Effective Treatments for Diabetic Nerve Pain

Effective Treatments for Diabetic Nerve Pain

Diabetes can trigger long-term health problems in people. If you do not regulate your blood sugar levels, and they remain high for a protracted period of time, it can lead to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy causes damage to the nerves that send signals to the brain from the hands and feet. It can cause numbness in the hands and feet along with a sharp, burning pain, known as diabetic nerve pain. Diabetic nerve pain happens as a result of nerve damage in people who have diabetes. Some people experience very mild symptoms, whereas the others may go through severe and disabling aches. The best way to prevent diabetic nerve pain is by regulating your blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Common causes of diabetic nerve pain High blood pressure : High blood pressure is perhaps the biggest cause of diabetic nerve pain, as excessive blood glucose levels can cause severe damage to nerve fibers running throughout the body, resulting in excruciating pain. At the same time, high sugar levels reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the nerves, which in turn weakens them. Obesity and high triglycerides : Obesity and high levels of triglyceride are also believed to increase the likelihood of nerve damage, leading to diabetic nerve pain. Reduced levels of HDL cholesterol : Low levels of good HDL cholesterol and high levels of bad LDL cholesterol also boost the risk of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Treatments for diabetic nerve pain Once the nerves have been damaged, they cannot be replaced. However, there are some treatment options that can prevent further damage as well as relieve the symptoms. To begin with, you need to closely check and regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent them from going up. For this, you can take the help of some diet charts, exercise, and medications to keep the sugar levels within the limit.
9 Tips to Ease the Symptoms of IBS

9 Tips to Ease the Symptoms of IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea can be daunting. It affects your large intestine, and you might experience symptoms like bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, and even constipation. It is a common disorder, and people under the age of 45 are known to be prone to it. Moreover, the disease occurs among women more than men as their reproductive hormones influence their gut hormones. Luckily, today several medications are available to treat IBS. Some people wonder about the effectiveness of these medicines, and it is true that for several years pharmaceutical companies struggled with developing safe medication for diarrhea. However, recently, they have come up with new medications to treat IBS. The two medicines are eluxadoline and rifaximin. Eluxadoline is known to cause fewer bowel contractions and therefore eases diarrhea. Rifaximinis an antibiotic that focuses on changing your gut bacteria, thus leading to a reduction in the symptoms of diarrhea. Even though IBS does not cause any grave ailment, its symptoms are quite painful and can interfere with an individual’s daily life. Although medication for IBS can help with the condition, other ways to ease the symptoms are available. Here are some tips that will help you if you have IBS: Talk to a mental health professional Speaking with a mental health professional is a good idea if you are looking for ways to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Anxiety and pain are correlated and talking to a psychologist can help you deal with the disorder. Hypnotherapy Hypnotherapy can also help in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. According to studies, over 40% of patients have experienced a reduction in their symptoms such as abdominal pain as well as bloating. A lot of professional therapists can help you go through the process of healing. They use the power of imagination for creating uplifting images in your mind.
Red Eyes – Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Red Eyes – Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Red eyes refer to a condition in which the white portion of the eye, known as sclera, becomes reddened or “bloodshot.” The redness occurs when the vessels in the eye become inflamed or irritated. Redness in the eye can manifest in various ways ranging from the occurrence of squiggly pink dots on some part of the sclera to the development of lines in the entire sclera. Red eye can happen in either one or both the eyes. A few symptoms associated with red eyes are as follows: Irritation Dryness Itching Pain Watery eyes Blurry vision Burning sensation Sensitivity to light Common causes of red bloodshot eyes There are several allergens present in the environment that can trigger red eye. These allergens include the following. Airborne allergens Pollution in the air caused by smoke Dry air in airplane cabins, closed office buildings, or arid climate Dust Airborne fumes generating from gasoline or solvents Chemical exposure caused by chlorine in swimming pools Excessive exposure to sunlight, for example, going out without wearing UV-blocking sunglasses Some serious eye conditions that can cause red eyes are as follows: Eye trauma or injury Eye infection Conjunctivitis Recent eye surgery including cosmetic eye surgery or laser treatment Scleritis, in which the sclera becomes excessively swollen and red Uveitis Acute glaucoma Corneal ulcer Few lifestyle factors can also trigger red eyes, such as the following. Smoking marijuana or tobacco Excessive alcohol consumption Continual use of digital devices Inadequate sleep Red eye treatment Simple measures can help treat red eyes. Some of these measures are as follows: Avoid rubbing eyes as it promotes mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Instead, you can use cool compresses to alleviate itching. In order to ease mild red eye symptoms, you need to close your eyes and splash cold water several times a day onto your eyelids.
5 Ways to Treat Hernia Without Surgery

5 Ways to Treat Hernia Without Surgery

A hernia occurs when an internal part such as an organ or a fatty tissue pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place. The common types of hernias are an inguinal hernia (inner groin), incisional hernia (resulting from an incision), femoral hernia (outer groin), umbilical hernia (belly button), and hiatal hernia (upper stomach). Even though they are most common in the abdomen, hernias may appear in the upper thigh, belly button, and groin regions. If the opening in the abdomen through which the umbilical cord passes does not seal properly after birth, infants may also suffer from this condition. This condition occurs in adults if there is repeated strain on the abdomen. Most of the hernias are not immediately life-threatening, but they require surgical correction to prevent potentially dangerous complications as they will not go away on their own. You can do some exercises at home and make some lifestyle changes to cure a hernia without surgery. Symptoms of a hernia The symptoms of a hernia include a prominent swelling under the skin of the abdomen or the groin which can disappear when you lie down. The pain might be tender or sore. You might experience the feeling of a heavy weight in the abdomen which might be accompanied by constipation or blood in the stool. You may feel abdominal discomfort while coughing, lifting weights or bending over. You may also experience heartburn, acid reflux, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. For some people, there may be no visible symptoms of a hernia. It will show up only during a routine medical exam or a physical exam for some other medical issue. Here are a few techniques that you can follow to cure a hernia without surgery: Change eating practices It is suggested to eat six small meals through the day — three main meals and three snacks in between.
Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

Causes and Treatments for a Bloated Stomach

For some people, when they have a bloated stomach, their belly looks swollen or they might encounter intense abdominal pain. The reason may be abdominal bloating caused by something as mild as indigestion or too much gas forming up in the stomach and bowels. Fluid retention, irritable bowel syndrome, or infection are the possible causes of abdominal bloating. The cause of bloating is mostly harmless, and it can be treated at home by most people. However, abdominal bloating can be disturbing, especially when it is extremely painful. Let us have a look at some of the causes and treatments to get stomach relief from bloating: Causes of bloating Digestive disorders People who have various functional gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, ulcerative colitis and celiac disease have a bloating stomach. Studies show that stomach bloating is experienced by almost 23 percent to 96 percent of people with IBS. Fluid retention Excess bloating and temporary weight gain can be caused by bodily fluids that are deposited around the body, including near the abdomen or pelvis area. Fluid retention in the abdomen is called the ascites and it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition. It can be due to an abdominal infection, liver disease or, evendue to cancer. Dehydration Dehydration pauses digestion. The more water you drink, the more you get bloated. Constipation Another main reason for having a bloated stomach is constipation. Constipation causes the stool to settle in the intestines, thus leaving you with a hard-feeling stomach which causes pain, discomfort, and gas. The prominent reasons for constipation are the limited amount of fiber intake, not drinking enough water, or avoiding physical activity. Food allergies Food allergies, sensitives or lactose intolerance are other common causes of gas and bloating. The foods that trigger gas include dairy products, gluten-containing foods (most bread, pasta, rolls, cereals, etc.) and certain kinds of carbohydrates.
Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Natural Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

The blood sugar levels rise when the body fails in transporting the sugar in the blood to the cells. To lead a healthy life, it is important to maintain the blood sugar levels in the body. The best way to control blood sugar levels includes making some lifestyle changes. Here are some ways to naturally lower blood sugar. Regular exercise Exercising on a regular basis is an effective way of weight loss and well as increasing the sensitivity of insulin, leading to lower blood sugar. When the sensitivity of insulin increases, the sugar that is present in your blood is used more efficiently by the cells. Muscle contraction is much better and blood sugar is used by your muscles for energy. If controlling blood sugar is a problem for you, it is important that the levels are checked on a regular basis. This will help you access what form of activity works best for you. Exercise options include brisk walking, biking, running, lifting weights, swimming, hiking and so on. Lower carb intake Insulin takes the glucose created after carbs are broken down by your body and transports it to the cells. This process doesn’t work when the carb intake is too high or the insulin is not functioning properly, leading to higher levels of blood glucose. This can be managed by planning your meals to ensure the carb content is within limits. High fiber intake for diabetes type 1 The digestion of carbs and absorption of sugar are slowed down by fiber. Hence, the rise in the blood sugar levels is also gradual. Fiber can be soluble or insoluble. When it comes to lowering blood sugar levels, soluble fiber is more effective. Type 1 diabetes responds better to a high-fiber diet, which helps reduce blood sugar levels. Vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grain vegetables have high fiber.
The Best Protein Shakes for Women

