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Multiple sclerosis is a disorder of the central nervous system. It primarily targets your spinal cord and brain. This disorder is categorized under inflammatory disorders. What happens in it is that your body’s white blood cells or WBCs that are mainly responsible for fighting off infections instead travel to the nervous system and damage it. Multiple sclerosis is also called a demyelinating disorder. It is called so because it renders the nerves unable to conduct electricity which causes different symptoms associated with the disorder. The nerves are stripped of their myelin sheath which protects them. Apart from not performing their function, they also get inflamed. Multiple sclerosis is a condition that affects more than 2 million people worldwide. Its intensity differs from person to person. Some people may experience it in a very mild form. They may not even be aware that they are suffering from it. However, there are others who feel its symptoms quite intensely. What Exactly Is Multiple Sclerosis? Spinal cord anatomy, Credit: Canva You might wonder, what exactly happens in MS. It is a disorder that arises when the immune system of a person attacks myelin, which is a protective fatty material that surrounds your nerves. It acts as an outer shield for your nerves, in the absence of which they deteriorate. In the case of multiple sclerosis, since the myelin sheath is being attacked by your own immune system, it means your nerves cannot send signals from your brain to your body. It makes your body difficult to perform tasks like moving and feeling as your nerves are rendered inefficient. What Are Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms? a person in pain, Credit: Canva Before knowing about symptoms, you should become aware of what age does MS usually start? It is usually younger adults who are in the age group of 30 years. Also, it has been observed that women are three times more likely to experience this condition than their male counterparts. You might ask, what was your first sign of MS? As mentioned before, MS affects people in different ways. There is no way to find out which kind of symptoms a patient might experience before he or she is diagnosed with this condition. Again, an important point that needs to be reiterated is that one should not take a set number of symptoms as uniform among all the patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. What is felt by one individual may highly differ from what is experienced by another person. The symptoms also vary greatly as the disease progresses. It is usually dependent on where the affected nerve fibers are located. Although its symptoms are characterized by the way they impact the movement of a person. As a general rule, however, you should be aware of the following crucial symptoms that accompany this disorder in a majority of people everywhere. Weakness or a numbing sensation in either one or more than one limbs. This sensation can be felt in only one side or part of the body at a single time. Electric current like sensations may accompany your normal neck movements. You may feel this kind of sensation when you are bending forward your neck. People may also experience tremors while walking which gives them an unstable gait. Problems related to the vision like its partial or total loss. It starts with one eye and the person will feel pain in regular eye movements. Double vision problems will persist for a long period. Blurry or unclear vision. Speech may become slurred. Weakness and dizziness. Tingling sensation in various organs of the body. Bladder, bowel, and sexual function movements. Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis? a person with dummy brain, Credit: Canva The diagnosis of MS is often a difficult process. It is because there is no one test that can help the doctors to confidently point out the presence of multiple sclerosis in the patient. The diagnosis is all the more complicated by the fact that this disorder differs in intensity in different people. However, what has been observed is that most people suffering from it have an existing medical history of neurological symptoms that may stay or not over the course of one’s life. It is on the basis of these neurological symptoms that doctors can point out the changes that occur in a person affected by MS. it is these changes that lead to brain and spinal cord problems. Abnormal functioning of certain areas in the MRI scan is also used by doctors to diagnose this disorder among patients. Another diagnosis method is that of spinal fluid testing. This testing will reveal the active involvement of the immune system around areas of the spinal cord and the brain. The medical professional puts together these pieces of evidence from the test to diagnose multiple sclerosis. However, there is still a high chance that the doctor may not be able to diagnose this disorder and the patient will have to live with it for years without being diagnosed. What Is Multiple Sclerosis Treatment? Physical therapy, Credit: Canva The treatment of multiple sclerosis starts with reaching out to a neurologist. Eventually, with the help of a nurse, all the issues regarding skin, bladder, bowel, spasticity, and pain problems are discussed in detail. The clinical nurse, along with the neurologist will develop a suitable treatment plan for your requirements. There are certain drugs that are prescribed The treatment line is designed after an extensive examination of your medical history and your current physical evaluation. This plan is personalized for your particular requirements. There are certain drugs that are prescribed to relieve you of the intensity of your symptoms and stop the progress of this disorder. In addition to medications, the person will also need to make regular visits to a physical therapist. The physical therapist will guide them on ways to enhance their function and movement while also minimizing the pain. Occupational therapy is very important for patients with MS, primarily because it helps in: Problems related to maintaining proper balance Problems related to lack of coordination Fatigue and pain Excessive weakness Posture issues The difficulty that a patient experiences in going about with their daily activities like walking, sitting, and standing. Can a Person Live with MS? a person with a tape, Credit: Canva There is not a significant difference in the lifespan of people who suffer from multiple sclerosis compared to those who do not. In fact, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) people with this disorder can certainly have more or less a normal life course. The only aspect that differs is that patients with MS will have a lifespan that is seven years shorter than those of others. However, people affected by this disorder are highly likely to experience a reduced quality of life which results from the excessive pain and fatigue that they feel. Some of the changes that MS gives to its patients are physical in nature. These changes directly impact one’s appearance and thus may lead to a negative self-image. Other changes relate to productivity as a limited range of motion and stiffness interfere in their quality of work. However, with the help of a good physician and physical therapist you can take charge of your symptoms to a large extent. You can thus enjoy a better quality of life than those who neglect the treatment of their symptoms.

