Shingles is a disorder is also known as herpes zoster. It’s a viral infection that leads to a rash. One in three people in the country develops shingles at some point in their lifetime. The underlying cause of shingles is the VZV or the Varicella zoster virus. This is the same as the virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox in your childhood, shingles virus could be in your system. But it is likely that the virus would be in an inoperative state. It is also possible that the virus reactivates at a later point of time and forms a shingles rash. Risk of developing shingles increases with your age. Around half of people who develop shingles are over 50 years of age. While the rash could show up in any part of the body, it is likely to affect smaller areas. The first symptom of shingles is the pain. After a couple of days of onset of pain, a rash might appear over the afflicted section. Fluid-filled blisters might appear along with the rash. Some other symptoms that accompany with shingles include: Fever Over-sensitivity towards the light Tiredness Here are the top 3 shingles treatments. Taking a soothing bath This is one of the easiest and top 3 shingles treatments. By cleaning the blisters every day, you can reduce the risk of spreading the infection. A cool bath or a shower would also work towards soothing the irritated skin. While this reduces pain, it helps reduce the itchiness as well. You could devise a soothing bath for healing and treatment of shingles. Put 1 or 2 cups of cornstarch into lukewarm water. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes. Avoid hot water. This might worsen the shingles rash by increasing blood flow. After the bath, dry your body well.

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.

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:

What comes to your mind when you first hear the word “bacteria”? Ailments, illness, and diseases! Yes, big-time most of us associate the word bacteria with various kinds of health problems. Our body is a complex and, at the same time, a fascinating machine. Investigations on our gut have revealed the fact that our stomach linings are infested with different types of bacteria. Now please do not go hyper! These bacteria are in fact friendly and rather beneficial for our systems. It has been proven that these bacteria can be much helpful for our digestive systems and can boost the health of our large intestines and our guts. Probiotics are supplements that provide the friendly bacteria so that they can thrive on the walls of the intestine and can balance the adverse effects of the bad bacteria. In most cases, we see that probiotics are taken in the form of supplements. They come in various forms such as tablets, capsules, drinks, and powders. They are intakes that come with a cost and are meant for long-term benefits. Research and investigations have proven the fact that probiotics are often good support elements and can contribute to improving your overall health and the digestive condition. However, probiotics must not be mistaken for medicines that can provide complete cure to the health problems. What is ulcerative colitis? Ulcerative colitis is a condition where the large intestine is affected and is bloated in proportion. In most cases, the person affected by such a problem experiences stomach cramps and a feeling of inflammation in the stomach and guts. The person can also have bloody diarrhea. The problem is a rather chronic and unremitting one. In other words, it means that at times you will get respite as the symptoms will lie low, but yet again there will be times when you will experience acute inconvenience and problems.

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.

Statins are the first type of medication prescribed to bring high LDL cholesterol within normal limits. However, they can have varied side-effects, and even be ineffective, in case your cholesterol problem stems from a genetic disorder. Read on to know about the different alternatives to statins that can help treat high cholesterol. Medication Below are a few alternatives to statins that your healthcare provider might recommend. Bile acid sequestrants Sequestrants bind themselves to bile acid in the intestines and get flushed out of the body via the stool. The liver starts absorbing more cholesterol if it senses a drop-in bile acid content. This entire cycle ends in effective reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Bile-acid-binding medicines include colestipol, cholestyramine, and colesevelam. Ezetimibe The second most recommended form of treatment – ezetimibe, is an inhibitor medicine that has a two-pronged approach to lowering your cholesterol. It first blocks proteins that facilitate the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, decreasing the cholesterol levels reaching the bloodstream. Second, the inhibitors work to reduce the amount of cholesterol available to the liver. This forces the liver to make up for the loss, by absorbing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Together, these effects can successfully lower your cholesterol levels. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Vitamin B3 or niacin is a promoter of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body. It also attacks adipose tissue, ridding it off high triglyceride stores. It does this by inhibiting the synthesis of triglycerides and the secretion of LDL particulates. Although niacin is not as effective as bile acid sequestrants or ezetimibe, doctors recommend Vitamin B3 to regulate blood cholesterol levels and save you from the side-effects of statins. Fibrates Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are carriers of triglycerides and cholesterol. Fibrates, which are derivatives of fibric acid, drive the liver to reduce its production of VLDL.

High blood pressure also known as hypertension is a medical condition where the pressure of blood running through the body’s blood vessels rises sharply. HBP as we may call it may lead to the damaging of blood vessels, which in turn can lead to diseases related to heart, kidney, or even the eyes. High blood pressure is dangerous as it does not have any symptoms associated with it. High blood pressure is categorized into two types: primary high blood pressure, and secondary high blood pressure. Primary high blood pressure is the most common type of high blood pressure. It is caused by a number of lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive salt consumption, alcohol intake, obesity, or even genetic disorders. On the other hand, Secondary high blood pressure is a rare type of high blood pressure, which may be caused by kidney disease, constriction of the arteries in your kidneys, taking birth control pills, or even an endocrine disorder. While medication certainly helps alleviate the symptoms of high blood pressure, it is important to combine this with the right high blood pressure diet. The right high blood pressure diet can tackle the problem at its root, instead of only alleviating the symptoms of the problem. If you suffer from high blood pressure, incorporate the following foods into your diet. Leafy vegetables : Vegetables that are high in potassium are often advised on a high blood pressure diet. This is because potassium acts as a cleansing agent, i.e., it helps in cleaning out extra sodium accumulated in the body through urination. Leafy vegetables that contain good amounts of potassium include turnip, spinach, kale, broccoli, green beans, green peas, mustard greens, beet greens, coriander, romaine lettuce, and Swiss chard. Yogurt and milk : Yogurt is high in magnesium, calcium, and potassium, and helps in regulating high blood pressure levels to a great extent.

