Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Its richness in iron gives blood its red color. Anemia is a condition where a person has low hemoglobin or red blood cell count. From an underlying disease to nutrient deficiencies, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the onset of this condition. There are many forms of anemia. Some of them include: Iron deficiency anemia -This is caused due to low iron levels in the blood. Most common causes of this type of anemia are heavy menstruation or internal bleeding. Vitamin deficiency anemia – This type of anemia is caused by the deficiency of vitamin C, B-12 or folate Aplastic anemia – Damaged stem cells in the bone marrow fail to produce enough red blood cells, leading to aplastic anemia. Sickle cell anemia – This is a condition characterized by the development of abnormal crescent-shaped red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia – This is a blood disorder caused due to premature death of red blood cells. Thalassemia – This is caused due to low amounts of hemoglobin in the blood. The blood disorders vary in duration and severity. Prompt diagnosis, and treatment are important because anemia could also be due to an underlying condition. Here are some ways to manage anemia: Iron supplements Oral iron supplementation is usually effective when the intestines are able to absorb the nutrients efficiently. However, make sure that oral iron supplements should be limited to patients with mild anemia and in women who are not pregnant. This is because absorption occurs slowly. For faster absorption or repletion, intravenous supplementation is recommended. Nevertheless, oral supplements are readily available over-the-counter. The supplements are usually made of ferrous salts, ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate. Intravenous iron This can be a very efficient way for managing iron deficiency when oral supplementation proves to be ineffective.

Of the many painful conditions known to mankind, arthritis is probably the most distressing both in terms of internal and external suffering. The disease, which is characterized by inflammation of joints, restricts movement by causing immense pain whenever the affected organ is subjected to motion. Due to this, the concerned individual suffers tremendous mental anxiety and is always mindful of even the slightest body activity. While a cure to prevent the difficulties hasn’t yet been discovered, there are certain avenues that help reduce arthritis pain. Besides treatment, medication and surgery, specific foods have proven equally effective in easing inflammation and arthritis-related pain. Here we list down seven such foods that should be part of your diet if you suffer from arthritis. Fish Known for their high protein content, fish have also proved useful in greatly reducing inflammation due to arthritis. Fishes like salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which, according to experts, is a lethal weapon against arthritis and its related symptoms. Experts recommend three or four ounces of fish twice every week. Apples Apples should be an imperative part of your diet especially if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. They are packed with nutrients and vitamins of multiple forms. The fruit is a great source of vitamin C and fiber, while the phytochemicals in it act as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Whole grains Like apples, whole grains also help reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The food lowers C-reactive protein levels (CRP) in the blood. Barley and bulgur provides extra nutrients and fiber. Whole grains are antioxidants and rich-source in vitamin B. Garlic Foods from the allium family like ginger and onions have proven more than effective for arthritis patients. Garlic, especially, is well-known in the fight against multiple diseases. The compound diallyl disulphide present in it limits the count of cartilage-damaging enzymes.

You want to maintain that beautiful natural glowing skin but often struggle to decide which products to use in your daily beauty and skincare routine. There are different products for every skin type, each with its own unique features. Even the list of natural and organic cosmetic products is ever-growing and changing. So for starters, you can check out these amazing products that will help you get an idea of how to go about your skincare routine. Cleanse once a day Cleanse and wash your skin to get rid of the dirt and pollutants that clog up the pores. But over doing it can drain the natural pH level and result in more irritation. Instead, use a good quality but mild cleanser and wash your face once every day. Switch to natural and organic cleansers that are paraben, chemical, and alcohol-free. Use a charcoal activated soap bar and organic extract exfoliating face wash like Beautycounter’s Charcoal Cleansing Bar and InstaNatrual’s Glycolic Acid Face Cleanser for best results. That charcoal helps clean out the pores, and the cleanser liquid reduces the recurrence of blemishes. Every morning, start your organic beauty & skincare routine with a nice cleanse. Use an exfoliator Cleansing does clear out the pores, but a good exfoliator will really dig deep and unclog the oil and dirt. It also helps stimulate collagen, one of the vital building blocks that promote healthy skin growth. Take note that you must exfoliate once, twice, or regularly depending on your skin type. Those who have oily skin can use an exfoliating face mask two times a week while people with sensitive skin should stick to exfoliating just once a week or even ten days. You can either use Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask or Herbivore Botanicals – All Natural Blue Tansy Exfoliating AHA Mask available online.