It is rightly said that you don’t need to become a doctor to save any individual’s life on this planet. For those who have not heard this phrase might wonder for whom it is used. The phrase points towards the significance of blood donation. Did you know that there are millions of people who are in need of blood that will help oxygen to circulate in all of their organs? These people can immensely benefit from blood donation. It is why you might see a blood donation camp at various places. Donating just about 470 ml of blood can help a person to safe the life of three people. If you are intrigued about how you can liberate many people from the problems they encounter because of the lack of sufficient quantities of blood, then keep reading to know more about it. What Are the Benefits of Donating Blood? Girl smiling, Credit: Canva Stimulates the production of blood cells Helps you burn calories and aids in weight loss Helps you save a person’s life Minimises the risk of heart diseases and cancer Gives you a sense of fulfilment Preserves the iron levels in your body Key Facts of Blood Donation blood donation camp, Credit: Canva 1. Who can donate blood You must be 17 years and at a healthy body weight which should not be below 110 pounds. 2. Recovery after blood donation You might wonder, after donating blood how long does it takes to recover? It does not take long for a person to recover after donating blood. Four to eight weeks are all that is needed. 3. Who cannot donate blood? You cannot donate blood if you have had a hepatitis infection, are affected with AIDS, and have injected drugs on yourself. 4. What are the side effects of donating blood? There are no severe side effects of blood donation. You might experience faintness, dizziness, or nausea. You might feel only one symptom at a time or it can be possible that you may feel all the symptoms at once. 5. How much blood is taken in a donation? Approximately 0.5 liters of blood is taken at one time. It is a very small portion and does not lead to any major complications. 6. Can you donate blood if you have been administered a flu shot? Yes, you can donate blood after the shot. 7. Can you donate blood if you suffer from high blood pressure? If your blood pressure stays within the FDA regulation limits, then you can donate blood. 8. Can a person suffering from a cold or flu donate blood? You cannot participate in blood donation if you are suffering from cold or flu. 9. Is a person who is deferred once eligible to donate blood? You will be informed by the blood donation camp if you are permanently or temporarily deferred. They will give you a reason for being deferred. 10. Can you donate blood if you are consuming any medications? Medicines like Ibuprofen and aspirin will not affect your eligibility but if you are taking medications other than that, you need to ask the blood donation center. 11. How long is the duration of the blood donation process? It will take about one hour for you to complete the process that begins from registration and ends with you getting refreshments. The actual procedure of blood donation will take five to ten minutes. 12. How often can I donate blood? You can donate blood within intervals of 56 days. It is highly encouraged to donate as often as possible if you are a healthy individual. 13. If you are ineligible to donate, what can you do about it? If you are unable to participate in a blood donation camp, there is no need to despair. You can help the centre to recruit suitable donors. 14. After donation, what is the time period for the blood to replenish? Two days or 48 hours is the time period in which a plasma replenishes itself. 15. Can a person engage in physical activity after blood donation? It is not recommended for you to engage in strenuous physical activity for an entire day after donating blood. Blood donation is a highly fulfilling form of activity through which you can potentially save another person’s life. It is something that every healthy individual should participate in to contribute positively to society.

Sleep is one of the most essential aspects of healthy living. Unfortunately, with a jam-packed schedule, endless professional and personal responsibilities, and rising stress levels, it has taken a back-seat in the lives of most people today. According to research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of the population does not get a good night’s sleep. People, almost everywhere, struggle to get out of their beds every morning. It is because in the absence of a lack of quality sleep the night before, tiredness and fatigue sets in which prevents them from leaving their bed. How to sleep better or improve your sleep quality when you know that it is hindering your optimal functioning. Here are some tips from the mouth of experts that will help you to attain the rest that your body craves every day. How To Sleep Better – 10 Expert Backed Techniques 1. Create the Environment Ideal for Good Sleep A child sleeping, Credit: Canva Quiet, cool, and dark should be the three major characteristics of your bedroom at night. According to the National Sleep Foundation, unwanted light is a major source of distraction that hinders a good quality sleep. Also, an environment where traffic noise prevails is also detrimental to quality rest. You should also remember to keep your temperature cool, between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Apart from this, according to the immunologists at Northwestern Medicine Central Du, allergies that are caused due to dust, pets, and mould can also keep you up at night. To prevent it, use a post nasal drip and sleep soundly at night. Such a conducive environment is the answer to the question of how to sleep fast in 5 minutes. 2. How To Sleep Better with Anxiety Woman taking pills, Credit: Canva Almost a million people suffer from anxiety. This condition prevents them from getting a night of restful sleep. It affects their mood and makes their anxiety worse the next day. However, you can still get proper rest if you follow good sleep hygiene. Make a proper sleeping schedule and stick to it. Ensure that you are not taking any stimulating medications at night. Before sleeping, it is a good idea to meditate for five to ten minutes in order to calm down your mind. If you still find yourself not being able to get adequate rest at night, you should seek a mental health expert. 3. Reduce Your Coffee Cups A cup of coffee, Credit: Canva According to Harvard Health, one of the most simple answers to the question of how to sleep better at night is to cut down on your caffeine intake. If you are someone who is used to drinking endless cups of coffee and tea throughout the evening, then breaking this habit might take some time. Note that caffeine is a stimulant and the major purpose of a stimulant is to keep you awake and alert for a prolonged period of time. Drinking it even two hours before you go to bed will naturally make way for a disturbed sleep pattern. 4. Change Your Sleeping Position Woman sleeping, Credit: Canva Sometimes changing your sleeping position is all it takes to help you achieve that quality rest. There are certain sleeping positions that can help a person get a good rest. It is because it helps you to distribute your weight on the full length of your body. These positions keep your head, neck, and spine aligned and decrease the pressure on certain organs. Positions like sleeping on the side by placing a pillow between your knees, and sleeping in a fetal position are great for helping you get a comfortable sleep. 5. Take a Look at Your Pillow Fill pillow fill, Credit: Canva Are you someone who regularly faces allergies? It might be a time to consider your pillow fill. There are various kinds of fills from feathers to synthetics, foam, or latex, anyone of these fills can be a source of allergy for you. Always invest in pillows that will minimize your chances of suffering from nighttime allergies. These pillows should hypoallergenic. By just changing your pillow you will instantly find the solution to your query of how to sleep better. 6. Get Moving Woman exercising, Credit: Canva Apart from mental exhaustion, you also need to exhaust your body physically in some way in order to attain a better quality of sleep. Physically exerting your body through exercise will make it tired and quicken the process of falling asleep. You will also get a deep and sound sleep after you exercise. For optimum results, aim to indulge in moderate to high-intensity exercise for around five days per week. 7. Food for Good Sleep Plate of tofu, Credit: Canva How to sleep better with food? According to wellness experts, there are various food items that induce sleep in a person. Protein sources like tofu and salmon and carbohydrate sources like whole grains, sweet potato and lentils are very effective in enhancing the quality of sleep. They stimulate those neurotransmitters in the brain that help you to fall asleep quickly. Remember to stay away from food items that are rich in saturated fats. They make your digestive system to work extra hard in order to digest them. You will only stay awake at night if you consume fried and oily foods. 8. What To Drink to Sleep Faster herbal tea, Credit: Canva There are certain herbal teas like chamomile tea that can calm your mind and help you to relax your muscles. Drink a cup of chamomile or any other relaxing herbal tea an hour before you hit the bed. Herbal teas are also a great option for those who find it difficult to digest milk at night. 9. Read Before You Sleep Woman reading a book, Credit: Canva How to sleep better with a book in your hand? Well, reading before bedtime is a proven technique that all neuropsychologists agree with. Ensure that you are reading from an actual book rather than an electronic device like an iPad. Reading lowers the stress levels and transports you to a totally different world. You will immediately feel your eyelids getting heavy after 20 to 25 minutes of uninterrupted reading. 10. Get Your Socks on Man wearing socks, Credit: Canva You might be wondering, how to sleep better with socks? It is a lesser-known but an effective technique for falling asleep quickly at night. According to sleep specialists, socks, by warming up this extreme part of your body increases the blood flow. This increased blood flow is what helps you to sleep better and faster.

