The human body comprises 75% of water. On an average, people drink 7–8 glasses of water per day and most of the water is lost from our body in the form of stools. Drinking sufficient water helps to digest our food and prevents the hardening of the stool. Our body needs a lot of water for the normal functioning of the digestive system. Constipation occurs if people do not drink an adequate amount of water or if their fluid intake is less. Moreover, constipation occurs due to unnecessary retaining of stool in our body for a longer time. If it’s difficult, uneasy, painful, or infrequent to pass the stool it can lead to chronic constipation. Constipation is very common nowadays due to changes in one’s lifestyle, and it’s not considered as a disease but as one of the symptoms of a disease. Constipation is considered as one of the gastrointestinal disorders and it represents one of the major public health concerns. Constipation is more prevalent among women than men and it progresses with age. Constipation is related to colon and rectal diseases and it can affect other organs if medical supervision is not taken. Constipation affects the quality of our life, well being leading to stress and anxiety thereby weakening the immune system. Causes of severe constipation Constipation is difficulty in passing stools out of our body or irregularity in bowel movements. Causes of constipation range from various factors depending on dietary patterns, age, gender, exercise, and bowel habits. – Lack of physical activity and exercise can lead to constipation. Lack of exercise or living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the same. – Side effects of prescribed medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and a certain dosage of drugs can lead to constipation. Medicines or drugs alter our bowel movements causing its irregularity.

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.

One of the most important organs of our body is our eyes. Rising exposure to radiation, pollution, working for long hours results in excessive stress on eyes. One of the common eye problems faced by youngsters today is blurring eyesight caused due to excessive stress on eyes. Along with blurring eyesight, people often suffer from burning eyes sensation, watery eyes, itchy eyes and other eye ailments. Our sedentary lifestyle and lack of accurate sleep cycle are one of the prime reasons for people suffering from eye ailments. In addition to this, food intake to plays a crucial role when it comes to maintaining eye health. People today are glued to their laptops, television, phone, tablet and other radiation exposing lights. The lights exposed through these gadgets directly affect the sharpness of the eyes thereby resulting in blurred eye vision. However, with proper care and a healthy diet, one can maintain a healthy eyesight. Following are food with best eye vitamins which will help in maintaining a healthy eyesight. Seafood Foods that are rich in omega-3 are highly recommended for maintaining a healthy eyesight. Seafood namely salmon, tuna, sardine, and mackerel have a high omega-3 value, which are best vitamins for eyes. These omega-3 fatty acids work against dry eyes, macular degeneration and also work towards avoiding cataract formation in the eyes. If you avoid or are allergic to seafood then you can opt for fish supplements which are available in the market. If not even fish supplements, then you can go for black currant seed oil or flaxseed oil. Leafy vegetables We have been frequently suggested by doctors that a regular intake of leafy vegetables will ensure a good eyesight even in your aging years. To maintain good eyesight a sufficient intake of vitamins namely lutein and zeaxanthin are mandatory.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that are present in foods such as yogurt. A lot of research is being conducted on probiotics and constipation. Do they actually relieve constipation? Read on to know more. These friendly bacteria are known for being helpful for digestion. You can relieve your digestive woes by including the right amount of probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are also present naturally in the digestive tract. The extensive research concludes that probiotics have beneficial effects on those who suffer from or are prone to gastrointestinal conditions. These bacteria are known to ease bloating of the stomach, diarrhea, and constipation. Since maintaining a balance of good bacteria in the body is essential, you should take your ongoing dose of probiotics into your diet. It will top up the naturally existing friendly bacteria in your digestive tract and keep you healthy. Where can you get probiotics from? Probiotic supplements are very common these days. If you suffer from constipation, your doctor may prescribe probiotic tablets. These supplements are readily available in drug stores and are known to have healing effects on constipation. Probiotic supplements mostly contain friendly bacteria such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus. These two are the most commonly used species of bacteria that are used as probiotics and constipation is a disease that can primarily be treated with it. Feed your probiotics with prebiotics To treat constipation, it is not only essential to have an adequate intake of probiotics but also to include enough fibers in the diet. Indigestible fiber contains prebiotics that feeds the probiotics selectively. This process helps the friendly bacteria to grow faster than the harmful bacteria and overpower them. Prebiotics or fibers are healthy for you as all prebiotics are extracted from plant-based sources. Prebiotics may be naturally found in vegetables such as onions, chicory roots, and artichokes.

