With a jam-packed schedule, do you wake up and get ready to eat waffles topped with chocolate sauce for breakfast? Then amidst the back-to-back meetings, do you quickly grab a soda, burger, and fries for lunch? Does your dinner regularly comprise of pasta or spaghetti? Do you often remain thirsty and don’t hydrate regularly? If this is what your daily dietary routine looks like, your kidneys are silently yearning for help. Kidneys are vital for your health and play an essential role in the well-being of your body. Kidneys perform the following essential functions: Eliminate toxins Filter the blood Absorb minerals Neutralize acids Damage to the kidneys can often go unnoticed for a long time, as kidneys can function with as little as 20% of its capacity. Therefore, prevention is better than cure holds true in the case of kidneys. If you have any kidney disease, you should know which products are harmful and which are beneficial for your condition. Vitamins for kidneys are essential nutrients that our body needs to grow, develop normally and maintain its functions. Here are some vitamins for kidneys which are essential for the maintenance and recovery of your kidneys. Vitamin A Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound that is generally classified as retinoids. Retinoic acid promotes embryonic development and is needed for normal immune function. Vitamin A is transported through to retinol-binding protein (RBP). These vitamins for kidneys are recommended to be consumed in a liquid form. Recommended Dosage : Daily Reference Intake (DRI) of 700-900 ug/day. Sources : Liver Fish liver oil Dairy Products Butter Eggs Red and yellow colored fruits and vegetables Dark green leafy vegetables 2) Vitamin B12 Known as Cyanocobalamin, B12 is found in high protein foods. Thus, patients who consume low amounts or remain on very low protein diets for an extended period may have insufficient B12 levels.

Seeking help for addiction is one of the best choices an individual can make. While it is an important decision that can change one’s life for good, getting the right kind of assistance can get tricky. Some of the deciding factors that one should consider while seeking rehab assistance include distance, support, flexibility, and cost. It is a fact that severe substance addiction is best treated in an inpatient residential program that can help effectively manage addiction, detoxification, and withdrawal. However, those struggling with mild substance abuse can get adequate treatment in a reputed outpatient rehabilitation center. Individuals who have a strong will, are committed, and have a disciplined approach often succeed in giving up their habit with the help of outpatient rehabilitation centers. An outdoor rehabilitation program is, therefore, an ideal alternative for those determined and motivated enough to put an end to their addiction. Such rehab programs give individuals the liberty to participate in the program in a way that can work around their schedules. Most outdoor rehabilitation centers schedule their programs at different times throughout the week to offer alcohol and drug treatment sessions to those motivated to quit. Several individuals in the early stages of addiction, therefore, prefer outdoor centers to residential ones as it allows them the flexibility to carry on their routine duties while seeking timely counseling and medication. What’s more, outpatient drug rehabs are relatively less restrictive and successfully help disseminate drug abuse awareness, addiction education, individual counseling sessions, and group sitting with the interested candidates. Most outpatient drug treatments last either for three to six months or longer. It has been observed that an average outpatient detox period usually lasts for about 6.5 months. This is a safer, more effective, and less time-consuming rehabilitation program. Once an individual enrolls for outdoor rehabilitation, she/he is required to visit the rehab facility for mental and physical examination.

When you feel dehydrated, you may often find yourself reaching out for a soda can from your refrigerator. Or you may prefer to drink flavored water or packaged fruit juice. Although these drinks might quench your thirst, they are not fit for your body. Carbonated beverages, packaged fruits juices, and flavored water contain artificial sweeteners, caffeine, synthetic flavors, and other chemicals that can harm your health in the long run. So the next time you want to hydrate yourself or if you are craving a delicious drink, pick a natural and healthy juice or beverage. It’s quite easy to make these healthy drinks at home with seasonal fruits and vegetables. You will have a lot of options such as watermelon juice, aloe vera juice, or any mixed fruit mocktail. These are some of the most healthy drinks that will not only quench your thirst but also replenish your body by providing essential nutrients. Cranberry juice : Vibrant looking cranberries are commonly used during the festive season to make stuffing, sauces, and food decorations. It is loaded with antioxidants and has antibacterial properties too. These help in fighting age-related diseases such as diabetes and heart problems. Drinking cranberry juice is known to be effective in treating urinary tract infection. It also promotes a healthy digestive system. For women, cranberry juice can help to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Cranberry juice has an astringent quality. Hence, it is often mixed with other fruit juices or added to smoothies. Although it one of the most healthy drinks, cranberry juice is high in acidic content. Hence, people with acidity problems should avoid it. Children are also advised to drink only a limited amount of cranberry juice. People who take certain medications such as antibiotics, blood pressure medicines, and blood-thinning medicines are also advised against drinking cranberry juice as they could face adverse reactions and side-effects.

