Colitis is the term used to refer to the inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine. Colitis is caused by many different reasons. Some of the common causes are diarrhea, infection, or Crohn’s disease. If you are suffering from colitis, you might show symptoms like belly cramps, constipation, a serious case of diarrhea, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, etc. Colitis is one of those diseases where you cannot prolong the treatment. The longer you wait, the more severe the situation might become. So, if you show symptoms of colitis, then it is advisable that you do not take it lightly and see a doctor. A popular trend observed nowadays is the trend of seeking alternative treatments for colitis along with regular treatment. Many people are opting for this complementary approach, as they believe that it helps in further reducing their colitis pain. While these alternative treatments for colitis are said to bring additional benefits to some patients, there are some who feel that these did not help much in their case. So, how to know whether these alternative treatments are for you or not? The smart thing to is to consult your doctor about it. Ask for his or her opinion on zeroing in the best alternative treatments into your routine, while you are undergoing regular treatments for colitis. If you get their green signal, then you can try out the below listed alternative treatments for colitis: Guided therapeutic imagery Stress may not be a direct cause of colitis, but if you suffer from colitis, it is one of your biggest enemies. When in stress, you release a chemical called cortisol. Cortisol heightens your sense of pain and makes colitis pain worse. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique which is believed to be effective in reducing colitis pain.

A constant pain or a throbbing sensation restricted to only one side of the head can be a warning of a migraine. The severity of the pain varies from one individual to other. While some get it for a few hours, there are others, who experience a pulsing sensation in their head for days. Apart from the discomfort in the head, people with a migraine also complain of sound or light sensitivity, vomiting as well as nausea. Even though a migraine causes an alarming situation often leading to temporary disabling of the patient, is a curable condition and medications for migraines are available at ease. Consult a doctor – Just taking any over-the-counter pill for a headache is not sufficient for treating migraine. To deal with the condition, you need to consult a doctor and get proper therapy done. Follow his guidance and take the pills as recommended. When taking m edications for migraines , you need to know, whether it is for healing the condition or for preventing any future occurrence. Mostly, doctors offer healing m edications for migraines in the initial stages of treatment, so that the patient can get relief from the constant pain. You should not just get the treatment paused as soon as the condition is healed. Consult your doctor to get preventive treatment and check the occurrence in future. Make a note of occurrence – For a complete treatment of a migraine, it is important for you to note the frequency of occurrence in a dairy. The log of occurrence should be maintained even after you start taking medications as this will help you in understanding, whether you are on the right path or not. Lifestyle changes – Though a migraine is not a lifestyle disease, making some alterations in your living habits can help you in dealing the problem effectively.

What is the meaning of the term “probiotics”? It means the bacteria that we consume particularly for health benefits. Our gut or large intestine contains a lot of bacteria, and they are collectively known as the microbiome. The microbiome consists of more than 1000 various species of bacteria, and they can be divided into individual strains. Probiotics can change the balance of the bacteria available in the gut, and they are made of one or more strains. If you can consume the right species based on the already existing bacteria in the gut, they can deliver some good results. Probiotics help you treat irritable bowel syndrome effectively. Various studies suggest that approximately 15% of the population is suffering from irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. IBS infected people show irregular bowel habits, and other symptoms include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Probiotics are being extensively used in the treatment of IBS. What are the best probiotics for IBS? The most popular and well-researched species are Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli. Shortage of these two species can always be associated with IBS patients. Best probiotics for IBS with constipation People, who suffer from constipated issues, can take a natural supplement containing probiotic strain known as Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12. Various clinical studies have been conducted on this strain of probiotics. It can be described as the most researched strain in the entire family of Bifidobacteria. Most of the studies have shown that this strain is extremely beneficial to get rid of constipation and encourage good bowel movements. Supplements containing Bifidobacterium lactis also improves gut health, and they are an excellent source of fiber because of the presence of Fructooligosaccharides. Most effective probiotics for IBS with diarrhea If you are suffering from frequent diarrhea, you can select Saccharomyces boulardii. It is a proven product to deliver the best support for improving gut health and several clinical studies back the advantages of this product.

Fungal nail infection, especially toenail fungus is unpleasant and tough to treat. This infection takes a slow time to develop and can cause your nail to become distorted, thick and stained. Nails can get infected, and it has been seen that toenails get affected much more frequently than fingernails. It is also medically referred to as Onychomycosis. It is not usually easy to detect the same as it may not have an obvious symptom at first. While the infection progresses, it may cause the nail to become white, yellow or green. It can also make it difficult to trim the nail as it might take an unusual shape or texture. There is a feeling of pain and discomfort especially when pressure is placed on the affected area. The nail may also experience a brittle or crumbly. Along with the toenail, the skin encircling the infected area may seem itchy or cracked and swollen. It is only when fungus begins to grow that it leads to an infection and therefore any detection of the first symptoms at the immediate stage is too elusive at first. The fungus usually develops in a moist and warm environment and gives them a foundation for them to multiply. The fungus that is already in existence in your body can develop toenail infection. Salon treatments and dirty water can also lead to fungus. Sweaty feet, swimming in a public pool, artificial nails or contact with an infected person’s stuff, etc., if not sanitized can cause fungal infection. Men are more prone to fungal infection. If your family members are prone to fungal infection, it increases the likelihood of you to get infected as well. The long-term fungus can lead to a permanent loss of the affected area, the spread of the infection to other body parts, or you may become infected with cellulitis.

Gout is a kind of arthritis which can cause a sudden attack of pain. The common symptoms of having gout can be realized from stiffness, burning pain, and swelling in the joint. If not treated at an early stage, gout can damage the joints and harm the tendons and other tissues. Gout foot pain is very common in men; it is caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood. The uric acid may harden and form crystals in the joint. Risk factors People who are obese may be susceptible to gout foot pain. Also consuming alcohol, meat, and fish can affect the body. Some medicines like water pills can also cause gout foot pain. The most common syndrome is night-time pain in the joint. Some people also get pain attacks on their knees, ankle, joints, foot, etc. and these can go on for an entire day or a week before one gets relief. Sometimes it the pain may persist for over a year also. Even if the pain is gone, it is advisable to see a doctor because sometimes even after the pain is gone the buildup of uric acid may still occur and can attack the joints. Gout foot pain is common in men. With age, the pain can become more unbearable, and the chances of getting gout attacks become high. So a proper maintenance of lifestyle is essential. With age, a person has less resistant power, less stamina to do physical work, and low patience. So a proper diet is important. A diet chart should be prescribed by a doctor or a nutritionist; without proper examination, a doctor or a nutritionist normally does not prescribe any medicine. So taking advice from the expert is advisable. Sometime the doctor may prescribe some easy exercises according to the capability of the patient.

Although a runny nose is a very common problem, it can be pretty annoying and irritating at times. The major reason behind this issue is the presence of excess mucus in the nasal passages or sinus. When your body makes efforts to flush allergens, flu or cold viruses out of the body, you have to deal with increased mucus production. Most prominent causes of a runny nose are sudden weather changes, sinus infection, allergic reaction or a common cold. If this problem remains unattended, it often results in a headache, pain in the ear and coughing as well. What is the best runny nose treatment? You can find a lot of over the counter medications for this problem, but there are highly effective home remedies that offer immediate relief and reduce the intensity of the symptoms without inviting any unwanted side effects. Mustard oil is an excellent option The antihistamine properties of the mustard oil are a well-known fact and it also has antivirus and antibiotic properties. These qualities offer fast relief from different runny nose symptoms. A small quantity of mustard oil must be heated until it turns warm in a slight way and then, one or two drops of mustard oil to be poured into individual nostril using a dropper. This approach gets engaged in the process of clearing up the nasal passages and you can do it thrice a day. Another way is to combine one tablespoon of caraway seeds and three tablespoons of mustard oil and this mixture should be added to a pot of boiling water. When you inhale the steam, the respiratory system gets warmed up because of the powerful aroma of mustard oil and it can be done two times a day to enjoy maximum results. Ginger offers instant relief Ginger is a rich source of different types of antioxidants and it also has strong antifungal, antitoxic and antiviral properties to offer fast relief from a runny nose.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS affects the bowel movements and impacts digestion and metabolism. It causes a great deal of irritation and discomfort in the abdomen. Proper bowel movement gets altered resulting in either constipation or diarrhea while also changing the stool consistency. Women are prone to this syndrome especially after the age of 25. The primary causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not known, though intestinal infections are found to have induced it. Some types of food can also cause sensitivity in the bowel region. Moreover, genetics can play a role in the development of this ailment. Stress is said to trigger irritable bowel syndrome, thereby aggravating the condition.The occurrence of muscle spasms inside the intestines is also a common phenomenon. A person suffering from irritable bowel syndrome constantly experiences extreme fatigue, bloating, anxiety, and stomach ache. It is also characterized by a continuous sensation of incomplete stool movement, even when the bowel has been emptied.Although it is not a serious medical condition, it can have a negative influence on an individual’s lifestyle. An individual can encounter any of the three types of the ailment. If IBS is characterized by recurrent constipation, it is known as IBS-C. On the other hand, the one characterized by chronic diarrhea is known as IBS-D. If there is an occurrence of both constipation and diarrhea alternately, the condition is known as alternating (mixed) IBS or IBS-A (IBS-M). When the individual does not face any typical symptoms of the above three types, he said to fall into the category of unsubtyped IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome can be troublesome if it is not managed properly. The best remedy is to have an IBS diet plan that is low on FODMAPs. The abbreviation FODMAP stands for Fermentable, Oligo, Di-, Monosaccharides, And Polyols: a series of carbohydrates that are not easily processed by the small intestine.

