Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that helps the body function. But excess, usually over 240 mg/dl, is harmful. High cholesterol affects nearly 40 percent of our country’s adult population. The leading causes include a meal plan high in saturated fat, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress. The ailment has no symptoms, making it hard to detect without a blood test. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips for managing cholesterol levels: Treatment options There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol (also known as high-density lipoprotein or HDL) and bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL). High levels of bad cholesterol are more harmful, and most treatments aim to reduce its amount in the blood. Two popular treatment options are: LIVALO® LIVALO ®  is an FDA-approved option for adults. It helps lower bad cholesterol by limiting the liver’s ability to produce it. The treatment works best with a healthy nutrition plan and exercise. The recommended dose for LIVALO ®  is 2 mg daily, but it can go up to a maximum of 4 mg. Patients should consult a doctor to determine the correct dosage. It can have side effects like back pain and constipation. Repatha® Repatha® helps lower bad cholesterol by limiting the ability of a particular protein responsible for regulating the amount of cholesterol. It is administered into the blood and is available in multiple dosing options. One must consult a doctor to understand if Repatha® is suitable for them. Foods to eat and avoid High cholesterol affects the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. So it is vital to include heart-healthy foods in the daily meals. These are mainly those high in fiber and dense in nutrients. Here are a few suitable options to consider: Whole grains Whole grains like oats and barley have soluble fiber that helps reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Breastfeeding is a universal way to nourish a newborn. Many mothers exclusively breastfeed their baby for six months, which is the minimum duration doctors recommend around the world. During this phase, nursing mothers need to have healthy, nutritious foods as this is how infants get the nutrients they need. Additionally, certain foods can help increase the milk supply. So here are a few superfoods that are ideal for nursing mothers:  Avocados This superfood is loaded with nutrients like heart-healthy fats that can help new mothers feel full for long periods. Breastfeeding mothers usually feel frequent hunger pangs due to having to nurse often. Further, women need more calories during their nursing period. This is why avocados are a great and versatile option for filling recipes. The fruit contains essential vitamins and is a versatile option to add to meals.  Nuts Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts are great snacking options for new mothers. These nuts are usually high in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins K and B. They are known to be lactogenic and also excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, essential for babies and mothers alike.  One can have these nuts by the bedside to make them easily accessible. Coconut Coconut consumed in any form is great for nursing mothers as it is high in fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Additionally, coconut contains high amounts of fiber that help regulate bowel movement. Also, it is especially recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it helps improve the milk supply. Further, coconut water is full of electrolytes that can serve as a great source of hydration for breastfeeding mothers. Beans and legumes These are a great source of protein and vitamins essential for one’s overall health. Additionally, some legumes, such as chickpeas, have been categorized as galactagogues (or lactation boosters)—foods that increase breast milk supply.

No one can know what a painful affair a sudden onset of migraine pang is other than the person who goes through it. While the migraine triggers differ from person to person, a few culprits are there, which seem to attack everyone indiscriminately. When one can identify their triggers, they are a step closer to effectively managing migraine and avoiding future attacks. Here are six surprising migraine triggers which you may not have been previously aware of: Excessive stress Stress is the most common reason that tends to trigger migraine pangs. According to some studies, stress is a catalyst for 70 percent of migraine attacks in patients. Besides, such studies have revealed a close relationship between daily migraine activity and stress levels. Furthermore, there seems to be a continuous cycle in which the day-to-day stress levels are further loaded with the worry of upcoming migraine attacks. How to manage: One can begin by preparing an exhaustive list of things that seem to bug daily but are pretty mundane and can be dealt with quickly without any undue tension or stress. Once the list is prepared, work on those triggers to reduce their effects on your stress levels. Besides that, try relaxation therapy, yoga, meditation, exercise, biofeedback, and massage to calm your mind and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. These remedies will not completely resolve stress-related issues. However, they will modify the bodily response to stress, so that migraine pangs are not triggered. Lack of a regular sleep schedule The relationship between sleep and migraine is pretty intimate. While everyone needs a good night’s sleep for the renewal and repair of their body and mind, a regular sleep schedule is necessary for migraine patients. Any changes in the sleep pattern can trigger an attack. Yet, an interesting fact about migraine pangs is that most get activated between 4 am and 9 am when one is supposed to sleep but can’t because their miserable brain won’t let them.

