Have you been battling with high cholesterol problems and are wondering how to lower LDL cholesterol levels? High cholesterol increases the risks of heart attacks and diseases. Although treatment may help improve your cholesterol levels, you still need to make essential lifestyle changes to boost the cholesterol-lowering power of the treatment. To help you make healthy lifestyle changes, some effective tips have been listed below on how to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Making some changes in the diet can help reduce the level of fat in the body and help enhance your heart’s health. The following changes can help you be on your way to having a healthy heart: Eliminate trans fats – Often labeled as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, trans fats are used in store-bought crackers, cookies, cakes, as well as in margarine. They raise the levels of cholesterol in your body and that’s why most hydrogenated vegetable oils are not recommended for use when the LDL levels in the body are high. Reduce saturated fats – Primarily found in full-fat dairy products and red meat, saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels. By decreasing consumption of saturated fats, you will be able to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in your body. Increase the intake of soluble fiber – Foods that are rich in soluble fiber are great at lowering cholesterol levels naturally. The soluble fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Therefore, consider eating more fiber-rich foods such as barley, yams, oats, sweet potatoes, oat bran, and other types of potatoes. Beans or legumes like black beans, peas, pinto beans, garbanzo beans, and kidney beans are also excellent sources of soluble fiber. Vegetables are also rich in soluble fiber so consider including beets, eggplant, carrots, okra, and Brussels sprouts in your diet. Some good fiber-rich fruits are oranges, passion fruit, berries, apricots, apples, pears, and nectarines.

All You Need To Know About Signs Of Pollen Allergies Pollens are a yellow, powdery substance emitted by plants. These get transported from one plant to another by birds or by wind or by insects and/or animals. About 10 million Americans get pollen allergies as a result of exposure to this powdery yellow substance. Signs of pollen allergies start appearing when you are exposed to grass pollens, tree pollens, and weed pollens. Common Causes Behind Pollen Allergies Pollen allergies are primarily caused by the exposure to pollen grains in the air. Certain plants and trees like oak trees, ragweed and grasses produce a fine yellow powder, pollens, as a part of the reproductive process of the plants. When these travel through the air, you may come in contact with these pollen grains leading to signs of pollen allergies. Your body has a tendency to produce antibodies to protect your immune system from harmful substances. Chemicals are released in the process in your bloodstream. These chemicals may cause your body to show reactions in the form of pollen allergy signs. Typically, signs of pollen allergies would develop or aggravate during only certain times of the year. Such allergies may be triggered by tree pollens in spring. These could also be caused by grass pollen around summer season and late spring season. Pollens from ragweed may cause you to develop pollen allergies during the fall season. Risk Factors The main risk factors associated with the development of pollen allergies are being in an environment where you get exposed to allergy-causing substances. So, if you are exposed to dust mites or to animal dander, you are at a risk of developing pollen allergies. If you have asthma or any other allergies, you can be more susceptible to pollen allergy symptoms. Even if you have a blood relative with a tendency to develop asthma or other allergies, you can be at a risk of developing the tell-tale signs pollen allergies.

Halitosis or as it is commonly known, bad breath, is an embarrassing condition. Gum, mints, mouthwashes, and other products designed to fight bad breath are only temporary measures as they don’t address the cause of the problem. Some food items, health conditions, and habits are the main causes of bad breath. You can cure bad breath with proper and consistent dental hygiene. The malodor may vary depending on the underlying cause. If self-care techniques don’t work, it is best to see your dentist or physician to make sure that it isn’t a symptom of other serious condition. Symptoms Some people may have bad breath and don’t know about it. Other people worry too much about their breath even though they have little or no mouth odor. It is hard to self-assess your breath. Therefore, ask a close friend or relative to check if you have bad breath. Causes There are many probable causes for bad breath. They are: Food The breakdown of food particles in your mouth increases bacteria and causes a foul odor. When you eat certain foods like onions, garlic, and spices, they enter your bloodstream, are carried to your lungs, and affect your breath. Tobacco products Smokers and oral tobacco users are prone to having gum diseases, which could lead to bad breath. Tobacco has an unpleasant odor as well. Poor dental hygiene Food particles remain in your mouth and cause bad breath if you don’t brush and floss daily. Plaque, a colorless and sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. This plaque can irritate your gums and eventually form plaque-filled pockets between your teeth and gums if you don’t brush regularly. Not only your teeth, but the tongue can also trap bacteria that produce odors. Dry mouth or xerostomia Saliva helps cleanse your mouth. If you have a problem with your salivary glands, it may result in chronic dry mouth.