Though progress in medical science has eradicated several life-threatening diseases, there are some ailments that cannot be cured entirely. Such chronic ailments cannot be treated, but there are innovative ways of bringing it under control and successfully coexisting with the said condition. One such chronic condition that alters an individual’s life is diabetes mellitus. This condition is a group of metabolic diseases that bring about dramatic changes in an individual’s blood sugar levels, either due to the inadequate production of insulin or because their body’s cells do not respond favorably to insulin. About 100 million people in the country are affected by diabetes or are in the prediabetes stage. Poor eating habits or one’s genetic predisposition make an individual more susceptible to developing diabetes at any stage of their lives. Though diabetes is a distressing health condition, with the right diabetes medication like metformin, insulin injections, and glyburide, a balanced diet, and regular exercise regime, you can bring the ailment under control. Moreover, there are medications to keep the complications associated with diabetes like heart problems or foot complications in check. In combination, all of these factors will ensure that you control this ailment’s progression. However, at times, even these medications and lifestyle choices aren’t enough to bring the elevated blood sugar levels in control or to stabilize its levels. At this point, your doctor might add Ozempic® (Semaglutide) to your diabetes medications. Ozempic® is a glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist which is engineered for people with type 2 diabetes as glucagon and insulin are the hormones that work in unison to bring the blood sugar levels under control, but in opposing ways. This glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist works by helping the body produce more insulin on its own. Ozempic® is available in the form of a prefilled pen and is administered subcutaneously.

Opioids are a class of drugs that alleviate acute pain, such as the pain one experiences after undergoing a surgery. These drugs interact with the opioid receptors in the brain cells and mollify the feeling of pain and enhance the feelings of pleasure. They are produced using poppy plants or synthesized in a lab. When used according to the medical practitioner’s directions, opioid can spare the patients from pain while recovering from a health condition. However, at the moment, opioids are considered an epidemic, not only by medical communities but also by political and social bodies because of the rampant addiction cases. Since 2000, deaths because of narcotic prescription painkillers have tripled. On the other hand, over 600 thousand individuals are battling with heroin addiction. Like prescription painkillers, the deaths caused because of heroin overdoses have multiplied by 4 times since the early 2000s. A considerable chunk of people has switched from prescription painkillers to heroin as it is easier to access and cheaper. This clearly infers that the country’s opioid crisis has dramatically risen in a span of just 15 years. Lower doses of opioids can make the patient feel sleepy, whereas higher doses can slow down the breathing and pulse rate. As opioid releases endorphins in the brain, it keeps the person ecstatic for a while. When the drug’s effects start fading, one might crave to experience these feelings of pleasure again, which eventually can lead to addiction. Withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, insomnia, abdominal pain, tremors, diarrhea, and vomiting can make it increasingly tough for the person to maintain abstinence from opioids. Consistent opioid consumption in high doses can prove fatal too. Signs of opioid overdose Dangerously slowed breathing patterns and heart rate Pale face Sweaty hands Blue or purple fingernails and lips Vomiting Inability to speak or making gurgling sounds Unconsciousness Limp body If one notices these signs they should immediately contact 911.

Does your sleep often get disturbed by painful leg cramps at night? These cramps are a common problem experienced by many adults in the country. These ill-timed cramps usually affect the foot and the calf, although they can also cause pain in the hamstring. Although this is a widespread condition, its causes and remedies are far from certain. As you do your research, you will come across many different opinions and theories, but not all of them are true. This article will outline some common causes of leg cramps at night time. Failing to stretch certain muscles Our modern lifestyle is to blame for this. Although our ancestors spent most of their time squatting and walking, our contemporary lives have removed the need for such physical movements. We hardly do any activities that stretch the leg muscles and tendons. Moreover, our sedentary lifestyle decreases tendon and muscle length and reduces flexibility, which could lead to cramping. Sleeping in awkward positions Experts have also noticed that when you lie in bed with your face down, your foot is usually in a “plantar flexion” position. Your toe points are away from you, and this shortens calf muscles. If the foot stays in this position for a long time, even small movements of the feet could trigger a cramp. Consider sleeping on your side or in any other position that will keep your toes neutral. Multiple sclerosis Leg cramps at night may also be a symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS) which is a nervous system disorder. People who have MS can experience spasticity which may include different types of involuntary muscle twitches and spasms, including leg cramps. Note that spasticity feels like a mild tingling or tightness in the muscles or severe cramping. Tough workouts Vigorous exercise routines are related to different muscle cramps.