It is rightly said that you start dying not when your physical body starts to deteriorate, but when your brain starts to do the same. Healthy brain functioning and consequently, good mental health is imperative for one to enjoy life no matter how hard the circumstances get. Today we see many people falling in the clutches of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, and various other emotional disorders. No one can rule out the role that social media plays in impacting the mind of youngsters and adults alike, often in a negative manner rather than positive. Keeping your brain alert and active is the key to navigating through the challenges of life effortlessly. Here’s how to keep your brain healthy and active so that you enjoy every moment of life. Improve Your Brain Health Easily Let’s face it. As your age progresses, you start experiencing brain-related problems like memory and cognitive decline. They severely impact the quality of your life. However, there are many people who have been able to preserve impeccable brain function even in their nineties! How are they able to do so? Well, they know the secret of how to keep their brain young and agile. But they are not the only ones. By reading this article, you can also know the exact ways on how to keep your brain healthy and young. 1.   Indulge in Healthy Brain Exercises sudoku puzzle, Credit: Canva Challenges are what keeps your brain alert at all times. Playing games that involve you to exercise your brain like sudoku, crossword and other similar ones will increase your brain’s memory capacity. Problems that make you engage in math and reasoning are also a great choice. You should spend around 15 to 20 minutes daily in solving such puzzles and riddles. It will help you to feel active for the rest of the day too. 2.   Learn a New Language Woman smiling, Credit: Canva Can learning a new language be the answer to the question of how to keep your brain healthy lifelong? Yes, it certainly can be. Learning another language is a complex yet exciting process which challenges numerous areas of your brain. You get accustomed to a whole new set of rules, grammatical structure, and literature. It forces those parts of your brain to work that in ordinary circumstances are not much used. Improve your focus, reduce your risk of memory loss, and get new insights by learning a new language. 3.   Foods That Improve Brain Function healthy fats, Credit: Canva Diet plays a huge role in improving brain functioning of an individual. Particularly, healthy fats like those found in olive oil, nut butter, nuts, and seeds are what you need to include in your diet. Healthy fats are essential to help you get rid of any mood swings. They also help in minimizing the development of chronic diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Eat a well-balanced diet and ensure that you are getting an adequate amount of proteins and fats. Foods that improve memory and concentration are green leafy vegetables, walnuts, almonds, citrus fruits like strawberries and goji berries. 4.   Engage in Physical Exercises Woman exercising, Credit: Canva How to keep your brain healthy through exercise? You might have heard about the innumerable benefits of exercise for preserving your physical health. But did you know that exercising is equally important for your mental health as well? Even indulging in an activity like dance forces your brain to follow a sequence of unpredictable actions. It is a great way to challenge your mind and enhance its longevity. 5.   Sleep More Woman sleeping, Credit: Canva Attaining a good quality of sleep for seven to nine hours every day is essential to enhanced brain health. It can help you to increase your learning, improve memory, attention, and focus. Those who sleep soundly feel more positive than those who have just woken up from a night of fragmented sleep. You will not experience unwanted mood swings and energy crashes once you have a proper schedule in place. 6.   Reduce Your Stress Levels A man feeling stressed, Credit: Canva We are living in an age where we get stressed by our own thoughts. It is common for people to overthink about a particular situation and raise their stress levels. High levels of cortisol hinder not only your physical health but also your memory and thinking ability. It ages your brain and slows down its plasticity processes. Plasticity is the process by which your brain adapts itself to new situations. If you are mentally fit and alert, you can adapt yourself to novel situations efficiently than if you are not. 7.   Practice Mindfulness Woman meditating, Credit: Canva It is rightly said that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind. Why is it so? It is because a mind that keeps wandering is always engaged in thoughts that are more geared towards reminding them about their limitations and failures. Mindfulness is a practice that enables a person to live in the present moment. It reduces stress and enhances attention and focus. Mindfulness also helps in reversing negative mood patterns and making the person more optimistic and ready to embrace life. By now you must have attained a comprehensive understanding of how to keep your brain healthy. It does not matter what your age is. You can start making these changes into your lifestyle and start noticing its effects on your mental health instantly. It’s time to say goodbye to all stress, negative thinking, and mindless worries. It is never too late to enjoy improved brain health no matter at which stage of your life you are.

According to the former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, walking is like a wonder drug for human beings. Indeed, the benefits of walking are endless. You only need half an hour of it per day to experience a significant increase in your fitness levels, reduction in total body fat and enhanced muscle power. Apart from positive physical changes, you also prevent chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, certain types of cancer, and joint problems like osteoporosis. It is a big misconception that your everyday activity should be vigorous and intense. A low to moderate level of exercise like walking when done regularly throughout the week is enough to make you observe and feel a significant increase in fitness levels. Walking is a form of exercise which everyone can engage in freely, be it elderly, children, adults, and even overweight individuals. Once you become aware of the surprising benefits of walking, it will only be a matter of time you start including it in your daily life. What Are the Benefits of Walking Every Day? 1.   The route to a Longer Healthier Life A fit woman, Credit: Canva One of the foremost benefits of walking is that by increasing your fitness levels, it improves your overall health. Researches have time and again pointed to the increased lifespan that people with great fitness levels and overall health enjoy. One can safely say that walking regularly can add up to eight extra years to an individual’s life. According to research from the American Cancer Society, people who walked for around six hours every week enjoy better cardiovascular health than those who do not. They thus have a low risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke, and other respiratory diseases. 2.   Boosts Blood Circulation in the Body Cardiovascular system, Credit: Canva One of the crucial morning walking benefits is the enhanced blood circulation throughout your body. This increase in blood circulation that walking induces wards off many health ailments among the elderly males and females. People can prevent themselves from becoming victims to many chronic diseases. Those who are already suffering from heart diseases can benefit immensely from walking regularly. Over time, it leads to a lowering of their blood pressure and strengthening of their heart muscles. Women who have hit menopause can significantly reduce their levels of blood pressure in about half a year of walking consistently. 3.   Strong Bone Health An old woman, Credit: Canva One of the most striking benefits of walking is that it prevents the bones from losing their mass especially in those people who are suffering from osteoporosis. Hence, walking is a great form of exercise that elderly people, especially those dealing with joint and bone problems should engage in. many studies have found that half an hour of consistent walking every single day minimizes the risk of fractures in the hip area in postmenopausal women. Given these impressive benefits of walking, every elderly or those in their fifties should start incorporating walking into their daily routine. 4.   Better Mood A happy woman, Credit: Canva Walking is a natural mood-boosting remedy. The more people walk, the more endorphins get released in their body. It is one of the most useful emotional benefits that walkers receive. This mood-boosting benefit is especially noticeable in those people who walk at a quicker pace. As their heart rate increases, they will feel the release of more endorphins into their body. You can easily increase your pace of walking after some time of engaging in this physical activity. 5.   Lowers Cognitive Decline An elderly couple, Credit: Canva One of the major benefits of walking pertains to its ability to lower the rate of cognitive or memory decline in people. Studies have repeatedly shown that women who walked for around 2 to 2.5 miles every day had a significant reduction in their memory decline compared to those who did not. This study was conducted in women above 65 years of age. According to a study done by the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, elderly men above 70 years of age reduced in half their risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. All this evidence goes on to show that people, especially the elderly can benefit along from walking. 6.   A Leaner and Fitter Physique A fit woman, Credit: Canva People often ask, can you lose weight just by walking 30 minutes a day? Well, you definitely can. Just half an hour of walking burns tons of calories and this amount only increases as you increase your pace. Thus walking is a great tool for weight loss and control. You can combine this activity with a reduction in the excess calories that you consume and in no time you will start losing weight. However, be cautious about overdoing it. You can end up with sore muscles and burnout. Walk short distances and overtime increase the distances that you walk. The benefits of walking are truly limitless. You only need to make walking an integral part of your lifestyle. Apart from physical, you will also notice huge mental and emotional benefits too. It’s time you set your alarm for a morning walk today.