The Best Protein Shakes for Women

In today’s world of busy lifestyles, meeting daily nutritional requirements can be quite difficult as most people do not have the time to prepare healthy meals. Given this, protein shakes are an excellent solution for people who need to increase their protein intake. Many women want to tone up their bodies without putting on bulky muscle mass. In this article, we’re going to discuss the best protein shakes for women, so you know exactly what to choose. Protein is excellent for helping women repair muscle tissues and develop lean muscle mass, which is especially important because—as women age, they develop greater susceptibilities to disorders like sarcopenia or osteoporosis. With around 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving of protein powder, it makes for a good dietary supplement if you are not getting enough protein through whole foods—especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Why are protein shakes so important? It is commonly believed that protein shakes make you lose weight but this is not true. However, as a food product, it can help you lose weight if the right product is consumed in the right quantities. The best protein powders for shedding weight will have pure protein and minimal artificial ingredients, as well as carbs, fats, and sugar. Protein, in addition, helps to build and develop your muscles, which in turn can help you to burn calories as your muscles function better. Protein also helps you to feel fuller when you consume carbohydrates or fats, which helps you to reduce the overall calorie consumption in a day. How do you identify the best protein shakes for women? Protein is a vital nutrient for both men and women, which is why many women take the same quantity and type of supplement men take. However, women generally require less protein per serving than men do and in addition, women’s protein formulae contain essential nutrients like iron, folic acid, and B vitamins to boost their health.
Heartburn – Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Heartburn – Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Heartburn is a condition that results from a disturbed digestive system. In this condition, the acidic contents of your stomach end up going back up through the esophagus pipe as a result of reflux. This leads to an uncomfortable feeling that is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, which is commonly known as heartburn. Heartburn – Main causes, signs, and symptoms The lower part of the esophagus, or the food pipe, opens up to release food into your stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter, which is the lower part of the food pipe may sometimes end up opening abnormally to release acidic contents back into the esophagus. It could be caused due to indigestion of certain foods or even due to the consumption of spicy foods. This results in the feeling of a strange, burning sensation in your chest, which can be characterized as one of the main heartburn signs. In other words, every time the lower esophageal sphincter gets too relaxed, the stomach juices go upwards, thereby causing this condition. As mentioned above, the occurrence of heartburn signs and symptoms can be attributed to the intake of certain kinds of drinks and foods. The intake of spicy foods, in particular, can lead to the onset of heartburn symptoms. It can also be triggered by consuming certain fatty and fried foods. The lower esophageal sphincter ends up weakening as a result of consuming large meals as well. Certain foods like the tomato sauce and ketchup may also cause certain signs and symptoms of heartburn to appear. Certain citric products can also be responsible for causing heartburn symptoms. Beverages that have high caffeine content and alcoholic drinks are also known to be a leading cause of heartburn symptoms. Even peppermint and chocolate can be responsible for triggering heartburn. Typical heartburn symptoms and signs There are certain heartburn symptoms and signs that are characterized by a burning sensation and pain in the chest usually when you lie down or after eating.
Types of Bowel Problems and their Causes

