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Here are 10 ways on how natural treatments for PCOS can become a success factor in managing your PCOS. #1 Exercise Exercise, Credits: pixabay Regular exercise training like yoga, pranayama, and even a 30 minutes walk can uplift your mood. Exercise helps counter your stress by releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Exercise helps improve metabolic function by reducing lipid peroxidation and promoting anti-inflammatory effects. #2 Cuminum cyminum Cumin, Image Credits: pixabay Ayurveda suggests the use of cumin or jeera water in the treatment of PCOS. Consuming jeera water has shown to produce anti-inflammatory effects on the uterus. Its long term use helps lower the blood sugar levels and protect the beta cells of the pancreas from oxidative stress. #3 Flaxseed Flaxseeds, Image Credits: pixabay Flaxseeds are loaded with a plant containing estrogen known as lignans can attack PCOS from its root cause. The excessive androgen levels in PCOS are absorbed by the lignan compounds of flax seeds and are excreted from the body. #4 Aloe vera leaf gel Aloe vera leaf extract, Image Credits: pixabay Research has shown that ethanolic extract of Aloe vera leaf gel can alter the ovarian steroid status. The altered steroidogenic activity automatically reduces the excessive production of androgen and helps in treating PCOS. #5 Resveratrol Resveratrol, Imge Credits: pixabay It is an antioxidant-rich compound found in various fruits like red grapes, and nuts, and has shown a promising role in treating PCOS. Resveratrol works at both the ovarian and adrenal level, improves endothelial function and stimulates intracellular glucose transport in diabetes. It works on the whole body and improves metabolic function which is also altered in PCOS. #6 Cinnamon Cinnamon, Image Credits: pixabay An important herb which is used as a spice in various cuisines of the world exerts insulin-mimetic effects and helps regulate blood glucose levels. This herb helps in regulating the frequency of menstrual cycles among women with PCOS. It also plays a significant role in regulating the release of Anti-Mullerian hormone which contributes to PCOS. #7 Chromium picolinate A supplement that drives many cellular processes has shown beneficial effects in PCOS patients who are likely to develop diabetes in the near future. It also helps reduce weight, lowers cholesterol levels and aids in weight loss. #8 Garlic Caption: Garlic, Image Credits: pixabay Obesity and increased blood cholesterol levels are the main symptoms of PCOS. Garlic consumption aids in weight loss, and regulates blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Thus, helps in the management of PCOS. It also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which protects the cells from oxidative damage. #9 Fenugreek Fenugreek seeds, Image Credits: pixabay Women suffering from PCOS are mostly obese as insulin secreted by the pancreas is not efficiently utilised by the tissues. This, in turn, leads to excessive production of testosterone resulting in PCOS symptoms. Fenugreek improves insulin secretion, prevents catabolism, and helps in the regeneration of pancreatic B cells. #10 Green tea Green tea, Image Credits: pixabay Drinking green tea every day can help control insulin levels, regulate hormones, that cause ovarian cysts and related symptoms and helps you shed excessive fats. All these functions are attributed to its phytoconstituents called catechins. #NaturalPCOSTreatment #PCOS

Pregnancy is a time of change in a woman’s body. Changes occur on a chemical, physical and hormonal level. These changes make certain food items dangerous to the mother as well as the foetus and these should not be consumed. 10 Common Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy #1 Papaya Papaya can be dangerous to the health of the foetus., Credits: Freepik There is a hard no on the consumption of papaya by pregnant mothers. There are two ways papaya can harm the body. The first one is that papaya is rich in two enzymes called papain and pepsin. These enzymes have a harmful effect on the foetus and can cause birth defects. The second aspect is the presence of latex which causes uterine contractions. These uterine contractions are very dangerous and can lead to a miscarriage. #2 Aloe Vera Juice Many people in the world use aloe vera because of its benefits to the skin but aloe vera has a harmful effect on the foetus and the mother. Aloe vera causes uterine contractions which are harmful to the baby. In addition to this, it can also cause severe nausea and vomiting which affects the overall health and electrolyte balance of the mother. #3 Uncooked Eggs Food items which contain raw eggs should be avoided. Credits: Pexels Uncooked eggs or raw eggs are used in many food preparations. Uncooked eggs have a high chance of containing the salmonella virus. This virus can cause severe complications for a pregnant woman. Although, consuming cooked eggs is allowed and most women use them in their pregnancy diet uncooked eggs are not worth the risk. Popular food items which contain raw eggs are: Mayonnaise Salad topping and dressing Deserts such as tiramisu mousse and cake icing #4 Tulsi Leaves Many of us use tulsi leaves when we are suffering from throat problems. Some system’s of medicine even recommend it as an immunity booster but during pregnancy, tulsi should not be consumed. Avoid eating tulsi leaves when you are pregnant. #5 Fennel Fennel seeds are often consumed by various people but their consumption can be harmful to pregnant women. Fennel seeds contain phytoestrogens which can cause uterine cramping. Experts suggest that small quantities once in a while can be ingested but the recommendation is to avoid eating it through the pregnancy. #6 Grapes Grapes contain a chemical called resveratrol. Resveratrol can have an effect on the hormones present in the body and lead to a hormonal imbalance. A hormonal imbalance can lead to numerous difficulties. Grapes are also linked with increase in body temperature which can also cause discomfort. #7 Pineapple Pineapples should only be eaten after consulting a doctor., Credits: Pxhere Pineapple is a complicated fruit when it comes to pregnancy. It is used as a labour inducing item by many people when the due date approaches. However, in the first or second trimester, the same labour inducing ability can lead to a miscarriage. Pineapple induces labour because it contains an enzyme called bromelain enzyme which dilutes the cervix. If done at the wrong time then dilution of the cervix can be fatal for the foetus. Only consume pineapple near your due date after consulting your doctor. Do not eat it on your own. #8 Brinjal Brinjal, which is also known as eggplant should be avoided during pregnancy. Eggplants can lead to severe acidity in pregnant women. This acidity causes a lot of discomfort and can also lead to complications. #9 Sea Food Large fish contain high amounts of mercury., Credits: Pikist It is advised not to consume seafood during pregnancy because many types of fish and other aquatic animals contain mercury in high doses. Mercury is very dangerous for the foetus as well as infants. It can lead to brain disorders. Pregnant women should not consume seafood. #10 Packaged Food Most packaged food items contain preservatives. Preservatives are substances which are added to products to ensure that the product does not decompose. They are not harmful to adults but some of these can be harmful to a growing foetus and should be avoided. Takeaway There are food items which have the ability to cause complications during your pregnancy and have to be avoided. If you are doubtful about certain food items then consider your doctor before consuming them. Your diet plays a very important role in your pregnancy. #FoodsToAvoidDuringPregnancy

There are various types and kinds of success – financial, personal career, physical, etc. Different people associate success with different things. Wanting success in a particular part of your life for personal gain is important and is a good motivator. However, this story talks about a different kind of success, one we all need to strive to achieve – Succeeding at humanity. Jack was a young boy hungry for success. He was taught that success is measured only by winning and that alone. One day he called all his friends and challenged them for a race and gathered an audience around them. Everyone was excited to witness this race and they were aware of this young boy’s reputation and capabilities. Amongst this large crowd was an old man who sat on a bench near the finishing point of the race. When the race started, the boy instantly took the lead and within a few seconds, finished first in the race. The young boy’s hunger and determination to win is what motivated his strength and power. The crowd cheered, waved and were ecstatic. On looking at their excitement, the boy demanded a second race so that he could experience this same feeling and adrenaline rush all over again. And so he did and this time the crowd cheered on even harder. While these events were taking place, it almost seemed strange to see an old man sitting on a bench, showing no reaction to the boy’s winnings. This instantly made him stand out of the crowd and caught the boy’s attention. When the boy approached the old man in the attempt to win his attention, the old man did not give in. Instead, he presented the boy with two new challengers – an elderly frail lady and a blind man. At first the boy was confused but he instantly brushed that thought off him as his main motive was to win the race. Once the race began, the boy took off with his original speed leaving the old woman and blind man behind. Within a few seconds, he won the race. This time the crowd was silent. They showed no sentiment, emotion or excitement. The worried and confused boy immediately went up to the old man to ask him why his audience did not join in his success. The old wise man gave him no reason or explanation but instead instructed him to redo his race but this time he asked the boy to help all the participants finish the race together. On doing so, the boy took the old woman and blind man by the hand and all three of them completed the race together. This time the crowd waved and cheered the loudest. What does this mean? During the little boy’s last race, he won much more than in any of his previous races. The crowd did not cheer for any of the three individuals who finished the race but collectively as a whole. We often live our lives hungry for success and associate winning as the only way to succeed. We must realize that if you keep winning a race, people will eventually grow tired and soon stop cheering for you. Then what would you do? Would you not feel successful anymore? Thus, this is a very unstable and temporary measurement or feeling of success and it’s the sole reason why humans are never completely satisfied – The more we have, the more we want. What the old man was trying to teach the boy is that the journey of his race is what will really determine if he succeeded in it or not. It is important to know who were the people you ran the race with – if they were old, weak or less capable than you and did you do anything to help them get across the line? At the end of the race, what type of a person did you evolve into? In conclusion, life is like this race and success is not about reaching the finish line, it’s about how you ran the race and this “how” is what will really give you the feeling of pure success and satisfaction that no amount of cheering or silence can take away from you. #InspiringStoryofSuccess

Every one of us suffers from fever either due to an infection or due to other chronic conditions. Fevers are of different types, and recognizing it’s type can enable you to get proper treatment and monitoring for it. Let’s see what are the different types of fever and what causes them. Continuous fever:  In such fevers, the temperature is always above the normal range and does not touch the baseline. The fever remains high and unfluctuating throughout the day with just a minor variation of about 1° Celsius in 24 hours. Causes: Continuous fevers are usually seen in individuals suffering from infectious disorders like typhoid, brucellosis, UTI, lobar pneumonia, and infective endocarditis. Remittent fever:  In this, the body temperature remains above normal throughout the day. However, medications may bring down the fever to more than 2° Celsius in 24 hours. The fluctuation of more than 2° Celsius makes it different from continuous fever. Causes: Remittent fever is usually caused