Garcinia Cambogia, also known as Malabar Tamarind, Brindleberry, and Kudam Pulli (Pot Tamarind), is native to Indonesia and is a tropical species of Garcinia. The name Garcinia Cambogia is a former scientific name of the same species of fruits. It is also known as Garcinia Gummi-Gutta. It is found and grown in moist forests where the climatic conditions are suitable for its survival. They are found in various color variants such as greenish, yellowish, or reddish pumpkins. In 2012, Mehmet Cengiz Oz, widely known as Dr. Oz, claimed that the Garcinia Cambogia extracts were “an exciting breakthrough in natural weight loss.” The claims were highly scrutinized and the results were that there was no significant scientific evidence to support the claim. In fact, the usage of Garcinia Cambogia resulted in various adverse gastrointestinal conditions, and almost no weight loss at all. The widespread claims and the supplements available in the market are those that are based on the existence of Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA). HCA is said to boost the fat-burning-capacity of the body. The research into this supplement has yielded mixed results. Majority of the positive results were shown from research performed on animals. Not much research has gone into its effect on humans. There isn’t enough research to determine the long-term effects of HCA extracted from Garcinia Cambogia. The Garcinia Cambogia extract might or might not aid in weight loss. It might or might not even work on human bodies. This can be due to the complexity of the human body compared to those of the tested animals. However, what is less known are the Garcinia Cambogia side effects. These side effects can vary from person to person. Here is a list of the Garcinia Cambogia side effects, along with a description of each side effect. Headaches A headache caused by Garcinia Cambogia does not occur in every person.

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.

A burning sensation in your feet can have many causes like diabetic neuropathy, athlete’s foot, alcohol use, and so on. Identifying the cause is vital for focused medical treatments. Besides this, you can also try several home remedies. What causes a burning sensation in the feet? Many diseases and infections can cause burning pain in your feet. Diabetic neuropathy: If you have diabetes, gradually, your nerves can get damaged. This nerve damage starts in the feet. Damaged nerves may send incorrect signals to the brain, inducing pain sensations even when there is no wound or another injury. Heavy alcohol use: If you have a practice of regularly consuming alcohol in large amounts, then you can face nerve damage. Erythromelalgia: This condition produces a shooting and burning pain in your feet, without any recognizable cause. It is a rare disease. If you have it, then the pain can get worse after stressful activities like long walks, running, or standing for a long time. Infectious diseases: Infectious diseases like Lyme disease, athlete’s foot, shingles, and HIV can induce a sharp pain in your feet. Kidney Disease: Kidney dysfunction results in a build-up of toxins as the kidneys are no longer capable of clearing the waste and toxins from your body. Thus, this can result in pain in your feet. Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid results in low levels of thyroid hormones. A low level of these hormones can cause your feet to swell up and feel painful. Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin B deficiency can cause burning pain in feet. Treatments for burning pain in the feet Depending on the cause of the burning pain, treatments may vary. For instance, burning pain in the feet caused by diabetic neuropathy may require you to keep your blood sugar levels in control by taking the right medications. Kidney disease-induced burning feet pain may be relieved by dialysis, which is a process that removes toxins from the body.

