Toenail fungus is a condition when the toenails become thick, yellow, and curl inwards. Often, these infected toenails are unattractive to look at and painful to the touch. Many people who have a toenail fungus infection may skip any treatment in case their toenail is only superficially discolored or damaged and not painful. People with painful toenail fungus may have to choose from a wide list of the best toenail fungus treatment to relieve the pain. One of the oldest and most common toenail fungus treatment includes removing the infected area if medicines or alternative remedies do not work. While the same treatment may not suit everyone, it is important that you go in for the best toenail fungus treatment that suits you best. Here are some of the ways to seek the best toenail fungus treatment. Visit a doctor and give prescription drugs a shot As soon as you are infected with a toenail fungus, it is imperative that you get a consultation from a trained healthcare expert. Many doctors suggest oral medicines, topical lotions and ointments, antibacterial drugs, and prescribed anti-fungal creams that usually work as the best toenail fungal treatment in case of a light fungal infection that is in its infancy. If your toenail infection has gone further down, stronger prescription drugs may be required to relieve the discomfort. Often, older and thicker infections may not get cured entirely. Try OTC medications Several over-the-counter (OTC) creams and anti-fungal lotions act as the best toenail fungus treatment that can help cure mild to moderate toenail infections. Some of these medications include aerosol sprays or oral drugs. Since a specific type of fungus is usually behind the condition, most OTC drugs set out to target that specific type. While the symptom of toenail fungus infection may get controlled by these OTC drugs, severe infections often may not get eliminated.

Hemorrhoids are the swollen veins in the lowest portion of the rectum and anus; it causes rectal bleeding. Though it is not a life-threatening physical problem, it does cause pain and discomfort especially when you pass stools. It can be easily treated and cured with certain home remedies, non-invasive, and invasive procedures. How to cure hemorrhoids with different methods? Home remedies You can get relief from mild pain, inflammation, and swelling with certain home remedies. Sometimes, these are all you need when you’re searching for how to cure hemorrhoids. High-fiber foods: Start eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains since these have a high fiber content. These foods help in softening the stool as well as increases its quantity. This is the best way to cure hemorrhoids and to avoid strain which can aggravate the existing symptoms of hemorrhoids. However, you must slowly add fiber to your diet to avoid the formation of gas. Regular soaking and sitz bath: Take some warm water and soak your anal area into it for 10–15 minutes, three times a day. Get yourself a sitz bath which easily fits onto the toilet bowl to cure hemorrhoids. Topical treatments: You can choose to apply an over-the-counter cream or suppository which contains hydrocortisone. You can also use witch hazel pads or any pads containing a numbing agent to cure hemorrhoids. Avoid dry toilet papers: After every trip to the bathroom, use non-perfumed and no-alcohol wet or moist toilet paper or towelettes to clean the anal area to cure hemorrhoids. Keep the anal area clean: You must always keep the anal area clean. Thus, bathe or take a shower every day with warm water and ensure to gently clean the skin around the anus. Never use perfumed or alcohol-based wipes. Gently pat the area to dry or use a hairdryer for the same.

Probiotics are a recent evolution in human health aspects and many people do not know about it and they generally have a common question, “What are probiotics?”. These are live bacteria and yeasts, which are considered good for health. These have a beneficial effect on the digestive system of a person. Bacteria generally are considered harmful organisms which result in diseases. The human body also has a right composition of good and bad bacteria. It is these good bacteria which are commonly referred to as probiotics and are generally considered helpful as these keep the human gut healthy. Probiotics are also found in human body and can be found in some of the foods and supplements. Many people didn’t know what are probiotics before the 1990s but during the past two decades, research on probiotics has reached its pinnacle and much is now known about them. People who suffer from digestion-related issues are often advised intake of probiotics on a regular basis. How probiotics work Though it has been two decades since the beneficial effects of probiotics were found out, doctors are still working on finding as to how exactly probiotics work. However, it is certainly known that when good bacteria reduce in human body probiotics usually replace these. They also help maintain an elegant balance between bad and good bacteria in humans. Different types of probiotics Although people know what are probiotics, they may not know that different kinds of bacteria come under the preview of probiotics. Most of these fall under the following two categories: Lactobacillus : These are the most common probiotics. They are commonly found in fermented food items and yogurt. These probiotics help in the treatment of diarrhea and are particularly recommended for people who are not able to digest lactose, the sugar which is usually found in milk.