Battling cancer victoriously lets one breathe a little easier. But, that does not take away the all-consuming fear a cancer survivor harbors inside of themselves. Fear and anxiety does hinder daily life, and the only option one has is to be calm and positive. Yet, one gets jittery with every follow-up with the doctor. The fear is not baseless though. Cancer in all its entirety can sometimes relapse. The returning of cancer after having gone through the initial treatments to get rid of the cancer is recurrence. It can be because the treatment failed to completely remove some malignant cells from the body that eventually started multiplying aggressively again. These cancerous cells may or may not originate in the same place as the first time. Types In most recurrence cases, cancer that returns after the remission period is the same one that the patient had suffered from earlier. In some cases, however, it can be a different type of cancer and might not be related to the first one. The types of cancer recurrence are: Local It is when cancer has returned where it had first occurred or somewhere close. Local recurrence of cancer signifies that cancer has not spread elsewhere. Regional Regional and local recurrence can be differentiated on the basis of the presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes surrounding the area of origin. Distant When cancer enters the metastasis stage, it spreads to other parts of the body distant from the site of origin. Distant recurrence is the returning of cancer different from its initial occurrence. The site of recurrence of cancer is mainly based upon the type and the stage of the cancer being treated. Depending on its type, cancer can recur in some specific sites, like lungs, liver, bones or in the brain, Symptoms The symptoms of cancer recurrence are relevant to its type of recurrence.

Chronic fatigue or chronic fatigue syndrome causes extreme tiredness. It is a never ending feeling of fatigue, that does not go away even with rest and sleep. There has been no underlying medical ailment found, that causes chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS. Usually, women have a higher risk of CFS. However, this disorder can occur in anyone. Here are a few things to know about chronic fatigue syndrome. Common risk factors People belonging to the age group of 40- 50 years are generally at a high risk of developing chronic fatigue syndrome. Additionally, women in this age group are at a higher risk than men. Prolonged allergies, a family history of CFS, genetic predisposition, unhealthy living environment, extreme psychological stress, and certain environmental factors also increase the risk of chronic fatigue syndrome. Common symptoms Based on the severity of the disorder, the symptoms will also differ from person to person. The most common symptom observed in those with CFS is extreme and severe fatigue. The intensity of fatigue is so extreme that it affects a person’s lifestyle. It hampers their ability to carry out every day routine tasks. This fatigue can last for six months or more. In some cases, a person may experience post-exertional malaise or PEM. PEM is extreme fatigue experienced for 24 hours after carrying out mental or physical activities. Some people may also experience other symptoms like loss of memory, sleep disorders such as insomnia, low concentration, joint pain, orthostatic intolerance, muscle pain, and frequent headaches. Common causes The exact cause of chronic fatigue syndrome or CFS is not yet known. There has been no conclusive research to determine what exactly causes CFS. However, there are multiple contributing reasons that cause chronic fatigue. These include a weak immune system, extreme stress, hormonal imbalances, and prolonged viral infections.

Aging is never looked forward to and is always portrayed in diminishing and negative light. All talk about aging is rife with difficulty, pain, and niggles. The biggest change, when it comes to aging, is the physiological changes and deterioration. Everything ranging from your heart to your head and from your bones to your muscles undergoes wear and tear over the years. This is one of the biggest fears associated with aging; and therefore, there is never a healthy discussion over it. However, the best way to react to aging is to prepare for it via information, practice, and adopting healthy life choices and routines. Before you learn how to prepare for aging, you need to know which parts of your body primarily slow down with age. Heart As you age, the muscles in your body stiffen – these include the muscles of the cardiovascular system. Due to this, your heart is forced to pump harder which increases the risk of heart problems. Brain With age, your thinking capability and memory both seem to diminish. You may find yourself tinkering around to remember basic things such as names of people or places or where you kept a certain object such as keys. Digestive system Similar to other systems of the body, the digestive system loses its capacity to digest, absorb, and assimilate food. As you age, you may become more prone to constipation, acidity, and other gastrointestinal problems. Urinary tract With age, your bladder loses elasticity, losing control of your bladder. You may have to visit the loo frequently or even have trouble with incontinence. Senses With age, your eyesight may diminish, your earring may get impaired, and even your sense of smell may be affected. How to prepare for aging? There is certainly no stopping the natural phenomena of aging.

