Uric acid is a waste generally carried in the blood, travels through the bloodstream, filtered out through the kidneys and finally excreted in urine. It is mostly produced by the natural breakdown of our body’s cells and foods which we consume. Uric acid is a by-product which is created during the breakdown of a naturally occurring compound like purines found in foods like beans, mushrooms, liver, etc. There are various causes of an increased level of uric acid in our body where kidneys won’t be able to filter out all of the uric acid or the level of uric acid will be too much for the kidneys to handle. Various medical conditions like hypothyroidism, leukemia, hypertension, obesity, and other genetic tendencies can lead to increased levels of uric acid. Moreover, certain medications, such as vitamins, diuretics, and cancerous drugs or drugs to suppress the immune system, often react with the body and affect the digestive system, thereby affecting the breakdown of uric acid. Sometimes eating wrong food or excess food like meat can cause an increase in the amount of uric acid as it contains a lot of purines. How to lower uric acid in our body A uric acid test helps measure the uric acid levels in our body. It’s a chemical that’s produced when our body breaks down purines during the natural breakdown of cells in the body. Most of the uric acid leaves the body through urination or defecation. When this natural process is hampered, the body produces too much or less of uric acid. If you are wondering how to lower uric acid levels, the following tips would be beneficial. Excess consumption of alcohol and caffeine can increase the uric acid level and promotes uric acid production. Vitamin C-rich lemonade or orange juice can reduce uric acid levels in case of a kidney stone.

Fewer than three bowels movements a week is referred to as constipation. Constipation also implies having to strain too much to create bowel movement or pass stools that are dry, hard and small. But once the s evere constipation causes are known, there are various steps and treatments that can be implemented to cure and prevent it. The main causes of severe constipation are usually associated with diet and lifestyle, although there may occur some medical conditions that can also become a cause. In terms of lifestyle, a poor diet and sedentary, inactive lifestyle are the common s evere constipation causes . The human digestive system suffers greatly when consumption of junk food is not monitored, and unhealthy eating habits can wreak havoc on the human digestive system. Factors directly linked to the diet that can create conditions for constipation are: Foods containing high levels of fat and sugar Low levels of water Low levels of other fluids Dairy products Lack of foods that contain high fiber like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Too much caffeine or alcohol Another very important factor is the importance of defecating as soon as the need arises, instead of putting it off for a more convenient time or place, since delays can make the body move into a phase of constipation. Sometimes, changes in the normal routine also cause digestive and bowel problems, as the human body is designed for routine. Sporadic use of bathroom, inconsistent activity, dietary changes, inadequate water consumption and general lack of exercise are some examples. It is therefore important while traveling or changing the schedule to eat high fiber foods that are healthy and drink enough water, along with a little bit of exercise to help the body maintain its physiological habits. Medications can be another cause of constipation since frequently prescribed medications can serve constipation as a common side effect.

Finding an appropriate razor for sensitive skin can be a difficult task. This is because many companies claim to have top razors for sensitive skin. To make the task easier for an avid razor user, here is a list of top razors for sensitive skin. You may choose from the razors listed below and make your shaving experience easy. Merkur Progress Adjustable Safety Razor This is one of the top razors for sensitive skin available in the market. Its two-piece design along with a plastic knob at the bottom and a smooth handle makes shaving a pleasant task. It also comes with an adjustable head, which makes it truly unique and distinct from the others. The heavy weight of the razor ensures that by application of a median force, even the most coarse of the beard will get straightened and will not cause any discomfort to the skin. It is adjustable, easy-to-clean, and can be used both aggressively and mildly depending upon the need of the user. The Bluebeards Revenge Double Edge Safety Razor Some people prefer double edge razors, and if you are among those, you can count on the Revenge Double Edge Razor. It is among the top razors for sensitive skin. Ordinary razors have an imminent problem that the blades soon become blunt. This double edge safety razor, however, has chrome plating, which ensures a long life for the blade. People who prefer to use lightweight razors will also find this one to be useful as it weighs only 60 grams. The razor is long lasting, and the handle and blades are both chrome plated which ensures a long usage. It also helps in providing precision shaving experience to the user owing to its lightweight. However, the handle is bit slippery and needs to be dealt with care.

Heartburn is a stomach condition which is caused by acid reflux, thereby causing a burning sensation in your throat. This situation occurs when the ring which delivers the food, relaxes which it ideally should not. This eventually results in the stomach acid traveling to your esophagus, thereby causing a burning sensation. The primary reason for heartburn is a sedentary lifestyle, food habits, erratic routine and lack of healthy sleep. Whether it happens to you on a frequently or occasionally, here are a few remedies on how to treat heartburn. Weight loss One of the prime reasons for heartburn is excessive weight gain due to overeating. Foods high in acidic release tend to ignite taste buds thereby increasing their consumption. These foods trigger the acidic elements in the stomach which eventually lead to reflux and release acid into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Try and keep track of foods you consume as well as opt for a healthy diet. Cut down tobacco and alcohol Whether you are a regular or occasional smoker or drinker, try to avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption, especially if you constantly suffer from heartburn. Tobacco and alcohol increases the production of acid fumes in the stomach thereby resulting in heartburn Avoid self-medication Self-medication is a harmful habit, and if you are one of those who pops pills according to their wish, then it’s time to get a control over this habit. In cases of heartburn, it is always advisable to consult a doctor on how to treat heartburn and undergo proper medication. Wrong medication for heartburn would aggravate your situation even making it serious. Sleep schedule Doctors always advise against sleeping immediately after you have consumed food. Our digestion process takes time to process food and hence, it is necessary to take a good amount of break before you sleep.

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.

Bacterial meningitis is so severe that it can cause permanent disability, stroke, sepsis, paralysis and even death. It is the most dangerous of all kinds of meningitis. Thus, it calls for immediate medical attention. Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes known as meninges that outline the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can be viral, parasitic, non-infectious, bacterial and fungal. While viral is the most common type, bacteria is the most serious one. The mortality rate was 34% for bacterial meningitis in 2006, and about 50% people have gone through long-term effects even after recovery. This is why it is essential to start the treatment with antibiotics as soon as it is diagnosed. The bacteria causing bacterial meningitis include Streptococcus pneumonia and Group B Streptococcus. It is to be noted that vaccines have noticeably reduced the occurrence of bacterial meningitis. Facts about Bacterial Meningitis A few facts about bacterial meningitis are given below: Between 2003 and 2007, about 4100 cases were registered every year in the USA of bacterial meningitis. Approximately 500 of them were fatal. Bacterial meningitis is the second most common but the most severe kind of meningitis. Infants are at higher risk of bacterial meningitis. It spreads in places with a massive gathering like college campuses. Early signs of meningitis include a headache, stiff neck, vomiting, nausea, confusion and sensitivity to light. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention when meningitis strikes. To prevent meningitis, it is important to vaccinate yourself. Three types of meningitis are Hib, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Neisseria meningitides, which need to be prevented by vaccines. Causes and Risk Factors The bacteria causing bacterial meningitis include: Neisseria meningitides Haemophilus influenza type B Listeria monocytogenes Streptococcus pneumonia Group B Streptococcus People are affected by different strains as per their ages. Meningitis-causing bacteria pass from person to person.

Sinus infection is one of the most common problems that everyone faces at least once in their life. The infection can be cleared with medications. However, there are natural remedies that can cure the condition. The remedies are sure to give you relief from the cause of sinus which might be common cold, infection, or allergies. Sinuses are packets that are present in the bones around the nose. The purpose is to produce the mucus that drains into the nose. When there is inflammation, your nose swells and blocks the sinuses. The blockage causes congestion, pain, and cough. Some people even have teeth, facial pain, and a headache. Sinusitis can last for a few weeks or years based on the severity. There can be many reasons that can lead to this infection. It is best to battle it at the early stage and stay free of it. There are three steps in which you can tackle sinusitis. Step 1: Treat the existing symptoms Treatment of the current sinusitis is the first step you must take. Although this will only give you momentary relief, you are sure to feel better. You can take care of the underlying condition and improve your immune system once you start to feel better. Stay hydrated: A person suffering from sinusitis loses a lot of water. It is imperative to stay hydrated at all times. Water, being one of the most effective remedies for sinus, will help thin the mucus and drain it. Stay away from cold foods and beverages. Also avoid drinking alcohol, sugary drinks, and smoking till you recover. Face massage: The congestion in the sinus is the main reason for the discomfort. You can try a face massage to relax the muscles surrounding it. A face massage is one of the most certain remedies for sinus to provide you relief.

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons associated with diverse illnesses and medical conditions. Many people suffer from this condition several times in their lifetimes, and it can be for various reasons. Read further to understand why abdomen pain symptoms occur. Constipation The normal cycle of bowel movements per week is from 5 to 15 times. If you have less stool than this in a week, then it means that you’re suffering from constipation. The easiest way to tell if you have constipation is by checking the number of bowel movements you have in a week. Other than this, you can even experience abdominal pain symptoms along with hard stools, bleeding from your rectum, straining during bowel movements, etc. Diarrhea Unlike constipation, diarrhea is a condition where you have bowel movements in excess and have relatively loose and watery stools. This is caused due to increased fluid secretion from your intestines. In worse case scenarios, you can experience extreme dehydration as this condition affects the amount of water that’s absorbed by the body. It generally accompanies extreme abdominal pain symptoms. Other symptoms depend on the cause of diarrhea. It can be both acute and chronic, and the treatment for each of these depends on the nature or type of infection. Irritable bowel syndrome This is another type of gastrointestinal disorder where you have irregular bowel movements. You can either have constant diarrhea, constipation, or both. You can recognize this condition after you experience abdominal pain symptoms along with other symptoms like growling stomach, increased gas in the belly, food intolerance, stomach cramps, etc. There is no exact reason as to why this occurs because it is a functional disorder of the digestive system. This means that there is no change in the form of the stomach or the intestinal lining.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also known as cystitis, are fairly common, especially among women. In fact, half of all women in the world suffer from a UTI at some point in their lifetimes. UTIs occur when bacteria, that are usually found in your gastrointestinal tract and pelvic region, enter into your urinary system. The bacteria don’t have much to travel to infect the woman’s bladder. As a result, it causes the inflammation of the bladder. Although UTIs are mostly caused by bacterial infections, they can also be caused by several other factors, such as chemical irritants, fungal infections, foreign bodies (e.g., kidney stones), and trauma. Symptoms of urinary tract infections Typically, UTI symptoms include the following: – Suprabic pain, which is the pain in lower abdomen – Dysuria, which is pain or a burning sensation upon urination – Needing to urinate urgently and frequently – Sometimes, the urine could be bloody or even cloudy Having said that, the symptoms can differ by age. Infants suffering from a UTI usually develop a fever, become fussy or feed poorly. Moreover, the elderly might experience fatigue, become incontinent or may even develop dementia. Urinary tract infection treatment options Step 1: Diagnosis The first and foremost step for the treatment of a UTI is a positive diagnosis. According to the diagnosis, the appropriate cure is suggested. There are a few tests for diagnosis of a UTI: Urine analysis You might need to have a urine culture taken to be evaluated for a possible infection of your kidneys. Once you get a urinalysis done, there might be signs of Pyuria—the presence of white blood cells in the urine, which can make the urine appear cloudy. Having a couple of WBCs in the urine can be normal, however, if there are more than 5 WBCs per high powered field is considered abnormally high.