when a person is suffering from infective endocarditis or typhoid fever. Pel Ebstein fever:  This type of fever is usually rare. In this type, the body temperature cyclically decreases or increases over a period of one or two weeks. Pel Ebstein fever occurs in a fashion where the body temperature may initially take 3 days to rise, remain high for 3 days and then remits in the next three days. Causes: Pel Ebstein fever is a rare type of fever and is commonly observed in people suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Intermittent fever: It is a type of fever where the fever occurs in intervals during which it remains above normal for several hours and then drops back to normal. The spike in fever may usually occur at the same time each day, or every other day but can always be seen in a repetitive pattern. Causes: Intermittent fever is the general cause of malaria, septicaemia, and pyemia. Septic fever: In this type of fever, the body temperature neither comes down, even with the use of antipyretics. Septic fever occurs due to sepsis which is a life-threatening condition. In sepsis, your body causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Septic fever should be addressed immediately to control and prevent any further deterioration in their state of health. Cyclical recurrent fevers or periodic fevers: This type of fever is characterized by recurrent episodes of systemic and organ-specific inflammation. It can last from a few days to a few weeks along with symptom-free intervals. Causes: This pattern of fever can be caused by chronic inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, recurrent infection, malignancy or non-infectious inflammatory diseases.  Some other causes include Still’s disease, Crohn’s disease and Bechet’s syndrome.  Periodic fevers can also result due to Hyper-IgD syndrome a genetic disorder. These different types of fever can be categorized based on their severity and occurrence. In case of persisting and high fever, it should be immediately brought to the doctor’s attention. #TypesofFever

Knee Pain is a condition which can be long term and requires significant effort from the patient in terms of exercises and stretches for effective treatment. Treatment in the form of medication is not enough in itself and the physical rehabilitation is a must. Glutes is a term used to refer to a group of muscles which are present in the buttocks. Glutes Stretches are specialized training regimes which stretch the glutes and provide relief from various conditions. The answer to our question is Yes. Glute Stretches can help with knee pain. The glutes can be a contributing factor in knee pain because they have the ability to slightly alter the force distribution among both knees. This uneven force distribution can result in knee pain. The idea behind glutes stretches is to relieve the pain by relaxing these muscles and relieving the stress on the knees. The following glutes stretches can help in treating knee pain: Bridge Stretch This image shows the position you have to reach and hold for a few seconds to help with knee pain, Credits: Freepik This is one of the most effective techniques for stretching glutes. The unique formation of this exercise also ensures that there is no pressure on the knees. Many individuals who do this exercise have stated that it has helped them with knee pain. This can be done through the following steps: Lie down on your back. Bend the knees. Ensure that the feet are touching the floor and are in a flat position. Keep your knees hip-width apart. Hold your ankles. Lift your body while keeping the head and feet on the ground. Hold this position when you are at the top. Bring yourself back down in a smooth motion. Refer to the picture to understand the position better. Try holding the position 15-20 seconds in one go. Squats Using a Chair This illustration shows how to perform chair squats, Credits: Wikimedia commons This stretch is a milder version of a normal squat. In this, the starting position is from a chair instead of standing. To do this exercise follow these steps: Sit on a flat chair without arms and place your feet on the ground. Hinge the hips and raise your torso upwards Hold the position for 5 seconds Follow the same trajectory and return to the sitting position Do this in a set up of 10 chair squats once a day. Deadlift A deadlift is very good for your glutes and it has an added benefit for the knees. Through the deadlift, your knees stay in the same position and there is very less strain. Make sure you do not put extra pressure on your knees. Donkey Kick Stretch The band can be used to keep better balance, Credits: Flickr This stretch is very effective because it targets the biggest muscle of the glutes. It is named such because it mimics the movement of the donkey. It is an excellent choice for relieving knee pain as it uses the glutes without increasing pressure on the knees. To do a donkey stretch follow these steps: Get on all fours while keeping your back straight. Use one leg at a time. While keeping the knee bent at a ninety-degree angle, lift the leg upwards. Your foot should rise above your back. Lift the leg backwards until your back begins to arch Bring the leg back down and repeat. Repeat with the other leg. Perform this in sets of 10 for each leg. Fire Hydrant Stretch Fire hydrant stretch helps in relieving knee pain, Credits: Flickr A fire hydrant or quadruped hip abduction is an exercise which acts on the gluteus and helps in relieving different types of pain. It is similar to a donkey kick in terms of positioning. The steps for this are: Start by getting on your hands and knees Keep your knees bent at a ninety-degree angle throughout the exercise. Lift your leg and move it away from your body at a 45-degree angle. Follow the same trajectory and return your leg to the floor Repeat with the other leg. Be careful not to do any jerking movements with the leg. Takeaway If you are suffering from knee pain then trying these glutes stretched can turn out to be good for you. They have shown positive results in various people. Before doing these exercises make sure your doctor has not asked you to rest your knee. There are many other forms of treatment available to manage knee pain. Consult a doctor to chose treatments that are the most effective for you.

It is estimated that more than 1 billion people in the world suffer from Vitamin D deficiency and most of them are not aware of it. Vitamin D has many roles in the body which include roles in the nervous system, immune system, absorption and muscles. Its deficiency can cause serious harm. The most common cause is believed to be the lack of time spent in sunlight as it is the primary source of vitamin D. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, Credits: Pixabay How Does a Vitamin D Deficiency Lead to Back Pain? Back pain is the most common symptom of vitamin D deficiency, Credits: Pikist Vitamin D has many functions related to muscles. It is also responsible for the proper absorption of calcium in the body. A vitamin D deficiency treatment affects the amount of calcium absorption which results in calcium deficiency and causes back pain. This is one theory. There are other experts who believe that there could be other reasons as well. There are many studies which show that vitamin D deficiency treatment is common in individuals with back pain. How Much Vitamin D is Needed by the Body? The following table shows the amount of vitamin D needed by the body during specific age groups:Age Group in YearsDaily Vitamin D intake in IU0-14001-1260013-1860019-7060070+800Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women600 What are the Causes of Vitamin D Deficiency? The following conditions are known to cause a vitamin D deficiency: Lack of exposure to sunlight. A malabsorption condition which hinders its absorption. A liver disorder which inhibits conversion into active form. Lack of vitamin D in the diet. Medications such as steroids and laxatives. Who is at Risk for Being Vitamin D Deficient? Living in remote places with less sunlight increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency, Credits: pxhere Various studies have shown that the following groups of people are more likely to be suffering from this condition: Being over the age of 70. People with darker skin colour Living in remote areas far from the equator Overweight individuals People suffering from medical conditions such as hyperparathyroidism and liver disease What are the Other Signs Besides Back Pain? Fatigue is also a symptom of vitamin D deficiency, Credits: Wikimedia commons The other symptoms include: Constant Tiredness: Studies show that tiredness and fatigue can be linked to low. vitamin D levels. These results were further supplemented when an increase in vitamin D levels helped the patients overcome their fatigue. Falling Sick Often: Vitamin D has a major role to play in the working of the immune system. A lack of it makes the body more susceptible to diseases especially infections. Slow Wound Healing: It is also caused by the impairment of the immune system. Hair Loss: A vitamin D deficiency can cause severe hair loss in people. Muscle Pain: Muscle pain can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin D. According to the study, Vitamin D and Central Hypersensitivity in Patients With Chronic Pain 71% of people who were suffering from muscle pain were found to be vitamin D deficient. That number is very high. What Can Be Done If You are Vitamin D Deficient? If you are Vitamin D deficient then you need to increase your intake. The three ways with which you can take vitamin D are: Through the Skin: Sunlight is the major source of vitamin D for the body and skin absorbs it. You should spend some time under direct sunlight. Through Diet: Certain foods contain vitamin D which can be ingested. However, many experts believe that the quantity through diet alone will not be enough and needs supplementation from other sources. Supplements: There are many supplements available for vitamin D but only take them after a prescription from a doctor. Self-medication can have side effects. Takeaway Long term back pain is likely to be a symptom of an underlying condition. If you are suffering from chronic back pain seek medical help to get a confirmed diagnosis. Vitamin D deficiency can be managed with small lifestyle changes and supplements. In case you observe any of the above-mentioned symptoms then you should get your vitamin D levels checked and act on the result. #SignofVitaminDDeficiency

A split nail is a common condition in which cracks form in the nails. Split nails can occur in both fingers and toenails. It is a common condition which can cause discomfort. Although common, constant occurring can be a sign of an underlying condition. What are the Causes of Split Nails? Exposure to Moisture Activities such as washing utensils exposes the nails and nail beds to moisture causing split nails, Credits:Pxhere Moisture is the most common cause of split nails. Activities in which the hands and nails are wet for a prolonged period of time make the nails brittle. The moisture affects the skin around the nails and makes it soft. When the nails become brittle, they are more likely to bend or break causing a split. Activities such as washing utensils or washing clothes with hands increase chances of split nails. External Injury Nails are made up of a protein called keratin which can break easily on external impact. The longer the nail, the more easily it can split due to injury. It has also been reported that the use of clip-on nails can also cause injury leading to split nails. Nail Biting Nail biting is a bad habit which should be avoided., Credits: Flickr Some people have a habit of biting their nails. While most do it unintentionally, there are individuals who do it on purpose. Nail biting