Condoms are an extremely important part of safe sex. Not only do they help a couple avoid unwanted pregnancy, but they also help in preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. There are many types of condoms that are available in the Indian market. It can leave one confused as to what to buy and what not to. Moreover, they also vary in their effectiveness. Looking at their wide range, one can wonder what kind of condoms are best? Do not worry. Keep reading to find more about the best condoms in India. What Are the Three Types of Condoms? condoms, Credit: Canva Broadly, there are three types of condoms, of which you should use only one during intercourse. They are: Regular condoms for males. These can collect the fluids from ejaculation. Internal condoms for females. These go inside a woman’s vagina to inhibit the entering of sperm. Dental dams which consist of latex sheets. They are used during oral sex and help to minimize the risk of STD’s. Types of Condoms in India condom, Credit: Canva 1. Latex condoms One of the most commonly available and highly affordable types of condoms, these help in the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. They have an effectiveness of 85 to 98 per cent. 2. Non-latex condoms These condoms are made of natural rubber and effectively inhibits the entering of sperms and also viruses into the woman’s vagina. They also provide more pleasure during intercourse. 3. Condoms with a spermicidal coating These types of condoms consist of a spermicidal coating whose main aim is to kill the sperms. However, many men have found themselves to be allergic to this condom. 4. Tantric texture condom These condoms are inspired by tattoo-like textures. They were the first condoms to be designed in the world of safe sex. 5. Textured condoms These types of condoms are considered the best for enhancing the sexual experience. They come in various types and all of them are designed in such a manner that evokes a greater sexual response. 6. Lambskin condoms These condoms are made using the skin of lambs. They are not considered the safest to help you minimize your risk of pregnancy. However, they impart a certain kind of sensitivity to men which they find quite pleasing. 7. Tickler condoms These condoms cause women to feel a tickling sensation in their vagina. Thus, they get more aroused by using it. They are created out of soft rubber or jelly and are more suitable for women who are already taking birth control pills. 8. Condoms for females These types of condoms can be easily recognised by their elephant-like trunk. They have not yet garnered much popularity and are more expensive than the male one. It is suitable for people who suffer from an allergic reaction while wearing latex condoms. 9. Thick glow-in-dark condoms These types of condoms have three different layers, one made of phosphorus and the other two made out of latex. It gives them a glowing effect in a dark room. Their safety effectiveness is similar to that of the regular, common condoms. 10. Condoms with extra lubrication These are ideal for those people who suffer from a dry vagina. These kinds of condoms come with extra lubrication which allows women to enjoy intercourse without feeling any pain. 11. Condoms that last long These condoms consist of a solution called benzocaine. It has the effect of numbing the penis’s tip. It is ideal for men who often ejaculate prematurely. 12. Dotted condoms These condoms contain dots on their surfaces. The lubrication in the condoms, when added to the dots, allow these types of condoms to provide a rich sexual experience. 13. Condoms with ribs The exterior layers of these condoms contain ribs. Their function is to enhance the stimulation and allow women to experience orgasm faster than before. 14. Flavoured condoms Have you ever wondered, why condoms are in flavours? These condoms are mainly used during oral sex, hence, the flavours enhance the experience. Many flavours like chocolate, strawberries, apple, etc are available in these condoms. They are very effective in minimizing the transmission of STDs during sex. 15. Condoms made with aloe vera Aloe vera consists of a slimy substance which acts as a natural lubricant. Condoms made with it allow the individual to experience sexual pleasure without any pain. 16. Ultra-sleek condoms Usually, the reason why men do not like wearing condoms is that they do not give them a natural feeling during intercourse. However, ultra-thin or sleek condoms are well-lubricated and enhance their sexual experience. 17. Condoms that impart warmth These types of condoms impart a warming feeling. They are great to enhance the sexual experience. 18. Wide tip condoms These are also called pleasure-shaped condoms. They are characterized by their wide tips, whose function is to provide extra friction. More latex in this condom leads to the stimulation of the endings of the nerve that are present at the head of the penis. 19. Condoms with a spearmint taste These condoms are coated with a powdery substance that gives them the taste of spearmint. They are not lubricated. These are one of the best condoms for preventing pregnancy and for safe oral sex. 20. Condoms that give a tingling sensation These condoms contain a lubricant that provides a tingling and enhanced sexual experience for both males and females. Some of it also comes with a refreshing smell of mint. 21. Musical condoms These condoms complete the need of music that you might crave during intercourse. However, many people have found them to be a source of distraction rather than entertainment. Which Condoms Are Safest? A condom, Credit: Canva Male condoms are safer and provide more protection for preventing diseases like HIV, syphilis, gonorrhoea, and chlamydia. These condoms are made out of latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene. These materials provide the most ideal protection against STDs. It is important that you know how to use condoms during sex so that you enjoy the experience without the risk of an unwanted pregnancy. Follow the package instructions while using it.

Haemorrhoids or piles affect an enormously large number of people. This condition occurs when the tissues in your anal canal become inflamed. These tissues contain numerous elastic and muscle fibres, blood vessels, and other support tissues. Since this condition is very painful, people dealing with it often ask, how to cure piles permanently at home? Well, apart from medical treatment, you can get relief from this condition in the comfort of your home. There are numerous home remedies for piles which help those affected by it immensely. A point to note is that you should never leave piles untreated. If you do so, then you will only experience a worsening of your symptoms as this condition will aggravate as you age. Are you tired of asking how can I remove piles permanently at home? Your search for the best remedies to get rid of this condition at your home will be complete after you read the rest of this article. How to Cure Piles Permanently at Home? grains, Credit: Canva Epsom salt baths can help a lot in getting relief from the pain of haemorrhoids. Experts recommend that people with piles should make it a point to get a warm bath for at least 20 minutes every day after their bowel movements. To minimize the pain, itching, and bleeding that accompany piles, you can use witch hazel. Applying this solution directly on the affected area will help in reducing the inflammation. Pure aloe vera can also be used to calm down the inflammation caused by piles. Aloe vera has many anti-inflammatory properties which makes it an ideal treatment to be used on haemorrhoids. Another effective home remedy involves the creation of a mixture made of two ingredients, namely, glycerin and Epsom salt. Just take equal quantities of both glycerin and Epsom salt, pour it on a gauze pad, and leave it on the affected area for around 20 minutes. You can repeat it at an interval of 4 to 6 hours. Cold compresses or ice packs are extremely efficient at reducing the inflammation caused due to piles. Moreover, it is also considered as a highly useful and potent treatment option for people suffering from large haemorrhoids. Make sure to always wrap the ice cube in some cloth or towel before applying to the affected area. Apply it for around 15 minutes. Hydration is also crucial for people to manage the condition of piles. You should aim to keep your body well hydrated by drinking around 3 liters of water daily. Stool softeners or supplements made of fibre can minimize constipation and subsequently result in softer stools. When your stool is soft, you can have smooth bowel movements. Which Food Can Cure Piles? fruits and vegetables, Credit: Canva How to cure piles permanently at home by consuming the right kind of food? Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are what you should focus on eating more of if you want to reduce the pain. These food items increase the amount of your stools while also softening it. Thus, you benefit from smooth bowel movements. When you don’t strain while passing bowel movements, the symptoms of piles improve dramatically. Include the following food items in your diet: 1 to 1.5 cups of grains like shredded wheat, whole wheat spaghetti, and ready to eat cereal. A serving of fruits like pears and apples both with skin. 1 to 1.5 cups of vegetables like peas, sweet potato, potato, winter squash, etc. Half cup of beans like kidney beans and pinto beans. What should not be eaten in piles? You should refrain from eating too much fast food, meat, cheese, and some frozen foods. You should also avoid eating ice creams, chips, unhealthy snack food items, and dinners that can be microwaved easily. Can Piles Be Cured Permanently? Doctors operating a person, Credit: Canva Piles is an extremely painful condition that affects 1 in 20 people almost in every country. Hence, those affected by it seek a way to get rid of it permanently. But is it really possible to cure it fully at home or through over the counter treatments? In all honesty, the home remedies will only help you to stop this condition from deteriorating any further. They are not a one-stop solution to get rid of it forever. Mild cases of haemorrhoids can be treated effectively but not moderate to severe ones. Surgery, particularly laser surgery is one of the most useful ways by which you can get rid of this condition in a span of only three days. There is no risk of post-surgery infection in individuals. It is totally pain-free and there are very fewer chances of your piles returning back after the treatment.

India is one of those countries that witnessed a massive outbreak of the novel coronavirus. Thousands of people lost their lives while the economy suffered huge losses. Over the past months, everyone seems to have prayed for the speedy arrival of covid vaccine India and finally as the year 2021 rolls, their prayers seem to have been answered. On Saturday, 16 January, 3021, a mega vaccination drive was started in which more than 30 crore people received the covid 19 vaccine. The two major vaccines, namely, the Covaxin, developed by the Bharat biotech and Covishield developed by the Oxford University have received the stamp of approval from the Indian government. Both these vaccines will be injected in an interval of 28 days. In the first phase of the vaccination drive in India, around 3 crore healthcare workers will be inoculated. Thereafter, this figure will be increased to 30 crores. Already, the medical director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Randeep Guleria, and NITI Aayog member, V.K Paul have been vaccinated. According to the latest coronavirus vaccine update, till now over 50 lakh people have received the vaccine shot. The drive is only going to get more intense in the coming months. Every healthcare worker is expected to get the vaccine by February 20, 2021. However, people are still under a cloud of confusion regarding this covid 19 vaccine. There are various questions regarding the effectiveness and side effects of the vaccine on their minds. Let us explore them in detail. How Safe is Covid Vaccine? Vaccine bottles, Credit: Canva The covid 19 vaccine has undergone extensive safety trials. Only then its efficiency has been announced. However, the vaccine is not safe for those with food allergies. Hence, consulting with your physician before going in for the shot is of utmost importance. According to the trial data, many volunteers have testified to its effectiveness after a single shot. Can You Still Get Covid After the Vaccine? Virus, Credit: Canva Yes, you can get infected by the virus. But it will not lead to the development of major complications in your body which arises as a result of replication of the virus. Your immunity will be strong but you can spread the virus by coming in contact with another person. Does the Vaccine Prevent Covid? Vaccine bottles, Credit: Canva Covid 19 vaccines protective efficiency is very high. It is 90 per cent effective in preventing covid infection. What Is the Cost of Covid 19 Vaccine in India? Vaccine bottle and money, Credit: Canva The vaccine Covishield is expected to be sold at Rs. 200 to the government. By March 2021, this vaccine will be available for private use for an amount of Rs. 700 to Rs. 800. Regarding Covaxin, there is no clarity over the cost as yet. However, there are many reports that demonstrate that the vaccine will cost around Rs. 350. It may even be less than that. Who Is Eligible for the Covid 19 Vaccine? Woman getting injected, Credit: Canva It is to be remembered that at present, the vaccine has not been made accessible to the public. However, in the event of it being made accessible to the masses, people will have to register on the Co-win app on their mobile phones. They will need to supply all the details like ID card, Aadhaar card, voter’s ID, PAN card, passport, and other mentioned documents. After that, they will get an SMS on their mobile phones. The SMS will contain all the details regarding the venue, time, and date for the vaccination. Are There Any Side Effects of the Covid 19 Vaccine? A woman feeling ill, Credit: Canva There are no major side effects of the vaccine. There are some temporary ones that may feel discomforting. You may experience a mild fever, soreness in your arms, swelling, exhaustion, and muscle ache. But these symptoms may go away after a while. Some dangerous side effects occur only to those who are allergic to it. Is It Compulsory to Get the Vaccine? When Do Government Plan to Vaccinate the Entire Country? A person getting injected, Credit: Canva In India, it is not mandatory for everyone to get vaccinated. The vaccine is voluntary. However, the government of India has requested every individual to get the shot. It will help immensely in curbing the spread of infection and will break the chain of transmission. The government of India plans to get the entire country vaccinated by October of this year. The caseload of COVID 19 infections in India has decreased to a considerable extent. There is a decrease in death rate and an increase in the recovery rate. With the onset of the vaccine, it is safe to assume that this downward trend will continue. However, it is not a call to throw all the precautions out of the window. You should still follow the safety protocols. Maintain proper hygiene, wash your hands often, maintain social distancing, and do not forget to wear masks while stepping outside of your homes. It is especially important for those suffering from any underlying health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses. They have been specially requested to get themselves vaccinated and follow all the safety protocols.