Your body consists of good bacteria and bad bacteria. When there is a balance between both, your body is capable of functioning at its optimum. But often due to the onset of an illness or other external factors, this balance gets disturbed. There are times when there may be a shortage of good bacteria in your body, also known as probiotics. These probiotics are important for one to stay healthy. For instance, when you take antibiotics, you may end up losing some good bacteria. Taking the best probiotics on a regular basis can help you to recover from the loss of good bacteria as it helps to replace them. What are the top rated probiotics? There are many different types of probiotics. Following are the top probiotics of 2017. Bifidobacterium There are four strains that come under this family. It is considered to be one of the best probiotics. B. Longum This strain can help in improving your memory power and are capable of increasing your retention power. These bacteria strains also help to relieve you from constipation. This strain can help you to decrease your stress levels as well. They can help with preventing the growth of any bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract that could harm you in any way. It helps to boost the normal functioning of your brain as well. B. Lactis This strain can help improve your immunity by aiding in the proper functioning of your immune systems. B. Breve This is particularly beneficial for children who face constipation issues. It can also be useful for people who are often exposed to the harmful rays of the sun. The reason is that it protects your skin from any type of damage. This is another bacteria strain that is helpful in relieving you from abdominal pain. B.

The nervous system is one of the most complicated organ systems in your body, and the brain is the powerhouse of all your activities and emotions. Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are needed within the optimal amount to keep your brain working efficiently and to keep you mentally healthy. However, if you are finding it hard to concentrate, are forgetting things too often or going through severe stress and depression, the reason is a deficiency of brain and memory vitamins. These vitamins not only help clear brain fog and confusion to keep your memory sharp, but they also help you focus and learn properly. Vitamin B Complex From brain aging to brain fogs, depression to memory loss, Vitamin B Complex is undoubtedly the best nutrient for your overall brain health and memory. It helps boost your mood and fight stress, hence the name “happy vitamins”. Vitamin B complex produces neurotransmitters to keep the brain active. B complex can be sourced from animal products like flesh, dairy, eggs, and fish as well as from legumes, leafy vegetables, potatoes, peas, carrots, bananas, and so on. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) In order to enhance the health of the nerve tissues and the brain, this is one of the best brain and memory vitamins that keep nerve impulses at bay. Thiamine works effectively in treating Korsakoff syndrome as well as chronic memory decline in AIDS affected people and alcoholics. Liver, beef, pork, eggs, milk, oats, orange, and nuts are common sources of vitamin B1. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) A vitamin effective in keeping a positive mood, B6 can be sourced from eggs, poultry meat, turkey, beef, fish, nuts, beans, peas, and seafood. It increases the Serotonin levels, which fights depression and boosts memory. By reducing Homocysteine levels, it stops the decay of memory cells. Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) It is found in great amounts in leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, and turnip greens, broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprout, okra, lentils and legumes, and Avocado and citrus fruits.

Gout is a form of arthritis which involves swelling, pain, and inflammation of joints. Most gout cases tend to affect knees, heels, fingers, wrists as well as the big toes. It is estimated that about 8.3 million citizens in the country face the problem of gout. Usually, the symptoms of gout occur when a person’s blood has excess uric acid in their body. This acid is a waste product the body makes while digesting certain foods. So, when the levels of uric acid are high, some crystals of it accumulate in the joints, triggering intense pain, swelling, and inflammation. Luckily, one can control this health problem with some lifestyle changes, effective gout diet plans, and medications. This article will review the best foods for gout including the foods you should exclude from your diet. Understanding how diet affects gout When you have gout, some food can trigger an attack by increasing the levels of uric acid in your body. Trigger foods are often high in purines, and when digested, the waste product formed is uric acid. Healthy people don’t have to worry about excess uric acid because their bodies can efficiently get rid of it. However, a person with gout cannot effectively remove excess uric acid, and this leads to a gout attack. Luckily, research has shown that taking the right medication and avoiding a high purine diet can prevent gout attacks. Best foods to include in your diet to fight gout Although an anti-gout diet eliminates most foods, there are a lot of low purine foods one can still enjoy. Low purine foods are the ones that have at least 100 mg of purines/100 grams (3.5 ounces). Here is a list of gout foods you should include in your diet. Vegetables: One can have most types of vegetables like mushrooms, peas, potatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, and eggplants.