Constipation occurs because of the lack of water in one’s stool, which usually occurs when too much fluid gets absorbed into the intestines, making the stool dry. Constipation is the condition in which a person experiences fewer than three bowel movements in a given week. This diagnosis has been provided by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse that is a part of the National Institutes of Health. Constipated stools are often hard, small and dry that makes the entire process unpleasant to endure. Everybody has a different system; some people may go to pass stools multiple times a day while some may go only a couple of times every week. Treatment for constipation is seldom required unless the symptoms last for weeks. And it is possible to get relief from constipation by following some tips to treat constipation. Tips to treat constipation One of the popular tips to treat constipation is consuming fiber-rich foods. By including more fiber in the diet, it is possible to make the stools bulkier and softer, making it softer to pass through the tract. A gradual increase in the levels of fiber is recommended till the optimum level of 20 to 35 grams is achieved. Some good sources of fiber include: Whole grains Bran Foods like brown rice, cereals, and fortified bread Fresh fruits, especially apples and bananas. Fruits with high water amounts like watermelon also work well Dried fruits like apricots, almonds, prunes, and raisins Vegetables like asparagus, brussels sprouts, and carrots Beans It is also important to drink enough water to prevent constipation. One of the common tips to treat constipation is to remain active with general exercise and keep the bowel movement in motion. The following foods must be avoided during constipation as they can make it worse. Foods that are low in fiber Foods that are high in fat Cheese Dairy products Processed foods Meats A step-by-step approach is given in the following tips to treat constipation.

A blood pressure test indicates whether a person is suffering from low blood pressure or high blood pressure. The numbers indicated in this test need to be studied carefully to diagnose any potential problems. What is blood pressure? Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the circulatory system. A normal systolic falls to less than 120 and the corresponding diastole is less than 80. For prehypertension, systolic is 120-139 and diastolic is 80-89. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1 systolic is 140-159 and diastolic is 90-99. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2 systolic is 160 or higher while diastolic is 100 or higher. Hypertensive Crisis(Emergency care needed) systolic is higher than 180 and diastolic is higher than 110. A medical professional needs to confirm the diagnosis of high blood pressure as well as evaluate any unusually low blood pressure. In general, it has been observed that low blood pressure readings and lower targets work for populations like the elderly, African-Americans, as well as patients who have underlying health issues like chronic kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. Categories of blood pressure The American Heart Association recognizes five categories of blood pressure: Normal blood pressure: Those who have normal blood pressure numbers that fall within the optimal ranges of being less than 120/80 mm Hg have a healthy level of blood pressure. Following heart-healthy habits like getting regular exercise and following a balanced diet goes a long way into maintaining normal blood pressure. Prehypertension: Prehypertension or early stage high blood pressure occurs when the blood pressure consistently ranges from 120-139/80-89 mm Hg. People who have prehypertension are more likely to develop high blood pressure unless they take appropriate measures to take it under control. Hypertension Stage 1: Hypertension Stage 1 is marked when blood pressure falls in the range of 140-159/90-99 mm Hg.

Gum disease or gingivitis is the result of poor oral hygiene. Plaque builds along and under the gum line leading to gingivitis. The symptoms manifest as—persistent bad breath, swelling in the gums accompanied by redness, bleeding in the gums, loose teeth, and receding gums. While poor oral hygiene can be identified as the sole factor causing gingivitis, other factors like hormonal changes, smoking, stress, a diet that is nutritionally deficient, certain medications, diabetes and other illnesses can be contributing factors. Gum disease is not only painful but if left untreated, it can lead to other complications like periodontitis. Unless severe, gingivitis can be tackled at home by adopting home remedies. Gum disease home remedies make use of natural ingredients, which help to contain the infection. Following are the top 10 gum disease home remedies: Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen peroxide is a strong anti-bacterial agent. It kills the germs, fights off gum disease, and also brightens your teeth. It is one of the easiest available gum disease home remedies. You can make use of diluted hydrogen peroxide. A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide is effective in treating your gum disease. You can adopt any of the following: Mix water and hydrogen peroxide in equal proportion. Use this solution as a mouth rinse. Rinse for a few seconds and spit out. A word of caution; do not swallow hydrogen peroxide. To one teaspoon of baking soda, add hydrogen peroxide periodically in small amounts, such that it forms a paste. Now, use this as toothpaste and brush your gums and gum line. Spit out the residue. A paste of clove oil and hydrogen peroxide can be left on the gums for a few seconds and can be washed off later. This proven remedy can be used few times in a week, over a period of a couple of weeks.