Everyone wants a crystal clear eyesight and healthy eyes. We completely depend on our vision for normal functioning, that the thought of diminishing vision is often terrifying. To make sure that you keep your eyes healthy, as you age. It’s important to know the best vitamins for the eyes. Vitamins are organic compounds that are required by the body in adequate amounts. An organic compound is said to be a vitamin when the body cannot synthesize that particular compound, but that compound is necessary for normal body functions. Hence, the best way to get vitamins is to consume them in your diet. Supplementation of vitamins may be required in deficiency states, but not for healthy individuals. Currently, 13 recognized vitamins are essential for the human body. Vitamins perform a diverse range of functions. They can regulate mineral metabolism, hormone production, cell growth regulation, and also some of them are antioxidants. Vision care: The best vitamins for the eyes It is estimated that 75% of people notice a change in their visual acuity by the age of 50. Taking the best vitamins for the eyes is a good preventative measure. The best vitamins for the eyes include: Vitamin A You might have been told that eating carrots are important for good eyesight. But what about carrots that make it so good for the eyes? Carrots are a rich source of vitamin A, which helps to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts. Carrots also contain beta-carotene and rhodopsin. Rhodopsin is a pigment found in the eyes, that is responsible for night vision. Without this pigment, you wouldn’t be able to see clearly at night, or in low-light situations. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and is found in foods like—liver, leafy vegetables, oranges, pumpkins, carrots, yellow fruits, fish, soy milk, and cow milk.

Mental and physical stress, genetics, dermatitis, fatigue, irregular sleep pattern, and an unhealthy lifestyle are some of the primary causes of puffy, droopy, and worn out eyes. People with eyes that look forever tired often find baggy eyes incredibly frustrating more so on big days and important occasions. While several spa and beauty and cosmetic treatments claim to ease all the puffiness and the bags under your eyes, these are usually either too expensive or completely ineffective. Here are some super easy home remedies that would not only treat bags under your eyes but would help you feel fresher and happier. Keep yourself hydrated Water is indeed an elixir of life. Therefore, having plenty of water is the best remedy for puffy eyes. Once your body is fully hydrated, the possibility of water retention under the eyes and on other parts of the body also reduces. Drinking enough water, therefore, helps flush out all the toxins from the body, keeping you fit and active all day long. In addition to increased water intake, bags under your eyes can also be treated by reducing the amount of salt consumption and avoiding caffeine or carbonated drinks that can lead to dehydration, water retention, and puffiness. Use cold spoons This is a simple home remedy that works wonderfully well on tired eyes by tightening up the skin around it. Placing chilled spoons can help ease stress and soothe the blood vessels around the eyes. Once the cold spoons turn warm, make sure you replace them with a cold one. Repeat the process until you feel the bags under your eyes have become fully relaxed. Don’t throw used tea bags That’s right! Used tea bags can help relieve puffy eyes and make them stress-free and refreshed. Tea bags have anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to reducing eye bags, redness, and all sorts of inflammation.

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.

Arthritis, in simple language, refers to joint disease causing joint pain. Arthritis is not a single disease; doctors have been able to discover more than 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis is not age-specific, which means it can happen to anyone, at any age, any sex, and any race. In America, it is the major cause of disability where more than 300,000 children and 50 million adults suffer from arthritis. The body of a person suffering from arthritis is in an inflammatory state. Certain foods are to be avoided with arthritis as they not only increase inflammation but also push the person towards obesity and other chronic diseases such as heart attack and disabilities. Even though arthritis does not have a specific diet cure, certain foods to avoid with arthritis have shown to trigger inflammation, affect bones, and damage the immune system. There are different kinds of food that have the ability to promote or control inflammation. When anti-inflammatory food options are made a part of daily diet, pain resulting due to arthritis can be crushed to a great extent. Certain inflammation triggers in foods that can lead to arthritis and attached pain and swelling. Here is a list of foods to avoid with arthritis. Fried and processed foods – Researchers have proved that by lowering consumption of fried food and frozen meals, inflammation can be reduced and natural defenses of the body can be restored. Red meat – Red meat is loaded saturated fats well as omega-6 fatty acids and can trigger inflammation. This food should be avoided if you have arthritis. Patients have reported that after avoiding red meat, they have noticed a drastic improvement in the symptoms. Sugar and refined carbs – High sugar level results in inflammation. It is best to avoid processed food, candies, cakes as well as cold drinks loaded with soda.

Everyone wants thick and lustrous hair, and this holds true for men and women alike. However, not everyone has the good fortune of having the desired kind of hair naturally. If you are not so lucky to have a thick and bouncy hair, or you are amongst those who are worried about excess hair fall, don’t lose heart. Nowadays, you can find different products for hair regrowth. All you need to do is to select the best hair regrowth products for yourself and apply it according to the directions. While selecting the best hair regrowth product can certainly ensure desired hair growth, you should not expect to get any overnight results. Dedicate some time to feel the difference. Availability of a wide range of hair growth products in the market leaves you confused at times. That is why a few tips for selecting the best hair regrowth products are listed below: Hair oil – Like every other part of the human body, hairs need proper nourishment to maintain its length and volume as well. When it comes to a healthy hair growth, there is certainly no alternative for hair oil. You need to apply oil to your scalp regularly for holding the hair roots firmly. Also, you need to apply oil to the entire length of your hair. It is always better to go for natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil. Castor oil can also be helpful, but that is not for everyday use. Whatever be the type of oil you select, it should not be any synthetic oil or artificial oil with perfumes, as these do not offer many benefits. Hot oil treatment- An oil massage or applying oil to scalp every day is not enough for ensuring hair regrowth. You need to massage hot oil into your scalp once in every ten to fifteen days, depending on the condition of your hair.

Rosacea results in enlarged blood vessels. It mainly affects the nose and often gives the appearance of red or flushed skin. Rosacea is caused by excessive temperatures, sensitivity to food, etc. Along with the conventional treatment options, you can also consider certain home remedies which have been known to offer relief during flare-ups with regular use. However, in order to be sure of what is best for you, it is better to seek professional help and get to know what suits your skin type. However, if you are at the risk of developing an allergic reaction or side effects because of the medicines, you can always opt for home remedies since they make use of natural ingredients. Given below some of the best herbal remedial measures to treat rosacea: Topical Choices Cucumber Mask People with rosacea may apply cucumber facial mask as the same is supposed to help with the condition. Make a paste of cucumber by blending it and apply on your face. Wash it off with cold water after 30 minutes. You will be able to see visible changes within one month of regular use. Chamomile Compress The redness caused due to rosacea can be lessened by using chamomile compress. Boil one teaspoon of chamomile in one cup of water for 15 minutes and let it cool in the refrigerator. Dab a soft cloth in the mixture and apply on your face and leave for 15 to 20 minutes when you start to have a flare-up. However, there are people who are sensitive to chamomile. Thus, it is better for them to avoid this method. Instead, they can use ragweed, marigold or daisy compress. Apple Mask Fresh apple mask is great to treat this condition naturally. Make apple puree and apply the same to your face. Keep it for 15 minutes and then wash off with cold water.

