Gout, a form of arthritis, affects joints where it causes an almost unimaginable level of pain. The suffering is so nasty and awful that even the slightest of touches to the affected area can feel as if a bulldozer landed on it. Although movement remains one of the biggest triggers of gout pain, there are other factors that are just as responsible for its occurrence. Aspirin and other medication It is essential to understand the root of this illness to understand how medication and any other entity, for that matter, triggers gout pain. Gout is caused due to the buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. Uric acid is formed due to the breakdown of purine — a chemical compound found in almost all foods and drinks. The kidneys usually excrete uric acid through urine, but sometimes due to its excessive accumulation, it deposits in joints where it forms needle-like structures and causes pain and inflammation. Despite being good for the heart, aspirin increases the amount of uric acid in the blood. Even low doses of aspirin can trigger gout pain, which is more common in women than men. Diuretics can likewise have a similar effect, decreasing the kidney’s ability to remove uric acid and increasing the risk of gout.

The secret to fitness and nutrition is to strike a perfect balance between diet and exercise; both aspects go hand-in-hand. So, while it is important to exercise regularly, it is also important to be aware of what you are eating and how many calories it contains. Adhering to a workout routine is easier than keeping tabs on your calorie intake. However, with the presence of several apps that can not only help you lose weight, but also act as your nutrition diary, leading a healthy life is easier. Continue reading to know some of the most useful fitness and nutrition apps that can help you stay at the top of your health routine. Fooducate This fitness and nutrition app helps you keep a tab on your diet and exercise routine. The is replete with features such as calorie counter and exercise tracker. What makes Fooducate stand apart from other fitness apps is, it not only keeps a tab on calories, but also analyses the values of calories from different food sources such as calories from fats and calories from proteins. Both, free and paid versions are available for download on Apple as well as Android phones. Lose it! Another popular application, Lose it!

Healthy kidneys and liver are absolutely essential for a long and fit life. Among themselves, the two organs perform and oversee innumerable functions. The brain, spinal cord, and the heart are all dependent on the kidney and liver, underlining its importance to the human body. Therefore, their normal functioning is crucial and can be easily addressed by making healthy dietary choices. Read on to know more about foods you can add to your diet to improve the condition of your kidney and liver. Foods essential for healthy kidneys Kale Arguably one of the healthiest vegetables, kales are replete with antioxidants and also have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a good source of Vitamins A and C and has large amounts of iron. They’re highly recommended to patients with kidney and cardiovascular conditions. Cauliflower Like Kale, Cauliflower too is rich in Vitamin C. It’s packed with folate, antioxidants, and compounds that promote healthy functioning of the kidneys. Additionally, cauliflower is low in sodium and potassium, which helps maintain the fluid levels in the body. Its low protein and high fiber content help in detoxifying the kidneys. Apple No wonder! Famed for its infinite benefits to the human body, apples are known to be great for the proper functioning of kidneys.

Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them. Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. Emotions There is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing.

Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluids than normal. It can affect infants, young children, adults, and seniors. You can experience mild to severe symptoms depending on how much fluids the body loses and what is being done to replenish the supply. However, children and infants are at a higher risk of getting dehydrated due to many underlying causes. Herein, we explain in detail the common visual indicators of a developing condition. Upon prompt diagnosis, you can immediately contact your primary care provider. Here are a few signs to look out for; Dry mouth Saliva is a natural lubricant that the body produces to moisten and clean your mouth. It also helps digest food better and prevents the risk of contracting a fungal or bacterial infection in the mouth. The body needs to stay hydrated to produce enough saliva during the day and at night. One of the visible signs in children and infants includes parched dry lips and a dry mouth. Understand that dry mouth is a mild stage of dehydration and can be controlled early on. So you must ensure the child drinks plenty of water. You must also replenish electrolyte levels in their body after an active day.

Indigestion is a common issue that accompanies pregnancy. Thanks to this little side effect of pregnancy, most moms-to-be suffer at least a handful of episodes of acid reflux and heartburn/GERD. Contrary to its name, the burning sensation from heartburn has little to do with the heart. However, much to all would-be moms’ relief, it has a safe cure that will relieve them of the discomforting feeling without harming the baby. The solution to this problem can be as simple as dietary and lifestyle changes. While there are safe treatments available, there are preventive options that won’t cause heartburn/GERD in the first place. Read on to know more about what causes heartburn/GERD during pregnancy and what dietary choices to make to prevent heartburn/GERD. Why is heartburn/GERD such a common occurrence in pregnancy? Heartburn/GERD is caused when stomach acids start rising into the esophagus. Pregnancy changes hormonal levels and helps relax muscles, which results in relaxation or leaking of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). LES is what keeps the stomach acids in place, which, in addition to the growing uterus is an invitation for indigestion symptoms. Here are the dietary and lifestyle measures that can help prevent heartburn/GERD during pregnancy. Eat often, eat less A full stomach is an invitation to heartburn/GERD.