Adequate and quality sleep is extremely important for mental and physical well-being. People struggle with various kinds of sleep disorders that can cause extreme discomfort and prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep. This, in turn, can make them feel tired during the day, affect their concentration levels, and even cause depression. Let’s take a look at some of the common sleep disorders people suffer from and understand how they can be treated. Types of sleep disorders Here are the five most common types of sleep disorders: Insomnia Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder among adults and is characterized by the inability to fall or remain asleep for long. It is often the result of anxiety, stress, digestion issues, or other underlying health conditions. For some people, insomnia can last for a few years, while others may only experience a few sleepless nights at a time. Sleep apnea Sleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can be chronic at times. A person with sleep apnea may stop breathing for a few seconds multiple times at night, which reduces the oxygen levels in their blood and triggers them to wake up and breathe normally again. This leads to disturbed and low-quality sleep. Parasomnias People with parasomnia display a quirky behavior while they’re asleep. People around them could often find them sleepwalking, sleep talking, groaning, having nightmares, bedwetting, grinding their teeth, or clenching their jaw. Sometimes, parasomnia is caused by underlying sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and treating the underlying condition can stop the parasomnia episodes in such cases. Restless leg syndrome Some people can’t sleep without moving their legs throughout the night. This is known as the restless leg syndrome and occurs when the individual experiences aches or a burning or tingling sensation in their legs. The exact cause of this sleep disorder is not yet known, but experts say that it can be triggered by underlying causes like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson’s disease.

Located between the small intestine and the esophagus, the stomach is the center of the digestive system. In most cases, other health disorders, the consumption of certain foods, the quantity of food consumed, and the timing of meals can upend the digestive process. This leads to the manifestation of several symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, appetite changes, belching, and abdominal pain. Each of these symptoms or combination of symptoms is the result of a specific stomach condition. Here are some of the common digestion-related stomach conditions that trouble almost everyone: Gallstones: Formed in the gallbladder, gallstones are hard deposits of digestive fluid. The gallbladder is responsible for storing and secreting the bile required for digestion, and stones form if the gallbladder does not empty out properly. These deposits also form when there is a high amount of cholesterol or waste products in the bile. Intense pain can occur if the gallstones block the ducts that lead from the gallbladder to the intestines. Medications and surgery are usually the solutions for dissolving or removing the stones, respectively. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) : GERD occurs when the acid in the stomach flows back up the esophagus. A person experiences a burning sensation in their chest due to this. While heartburn and acid reflux are common once in a while, experiencing these symptoms for more than twice a week can indicate GERD. The symptoms of this stomach condition usually include bad breath, tooth erosion, breathing trouble, and trouble swallowing. Avoiding trigger foods and taking medications help people with mild GERD. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) : IBS causes stomach pain and discomfort, which may be experienced at least thrice a month and can go on for several months without any relief. The main cause of IBS is not yet known, and the symptoms usually include constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

Morning routines are ingrained in our systems—waking up, turning on the coffee/tea machine, brushing teeth, eating breakfast, and so on. The coffee/tea is then accompanied by a range of choices— books, news, or the ever-present phone. But here is our question: while we have been at it for ages, how good a shape are our mouth and teeth in? And what can we do to make it better? Our mouth is home to about a billion different bacteria. These microorganisms that live inside our oral cavities can prove to be dangerous to the mouth and teeth. That is exactly why parents around the world keep reminding their kids to brush their teeth before getting into bed as well. The last time we learned how to brush our teeth was when we were toddlers and we more or less know how to go about it. But how often do we floss? It’s important to remember that flossing is just as important as brushing. The best means of maintaining impeccable oral health is by keeping your mouth and teeth food-free. Sugar acts as a storehouse of bacteria in our mouth and teeth. Similarly, there is a range of food products or ingredients that help in maintaining oral health. We enlist three of them: Chewing gum The process of chewing stimulates the production of saliva, which, in turn, rids the mouth and teeth of the harmful acids the residing bacteria produce. Saliva also consists of calcium and phosphates, which result in the strengthening of the teeth. Chewing on a strip of gum can provide you with these benefits, but there is a catch. You can’t pick a random bubble gum from the supermarket aisle. To reap all the benefits of a chewing gum, you need to carefully select one that is sugar-free. Some sugar-free gums contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, a chemical compound that helps in killing oral bacteria.