Your kidneys play an important role in your excretory system. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located just below the liver. They’re the size of a closed fist. Kidneys filter your blood and maintain a healthy mineral and water balance in your body. The filtered waste is then expelled from the body as urine. This maintains the fluid balance in your body. An Insight into Kidney Failure Kidney disease is characterized by improper functioning of the kidneys. If left untreated, this can lead to kidney failure. If you experience kidney failure, you will have to undergo dialysis. A number of factors could be responsible for kidney disease. It can be the result of a decrease in blood flow to the kidneys, because of diabetes and high blood pressure. It can also be caused by sepsis, an extremely severe infection of the kidneys. Some other causes of kidney disease are alcohol abuse, drug abuse, exposure to toxins, and physical injury to your kidneys. Any disruption in the functioning of your kidneys can lead to a mineral imbalance in your body and other, more serious consequences. When this happens, it affects your body’s ability to maintain the right levels of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. It also hinders the production of hormones such as erythropoietin and renin in the body. Renin, which is produced by the kidneys, helps regulate and manage your blood pressure. Erythropoietin, another hormone produced by your kidneys, stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body. When you suffer from kidney failure, your body’s ability to produce both these hormones takes a hit. This can lead to a dangerous buildup of toxins and waste, kidney stones, vomiting, ankle swelling, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping. If you suffer from kidney disease, keep a close watch on your diet.

It is a fact that kidneys have a vital function to perform. They remove waste and toxins from the body and need to keep functioning normally for our body to remain healthy. Anything that disrupts kidney’s function and their health could lead to other problems. While kidneys need to work continuously, some residue minerals build up inside it. Most of the times, the body flushes out these deposits. However, there are occasions when these deposits crystallize. The crystals are made up of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. The crystallized waste can be small or large stones. Smaller stones are passed out easily out of the body when the urine is passed. However, larger stones can cause complications. The large stones can get stuck in the ureter. These are the ducts that lead out of the kidneys to the bladder. When this happens, it can cause immense pain and nausea. Symptoms of kidney stones Large kidney stones that get stuck in the ureters can lead to many complications. Some of the common problems have been listed below. Painful urination Nausea and vomiting Back pain Spasms Blood in urine When you come across these situations, it is time to see your doctor and a urologist. However, before you opt for a surgery, if the problem is still in the early stages, you can try some useful home remedies to dissolve and pass the stones. Here are a few effective natural remedies that you can try to dissolve kidney stones. Increase your water intake Drinking a lot of water and staying hydrated is an essential step in dealing with many problems in a simple and highly effective way. Drinking lots of fluids can help clear out toxins from the body. Water can also help in flushing out the wastes accumulated in your kidneys.

Lower back pain can be caused due to an injury to the spine, muscles, or ligaments in the lower back area of the body. In some cases, it can also be caused by the compression of nerves coming out from the spinal cord, due to some medical condition or accident. Tearing or damage to the lumbar discs can also cause severe back pain and inflammation, that needs immediate attention. Sometimes, pain in the lower back region can also result due to some degenerative condition like arthritis or osteoarthritis . It can also be caused due to tumors, infections or any other bone deformity. The severity of the back pain depends on the degree of injury sustained by the spine. If the spine is badly bruised or injured in an accident, you must visit a doctor and get a check up done for any serious complications. However, if the pain is mild and is caused by sudden twisting or bending, it can be treated at home. The treatment you opt for the Lower back pain relief depends on the nature and severity of the cause. Following are some of the treatment options available for Lower back pain relief. Home remedies Home remedies like hot or cold treatment are effective in alleviating back pain, by numbing the area or blocking the nerves from delivering the pain signals to the brain. You can also increase the blood flow in the area to reduce any swelling. An ice pack or a hot compress can be used to treat lower back pain. Antibiotic Medication If the home remedies do not work for you, you can consult a doctor and can follow a treatment course. Muscle Relaxants to relax the muscles that surrounds the lower back and to ease the pain. Anti-Inflammatory Drugs to reduce inflammation caused by injuries.

Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in the world today. Your blood sugar level is abnormally high when you have this condition. It happens due to the lack of insulin in the body. If left unchecked, diabetes can lead to severe conditions like stroke, cancer, and heart diseases. Having diabetes does not mean that you have to eat bland food. However, the diabetic food list has everything you will need to stay healthy and free from the complications caused by the disease. Here are foods that you must include on your diabetes food list. Avocado This rich and creamy vegetable has several benefits. It aids in digestion and keeps the blood sugar under control after a meal. It has the healthy fats that will help with the insulin resistance and stabilize the blood sugar levels in the long term. You can use avocados in sandwiches or salads and keep your insulin levels in control. Olive Oil Olive oil must be in your diabetic food list. It contains anti-inflammatory compounds that are known to help patients with diabetes. It is used in the Mediterranean diet which is the best diet to prevent heart diseases. The healthy fats that are present in olive oil help with the digestion and prevents your glucose count from increasing. You can use olive oil in salads, pasta, or in any dish you prepare at home. Whole Grain Foods White bread or pasta is very harmful and can cause an immediate spike in the glucose levels. Switching to whole grain can help you keep your blood sugar levels in control. Whole grain foods take longer to digest and so they also assist in maintaining the metabolism fast. Refined foods lose all the nutrition in them. Instead, you can go for whole grain foods that are a lot more beneficial to you.

If the changing seasons make you sneeze your head off, instead of putting a spring in your step, you might have a pollen allergy. Pollen allergies or hay fever is an allergic reaction to the pollen released by plants. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants during their reproductive cycles. Pollen is fine enough to travel through the air, which helps plants to reproduce. However, the protein in the pollen can be easily inhaled or ingested via the nose, mouth, ears, or eyes which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Approximately 30% of adults have some level of pollen allergy. Pollen is not only released by flowering plants but also by grass, trees, and weeds. Flower pollen allergies are more common in spring. Grass pollen allergies are more common in summer, and in autumn, pollen allergies from weeds are predominant. This makes pollen allergies a year-round ordeal for some people, that can be quite uncomfortable and impedes their daily lives. Pollen allergy signs and symptoms If you have a pollen sensitivity, every time you breathe in or come in contact with pollen, you might notice pollen allergy signs such as: Sneezing Itching Redness of the eyes A runny nose Coughing Watering eyes Difficulty breathing Pollen allergy signs can also include worsening of asthma and other respiratory conditions in people who are predisposed. Allergens such as pollen, trigger an immune response in the body. The immune system releases a chemical called Histamine, that works to eliminate this allergen, which is perceived as a threat to the body. Histamine causes the blood vessels to dilate which produces pollen allergy signs such as sneezing, runny nose, and redness of the nose and eyes. The nasal blood vessels also expand which can cause nasal congestion and sinus infections. Conversely, the veins of the face constrict in response to histamine, which causes characteristic pollen allergy signs called ‘allergic shiners’ like dark circles under the eyes.

Potassium is the third highest amount of mineral present in your body cells. Too high or too low amount of potassium can be dangerous. In case of high or low levels of potassium, you may need to change your eating habit. Be aware of foods that are low or high in potassium. Thereby, you can control the amount of potassium you get in your diet. Why do we need the right amount of potassium? There are many reasons for you to consume an adequate amount of foods with potassium daily. Given below are those reasons: It helps proper working of your nerves, kidney, brain, and muscles. The right amount of potassium in your body also helps to keep your heart beating at a steady rate. It maintains fluid and electrolyte balance in your system. It keeps the body hydrated. It supports cellular function in conjunction with sodium. It lowers blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart stroke. It Increases bone density. It decreases muscle cramps. It utilizes the carbohydrates you consume. Everyone requires potassium to build protein and muscle. Dangers of Low Potassium A deficiency in potassium is undesirable and can lead to: Tiredness Irregular bowels Losing temper Stiffness of muscles Weight gain Blood pressure abnormality Heart-beat anomaly Sickness Swelling of belly Dejection Rheumatism How Much Potassium Should You Be Taking In? The recommended intake of foods with potassium for male and female adults is 4,700 milligrams per day. Foods with Potassium Potassium is available in wide range of foods. You can choose from a wide variety of foods with potassium as one of the means to maintain your potassium intake. The list given below highlights the potassium content in various foods (expressed in mg per 100g): Fruits & Veggies The potassium content for some of the common fruits and vegetables are: