Zucchini Health Benefits

Zucchini is often referred to as a summer squash, and comes in two colors - yellow and green. This versatile vegetable/ fruit is extremely beneficial for our health, since it contains many nutrients, like vitamin A, manganese, potassium, folate, etc., in adequate amounts. It has fewer calories as well - only 15 - 20 calories in 100 gm of Zucchini - so if you are hungry, then this is the perfect food, since it will fill your stomach without expanding your waistline or adding love handles. There are many health benefits of Zucchini, and in the following paragraphs, we'll find out what they are.

Benefits of Including Zucchini in Your Diet

✔ Calories in Zucchini are low, so they are a great substitute for fattening foods, i.e., those that have a high calorie count. They will take care of your hunger without you having to worry about piling up the pounds.

✔ Zucchini aids in digestion, when eaten as a side dish with a heavy meal, since it contains magnesium. Steam the Zucchini and add salt for some taste if you wish.

✔ Zucchini is a great way to beat the summer heat. It helps in keeping your body cool, when the temperatures are soaring. Eating it raw is also good.

✔ Zucchini contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Magnesium, which are great for boosting our immune systems. A strong immune system helps ward off common diseases.

✔ Zucchini plays an important role in fighting multiple sclerosis, and reduces the risk of high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks.

✔ Zucchini has a lot of fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C, which are crucial in reducing the cholesterol levels in our bodies. The vitamins are also amazing anti-inflammatory agents, which help in preventing anti-inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, and asthma.

✔ Incorporation of Zucchini in the diet reduces the risk of cancer, because the fibers in Zucchini help in removing the toxins from the body and prevent them from accumulating in the colon. Accumulation of carcinogenic toxins in the colon is mainly what leads to many types of cancers.

✔ Zucchini also helps in reducing the symptoms of benign prostate hypertrophy (BHP), which occurs in males and causes urinary complications and also sexual complications due to enlargement of the prostate gland.

✔ The Vitamin C and Lutein present in Zucchini also keep the eyes healthy and sharp. Vitamin C is also good for warding off asthma, and other diseases associated with lack of Vitamin C, like scurvy.

✔ Vitamin A helps prevent tooth decay, while the overall nutritional factor helps reduce the symptoms of aging to some extent.

✔ Zucchini is also believed to aid memory, help in regeneration of brain cells, and it also protects the cells from damage due to over oxidation.

✔ Zucchini has a high content of water. The potassium in it is an electrolyte which is good for the heart. So Zucchini provides a lot of hydration to the body without the need to constantly consume liquids/ electrolytes throughout the day.

✔ Zucchini also contains adequate amounts of phosphorous and magnesium, which is why it is very good for strengthening the bones. It helps, to some extent, in preventing brittleness of bones due to old age.

Another thing to keep in mind while buying and eating zucchini, is that the color will tell you how rich it is in nutrients. Dark green zucchinis have more nutrients than the lighter ones, so pick out the darker shades. Also, while eating the Zucchini, do not skin it and dispose the rind, since it contains an anti oxidant called 'beta-carotene' which helps our cells, and adds to its many health benefits. Just wash it properly before consuming or using. Eat healthy, stay healthy!

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Health Benefits of Broccoli

Broccoli or Brassica aleracea is a plant that belongs to the family Brassicaceae, which includes vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels Sprouts. Broccoli closely resembles the cauliflower, except for its color. It is an extremely nutritious vegetable, which is loaded with a number of vital nutrients and chemicals.

Nutritional Information

It is one of the most significant sources of several important vitamins, including vitamin A, C, K, B6, B12, and folate or folic acid. It is abundant in calcium, potassium, chromium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Apart from these, it contains several important phytochemicals and antioxidants, of which beta carotene, isothiocyanates, quercetin, indoles, and glutathione are worth mentioning.

It also contains the compound, sulforaphane, which has been found to possess anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic properties. It is a rich source of fiber, and can meet the dietary requirements for both soluble and insoluble fiber. On the other hand, this vegetable is low in fats.

Health Benefits

The high vitamin C content of broccoli makes it an ideal vegetable for getting enough antioxidants, which are essential for neutralizing the harmful free radicals. Vitamin C can also strengthen the immune system and facilitate the absorption of iron. On the other hand, calcium and potassium found abundantly in this vegetable can prove beneficial for conditions like osteoporosis and high blood pressure.

Calcium is required for healthy teeth and bones, while potassium is a crucial mineral for metabolism, and for maintaining water balance in the body. This mineral is also good for the heart and the kidneys. Broccoli also contains a significant amount of chromium, which can help regulate the level of blood sugar and insulin.

This vegetable contains a significant amount of fiber, which is good for the health of the digestive system. Many studies have also highlighted the anti-cancer properties of this vegetable, which can be attributed to its high sulforaphane and indole content. Sulforaphane can help activate and increase the levels of those enzymes that are associated with suppressing cancer or cancer-causing agents. On the other hand, indoles can deactivate estrogen metabolites, and hence lower the risk of hormone-related cancer like breast and prostate cancer.

Apart from these, some other health benefits of this vegetable are, weight reduction, cholesterol reduction, control or prevention of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and stomach, colon, and lung cancer. The carotenoids found in this vegetable are important for the eyes, and they can help prevent diseases like cataract.

Pregnant women can lower the risk of birth defects in their children by including broccoli in their diet. A deficiency of folic acid is one of the most important risk factors for birth defects. This vegetable contains enough folic acid, and hence, it can help lower the incidence of birth defects in babies.

So, broccoli is an ideal food that can help control or prevent several common ailments, including cataract, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, common cold, diabetes, and even cancer and tumors. However, try to avoid overcooking this vegetable, as this can reduce its vitamin and mineral content. It is better to cook this vegetable in simple ways, like steaming or baking, instead of frying it in excess oil or fats.

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Symptoms of Fingers Arthritis

Arthritis Symptoms

Painful fingers, warm stiff joints, swollen knuckles and trouble moving fingers are some of the most common symptoms of arthritis in fingers.

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. While arthritis can invade any joint, the first symptoms of arthritis are visible in the fingers. Tenderness, warmth and redness around the joints is common in arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two common types of arthritis that affect the finger joints. Arthritis of the fingers usually affects the joints located in the fingertip and knuckles of the mid finger.

Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Symptoms of arthritis in finger joints can be clearly noticed as these body parts are the worst affected. Stiffness of finger is the most common symptom associated with osteoarthritis. It is accompanied by pain and swelling. In osteoarthritis, bending the fingers becomes a difficult task. Due to inflammation, the joints do not work properly, thus restricting the motion of the fingers. The person may experience persistent pain within the thumb base which is an indication of osteoarthritis of the basilar joint. Sometimes, the thumb's base may get swollen.

In some cases, osteoarthritis of fingers causes development of nodules or lumps around the knuckles. As a result, the knuckles get stiff, swollen and enlarged. People suffering from arthritis of fingers often find that their grip strength has reduced considerably. They are not able to hold objects firmly. Opening a jar or turning a key is no more a simple task. This loss of strength is a warning sign of finger osteoarthritis. The wrist joint is also affected and interferes with the mobility of the arms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Initially, rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune disorder) affects the middle finger joints but over time the condition progresses and spreads to other fingers. Morning stiffness is a common complaint in rheumatoid arthritis patients. So, after getting up the first thing they notice, is that the joints have become stiff. This usually lasts for about an hour, making it difficult to start your daily schedule. Due to stiffness in joints, the person finds it impossible to straighten out his fingers. This is a disease that affects the same joints of both the hands. Tingling or numbness in the fingers can also occur. Complex deformities are also observed in the hands which signal rheumatoid arthritis. Deformities like 'swan neck' or 'Boutonniere' are also noticed. This causes shifting of the fingers from their normal position. As a result, finger movement gets distorted and is away from the thumb.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Sausage-like shape of fingers is often seen in people affected with psoriatic arthritis (autoimmune disease). In this form of arthritis, the small joints that are close to the nails are damaged. Changes in the appearance of the nail such as ridging, thickening, pitting and yellow-orange discoloration are prominent. This type of arthritis is very rare and generally occurs in men.

Causes

Osteoarthritis occurs due to gradual deterioration of cartilage (part of aging), tough elastic tissue attached at the end of the bone. Due to loss of cartilage, the affected bones rub against each other, causing inflammation of the joints. However, the onset of arthritis is not always due to wear and tear of cartilage. Unhealthy eating habits and diet lacking in nutrition can cause toxic matter to accumulate in the joints. This buildup of toxic matter is what causes the immune system to overreact and attack the joint tissues, leading to inflammation and pain.

Relieving Arthritis Symptoms

Healthy Diet

Did you know that a change in diet will help improve pain? As aforementioned, many times arthritis pain is due to accumulation of toxins in our body that impede cell function. In order to get rid of these toxins and promote cell regeneration, one has to specifically follow a raw diet. Raw foods do an excellent job of neutralizing toxins, which in turn provides relief from pain. Completely switching to raw diet temporarily is necessary to eliminate toxins. One can include raw vegetables, fruits, buttermilk and coconut water in the diet but cooked food and milk should be strictly avoided. Eat only raw food just for 3 weeks and one can expect the pain to fade away. Even after the pain vanishes ensure that 50% of your meal is made up of raw food.