The human eye is a complex organ. The affliction of any eye disease can lead to temporary or permanent loss of vision. This delicate organ, which is our window to the world, needs to be well taken care of. In case of an eye infection or disease, it is best to consult an eye doctor and undergo a treatment following the diagnosis, to regain eye health. From minor itching in the eyes due to an allergy which can cause redness to more serious glaucoma and cataract, the eyes are susceptible to a number of infections. Eye diseases symptoms manifest in various forms. While some cause mucus discharge from the eyes, a few others can lead to partial vision loss. If you are experiencing any eye diseases’ symptoms, which do not subside in a short period, it is imperative that you consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Here are some of the common eye diseases and their symptoms that are encountered by people. Cataract Cataract can form in one or both the eyes. When you’re suffering from cataract, your vision is blurred. You also tend to notice a glare or a halo surrounding the light source during night time. Cataract develops slowly and does not cause any pain or redness. Normally, cataract surgery is performed to help restore clear vision. Glaucoma Increased pressure within the eyeball can damage the optic nerves, and this condition is known as glaucoma. Blocked blood vessels, eye injury and inflammatory disorders can cause glaucoma. It does not develop any eye disease symptoms such as pain. Hence, a regular eye examination will help detect this condition at the earliest. Conjunctivitis Also referred to as ‘pink eye’, it is caused by inflammation of the conjunctiva. This infection is characterised by redness, itching, discharge (pus or mucus), and burning.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a problem that affects the large intestine. It can cause abdominal cramping, bloating, and a change in bowel habits. IBS does require the medical intervention, but were you aware that there exist quite a few effective IBS diet plans that can help you better your symptoms. We have scoured the internet and have found you the best diet plans that help to reduce the bothersome symptoms, thus helping you work towards and healthy and happy life. Here are five amazing IBS diet plans. The high-fiber diet You might be aware that fibrous foods are known to add bulks to the stools, which in turn helps in movement. An adult must eat about 20-35 grams of fiber in a day, on an average. While this looks less-complicated, the digestive and kidney diseases and National Institute of Diabetes claims that average people limit their fiber food intake to only 5-14 grams a day. Fiber-enriched food items for supposing vegetables and fruits followed by whole grains, are quite healthy and keep away from constipation issues. But, if you go through bloating issues from too much intake of fiber, try concentrating on fiber items that are soluble in vegetables and fruits rather than grains. The low-fiber diet Fiber intake may sound helpful and effective for IBS sufferers, but too much of fiber can make the symptoms of diarrhea and gas worse. Before ruling out fiber food items from your diet, try committing on soluble fiber sources present in berries, oatmeal, carrots, and apples. The food with soluble fiber quite easily dissolves in the water rather than adding some more bulk associated with fiber that is non-soluble. Food items that have non-soluble fibers are nuts, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, raisins and whole grains. You can also go ahead and choose medicines that are anti-diarrheal 30 minutes before fiber intake, and lessen the effects.

Water is the most crucial nutrient which ensures to maintain smooth functioning of all body organs. Water not just helps in flushing out unwanted toxins but also helps ensures to keep you hydrated through the day. Doctors recommend a daily intake of approximately 8 glasses of water a day. However, the rising cases of people suffering from kidney stone state a different story. People today fail to understand the importance of water requirement to the body thereby inviting ailments. One such issue cropping up amongst youngsters today is kidney stones. Kidney stones are caused due to fluctuations in levels of water, salts, minerals and other substances in the urine. These fluctuations might differ from person to person and hence no two people can be treated alike in this ailment. Prominently, most kidney stone cases are caused due to rise in the level of calcium in the urine. Apart from constant intake of water, there are other natural remedies to help dissolve kidney stones as well as will also help in avoiding it in near future. Lemon juice Lemon contains citrus; to be scientifically precise lemon contains citrate which helps in avoiding the formation of calcium stones in the kidney. It also helps in breaking down existing stones, thereby dissolving kidney stones naturally. Take it as lemon juice or consume it raw, lemon has numerous medical benefits. In addition to this, lemon consists of Vitamin C which has infinite medical properties. Basil juice People suffering from kidney stones consistently complain about excruciating pain in the ribs and lower back/ kidney stones travel to different organs of the body and hence needs to be treated accordingly. Consumption of basil juice is another natural remedy to help reduce pain caused due to kidney stones. Basil juice consists of acetic acid, which helps in breaking down and dissolving kidney stones naturally; as well as suffices the pain caused due to this ailment.