Belching, burping, passing gas in odd social situations may be embarrassing. Although it may seem funny to others, it is a severe problem for someone who is suffering from gas and related feeling of bloating. Intestinal gas and the feeling of bloating are unpleasant and a common cause of physical discomfort. There is nothing abnormal in having a certain amount of intestinal gas; it becomes a problem when it goes beyond the occasional gas to a persistent problem! The good news is, there are several steps which can be taken to combat these adverse digestive symptoms. Gas in the intestine may build up due to various reasons. The most common cause of gas in the intestine are gas that forms as an outcome of digestion of some foods and swallowed air. In most cases burps push out a maximum of the swallowed air, and the remaining is either absorbed by the body or is released through the rectum. Most of the gas is produced as a result of the breakdown of food by the intestinal bacteria, and the wrong kinds of food can play havoc. Here are some gas and bloating relief tips meant to keep the ‘gas level’ low. Avoid swallowing air It is not possible not to swallow air at all, but it can be minimized by following few simple steps. People who eat at a fast pace tend to gulp down more air, so cut down on the speed of eating, eat slowly! Steer clear of chewing gum and hard candies because as you chew on them, you tend to swallow more air. Quit smoking because that’s when you gulp down plenty of air. Watch what’s on your plate Avoid foods that cause gas! These are foods that break down in the intestine to produce plenty of gas.

If you’ve never heard of FODMAPs, you’re not alone. Read on to find out how low FODMAP diet plans may be the solution to your digestive woes. Do certain foods upset your stomach? Do you often feel bloated after a normal meal? Low FODMAP diet plans have shown to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in various digestive disorders significantly. Low FODMAP diet plans are recommended for people with irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic syndrome characterized by irregular patterns of bowel movements, abdominal cramps, bloating, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. There is no definite cause for IBS, but stress is an important factor. FODMAPs are implicated in worsening of IBS symptoms, as well as worsening of symptoms in other digestive syndromes. Low FODMAP diet plans are a type of elimination diet, where certain kinds of foods are removed from the daily diet. This has been proven to provide relief from symptoms like bloating, gas, cramps, etc. What Are FODMAPs? FODMAPs are compounds found in different food items. FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, and Mono-saccharides And Polyols. FODMAPs are short-chain carbohydrates. These are short-chain polymers: Oligosaccharides like fructans (a type of fiber) and galacto-oligosaccharides (stachyose, raffinose) Disaccharides (lactose) Monosaccharides (fructose) Polyols which are sugar alcohols like mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol Any FODMAPs that are not properly digested in the small intestine pass into the large intestine. In the large intestine, these undigested FODMAPs get fermented by gut bacteria. This produces gas which causes symptoms like flatulence, bloating, and abdominal cramping. Poor FODMAP intestinal absorption is relatively common in many people, but the appearance of symptoms is rare. FODMAPs can also cause increased fluid accumulation in the intestine, which can result in visible abdominal distention and discomfort. Where do you find FODMAPs? If you plan to start low FODMAP diet plans, you need to know in which foods you can find FODMAPs.

Nutritionists and bodybuilders all across the world suggest a high protein diet. It is especially recommended when you want to increase your muscles and reduce the fat. It can be very useful when done right. The diet includes all foods that are high in protein. It will help build the skeletal muscle and increase the overall strength of a person. It is important to do it right as missing out on other essential nutrients, minerals, and fibers can be harmful to you. The diet works right when combined with bodybuilding exercises. The body absorbs protein fast when a heavy workout follows it. It is, however, best to know all the details regarding this diet before you get started. How does high protein diet work? The minimum amount of protein that a man and woman must have in a day is 60 and 50 grams each. A high-protein diet has a lot more protein. It comes from foods like eggs cheese, seafood, meat, soy, and nuts. There are many different protein diets, but most of them restrict carbs like grains, fruits, cereals, and most vegetables. It is, however, important to consult a specialist before you get on any of these diets. How does the diet help you lose weight? When you workout, you lose weight only if you burn more calories than you eat. You need to eat smart if you want to lose weight. The number of calories in protein and carbohydrates are roughly the same. However, protein foods make you feel full for longer. This way the amount of calories you eat is decreased. Foods that are rich in protein take a long time to digest. Meat, dairy, nuts, and fish take over four hours to digest. Consuming proteins is better for weight loss as compared to having carbohydrates that leave your stomach fast.