Pain is a signal sent by the body to the brain to indicate a problem. For instance, sharp pain in the ankle may indicate ankle sprain or even fracture, but it goes away as the muscles and bones heal. However, pain can sometimes linger for weeks or months on end, and a person may even experience chronic pain for years in extreme cases. This type of pain can be caused by a chronic illness or condition and deteriorates a patient’s quality of life. Here are a few non-invasive pain management techniques to manage and reduce the intensity of pain: Occupational therapy and physical therapy : One of the best and most effective pain management techniques is to undergo physical and occupational therapy. Physical therapy comprises exercises that improve and preserve mobility and the strength of joints and muscles. On the other hand, occupational therapy involves learning techniques to perform everyday physical activities easily without aggravating the pain. Biofeedback : Breathing and relaxation techniques are taught using a biofeedback machine. The machine converts physiological function data like blood pressure and heart rate into visual cues like blinking lights and graphs. Looking at these visualizations and modifying the output allows a person to learn how to control their body’s response to chronic pain. Tai chi and yoga : Involving meditation, breathing control, and gentle, slow movements that strengthen and stretch muscles, tai chi and yoga are extremely useful for pain management. These two techniques are beneficial for managing pain caused by arthritis, headaches, and lingering injuries. Exercise : Regular physical exercise can be very effective in helping break the vicious cycle of pain. Gentle aerobic exercises like cycling, walking, and swimming can effectively help in the management of pain associated with chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis. Such conditions reduce mobility, which aggravates the pain, but light exercising can help improve mobility and reduce the intensity of pain.

Pregnancy is a challenging time for women, both in physical and emotional terms. The various symptoms of pregnancy seriously affect their daily lives, forcing them to adapt, adjust, and even endure pain and discomfort for a limited or extended period at times. Thankfully, specific foods and beverages are known to provide comfort and nutrition, not just to the expecting mother but also to the child. Here are a few nutritious foods that help soothe various pregnancy symptoms: Eggs The consumption of eggs during pregnancy should be fairly regular due to the many benefits they provide. Eggs are packed with calories, fats, proteins, and other necessary nutrients for pregnant women. Choline, found in eggs, promotes brain development in the fetus, and mothers can also benefit from this nutrient. Fish Super-rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, fish aids in the development of the fetus’s brain and eyes. Salmon is well-known in this regard and is also a great source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immunity development. Eating 2-3 meals with fatty fish per week is more than adequate, as it also helps increase EPA and DHA levels in the blood. Berries Pregnancy symptoms like nausea, heartburn, and fatigue take a toll on women. Their immunity and skin health suffer a great deal, but berries can easily address these issues. They are rich in water, carbs, vitamins, antioxidants, and plant compounds. Plus, they aid in the absorption of iron, which is necessary for maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels. Whole grains Grains furnish carbohydrates and are the body’s source of energy. As mentioned earlier, expecting mothers are often fatigued, so a diet rich in grains is helpful for coping with this pregnancy symptom. Grains are packed with plant compounds, vitamins, fiber, and magnesium, and they also have iron content, which helps reduce the risk of losing blood at the time of delivery.

A healthy lifestyle is a culmination of physical and mental health with many other aspects of life, including sexual health. It is essential for an individual to pay equal attention to their sexual health, including getting regular check-ups, just like for the brain or other vital organs. Awareness about sexual conditions and their causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures is also necessary. Having trouble establishing physical relationships is not all that uncommon, but sexual conditions are not something one needs to be ashamed of. One might not be comfortable discussing it with family or friends, but they definitely need to open up to their doctor about it. Here are a few common sexual conditions that plague women: Inability to orgasm Anorgasmia is a condition that defines the inability or difficulty to have an orgasm. Studies suggest that a significant number of women have either never achieved an orgasm or are no longer able to do so. The reasons behind this are a varied mixture of mental conditions, and the issue may also be related to a past sexual experience that induced trauma. While an orgasm might not be necessary for some women to enjoy intercourse, it does count for others. Therapy has been said to help overcome this sexual condition as it helps ease worries and relax. Dyspareunia Persistent painful intercourse is a prominent sign of dyspareunia. The causes of this condition vary widely and can range from physical to psychological. The pain can range from moderate to severe, and it can lead to issues in a person’s health and relationships. In some women, menopause is also known to cause dyspareunia. The treatment options for this sexual condition include therapy, medications, and/or estrogen therapy. Dyspareunia also includes vaginismus, which is the painful involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles due to spasms.