Many scientific reports have found that diabetes is on the rise as a result of the pandemic. This is apparently possible due to the virus worsening pre-existing diabetes in people through increased insulin resistance. Studies have found that the virus can multiply within insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells and debilitate insulin synthesis and secretion. Due to these developments, it is imperative for everyone to know the noticeable signs of excessive sugar intake and blood sugar composition. Signs that you’re consuming excess sugar: Constant craving for sugary things The reward center in your brain activates when you ingest some food or drink containing sugar. When sugar enters your body, your brain responds to dopamine, also known as feel-good chemicals. To put it simply, the brain informs your body that it feels good and wants more of that sweet-tasting thing. The issue with such a feeling is that your brain gets addicted to it over time and starts craving more. This is similar to how you develop an alcohol tolerance and need more of it to feel the buzz. Feeling lethargic throughout the day The pleasure of the sweet taste spikes your insulin, which makes the brain happy. But after this initial high, it is inevitable for your brain to come down and feel low. It must be noted that your energy levels directly correlate with your glucose intake. If your glucose intake levels are stable, your energy levels will also remain stable. However, if you ingest too much glucose, your energy levels will go up suddenly and then have an abrupt landing, making you feel sluggish all day. To maintain your energy levels, it is vital to complement your sugar intake with lots of fiber and protein. Developing skin problems Excessive sugar intake leads to sudden insulin spikes. This sets off a gush of hormones which starts showing in the form of acne or rosacea.

Did you know that excessive exposure to harsh sun rays can aggravate the risk of eye diseases? However, the prevention is very straightforward. You can wear sunglasses, which block at least 99 to 100 percent of UVB and UVA radiation. However, there are several myths associated with eye health and sunglasses. So, today, we have taken it on ourselves to debunk the common myths about sunglasses, which may damage your eye health. Let’s address them below. Expensive shades are better A higher price tag is not indicative of a sunglass’s ability to shield you against harmful UVA and UVB rays. At times, even some affordable sunglasses can do a good enough job at offering good eye protection. So, before checking the price tag, read through the packaging label. It is good to go if it clearly states that the sunglasses can block 100 percent UVA and UVB rays, regardless of the price tag. Oakley has some of the best options you can try.  Sunglasses are only for sunny days UV light can easily penetrate through the haze and the clouds. Irrespective of the season, you must wear sunglasses. Excessive sun exposure puts you at risk of cancer, cataracts, and growth in the eye. Sun reflecting off snow and ice may result in photokeratitis, a painful condition often called snow blindness.  Children do not need sunglasses as much as adults On average, children are exposed to three times more sunlight than adults. Hence, their susceptibility to UV eye damage is higher. Moreover, unlike the adult eye’s ocular lens, the child’s immature lens fails to filter the UV light easily, and there is a greater need for children to wear sunglasses. Unfortunately, finding the youth’s sunglasses tested for UV protection is challenging. So, parents must always get their child’s sunglasses tested for UV protection before kids wear them.

The common cold and flu are both viral infections that affect the respiratory tract. While the symptoms of the conditions are the same, the flu is more severe. Patients experience sore throats, congestion, coughing, chest pain, headaches, sneezing, and high fevers. Although the conditions are common, they can be fatal if not managed. Thankfully, there are many ways to control the symptoms of a cold and the flu. The top three ways are: Begin the treatment Once the symptoms start to show, you must consult with a certified health practitioner and start your treatment. Fever, aches, and chills are pretty common symptoms of the cold and flu. Two common treatments prescribed by the doctor, in this case, are XOFLUZA® and TAMIFLU®.    XOFLUZA® It is a prescription treatment that is advised for people aged over 12 years. It is advised for people exhibiting the symptoms for not more than 48 hours. It is also prescribed for people aged 12 years and older who have been in touch with someone suffering from a cold or flu since the virus is highly contagious. Doctors do not prescribe this treatment for children below 12 years of age as it is still unknown if it is effective for kids in this age group.   TAMIFLU® It is an antiviral treatment that fights the virus in the body, stopping it from multiplying. Though it is not a substitute for the flu vaccination, the treatment is effective for kids aged two weeks and older suffering from influenza. It is also advised for people aged one year and older to prevent cold and flu.  Foods to have to manage cold and flu Being down and under the weather with the cold and the flu can leave you feeling fatigued and uninterested in food. But, to recover fast and effectively, you must consume the right food.

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. All of us have two spongy chest organs via which we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Lung cancer is one of the world’s top causes of cancer deaths. Some lung cancer symptoms include trouble breathing, chest discomfort or pain, wheezing, a cough that does not go away, and hoarseness. Read the article to know more about lung cancer, and its management options: Treating Lung Cancer Here are some tips for managing lung cancer: Treatment Options Here are the three most common prescription treatments to manage lung cancer: Gavreto: It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment option for treating cancers caused by specific gene changes. It comes as capsules and is orally consumed. It is available in a single strength of 100 mg. Gavreto contains pralsetinib and is a RET inhibitor. Doctors prescribe Gavreto for metastatic NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) that has rearranged RET genes or mutated. Doctors recommend a dosage of 400 mg once daily. It implies you will take four tablets at a time. Pralsetinib: It is another prescription remedy for treating metastatic NSCLC. Even patients with RET fusion-positive gene tumors also opt for Pralsetinib. Before prescribing Pralsetinib, the medical professional conducts a test to assess the RET gene fusion. It is an antineoplastic that intervenes with cancer cell growth and destroys the existing malignant cells in the body. The prescribed dosage for Pralsetinib will be different for different patients. So, please follow the instructions given by your doctor. Afatinib: It helps treat some NSCLCs that have spread to the other body parts or surrounding tissues. It is an antineoplastic agent and falls under the kinase inhibitor category to confine the action of the naturally occurring substances that make the cancer cells multiply. It must be orally consumed only once a day on an empty stomach, an hour or two after a snack or a meal.

Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions that affects about one out of four adults in the country. It can be both inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Managing rheumatoid arthritis entails slowing the disease’s progress and eliminating the symptoms. Even though not validated through clinical tests, many patients ease their stiffness and pain by eliminating specific foods from their nutritional regime. Here is a list of 7 things one must avoid for managing rheumatoid arthritis: Omega-6 fatty acids and fried foods Notwithstanding the kind of oil used, fried foods are always harmful to a rheumatoid arthritis patient. This is because the presence of trans fats (known to cause inflammation within the body) in fried foods tends to be higher than in broiled or grilled foods. Some typical foods containing trans fats include shortening, margarine, lard, butter, non-dairy creamer, and coconut oil. Besides, specific oils used for frying are especially notable for increasing inflammation due to the presence of Omega-6 fatty acids. Furthermore, the cooking method called frying proves harmful to the patient due to its tendency to release AGEs, a principal contributor to inflammation. Refined sugar and carbohydrates Having a sweet tooth can be agonizing for a Rheumatoid Arthritis patient as their condition will compel them to give up on several sweet-tasting delicacies. Studies show that refined carbohydrates contribute to worsening rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, primarily of two types: refined grains and sugars. Some of the chief sources of refined sugar include processed, baked goods like store-bought cookies, pastries, and donuts. One can avoid having refined sugar by poring over the ingredients list of the concerned food. Glucose, fructose, and dextrose should be avoided at all costs. Besides refined sugars, one needs to monitor the intake of refined grains due to their close link to inflammatory properties. Examples include white rice, white flour, and white bread.