When someone looks at you, what they preferably look at first is your eyes, face or even smile. But your hair is the most distinguished part of your face and defines how you look. Hair is an essential part of your body that compliments your personality, and overall looks. More healthy the hair growth, more elegance it adds to your appearance. But sometimes due to stress, lack of vitamins, genetics, hormonal imbalance and other environmental factors, people suffer hair loss. Hair loss can take away your confidence and even add make you look dull. But as sayings go, there is a solution for everything. Nothing is impossible, and you just need to find the right remedies that can improve your situation. Vitamins—the best solution for treating hair loss, as it can fill in the deficiencies, that your body requires. Our lifestyle and eating habits are not good enough because of work pressure, hectic life and people adapting themselves to the unhealthy junk food. All of this leads to lack of vitamins that are necessary for proper functioning of the body. Vitamins not only help fill in the requirement of the body but also help in hair growth. There are certain vitamins that help in hair growth. You should consume these vitamins regularly before you go all in for other artificial methods for hair growth. They can sometimes lead to other unwanted side effects. Best Hair Growth Vitamins The best vitamins that would accelerate hair growth are: Vitamin A : Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that helps in increasing the cell count, which in turn helps in accelerating hair growth. Vitamin A generates sebum, which is natural oil in the scalp area, which provides the hair, the shining quality and keeps the hair from drying. Vitamin A should be included in your diet, but make sure that you consume it in limits because consuming an excess of the vitamin can lead to hair loss.

There are two kinds of cholesterol – good and bad. LDL is the bad cholesterol, while HDL is the good cholesterol. What we eat can directly affect our cholesterol levels, which is why it is so important to avoid foods that are high in cholesterol. There are foods that help reduce cholesterol, so they should be consumed regularly in decent quantities. Two strategies can be followed to reduce cholesterol levels: Adding food that lower LDL or low-density lipoproteins Cutting back on foods that boost LDL levels Reducing bad foods Harmful LDL is found in saturated fats and trans fats. Saturated fats are found in animal products like red meat, eggs, whole-fat dairy products and some vegetable oils like coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter. Saturated fat can increase the LDL cholesterol levels. Trans fats should be completely avoided as the body does not need them at all. A lot of food containing trans fats have been banned in the country. Trans fats are a byproduct of the chemical reaction that converts liquid vegetable oil into solid margarine or shortening. This helps prevent liquid vegetable oils from turning rancid and getting spoilt. These fats have no nutritional value and have been scientifically proven to be bad for heart health. They increase LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. They are so bad for the health that they even reduce the good HDL cholesterol. Weight and exercise also affect the number of fats circulating in the bloodstream. A sedentary lifestyle reduces HDL and extra weight increases LDL levels. How to reduce cholesterol with foods Soluble fiber is delivered by certain foods that bind cholesterol in the digestive system along with other precursors. This fiber pushes the cholesterol out of the system before it gets into the circulatory system. Others may contain plant sterols and stanols that block the body from absorbing cholesterol.

Creatinine is a chemical waste product produced during body metabolism. The chemical is usually flushed out of the body through urine. Normal kidney function ensures that these waste products do not accumulate in the body and are regularly cleared out of the system. How Is Creatinine Produced? from amino acids like methionine and glycine are processed in the kidneys. It results in the production of guanidinoacetate acid. The acid travels to the liver, and here it is converted into another amino acid known as creatine. This creatine is stored and used in muscle tissues to produce energy. When you exercise your muscles, creatine in the muscles is used up and produces the waste product, creatinine. Creatinine tests show creatinine levels in the urine and blood. Normally, creatinine level in the urine would be higher than the level in the blood. This is because the kidneys usually remove the creatinine through urine. Knowing how to reduce creatinine levels will help mainatin a stability in its production. Normal creatinine levels in the blood for men and women: For men, blood creatinine level is usually in the range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL For women, blood creatinine level is usually in the range of 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL Creatinine level in men is higher than women because of greater muscle mass. Kidneys and Creatinine If the kidneys are not functioning normally for some reason, many waste products, including creatinine, can build up in the body. If you have persistently high levels of creatinine in your blood, it may indicate an underlying problem. High creatinine levels in the blood beyond the normal range for your sex can lead to serious health issues. It can even result in life-threatening disorders like uremia. Before it gets too late, consider the following treatments to know how to reduce creatinine.