At some points of the day, you might experience your eyelids getting heavy, a sense of exhaustion taking over your body accompanied by repeated yawning. It might not happen every day but on the days that you have not had proper rest at night, you might feel yourself struggling with excessive sleepiness the next day. You might also feel that sometimes no matter how much you sleep, this sense of drowsiness just won’t go. It is normal for you to ask, why do I sleep so much, in such a scenario. If you are sleeping too much, or you cannot focus on your tasks because you feel sleepy all the time, you first need to figure out what is causing it in the first place. Let us find out what is excessive sleepiness and the reasons that are behind it. What Is Excessive Sleepiness? A girl resting against a bench, Credit: Canva Excessive sleepiness or excessive day time sleepiness refers to an enhanced sleep propensity that results due to sleep deprivation. When your body is not well-rested, it tends to fall asleep. Keep in mind that excessive sleepiness is not a health condition or a disorder. It is a symptom or sign that can result from various causes. Sleep deprivation is only one of the cause. Excessive daytime sleepiness may feel like always entering into a drowsy state of being. You might feel yourself wanting to sleep at a time when you should be alert and active. If you are someone who is dealing with it and are wondering why am I sleeping so much all of a sudden, then here are all the reasons that may be causing you to experience excessive sleepiness. Why Do I Sleep So Much – Causes A woman with closed eyes, Credit: Canva 1. Insomnia One of the most common and serious sleep disorders is insomnia. It is a condition in which you are not able to fall asleep, consequently, you are not able to give your body adequate rest, and it always remains sleep deprived. When your body is not getting sufficient rest, you will feel tired all the time. You might also feel sleepy but when you actually go to bed, sleep simply eludes you. 2. Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea is also one of the serious sleep disorders which causes your breathing to pause intermittently during the night. A person suffering from sleep apnea gets fragmented sleep as a result of which they have to deal with excessive daytime sleepiness. 3. Fibromyalgia It is a very painful condition in which the muscles and joints of a person are constantly under pain. Their brain becomes very sensitive to pain. It does not let them sleep properly at night and they experience constant fatigue during the day. 4. Herniated disk When the intervertebral disc in your back develops a tear, it can cause you to feel intense lower back pain. The pain radiates and spreads to the back and legs. This condition significantly interferes with quality sleep at night and can cause you to experience excessive sleepiness the next day. You might wonder why do I sleep so much. It is because of the absence of rest that makes your body tired. 5. Arthritis Arthritis or inflammation of the joints is a serious condition that only gets worse as one age. It causes terrible pain in the affected joints especially at night and makes it very difficult for people to fall asleep. Patients may feel drowsy or tired the next day. Eventually, the pain induced tiredness and fatigue may get so severe that they may ask a question like is it okay to sleep 12 hours a day? 6. Medications Another event in which you may find yourself asking the question, why do I sleep so much is when you are under lots of prescription medication. You may be unaware of this fact, but these medications act as sedatives and make you feel disoriented and drowsy throughout the day. 7. Depression Depression is one of the major mental health conditions that can cause a person to feel tired and drowsy all day long. Many people with depression sleep too much or do not sleep at all. This disturbed sleeping pattern makes their body exhausted and they might feel that despite sleeping they always seem to feel tired and lethargic. 8. Post Traumatic stress disorder It is a serious mental health condition that occurs after a person experiences a particularly intense and disturbing traumatic event. Its symptoms, of which one is disturbed sleep arises months or even years after the incident has occurred. The person experiences frequent bouts of nightmares and insomnia and therefore does not get a night of quality sleep. It makes them feel tired and drowsy the next day. 9. Narcolepsy A neurological condition that makes you wonder why do I sleep so much is narcolepsy. Here, your brain is unable to regulate the right time for you to sleep and wake up. It causes you to fall asleep while you are engaged in any activity. You have no control over this situation. Since you are unable to sleep at night, you find yourself feeling sleepy at unusual hours the next day. 10. Parkinson’s disease The cognitive decline caused by Parkinson’s disease causes many sleep disturbances to the patients. Due to lack of sleep the night before, the patients find it difficult to remain alert the next day. Moreover, the medications that a person suffering from this disease takes also interferes with their sleep. 11. Meningitis It is a serious infection that affects the membranes of a person’s brain and spine. If left untreated, it can cause brain damage and consequent death. One of the major symptoms of this infection is fatigue and excessive sleepiness. It might seem hard for you to wake up once you have fallen asleep. 12. Diabetes Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder where your body’s cells are unable to produce insulin to process glucose or sugar. Disturbed sleep due to unstable blood sugar levels is a common symptom of this condition. It also makes the patients suffer from insomnia and the consequent fatigue and sleepiness the next day. 13. Kidney disease If your kidneys are damaged, then it becomes difficult for them to filter out waste products from your body. With the buildup of these products in the blood, you might develop conditions like restless leg syndrome and insomnia. All of these causes you to experience excessive sleep the next day because of your inability to get a good sleep the night before. How Can I Stop Sleeping Too Much? A woman smiling, Credit: Canva If you are suffering from any of the above conditions, then it is essential for you to consult your doctor and communicate with them about your symptoms. But excessive sleepiness is not only a result of the above mentioned serious conditions. It can also happen if you do not have proper sleeping habits. If you are not diagnosed with the conditions described above and still ask, Why do I sleep so much and still feel tired, you might need to do the following Maintain a proper sleeping schedule Maintain a healthy lifestyle Improve your sleep hygiene by making your bedroom environment conducive to sleep Keep your stress levels under control It is also important for you to know how much sleep is too much. Most healthy adults require seven to nine hours of sound sleep. You may require more than this if you engage in a physically demanding job. You can also sleep a few hours more if you have not had a quality sleep since quite some time. Either way, seven to nine hours of rest is a must for you to function optimally.