Types of Bowel Problems and their Causes

Bowel problems can be extremely uncomfortable. From frequent trips to the loo to the feeling of uneasiness, bowel problems cause them all. Bowel problems are generally categorized by conditions affecting the small intestine. They may also affect other parts of the digestive system as well. They have a telling impact on the way the body absorbs and digests food and they can cause several unwarranted symptoms like constipation and diarrhea. If one is suffering from bloody stools, it is essential to visit a doctor immediately. While these problems can be treated effectively with the help of medications, if left untreated, they can lead to a series of further complications. A doctor will diagnose your condition and suggest treatment according to the condition you are suffering from. Bowel problems can be tackled with ease if detected early and treated immediately. Here are a few of the most common types of bowel problems and their causes. Types of bowel problems There are four major types of bowel problems. They include: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects both the large and small intestines. It affects your everyday life as it can lead to frequent gastrointestinal problems. According to the Clinical Epidemiology journal, IBS affects up to 11% of people in the world. Effective and early treatment can go a long way in ensuring that the disease does not complicate and become worsened. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is another common bowel problem. It is an autoimmune disorder and an inflammatory type of bowel disease. In Crohn’s disease, the immune system starts attacking healthy tissues in the anus, mouth, and intestines. This can cause damage to these tissues and immediate treatment is the best course of action. Celiac disease Celiac disease has genetic roots. If someone in your family has suffered from the disease before, your likelihood of contracting the disease increases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an inflammatory disease. It leads to swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of movements in the joints of the body. One of the main causes of this condition is the malfunctioning of the immune system of the body, as it starts attacking the membrane linings of the joints instead of defending the body. One should always consult a doctor in the case they are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This is essential as a proper and timely diagnosis will help with starting a treatment plan. Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary from person to person, and it can range from mild to severe. For most people, the condition turns out to be chronic and often lasts for a lifetime. For certain people the symptoms remain constant throughout; however, for others, the intensity of the symptoms varies from time to time. How is the treatment plan decided? Doctors use a variety of methods to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These treatment options are administered to the affected individual through various combinations and sessions depending on the condition. Most of the time, the treatment plans are curated on the basis of the individual’s condition. Communication is key and treatment is effective only if the patient is completely honest with their doctors. The patient should make a note of all the flare-ups and other symptoms and report them to the doctor as it would be important to devise an effective treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis. A few common doctor-recommended options have been listed below that can help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Change in lifestyle and behavior There are different changes that one can make from their side to help improve and manage their condition. Some of the common options have been listed as follows: Make sure to exercise and rest:
Food for Cholesterol – What to Eat and What to Avoid

Food for Cholesterol – What to Eat and What to Avoid

Increased cholesterol levels in the blood can cause many problems for the heart. It can block the arteries and can lead to cardiac arrest. Following a healthy diet is a helpful way of reducing cholesterol levels. There are different foods you need to consume to reduce cholesterol levels, as well as those you should avoid. Given below are the list of good and bad food for cholesterol. Good and Bad Cholesterol Good cholesterol is HDL cholesterol. It helps absorb bad cholesterol and move it to the liver, where it gets flushed out of the body naturally. High HDL levels are good for the heart and consuming food that increases HDL levels is beneficial for your health. LDL cholesterol is bad cholesterol. It causes plaque and blocks arteries, leading to a heart attack. Food that increases LDL cholesterol should be avoided or at least consumed less. Food to Avoid Consuming certain food for cholesterol patients that leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol levels and should be avoided. Some of them are Saturated Fats This is a type of fat that leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol and is dangerously bad for health. Food items containing saturated fats must be completely avoided or eaten in moderation. Foods full of saturated fat include red meat such as beef, pork, lamb, and poultry meat with skin. Lard and dairy products like butter, cream, cheese, and cream should also be avoided. Trans Fat Essentially, trans fats are vegetable oils that have solidified. They are unhealthy and must be avoided by those with high cholesterol levels. Food having high trans fat content include deep-fried foods, packaged snacks, pastries, cookies, biscuits, and doughnuts. Salt Salt increases blood pressure and contributes to heart problems, which is why excess salt must be avoided. Junk food and canned goods are rich in salt, and they must be taken in moderation.
Foods to Eat and Avoid for Patients with Eczema

Foods to Eat and Avoid for Patients with Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a condition that makes one’s skin itchy and dry. Although the exact cause is unknown, some studies have linked this condition to an overactive response of the nervous system to an irritant. Although topical creams and other types of medications can help manage the condition, doctors may recommend certain types of foods and lifestyle changes to coexist with the condition efficiently. Who are at risk of developing eczema? People who have a family history of eczema are at risk of developing the condition. Moreover, children and infants who are born into families having a history of allergic diseases such as asthma or hay fever are also at an increased risk of suffering from eczema. Which are some foods that can be beneficial for patients with eczema? Since people with eczema often develop food allergies, one will need to examine their personal food preferences to make sure there are no further risks of the same. Some of the most common allergy triggers are usually associated with food items such as eggs, cow’s milk, gluten, soy products, fish, nuts, and shellfish. However, not everyone with eczema responds in the same way to these food items. It is important to understand that eating certain foods will not cause eczema per se, but it may trigger flare-ups in those suffering from this condition. So, it is recommended to follow an eczema-friendly diet to help manage the condition in a better way. No two patients with eczema will have the same reactions to certain types of foods. Some of the important components of an eczema-friendly diet are almost the same as an anti-inflammatory diet. Fish is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids which are capable of fighting inflammation effectively. Some examples of fish that have high levels of omega-3 acids include tuna, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring.