upwards to the esophagus.

Allergies are fairly common and no matter the kind of allergy, the best treatment is to avoid the allergen. Proper treatment involves finding the cause of the allergy and treating it. There are a few common factors that cause allergy. These include pollen, pollution, or other such factors. Many tests can help determine the allergen. Once you know what is causing the problem, you can get it treated or avoid it. Not taking steps towards curing it will only make the situation worse. The common symptoms experienced are cold, cough, and rashes. There are two allergy treatment options available for you to try. Avoid Exposure To The Allergens If the allergen can be removed from your environment, you can recover much sooner. It may not always be possible, and this is when allergy medications come in handy. Here are a few ways in which you can avoid the allergen. Food allergies are fairly common. So be careful about what you eat. Many people have pet allergies too. If you have any pet allergies, get yourself tested. You can keep your pets in a separate place. Also, make sure that you keep your pets clean by bathing them regularly. Dust allergy happens when the surrounding is not clear regularly. Make sure your house is ventilated and dry. Damp environments can attract fungus. So, make sure you clean your house on a daily basis. Grassy or polluted areas can cause allergy. Places that have high pollen content in the air can make you react by sneezing or coughing. Dust your pillows and curtains regularly. Avoid having carpets at home. Allergy Medication When you cannot get rid of the allergy by avoiding the cause, this is the best way to go. There are many medicines that you can get without a prescription. However, it is always better to consult a doctor before taking them as some are not suitable for everyone.

Most people with eye problems prefer contact lenses over glasses as they’re convenient. But one of the most common issues that people with contact lenses face is the drying up of their eyes. This is the result of dry eye syndrome. While this problem is prevalent amongst both users and non-users of contacts, wearing contacts aggravates the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. However, there are effective ways with which you can combat this issue. Read further to find out more. Dry eye syndrome Sometimes, your tear glands are not able to produce a right amount of tears to lubricate your eyes efficiently. This leads to dryness and irritation and sometimes even inflammation. Severe cases can even lead to scarring of the frontal surface of the eyes. This is a widespread condition which affects about 48% of the population of 18 and above. Causes of dry eye syndrome Some causes include Damage to the tear glands Damage to the eyes and skin around it Hormonal changes Wearing contacts for extended periods Treatment options for dry eyes The best and the most common solution prescribed by doctors for dry eye syndrome is the usage of eye drops that help lubricate your eyes. Some behavioral changes can also help reduce your symptoms of dry eyes. If a specific type of medication is affecting your eyes and causing them to dry up as a side effect, then consider changing your medication. There is also a procedure to block the tear drainage system of your eyes, but this is only recommended in severe cases of dry eye syndrome. The best contact lenses for dry eyes most times comes from a combination of several measures. You could change the material of your contacts, or replace their solution, or even try some other remedies that help control the symptoms of dry eyes.

There are several effective and easy-to-administer home remedies to prevent asthma. These home remedies can help relieve symptoms of asthma. They can also prevent a full-scale attack and help the sufferer to breathe comfortably. Asthma patients can try them out to prevent symptoms from worsening and leading to a full-blown attack. Some of these home remedies include: Fighting Inflammation There are many home remedies to fight inflammation, that is one of the prime causes of asthma. These remedies include Omega-3 Fatty Acids Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish like tuna and sardines. They are highly beneficial for asthma patients. They have properties that help in reducing inflammation and can provide relief. Turmeric Turmeric has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the release of COX-2, which is a hormone-like substance that causes inflammation. One spoon of turmeric powder mixed with warm milk can be very helpful in reducing inflammation. Onion and Garlic Both onion and garlic have anti-inflammatory properties. They can be eaten raw, or as a spice with food. Ginkgo Ginkgo is a remedy used in ancient Chinese medicine. Up to 250 mg of ginkgo herb extract can be consumed daily. It helps reduce spasms in the airway that causes breathing difficulties. Caffeine Hot coffee can be very helpful in preventing the onset of asthma. The caffeine works similarly to the medicine theophylline. It helps in opening up constricted airways, producing relief from asthma symptoms. Essential Oils There are several essential oils like lavender oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil that can be added to boiling water. You can inhale the steam generated. When the vapors of this oil are inhaled, it helps to clear congestion in the lungs and provide relief. Honey and Ginger Both honey and ginger are well known for being anti-inflammatory agents. They can be quite helpful in preventing an asthma attack by reducing cough.

You must have tried special shampoos, altered grooming routine and also tried medications; but your dog has not stopped itching, scratching or biting fur. But have you considered working on your pet’s diet? Similar to humans, dogs too have food allergies. Dogs can experience severe itching, irritation, swollen face, among others due to food allergies. There is no age bar in dogs for developing food allergies. Symptoms of dog food allergies Your dog may have developed food allergies if you notice the below symptoms. Itchy skin Allergic dermatitis or itchy skin is one of the common outcomes of dog food allergies. The irritation of itchy skin can occur in various parts of the dog’s body such as ears, paws, rear end and stomach. Hives Hives are primarily itchy red bumps. These are also known as urticaria. Hives may surface within 6 to 24 hours if your dog consumes any food which he or she is allergic to. If the hair or fur of your dog is short, they are easily visible. Stomach trouble Gastrointestinal issues such as gas, vomiting, and diarrhea are also the outcomes of dog food allergies. Swollen face Dog food allergies can lead to swelling of lips, eyelids, or ear flaps. Paw infections Sometimes your dog may have repeated infections in his or her paws or ears. These are the result of certain sensitivity towards certain food ingredients. What are the common allergens? Every dog owner should understand the difference between food sensitivity and food allergies. The prime difference is food allergy triggers an immediate immune system response. But the reaction of food sensitivity is gradual. Most of the common allergens which trigger food allergies in dogs include chicken, beef and dairy products. On the other hand, corn, wheat, rice, barley and oats are some of the less common allergens.

Dogs and cats can be easily allergic to a range of foods that go undiscovered until they show the symptoms. Sometimes, the causative agent for such allergies remain undetected and thereby the owner has to put the fur-babies on food allergy tests so that they are able to avoid such foods in the long run. Where this is one of the wisest methods to discover what our dogs and cats are allergic to, it is possible to avoid them directly. By knowing the top food allergies in dogs and cats, we can directly prevent the most common causative agents from causing any unnecessary pain to them. What are the symptoms of food allergies in dogs and cats? The top food allergies in dogs and cats seem to have almost similar symptoms, which makes it easy to recognize and understand. They are Redness or patchiness Itchy skin, paws, ears Excessive sneezing Rashes Bad odor Skin texture to leathery Redness of eyes Visible infection in ears Excessive fur loss Scaly skin or exaggerated oiliness Eye discharge Visible fungal or bacterial infection Vomiting Symptoms of diarrhea These are just common symptoms and might vary from breed to breed. The top foods that cause allergies in dogs and cats The foods mentioned herein are known to cause allergic reactions in cats and dogs, so be wary of what you feed them and help them live a healthy life. Eggs Most dogs are known to show allergic reactions to eggs. Eggs are known to cause one of the top food allergies in dogs and cats because of the protein present in them. Owners of specific breeds are known to directly avoid eggs and are advised to read packaged treats for no egg content in them. Wheat More common than often, wheat causes one of the top food allergies in dogs and cats.

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation. The symptoms of this condition are generally stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joint which can flare up or subside. It is common among those who suffer from this type of arthritis to wake up with morning stiffness. It is a condition that can be treated with medication and lifestyle changes but cannot be cured permanently. It is a chronic condition that can even last a lifetime. While doctors administer various treatments, lifestyle changes can help improve psoriatic arthritis to a large extent. Here are the lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis: Stress Stress plays a very important role in triggering arthritis flare-ups. Learning to manage your day-to-day stress can keep your symptoms away. You need to first identify the reasons for stress in your day-to-day life and then understand how you can deal with it. Stress management varies from person to person. Once you understand what works best for you, this would be one of the best lifestyle changes that can help improve psoriatic arthritis. Food The food you eat plays a vital role in psoriatic arthritis triggers and the healing process. Here are some of the food groups that you must consume while avoiding others regularly. Anti-inflammatory omega-3: Tuna Salmon Olive oil Flaxseeds Chia seeds Avocados Nuts Fruits and vegetables with high antioxidants: Nuts Dark berries Green leafy vegetables Dark chocolate Dried ground spices Coffee and tea High-fiber foods: Oats Quinoa Corn Wild and brown rice Here is a list of foods that you need to stay away from when you have psoriatic arthritis: Red meat Diary Processed foods Some of the best diets that can be followed when you have psoriatic arthritis are: Gluten-free diet Paleo diet Mediterranean diet Following the right diet along with physical activity will help you maintain a healthy weight and keep the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis at bay.