Headache is one of the most common pain experienced by people all over the world. A person can feel this pain in their head, usually around the area of their temples at any point in the day. Its causes can be many. Usually excessive stress, unhealthy, lack of sleep, and dehydration are its most common causes. However, chronic headache can also be a symptom of an underlying health condition. The medical community has categorized headaches into various kinds. Migraine headaches are the most intense and there are many people who suffer from this kind of headache. How to get rid of a headache is a common question that migraine sufferers ask. Apart from medications, there are various natural remedies that you can use for bringing about headache relief. Natural Remedies for Headaches A woman taking a massage, Credit: Canva If you are someone who is dealing with headaches on a daily basis, it is important for you to determine the cause of it. People suffering from headaches for a prolonged period of time, usually wonder, why won’t my headache go away? It may be that you are not able to identify the right treatment for yourself, or are not making changes in your lifestyle. It is important for you to consult your doctor if you find that no amount of over the counter medications or natural remedies is able to provide you adequate relief. Given below are some of the most effective remedies that will help you seek an answer to the question, how to get rid of a headache. 1. Head massage Can you rub out a headache? With a head massage services, you indeed can. 30 minutes of head massage will help you to experience decreased pain, intensity, and tension in your head. A scalp massage is very effective in providing relief from migraine pain. It eases the tension that is present in your neck, shoulders, and jaw. This tension is what causes a headache to develop. 2. Acupressure It is a technique that makes the use of pressure to certain parts of an individual’s body. This pressure releases the muscle tension and consequently the pain. Where is the pressure point to get rid of a headache? This pressure point lies in the place that is between the lower part of the left thumb and your pointer finger. If you apply pressure here from your opposite hand, you will find much relief from your pain. 3. Making changes in your diet If you find yourself suffering from headaches on a frequent basis, it is necessary to examine what diet you are consuming on a daily basis. Food and drinks like chocolate, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and junk food all trigger headache in many people. Reduce the amount of these food items or eliminate them for some time to experience relief from headache. 4. Drink water Sometimes, the answer to the question, how to get rid of a headache can be as simple as drinking enough water. You need to make sure that the balance of electrolytes in your body is optimal. People who consume alcohol are especially prone to dehydration and the resultant headache. By drinking more water, they can help themselves get relief from it. 5. Hot compress Another easy way to find relief from headache is to apply some hot compress to the area that lies at the back of your neck. You can also apply it on your forehead. The compresses work by relaxing the buildup of tension and vasoconstriction. 6. Medicinal herbs According to the ancient Indian tradition, headaches are a result of mind-body disharmony. It can be treated by using various medicinal herbs that reestablish the harmony between the mental and the physical being of a person. Herbs like rosemary, lavender, coriander are recommended to be used in food to attain relief from headache. 7. Yogic techniques You can control your headache and prevent it from occurring again by practicing yoga daily. The yogic exercises are designed to exert pressure on the glandular systems of an individual’s body. Various yoga poses and neck exercises ease tension and strengthen organs like the spinal cord while activating the nervous systems. It immensely helps in releasing pain from the head. 8. Garlic and ginger treatment Garlic and ginger are two potent herbs that can help in alleviating headaches of all kinds. How to get rid of a headache using these herbs? You can consume the juice of garlic or ginger tea. Ginger can also be applied externally. Both these herbs act as painkillers. 9. Acupuncture treatment Acupuncture is also a natural treatment to help people get rid of headaches. Its effectiveness has been reported in various studies. People with migraine can find their headaches reducing in frequency after this treatment. You can avail it by finding a reliable acupuncture practitioner near you. 10. Magnesium to ease headache One should always eat a whole food diet that has all the essential nutrients. It will help in preventing the development of deficiency of any crucial vitamin or mineral. It has been observed that magnesium deficiency can trigger various kinds of  headaches. Magnesium supplementation is very useful for decreasing the occurrence of migraines in people. 11. Vitamin E for women Many women face menstrual headaches. To get effective relief from this type of headache, vitamin E, if taken in the recommended amount (400 units) for a period of five days when they are nearing their menses can help immensely in minimizing the occurrence of a headache. 12. Vitamin B complex for migraine The B vitamins are largely responsible for balancing the neurotransmitters in the brain. Many studies are being conducted to conclude their effectiveness in reducing pain. It has been reported that B complex vitamins can indeed play a role in alleviating the severity of migraine headaches. 13. Quality sleep Another simple answer to this question, how to get rid of a headache is by taking adequate rest. If your body does not receive complete seven to nine hours of sleep regularly then you will experience more headaches than usual. 14. Warm cow milk Cow’s milk, when warmed and given to a person suffering from headache will significantly help them in getting relief from it. It is recommended to drink one glass of warm milk before going to bed. It will also facilitate a night of sound sleep and help you wake up the next morning feeling refreshed. 15. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation It is an antioxidant that is generated inside a person’s body. It creates ATP which your body’s cells need to function properly. CO10 supplementation will stop the chemical reactions that are causing you to experience a headache from taking place. Hence, you will experience relief from it. 16. Avoid high histamine foods You might find yourself always seeking the answer to the question, how to get rid of a headache if you consume foods that are high in histamine. Cheese, fermented foods, wine, and meat are all high in histamine. Limit or avoid their consumption if you are experiencing a rise in your headaches. 17. Essential oils for reducing headache Oils like peppermint and lavender are very beneficial in helping you get relief from the headache. Gently massage these oils in your temple area to experience a significant reduction in the intensity of your headache. How Long Does It Take for a Headache to Go Away A man with his hand on the head, Credit: Canva There are various kinds of headache. A mild headache will not take more than a few minutes to go while a serious migraine will take up to as long as 15 days to get over. If you are experiencing chronic headaches without any probable reason, then it will be a good idea to consult a doctor.

The arrival of autumn and the subsequent colder months also herald the arrival of something else. It is the yearly flu season. Today, people are more concerned about getting susceptible to flu as the coronavirus pandemic rages in the world. The flu season is marked by an increase in the number of its cases. It mainly covers the winter months of November and December and stretches all the way till March. As nations are already reeling under the shock of the pandemic, an increase in the number of patients being admitted for flu will only increase the burden on healthcare facilities. In such a scenario, getting a flu vaccine is imperative for every individual who wants to save themselves from becoming a victim to it. What Is Seasonal Flu? A sick woman, Credit: Canva Seasonal flu or seasonal influenza is a viral infection that causes the occurrence of fever, dry cough, joint and muscle pain, headaches, runny nose, and soreness in the throat. One of its defining characteristics is the cough that accompanies it. This cough is of a very severe kind and the person who gets it is not able to recover from it even after a few days. The patient needs at least 14 days or more to recover. If taken care of by the flu vaccine in time, or by availing the suitable treatment, one can easily recover from it in a week’s time. However, if left untreated it can even result in death. How Is Seasonal Flu Different from Coronavirus Flu? virus illustration, Credit: Canva The main difference between the two cases of flu is that seasonal flu is marked by its regular arrival during winters. Most people are already immune to seasonal flu and those who are not can easily make themselves immune to it through a flu vaccine. For coronavirus, people do not have any immunity as it is a new kind of virus. Also, there is no vaccine available for it, unlike the flu vaccine for influenza. Seasonal flu mostly targets certain sections of the population like the elderly, infants, expecting women and persons suffering from obesity or other health condition. This is in marked contrast to coronavirus which can strike any section of the population. Facts About the Annual Flu Vaccine That You Should Know A doctor injecting a person, Credit: Canva 1. How does the vaccine protect you? The vaccine will protect you by forming antibodies in your body. It is to be noted that all flu vaccines do not guarantee immunity from all the four viruses. There are some which protect against only three viruses, while others are developed particularly for elderly people to give their immune system a high amount of protection. 2. How effective is the flu shot? According to the CDC or Centre for Disease control and protection, the flu vaccine is guaranteed to minimize your flu risk by 40-60 per cent. 3. How many people get flu shots? Around 40 to 60 per cent of people in the United States get the flu shots. In India, there is a greater need for people to become aware of the vaccine that can protect them from the viral infection. 4. When should you get a flu shot? You might wonder, when should I get flu shot 2020 2021? should note that the vaccine will only start developing antibodies in your body two weeks after your vaccination. So, you should get vaccinated as soon as the fall season comes. 5. How long do flu shots last? So how long is a flu vaccine good for? The flu vaccine is effective for a period of six months. After six months, the level of antibodies starts to wane. Also, the influenza virus mutates every year. Both these factors diminish the protection offered by the vaccine. 6. Can the flu shot make you sick? No, you cannot get sick after getting vaccinated. However, you may experience certain side effects like skin redness, muscle soreness, or inflammation in the area where you were injected. Along with it, a slight fever and pain in your muscles may also occur. It may seem like you are getting sick, but in reality, you aren’t. 7. What is the best flu vaccine for 2020? There is no best flu vaccine as there are many good options open for people to choose from. If you really want to find out which one is ideal for you, you should consult your doctor. Majorly there are two vaccines namely, inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV), live attenuated nasal spray influenza vaccine (LAIV4), or recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV). 8. Is it necessary to get the flu shot? Every year, almost 200,000 people become victim to influenza. The death rate from this infection in children is high. Also, it spreads very quickly. You might contract the disease if you come in contact with an infected person. 9. Where should I go to get the vaccine? You can get yourself vaccinated from your nearest hospital or pharmacy. Every health department offers a vaccine for the annual flu. 10. Should I get infected or get vaccinated? It is not a good idea at all to get yourself infected with the virus to develop its antibodies. Flu can be dangerous, and even if you are a healthy individual, there is a risk of developing serious health complications as a result of it. 11. Can the flu vaccine make me susceptible to coronavirus infection? No. there is no evidence from any study conducted so far about the flu vaccine making one prone to contracting COVID-19. There were some talks of the flu vaccine being connected with some types of coronaviruses early in January 2020. But these coronaviruses were seasonal ones, not the novel coronavirus which caused the pandemic. Influenza or the seasonal flu is a serious infection that takes the lives of millions of people every year. However, it is something from which you can easily save yourself by getting vaccinated on time.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD happens when the acid in your stomach flow back into your oesophagus. The oesophagus is the tube that functions as a medium of connection between your stomach and throat. GERD is also called acid reflux. It is a very discomforting condition in which you feel a sharp pain in your chest after some time of having your meal. Consistently experiencing it can signal an underlying health condition. What causes acid reflux? It occurs because the valve which is present at the end of a person’s oesophagus (lower oesophagal sphincter) does not close as it should when food gets accumulated in your stomach. The acid from the food is directed up through the oesophagus and thus you feel a bitter taste in your mouth. Today, this condition is becoming increasingly common. People also suffer from acid reflux while sleeping which can be a source of significant disturbance to them. There is a need to know how to stop acid reflux so that you are able to take preventive steps. What Are Acid Reflux Causes? Man feeling uneasy, Credit: Canva There are many factors that may cause the acids in your stomach to flow into your oesophagus. They are Excessive pressure on the stomach GERD happens due to the consumption of certain food items and unhealthy eating habits. What foods cause acid reflux? Certain dairy items, spicy and extra fried food items are known for causing heartburn. Certain medications for conditions like asthma, hypertension, and allergies can also cause acid reflux. You may also experience sudden acid reflux or heartburn if you suffer from hiatal hernia. It is a condition in which the upper abdomen pushes forward into the diaphragm. It comes in the way of normal food intake. Why Do I Have Acid Reflux All of a Sudden? Girls with hands-on her throat, Credit: Canva Many people wonder, what causes acid reflux so suddenly? GERD is a progressive disease. Its symptoms are rarely visible at first, but with time they become more pronounced. You may experience acid reflux all of a sudden even when you have not consumed any meal. You may find that you are bending down to pick something and suddenly you feel symptoms like bitter taste and heartburn. It is because of a significant weakening of the anti-reflux barrier. If you are continuously experiencing the symptoms it is time to get evaluated by a doctor. Also, you need to start improving your lifestyle and keep a check on your weight. Weight gain is one of the major reasons that make a person experience acid reflux. What Are Acid Reflux Symptoms? Woman feeling uneasy, Credit: Canva Now that you know what causes acid reflux, it is time to gain a better awareness of its signs and symptoms. GERD affects people in varying ways. Not all people experience the same symptoms. But the most common ones are listed below. Heartburn or sharp pain in the upper chest region is the most common symptom. Food regurgitation or the food flowing back into your mouth from the oesophagus Coughing and difficulty swallowing food Nausea and vomiting Sore throat A hoarse throat Foul-smelling breath A sudden feeling of getting choked Difficulty in breathing How Do You Stop Acid Reflux? Tray of food, Credit: Canva You can treat acid reflux in various ways. If you are repeatedly experiencing it, it is important to assess your lifestyle. Are you eating too much spicy or fried food and moving too little? Are you eating certain food items that trigger your reflux symptoms or are you drinking too many carbonated beverages? Make way for a healthy lifestyle, and if the problem persists, consult your doctor. Some of the easy ways by which you can ease the symptoms are given below. Instead of big meals, eat small meals. Sometimes, a big meal can cause instant acid reflux. Certain food items that can make you encounter reflux symptoms are tomatoes, garlic, onions, spicy food, alcohol, coffee, and tea. Stay away from them. Limit your intake of carbonated beverages Do not sleep immediately after having a meal. Wait for at least three hours. Do not indulge in high-intensity exercises immediately or one to two hours after you have consumed a meal. You can walk at a leisurely pace. When you are sleeping, remember to keep your head a few inches higher than your lower body. It is advised that you lose weight as it will help reduce the pressure on the oesophagus sphincter. Stop smoking as nicotine relaxes the sphincter. Now that you know all about what causes acid reflux, it is time to take corrective steps. Determine what is it that is making the acids in your stomach come back into your throat. Also, consult a doctor if you find that you are not able to manage the symptoms well.