Things to know about a diet to control gout Uric acid is what our body creates when it breaks down purines, a substance naturally produced by the body and also found in certain foods and drinks. Uric acid dissolves in the blood and reaches the kidneys, from where it passes out of the body whenever you urinate. It is really important for this to happen on a regular basis because uric acid remaining in your blood can cause hyperuricemia, which will eventually result in gout. Now, what exactly is gout? To simplify the definition, gout is a form of arthritis that causes painful flare-ups in the joints, especially in the big toe. It also causes swelling and pain in the ankles, feet, wrists, and elbows. How diet affects people with gout Given that purine is a substance that is also found in certain foods, it is important to understand that foods that contain purine in large quantities can increase uric acid levels in your body. A high amount of purine is majorly found in red meats, seafood, certain vegetables like cauliflower, peas, beans, and mushrooms. Some common symptoms of gout include intense joint pain, lingering discomfort, inflammation and redness, and limited joints or body movements.

Top 10 fruits for healthy hair growth Everyone likes to have strong and thick hair; but, with lifestyle changes and the increase in stress and harmful pollution, many health issues including hair damage are on the rise. In such cases, instead of looking for artificial hair products, you can consider consuming fruits that are rich in nutrients and fibers. These nutrients help prevent hair damage and make the hair roots grow strong. The following fruits can help in enhancing your hair growth. Apple: Apples are rich in fibers and vitamins and contain antioxidant properties that have various benefits for your hair. Apples help in balancing the pH levels of the hair and scalp which will further help in enhancing hair growth and preventing hair loss. The skin of the apple strengthens the root and also helps in treating dandruff. Avocado: Avocados are rich in essential nutrients such as fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins B, C, and E which are helpful in hair growth. The buttery texture of avocados exhibits the high-fat content of the fruit which makes it a perfect choice for hair-conditioner. Banana: Bananas possess various vital nutrients and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, pectin, and fiber which helps in strengthening every strand of your hair.

7 common signs and symptoms of acid reflux Do you ever find yourself feeling a burning or uncomfortable sensation in your stomach? Well, we all are very familiar with the condition of acid reflux. The condition is very common, and millions of people are affected by it, at least once a month. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, the discomfort caused can make it very difficult to undertake regular activities. Acid reflux is not a very serious condition; however, its symptoms should not be ignored. They indicate that the esophagus is inflamed due to excessive acid in the stomach. When this happens too often, the lining of the esophagus can be damaged by the stomach acid and there may be abnormal bleeding. Moreover, it may lead to alterations in the cells of the esophagus over time, and this can lead to the development of cancer. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms that you may experience with acid reflux: Heartburn – Heartburn feels like there is a burning sensation in the areas from the stomach to the middle of the chest. The discomfort moves upwards from the stomach, and this kind of burning can be quite severe.

Top factors that contribute to Hepatitis B Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis A, is a chronic and life-threatening infection of the liver. WHO statistics indicate that only 0.7% of the population in the country is infected, and this success has been due to vaccinations that offer 98% -100% protection against Hepatitis B. Once infected, Hepatitis B can be acute or chronic. The impact of acute Hepatitis B is likely to last for less than 6 months and the infected will see improvements in their condition with medication and time. Chronic Hepatitis B can last for more than 6 months. Those affected can be young or old and are at risk of diseases like failure, cirrhosis, and cancer of the liver. Total recovery from both acute and chronic Hepatitis B is possible, but the damage caused to the liver and the impact will remain throughout one’s lifetime. Recovery for adults is near total; however, in children, it could lead to a chronic condition requiring long term treatment and in some cases, some attention even after recovery. There is no cure for Hepatitis B, and if you are infected, you must take all precautions to make sure that you do not pass on this infection to others.

ADHD and the four dietary elements ADHD experts have stated that the condition, by definition, is a developmental disorder. They further state that a person who suffers from distractibility and impulsivity was perhaps born that way. ADHD is not a behavioral choice, nor is it a result of parenting; it is completely unrelated to certain habits while growing up. It is said that people suffering from ADHD were affected by it at a very early stage in life. Recent findings reveal that ADHD is a condition that affects both children and adults. Grown-ups and growing children with ADHD have been found to be affected by the foods that they consume. The food we eat can either help achieve a positive state of mind and body or it can disrupt life. This article lists some of the best foods that people with ADHD must include in their daily intake. And it is important to note that all the below foods have to be consumed fresh and without additives. Protein-rich foods Foods with protein help keep the brain healthy. Proteins help in the production of neurotransmitters by increasing the level of tyrosine, a type of amino acid, which enables the production of norepinephrine and dopamine.

4 natural and complementary therapies for amyloidosis Chronic conditions tend to affect the way you lead your life; you need to accept the fact that the disease is a part of your life and take measures to coexist with it. One such chronic condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life is amyloidosis. It is caused by a substance called amyloid—an abnormal protein produced by your bone marrow—which gets deposited in any tissue or organ. It can affect any organ, and the most frequently affected are the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, and digestive tract. What makes this condition more formidable is the fact that there is no cure for it; the treatment methods are directed towards keeping the condition under control and managing the symptoms. Most treatments aim to limit the production of amyloid protein, and this depends on the type of amyloidosis one has. In addition to the regular treatments for amyloidosis, there are certain natural and complementary therapies you can opt for. They are listed as follows: Sleep therapy Severe fatigue and weakness are prominent symptoms of amyloidosis. Daytime fatigue can make it quite difficult for you to sleep at night, especially if you tend to take a lot of naps throughout the day.

Common triggers for non-allergic asthma Asthma can also affect people who are not allergic to any particular substance. If you have symptoms that mimic asthma and an allergy test throws up a negative, you should consult a specialist. One of the common myths of asthma is that the episodes are only caused by allergies. In fact, allergies are just one type of triggers. There are many other triggers that can cause inflammation of the airways and produce symptoms exactly like allergic asthma. Illnesses Certain illnesses or infections, particularly in the respiratory tract, can trigger an asthma attack. Common cold Sinus or throat infection, Rhinitis Pneumonia Flu Once you notice the symptoms, the doctors will examine you and will treat you on a course of corticosteroids for about 15 days. Once the symptoms improve, the medication can be stopped. Other diseases The following diseases can be asthma triggers. Chronic pulmonary obstructive disease – This condition has symptoms that are very similar to asthma. Smokers are at a high risk of asthma. It is treated with inhalers and medication and one has to stop smoking. Reflux disease GERD – It is a condition where the food and acids in our stomach enter the esophagus.

Five myths about birth control When it comes to the side effects of birth controls, there is no dearth to what people have to say. But the real question is are all those statements true? What should you be aware of? Myth 1: Birth-control pills lead to weight gain This absolutely depends from person to person. Not all women who take birth-control pills end up gaining weight. You might know someone who swears that they started putting on those extra pounds only after getting on the pill. On the contrary, weight gain is most often a result of the other changes that are taking place in the body. So, stop worrying about weight gain. Myth 2: Birth control implants also have a possibility of adding weight It is true that any form of low maintenance and long-acting birth control methods, such as hormonal IUDs, contain progestin, a hormone that plays a huge role in menstruation and pregnancy. But this doesn’t add anything to one’s weight. Weight gain and birth control pills bear no relation to each other. Myth 3: The use of Depo-Provera causes hair loss This can partially be a possibility as the very manufacturer of Depo-Provera claims that about 1%-5% of the women who take these injections have complained of hair loss or zero hair growth.