is a very unhygienic activity which can have consequences including the splitting of nails. If you have a habit of biting your nails, you should work on it. Infections The area under the nail is known as the nail bed. There is a risk of infection in the nail bed which can result in splitting of nails. The chances of infection are high because it is susceptible to fungal, yeast and bacterial infections. Psoriasis It is a condition in which the skin cells multiply at a rapidly high and abnormal rate. This increased multiplying results in dry and scaly skin. Psoriasis can also affect nails. It is believed that more than 3 quarters of people with psoriasis suffer from nail problems as well. Medical Conditions Certain disorders can cause split nails. These are: Skin cancer Thyroid disorder Liver diseases Renal disorders How to Prevent Split Nails? Use gloves to wash utensils to avoid moisture., Credits: Pixabay The following tips can be helpful in preventing split nails: Maintain proper nail hygiene. Do not keep very long nails as it increases the likelihood of external injury Avoid using artificial nails. Using moisturizer on nails can also help. Focus on proper nutrition through a healthy diet which is rich in vitamins. Avoid using nail polish remover often. Taking biotin supplements. Consult a doctor, do not self-medicate. Avoid keeping your hand in feet in water for long periods of time. This can be done by using simple tricks such as wearing waterproof gloves when you wash utensils. Do I Need to See a Doctor? In most cases, you do not need to see a doctor but in some rare cases, the split nail can cause damage to the nail bed. A severe nail split requires medical attention which can include removal of the nail and may even require stitches. Watch out for the following symptoms and see a doctor if you have them. Discolouration of the nail to either blue or purple Excessive pain Ingrown nails Foundation of horizontal ridges Presence of white colour under the nail Takeaway If you suffer from split nails then your focus should be on preventing them. There are no medical techniques to fix a split nail. You have to remove it and wait for it to grow again. The prevention techniques are effective and you should try them. In case you observe any of the above-mentioned symptoms of a severe split nail, then consult a doctor. #SplitNail

Menstrual cycle brings a lot of physiological changes in a woman’s body.  The body undergoes many hormonal shifts. Even before your period starts, you may start experiencing a variety of changes which are referred to as Premenstrual syndrome. These are some common indicators given by your body before your period is about to begin. It starts between 5 days to 2 weeks before your period. About 90% of women experience some signs of PMS at some point in their life. For some, the experience could be mild, while for others, it could be extreme enough to disrupt their daily routine. Some changes you might experience are: Bloating: You might feel either bloated or gassy. The reason is that the change in the body’s estrogen and progesterone levels can cause your body to retain more salt and water. You might feel discomforted with heaviness in your stomach. But this is not weight gain and it may subside when your period starts. Diarrhoea or Constipation: Either of these two extremes could occur as digestive problems owing to your menstrual cycle changes. This is because prostaglandins which are released during menstruation promote uterine contractions. They may, as a result, also cause altered bowel movements, leading to nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation. Fatigue: During your periods, your body tries to adjust in a way that promotes shedding of your uterine wall, this bodily change may cause fatigue. You’ll feel tired the whole day, and unable to sleep at night, and so you may look even more tired the very next day. These symptoms are quite like that of chronic fatigue syndrome. Tender Breasts: Your breasts might feel swollen and enlarged during PMS. The rise in estrogen levels causes your milk ducts to grow during the first half of your menstrual cycle. Physical changes during period the second half, when you are ovulating, the progesterone level rises to cause swelling and tender breasts. Acne: The outbreak of acne can be experienced as a symptom of premenstrual syndrome. This takes place mostly around the chin and the jaw, but for some women, it also occurs all over the face or on other parts of the body. This is because your body has a fall in estrogen and progesterone levels. In case, if you are not pregnant, there is a rise in the androgen levels which in turn leads to sebum production and acne. Cramps: While abdominal cramps occur intensely physiological changes during period, your they also occur while you are undergoing pre-menstrual syndrome before your periods. These cramps are felt in your lower abdomen and may spread to your lower back and upper thighs. The cause is due to the uterine contractions that are brought by the release of the prostaglandins. It also regulates ovulation and menstruation. Mood Swings: This is the most common symptom. Even if you are not experiencing extreme ones, there will be some fluctuation in your mood. Emotional changes, anxiety or even depression might occur. Having a history of anxiety or depression aggravates your symptoms even more during PMS. Also, the estrogen production in our body affects the feel-good hormones, like serotonin, causing the mood swings. Skin changes: The fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone during your periods can influence numerous characteristics of the skin epidermis, including skin surface lipid secretion and sebum production, fat deposition, hydration of the skin, and barrier function. Treatment Identifying which symptom is bothering you is the first step towards a treatment for the Physiological Changes During Period you experience before or during your period. If any of them occur severely, you should consult a doctor and get help. Things that you can do on your own to ease the discomforts include using a warm pad or bottle filled with warm water and kept on your abdomen to relieve abdominal cramps. Limiting salt intake to prevent bloating, and using pain relievers for headaches and backaches. Meditating, exercising and doing yoga can provide you relief from these symptoms. Eating meals at proper intervals can help maintain your blood sugar levels. It will prevent your mood from suddenly changing.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that is caused by a virus from the Flaviviridae family. It is popularly known as a breakdown fever and often leads to complete body shut down. Symptoms range from fever, rashes, joint, and muscle ache but it can become life-threatening, especially when left untreated. However, if a person gets dengue for the second time, researchers claim the disease is most fatal during this stage. To understand the reason behind this, we must first understand (i) how the disease spreads and (ii) how the body reacts to it. Transmission of Dengue The disease spreads through an infected Aedes mosquito – a day-biting mosquito that feeds on multiple people, about 3-4 times in its lifetime thus giving it ample opportunities for the virus causing infection to be passed into the human host while the female mosquito is feeding. The virus is called DENV and their genetic design is what makes the extent of infection and transmission so rapid. Once the virus enters the host cells, they immediately produce proteins on entering the body cells. Upon entering the body, it takes the virus several days or a week to run its course and leave the body – passing it through the lymph nodes and bloodstream. The virus stores and sustains itself in your white blood cells like the antibodies by binding itself into the white blood cell receptors and enters it. On entering, the virus uses the host’s antibody as a multiplication ground where it multiples in number and leaves the cell to infect other nearby cells and this process continues. Thus, the virus takes advantage of the host cell’s energy and metabolism. Eventually, antibodies that bind to the antigen (DENV) will trigger an immune response to produce the required amount of antibodies to fight off the virus and that is how a person gets cured. Credit: pixabay How the Body Reacts to Dengue Virus Typically, antibodies have memories – once your immune system fights off a pathogenic disease, it remembers it for the future and the person becomes immune or unreactive to the disease during the next encounter. However, this is not the case for the dengue virus as the virus and many serotypes and mutation strains. Therefore, immunity to one serotype won’t protect you from the other. In fact, if a person contracts the virus again by another serotype, the immunity to one serotype can enhance the infection and symptoms. This is why contracting dengue the second time is even more dangerous than the first. Worse symptoms the second time, Credit: piqsel What Happens the Second Time Think of it as the immune system getting stimulated during the second disease; the memory that antibodies produced is not a great match to the mutated virus and does more harm than good. This causes an out of control or undesired immune response that eventually causes hemorrhagic fever which could further progress to shock syndrome, a condition where the heart is unable to pump or contract efficiently. In conclusion The antibody may recognize the different serotype virus the second time but not well enough. As a result, it is unable to clear the virus from the system. Ironically, its attempt to bind and neutralize the virus does more harm. This is because the binding “lock and key” mechanism is not a perfect fit for the other serotype and the antibody is technically helping the virus to invade, spread and multiply in the immune system and body cells. #Dengue

Eye flu or infective conjunctivitis is a condition in which a membrane in the inner surface of the eye is inflamed due to an infection. It is commonly known as pink eye. The condition is common and most people suffer from it at some point in their life. The inflammation highlights the blood vessel present in the eye giving it a red or pink colour. What are the Symptoms of Eye Flu? The most common symptom of eye flu is the eye turning to a shade of red or pink., Credits: Freepik The following symptoms are associated with pink eye: Red or pinking colour Eye-watering constantly Swelling around the eye Sensitivity to light Mucus discharge which is usually felt on the eyelids What are the types of Infective Conjunctivitis? Infective conjunctivitis is of two types depending upon the cause. The cause is important in determining the type of treatment. Bacterial Conjunctivitis: It is caused by bacteria. The duration of pink eye due to bacterial infection is up to 14 days. Bacterial conjunctivitis can also be caused by sexually transmitted infections. Viral Conjunctivitis: These are caused by a virus. The duration of viral conjunctivitis can be more than