Garcinia cambogia, also known as the Malabar Tamarind, is a small citrus fruit that grows in Southeast Asia, used traditionally to enrich the culinary experience of a meal. Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), extracted from the fruit’s rind, has been used historically for cooking, but its modern use now includes its usage in weight loss. The HCA in the fruit boosts the fat burning within the body, and also reduces the appetite, according to studies. It appears that an enzyme called citrate lyase, which helps the body in making fat gets blocked. Also, studies have revealed that the levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain get raised, which in turn, makes one feel less hungry. Garcinia cambogia first came into prominence when recommended highly by a celebrity doctor, on his TV show. It was hailed as a “miracle” in the weight loss industry and has been available in the market in the form of bottled supplements. But as many “miracle” solutions hailed, garcinia cambogia has faced its fair share of criticism, mainly due to the lack of scientific and medical studies that may provide authenticity to the claims being made. The benefits of garcinia cambogia have been listed as many, but despite its popularity, there is not much scientific evidence yet, to prove these claims. Here are some benefits of g arcinia cambogia . Decreases your appetite There is not much evidence to prove that it reduces one’s appetite. Even after an extensive examination of the research done and taking into account findings that prove both aspects of this claim, it can be concluded that garcinia cambogia and the HCA present in it, does not have any effect on the appetite of an individual. The benefits of garcinia cambogia have been noticed in rodents and accepted universally, but the same effects have failed to show consistently in humans.

A woman will experience menopause during her 40s or 50s. It is when she no longer gets her period and is unable to get pregnant naturally. It is usually confirmed when the period stops for more than 12 months. Once the ovaries stop functioning, there is an imbalance of hormones in the body. While the body adjusts to this change, there will be many uncomfortable symptoms to deal with one of which is menopause hot flashes. Over two-third of women experiencing menopause have to deal with hot flashes. What Is A Hot Flash? It is a sudden and unexpected experience of feeling hot. The blood vessels on the surface of your skin dilate, causing you to sweat profusely. The exact reason for menopause hot flashes is unknown. However, many theories point that hormone imbalances could be affecting the circulatory system. Menopause hot flashes can sometimes cause excessive sweating in the night time, making sleep uncomfortable. Some women may also have a high heart rate. Many women experience menopause hot flashes for a short period while others will experience it for the rest of their lives. Triggers Knowing what triggers your hot flash can be critical in managing it. Each woman has different triggers, but here are a few common ones. Caffeine Alcohol Cigarettes Spicy food Tight clothes Stress and anxiety High temperatures Note whenever you have a hot flash in a diary. Once you recognize a pattern, take steps to avoid exposing yourself to your triggers. Remedies For Hot Flashes There are several options when it comes to the alleviation of the symptoms of menopause hot flashes. Here are a few: Hormone Replacement Therapy Small amounts of estrogen can be taken to restore the hormone balance which causes hot flashes. Estrogen can be taken with another hormone called Progesterone to reduce the risk of cancer.

Feel like your stomach is bloated? Have you been belching a lot? Or maybe you’ve been suffering from a lot of flatulence. If all of this sounds familiar, you are probably suffering from an excessive accumulation of gas. What Are The Causes Of Bloating In Your Stomach? People who have digestive or gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis complain of bloating as well. Close to 90% of people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome experience bloating. Dehydration can cause bloating. When you consume foods that are high in salt content, your body becomes dehydrated. Electrolyte imbalance along with dehydration will result in your body accumulating water. When your body does this, you might get constipated and end up with abdominal bloating. Drinking enough water can help balance your electrolyte levels and prevent dehydration, which in turn can help avoid bloating. While dehydration causes bloating, excess fluid retention can cause bloating as well. Excess fluids are usually stored in the abdomen and pelvic areas, and this can be another cause of bloating. If you are allergic to certain foods, you might find that one of your allergic reactions includes bloating as well. People who are lactose intolerant experience this often. A few foods that can cause an allergic reaction are bakery items that contain gluten, dairy products, and processed foods. Constipation can cause bloating. Not drinking an adequate amount of water and not consuming enough fibers can cause constipation. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth or SIBO is a condition that involves an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in your digestive tract and small intestines. These bacterias get accumulated when you have an inflammation, due to poor digestion or if you are on certain medications or antibiotics. Bacteria expel gases, and this can cause bloating as well. Also, when you eat food, these bacteria can ferment the food that has been consumed, causing you to have abdominal bloating.