The complexity of the human body never fails to astonish us. For instance, the bacteria that the antibiotics so readily get rid off can be useful for our body as well. There are “good” and “bad” bacteria. However, the antibiotics do not bifurcate between the good and the bad bacteria, and it ends up cleansing the body of all the bacteria. The good bacteria are believed to perform a very vital function of maintaining a healthy digestion and ensures that the intestines function appropriately. For increasing the “good” bacteria in our body, probiotics have come into existence. One can say that probiotics are bacteria which are responsible for maintaining a natural balance of microflora in the intestines. Daily consumption of probiotics will effectively reduce the occurrence of diarrhea, gas, cramps, and intestinal disorders. There are various natural sources of probiotics which can be included in our diet. However, if an individual feels that he isn’t receiving the required amount of probiotics via food, he can always opt for probiotic supplements. Probiotic supplements ensure that the individual receives the right amount of probiotics to maintain a healthy gut. Here’s a list of the best probiotic supplements dedicated to preventing any intestinal disorder in the user. BlueBiotics Ultimate Care Bluebiotics Ultimate Care contains almost every proven “good” bacteria that have been approved by science. It consists of 61 billion live probiotics and 11 strains of live culture, which ensures that the individual consuming this probiotic stays healthy and prevents the onset of disorders that stem from intestines. It is one of the best probiotic supplements as it contains a large number of “good” bacteria and is 100% natural. Thus, there’s no premonition of side-effects lurking around. Probiotics One Daily Support It doesn’t come as a surprise that Probiotics One Daily Support is considered as one of the best probiotic supplement.

With age comes a variety of ailments. Even though a person might have tried their level best to maintain a healthy life, aging would make them vulnerable to various ailments. The common health issues that older adults face include joint pains, back aches, knee pain, etc. It is an accepted fact that with age, the wear and tear cause our joints to weaken, and we aren’t as strong as we were during our heydays. One of the most common ailments that affect a majority of the population above 50 years of age is spinal stenosis. What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a disorder that affects the spinal cord, causing the spinal canal to narrow. The spinal canal is a passage of nerves that spread to the center of the back. When the spinal canal starts narrowing, it exerts a lot of pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves on the back, which in turns causes excruciating pain in the back, sciatica, and nerve-related problems. Causes of spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis is mostly the collateral damage caused by arthritis. Since arthritis causes thickening of ligaments, disc changes, and bone spurs, it would exert pressure on the spinal cord, and thereby cause spinal stenosis. The other causes of spinal stenosis are herniated discs, injuries, tumors, and Paget’s disease. The symptoms of spinal stenosis The symptoms of spinal stenosis manifest itself in the form of sciatica, which is characterized by a pain that begins from the legs and spreads to the lower back and buttocks. Other symptoms of spinal stenosis include foot drop, loss of bladder movement, and experiencing difficulty in standing and walking. Though there are various medical treatments for spinal stenosis, home treatments work better in the long run. Home treatment for spinal stenosis Regular exercise Though the person might suffer from a backache, this shouldn’t confine them to a sedentary lifestyle.

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 prevalent digestive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) currently affects millions of individuals in the country. This chronic condition causes abdominal pain and distress in the large intestine causing unusual bowel movements. The common symptoms of IBS include diarrhea, constipation, diarrhea with constipation, intestinal cramps post meals, bloating, etc. However, these symptoms can vary from person to person. Interestingly, IBS is more common in women. However, the precise reason behind it is still not known. Although there is a combination of issues that can trigger IBS such as food allergies, pain sensitivity, bacterial infections, an imbalance in body chemicals, hereditary factors, psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, etc. There are three types of IBS, i.e., IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, and IBS mix (diarrhea with constipation). You can seek the help of your doctor for irritable bowel syndrome treatment, based on the type of your IBS distress. To help you understand your options better, here are some of the common irritable bowel syndrome treatments implemented. The remedies mentioned below are a combination of medical assistance and personal initiatives to improve your IBS condition. Medications – Under your doctor’s guidance, you can begin a course of prescription drugs. These may include antispasmodics, antidepressants, antibiotics, etc., which can assist in alleviating some of your symptoms. Your doctor will recommend any one of these or a combination of medications. For instance, antispasmodic medicines are for relieving spasms and abdominal pain. Moreover, antibiotics will be apt for an irritable bowel syndrome treatment for controlling bacterial infections. However, always remember you should not consume any medications without your doctor’s knowledge. Apart from prescription drugs, there are certain over-the-counter medications which can aid in decreasing your digestive woes. Psychological assistance – If the onset of IBS has led to depression or anxiety, then you should visit a therapist who could counsel you about stress management.

