Best Options to Treat and Prevent Shingles
Diagnosis & Prevention

Best Options to Treat and Prevent Shingles

Shingles are one such viral infection that could cause a severe rash. This viral infection is caused by that virus which is the sole reason for causing chickenpox as well. When you had chickenpox in your childhood, the virus varicella zoster will stay dormant inside your body. However, this virus could get reactivated later in your life that will inevitably cause shingles. Although you will feel pain in the first few days of developing shingles, later on, the fluid-blisters and rashes will also become evident. There are various medicines available in the market that could really help you to treat shingles. Therefore, have a look at the medicine that you could use in order to treat shingles. Antiviral medication Antiviral medications are one of the more effective shingles medications that you can use in order to treat shingles. You need to take them within the first 72 hours from when you start getting the symptoms. These medicines will also decrease your chances of facing complications later on due to shingles. Antiviral medications will generally slow down the growth of the virus and by doing so will reduce the symptoms of shingles. There are various shingles medications available in the market out of which some your doctor may prescribe for you depending on the severity. A detailed discussion about the side effects of such medications is needed though. Pain Killers When you have shingles, one thing you can be assured and that is, you will have pain. Therefore, you may need the help of the painkillers which will help you reduce the pain. Taking painkillers is not a good option, but when you face the excruciating pain from the shingles, you would have to opt for one. Even your doctor may prescribe one for you. Although these shingles medications are not that a great option to opt for, yet they are worth a try.
12 Tips to Relieve Stomach Pain Due to Gas and Bloating
Treatments

12 Tips to Relieve Stomach Pain Due to Gas and Bloating

Stomach gas and bloating are disorders that could seem as simple as typical discomfort. However, it could even be a symptom of a more serious, underlying condition. Gas accumulates in the body as a natural byproduct of the digestive process. However, when this gas is not passed out through flatulence or burping, it builds up in the gut and causes bloating. Read on to find some tips to get relief from stomach gas and bloating. Remedies to get relief from stomach pain due to gas Quick relief Avoid resisting the sensation of passing gas:  Many people try to avoid passing gas so that they are not embarrassed in public. However, doing this will lead to the accumulation of gas and more bloating. It is advisable to try and find a somewhat private place and pass gas to stop any stomach pain. If you find it difficult to release gas, try taking a short yet brisk walk or lying down and relaxing your muscles. Consume chamomile or mint tea: Both mint and chamomile can soothe the stomach and aid with digestion. One can consume these teas available in the form of tea-bags after steeping it in hot water. Take activated charcoal supplements: These can relieve cramps due to gas and bloating. It is relatively more effective as compared to other remedies for stomach pain due to gas. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking these, especially if you are on any other medications. Apply a hot water compress:  For immediate relief, lie down and place a hot water bottle or compress across your stomach. It will help relieve abdominal pressure due to gas and bloating. This remedy truly helps people get relief from pain due to excessive stomach gas and bloating. Lifestyle changes Avoid foods that tend to cause bloating:
All You Need to Know about Probiotics
Diagnosis & Prevention

All You Need to Know about Probiotics

Probiotics are the bacteria that naturally occur in the gastrointestinal tract. These are indeed an important part of the digestive system and are responsible for a lot of important tasks. These micro-biomes are extremely important for our life. Probiotics help in eradicating the bacteria that cause illness and infection. They also help in producing the enzymes that are required to break the food down and are known to produce nutrients as well. This might make you wonder how probiotics and constipation are related. Well, there is an important connection between the two. Having the right bacteria in the gut helps with the digestion process. The bacteria in colon and intestines break down the stool so that it can easily pass through. This also helps a lot with dehydration which makes the stools harder to pass. When the bad bacteria in your gut are more than the good bacteria, it can lead to a lot of bowel problems including gas. Therefore, probiotics are extremely important for proper digestion. Importance of probiotics Now that you know that probiotics are important and help with constipation, you might be wondering as to why you need extra probiotics when the body produces it naturally. The reason behind it is the sedentary lifestyle and the dietary habits of the modern world. We fail to maintain the crucial balance in the gut that is ideal. Moreover, most of us usually are too dehydrated and eat a lot of sugary foods that actually feed the bad bacteria. This is why we need extra probiotics to help us to keep the balance. These days, due to a lot of medication, the balance tends to be missing. A lot of antibiotics will kill both the good and bad bacteria in the gut. This is why there is nothing left to actually break down the food.
Different Treatment Options for Cataract
Treatments

Different Treatment Options for Cataract

When the normal and clear lens of your eyes start clouding, that condition is called cataract. Eyes have proteins and when they start to form clumps, they prevent the lens from sending a clear picture to the retina. The job of the retina is to convert this picture into a signal and send it to the optic nerve. This is then passed to the brain, which recognizes the images. When afflicted by cataract, you feel as if you are looking through a foggy window, where the image is not clear. This is going to make it difficult for you to read, see any kind of expression or drive a car. You need to get started with the treatment as soon as you notice the symptoms of cataract. It develops really slowly and does not seem to have any effect on your eyesight at the early stage. But as time passes, this problem begins interfering with your vision and your daily activity is affected. Yet there are ways to avoid high-cost cataract surgeries. Treatment options for cataract There are a number of cataract treatment options available. Most people think that the surgery alone can treat this eye condition. Since cataract surgery cost is quite high, you should consider the other options as well. There are other treatment options available which are low cost. There are non-surgical methods that can help in improving the vision of the affected. In a surgery, the clouded lens is replaced with new ones. Non-Surgical options for cataract treatment The first step towards the treatment of Cataract is to improve the quality of your vision. When you observe cataract symptoms for the first time, then you will experience blurry or cloudy or double vision, sensitivity to light, reduction in night vision, and also problems with your eyewear. But when you make certain changes, then you will be able to observe improvement in the symptoms.
Effective Remedies for Peyronie’s Disease
Treatments

Effective Remedies for Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is caused by repeated injury to the penile region either during sex or other activities. In this condition, a fibrous scar tissue is present inside the penis that causes it to bend in a particular way such that it makes the erection very painful. However, it should not be confused with other types of erections, such as a curved erection. Not all types of curved erection lead to the development of Peyronie’s disease. Men who face this disease may face trouble having intercourse. However, there are different types of treatment options and remedies available for treating Peyronie’s disease. Some of the popular remedies have been listed as follows. Remedies for Peyronie’s disease With certain treatment options and proper and timely consultation, one can manage Peyronie’s disease effectively. The following pointers are some of the most commonly recommended remedies for this condition. Use of medicines A doctor may recommend certain kinds of medicines for managing the symptoms of Peyronie’s disease. The medication will aid in breaking down of any build-up of collagen in the penis. This will help in straightening the penis to an extent. Iontophoresis Iontophoresis is yet another of the recommended Peyronie’s disease remedy option. This is a process by which an electric current, which is weak in nature, helps in delivering the medicines through the skin. This also helps in controlling the curving of the penile muscles, thus helping in straightening it even though for a short duration. Changes in lifestyle Doctors often recommend certain changes in one’s lifestyle of the patient as a remedy for Peyronie’s disease. The disease in various cases has been observed to be the result of an erratic lifestyle. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with occasional cheat-days is often advised by medical professionals. This is a small step which can go a long way if followed sincerely.
8 Popular Digestive Enzyme Supplements to Choose From
Treatments

8 Popular Digestive Enzyme Supplements to Choose From

Digestive enzyme supplements are small chewable tablets that aid in the digestion process and help improve the rate of nutrient absorption in the body. These supplements help in breaking down the food into smaller molecules so that they can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream. These supplements are safe for use by children and adults. However, it is best to consult your medical provider to ensure that the enzyme you choose merits your body. In the following, some of the popular digestive enzyme supplements have been listed; these digestive enzyme supplements can help alleviate all your digestive troubles: Source Naturals Essential Enzymes Source Naturals Essential Enzymes contains Lactase to improve digestion. Moreover, it contains herbs and nutraceuticals which, when combined with bio-active nutrients, aid a number of health conditions. This supplement is gluten-free with zero wheat, soy, yeast, or egg. These enzymes provide relief from gastric distress and help restore a healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive tract, thus keeping you energetic all day long. American Health® Super Papaya Enzyme Plus This is one of the best digestive enzyme supplements that work to keep your digestive system in the best possible condition. It contains an enzyme known as Lipase that breaks down compound fats into smaller fatty acids. This helps in preventing issues such as heartburn, dysentery, and stomach cramping. The capsules taste like peppermint and offer effective relief from frequent acid reflux and gastritis. However, make sure to consult your doctor about taking these supplements in case you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical ailments. Zenwise Health Labs Plant-Based Digestive Enzymes Zenwise Health Labs’ Digestive Enzymes are made from an array of plant-based enzymes along with CFU multi-strain probiotics that aim to improve your overall well-being. These supplements are especially helpful if you are facing any gastrointestinal complications such as diarrhea.
What You Need to Know about Protein Powders
Treatments

What You Need to Know about Protein Powders

Protein powders are gaining huge popularity—not just among weightlifters, six-packers and gym addicts. They’re a useful nutritional supplement for people who want to lose weight or gain muscle, convalescents, senior citizens, athletes, vegans, and vegetarians. Let’s find out what they’re all about. What are protein powders? These special nutritional supplements contain concentrated protein from animal or plant sources and can be consumed in the form of concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates. They are often available with added vitamins and minerals, in various flavors. You can buy them at most pharmacies, health stores, supermarkets, and online in powder form or as pre-mixed drinks. Add them to your normal food, mix them into juices, or just make a simple shake out of them. The common forms of protein powder are soy protein, whey, and casein protein. Whey is the most popular form since it’s water-soluble and contains all the nine essential amino acids that are necessary for the complete human diet. Each protein source has its own characteristics and benefits. Benefits Since protein is essential for the health and growth of all parts of our bodies, we need to make it a part of our daily diet. Proteins give energy, help to repair and rejuvenate cells. They also contribute to bulking up muscle mass, reduce fat, and help to repair and maintain the muscles. They give you a feeling of fullness and prevent hunger pangs that send you hunting for food in your fridge. When to take them You should take them if you’re an athlete or a teenager, planning a drastic work-out program, preparing for an athletic event or competition, opting to become a vegan or vegetarian, recovering from an accident/injury/illness. How much do you need? According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the normal adult needs about 0.8 gm/kg body-weight every day.
All You Need to Know about Hair Loss Shampoo
Treatments

All You Need to Know about Hair Loss Shampoo

The pollution levels in most urban spaces are rising at an unhealthy level and this, while undoubtedly affecting your health, also leads to hair loss. Other factors that affect it are stress, usage of too many hair products that have chemicals, and bad maintenance. One major consequence of an unhealthy environment is hair loss. What is hair loss? On an average, a human being sheds around 100 strands of hair in a day. If there seems to be more loss or the following signs, it is a call for concern. Signs of hair loss Scalp and crown that has thinning hair (usually seen in men) A hairline that is receding quickly A pattern on the head that is located near the crown. It is usually of a horseshoe shape. Although in circumstances where hair loss is sudden and severe, you are advised to see a doctor. Treatment There are several treatments one could pick to combat this problem. But a lot of treatments can be very time-consuming. One of the easiest ways you could treat your hair is by incorporating the remedy into your existing hair care routine with a shampoo for hair loss. Here’s a way you could broadly pick out what is best for you. This will help you pick the best products for your hair care: First, analyze your hair’s condition and texture. Find a product which will be suitable for your hair type. Finally, change the brand you are using once in every few months. Shampoos are made up of ingredients which clean out the dirt, pollutants such as smoke particles and even its natural oils (sebum). Any general hair loss shampoo available in the market does just about that, although you should be careful with some low priced brands since the shampoo might be harsh and strip the hair of its vital lipid layer.
Hemorrhoids Treatment Options
Treatments

Hemorrhoids Treatment Options

Hemorrhoids is a condition where the veins in the anus and the rectum become swollen. The blood vessels in the region get swollen due to pressure. When there is an increased pressure in the lower abdomen, it causes hemorrhoids. It is a very common condition and most people suffer from it at some point in their life. Hemorrhoids may be either internal or external. Internal hemorrhoids are deep within the rectum. Usually, one cannot see or feel their presence. They are not painful as there are very few sensitive nerves in the region. The only sign of noticing them could be bleeding. In a few cases, it may cause pain or itching. External hemorrhoids are underneath the skin of the anus. This region has a lot of sensitive nerves and feels pain. External hemorrhoids are more common and cause a lot of trouble. They cause difficulty while sitting and during bowel movements. The exact causes of hemorrhoids are unknown. A strained bowel movement may cause the blood vessels to swell and result in hemorrhoids. Pregnant women are more likely to get this condition as there is greater pressure on the veins. A low-fiber diet may also cause hemorrhoids. Remedies Hemorrhoids may be very irritating but are not life-threatening. In a majority of the cases, top home remedies for hemorrhoids help in treating the symptoms. A few changes in the lifestyle and daily habits can also ease the condition. Some of the best hemorrhoid remedies to relieve the discomfort are as follows: Home remedies Warm bath A warm water bath reduces the swelling and irritation caused by hemorrhoids. Sitting in a bathtub with warm water helps a lot in relieving the discomfort. Warm water bath, a couple of times in a day, could be very helpful. One can also add apple cider vinegar or Epsom salt to the water.
Causes and Treatment Options for Swollen Ankles
Causes & Risk Factors

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.