Many people often complain about skin diseases and often refer to it as eczema. But, eczema is an umbrella term for a group of skin conditions and diseases. As many as 11 skin conditions can result in eczema. The common symptoms of eczema usually include a series of blisters over the skin which may eventually ooze and cause a crusted skin. Also, constant itching is quite common to a person suffering any case of eczema. Even though there are a variety of cures: both home and professional, it is better to be first aware of the ways to prevent it rather than suffering afterward. Great skin care is required, and the same must be done to prevent the pain and unease that comes in the form of eczema. It is important to know the type of eczema to treat it effectively. Atopic dermatitis is the first type. It is one of the most common types of eczema, and it is genetic. Irritant dermatitis is usually caused by constant exposure to toxic substances. Allergic contact dermatitis is usually caused due to an allergic substance. This happens when the skin is exposed to a toxic substance repeatedly; this causes the immune system to produce eczema. Statis dermatitis usually occurs at the lower legs of a person with poor blood circulation at that part. Fungus infections, though they look like ordinary eczema, can be identified when looked at through a microscope. Scabies is caused by an infection of the human itch mite and may produce a rash very similar to other forms of eczema. Another type of eczema is pompholyx; it usually affects hands and sometimes legs, resulting in tiny blisters at the corners leading to a very uneasy and itchy skin. Lichen simplex chronicus results in thickened skin at the neck or lower leg.

Joints are essential parts of the skeletal system that knit all the bones inside the body into one single structure. They are of paramount importance as they are responsible for the smooth movement of limbs. Most joints are freely movable, like the knee. Some allow minimal or no movement, such as those in the brain. Also, there is a particular type of fluid present between the bones that are united in the joint region, to prevent friction. An individual suffers from joint pain when these joints get damaged due to various reasons. The severity of the pain depends on the type and level of inflammation. Injury to the joints is a common phenomenon experienced by those who regularly participate in sports and other physical activities. Temporary conditions such as sprains and strains can be easily cured, whereas, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis can turn into lifelong ailments. Joint pain can cause a dip in the level of body movement followed by complexities in executing daily chores. Moreover, exertion can exacerbate the illness. Usually, muscular activity is restricted until the joint pain subdues to prevent the condition from getting aggravated. The problem of joint pain stems from a number of reasons such as: Obesity People who are obese face a higher probability of contracting arthritis. Obesity or increased body weight can exert pressure on the joints making them weak over time. Osteoarthritis is a common type of joint inflammation encountered by obese individuals. It becomes essential to fight obesity as it saves the individual from other lethal diseases as well. Old age As an individual grows old, his/her joints and ligaments tend to get fragile. Senior citizens wearing cervical collars is a common sight. Also, with old age, the synovial fluid diminishes. This contracts the cushion between cartilages resulting in increased abrasion between the bones.

