Probiotics constitute a significant component of a healthy nutritional regime. Hundreds of brands sell probiotics in the market, and several blogs and websites exist exclusively to count probiotics’ never-ending benefits. But do we understand the actual mechanism through which probiotics work? For that, we need to be clear about the definition of probiotics. We need to know what and how they function. Read this article to learn the definition and some key benefits of probiotics: What are probiotics? Your body contains within itself both good and bad bacteria. Probiotics are the good bacteria. When an infection affects your body, the number of harmful bacteria exceeds the number of beneficial bacteria in your body. To destroy these harmful bacteria and restore the balance in your body, you need to get good bacteria from external sources. These external sources include probiotic supplements or fermented foods. Some typical probiotic foods are probiotic yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and many more, while supplements include refrigerated capsules, shelf-stable capsules, liquid beverages, and powders. Key benefits of probiotics Probiotics are good bacteria and have several benefits, and several scientific studies back these benefits. Here is a list of the 6 most popular probiotics benefits you should know of: Improve nutritional absorption Your gut serves as a home for billions of microbes. These microbes are responsible for disintegrating the food you ingest and absorbing nutrients. Among these microbes, probiotics break down your food to generate B vitamins, which are vital in taking out energy from fats and carbohydrates. Besides that, B vitamins also disintegrate amino acids and transport energy-possessing nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Furthermore, probiotics have several strains, among which lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium help absorb essential minerals. These minerals include copper, magnesium, iron, and manganese, that is, minerals that are vital for energy production.

The eyes are extremely delicate organs that must remain healthy at all times, as once injured, they cannot regenerate or repair. The body requires several vitamins and minerals to maintain clear eyesight and good eye health. So, it is crucial to make better food and lifestyle-related choices to maintain sharp eyesight. While one can choose supplements to avoid nutrient deficiency, vitamin-rich foods are excellent, natural ways to ensure healthy eyes. Vitamin A Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found in two different forms in foods: provitamin A carotenoids and preformed vitamin A. Carotenoids are found in green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, tomatoes, and fish oils. Milk and meat products such as liver and fish are excellent sources of preformed vitamin A. This vitamin is an essential component of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina that aids in night vision. Additionally, vitamin A helps in protecting and preserving a clear cornea, the transparent outer surface of the eye. It also protects the eyes against many eye diseases. Studies have shown that maintaining an adequate level of vitamin A in the body can help minimize the chances of developing juvenile blindness and cataract. According to anecdotal evidence, the nutrient appears to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  If one is experiencing a persistent deficiency of vitamin A, their tear ducts may dry up. This can lead to the development of irreversible blindness when the cornea eventually weakens. Lubricating eye drops containing vitamin A can help treat dry eye syndrome. Vitamin A deficiency is uncommon, but if left untreated, it can cause xerophthalmia—a serious degenerative eye condition that initially develops as night blindness. Vitamin C Vitamin C, a potent anti-oxidant, helps lower oxidative stress in the eyes. The eyes are more vulnerable to free radical damage as more oxygen gets converted into active radicals here.

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it.   Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects. It aggravates the risk of developing a stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular problems. So, before receiving Evenity, discuss your history, like a stroke or heart attack, especially if it occurred in the last year. Boniva It helps treat and prevent bone loss and maintain stronger bones. Boniva also lowers the risk of fractures or broken bones. Use this treatment option as directed by the doctor. Usually, orthopedics recommend using it once orally on the same day of every month. Ingest it at least an hour before your first meal of the day. Avoid taking it while you are still in bed or at bedtime.