two weeks. What is the Treatment for Eye Flu? The treatment is usually given through eye drops. Credits: wikipedia In almost 50% of cases, eye flu resolves on its own and does not require medical intervention. The eye flu treatment depends upon the cause of the infection. Antibiotic: In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotic treatments are prescribed. The common antibiotic eye flu treatments include ointments and eye drops. The following antibiotics are commonly prescribed: Fluoroquinolones Chloramphenicol Sulphonamides Viral: There is no medicine for eye flu caused by viruses. The cycle of the virus has to pass. Home Remedies Placing tea bags on eyes can provide relief from eye flu., Credits: Pixabay The following activities provide comfort when suffering from eye flow: Using Tea Bags: Applying a tea bag on top of your closed eye has been known to provide relief. The tea bag has a soothing action on the eye. Be careful to use a sealed tea bag so the powder does not enter your eye. Using the Cool for Comfort: A cold compress helps in dealing with the discomfort of eye flu. Use a wet towel and apply it over your eye. The calling action provides comfort. Make sure the cloth is clean. Also, ensure that you do not let anyone else use the cloth. Warm Compress: Instead of applying a cold compress, some people prefer using warmth for comfort. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends using a warm compress to manage the pain and discomfort caused by eye flu. Use a wet cloth dipped in warm water and hold it against your closed eye. What are the Precautions to be Taken While Suffering from Eye Flu? Replace your contact lenses if you suffer from eye flu, Credits: Pixabay The eye flu precautions which can be helpful are: Avoid Using Lenses: Lenses can cause extra irritation to the eye. Avoid using lenses until the eye flu is cured. In addition to this, it is also recommended to change your lenses after suffering from it. Control the Spread: If you are suffering from eye flu, the first precaution is to ensure that you do not cause eye flu to other people around you. Make sure to not have close contact with individuals around you. Get Rid of Your Make up Items: Ensure that you do not use your make items that may have been in contact with your eye during the infection. The makeup may contain the infective agent and cause eye flu again. Maintain Hygiene: Proper hygiene is a must to avoid getting and spreading eye flu. Wash your hand and face regularly. Takeaway While half of the total cases of eye flu do not require treatment, it is recommended that you should visit a doctor. Be careful about not spreading it to people who are around you. These remedies help manage the condition but should be used carefully. #EyeFlu

Do you experience too much bleeding after an injury or surgery? Do you have blood clotting issues? Well! The inability of your blood to clot normally after an injury is a rare type of genetic disorder called Hemophilia. What is Hemophilia? It is a group of bleeding disorders that are usually inherited. In this, a person experiences excessive bleeding due to little or no amounts of a specific blood clotting factor. Even a small cut or injury may become a life-threatening disorder in haemophilia. There are 13 types of blood clotting factors which help the blood clot by working together with the platelets. This prevents a cut or other injury from bleeding endlessly. There are three types of haemophilia. Hemophilia A – The most common type which occurs in people due to lack or insufficient amounts of clotting factor VIII. Most people with haemophilia A observe the full extent of the disease, including symptoms such as bleeding in large joints, knees or hips. Hemophilia B – Also known as Christmas disease. It results due to deficiency in functional plasma coagulation factor IX.  The range of its severity depends on the amount of clotting factor deficiency. It can be mild, moderate or severe. Hemophilia C–  It is an uncommon and a less severe type of haemophilia.  It results due to clotting factor XI deficiency. Every year, April 17th is celebrated as World Haemophilia Day to promote international awareness on haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Symptoms: The extent of your symptoms depends on the severity of your factor deficiency. Mild symptoms may include bleeding only after an injury or surgery. Whereas, the severely affected people may experience spontaneous bleeding. Some of the symptoms of spontaneous bleeding include: blood in the urine and in faeces may experience deep, large or unexplained bruises excessive bleeding bleeding gums Nosebleeds which are frequent Joint pains tight joints irritability What are the Causes of Haemophilia? Deficiency in clotting factors – There are a total of 13 blood clotting factors which help coagulate blood while bleeding due to an injury. When a person is deficient in any one of these clotting factors, haemophilia occurs. Hemophilia Genetic mutation – An unexpected change or mutation in a certain gene associated with haemophilia can cause Haemophilia disorder. This change in genes is termed as a ‘spontaneous mutation’ which can occur even before you’re born. Autoimmune haemophilia- It occurs when a person’s immune system starts attacking its own clotting factors in the blood. It can be associated with: Pregnancy Autoimmune disorders like Multiple sclerosis Tumours and Cancers Genetics – Haemophilia mainly occurs due to family inheritance. The faulty gene that can cause haemophilia is located on the X chromosome. Everyone has two sex chromosomes (X & Y) inherited from each parent. Diagnosis Haemophilia disorder is diagnosed through a blood test. A blood sample will be taken to determine the amount of clotting factor present in your blood. The sample will then be graded according to its severity such as mild, moderate or severe. Treatment A prescription hormone called desmopressin is usually given to the patients suffering from Haemophilia A.  