5 Foods to Aid Lung Cancer Treatment at Home

5 Foods to Aid Lung Cancer Treatment at Home

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths that occur due to cancer. It is estimated that lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers combined. Based on the statistical data by the American Cancer Society, there are about 220,000 new cases of lung cancer every year. Several types of treatments are being developed and researched on to stop or at least slow down the disease progression in lung cancer patients. Apart from this, several oncologists and nutritionists also suggest that maintaining a proper diet can help in fighting the symptoms of lung cancer. There are some foods that can keep lung cancer symptoms at bay and can also be used as home remedies along with mainstream treatments. Some of the foods that can aid a lung cancer patient are mentioned below: Green tea According to several oncologists, green tea not only helps in preventing lung cancer but can also benefit to those who are living with the disease. Green tea contains theaflavin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which can potentiate the effect of chemotherapy medications. It is important to know that bottled green tea may have very little or no EGCG as the compound doesn’t last long when bottled. Nutritionists suggest drinking green tea with a dash of lemon juice as it can enhance the absorption of the compound. Ginger Known for its hot and zesty yet sweet flavor, ginger contains a compound called 6-shogaol that can prevent the development of malignant (cancerous) cells in the lungs through apoptosis (cell suicide) of cancer cells. It can also lower the risk of metastases of the disease thereby stopping or slowing its progression. Its anti-inflammatory compounds can also help in relieving the pain caused due to the side effects of medicines that are used to treat lung cancer.
Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles

Swollen ankles are very common and not a cause for too much worry. They are painful at times but do not pose any serious threat. The main reason for swollen ankles or feet would be pressure on the legs. So, walking or standing for a long time may typically lead to swelling of the ankles. In most of the cases, swollen feet and ankles get better on their own. They go away in a short time with enough rest to the legs. But sometimes the swelling may remain for a long time. It may cause severe symptoms and lead to serious complications. Here we discuss the various causes and the treatment options for swollen ankles. Causes There are many causes of swollen ankles. It may occur due to an injury or any underlying medical conditions. Doctors tend to place importance on understanding the cause of swollen ankles before delving into different swollen ankles treatment options. So, understanding some of the causes is important. Some of the common causes of swollen ankles are: Pregnancy – Swollen ankles are very common during pregnancy. It may occur due to the increased weight or increased pressure on the legs. But sometimes, it may be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication that needs immediate medical attention. Hot weather – When the weather is hot, the veins expand and sometimes cause poor blood flow. The fluids start collecting in the feet and ankles. This results in swelling of the ankles. Injury – This is one of the main causes of swollen ankles. When there is an injury, the blood rushes to that area. The sudden rush of blood causes the ankles to swell. Edema – It is a condition where tissues in the body trap the excess fluid. This results in swelling of the tissues near the feet and ankles.
Diarrhea – Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures

Diarrhea – Causes, Treatment, and Preventive Measures

Occasional bowel movements that are watery and loose are not uncommon in most people. However, if this condition lasts for extended periods of more than a few weeks, it needs to be taken seriously and has to be treated accordingly. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Statistics show that at least two billion cases of diarrhea occur annually worldwide and it has been the cause of death of nearly 1.5 million children below the age of five. What is diarrhea? Frequently passing loose, watery or soft stools, with or without accompanying stomach cramps, flatulence, bloating, and stomach pressure, which is excreted suddenly is termed as diarrhea. This condition may also be complicated when there is blood in the stools, severe pain, fever, nausea, and uncontrollable urge to pass stools. It can happen to people of any age, but children and senior citizens are at a higher risk. Complications The most serious complication of diarrhea is dehydration—loss of water and electrolytes in the body—which happens because the water passes out from the body without getting absorbed by the intestines. Drinking copious amounts of water does not always compensate for the corresponding loss. Types of diarrhea The condition is classified into the following types: Chronic: This typically lasts for more than two weeks Enteritis: It involves the inflammation of the intestine Gastroenteritis: It involves stomach flu, with nausea and vomiting Dysentery: It involves loose stools with pus, mucus, and blood Common causes of diarrhea The most common chronic causes of diarrhea and acute diarrhea include microbial attacks by viruses, bacteria, or certain microorganisms that enter the intestinal tract. Viruses: They cause various mild to moderate symptoms. These may last for 3–7 days and comprise watery, frequent stools, stomach cramps, and a mild fever. Common viruses include rotavirus (common in children), Norwalk virus, cytomegalovirus, adenovirus, and hepatitis virus.
Popular and Effective Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Popular and Effective Treatments for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease. It makes the patient suffer from extreme pain throughout the body. Individuals suffering from fibromyalgia suffer from different symptoms such as difficulty in sleeping, exhaustion, high sensitivity to pain, and headache. Fibromyalgia causes deep muscle pain and hurting tender points causing difficult breathing and inactiveness. Fatigue, stiffness in muscles, mental problems (such as low concentration and memory), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which brings stomach ache and irregular bowel movements are some other symptoms that probably indicate fibromyalgia. People with fibromyalgia sleep about 8–10 hours during the night with the need to sleep more. Adequate bed rest doesn’t prove helpful to them. If you experience symptoms of fibromyalgia, you should ensure to consult a doctor. There are several fibromyalgia treatments available. The common fibromyalgia treatments include medications, change in lifestyle habits, and natural remedies. Specialists may recommend anti-depressants to treat depression and anxiety related to fibromyalgia. Physical therapies, stress reduction, and relaxation exercises also work well to cure fibromyalgia. A single approach doesn’t fit for treatment for fibromyalgia. Medications along with alternatives give wonderful results. Popular fibromyalgia treatments available: Fibromyalgia treatments aim to reduce pain, fatigue, and ensure quality sleep. Exercises: Fibromyalgia indicates poor fitness. People with fibromyalgia are reluctant to do exercises. Practicing aerobic and conditioning exercises to get rid of pain, stress, and anxiety are effective fibromyalgia treatments. Physical therapy: Physical therapies relax the muscle tension and smoothen the body movements. Stiffness and pain due to fibromyalgia lessen with regular physical therapy sessions. Therapies result in neuroendocrine changes which allow the quick recovery of muscles. On visiting the physical therapist, they will administer the right exercises for muscle stretching as part of fibromyalgia treatments for the patient. Hydrotherapy, which includes ice or heat packs, relieves pain quickly and more effectively. Follow proper posture and sitting styles.
Several Treatment Options for Allergies

Several Treatment Options for Allergies

An allergic reaction is often a result of detection of a foreign substance that is harmful to the immune system. As a reaction to these allergens, the immune system reacts with symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and inflammation. If the allergy is mild then it can be treated with the help of over-the-counter medications and home remedies. However, if the allergy is chronic, then it requires medical intervention. In case the allergy is severe then it might need emergency medical care. The following allergy treatment options can help in reducing allergies or managing them. Nasal decongestants Sinuses, sore throats or coughing can be treated with nasal decongestants. There are pills, sprays, and liquids that are used to help with swollen and stuffy sinuses. However, these nasal decongestants should not be taken for more than 72 hours continuously. They are one of the most popular allergy treatment options. Often times, due to allergy, you might not be able to breathe and these nasal decongestants will clear the nasal track and ensure normal breathing. Saline sinus rinse The sinuses can be rinsed with saline in order to clear the way and remove the allergens. Here is a method recommended by the AAAAI for preparing the saline rinse. Take 3 tablespoons of salt without iodine and mix well with 1 tablespoon of boiled water. Next, add one tablespoon of this mixture to 8 ounces of hot water. Then dissolve this mixture in water and use as a saline. The saline gets rid of all the allergens and reduces the symptoms of allergy. You can also buy sinus rinsing devices from a pharmacy or online. If the allergy does not recede, then you are advised to see a doctor for further treatment. Immunotherapy Some allergies are not completely relieved by treatments and so the doctors might suggest allergen immunotherapy.
Effective Treatments for Neuropathic Pain Relief

Effective Treatments for Neuropathic Pain Relief

Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition resulting from a disease, injury or infection. In most cases, it is not caused by one single factor. Generally, the pain manifests after some illness or injury. For instance, if you drop something heavy on your foot, your nervous system will immediately send signals of pain to the brain. However, with neuropathic pain, no specific injury or event causes the pain. Instead, the body sends unprompted pain signals to the brain. Neuropathic pain is often categorized by a burning or shooting sensation, and this pain can be intermittent or persistent. Medications for neuropathic pain can give you some relief. Symptoms of Neuropathic Pain While each person may experience different indications, there are a few symptoms that are usually common for all. The ones seen on a general note are as follows: Shooting, stabbing, or burning pain Sharp tingling and numbness Unprompted pain that triggers on its own Evoked pain caused by events that are generally not at all painful such as clapping your hands, being in cold temperatures, etc. Unpleasant or nauseous feeling Difficulty in sleeping Loss of sensation Treatment for Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain is often a debilitating and serious condition. People suffering from it regularly need to consult expert medical practitioners and take prescribed neuropathy medications on the basis of their specific symptoms. Alternatively, there are also some non-prescription treatments that may help to relieve the symptoms of neuropathic pain. If the pain is mild, these over-the-counters medicines will generally prove to be helpful. Over-the-counter Medications for Neuropathic Pain Topical painkillers This is one of the most effective medications for neuropathic pain . Topical painkillers are available in the form of ointments and creams that can be precisely applied over the affected area for instant relief. Most of these painkillers contain Capsaicin, a natural ingredient derived from chili peppers that works as an excellent painkiller.
Top Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction

Top Treatment Options for Opioid Addiction

Opioids are commonly used to treat pain. While they are highly effective, they are addictive too. More than one-third of the people in the country suffers from one form of pain or the other. Most of them opt for opioids during their need for relief from the pain. To put it into perspective, forty percent of all adults in the country currently use opioids. More than 125,000 people have died of opioid overdose in the last three years. That is over one hundred a day! Opioids are additive and its effects tend to subside as the body gets used to it over time. People tend to overdose to compensate for the lack of its effect and get addicted. While opioids kill the pain, they also tend to kill people due to its addictive property. Do not worry, though; if you are addicted to opioids, it is not too late to get treated. This article explores some of the best opioid addiction treatment options. Let us know a bit about what exactly does opioid addiction do to your body. Effects of Opioid Addiction on the Body Opioid addiction changes your brain’s chemical composition in such a way that you are more likely to get addicted to it than not. It is a chronic medical condition and takes more than just willpower to rid yourself of its cycle. It alters the circuits in the brain responsible for your mood and reward behavior. When you cut off taking opioids as a whole, you are likely to experience several symptoms like agitation, bad mood swings, body aches, and belly pain, as well as large pupils, yawning, goose bumps, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms can last for a few days or up to several weeks. It depends on the opioid you were taking and how much of it you have taken.
Effective Home Remedies to Treat Urinary Tract Infection

Effective Home Remedies to Treat Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract is made up of bladder, kidneys, ureters and the urethra. An infection in any part of this tract is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). In most cases, the infection is caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli. However, sometimes, it can also be caused by a virus or fungi. UTI is more common in women than in men. This is primarily because the urethra, which is the tube that carries the urine out of the bladder, is shorter in women, making it more likely for the bacteria to enter and reach the bladder easily. Common symptoms of UTI In UTI, people generally experience the following: A burning sensation while urinating Frequent urination Dark colored urine with a potent odor Pelvic pain A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying In the case of any symptoms, it is imperative to consult medical help. Usually, antibiotics are used to treat the infection. But, a natural home treatment option for UTI that can also help in alleviating the agonizing symptoms. In this article, we will look at some effective home remedies to naturally treat UTI. Natural cure of UTI Consuming plenty of fluids Low fluid intake and irregular urination have been linked to increased chances of UTI. When one is adequately hydrated, the person passes sufficient urine that helps in flushing out the bacteria to prevent infections. Therefore, staying hydrated is the key to preventing the occurrence of UTI. To meet the fluid needs, it is best to drink water throughout the day. As per general recommendations, women should consume 91 ounces of water every day and men should take 125 ounces, which also includes water content from food. Increasing the Intake of Vitamin C This is another simple home treatment for UTI to speed up the recovery process.
10 Natural Ways to Treat an Enlarged Prostate

10 Natural Ways to Treat an Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system, which wraps around the urethra. The main function of this gland is to add fluid that carries the sperm to the semen. The prostate has two phases of growth. It is during the first phase, during the teenage years, when its size doubles. It keeps on growing for the rest of a man’s life after 25 years of age. An enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or the BPH, is a common problem among men. The enlarged prostrate clamps down the urethra which affects the urine flow from the bladder. If one suffers from nighttime urination (nocturia), frequent urination, urinary hesitation, weaker urine stream, urinary tract infections, or having trouble in emptying the bladder completely, they may be diagnosed with BPH. There are different types of treatments available for treating an enlarged prostate. Some popular herbal treatments for treating enlarged prostate are as follows: Saw palmetto One of the most popular herbal treatments for enlarged prostate is the use of saw palmetto. There are several studies that indicate that saw palmetto helps reduce the size of the inner lining of the prostate by inhibiting the production of testosterone. African Plum Extract or Pygeum The African plum extract has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the urogenital tract because of the high amount of alcohols, fatty acids, and sterols such as the beta-sitosterol. Studies show that having around 100–200 mg of pygeum extract daily or splitting it into half and consuming it twice a day helps in reducing BPH symptoms. Zishen Yutai Pill or the ZYP The ZYP is an ancient Chinese mixture of three plants dating back to the 13th century. This is one of the herbal treatments for prostate enlargement that is still being studied for its effectiveness.
Effective Treatment Options for Atopic Dermatitis