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning. A lot of sodium is already added to the foods people purchase, so one must check the labels and ingredients for adequate sodium content beforehand. One can also cut back on their salt intake by avoiding processed and packaged foods such as salted nuts, crackers, and chips.  Dairy products For those diagnosed with lung disease, milk or other dairy products can worsen their symptoms. This is because in the digestion of dairy products like milk, cheese, or ice cream, a breakdown product known as casomorphin is released. This component is known to increase mucus and phlegm buildup in the stomach and respiratory tract during flare-ups of asthma or other lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The human skeleton protects the internal organs, so keeping bones healthy and strong is important. Issues with bone density can lead to conditions like osteoporosis which can make the bones brittle. About 10 million people in the country are affected by osteoporosis, and about 54 million people are at risk of breaking their bones due to low bone density. So here are a few treatment options, food choices, and lifestyle changes to improve bone health: Treatment options One should get their bones checked if they are suffering from serious health issues like diabetes and lupus. Further, one should get regular checkups as they grow older and discuss persistent concerns with their doctor. They may recommend the following option: Evenity:   For postmenopausal women, Evenity may be recommended for bone strengthening and treating osteoporosis. This is because in the period after menopause, women may have an increased risk of fractures and weakening of bones. This option is a form of anabolic treatment that promotes bone formation and is also known to stimulate the body’s natural healing powers to slow down the bone loss process. Changes in nutritional regimen One’s bone health invariably depends on what one eats. Further, making responsible choices in this regard can go a long way in keeping the skeleton strong: Fresh vegetables: Including green vegetables in the daily routine is the best way to keep the bones strong. This is because vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C to stimulate the bone-forming cells. Also, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that safeguard the cells from damage. Studies prove that green and yellow vegetables can help build bone mass in adults and also help with bone mineralization in kids. For example, research suggests that women who add onions to their meals have at least 20% lesser chances of hip fractures.

Studies show that every one in nine men is diagnosed with prostate cancer. When men experience any concern related to their prostate health, be it enlarged prostate because of benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer, or prostatitis, it’s best to look for ways to overcome the problem. Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to maintain prostate health. However, there are other ways for men to promote better prostate health. Let’s take a look: Treatment options Vitalflow The supplement is an amalgam of botanical extracts that work as a nutritional supplement and improve prostate health. It also helps ease BPH symptoms and relieves concerns like ejaculatory pain and urinary incontinence. It is a non-GMO, vegan, and allergen-free supplement. Vitalflow is made from natural herbs and plants and contains no chemicals or toxins that may negatively hamper overall health. It has saw palmetto-berry that improves hormone levels and prostate health and a cat’s claw that eliminates toxins from the body.  Prosvent This is a natural, safe formula to help reduce frequent and urgent trips to the bathroom. It also makes it easier to empty the bladder and lets one enjoy a good night’s sleep without interruptions. Prosvent testing claims that one may start to experience relief from the symptoms in just thirty days. It is a clinically tested and doctor-formulated supplement containing five main ingredients that help lower prostate symptoms. These include beta-sitosterol, saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pumpkin seed oil, and Pygeum Africanum. Prosta Stream This is another supplement that helps boost prostate health. It is composed of 150 natural components to avoid prostate gland enlargement. Prosta Stream’s   formula is designed exquisitely to target men over 50 because there could be a growth in the prostatic glands. But with Prosta Stream, one can preserve prostate gland health and avoid symptom flare-ups.

The eyes are complex organs and need a variety of nutrients to function optimally. Many common health conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others can negatively affect our eyes, which may lead up to a complete loss of vision. While some conditions like moderate astigmatism can be corrected using contact lenses or eye lenses, others can be prevented by consuming a healthy dose of these 4 vitamins: Vitamin A Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of blindness globally. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining a clear cornea (outside the covering of the eye). A person with this vitamin deficiency may find their eyes not producing enough moisture to stay lubricated. It is also essential for maintaining the eyes’ light-sensing cells called photoreceptors. A deficiency of vitamin A can also lead to xerophthalmia, a progressive eye disease that begins with night blindness. Continued deficiency can lead to the drying up of the eyes and tear ducts, and softening of the cornea, resulting in irreversible blindness. To maintain eye health, it is recommended to eat vitamin-A-rich foods, like sweet potatoes, leafy greens, pumpkins, squash, bell peppers, carrots, dairy products, egg yolks, and liver. Vitamin E Eye conditions have also been related to oxidative stress – the imbalance between the antioxidants and free radicals in the body. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the eye cells from damage by these harmful, unstable molecules called free radicals. Some studies have reported that vitamin E may help prevent age-related cataracts. A vitamin E deficiency can lead to retinal degeneration and blindness. Vitamin E rich foods include nuts, seeds, salmon, avocado, leafy green vegetables, and oils like flaxseed, soybean, corn, and safflower. Vitamin C Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that can protect our eyes against free radicals.

Muscle aches and pains are common symptoms of multiple health conditions. Aches may also be caused by several regular activities, such as walking, standing, and exercising excessively or for long durations. Most individuals suffer from muscle aches and pains at some point in their lives, so it is important to know why they happen. In this article, we explore five health conditions that may cause muscle pain   and weakness in the body. Five health conditions that lead to muscle pain Multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition. It is a disease of the nervous system that causes nerve damage. Multiple sclerosis leads to muscle weakness and numbness, tremors, painful electric shock-like sensations in the muscles, and fatigue. This health condition may affect someone’s speech and vision particularly. Other symptoms may include weakness, exhaustion, blurry vision, lack of balance, trouble with walking, memory problems, and permanent or temporary blindness, typically in one eye. Though there is not much evidence, including and avoiding certain foods and meals may help treat and manage MS. Anxiety and stress The immune system cannot control the response to inflammation during stress. Therefore, the body cannot fight illnesses or infections as usual. This may lead to increased muscle and body ache. The other symptoms of anxiety and stress can be enhanced blood pressure, abnormally high heart rate, cold sweats, hot flashes, hyperventilation, shakes, headaches and migraine. Stress and anxiety can be controlled to some extent by making certain lifestyle modifications such as going for regular walks, meditating, exercising, and sharing one’s stressful conditions with their loved ones and communicating the feelings to them. A specific pain relief patch is   also available to deal with muscle aches and pains. Fibromyalgia It is a condition where the whole body, including muscles and bones, may feel achy, exhausted and sensitive.

Our lungs play a vital role in the functioning of our body, so it is crucial to care for them. Increased exposure to air pollutants, microbes, and allergens can cause inflammation in the airways and lead to breathing trouble. These pollutants can also increase the risk of severe respiratory problems like asthma and chronic bronchitis. One way to keep the lungs healthy in the long term is to eat foods that help them function better. Apples Apples are packed with the antioxidant quercetin, which helps keep the lungs healthy. This red fruit also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids, which promote lung function. People who eat apples regularly have an improved lung capacity and experience a slower decline in lung functioning that occurs naturally with age. Peppers Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects against certain lung diseases like asthma and lung cancer. This vitamin is abundant in red bell peppers, chili peppers, and cayenne peppers. Cayenne peppers, in particular, are also a great source of capsaicin and beta-carotene. One can add these peppers to salads or pasta to benefit from vitamin C and antioxidants. Beets This root vegetable is loaded with nitrates, a natural chemical that may support lung health. Nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body, which helps relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve lung function. Due to these benefits, beets are recommended for people with pulmonary hypertension and breathing difficulty. Tomatoes Tomatoes contain lycopene, an excellent source of carotenoids that have numerous health benefits. According to a particular study, adding tomato and tomato products to meals can reduce airway inflammation in individuals with asthma and improve lung function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can also prevent chronic bronchitis from flaring up. Further, eating tomatoes regularly may help slow down the natural decline in lung function that occurs as a person ages.