Herbs

Herbs such as ginger and garlic display anti-inflammatory properties, hence can be extremely effective to treat inflammatory conditions like finger arthritis. Including these anti-inflammatory foods is one of the best ways to prevent flare-ups. You can simply grate any of these herbs and sprinkle it over your salad. Preparing tea made from these herbs can also contribute in controlling arthritis. Turmeric, a frequently used condiment is well-known for its potent anti-inflammatory activity. So, using it as a salad dressing can also work to combat arthritis effectively.

Exercise

Hand arthritis does restrict your movement of fingers but keeping the fingers immobile all the time can make matters worse. So, in order to improve flexibility of joints and muscles, it is crucial to do little bit of exercise. Opening and closing the palm and stretching the fingers wide apart are some of the exercises that may help to increase mobility in joints.

Conventional treatment that involves use of anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen) may help to decrease joint pain and inflammation. Cortisone injections may also help to control arthritis symptoms. Surgical treatment such as joint replacement surgery is essential if the aforementioned treatment options fail to relieve arthritis symptoms.

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Legs Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis, in the simplest terms, can be defined as a condition marked by inflammation of one or several joints. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. There are several types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, etc. Pain and swelling in legs, knees or feet are the most common symptoms of arthritis.

Causes

What exactly causes arthritis is unknown; however, several factors are believed to contribute in the same. Arthritis can be caused due to numerous reasons; with increasing age being one of the most common causes. Apart from age, excess weight and genetics are important causes of arthritis. Injury, trauma, illness or infection in the joints can also result in arthritis. Sometimes, abnormal metabolism and overactive immune system can also cause arthritis.

Symptoms

Pain in the legs is one of the most common and prominent symptoms of arthritis; and is observed in all arthritis types. Apart from leg pain, the following are the symptoms that are seen in arthritis.

Pain: Joint pain in the arms and legs is the most prominent symptom of arthritis. This pain may be dull to severe, depending on the severity and type of arthritis. In most cases, arthritis pain in legs gets severe when the person wakes up after a night's sleep, gets up or bends his leg after keeping it in prolonged resting position. Pain in feet can cause a lot of discomfort and can even restrict your movements.

Stiffness: Stiffness in nearly all joints of the body like arms, legs, fingers and wrists is also one of the most common arthritis symptoms. Similar to the arthritis pain, stiffness is experienced when a person wakes up after a night's sleep. As no movement of leg occurs all night, it stiffens in the morning and the stiffening lasts for nearly an hour. Pain and stiffness are symptoms of all types of arthritis.

Swelling: Painful swelling is yet another symptom of arthritis in legs. All the signs of inflammation, like swelling, heat, tenderness, etc. are observed in arthritis. Among all the other arthritis symptoms in legs, swelling is the only one that is easily noticeable, and hence can help in identifying the disease quickly.

Along with these major symptoms, one can also observe other symptoms like chills, sudden pain, loss of flexibility and extreme tenderness in joints. Due to the pain and swelling, a person suffering from arthritis experiences difficulty in walking or even moving around in the house. Arthritis symptoms in feet also include inflammation of the feet, suffering from claw feet, etc. If a person suffers from infectious arthritis, he will also experience symptoms like fever, chills, sharp pain, etc. In case of children, symptoms related to arthritis like loss of appetite, weight loss and anemia are also observed. It has also been observed that a child develop rashes on the joints when suffering from juvenile arthritis.

Treatment

If a person experiences the above mentioned symptoms due to any unknown cause, he should consult the doctor to check for the possibility of arthritis. Similarly, if frequent leg pain or stiffness, that worsens over the time is observed, one should consult the doctor. Blood tests, physical examination and X-ray help in diagnosis of arthritis. The swelling in joints may not be noticed in the X-ray in the initial stage, but can be found in a more advanced stage. Similarly, advanced techniques like an MRI can be used for diagnosing arthritis.

One should remember that there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, there certainly are medications and treatment options that help in relieving the pain and reducing other symptoms of arthritis. Therefore, once arthritis is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and swelling. Physiotherapy can also be effectively used to improve joint movement and prevent stiffness.

Physical therapy, massage and exercises can help ease arthritis symptoms in feet and legs. Lastly, it is advised to consult the doctor immediately if aforementioned symptoms are observed. Early diagnosis and treatment can definitely lessen the pain and prevent the condition from worsening.

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Feet Arthritis Symptoms

The most common types of arthritis experienced in the feet are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis. There can be some other types as well. These are psoriatic arthritis of foot, Reiter's syndrome, and ankylosing spondylitis.

All these conditions cause discomfort, including pain that ranges from an intensity of mild to very sharp. Your feet may swell and redden because of this condition.

Symptoms

Mild to Severe Pain

The human foot has over 30 joints and 28 bones. An injury due to a fall or wear and tear due to aging often causes inflammation of one or many of these joints. This causes mild to severe pain in the foot, toes, heel or even arches, which you absolutely cannot ignore, as it prohibits you from doing even routine chores. Thus, we can say that pain is one of the first-noticed indications of arthritis.

Swelling

This is one of the most visible symptoms that you should look out for. The human body has a set mechanism to treat anything that goes wrong. When there is inflammation of the joints in your feet, they receive an increased supply of blood for treatment, which results in the swelling of the area. The body tends to take the tissues in the joint as foreign bodies and tries to destroy them. Hence, medical treatment is the right and only answer for this condition, as you need immune system suppressants to bring it under control.

Redness and Heat

Because of inflammation and an increase in the number of blood vessels in the affected foot, you may get a feeling of increased body heat. The same reason causes reddening of the feet as well. These sensations and the redness usually disappear after treatment of the condition.

Appearance of Claw-like Feet

In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, due to dissolution of joint tissues, it becomes very difficult to stretch the feet, extend them, or flex the toes. This gives them a clawed appearance. The onset of such a condition requires immediate orthopedic attention.

Stiffness of Foot

Another common indication is a feeling of stiffness or unresponsiveness, and feet feel numb and unresponsive. This might be because the affected joints are unable to react in accordance with the signal received from the brain. This can be accompanied by pain, though it is not always the case. Though this stiffness is observed in a majority of cases, it may not be experienced by everyone.

Difficulty in Walking

Because of one or more of the above-mentioned indications, it becomes quite difficult to walk. The motions in the joints get reduced to a significant extent, and difficulty in walking greatly affects the day-to-day life. Taking rest and following the remedial options assigned to you will assist in treatment.

No doubt, arthritis is very uncomfortable and makes your life miserable. Fortunately, there are efficacious treatments available in large numbers, out of which physical therapy and exercises come first. Generally, these painful symptoms are known to lessen or disappear with medication and other remedies. However, it is advisable to take these medications only if they are prescribed by a medical practitioner.

From your side, you can wear comfortable footwear with a high and wide toe box that will accommodate your strained toes very well. Avoid indulging in foods that are believed to elevate the symptoms associated with this condition. Needless to say, a healthy diet will boost your immune system and keep all these problems away.

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Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

The word arthritis originates from a Greek word, meaning 'inflammation of the joints'. Arthritis is the disorder of body joints. The most common types of arthritis seen among aging people, are osteoarthritis (OA), psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and septic arthritis. When the cartilage of the joint, deteriorates gradually, it is called osteoarthritis. As it hardens over a period of time, it leads to deformity. Inflammation of synovial membranes that protect tendons and joints in the body is a symptom of the autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis. An overactive immune system and an abnormal immune response can lead to arthritis. It affects the joints in the body like fingers, wrists, ankles and knees.

Knee Arthritis Causes

Wear and tear of the body due to age, being overweight, common knee injuries (torn meniscus, damaged ligament, bone fractures), trauma to the knee joint, an illness, an infection, and certain genetic factors can lead to knee arthritis. A metabolic disorder can also affect the function of the knee joint. People over 50 years of age are more likely to suffer from this degenerative joint disease. With dysfunction of the knee joint, the person may have difficulty in carrying out day-to-day activities.

Symptoms

Fever, fatigue, swollen knee, pain with activities, loss of appetite, loss of energy, weight loss, are some of the common symptoms of knee arthritis. The symptoms may vary from person to person.

• Pain: The person may experience constant pain in the affected knee. Negligence and lack of proper treatment may worsen the joint pain.
• Burning Sensation: The person may experience a burning sensation in the area surrounding the affected joint. Repeated use of the joint may worsen the situation. The pain may get aggravated in the later part of the day.
• Crunching Sensation: Once the cartilage is worn out, a sensation of grinding or crunching is sensed in the knee joint. It is associated with a bone grinding against another bone. A clicking or cracking sound can be heard during the movements.
• Limited Motion: Degeneration of the joint seriously affects the function of the joint. This results in restricted movement of the joint and pain. Difficulty in bending and strengthening the leg can be noticed.
• Difficulty to Use Stairs: Difficulty in climbing the stairs or difficulty while stepping down is one of the common knee arthritis symptoms.
• Deformity of Knee: Wearing away of the protective cartilage may expose the bone within the joint. Knock knees or bow legs are often noticed in the elderly, as the disease adversely affects the structure of the joint.
• Knee Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee joint upon waking up in the morning is an early symptom of arthritis. During day time, there can be some amount of improvement; but stiffened joint usually results in restricted movement and pain.
• Inflammation: Redness, swelling and tenderness around the affected joint can be noticed in any arthritic patient. The swollen knee is puffy to touch.
• Hard Bumps: Hard bumps can appear around the knee.

Home remedies like heat and cold therapy, hot baths or spas, massage with essential oils, and certain herbal medicines work great for arthritis. Knee replacement surgery has become quite common, but it should be the last option to treat arthritis. In case of mild pain and stiffness, regular exercise may help lower the symptoms. Changing the pattern and type of workout routine and wearing a light brace on the knee during exercise may help relieve the pain. Knee exercises are considered as a part of arthritis treatment. Aerobic exercises, especially water aerobics are used to treat arthritis. Overweight patients need to lose weight. Weight loss helps lower the pressure on the knees. The patients should consult a physician to know which foods to avoid and which to include in their regular diet. A specially designed arthritis diet helps manage the disease. Anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers help ease the pain and swelling.

People usually tend to ignore knee pain or difficulty in knee movement. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment help prevent worsening of the situation. If you are experiencing stiffness and pain in a knee, you should consult your physician as soon as possible. Following the instructions of the physician can help slow the advancing disease. Simple dietary and lifestyle changes, prompt medication, use of supplements, and regular exercise help control knee arthritis.

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Symptoms of Seronegative Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term that is used with reference to joint disorders that are characterized by inflammation of one or more joints. Stiffness of joints, swelling, pain and reduced joint mobility are some of the common symptoms of arthritis. There are various types of arthritis, and symptoms of each of these subtypes vary depending on the location or spread of inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis. While osteoarthritis is associated with the age-related degeneration of protective cartilage in joints, rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when antibodies start targeting the joints.

While doctors can observe the impact of the disease through a physical examination, blood tests such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein and rheumatoid factor are often conducted in order to ascertain the type of arthritis the patients may be suffering from. Rheumatoid factor is an autoantibody that is commonly present in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which is why, testing one for rheumatoid factor helps in the differential diagnosis of arthritis. While a majority of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor, some people may test negative. Such people are diagnosed with seronegative arthritis. In this article, we will find out about seronegative arthritis symptoms and treatment.

Seronegative Arthritis

Causes and Types

Besides osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of joints is also a characteristic feature of conditions such as gout, septic arthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Still's disease. Rheumatoid factor test is one of the tests that is conducted when the patient seems to be exhibiting signs of arthritis. This test helps doctors to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis or assess the patient's chances of developing it at a later stage. However, testing negative for rheumatoid factor does not mean that one can never suffer from an arthritis condition. As mentioned earlier, a person is diagnosed with seronegative arthritis if the signs of inflammation of joints are present, even when one tests negative for the rheumatoid factor. It is believed that autoimmune responses or genetic predisposition may be the underlying cause of this arthritic condition. Conditions such as ankylosing arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and inflammatory bowel conditions that are associated with this type of arthritis.

These conditions may occur as a result of production of autoantibodies. Autoantibodies are antibodies that target the body's cells or tissues instead of the pathogens or foreign invaders. Such autoimmune responses could be triggered by certain pathogenic infections. For instance, reactive arthritis, which is also referred to as Reiter's syndrome, is an autoimmune arthritic disease that is believed to be triggered by a bacterial infection. Ankylosing spondylitis is another seronegative arthritic condition, which is characterized by the inflammation of the bones and intervertebral discs in the spine. This condition may also cause inflammation of the sacroiliac joints. Those who are born with HLA-B27 protein are believed to be at an increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis as well as reactive arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is another condition that is characterized by the inflamed skin and joints. Genetic predisposition or environmental factors may play a role in the development of this ailment. Sometimes, inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may also coexist with arthritis.

Symptoms and Treatment

The symptoms of seronegative arthritis would depend on the arthritic condition one may be suffering from. While joint pain and stiffness are characteristic signs of arthritis, each of these conditions may affect different joints. For instance, a person suffering from ankylosing spondylitis would suffer from lower back pain due to the inflammation of the spinal bones and sacroiliac joints. There is a risk of spinal bones fusing together, leading to a spinal deformity and reduced mobility. On the other hand, psoriatic arthritis, gives rise to sausage-like swelling on finger and/or toes. There are various types of psoriatic arthritis wherein joints located in different parts of the body may get inflamed. Inflammation of joints is also accompanied by inflammation on various parts of the skin such as the fingertips, nails, scalp, knees, elbows or the genital region. Reactive arthritis is another seronegative arthritic condition wherein swelling, pain and stiffness in the large joints may be accompanied by inflammatory eye problems and urogenital conditions.

Since all the forms of arthritis are characterized by inflamed joints, arthritis treatment is mainly aimed at reducing the inflammation. The treatment of seronegative arthritis also involves the use of anti-inflammatory drugs for reducing inflammation and improving joint mobility. Drug therapy certainly helps in alleviating the early symptoms of arthritis. Treating the underlying condition would also help in alleviating the symptoms to a great extent. Drug therapy may also involve the use of pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, immune-modifying drugs, antibiotics, or drugs for treating specific pathogenic infections. Since inflammation of joints affects joint mobility, physical therapy may also be recommended by the doctors. Other alternative healing therapies such as massage, acupuncture or yoga may also prove beneficial in preserving the range of motion of the affected joint.

Arthritis is a debilitating disease, that can cause severe discomfort, and affect one's ability to perform simple activities. However, the symptoms of this inflammatory disease can be successfully managed, if it is diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Arthritis can strike at an early age, therefore, young adults or elderly people who have begun to experience joint pain or other symptoms of arthritis, must get a thorough medical checkup done at the earliest.

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A Must Eat Foods For Gout Person

Gout is often referred to as the 'old man's' disease, as it is eight times more prevalent in men than women, and its prevalence increases with age. The ailment is a complex form of arthritis, and causes sudden, severe pain, redness and tenderness in joints. Frequently affected is the joint at the base of the big toe. The pain of gout attacks are often described as acute, and can wake one with a jolt. It is caused by sharp, needle like urate crystals which accumulate around the joint, and cause inflammation, swelling and intense pain. Urate crystals form due to high levels of uric acid in the blood.

Uric acid is a by-product of the process of the breaking down of purines, which are substances found naturally in the body, as well as in certain foods. As it is usually present in the body, it (uric acid) dissolves in one's blood and passes through the kidneys into the urine. However, at times either too much uric acid is produced, or the kidneys excrete too little uric acid. This is when it can build up and form into crystals. While gout can be effectively treated with gout medication, what can also help is following a gout diet. Foods to eat would obviously be those that have a low content of purines.

Foods to Avoid in a Gout Diet

It goes without saying that, one must strictly avoid foods rich in purines. Some of the purine rich foods that are to be avoided with gout are as follows:

• Herring
• Organ meats (liver, kidney, brain)
• Mushrooms
• Anchovies
• Asparagus
• Sweetbreads
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Mussels
• Yeast
• Smelt
• Grouse, mutton, veal, bacon
• Salmon, trout, scallops
• Turkey, goose, pheasant
• Partridge
• Haddock
• Alcohol (not a food, but to be avoided nonetheless).

Gout Diet: Foods to Eat

An ideal gout diet, is a balanced one. All recommendations place great emphasis on a balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products. When on a gout diet, foods to eat (in MODERATE quantities) include:

• Foods high in vitamin C, which include red cabbage, tangerines, red bell peppers, potatoes, mandarins and oranges. The reason behind this is that vitamin C may reduce the levels of uric acid in your blood. However, too much of vitamin C may increase your body's uric acid levels. Hence, consume it in its natural form and in moderate quantities.
• Cherries have also been associated with lower levels of uric acid, so one may include cherries, blackberries, blueberries, purple grapes and raspberries (dark-colored fruits) to their diet, in moderate amounts.
• Safe foods to eat with gout include vegetables such as kale, cabbage, parsley and green-leafy vegetables in your diet. Vegetables that are moderately high in purines are asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms, peas, spinach, kidney and lima beans.
• Include complex carbohydrates such as whole grain breads, cereals and pasta in your diet.
• There is a possibility that low-fat dairy products may actually have a protective effect against gout, so try to make them your primary sources of protein.
• Keep your daily consumption of lean meat, fish and poultry to 4 to 6 ounces (114 to 170 grams).

In addition to the foods you can eat with gout, try to keep these guidelines, by the American Medical Association for people with gout, in mind. One must eat:

• Foods low in protein (15% of calories and sources should be soy, lean meats, or poultry).
• High in complex carbohydrates (fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables).
• No more than 30% of calories in fat (with only 10% animal fats).

Another strongly made dietary recommendation is to have a daily intake of at least 8 to 16 cups of water, which measures up to about 2 to 4 liters of fluid each day, half of which must be water. However, ensure that none of it is alcohol, as recent evidence suggests that beer may be particularly likely to increase the risk of gout symptoms, especially in men. The reason why even the gout diet foods to eat, must be consumed in moderation is because maintaining a healthy body weight is very important. Healthy weight loss may decrease uric acid levels in your body.

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Foods To Avoid That Cause Gout

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia, the buildup of uric acid crystals in blood. The excess uric acid gets deposited in joints and tendons, in the form of sharp crystals. Such deposits cause swelling and pain in the affected joints. Persistent hyperuricemia may lead to the formation of lumps called tophi under the skin around joints. Accumulation of excess uric acid crystals in kidneys may also lead to kidney stones.

Uric acid is the end product of purine catabolism in the body, and is excreted through urine. An excess of uric acid can occur due to a failure in the excretion of uric acid, genetic predisposition, obesity, cancer as also due to certain medications. Apart from these factors, certain foods with a rich purine content are also linked to an excess of uric acid in the body. Such dietary influence on gout has been explained below, followed by a list of foods that may cause (or contribute to) hyperuricemia.

Gout and Diet

Gout has long been linked to sumptuous meals, and is known as 'Disease of the Kings' or 'Rich Man's Disease'. Seafood, organ meat, poultry, and other purine-rich foods, as well as alcoholic and carbonated beverages have been linked to gout. Though, it is a fact that certain foods cause gout, statistics reveal that only 12% of gout cases are caused by dietary factors.

The basic link between food and gout is 'purines', which are organic nitrogenous compounds present in the cells of every living organism. Purines consumed through dietary sources are broken down to uric acid, which is flushed out of the body through urine. Hence, increased intake of foods rich in purines will lead to an increase in the amount of uric acid in blood, which may cause gout in some people.

Acute gout usually affects a single joint, and is characterized by the sudden onset of symptoms like joint pain, swelling and redness, which subside within a week. If ignored or untreated, this condition may progress to a chronic state involving repeated episodes of inflammation and pain in several joints.

Which Foods Cause Gout?

As mentioned earlier, purine-rich foods cause gout by increasing the uric acid levels of blood. However, not just the amount of purine but the food family also matters. Research indicates that purine-rich vegetables are safer than purine-rich meat and fish, as far as their association with gout is concerned. Alcoholic beverages, sweetened soft drinks, and high-fat foods have been associated with an increased risk for gout.

The different food items that cause or trigger gout have been listed below.

Foods With High Purine Content

Seafood
Anchovies
Sardines
Herrings
Shrimp
Scallops

Meat
Organ meats (kidney, liver, brain, etc.)
Mincemeat
Processed meat
Meat gravy

Others
Beer
Yeast extract

Foods With Moderate Purine Content

Seafood
Lobsters
Clams
All other fish except those mentioned in the above category

Meat
Red meat (beef, pork, lamb)
Poultry
Meat soup
Meat broth
Meat extract

Vegetables
Asparagus
Spinach
Mushrooms
Beans
Peas

Other Foods that Cause Hyperuricemia

Natural Diuretics
Celery
Lemon
Licorice
Eggplant
Cucumber

Beverages
Liquor
Carbonated beverages
Sweetened soft drinks
Sweetened fruit juices

Others
Deep-fried foods
Sweetened foods
Hydrogenated oils
High-fat dairy products

While excessive intake of high-purine foods may cause gout in some people, such foods may worsen the symptoms experienced by those already suffering from this disease. However, the exact food items that trigger gout may vary for each individual. Hence, instead of avoiding all these foods, one must identify and avoid the specific ones that trigger his/her symptoms.

In addition, one must opt for low-fat dairy products, whole-grain products, potassium-rich foods along with foods high in complex carbohydrates and complex proteins. Following a healthy lifestyle and ensuring healthy eating habits is the key to avoid or control gout and the associated symptoms.

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Foods That Contains Low Purine

Purine is a substance that is found in the majority of foods that we consume and when purines are broken down by the body it produces uric acid. Uric acid is a waste by-product that is filtered out by the kidneys before being eliminated from the body. However some people are not able to flush out the uric acid from the body which can lead to gout.

Gout is a condition where there is a buildup of uric acid in the body which leads to the formation of urate crystals. These crystals which forms generally in the joints cause swelling and inflammation accompanied with severe pain. Although a gout attack can be treated with medicines, making dietary changes can help to prevent an attack. Limiting the amount of purine by consuming low purine foods is the best way to manage gout. Let us make a list of these low purine food items which will aid in drawing up a low purine diet.

Low Purine Foods Lists

Food Name	Total Purines in mg
Apple	14
Broccoli	81
Strawberry	21
Potato	16
Orange	19
Dried Fig	64
Cucumber	7.3
Kale	48
Lettuce	13
Grape	27
Watercress	28
Cheddar Cheese	6
Green Pepper	55
Oyster Mushroom	50
Marinated Green Olives	29
Peanuts	79
Leek	74
Cantaloupe	33
Kiwi fruit	19
Cauliflower	51
Brussels Sprouts	69
Carrot	17
Aubergine	21
Banana	57
Soya beans	80
Cabbage	22
Cherry	7.1
Hazelnuts	37
Green Peas	84
Pineapple	19
Peach	21
Rhubarb	12
Chicory	12
Vienna Sausage	78
Spinach	57
Tofu	68
Yogurt	8.1
Tomato	11

High Purine Foods List

If you are suffering from gout then you need to avoid eating foods that are high in purine. Here is a list of foods that are high in purine.

• Anchovies
• Sweetbread
• Consomme
• Gravy
• Sardines
• Goose
• Mincemeat
• Mackerel
• Mushrooms
• Caviar
• Tuna fish in Oil
• Mussels
• Sardines
• Scallops
• Bouillon
• Red meat
• Fish Roe
• Foie Gras

It is best to avoid these food items. In addition to these dietary changes, a person suffering from gout should also take care of the following things.

• Limit the amount of fat and increase the water intake. Drinking adequate amounts of liquid will keep the body hydrated and will help in flushing out the extra uric acid.
• You also need to go easy on alcohol and should avoid drinking beer, whiskey, rum and gin as they contain very high amounts of purine.
• If you are overweight you have a greater tendency of having a gout attack. It is best to lose the extra flab by opting for moderate exercise regularly. Do not indulge in any fad diets or quick weight loss schemes as you will end up harming your body.
• Maintain an ideal body weight and follow a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and low in protein.
• Switch to brown rice and whole wheat bread and eat dairy products that are low-fat like skimmed milk, low-fat cheese and organic yogurt.
• When you dine out or attend a party do not go overboard with the food and stick to healthy options like a clear soup instead of a cream based soup.
• If you are having a salad, order a low-fat vinaigrette dressing instead of creamy dressings smothered in mayonnaise.
• People suffering from gout should have no more than two to three eggs a week.
• Avoid eating tofu and red meat altogether and have freshwater fish which is low in purine.
• You also need to avoid organ meat like liver, brain, kidneys and heart of chicken, turkey or lamb.

So, this was all about low purine foods and how it should be incorporated in your diet to avoid a gout attack. Following a diet of low purine food for gout has been proved quite successful to decrease gout attack.

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Cherry Juice is Best Medicine To Treat Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis which is found in both men and women. The most cases, patients affected by gout experience pain in the big toe. However, it can also affect other joints of the body, including the elbows, fingers, ankles, hips, heels, thumbs, etc. In recent years, results of research conducted showed that cherry juice is an effective method of treating gout. However, before we discuss on remedial value of cherry juice, let us try to know more about the causes and effects of gout.

Gout: Causes and Effects

• Uric acid is produced in human body during the process of breaking down of chemicals called purines. Normally, this uric acid is thrown out of the body in the form of urine.
• Sometimes, our body is likely to experience an abnormal rise in production of uric acids. In other cases, the kidneys become incapable to excrete uric acid from the body.
• When the level of uric acid increases in the blood, it transforms into urate crystals which are sharp like needles and get collected in the different joints of the body, making the person experience a painful inflammation. This leads to a condition called gout.
• The most common symptom of gout is extreme joint pain, especially in the big toe. The area where a person experiences the pain may swell and appear purplish or red in color.
• Some people have also said that they feel a warm sensation in the affected area.
• There are chances of people getting fever while suffering from gout.
• The condition of gout can be hereditary. Similarly, people who are overweight, addicted to alcohol or cigarettes are prone to get affected by gout. Regular use of certain medications like aspirin, levodopa, diuretics,etc, increases chances of getting afflicted by gout.

Cherry Juice for Treatment

When a person is diagnosed with gout, the first thing a doctor may recommend is a painkiller to relieve the excruciating pain in the joints. Though the pain lessens, it is just a temporary relief and it may trigger again after one stops taking pills. Along with this, the physician may prescribe certain medication for treating gout. However, the problem with these pills is that they have lots of side effects and can cause harm to your body, if taken over a long period of time. Hence, consuming cherry juice is stated as a safer option to cure gout.

Cherry juice as a remedy for gout was accidentally discovered by Dr. Ludwig W. Blau from Texas in 1950, when he himself had gout. Later, he tested the effects of cherries and cherry juices on other people who suffered from gout and found positive results. Since then, several tests and researches have been conducted to see the benefits of this juice for gout treatment, and it has been found that cherries help in lowering uric acid in the body substantially, thus helping to treat gout.

How Does Cherry Juice Work?

Cherries contain antioxidants and flavonoids that are necessary for the body to fight a number of diseases. Antioxidants and flavonoids are components that have the ability to fight free radicals that cause cancer. Apart from that, flavonoids are responsible for the color of the fruits and plants. Cherries are made of flavonoids called anthocyanins that give them the rich red color. However, the main function of anthocyanins is that it is an anti-inflammatory agent which causes the uric acid level in the blood to decrease, thus helping in healing the tissues of joints that got damaged due to gout.