The blood sugar levels indicate the amount of glucose which is a source of energy in the body. It is the body’s ability to produce insulin and process sugar. Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. A person’s ideal blood sugar levels in a single day are measured using blood sugar level charts or blood glucose charts. This measure also includes blood sugar levels before and after meals. According to standard blood sugar level charts, the normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL. The blood sugar level can go up to 120 mg/dL after a meal. This usually comes down to normal levels in about two hours. The blood sugar level can be determined through a series of blood tests. These tests are conducted before a meal, which is known as fasting sugar value, and after a meal, which is known as post prandial or post meal value. The post prandial blood sugar level is measured two hours after a meal. Depending on the readings of the blood test, a person might suffer from low blood sugar or high blood sugar, if the sugar levels do not fall under the normal range. Here are a few diagnostic ranges that are given in every blood sugar level charts. The ranges are divided into three categories: normal, pre-diabetes, and diabetes. These ranges will indicate whether a person is at a risk of having diabetes or not. Normal: If the minimum fasting value is 70 mg/dL and the maximum fasting value is 100 mg/dL, along with the post prandial value falling below 140 mg/dL, the person has normal blood sugar level according to the blood sugar level charts. There is no risk of diabetes. Pre-diabetes: The fasting glucose level is between 101 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL.

Chronic constipation is caused when there are infrequent bowel movements on a usual basis. This condition makes it extremely difficult to pass stools for several days and can go one even for weeks. Constipation can be a condition on its own or can be a cause of a more severe disease. People experience constipation on few occasions and that is considered be normal. However, when constipation becomes chronic, it can disrupt one’s daily life and interfere with the ability to go about doing daily tasks. It also leads to discomfort due to extreme strain in order to have a bowel movement. There are several causes that may be responsible for chronic constipation. Not drinking enough water and follow a poor diet may be primary causes. However, there can be mechanical problems that lead to obstruction in the passing of stools. A blockage in the colon and rectum will hamper the smooth movement of stools and either slow down or stop the process altogether. The pelvic muscles that contribute to the movement of the bowels can be affected, causing chronic constipation. Diseases like diabetes and underactive thyroid or pregnancy in women too can lead to this condition due to an imbalance of hormones in the body. Chronic constipation brings with several complications such as: Anus fissure – If a stool cannot be easily passed, it can harden and tear the skin of the anus. Swollen anus veins – Chronic constipation leads to straining and forceful bowel movement. These stains can swell the veins that are present inside the anus and around it too. Hard stool accumulation – When stool is not naturally passed out, it begins to accumulate and harden. This hardened stool can get stuck in the intestine and cause severe complications. Rectal prolapse – A strained bowel movement can also affect the rectum.