Medicare is a government health insurance program that covers people over 65, some younger people with disabilities, and those with end-stage renal disease. It has four parts – Part A, which covers hospital insurance, nursing facilities, hospice, and in-home care; Part B, which covers doctor’s visits, outpatient care, medical equipment, home healthcare, and preventive screenings; Part C, which offers Medicare-approved plans by private companies, and Part D, which covers the cost of prescriptions. Due to the complex nature of federal policies, there are several things that we tend to skip. Learning about them can help you make better and more efficient policy use. So, here are the 12 things that fall under a Medicare coverage: Welcome to Medicare preventive visit Enrolling for Medicare makes you eligible for a ‘Welcome to Medicare’ preventive visit. Although essential, this service is often overlooked by many people. It is meant to allow you to meet with your primary care physician for an overall check-up, establish a baseline for your health, and create a health and wellness plan for the upcoming year. Here, you can discuss your medical history, examine your need for treatment, and formulate a plan for a healthier future. Yearly wellness visits In addition to a welcome visit, you also get annual wellness visits which are the opportunity to have a scheduled check-up and to talk to your healthcare provider about your yearly care plan. This is certainly not the only time you can visit the doctor. It is a special appointment addressing your overall health and concerns. Counseling to battle lifestyle changes If you’re trying to make lifestyle changes that severely impact your health, you can avail of behavioral counseling services under Medicare Part B. For some people, Medicare may also cover yearly lung cancer screenings to keep track of their health, detect abnormalities early, and curate a more effective treatment plan.

It’s important to stay hydrated for good health, but drinking too much water can also cause problems. Overhydration occurs when there’s excess water in the body, leading to complications with various organs. It is crucial to know the importance of drinking enough water and the issues that can arise when one drinks too much water. Read on to learn about health issues one may experience as a result of overhydration. Hyponatremia This is a condition in which the sodium levels in the body are below the normal amount. The normal levels are 135 to 145 milliequivalents/liter, but the levels drop below 135 in hyponatremia. One of the reasons why this condition is caused is due to too much water or fluids in the body. This excess hydration can “water down” the sodium in the body leading to complications. Some of the symptoms of this illness can include vomiting, nausea, low blood pressure, loss of energy, seizures or coma, muscle weakness or twitching, cramps, restlessness, bad temper, headache, fatigue, and confusion. Water poisoning This may sound unusual, but it is something that happens when one drinks water in excess. One can experience water poisoning, intoxication, or even damage to brain function due to excess water in the body. When there is excess water in the body, the cells start to absorb this water. When these cells absorb the water, they swell up. Since a human body is made up of cells, this swelling can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain. As these brain cells swell up, they pressure the organ and disrupt brain function. One can experience symptoms like headaches, drowsiness, and even confusion. This pressure from the cells can also cause other complications like hypertension or high blood pressure and low heart rate or bradycardia. Strain on kidneys Proper hydration is essential when it comes to healthy kidneys.

Our teeth help us chew and digest foods, speak clearly, and give the face its shape. So, it is crucial to make food and lifestyle choices that keep the ectodermal organs safe and robust. One way to manage teeth health is by eating foods that serve as natural mouth cleansers. Conversely, individuals should also avoid some foods that may damage their teeth. Thus, here are nine foods to exclude from one’s meals for dental health. Bread Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, bread is usually a staple part of most meals. However, it is also one of the worst foods when it comes to maintaining teeth health. When one chews on bread, the saliva breaks down starches into sugar. Once the bread turns into a gummy paste-like substance in the mouth, it may stick to the crevices between teeth, which could lead to cavities. Therefore, if one wants to eat foods rich in carbs, one should look for less refined options like whole wheat. Whole wheat breads contain lower amounts of added sugars and do not break down quickly. Sour candies Most people enjoy munching on candies following a meal or at other times in the day. But this is one of the worst foods for an individual’s overall health, including teeth quality. Furthermore, sour candy contains varied types of acids that are tougher on the teeth than regular candy. Since they are chewed, the mixture may stick to the teeth for longer periods. Therefore, those who consume excessive amounts of sour candy are at a higher risk of experiencing tooth decay. Instead of sour candy, one could switch to a bar of chocolate, which is much easier to chew and wash away. However, the person should visit a dentist to determine if they should completely exclude sweets from their meal regime.