The injection is administered into the vein where the medication works by stimulating blood clotting factors. Hemophilia B is treated by infusing donors’ clotting factors into the haemophiliac patient’s blood. These factors are also available in their synthetic form called “recombinant clotting factors.” Haemophilia C can be treated using plasma infusion technique. This technique works by stopping profuse bleeding during an injury or surgery. #Haemophilia

Kidney Stones are formed due to crystals in your urine. But here’s the thing… Every person has solid crystals substances in their urine. This is because of stone promoters like calcium, oxalate, sodium, etc. This is because these substances are filtered out from the blood entering the kidneys. However, the body has a mechanism to prevent these stone promoters from sticking together and forming big crystals stones with inhibition substances. When these inhibition substances are low or when there are more crystals than the fluid urine can dilute, kidney stones are formed. There are five major types of kidney stones: 1. Calcium Phosphate Stones They are mainly caused when the urinary system begins to fail or function abnormally. This is why doctors usually perform blood tests to determine and ensure the proper functioning of the urinary system. The stones often occur along with calcium oxalate stones. 2. Calcium Oxalate Stones It is formed when the levels of citrate are low and levels of calcium, oxalate or uric acid are high in the urine. It is the most common type of kidney stones due to the popular consumption of foods that are rich in oxalate. These include plant and animals products like chocolate, nuts, potatoes, spinach, etc. 3. Struvite Stones These stones are comparatively larger with a quicker growth rate and wider distribution in the kidneys. They are usually caused or triggered by urinary tract infections. Image Credit: Flickr 4. Cystine Stones They are caused when a person suffers from cystinuria, a hereditary genetic condition. Due to this, excessive amounts of the amino acid crystals start collecting in the urine and as a result, stones are formed in the kidneys, bladder, and ureters. 5. Uric Acid Stones It is mainly a hereditary condition in families that suffer from gout, people who don’t consume adequate amounts of water, and people who consume too much protein. Essentially, these stones are formed when the levels of uric acid are too high, or in other words, when the urine is too acidic. Beer: Cause or Cure? Some people believe that beer can cause kidneys and others believe that beer can cure kidney stones – Both may be true. However, it is still an ongoing debate as there is not enough clinical proof to support either of the theories. On one hand, beer is a diuretic. This means that it causes an excessive loss of water from the water in the form of urine and thus can lead to dehydration. Now, because dehydration is one of the common triggers or causes of kidney stones, some people believe that beer consumption is bad. On the other hand, since beer is a diuretic and causes you to urinate frequently, people believe that drinking it can be helpful. Stress and Kidney Stones Both psychological and physiological stress can greatly affect your kidneys. When the person is stressed out, blood pressure increases, heart rate quickens, and excess fats and sugar get deposited in your blood as a result – this can be very harmful to your bodily functions. Abnormalities in your blood directly affect the functioning of your kidneys as they have to pass through this organ to get filtered out. When the blood pressure is high or when there is too much glucose in the blood, your kidneys will have to work twice as hard to filter the blood. Thus it creates an additional strain to your kidneys which can be harmful. Stress, Image Credit: Pxhere Sex and Kidney Stones People commonly assume that kidney stones compromise sex life but to the contrary, sexual intercourse actually aids in their passing. Reason: During sexual arousal, blood vessels large amounts of nitric acid. It acts as a vasodilator, which relaxes the veins and arteries. In addition to that, they also help the ureter walls relax. This structure (ureter) carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder. Thus when these walls relax the stones are able to pass out from the kidneys more easily, and with less pain and discomfort. Homeopathy and Kidney Stones Homeopathic medicine helps relieve the pain during the passage of kidney stones and it can effectively help and increase the passage of stones with less discomfort. They are also capable of dissolving the stones formed in the kidney or reducing the size of large stones so that pain is reduced during urination. Can Kidneys Stones Kill You? Usually, kidney stones are not life-threatening but they have the potential to develop into infections. In some cases, kidney stones increase the risk of a kidney infection which can lead to sepsis or septic shock. This progression is very fatal as needs to be treated early and rapidly in order to ensure survival. #KidneyStones