Hemorrhoids, commonly known as piles, are responsible for severe swelling or enlargement of the veins in the lower part of the rectum. As we know, the walls around such organs comprise of thousands of blood vessels. A condition in hemorrhoids causes these very vessels to stretch out, leading to an unpleasant and painful experience. Although having hemorrhoids can be a dreadful situation, they can be easily treated with simple ointments, suppositories, and non-surgical options, if and when treated on time. What causes hemorrhoids? The enlargement of veins around the anus can be caused by the following factors: Aging : Such a condition usually occurs among adults aged between 40 to 65 years. This, however, does not mean that it cannot affect people at a younger age. Constipation : Chronic constipation triggers the formation of hemorrhoids due to excessive pressure on the blood vessels. Pregnancy : During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which puts additional pressure on the veins, causing them to bulge. Relief from hemorrhoids in such a condition can be incurred by consuming high fiber food like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Heavy lifting : Lifting heavy weights without proper padding and knowledge can trigger the enlargement of veins around the rectum area. Obesity : Diet-related obesity can cause hemorrhoids. Sitting for long periods : Long periods of sitting in one position, especially on a toilet seat, can trigger hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be of two types: Internal hemorrhoids : These occur deep inside the rectum. They are usually painless, but they can worsen if excessive straining activities are undertaken. They tend to protrude through the anus and are, hence, commonly called protruding or prolapsed hemorrhoids. Such type of hemorrhoids can be very painful. External hemorrhoids : These are visible abruptions and usually occur under the skin around the anus. They are far more painful than internal hemorrhoids due to the presence of more sensitive nerves around the rectum.

Lower back pain on the right side can be a sudden cause of concern for many people. The reasons for this pain can be many. However, most of the time, it is just caused by muscle pain because of your back getting hurt by some physical exercise or being stretched to the point of getting hurt. In such a case, the back pain will subside on its own, without you having to do anything. If the problem persists, you can apply an ointment or pain reliever cream or use sprays that are available in every local drug store. However, the main cause of back pain can be more serious or even life-threatening if not looked into. Kidney issues Apart from the kidneys, no other organ is located in that part of the body. If the problem is caused due to the kidney, it may not be just limited to urinary tract infections or kidney stones. While the former is easy to treat, the latter can be very painful but is still treatable with good outcomes. Kidney infections are also a common cause of pain in the kidneys, and, by extension, it can also lead to back pain, on the left or the right side. The other causes of kidney pain can be the direct impact a recent penetrating/blunt trauma may have had on the area. Such cases are called the lacerated kidney. If a woman is pregnant and experiences these issues, she should immediately consult her doctor. Symptoms of kidney pain can include fever, painful urination, flank pain, and nausea or vomiting. Other causes of back pain on the right side can be the following: Appendicitis The small tube that is attached to the large intestine and is sitting in the lower right side of the body is called the appendix.

A spasm or cramp is an involuntary contraction of a muscle. Muscle spasms can happen at any time and are quite painful. It usually goes away on its own, without much treatment. However, if the spasm is extremely painful, and does not resolve by itself or recurs, it is imperative to seek medical care as it may be an indication of a serious underlying medical problem. Typically, muscle spasms involve a whole muscle, a specific part of it, or various muscles in a group. The most common sites for muscle spasms are hands, foot, arms, thighs, calves, abdomen, and sometimes along the ribcage. These spasms vary in intensity ranging from mild twitches to severe and disabling pain. The spastic muscle may become sensitive to touch and in a few cases, appears visibly distorted. These spasms may last for a couple of seconds or up to 20 minutes or longer. Also, they may recur several times a day. Muscle spasms can happen to anyone. Irrespective of whether you are old, young, athletic or sedentary, it can happen to you. Also, it can occur while you are sitting, walking, exercising, or even sleeping. Many people who undertake regular physical exercise experience spasms. Causes of muscle spasms The exact cause of muscle spasm is not known. However, according to some research studies, here are some factors that can lead to muscle spasms: Dehydration Insufficient stretching before exercise Electrolyte depletion Muscle fatigue Exercising in high temperatures Altered neuromuscular control Performing a new activity Out of all the causes mentioned above, exercising in high temperatures is believed to be the most significant one. When you work out in the heat, you sweat a lot, and sweat contains fluids as well as electrolytes (calcium, magnesium, salt, and potassium). When the level of these vital nutrients falls beyond a certain limit, the chance of muscle spasm increases.