Many people love the change of seasons, whether it’s spring or autumn. However, if you experience the changing seasons as days of sneezing and watery eyes, you may have seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies are also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis. It is an immune response that primarily affects the nasal cavity and the eyes. The symptoms of seasonal allergies are a runny nose, increased mucus production, sneezing, and coughing. Redness around the face, swelling of the nose and watery eyes are also noticed in some people. Allergy-causing allergens Seasonal allergies are inflammatory. The immune system reacts to particles present in the air and triggers an inflammatory process. These particles that cause an allergic reaction are called allergens. The allergen in seasonal allergies depends on the geographical area, local flora, and the season. The common allergens involved in seasonal allergies are flower pollen, wood pollen, and grass pollen. Most of the allergens that trigger seasonal allergies are light pollen from trees, weeds, and grass. Heavier pollen from insect-pollinated plants won’t stay airborne for very long. Hence, seasonal allergies are more common in spring, summer, and autumn and less common in winter. Symptoms of Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies are also called allergic rhinitis; it affects the nose and nasal passage. Characteristic symptoms of seasonal allergies are: Rhinorrhea (excessive nasal discharge) Itching Sneezing fits Swelling of the nose Nasal congestion and obstruction Redness of the eyes and conjunctiva Ear congestion Rarer symptoms of allergic rhinitis are coughing, headache, Shortness of breath, and wheezing. In some very persistent cases of seasonal allergies, there may be secondary infections of the sinuses and throat. The best seasonal allergy medicine will aim to relieve these symptoms. Causes of Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies occur when your immune system identifies an outside substance as harmful. It immediately triggers a response to it.

The thyroid is one of the most misinterpreted diseases in human beings. Very few people understand the exact condition when the numeric value of thyroid level showed in blood reports is lower or higher than the prescribed value. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes underactive and is hence unable to release enough thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism is the exact opposite of this. It is the overactivity of the thyroid gland resulting in a rapid heartbeat and increased metabolism. Hypothyroidism is a condition that can happen to any person at any given time of his or her life. However, it has been observed that older people, especially women, are more predisposed to hypothyroidism. A hypothyroidism diet is essential to promote the normal activity of the gland. Indicators of hypothyroidism The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the human neck. Doctors note that almost 40 percent of the population across the globe suffers from hypothyroidism at some phase of their lives. With age, women tend to become more prone to suffer from underactive thyroid glands. Apart from women, others prone to hypothyroidism include those who have diabetes, celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. People notice certain changes in themselves that may not be normal as per their character. The main symptoms of hypothyroidism are: Fatigue or low energy levels Frequent mood swings Disturbed sleep patterns Poor digestion Weakened metabolism Loss of hair Infertility Weak nails Weight gain Muscle tenderness and pain Breathing problems Constipation Cracked or rough skinGoiter Disturbed menstrual cycle Frequent cold or flu These are the initial signs that often indicate towards the disease. If suspected, doctors usually suggest blood tests to the person to substantiate. Hypothyroidism is not a deadly disease that cannot be treated. With proper treatment, lifestyle changes and hypothyroidism diet plans, one can control hypothyroidism and gradually increase the thyroid level in the body.

Esophagus is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that affects this muscular tube. It is rare cancer that can also lead to life-threatening complications. Most patients are diagnosed with this condition in its advanced stages as this type of cancer does not show symptoms in the initial stage. Keep reading to learn more about some common alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Warning signs of esophageal cancer Difficulty swallowing Also known as dysphagia, facing trouble swallowing is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. Dysphagia can occur because of a tumor that makes it difficult for food to pass through by obstructing the esophagus. The pain and difficulty in swallowing may be because of damage to the nerves that control the movement of esophageal muscles. Alternatively, it can also happen because of physical obstruction. As the tumor grows, the patient might experience increasing pain and difficulty swallowing solid food and eventually face problems with liquids. However, this symptom can also be attributed to several other health conditions. Acid reflux Acid reflux is considered one of the common indicators of esophageal cancer. It occurs when the contents of the stomach or the hydrochloric acid in the stomach go back up into the esophagus. It can cause irritation and inflammation of the food pipe. Chronic acid reflux can result in Barrett’s esophagus. It is a condition in which the esophageal lining changes, making it more susceptible to developing cancer. Chest pain Another symptom of esophageal cancer is chest pain. This results from cancer cells have invaded the chest or the back wall. This chest discomfort can be constant, or it may come and go. Some might even experience worsening pain over time. However, various other conditions share this symptom, so it is important to have yourself examined by a health expert immediately.