Statins are the first type of medication prescribed to bring high LDL cholesterol within normal limits. However, they can have varied side-effects, and even be ineffective, in case your cholesterol problem stems from a genetic disorder. Read on to know about the different alternatives to statins that can help treat high cholesterol. Medication Below are a few alternatives to statins that your healthcare provider might recommend. Bile acid sequestrants Sequestrants bind themselves to bile acid in the intestines and get flushed out of the body via the stool. The liver starts absorbing more cholesterol if it senses a drop-in bile acid content. This entire cycle ends in effective reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Bile-acid-binding medicines include colestipol, cholestyramine, and colesevelam. Ezetimibe The second most recommended form of treatment – ezetimibe, is an inhibitor medicine that has a two-pronged approach to lowering your cholesterol. It first blocks proteins that facilitate the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, decreasing the cholesterol levels reaching the bloodstream. Second, the inhibitors work to reduce the amount of cholesterol available to the liver. This forces the liver to make up for the loss, by absorbing cholesterol from the bloodstream. Together, these effects can successfully lower your cholesterol levels.

Macular degeneration causes a loss of central vision in both eyes. It is a painless condition that normally affects people who are older than 50 years. It is commonly known as Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). There are also rare cases of Juvenile Macular Degeneration, which affects young people. Certain genetic disorders are the cause of the development of juvenile macular degeneration. When a person suffers from Macular Degeneration, the central vision is affected. So, there is difficulty in focusing on objects that lie straight ahead. The result is that everything appears blurred, it becomes difficult to read, the faces of people appear blurred and colors of objects around you look pale and dull. Causes The exact cause for macular degeneration isn’t known yet. Aging can cause a person to develop this condition. In older people, the macula, which is a central spot in the retina, develops a problem and causes age-related macular degeneration. AMD can develop as wet AMD or dry AMD. Dry AMD The macula has light-sensitive cells that gradually break down as you age. As the light-sensitive cells reduce in number, the central vision deteriorates. Waste products start to accumulate in the retina and cause small deposits called drusen.

The blood sugar or blood glucose level will indicate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream of a person at an instance. The sugar is carried to the cells of the body to provide energy to the different parts of the body. Our body derives this sugar from the different dietary items that we consume. The blood sugar level is controlled by the human systems so that the glucose levels are never too high or too low. The sugar in the blood is not the same as sucrose or the sugar that we consume – it is in the form of glucose. The level of blood sugar or glucose alters throughout the day. It is the lowest in the morning before you have your breakfast. It rises soon after meals but then settles after an hour or so. In a healthy person, the level of blood sugar in a fasting state will be below 99milligrams per deciliter. However, in patients with diabetes, this level is a lot more fluctuating. The main aim here is to maintain the level of blood sugar within 130 mg/dl before meals and less than 180mg/dl after their meals. What Is A Glucose Chart Or A Blood Sugar Chart?

Lower back pain is a disorder involving the nerves, muscles, and bones of the back. It is a common problem that everyone suffers from at some point in their life. As the pain affects the lower end area of the spinal cord – the lumbar region, the condition is also called as lumbago. The lumbar region is a complex structure of joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves all of which perform together to give support to the upper body. Muscles in the L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 regions of the vertebrae are responsible for flexibility and rotation of the hips. The nerves in this area support the muscles in the limbs. If any muscles or bones are strained in this area, it can impact a person’s routine tasks. The pain symptoms can be in the form of a dull ache to a sudden stabbing sensation that can affect the body’s mobility. Daily activities like standing up straight, bending or moving around may become painful and strenuous. The condition may occur in an acute form as a repercussion of an injury or a health condition. Over time the swelling in the muscles or the nerves heal, and the pain subsides. However, if the pain extends over a few weeks, then the condition becomes chronic, and effective measures need to be taken to assuage the discomfort.

Sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder that modifies regular red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape. The disease is more common in people with a deficiency in vitamin D and poor appetite. The condition may also lead to reduced growth and development in children. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how nutrition can help support sickle cell patients. Balance and increase nutrients When it comes to sickle cell disease, asymptomatic patients tend to show energy levels below the set threshold. This number falls to about half when illness sets in or when the person is hospitalized. Therefore, one should increase the food they eat if they wish to tackle the condition’s symptoms. Some of these foods include the following: Whole grains, rice, and cereals, which are high in vitamin B, magnesium, folate, and selenium Milk, cheese, and yogurt that are loaded with vitamin D and calcium Certain vegetable oils that are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids Meats, nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of protein, zinc, and iron Green leafy vegetables and fruits, as these foods carry high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and even fiber Calorie intake A high-calorie intake also supports those with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which the initially flexible, round red blood cells become crescent moon- or sickle-shaped. As a result, blood flow through small vessels slows down or stops, leading to various symptoms. The only cure for sickle cell anemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. However, recent studies have shown that certain herbs and their blend can also provide relief. Read on to learn more about the herbal management of sickle cell anemia. Niprisan herbal extract formula Nigeria has the highest number of sickle cell patients in the world. To help its citizens fight the disease, the Nigerian government’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) developed a herbal formula called Niprisan that has shown promising results. It is made with extracts from four different plants: Piper guineense seed: Also called the West African pepper or Guinea pepper Pterocarpus osum stem: An African timber Eugenia caryophyllus: Also called cloves Sorghum bicolor: Also known as sorghum, great millet, durra, jowari/jowar, or milo The main active compounds of these herbs are piperine, chavicine, capsaicin, and cubebin. The medicine is unlikely to cause significant side effects. Fagara zanthoxyloides Herbal management of sickle cell anemia involves a few other herbs as well, which have shown promising results.