Arthritis is a condition that impacts about one out of four adults in the country. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. While in the initial days, one may feel mildly irritated due to stiffness in joints, in the advanced stage, it may turn downright crippling. Besides, what is common among the arthritis types is inflammation. Here are a few things that can worsen arthritis symptoms:  Not following a workout regime Skipping exercise during arthritis is perceived as the most logical thing to do. And why not? It will do nothing but intensify your already paining joints. Right? Well, not really! In actuality, it is the opposite. The more you engage in physical activities, the lesser stiffness and pain you will feel in the joints. Besides that, following a well-planned workout regime with the right exercises will make the muscles around your joints more potent, reducing the perils of arthritis symptoms. Consult your doctor about the types of physical exercises you should do. Ideally, activities like yoga, swimming, and biking are considered joint-friendly. Indulging in intense physical activities Neither too little nor too much should be the modus operandi while working out. This is specifically applicable when you have arthritis. While exercising too little can do nothing to relieve the stiffness and pain from your joints, over exercising can worsen your joint pain, so much so that you can even suffer joint damage. So, avoid pushing yourself beyond the limit and consult a health professional for a workout plan. Not paying attention to increasing BMI levels When you have arthritis, maintaining your Body Mass Index is highly essential. Otherwise, your sensitive joints are prone to feel the extra load. You must note that for every 10 pounds of extra mass added to your body, the force your knees experience is intensified by 30 or 40 pounds.

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes. During an infection, the immune system in the gut becomes active and produces cells and proteins that make the gut nerves more sensitive, affecting one’s digestive health. The gut experiences bloating and pain as a result of highly sensitive nerves. A low-FODMAP diet, which calls for avoiding foods high in certain carbohydrates (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), has been shown to relieve the symptoms of IBS. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The portions of the GI tract that are most usually impacted by Crohn’s disease are the terminal ileum and cecum.

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines. Migraine triggers Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are: Food and food additives Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth  condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame. Hunger and dehydration Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this  health  condition. This results in lower glucose levels that can cause migraines. Dehydration is another factor that may contribute to this type of headache. Low hydration levels are the cause in forty percent of people. It also affects the overall body and leads to confusion and dizziness. Therefore, there is a need to stay properly hydrated. Strong and unusual smells Certain people have reported that migraine gets triggered by certain strong, unusual, and odd smells. Various smells, like the fragrance of perfumes, colognes, chemicals, and food odors, can cause the condition to set in. These triggers may lead to a migraine attack or worsen an existing one.

Pain is the brain’s signaling that something is wrong with an organ or function in the body. Everybody experiences some form of pain that can be mild or severe, depending on the underlying cause. No two people experience pain the same way as it develops, varying in intensity and frequency. However, certain types of pain develop as a precursor to known health complications. Here are the ones to never ignore. Intense headache pain Headaches may come and go, but if it persists longer than usual with sharp bouts of pain, check it. Any injury, stroke, or brain aneurysm can trigger intense pain that develops almost immediately and persists without relief. With headaches, one might also experience specific neurological symptoms like confusion, pain on one side, weakness, and even seizures that develop without warning. Chest pain Pain that develops abruptly in the chest without prior progression could indicate a blocked artery or become a precursor to major cardiovascular problems. This pain is accompanied by a pressure or squeezing sensation in the chest that affects breathing. One might also experience dizziness or develop fatigue as the pain worsens. Blood clots in the arteries trigger these symptoms that should not be ignored. Remember, heart attacks do not develop out of the blue. Instead, the symptoms build up unnoticed and overwhelm the body suddenly. Pain that develops as a side effect It is common for many people to experience pain that develops as a side effect of specific prescriptions or vaccinations. The body reacts with the compounds to build up immunity and prevent any subsequent complications from developing later. However, this pain should not persist after a couple of hours and should not be so intense that it affects a person’s daily routine. Immediate consultation is advisable if this reaction does not subside. Pain from injuries or wound Even minor injuries can cause pain that feels normal during the initial progression.