Gout and Black Cherry Juice

• Though studies have shown that all the varieties of cherries and cherry juice are good for treating gout, black cherry juice is the most preferred among them.
• Whichever form of cherry juice you choose for treating gout, one thing you have to keep in mind is that it should be of a very good quality. If you prefer sweeter cherry juice, you can go for cherry juice concentrate for gout treatment.
• Initially, the patient should drink a cup of cherry juice at least twice a day. If you have opted for the concentrated cherry juice, mix two tablespoons of the concentrate with water and drink this two times, everyday. This has to continue till the symptoms of gout lowers, after which one can decrease the dosage.
• The results of drinking this juice will vary from person to person. While some people experience relief from pain within a few hours, there are others who have to consume cherry juice regularly for weeks and sometimes even months to experience any change.
• The amount of cherry juice one has to consume after the symptoms subside tends to differ for different people. Some people have reported that they just need to take one tablespoon of cherry juice in a month, while there are others who have to strictly follow the daily intake of cherry juice.

People who are facing the problem of gout should try cherry juice, and I am sure that they will get to see positive results. However, one must remember that apart from cherry juice, it is also necessary to make some permanent dietary changes and follow the gout diet to get rid of this problem completely.

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Best Ways to Increase Ferritin Levels

Ferritin is a protein which helps store iron in the body. It is present in iron-storing cells of all living organisms, including microscopic organisms. Blood ferritin levels are measured to evaluate a person's iron stores. If your doctor suspects 'too much of iron in the body' or 'iron deficiency' then he/she may order a ferritin test. When the protein 'ferritin' gets bound to iron, then only the body is able to store iron for future use. Iron plays an important role in healthy blood composition. Low ferritin can lead to iron deficiency anemia. How to maintain normal ferritin levels? Is it possible to increase ferritin levels naturally? Find answers to these questions and more in the following section.

Normal and Abnormal Ferritin Levels

As explained above, ferritin levels help to know about the iron stores in the body. Normal ferritin levels may vary according to age and gender. 18 - 270 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) of ferritin is considered as normal range of ferritin for adult men whereas adult women may have ferritin within the range of 18 - 160 ng/mL. These values may vary slightly from lab to lab.

Low ferritin is noticed when a person suffers from long term internal bleeding (for example, digestive tract bleeding), heavy menstruation (common in women), scarcity of iron in diet and digestive system dysfunction leading to poor absorption of iron in intestines. Low ferritin can seriously affect your energy and stamina. Insufficient ferritin can lead to loss of libido, increased irritability, dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, ringing in the ears, etc. Women may have to suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and long periods.

High ferritin levels are noticed when too much of iron is absorbed in the digestive tract. This condition is known as hemochromatosis. Frequent red blood cells transfusion or damaged liver due to alcohol abuse can lead to higher than normal ferritin in the body. Any inflammatory disorder can result in high ferritin.

How to Increase Ferritin Levels?

Correct Diagnosis: Correct diagnosis helps plan proper treatment. Finding out the cause of low ferritin is essential if you want to increase the levels fast. Certain health problems like hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, certain cancers can lower the levels of ferritin. If long term gastric bleeding is detected, its cause should be found out. Ulcers or excessive consumption of drugs and medicines like aspirin, steroids can result in internal bleeding. Even infections and premature breakdown of red blood cells can be the cause of lower than normal ferritin in the body. Prompt and proper treatment can correct ferritin levels.

Iron Supplements: The amount of ferritin depends upon the amount of iron provided to your body. Ferritin level rises as you provide more iron through diet. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and tonics to raise ferritin levels in your body. While taking the supplements, you should strictly follow the instructions of the doctor regarding 'dosage'. Otherwise you may have to suffer from toxicity caused by too much of iron in the body.

Iron Rich Foods: It is always better to raise ferritin levels naturally. You can include iron rich foods in your regular diet. Both animal and plant sources of iron can be included in diet. Red meat is an excellent source of iron. Enjoy lean meat at least in one meal every day. Chicken liver, beef liver, pork, turkey, fish like halibut, tuna, trout, oysters, shrimp, crab, etc. are good sources of iron. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli and fruits like dates and figs help increase iron levels. Lentils, various types of beans, blackstrap molasses and nuts also contain a good amount of iron. Cornflakes, wheat germ, fortified food products, brown rice, buckwheat are some other good sources of iron. Remember, it may take months to raise ferritin levels. You need to follow a healthy diet sincerely.

Vitamin C: Not only iron rich foods but foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed in large amounts, if you want to increase ferritin levels. Vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the digestive tract. Oranges, grapefruit, berries, etc. can be included in the daily diet to enhance iron absorption.

Foods that Affect Iron Absorption: Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can affect iron absorption in intestines. Even calcium interferes with iron absorption. You may take iron supplement four-six hours after taking calcium supplement or four-six hours after consumption of calcium rich foods like milk or other dairy products. Thus healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining normal ferritin levels. You need to take into consideration all these points if you want to raise ferritin levels in the body.

Low ferritin can lead to anemia, resulting in lack of concentration, behavioral problems and learning difficulty. Low energy levels, weakness can seriously affect your day-to-day activities. While trying to raise the levels of ferritin, you need to consult your doctor and monitor the levels regularly.

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Best Treatment for Low Ferritin

Ferritin is an intracellular protein that plays a vital role in storing iron and facilitating its release as per the body's requirements. The parts of the body where ferritin is found include the liver, spleen, bone marrow and the skeletal muscles. Ferritin plays a vital role in regulating the levels of iron in the body. Whenever the levels of iron are low, the iron which is bound to ferritin is released into the bloodstream. On the other hand, iron that may be in excess is stored by this protein, and is released later, as and when needed.

At times, the level of serum iron may be well within the normal range, whereas ferritin levels may be below the normal range. Under such circumstances, one may become highly susceptible to an iron deficiency anemia. This is the reason why doctors usually order a ferritin test when one has been experiencing low energy levels, headache, dizziness, irritability and various other distressing symptoms that may be associated with iron deficiency anemia. Thus, any kind of imbalance in the ferritin levels must be treated at the earliest.

Low Ferritin Treatment Options

As mentioned earlier, most of the storage iron in the body is present in the form of ferritin. Ferritin helps in regulating the amount of iron that is available to the body, which is why, low ferritin levels are indicative of improper rate of iron absorption, and an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia. Wondering how to treat low ferritin levels? Scroll down to know more on the diagnosis as well as the treatment for low ferritin levels.

Diagnostic Tests: Serum iron test, ferritin test, TIBC (total iron binding capacity) and UIBC (unsaturated iron binding capacity) are some of the diagnostic tests that are usually conducted in order to ascertain the levels of iron in the body. Out of these, the ferritin test helps in ascertaining the total iron storage capacity of the body. Under normal circumstances, ferritin levels in men must be within the range of 12 to 300 nanograms per milliliter, whereas for females, the normal ferritin levels must lie within 12 to 150 nanograms per milliliter. If the test results reveal low ferritin levels, then doctors would need to investigate further so as to identify the reasons for low ferritin levels.

Identifying the Underlying Cause: When one's diet is deficient in iron, ferritin which is a protein to which most of the storage iron is bound, gets used up at a fast rate. While an inadequate intake of iron rich foods is a common cause of low ferritin levels, certain medical conditions could also affect the levels of ferritin. Some of the common causes of low ferritin include liver problems, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric bleeding or a sluggish thyroid gland. Gastrointestinal problems that prevent proper absorption of nutrients could also cause low ferritin levels. In case of women, heavy menstrual bleeding could also cause low ferritin. Thus, a proper medical checkup must be conducted in order to ascertain the underlying cause. Once the underlying cause has been identified, doctors can recommend drug therapy, surgery or any other effective treatment option for treating such an underlying medical condition. Treatment of the actual cause of an iron deficiency would certainly help in correcting the imbalance in the serum ferritin levels.

Improving One's Dietary Habits: As mentioned earlier, the iron stores of the body get depleted at a fast rate if one's diet doesn't fulfill the body's needs for iron. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, which in turn, is a key component of the red blood cells. Hemoglobin acts as the carrier of life giving oxygen, which is why, a person suffering from low hemoglobin is most likely to suffer from fatigue, low energy levels and various other health problems. The best way to correct the imbalance of storage iron in the body is to follow a diet that is rich in foods containing iron. Red meat, oysters, liver, shrimp, crab and sea food are some of the sources of heme iron (animal sources of iron) that have a high absorption rate. Including these to one's diet can certainly help in replenishing the depleted iron stores. Green leafy vegetables, lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, oatmeal, whole grain breads, tofu, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, raisins and dried fruits are some of the dietary sources of non-heme iron (iron from plant sources) that can also be included in one's diet.

Iron Supplementation/Infusion: In case of patients diagnosed with very low ferritin levels, treatment often includes iron supplementation. Iron supplements that contain the highest amount of elemental iron may be prescribed by the doctors. The term 'elemental iron' refers to the amount of iron in the pill that the body actually absorbs. It is believed that ferrous iron salts such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate contain the highest amount of elemental iron. However, use of iron pills can also give rise to certain side effects, and one must therefore, take them as per the dosage prescribed by the doctor. In severe cases, where the patient seems to be facing difficulty in absorbing iron due to certain medical conditions, doctors may even recommend intravenous iron infusion for treating low ferritin levels.

Though the human body has its own way of regulating the amount of iron, the process of iron absorption can get adversely affected due to a variety of factors. It is believed that foods that contain polyphenols or oxalic acid may inhibit the absorption of iron. Excessive intake of calcium may also affect the absorption of iron, which is why, one must not take iron pills with milk. On the other hand, consumption of foods rich in vitamin C is believed to enhance the absorption of iron. So, if your blood tests reveal low ferritin levels, then make the necessary lifestyle related changes, and follow the doctor's guidelines in order to restore the ferritin levels back to normal.

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Symptoms of Low Ferritin

Usually, those with hypothyroidism may have a low ferritin level. Wondering what is ferritin? It is a protein that stores iron, and releases the mineral in a controlled fashion. The structure of this protein is like a hollow sphere. It is inside this sphere, that iron is stored in the Fe(III) oxidation state, which has to be changed to Fe(II) oxidation state, so that it can be released from the protein structure. In case of iron deficiency in the body, ferritin molecules release the stored mineral in solvated form. In short, ferritin can control the level of iron in the body, thereby preventing conditions like iron deficiency or overload.

What happens if the level of ferritin becomes low? A low ferritin level in the blood may indicate iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia that can cause various symptoms like fatigue. A ferritin blood test shows the amount of ferritin in the body. The level of ferritin in the blood can be low, even if the hemoglobin and iron levels are normal. Such situations indicate initial stages of iron deficiency, in which the body lacks stored iron.

Normal Ferritin Range

Males - 12 to 300 ng/mL
Females - 12 to 150 ng/mL
Kids (6 months to 15 years) - 7 to 140 ng/mL
Infants (1 to 5 months) - 50 to 200 ng/mL
Neonates - 25 to 200 ng/mL

ng/mL - nanograms per milliliter

What Causes Low Ferritin Level?

A depletion in the level of ferritin in the blood can be caused by various factors. The major causes include low intake of iron-rich foods, long-term blood loss, as seen in women with heavy menstrual bleeding, etc. Those with medical conditions like hemorrhoids, colon polyps, and ulcers, may develop bleeding in the intestinal tract, thereby causing long-term blood loss. Another reason for low ferritin is malabsorption of iron consumed. This condition occurs in people with Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and other gastrointestinal disorders. Poor absorption of iron causes a drop in the level of iron in the body. Such people may also show a low ferritin level. In some cases, premature breakdown of red blood cells due to intravascular hemolysis also leads to symptoms of low ferritin level.

According to the Merck Manual, a serum ferritin level that is less than 12 ng/mL, is specific for iron deficiency. The reference range for serum ferritin may vary with laboratories. A person with a low ferritin level may develop symptoms, as the condition causes anemia. The symptoms can range from mild to moderate, and get severe as the level becomes too low.

Minor Symptoms

• Mild aches and pains
• Fatigue, weakness
• Loss of stamina
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness and palor

Severe Symptoms

• Increase in pulse rate and palpitations
• Irritability, confusion
• Loss of libido
• Tingling and numbness in fingers and toes
• Restless leg syndrome
• Abnormal craving to eat ice or inedible items
• Cognitive problems and excessive bruising
• Dysphagia, inflamed tongue, concave nails

A low ferritin level may indicate conditions like hypothyroidism, vitamin C deficiency, or celiac disease.

Treatment

If the blood test result confirms low ferritin levels in your body, the doctor will recommend a change in diet. Consumption of iron-rich foods such as eggs, lean meat, and leafy vegetables like spinach, has to be increased. Apart from that, iron supplements and tonics may also be prescribed. In case of an underlying medical condition, it has to be treated properly. Your doctor is the best person to guide you in this matter.

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Symptoms of Ferritin Deficiency

Ferritin is a type of protein produced in our body and its main purpose is to store iron. In other words, they are iron storing proteins and is of the many constituents of the blood. People with low ferritin levels are at a great risk of suffering from iron deficiency. Too much alcohol consumption, poor diet and liver diseases such as hepatitis are some of the causes of low ferritin levels.

A point to note that low ferritin levels does not mean that the person will be immediately get diagnosed with iron deficiency. There have been cases in which patients had normal iron levels, despite blood tests showing ferritin deficiency. Although, ferritin levels influence the amount of iron present in the blood, it does not cause a sudden fall in iron levels. Iron deficiency is a slow process and always occurs over a period of time. When there is inadequate iron in the blood, use of ferritin comes into picture. Iron from ferritin is now released into the body to compensate for low iron levels in the blood. Iron stores from ferritin slow begin to reduce to ensure that blood iron remains in the normal range. However, in the course of time, the depleting ferritin levels fail to provide sufficient iron, eventually leading to iron deficiency.

The blood test is the most common diagnostic tool used to detect below average ferritin levels. Heavy internal bleeding is one of the main ferritin deficiency causes. Bleeding during menstrual cycle is often the reason behind low ferritin levels in women. A diet deficient in essential nutrients is also one of the factors responsible for causing low ferritin levels.

Symptoms

As ferritin levels start decreasing and fall below the normal range, the body finds it difficult to hold iron. With iron stores gradually diminishing, the person is bound to experience iron deficiency symptoms at some point of time. Migraine headaches, dizziness, poor appetite, cold hands and feet are some of the symptoms associated with ferritin deficiency. Other symptoms are discussed below:

Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is often linked to low ferritin levels. The person gets easily tired and is unable to tolerate even moderate level physical activity.

Decreased Energy Levels

People with low ferritin problems also experience sudden loss of energy. They feel exhausted from day-to-day routine. The stamina to perform any physical activity diminishes considerably.

Hair Loss

As ferritin levels dip below the normal range, premature hair loss is bound to occur. Hair follicles (pouches from where hair strands emerge) contain an important constituent, ferritin. However, with depleting ferritin levels, hair growth is adversely affected.

Thyroid Problems

Patients suffering from hypothyroidism are actually diagnosed with low thyroid levels. It is observed that the thyroid gland doesn't work properly if ferritin is below normal levels. As a result, the thyroid gland is unable to produce hormones in sufficient amounts. This condition is known as hypothyroidism and causes a wide range of health problems including irregular bowel movement and fatigue.

Pale Cold Skin

Ferritin is also present in the skin, just below the epidermis. Presence of ferritin in normal amounts is very important for a healthy skin. However, as the ferritin levels decrease, the skin appears dry and pale.

Brittle Nails

Ferritin deficiency can also make the nails brittle. The nails tend to break easily as they become weak due to inadequate ferritin levels in the body. Basically, low ferritin levels causes iron deficiency, which often leads to nail abnormalities.

Breathing Problems

Symptoms may aggravate when low ferritin levels leads to severe iron deficiency. Difficulty breathing is the likely outcome of untreated ferritin deficiency. This is because, iron in blood plays a crucial role to transport adequate oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body. No wonder, in the presence of low iron levels, people may find it difficult to breathe properly.

Pagophagia

This is an eating disorder, in which the person is more interested in consuming ice rather than nutritious food. The person develops an unusual craving for ice, which is the result of iron deficiency. Due to decrease in iron storing proteins (ferritin), the body becomes deficient in iron. According to reports iron taste better in people diagnosed with iron deficiency.

Treatment

In order to improve the patient's condition, it is essential to correct iron deficiency. Depleting iron stores causes significant loss of iron. So in order to elevate iron levels, following are the treatment options:

Iron Supplements

This is the most commonly prescribed treatment for low ferritin levels. Taking iron supplements is often recommended to resolve iron deficiency problems. However, knowing the supplemental dosage required to treat low ferritin levels is necessary and it differs from person to person. Keep in mind that overdose of iron has to be avoided as it can cause serious health problems. So to be on the safer side, it is imperative to contact a doctor to know the correct dosage. The doctor will perform a ferritin test to determine ferritin levels and then accordingly decide the appropriate iron dose.

Iron Rich Foods

A natural way to boost ferritin levels is to have iron rich foods on a daily basis. Having foods high in iron such as green leafy vegetables (spinach, collards), dried fruits (raisins, prunes) and egg yolks can certainly help to resolve the issue.

Although the aforementioned treatment options for ferritin deficiency work to enhance ferritin levels, the results are not noticed immediately. With regular intake of iron supplements, ferritin levels may return to normal range within 3-4 months of treatment.

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Appropriate Ways to Grow Hair Back Naturally

There are a number of reasons why a person might suffer from hair loss. Poor health, stress, crash diets, deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals and poor hygiene can all lead to loss of hair. Once you have identified the cause of hair loss, you can take steps to prevent it. But how do you grow your hair back? There are many natural methods that you can employ to stimulate hair growth. Here are some methods that you can follow to grow your hair back.

Have an Iron Rich Diet

One of the major reason for hair loss is deficiency of iron in your diet. For strong and healthy hair, it is essential that you add iron to your diet. Green leafy vegetables, beans, red meat and tofu are all rich in iron. They also contain biotin and zinc, which are essential minerals that help in promoting hair growth.

Opt for Hair Massage

Hair massages are not only relaxing and rejuvenating, but they can help in stimulating hair growth. Regular massage with oil will boost blood circulation and helps to nourish and strengthen hair follicles and shaft. You can choose from olive oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil for such massage. Essential oils like rosemary, lavender and sage can be mixed with your regular hair oil and used for massage. For best results, warm the oil before massaging, and try to massage your scalp before going to bed. Shampoo your hair the next morning.

Use Herbs

There are many herbs which can be helpful in stimulating hair growth. These include chamomile, catnip and burdock. Catnip and burdock promotes hair growth and are generally found as an ingredient in shampoos and conditioners specially formulated for treating hair fall. If your hair loss is because of stress, then try chamomile herb. It is a good stress reliever which also improves hair growth.

Follow a Diet Rich in Vitamins

Vitamins A, E and B-complex are essential for healthy hair. Vitamin A is necessary for sebum production. Sebum deficiency can lead to hair loss as hair becomes brittle and dry. Vitamin E plays a vital role in repairing damaged hair follicles. Vitamin B-complex is responsible for the overall health and strength of hair. All these vitamins are found in fruits and green-leafy vegetables. So you should include them in your diet for strengthening your hair.

What are the Causes of Hair Loss

• A diet which is lacking in proteins, vitamins and essential minerals can result in loss of hair.
• Side effects of some medications that are prescribed for treating certain diseases like arthritis, gout, depression and hypertension can also cause hair loss.
• People who are anemic or who suffer from thyroid problems can also suffer from thinning hair.
• Hair treatments such as bleaching, dyeing, perming and permanent straightening can damage hair which will in turn lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
• Fungal infection of the scalp can lead to hair loss.
• Hair loss is associated with some diseases such as diabetes and lupus.
• Patients undergoing medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy generally suffer from hair loss.
• Hormonal changes are one of the common causes of hair loss in women. This occurs during pregnancy, menopause and after childbirth.
• Excessive use of styling products and over styling hair can also contribute to hair fall.
• Some hairstyles that involves tying hair tightly, like ponytails, braids and buns can cause traction and lead to hair fall.

If you are trying to combat hair fall, then refrain from excessive brushing and shampooing. Hair loss can be prevented by taking proper hair care and following a balanced diet.

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Tips To Regrow Thinning Hair Naturally

Though losing hair is not a life-threatening condition, the thought of parting with your precious strands may get you cartwheeling on all fours. Hair is an asset contributing to one's beauty. The loss of an asset, such as this one, may lead to issues concerning low self-esteem. A condition often associated with men, hair fall is a common complaint registered by women, too.

You may wonder how your hairline (that was) has an annoyingly meticulous pattern to recede. A soft target to blame is the atavistic character that humans carry; their genes. Enough said, genes mustn't bear all the brunt. An urgent acknowledgment is a must with regard to factors, such as leading a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle. Moreover, an overenthusiastic use of hair products, like shampoos, masks, colors, curling irons, and hair-straightening equipment has been one fantastic norm to defile natural beauty. Nevertheless, if you have been putting your hair through such steamy experiences, spare a thought, and vow to change.

Is Regrowth Possible?

Yes, there are several potent methods to regain the lost glory. Some of these methods include laser treatment, hair transplants, oral medication, and topical potions. These methods are deemed effective; however, they are expensive, bringing with them certain side effects. Hence, it is better to stick to natural remedies to regrow your hair. If you are experiencing excessive hair loss, so much so that you notice your hair romancing your shower stall drain, your hair brush, or your pillow, you ought to consult a certified dermatologist. He will diagnose the cause and revert to you with the prescriptive treatment. This is important, because scanty hair may signal an underlying health concern, such as hypothyroidism, or hormonal imbalance. However, if it is caused by other factors, like stress, faulty diet, and improper hair care, it is time you nip the problem in the bud.

Your Hair Appreciates ...

» Vitamin A

Besides being an acclaimed nutrient, vitamin A is known to promote hair growth. Eggs, kale, oranges, carrots, and sweet potato contain vitamin A in good measure.

» Vitamin B

Eggs, carrots, seafood, and dairy outputs do have vitamin B in substantive amounts. This vitamin is known to reactivate follicles and revive the health of your hair. It also facilitates scalp-oil circulation rescuing the hair from dandruff flakes and the resultant residual buildup that contributes to hair fall. Vitamin B complex supplements may aid your scalp to resuscitate the roots and control hair loss.

» Vitamin C

A major requirement for healthy hair, vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits and red peppers. Veggies, like spinach, kale, and broccoli serve perfect hosts to vitamin C. Essential to strengthen hair follicles and develop the content of collagen, vitamin C is known to nourish hair from root to tip.

» Vitamin E

If you lack Vitamin E, you are losing out on an important nutrient -- a nutrient known to stimulate hair follicles and facilitate an active blood-circulation cycle. When blood circulation is regulated by vitamin E, your hair gets an opportunity to regrow with health. Foods found rich in this source are almonds, walnuts, cereals, and corn oil to name a few.

» Iodine

A potion of sorts -- a drop of iodine in a glass of water consumed religiously is known to lure the glory back to the crown. However, make sure that the measure of iodine you blend in a glass of water is just one drop -- not more, not less. Besides regrowing hair, iodine is one potent substance to improve the quality of your hair with regard to its sheen, softness, and texture.

» Iron

Yet another essential component in restoring your mane is the content of iron in your body. Known to regulate cell development and subsequent multiplication, its deficiency may lead to hair loss. Fish, lean meat, greens, tofu, lentils, fresh prunes, and dry fruits are carriers of iron. Consuming iron in the right dose activates follicles and helps in regrowing hair. No wonder their consumption is recommended not only by some of the leading dermatologists the world over, but grandmas and mommies, too, swear by the goodness of these foods. If you are to take iron supplements, do not act the quack; an expert opinion is a must, as an overdose may run untoward complications.

Your Hair Deprecates ...

» Alcohol

How many times have we had our loved ones advise us on the deadly drinking habit? Besides causing health crises, your hair, too, suffers in the bargain. Remember: When it comes to preserving your hair, how well you hold your glass simply doesn't matter!

» Lack of Moisture

If the hair shaft feels dry and coarse, know that it is not fed with enough moisture. A potent reason why dryness victimizes your hair is courtesy of you being lax at irrigating your system. Drink more than 8 glasses of water every day. For most readers, eying this statement is no eye opener. It is only an adage that most swear by. Following it is one fat chance!

» Sleep Deprivation

Sleep is essential, if you want your glory back to where it ought to belong. If stress is working up your mind, join a laughter community, or enroll in a gymnasium, because stress causes sleepless nights, thus causing hair loss. If the stressor continues, it is close to impossible to reverse the devastating effect it has on your hair growth. It is known to affect your immune system, and general stamina. Know that your hair has an active sensor that understands the changes happening in the body. Your hair does not cue in to the change and may not act receptive to the fluctuations. Remember: A turmoil within, in most cases, is bound to traumatize your hair from the inside as well as the outside. Besides, no abracadabra potion, or nutrient will work, if you are giving your sleep a miss.

» Smoking

Another stuck-record statement: "Smoking is injurious to health." It affects scalp health as well, as smoking hampers the blood circulation and snubs hair growth. Trading your hair for a smoke ... not good, or is it? Well, you have far meditative choices to spoil you ... for good!

The Fortifying Five

Revitalizing Egg Mask

This one being an egg mask, is a mess-inviting affair; however, the results you derive are worth the slight discomfort. To begin with, separate the egg white from the yolk. Discard the former, and keep the yolk only. Add a tablespoon of beer, honey, and castor oil -- all in the same measure -- and apply the mixture from the roots, running it through the length of the hair shaft. For best results, wear a plastic shower cap post the application. The nourishment is said to penetrate better due to the superficial insulation provided by the shower cap. Leave the arrangement as it is for 30 minutes. Rinse thereafter with a mild hair-washing solution.

Note.- Be gentle while you rinse your hair. You may observe that your hair becomes tough, and tangles are a part of the process. Be patient and untangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb, starting from the tips, gradually progressing toward the roots.

Growth-stimulating Rosemary Mask

Boil two cups of water containing 3 tablespoons of dried rosemary. As the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the flame, and let it simmer until the blend reduces to half its original quantity. Let it cool, and strain the mixture thereafter. Now, take black pepper and lemon seeds in equal measure, and grind them together. Add this powder to the rosemary mixture to formulate a fine paste. To fight dandruff and subsequent flaking, you may add 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Blend and apply the mixture by parting your hair into sections. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse thereafter with tepid water. If the pepper feels strong, rinse your hair before the time specified.

Root-activating Fenugreek Mask

Grind the fenugreek seeds to a fine powder. Beat an egg, and blend it with the powder to form a paste. Add 2 teaspoons of castor oil, or extra virgin olive oil, and blend the complete mixture. Apply by smoothing the mask through the entire length of your hair. Leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse it with tepid water and a mild shampoo. Applying this mask once during the week will do a good turn to your hair.

Regenerative Strawberry Mask

Overripe strawberries are known to work wonders for your hair. Nourishment aplenty is what you get with this hair mask. Puree 6 to 8 strawberries. Add an egg, i.e., only the egg yolk and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. Blend the mixture to form a smooth paste. Apply the paste by sectioning the hair. Smooth the paste from root to tip. Let the application sit for 20 minutes, and rinse thereafter with a mild, nourishing shampoo. For better results, wear a shower cap to facilitate better insulation and penetration through the layers of the hair.

Restorative Cinnamon Mask

Take 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder in a mixing bowl with 1 tablespoon honey and 1 teaspoon of olive oil to make a paste. Apply it onto the scalp covering the length of your hair. Rinse off post fifteen minutes using a mild shampoo.

The Age-old Remedy

Massaging the hair and scalp with oil is said to be the best natural remedy for regrowing your hair. For a hair massage, you can either use extra virgin olive oil, or a mixture of rosemary and jojoba oils. Other than this, almond, castor, or coconut oil are deemed prime factories of nourishment. Pour a few drops of oil in a small vessel, and place it in a container holding water. Do not heat the oil on direct flame. When the oil feels warm, begin application starting from the roots. Gently part your hair with a rat tail comb, and massage the oil, letting it penetrate the roots. After covering the scalp, shift your focus toward smoothing the oil through the length of your hair. To ensure hair regrowth, massage your scalp well; however, be gentle, especially over the areas, where hair loss is experienced. Preferably, let the oil stand overnight. Using a suitable shampoo and conditioner, wash your hair, and allow it to dry all by itself.

The Finer Contributing Factors

Mentioned herein are a few points that must be considered in conjunction with the aforementioned remedies.

• Be gentle while combing your hair. Harsh strokes with a tough-bristled brush may damage the roots as well as the shaft. As your hair is sensitive, use a boar brush. It is made of soft and flexible bristles, ideal to handle fine hair.
• Almond oil is very beneficial for the hair. A few drops of oil smeared over the scalp three times a week provides the much-required nourishment.
• Applying coconut oil with extra virgin olive oil, twice a week, the night before hair wash works well to replenish the moisture in your roots.
• Book an appointment with a stylist you trust your mane with, and ask for a trim every three months. Your hair needs to get rid of split ends and rough ends that hamper its growth.
• Avoid chemical treatments for your hair. Remember: A head full of hair is far better than a head with cosmetically styled, but thin hair.
• Stay away from blow-drying your mane. Treat your hair to air-drying to preserve the crop, and thereby increase its volume.
• Another natural method of regrowing your hair is by using aloe vera gel on the scalp directly. Drinking aloe vera juice is also said to help.
• Exercise your way to hair growth. Positive exertion of the body facilitates healthy blood circulation, which leads to faster hair growth.

These were some potent tips for regrowing hair, keeping the natural factors in the loop. Besides, don't lose sleep over losing hair. Instead, pack in a peaceful sleep and a healthful diet to keep your hair committed to your scalp.

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List of Vitamins that Helps Dealt with Thinning Hair

For healthy hair, include salmon, poultry, eggs, spinach, yogurt, avocados, walnuts, chocolate, sweet potatoes, oysters, and pumpkin seeds in your diet.

Healthy people lose hair due to three main factors - genetics, aging, and nutritional deficiencies. Those with health issues may also lose hair due to the underlying medical conditions. Hair thinning could also be a side effect of certain medicines or medical procedures. According to statistics, nutritional factors comprise the major cause for hair thinning in healthy women below the age of 50. Those with underlying medical conditions can tackle hair thinning by getting the condition treated. In case of healthy people, genetics and aging are two factors that cannot be rectified or treated. However, the third common cause - nutritional deficiencies, can be countered effectively.

We all know that a proper diet is one of the basic requirements for the healthy functioning of the human body. Apart from promoting the health of the internal organs, a proper diet is also necessary for maintaining the health of the skin, hair, and nails. So hair thinning in healthy people could be due to a poor diet that is deficient in hair vitamins. Vitamins promote faster growth of the strands and enhance their tensile strength too.

B Vitamins

They are necessary for various vital functions of the human body. These water-soluble vitamins are mostly found in protein-rich food. There are eight types of B-vitamins - thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), piroxidine (B6), folic acid (B9), cyanocobalamin (B12), and biotin (B7). When it comes to hair health, all are beneficial, but the main ones are B3, B7, and B12. Apart from making the hair strong, most of the B vitamins enhance the sheen, thickness, and color of the strands. While biotin fights premature graying; niacin or vitamin B3 improves blood circulation in the scalp, thereby promoting hair growth. B vitamins are abundant in legumes, whole grains, meat, poultry, bananas, potatoes, milk, eggs, etc.

Vitamin C

This is another water-soluble vitamin which is vital for the health of hair. Vitamin C is responsible for developing collagen and maintaining its level in the body. Collagen is the main structural protein in connective tissues, and it strengthens hair. Apart from that, vitamin C is vital for absorption of iron, which is essential for hair growth. A deficiency of vitamin C can make the hair dull and thin. The hair follicles may get clogged, thereby making the strands weak. As this vitamin cannot be synthesized in the body, it is derived from foods like citrus fruits, cantaloupe, papaya, kiwifruit, pineapple, broccoli, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach.

Vitamin D

Though the role of vitamin D in hair follicle cycling is still not well understood, it has been suggested that vitamin D receptors in the cells and tissues are vital. They actively involved in anagen initiation of the cycle. Absence of vitamin D receptors has been linked to alopecia. Another study shows that women who experience hair thinning has low levels of vitamin D and iron. Egg yolks, salmon, tuna, mackerel, cheese, powdered milk, etc. has considerable amounts of vitamin D.

Vitamin E

A lipid soluble antioxidant, vitamin C improves blood circulation, which in turn is good for hair growth. Being a good antioxidant, vitamin E enhances overall health and slows down the process of aging. Thus this vitamin is beneficial for delaying hair graying. Almonds, kiwi fruit, papaya, avocado, spinach, collards, and kale are rich in vitamin E.

Other Nutrients

When it comes to the nutrients that are necessary for the health of hair, protein tops the list. Protein is made of amino acids. While the human body produces some amino acids, others are derived from the diet. Lysine, methionine, tyrosine, cystine, and homocysteine are some of the main amino acids that are derived from food. A protein-rich diet offers most of these main amino acids. Apart from protein, unrefined carbohydrates and good fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ones) are also beneficial for hair growth. Iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids (vitamin F) are also vital for hair growth. In fact anemia (iron deficiency) is one of the common causes of hair thinning, especially in women. It is always better to consume foods rich in these nutrients. You may also take supplements, after consulting your health care provider. However, overdose of certain vitamins can be harmful.

Minerals like copper, magnesium, zinc, iodine, and sulfur are also useful for the health of hair. Apart from using these nutrients, there are various other factors that have to be considered, if you are concerned about your hair problems. Adopt a healthy lifestyle and a good exercise regimen. Avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water per day, and have good sleep. Avoid use of hair care products with harsh chemicals. Regular perming and teasing can be harmful for the hair. Stress is one of the main factors that are detrimental for hair. So it is highly essential to curb stress, if you are facing hair problems. If you have symptoms other than hair thinning, it would be wise to consult your doctor to rule out the possibility of underlying medical conditions.

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How Safe to Eat Papaya During Pregnancy?

A woman never glows more than when she's carrying a baby. Being pregnant is God's greatest gift to women, and it is our duty to make sure that we take good care of this wondrous gift handed to us. This involves eating right. And when it comes to a healthy pregnancy diet, one of the most confusing food items is papaya. Women are constantly asking themselves, "Can we eat papaya during pregnancy?" Well, read this article to find out.

Papaya

The papaya (Carica papaya, genus: Carica) is one of the most delicious and healthy fruits. It was planted for the first time in Mexico but is now seen in many tropical countries. The whole papaya tree can be used for different things. Its stem can be used to make ropes. The leaves are made into tea in some parts of the world. The fruit has the maximum uses though. The ripe fruit can be eaten raw. It is used as a remedy to ease digestion. The unripe fruit can be cooked and eaten. The seeds can be ground and used as a substitute for black pepper. The latex in the unripe fruit is used to soften meat while cooking.

Eating Papaya During Pregnancy

Many people, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc., believe that papaya has properties that can induce problems in childbirth like miscarriage or abortion. To discuss this further, both the sides of the issue must be known.

Benefits

Read ahead for some of the reasons why eating papaya during pregnancy is a good prenatal care measure.

• Indigestion is a common problem that pregnant women face. To help ease the trouble caused by the indigestion, papaya is highly recommended.
• Papaya is rich in vitamins. The raw skin of papaya has large amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C.
• Besides these, papaya also is very effective against other digestive problems like inflammatory bowel syndrome or heartburn.
• Slightly unripe papaya is used as a natural method to induce labor towards the final stages of pregnancy.

Adverse Effects
Here are some of the reasons why eating papaya during pregnancy is avoided.

• It is safe to eat only ripe papaya during pregnancy. The enzyme that soothes indigestion is called papain.
• However, care must be taken that only fully ripe papaya is eaten. Even slightly unripe papaya has a latex like substance in it. This latex substance acts like prostaglandin and oxytocin which are generally used to induce labor.
• Consuming papaya during the early weeks of pregnancy should be avoided unless you are absolutely sure that it is fully ripe.
• This is because eating unripe papaya during the early stages of pregnancy may induce early labor and in some case, even miscarriage.
• Hence, papaya is generally avoided by most women as a precautionary measure.

These were some of the benefits and ill effects of eating papaya during pregnancy. Hope this article has cleared your doubts. Make sure you eat healthy during pregnancy. You'll be rewarded with a bundle of joy and you will cherish the entire experience forever!

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