An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with the amount of stress we are burdened with to achieve the “perfect life” has left us combating various serious health issues. Some of these ailments are hereditary, whereas, some of them are self-created. And, then there are those ailments that fall under both these categories. Diabetes is one such ailment that is known to have its roots firmly planted in our genes and can be a result of our reckless lifestyle as well. However, if normal blood sugar levels are maintained, people can easily coexist with diabetes and lead a normal life. Whichever treatment a person opts for controlling their diabetes, it involves maintaining normal blood sugar levels. A rise in the blood sugar levels leads to a string of other problems. So, the key to living with diabetes involves taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn’t an ailment that can be cured completely. So, one must follow these tips to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lose weight Obesity is the root cause of a wide-range of disease or is known to worsen an already existing condition. Excess weight makes the person resistant to insulin, and this, in turn, disrupts the normal blood sugar levels in the body.

The effects of migraines can be super-sensitive to the food you eat or drink. So it is crucial to eat the right foods. Certain foods contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that reduce symptoms of migraines, strengthening the immune system for your wellbeing. However, it is important to know which foods contain the right amount of nutrition. We also recommended speaking to a doctor before making any changes to your nutrition or trying any medications. Foods for migraines Here are a few foods you should consider adding to your daily meals. Fruits Certain fruits that are rich in potassium and magnesium are known to ward off migraine symptoms. Banana, for example, is rich in B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, and other complex carbohydrates. Fruits rich in water are also useful to fight migraines. These include apricots, bananas, figs, melons, honeydew, cantaloupe, and others. Whole grains Whole grains are super effective when it comes to preventing migraine attacks. Some of them are barley, buckwheat, quinoa, bulgur, whole oats, and whole-grain bread. They are rich in carbohydrates and increase glycogen levels in the brain. Such low blood sugar levels can reduce headaches. Ginger Ginger is known to have several medicinal properties that complement your wellbeing.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located right between the base of the penis and rectum. It’s a vital part of the male reproductive system. With age, the prostate can develop problems, leading to various urinary conditions and even cancer. Fortunately, certain foods and supplements can help the gland function optimally, reducing the risk of prostate-related issues. Here, we take a glance at foods that can help heighten prostate health, plus the supplement VitalFlow. Foods to Boost Prostate Health Berries Many common berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent free radical cell damage, which contributes to cancer. Vitamin C, on the other hand, helps ease symptoms of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Kale Kale is one of the healthiest vegetables and must be had regularly. It’s rich in vitamin C and full of fiber, calcium, and several other nutrients that can encourage more than just prostate health. Thanks to its versatility, kale can be added to salads, smoothies, or eaten in the form of chips. Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, trout, and herring are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can help boost prostate health and may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

There are two types of fats found in the bloodstream: good fats (high-density lipoprotein or HDL) and bad fats (low-density lipoprotein or LDL). An imbalance in these levels can trigger problems linked to cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular health complications. It is possible to manage and maintain a good balance between LDL, HDL, and Triglyceride levels with changes in food habits and lifestyle. Medications additionally help manage optimum levels. Fruits and vegetables Eggplant and lentils are rich in dietary fibers that aid digestion. Okra contains a gel that binds to the fat and processes it more efficiently during digestion. Avocados are rich in monosaturated fats that help lower and manage the bloodstream’s low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Raw garlic, when incorporated in meals regularly, can help manage serum cholesterol. Additionally, apples, strawberries, grapes, and a variety of citrus fruits are rich in a compound called pectin that helps lower LDL levels in the body. Whole grains, oatmeal, and nuts Whole grains like barley and oat brans are rich in soluble fibers. Switching to oatmeal in place of processed cereals for breakfast also helps absorb the bad fats in the bloodstream. Barley is rich in beta-glucans that bind with fats and bile salts to promote better digestion.

Nasal polyps are benign growth inside the nose that can vary in size depending on the advancement of the condition. Congestion, runny nose, and a blocked nose are its common symptoms. The symptoms of nasal polyps can make the person uncomfortable and hinder their daily routine. Read on to know about natural remedies for nasal polyps. Steam Steam from a long, warm bath or shower can thin the mucus, alleviating nasal congestion. This helps the person breathe better, enhancing sleep quality. Steam can also be taken through a hot bowl of water while covering the head with a towel. Nasal irrigation Using sterile saline solution to clean the nasal airway can ease the symptoms of nasal polyps like nasal congestion. There are neti pots as well as several sprays for nasal polyps relief available to help flush sinuses. Some of the nasal spray brands include prescribed corticosteroid nasal spray options like fluticasone, budesonide, beclomethasone, and ciclesonide. Ginger This root herb is packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help build immunity against  the common cold and its symptoms like a runny nose. The herb can be used to make warm tea or can be liberally used in food. Garlic Just like ginger, garlic is another herb that can be used in food preparations to make the most of its benefits.