Eczema is a fairly common dermatological condition that is not contagious. There are multiple factors to trigger an outbreak of eczema over different areas of the skin. These factors vary from environmental factors to food allergies. Treatment for eczema focuses mainly on healing damaged skin and managing the symptoms. There are two types of eczema. The first is a skin condition that manifests through rashes; the other is known as atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis usually manifests at infancy and continues to show during childhood. Often people start developing atopic dermatitis at the age of 5 or below. The majority of those who suffer from this type of eczema continue to experience the symptoms into adulthood. Cures for eczema are not known; however, it can be managed using various techniques and eczema moisturizing creams. Types of eczema Both types of eczema can be further divided into further categories. Allergic contact dermatitis: This type of dermatitis or eczema manifests when the body’s immune system reacts to what it considers a foreign substance allergen. This type of dermatitis can be treated and managed by eczema moisturizing creams within a few minutes of bathing in lukewarm water. Air-dry instead of rubbing the skin to avoid irritating the rash. Investigate the allergen and avoid it as much as possible. Neurodermatitis: This type of eczema manifests through scaly patches on the head, lower legs, forearms, and wrists. The usual cause of this varies but is most commonly due to an insect bite. Treat it with various eczema moisturizing creams. Use gentle soaps while bathing in warm or lukewarm water. Do not scratch. Nummular eczema: This type of eczema is seen with circular patches of irritated skin that are crusted with scaling and are itchy. Seborrheic eczema: The skin breaks out in oily, scaly yellowish patches around the scalp and face.

People who have already suffered from chickenpox have the Varicella zoster virus in their body. These people are immune to chickenpox and won’t contract it if attacked by the varicella virus once again. In such cases, they are affected by the virus in a milder way, and they develop shingles. Studies have found that nearly one million people across the world contract shingles every year. The ailment itself can be cured with proper treatment, but many people above the age of 60 often experience pain even after the virus has run its course. This nerve pain caused by shingles can sometimes stay for the rest of their lives. Postherpetic Neuralgia The medical term for shingles-related nerve pain is Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN). This is a condition that can potentially cause damage to your nerves. However, not everyone who is affected by shingles will develop PHN. Shingle is a viral infection that leads to a number of eruptions and skin rashes that appear in the form of a band, on various parts of the body. It can be very painful and unsettling. In case the band appears on a part of the skin that is often left exposed, it can be quite difficult for the patient to lead a normal social life. In addition to causing severe discomfort, shingles are known to affect an individual’social life, since people become overly conscious about this condition. Nerve pain from shingles can also be quite excruciating. However, there is no reason to think that shingles are a problem that will inevitably lead to nerve pain. Various shingles nerve pain treatment methods have been discovered to offer relief and respite to patients. Treatment Measures Research and studies reveal that no single form of treatment appears to be sufficient to fight nerve pain. Often, doctors use two or more of the techniques mentioned below to treat the problem comprehensively:

A serene, natural and green environment is the best therapy that you need. But, one thing you need to be wary of is the poisonous plants that lurk around the corner, waiting to come in contact with you. Poison ivy is one of the most common allergies that Americans face, with over 50 million people suffering from it each year. Statistics show that about 85 percent of the population is allergic to poison ivy. Poison ivy contains urushiol, which is an oily resin that is responsible for causing an allergic reaction. Urushiol is found in the roots, stems, and leaves of the poison ivy plant, and when you touch or brush against this plant, you end up with a poison ivy rash. Symptoms of Poison Ivy: How can you tell? The symptoms of poison ivy allergy or rash include swelling, itching, and redness in the affected area. You might even experience difficulty in breathing. The rash might turn into blisters. Since the plant has sharp edges, the rash might look like a straight line, as you’ve most likely brushed against it. Poison Ivy Treatment Cold compress Applying a cold compress can help soothe your skin as well as decrease the itchiness and prevent the urge to scratch the affected area. When you scratch the rashes, you tend to make it worse as your skin will get damaged. A cold compress can also help soothe inflammation. Lemon juice Lemon juice is a natural astringent. Since the oily resin in the poison ivy plant is what causes the rash and allergy, lemon juice can work as an excellent poison ivy treatment. Make sure you apply the lime juice as soon as you come in contact with the poison ivy, and before the oily resin gets into your skin. However, lemon juice can irritate a few people.