Effective Treatment Options for Atopic Dermatitis

In the country, more than 18 million suffer from atopic dermatitis. This condition is a type of eczema which affects the skin. This condition commonly begins in childhood and can progress into adulthood. It is important for a person to know the right atopic dermatitis treatment plans for effective management of the condition. What Is atopic dermatitis? This condition is characterized by inflamed skin and itchiness. Although this condition is mostly seen in children, it can happen at any age. It is a chronic condition with periods of extreme redness and itchiness on the skin and asthma or hay fever may occur along with it. Signs and symptoms can differ from person to person but the most common ones include extremely dry or scaly skin, itching, red or brown patches all over the body, and tiny raised bumps or open sores due to scratching. In children, the first symptoms are usually dry and scaly skin patches that are seen on the face, forehead, and scalp. Atopic dermatitis pictures mostly show children with a patch or patches of reddened skin on the cheeks. Atopic dermatitis is a genetic condition that prevents the skin from retaining the moisture it needs. This leads to the skin easily getting affected by several environmental factors and allergies. Some children may develop the condition due to food allergies. Other conditions like hay fever or asthma can increase the risk of developing atopic dermatitis. How is atopic dermatitis treated? There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. However, with the right treatment, symptoms can be reduced and a person can experience a normal life. Atopic dermatitis treatment begins with examining a person’s skin and checking for a family history of the condition. As this is a chronic condition, treatment, and care over a long period of time can be effective in reducing the symptoms.
Best Medications to Get Relief from Sinus Allergy

Best Medications to Get Relief from Sinus Allergy

Sinuses are small cavities in the skull, which are normally filled with air. They produce mucus that aid in keeping the nasal passages clear and free from all pollutants or allergens. These cavities are lined with thin tissues. Inflammation of these tissues is called sinusitis, which leads to swelling or blockage of the sinuses, trapping all air and mucus inside them. Sinusitis is quite common among people. When it occurs, people usually run to the medical store to find suitable medication. But if one wants to find the best sinus allergy relief medicine, it is imperative to first understand the different types of medicines available and the best way to handle a particular condition. Moving on, there are two types of sinusitis: Acute sinusitis: This lasts up to 4 weeks. Chronic sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can last for up to several years. This type is hard to identify and treat. Sinusitis can begin as a result of a cold or an allergy. It can be caused due to a fungal or bacterial infection. It can be easily triggered in people having a weak immune system. Also, sometimes, chronic sinusitis can be a result of problems with the structure of the nasal passage that prevents the mucus from draining normally. The symptoms of both, acute and chronic sinusitis, are the same, which include the following: Congestion Pain and pressure in the face Thick discolored mucus The treatment for sinusitis includes a combination of various approaches – normally medications along with simple self-care strategies. In order to find effective relief from the symptoms, it is important to find the best sinus allergy relief medicine that suits one’s needs. Here, we will look at the various medicines available that help to alleviate the symptoms of sinus allergy. Picking the best sinus allergy relief medicine Antibiotics:
Major Signs of Seizures You Should Know

Major Signs of Seizures You Should Know

What are seizures? A seizure refers to a burst of electrical activity taking place in the human brain. It may last up to 30 minutes, and sometimes, the seizures may disappear within a few seconds. If you experience seizures repeatedly, you are exposed to epilepsy or seizures. Most people get early signs of seizures that may last a few minutes or a few hours or a few days. The warning signs can be described as ‘pre-ictal.’ Fundamentally, seizures can be classified into two categories, namely focal seizures and generalized seizures. When it comes to focal seizures, they begin in a specific area of your brain, and the seizures is named after the part on which they occur. You will experience physical as well as emotional effects, and the focal seizures also make you hear or see things that do not exist. Around sixty percent of people, who are suffering from epilepsy, experience this kind of seizure. These seizures are also known as partial seizures, and there is a chance of mistaking the partial seizures symptoms with mental illness or nerve disorder signs. The nerve cells located on the two sides of your brain misfire when you experience generalized seizures: You may fall, blackout or experience muscle spasm during the period of experiencing a generalized seizure. What are the major signs of seizures? Strange or unusual feelings Many people often have a strange, odd or unusual feeling before a seizure. You may experience it days or hours before the attack of seizure. It is something like feeling disoriented or confused, and a sense of detachment is experienced from the environment. Some people are found completely lost, and there can be a daydreaming tendency as well. Auras Auras are one of the common signs of seizures. It has been found out some people experiencing a strange smell, and many have to deal with a weird taste in their mouth.