Watery eyes are also known as epiphora. Epiphora is a common condition but it is often commonly misunderstood. Basically, epiphora means overflowing of tears without any particular reason. Normally, tears drain through the nasolacrimal system, but if there is an insufficient tear film drainage through the eyes, the tears overflow on the face. This condition can affect individuals of any age, but it is more commonly seen in children under the age of two years or adults above the age of 60. Watery eyes can be treated effectively as long as you consult a doctor about the condition. Causes of water eyes Many conditions and factors cause watery eyes. In children, watery eyes are often the result of a tear duct blockage. Here, instead of draining away, the tears tend to build up in the tear sac and overflow. For older adults, aging is one of the main causes of watery eyes because the skin of the eyelids sags away from the eyeballs. Watery eyes may also be induced by certain medicines, such as chemotherapy, epinephrine, and eye drops. Other common causes for epiphora include allergies, eyelid inflammation, blocked tear ducts, common colds, corneal abrasion, corneal ulcer, dry eyes, and more. The causes of watery eyes can vary in the range of their severity. This is why, it is important to have watery eye symptoms checked to help find out the underlying cause for the same and receive a proper treatment. Home remedies for watery eyes Some home remedies to deal with the watery eyes that may be caused by allergies are: Cold milk The most important and the effective home remedy for watery eyes is using cold milk. In order to treat the watery eyes naturally at home, you are required to get a knit cloth dipped in cold milk and place it right on your affected eye.

Indigestion and bloating are two of the most commonly suffered disorders among humans. Both children and adults often complain of acute abdominal pain, gas development within the stomach, and discomfort or burning sensation in the throat or chest. These are the common symptoms of acid reflux. The disorder needs to be controlled to sustain a healthy digestive system and a healthy body. Acid reflux treatment may include medication in severe cases. However, in normal cases, a healthy lifestyle and good eating habits are generally enough to curb the problem to a large extent. What Is Acid Reflux? The entrance of the human stomach has a lining of muscles that form a valve. This valve is called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter or LES. It closes once the food enters the stomach. But, in case the valve is open for a longer period, the acids developed within the stomach to aid digestion may enter the LES and move up to the esophagus. It causes discomforts like burning sensation in the throat and chest. Though this is commonly known as heartburn, it is actually acid reflux. If a person suffers from acid reflux for more than two days per week, he or she might be suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and must undergo proper acid reflux treatment. Patients who have acid reflux complain of uncomfortable burning sensation, frequent burping, bloating or a foul acid taste in their mouth. In severe cases, one may also experience bouts of vomiting, bloody or black stool, nausea, sudden weight loss, hiccups, and wheezing or a sore throat. Lifestyle Changes As Acid Reflux Treatment Many doctors prescribe medication like antacids and pills to reduce acid production in extremely critical cases. However, some suggest certain lifestyle changes that can help curb the problem and act as simple yet effective acid reflux treatment.

A normal blood sugar range can be extremely different scenarios for a diabetic and a non-diabetic. Usually, 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL is considered to be a normal blood sugar range. On the other hand, 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL is a relatively raised level of blood sugar. However, this isn’t a diabetic condition but a major red flag indicating its possible onset. Anything above 180 mg/dL specifies as a diabetic condition, i.e., hyperglycemia. Some of the symptoms of hyperglycemia are headaches, unexplained weight loss, weakness, excessive thirst, frequent urination, decreased concentration, blurry eyesight, etc. For most diabetics, normal blood sugar ranges between 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL before eating anything and below 180 mg/dL two hours after having meals. But these levels can surge when you – Miss insulin shots or sugar control medications Consume food containing high levels of sugar Are battling with any illness Are dealing with mental pressure Not adequately active Why is it essential to monitor your blood sugar range? Blood sugar monitoring on a regular basis on a regular basis is a healthy practice for any individual. However, for people who have diabetes examining blood sugar levels is of utmost significance. The following points explain how keeping normal blood sugar range in check can benefit you. You will get a better perspective about how well your treatment is working. It helps you make necessary changes in your lifestyle, diet, and medication if in case the results are unfavorable. Self-monitoring the blood sugar range makes you more disciplined, and this can have a positive effect on your overall health. Keeping an eye on your blood sugar will also help evade any potential health scares caused due to diabetes such as vision and nerve damages, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disorders, circulatory problems, intestinal complications and slow healing.