Pneumonia is an infection that targets one or both the lungs. This infection commonly causes an inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs are known as alveoli. The inflamed alveoli get filled with pus and liquid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and symptoms of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to the formation of an infection. However, pneumonia can also be caused by noninfectious elements such as toxic elements and foreign matter that are inhaled through breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, if not treated in time. A large population around the world loses the battle to pneumonia every year. This fatal disease can affect anybody, irrespective of their age or gender. However, elderly people and individuals who have a weak immune system are at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. It is more serious and difficult to treat when contracted by younger kids, old individuals, and people who already suffer from a medical condition. The condition and symptoms of pneumonia generally begin when one inhales a bad germ into the lungs. A person who is suffering from cold or fever is likely to get the disease as these infectious conditions make it difficult for the lungs to restrain and fight against the germs. Also, people who have chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer may have a higher risk. Pneumonia is contagious and can spread through inhalation of droplets from the sneeze or cough of an affected person. However, there are some types of pneumonia that are not contagious and do not spread through contact or being around a patient. Symptoms of pneumonia can be easily noticeable and come quickly after the lungs are infected. The symptoms also differ on the basis of age and the type of pneumonia.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body and extremely painful. The abnormal metabolism of uric acid results in the excess of it in the tissues of the body and blood. In case of an individual who suffers from gout, the body either produces too much of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Gout can be a primary condition or can be associated with other medical conditions. High levels of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of urate crystals that get deposited in the joints. This causes excess inflammation and pain. Gout can affect anybody, irrespective of gender and age. However, men are more likely to suffer from this condition. Also, a large number of women are susceptible to gout after the period of menopause. Gout causes an attack that can be described as a string or severe burning. These gout attacks can occur at any time, however, they are more likely to spring-up in the middle of the night. During a gout flare, the skin looks red and there is severe swelling in the joint. The base of the big toe joint is the most common place for gout, followed by the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist. The pain is in the joint can be so excruciating that the mere touch of the finger can send down a burning sensation. Gout comes with a few symptoms that begin with redness in the area and severe tenderness. A sudden attack can be the first sign and stop spontaneously after a while. The pain and swelling eventually disappear even without treatment but common returns after a few days in the same or another joint. As gout flares increase in frequency, the pain caused is much more severe and last longer.

Heartburn causes a lot of discomfort to those who experience it. It occurs when your stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus, thus causing an irritating and burning sensation. Apart from a burning sensation, one would most likely experience chest pain since the fluid tends to linger in the esophagus. The symptoms of heartburn may last for a long time. Before we can go on to understand heartburn signs and symptoms, here are a few facts: Acid reflux is a primary indicator of heartburn which leads to a burning feeling in your chest. This is one of the prominent heartburn symptoms. Acid reflux normally occurs after the consumption of certain foods or drinking certain beverages which did not get ingested properly into the system. Heartburn signs and symptoms generally include difficulty in swallowing, chronic cough, pain in the upper abdomen, sore throat, the regurgitation of anything you just ate or drank (which is the acid being thrown up into the esophagus with stomach fluid), or even persistent laryngitis. It is important to understand what causes a heartburn in order to diagnose it correctly and on time: A valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), located below the rib cage keeps the stomach acid from being sent up the esophagus, leaving gravity to deal with the rest of it. The LES mainly functions to open the tube to allow food to be ingested into the stomach or allowing you to belch. It closes both times automatically. The only reason stomach acid tends to seep into the esophagus or gets thrown up due to some reason is the improper functioning of the LES. The causes of LES malfunction can be anything from obesity, pregnancy, constipation, or anything that tends to put too much pressure on your stomach forcing the valve to open.

Heartburn is a condition wherein the stomach acid leaks into the esophageal system thus causing irritation and discomfort. There are a number of heartburn symptoms and triggers which are caused due to the malfunctioning of the LES sphincter which is a natural flap that stops stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Although there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat this disorder, it is always better to find some natural and home-made remedies to counter discomforts. The following 11 natural, home remedies can aid in treating heartburn symptoms: Baking soda: Baking soda has proven to be quite effective to cure heartburn symptoms. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, a spoonful of baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the burning sensation of heartburn caused due to a gastrointestinal reflux. It also has a high pH level which helps neutralize stomach acid. Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice is a natural therapy to help soothe the discomfort caused due to heartburn. Aloe vera has a lot of uses because of its anti-inflammation properties. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid to be thrown up into the esophagus and thus causes the burning and irritating sensation, which can be calmed down with a nice glass of aloe vera juice. Chamomile tea: Heartburn symptoms can also be a result of certain foods or beverages which do not get properly ingested into our system. There are certain foods that might actually be the cause of severe heartburn. Chamomile tea helps reduce the inflammation caused due to these foods and balances the acid level in your stomach. Stress is another factor which is known to trigger heartburn symptoms through acid reflux, which is why having a cup of chamomile tea on a regular basis is advisable. Mustard: Although at first, it may sound very odd to consume a spoonful of mustard straight up, this has proven to be a somewhat effective remedy for curing any heartburn symptoms.