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition wherein a person experiences extreme mood swings. A person’s feelings may go from extremely good to really low in life. Due to the extreme range of symptoms, it often gets tough to diagnose bipolar disorder. There is no cure for it, but the symptoms can be controlled with medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Diet is a major contributing factor to this deadly mental disorder. Certain foods can affect your mood majorly while others can have calming effects. Here are some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. One should remember that it is vital to take a holistic approach and focus on diet as well as other forms of medication and treatment. Some foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder include: Grapefruit – It has been seen in many cases that some bipolar medicines, particularly anticonvulsants, do not interact appropriately with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. Thus, it is one of the foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. Caffeine – Caffeine in any form is known to irritate people and make them restless. It could also cause sleeplessness and nervousness. It is also known to suppress hunger. Thus, caffeine intake should be minimized, and the person should be slowly weaned off it. If you suddenly eliminate it from the diet, it could alleviate symptoms, so do it gradually. Any kind of addiction or dependency is damaging in this condition. Thus, it is most certainly one of the foods to avoid if you have bipolar disorder. High-fat foods – Any food with a lot of fat content in it will take time to digest and can add to the lethargy levels already prevalent in bipolar patients. Also, fatty foods make it tough for bipolar medications to get absorbed in the body, thereby inhibiting their benefit.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, paranoia, fuzzy thinking, delusions, social withdrawal, and cognitive issues. Though treated with a mix of therapy and medicines, diet can help relieve some symptoms and worsen some of them if not considered carefully. People afflicted with schizophrenia generally have unhealthy eating habits leading to other health issues. On consuming foods high in saturated fats and low in fiber can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Here is a low down on the best and worst foods for schizophrenia. Fruits and vegetables Consume all kinds of fruits ranging from raspberries and apples to pears. Fiber-rich fruits help in lowering the incidence of risks associated with schizophrenia such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. One gets an additional benefit of vitamins and minerals from fruits. Veggies are not only low in fats and calories but are also a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients such as potassium. Go for lima beans, sweet potatoes, and kidney beans. Aim to have fresh fruits and vegetables rather than having frozen or pre-cut and dried. Include foods of a variety of colors. Eat five healthy portions during the day. Fish The human body needs essential omega-3 fatty acids but it cannot be made by the body. A growing body of research is pointing towards omega 3 as helping in slowing down the disease progression. The best source for omega 3 fatty acids is mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, and trout. One can also go for over the counter supplements. Try to eat at least three portions of oily fish to gain benefits of the same. Chicken marinara The symptoms of schizophrenia can be eased by consuming chicken and marinara sauce. Both are rich sources of niacin. Niacin should be taken less than 1 gram per day as higher doses are toxic for the liver.

Dry eye syndrome is a condition characterized by the tear glands not producing adequate fluid to keep the eyes lubricated. This condition can lead to symptoms such as scratchy eyes, eye fatigue, heavy eyelids, pain, light sensitivity, and even blurred vision. These can disrupt one’s daily schedule and be very painful, causing further distress. This article shares some home remedies that one can try to relieve the symptoms of dry eyes. 5 Tips and Home Remedies to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome Use warm compresses Warm compresses basically stimulate the tear glands to promote the production of tears. This can be a regular practice and can provide great relief when done every day. Have a good night’s sleep Lack of sleep can instigate dry eyes and eye fatigue in people who would not have the condition otherwise. It is recommended to take short breaks between screen time and get some shut-eye. Use a humidifier People who reside in a region that is dominated by dry and cold weather must invest in a humidifier for it retains the moisture in the air and helps relieve the discomfort caused by the dry weather. Stay hydrated An adequate intake of water is essential for everyone, but it’s especially important for patients with dry eye syndrome. Having enough water can further help to keep the eyes lubricated, which helps in soothing the dry eye symptoms. Use eye drops or ointments Any over-the-counter eye drops available can help soothe the dry eye syndrome and provide temporary relief. You can also opt for eye drops that induce artificial tears to lubricate the eyes; however, remember to buy the ones without preservatives. Foods to Have for Dry Eye Syndrome Foods that are a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids significantly help relieve the symptoms of dry eyes when eaten over a period of time.

Congestive heart failure is a chronic heart problem which affects the pumping ability of the heart muscles. The heart fails to pump efficiently which causes heart failure. Congestive heart failure is high-risk and a life-threatening problem. Treatments for congestive heart failure work wonders to help people struggling with it. What is congestive heart failure? The human heart has four chambers, with the upper chambers known as atria and the lower chambers are known as ventricles. Blood is pumped to different body parts through the ventricles. The atria receive impure blood from the body. Congestive heart failure can be defined as the stage when the fluid accumulates around the heart. The fluid disables the ventricles to pump enough blood to the body. What are the different types of congestive heart failure? The left-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively. Fluid can build up in the lungs and cause difficulty in breathing. Left-sided congestive heart failure is of two types: Systolic heart failure: The contraction of the left ventricle results in the improper pushing of blood for circulation due to the lack of force thus making pumping inefficient. Diastolic failure: The stiffness in the left ventricles doesn’t allow the muscles to relax. In this condition, the heart fails to pump the required level of blood. Right-sided congestive heart failure, however, occurs when the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs inefficiently. Blood accumulates in the blood vessels and results in fluid retention. The congestive heart failure has four different stages: Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV. What are the common symptoms experienced in the different stages of congestive heart failure? Class I: No specific symptoms (although one tends to feel tired quickly). Class II: Shortness of breath and palpitations during physical activities.