A toenail infection occurs due to the excess growth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi that already exist in or on your body can prompt nail infections. Fungi flourish in moist and warm conditions, and hence, this type of environment can trigger them to overpopulate. Fungal infections also spread if you come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection. These infections develop over time, and there won’t be any immediate difference in the way your nail looks or feels. Therefore, it may be too subtle to notice at first. What causes toenail fungus infections? Various fungal organisms lead to toenail fungus infections. Yeast and molds can also cause this problem. The most common condition is triggered by a type of fungus called dermatophyte. Toenail fungal infection starts from athlete’s foot (foot fungus) and spreads from one nail to another. Even though most of the causes of a fungal nail infection are preventable, some risk factors increase the possibility of its recurrence. More men face the problem of toenail fungus than women, and also it is observed in adults more often than in children. You are more likely to get it if any of your family members gets these types of fungal infections. Because of the poor circulation and slow nail growth, older adults are at the highest risk of getting fungal infections. Also, as the nail ages, it becomes brittle, and the resulting cracks let the fungi enter the nail. The main risk factors for toenail infections are as follows: People with diabetes or who have diseases that cause poor circulation are prone to develop toenail fungus. People over the age of 65 are more likely to develop a nail infection. People who wear artificial nails or wear closed-toe shoes, such as tennis shoes or boots more often can get toenail infection.

Many people experience chest pain due to various reasons. In extreme cases, chest pain can be an indicator of a heart attack. But it can also be a sign of respiration issues, digestion problems, and other conditions. Chest pain should be taken seriously as it can lead to life-threatening conditions. Below are a few of the reasons why you might be experiencing chest pain. Angina : It is a condition wherein you feel pressure in your heart as if it is being squeezed. The blood is still flowing to the heart but its supply is exponentially reduced. You might experience dizziness or pain elsewhere in the upper body. Angina is very similar to a heart attack but does not cause permanent damage to the heart tissue. It is one of the common causes of chest pain. As soon as you feel the symptoms, you should consult the doctor to get professional medical help. Heart attack : When you feel a very sharp pain in the heart, then it is most likely a heart attack. A heart attack is caused when one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle is blocked. There might be a sharp stabbing sensation along with pressure or tightness in the chest. Some other symptoms are shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, a lump in the throat, and numbness in the arm or hand. A heart attack is a medical emergency and the sooner you see a doctor the lesser will be the damage. Collapsed lung : A collapsed lung is the condition when the air gets in between the chest and the lung walls. This can cause a feeling of pressure when you inhale. In case of a collapsed lung, breathing in becomes really difficult. If you suspect this you should immediately see a doctor.

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.

Migraine is a neurological condition that is often accompanied by a host of painful and discomforting symptoms like sensitivity to light, dizziness, and nausea or vomiting. To cope with this, it is important to identify the common triggers of a migraine headache. Studies say that frequently reported migraine triggers are food items, and eliminating these food items, or at least limiting their consumption, is crucial for treatment: Chocolate Chocolate is often considered to be a risky migraine trigger and is among the most common triggers as it is replete with caffeine. Chocolate also contains the amino acid tyramine that adds to the intensity of the headaches. However, chocolates also have dopamine and serotonin, which are beneficial, so consuming chocolate in moderation may prove to be beneficial for the treatment. Caffeine An occasional cup of coffee does not cause a painful migraine attack, but drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks regularly can worsen the frequency and severity of headaches. Due to its vasoconstrictive properties, caffeine restricts blood flow to the brain, causing relief in the case of a painful headache, but it is best to avoid too much of coffee if you experience frequent headaches. Frozen foods Studies show that there is a strong link between frozen foods and migraine headaches. Consumption of frozen foods like ice cream, frozen yogurt, a slush, and such may provoke strong headaches. These items contain substances that affect blood flow to the brain, leading to headaches that develop into migraines. Salty foods Salty foods are the most common triggers as high consumption of salty foods raises the sodium levels in your blood and increases blood pressure, which could increase the risk of migraine. Avoid eating too much salt or salty and processed food to prevent it. Pickled and fermented foods Pickled and fermented foods contain high levels of tyramine, which may trigger migraine headaches.