A migraine is a condition that causes recurring and severe headaches accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light. A migraine attack is far more severe than a regular headache and can last for hours to several days. Common triggers include hormonal changes in women, medications, stress, food additives, and certain foods. There are several to alleviate the symptoms of a migraine attack: these include certain foods to manage the condition better. Here are some foods that prevent and control migraine attacks: Water Dehydration causes headaches and is also a trigger for migraines. This is why it is essential to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. About one-third of those with the condition say dehydration is a trigger. In fact, for many, the slightest hint of dehydration can cause a throbbing headache. In addition to that, dehydration can lead to confusion and dizziness and become a medical emergency. It is vital to keep track of one’s water intake and restrict the consumption of diuretics. Sometimes, a migraine attack can be controlled by simply drinking a glass of water. Fresh food Processed foods can be unhealthy and cause migraine attacks. Meals consisting of freshly prepared foods, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, are recommended for those with migraines.

With summertime just a few weeks away, the warm weather will invariably bring with it the flea menace. As everyone ruses outdoors and the flea season kicks in, these pests can be a source of much discomfort for our four-legged companions. While you can buy deterrents and repellents from the pet store, quite a few everyday kitchen ingredients are effective natural remedies for fleas and ticks. Natural oils Essential oils are quite effective in eliminating fleas; they are diluted and used to make shampoos and sprays for dogs infected by fleas and ticks. These oils need to be applied with caution because the scent is extremely pungent and indiscriminate use even can cause to harm your dog. The idea is to apply the oils like peppermint, lavender, cedar oil, or lemongrass onto a well-ventilated surface of their body, but not near their face. You can dilute these natural oils in a carrier like almond or olive oil. Garlic Freshly crushed garlic may be added to your dog’s food to protect him from fleas. Depending on how big your dog is, you can use a couple of cloves to get the desired result. But you should not use more than half a clove if their body weight is less than 20 pounds.

Diabetes is a condition generally caused by a lack of the hormone insulin in the body. The result is a hazardous accumulation of glucose in the blood. Although there are many factors that contribute to this condition, one way to regulate blood sugar is to follow a healthy nutrition regimen. In this article, we shall discuss five foods that can help lower blood sugar levels and keep diabetes in check: Broccoli Broccoli contains tons of nutrients and is an essential part of wholesome nutrition. This food is also great for lowering and regulating blood sugar. Chopped or chewed broccoli releases the compound sulforaphane that helps reduce and maintain the blood-sugar levels in the body. To efficiently obtain sulforaphane from broccoli, having it raw or steamed is ideal. Whole wheat Bread is typically filled with carbohydrates that can negatively affect the overall blood sugar level. But research has shown that stone-ground whole wheat bread actually scores very low in terms of the glycemic index. This low score is attributed to the fact that stone-ground whole wheat bread does not lose its essential fibers. These fibers help slow the process of digestion and, in turn, help to lower and regular blood sugar levels in the body.

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens the bones in the body, making them delicate. As a result, the bones become prone to injuries, and subsequently, fractures. But the good news is that despite the severity of osteoporosis, medical treatments can help curb its symptoms. There is also evidence that combining medical treatments with healthy foods reduces the condition’s impact. So, here are a few foods that help manage osteoporosis and increase bone density. Dairy Products like yogurt, cheese, and milk are loaded with calcium, one of the primary nutrients that complement bone strength and structure. Other products like soy milk, almond milk, and tofu are also fortified with calcium and work wonders to improve bone health. These are also suitable alternatives for those suffering from lactose intolerance. Dark green veggies Dark green vegetables like kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, turnip greens, cabbage, and collards are stuffed with calcium. Some of these foods are even rich in vitamin K and magnesium. Together, these help manage osteoporosis. Fruits Certain fruits like figs and kiwis contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and K. These nutrients help boost bone density. Other fruits like bananas, oranges, and papayas have significant amounts of potassium that ward off the growth of acid in the bones, protecting them from losing calcium.

Is your body having a hard time digesting lactose? Well, you’re not alone! It’s said that around 75 percent of people in the world are lactose intolerant. But, instead of going dairy-free and missing out on essential nutrients, it makes sense to switch to lactose-free milk products. If you’re wondering what lactose-free milk is and what are the best lactose-free milk products in the market, read this article till the very end. What is lactose-free milk? To put it simply, lactose-free milk contains nearly all the same ingredients as regular milk, except the problem-causing ingredient, lactose. Milk free from lactose is produced by adding an enzyme called lactase to regular cow’s milk. This enzyme breaks down lactose in the body, aiding digestion in lactose-intolerant people. It’s crucial to not confuse lactose-free milk with dairy-free milk. The former is made from real dairy, while the latter is made from plant-based alternatives such as soy, almond, coconut, and others. This also means that lactose-free milk has the same nutrient profile as regular milk — protein-rich, and high in micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. Top lactose-free milk products Here are some of the best lactose-free milk products: Organic Valley 2% Lactose-Free Milk This is most people’s go-to lactose-free milk choice.