Many philosophers believe that food is the best medicine; Hippocrates believed in that too. Despite the advances in medicine, healthcare technology, new surgical procedures, and medical discoveries, there are many diseases that still don’t have a cure. Scientists, doctors, and researchers are working against time to find a cure to many diseases like cancer, arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, etc. Sadly, the number of people affected by these diseases are increasing. Additionally, the financial costs involved to treat these incurable diseases is mind boggling. As a result, the effort to manage these diseases effectively with alternate and targeted therapies, genetic coding, and lifestyle modification has gained popularity. Among other methods, change in eating habits and lifestyle modifications are the least expensive. However, making these changes can be difficult. Modifications in one’s meals and lifestyle in addition with medication and frequent consultation with doctors is usually ideal. This works particularly well among young children suffering from chronic ailments like asthma. Asthma affects both children and adults. A child affected by asthma has to learn to manage the condition for the rest of their life. Although it is difficult, it is not impossible. Moreover, the use of corticosteroid inhalers for extended periods can cause a toll on one’s body.

Migraine is a headache varying in intensity for different individuals and is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last for hours or even days, and the intense pain may hinder your everyday activities as well. While there isn’t any particular cause for a migraine, there are various triggers like hormonal changes, stress, anxiety, insufficient sleep, and improper diet. Certain medications like sleeping pills, environmental factors like loud noises, flickering screens, and bright lights can also act as triggers. Being aware of your triggers makes it easy to manage the onset of your migraine and get relief faster. While migraine attacks can be severe and you can easily get a prescription for it, some of you may prefer incorporating natural remedies, including foods that can help alleviate the pain: Bananas Bananas are a great source of vitamin B6, and they also provide you with serotonin. This vitamin is a headache-fighting powerhouse, and serotonin also acts as an antidepressant that lowers the amount of pain felt by the body. Vitamin B6 is also known to fight mental fatigue, making this a superfood when it comes to alleviating migraine. Ginger Its many healing properties make ginger a great natural medicine for ailments.

When an individual fails to have not more than three bowel movements in a week, they are said to be constipated. It can be caused by dehydration, lack of dietary fiber, physical inactivity, or even due to a side effect of certain treatments. While treatment options help, in the long run, they can be harmful. As a result, one must instead consume foods that are rich in fiber, as they help in easy passage of stools, thus relieving constipation. Fiber is an integral compound to relieve constipation. It is because it absorbs water, binds with fatty acids, and forms a gel-like substance. This enables the stools to get excreted with ease. A general rule of thumb states that all vegetables have fiber, and hence should be consumed in moderate quantities every day to keep your bowel movements healthy. Here are some foods that you can try to prevent constipation: Raspberries Berries, in general, are a good source of fiber, but raspberries specifically are great. One cup of these delicious berries has 8 grams of fiber. You can whip up a delicious mix of raspberries and yogurt and eat a bowlful of this. Beans One cup of beans has more than 10 grams of fiber, which is more than almost any other food.

Diabetes has become a common concern for thousands of people across the globe. Diabetes essentially has two main types: Type I and Type II. While Type I is a chronic disease, Type II is a common metabolic and chronic disease. With the rapid increase in the number of people suffering from Type II diabetes, it has now become essential to take as many preventive measures as possible. Diabetes, when uncontrolled, can invite many other health complications. Low blood pressure Heart diseases and stroke Kidney problems Foot problems Eye diseases Dental problems like gum diseases Sexual and bladder-related diseases Diabetic neuropathy Diabetes can lead to a few other complications, making it necessary to take the necessary preventive measures. Moreover, people whose families have had diabetes should take extra care as they may have higher chances of developing the disease. Therefore, it is imperative to take actions that will help one prevent their chances of developing diabetes. There are several preventive measures that can be taken to reduce risk factors and keep oneself healthy. Go for regular medical check-ups Going for regular check-ups, especially when you are aware of your family’s medical history, can help avoid the disease. In fact, going for regular check-ups can help one identify warning signs.

As the cost of living rises steadily, falling ill can burn a hole through your wallet. The medical bills coupled with aftercare costs can deplete your savings in no time. To avoid such situations, it is sensible to be prepared for the future. Health insurance policies are doing an incredible job of helping people manage their medical bills. If your employer doesn’t offer health insurance, you’ll have to choose your own health insurance policy. A health insurance policy will pay for your medical and surgical expenses, and it can reimburse you for expenses incurred due to an injury or illness. In most cases, the insurance company directly pays the healthcare provider. Though health insurance policies are quite beneficial, they can be complicated. There are various rules to adhere to — this is why you should thoroughly read the terms and conditions. To make an informed choice about choosing the right health insurance policy, take a look at some of the leading providers in the field. Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Cross Blue Shield’s (BCBS) history can be traced back to 1929. Today, the BCBS has 36 independent, community-based, and locally-operated companies under the BCBSA (Blue Cross Blue Shield Association). BCBS companies have been providing healthcare coverage to its members and have enabled them to lead a comfortable, worry-free life.

Popular medications for neutropenia Neutropenia is a condition where the body does not have enough neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cells that are vital to helping the body fight infection. They fight the infection off by destroying harmful bacteria and fungi like yeast that invade the body. Importance of neutrophils It is essential to have a sufficient number of neutrophils in the body; otherwise, the person is prone to several infections. The risk of infection is so high that the person has to be extra cautious about sanitation and hygiene. While washing hands, in general, is good practice, they must wash their hands regularly or they are at the risk of getting serious infections. Symptoms While neutropenia itself does not cause any symptom, it triggers infections which show symptoms like: Sore throat Sores in the mouth or a toothache Pain or burning when urinating Abdominal pain Pain near the anus Unusual vaginal discharge Redness, swelling or pain around cuts or wounds Diarrhea or sores around the anus Shortness of breath or a cough Causes Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow of larger bones and anything that disrupts this process of production in the bone marrow can lead to this condition.

Managing type 2 diabetes with medication Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body produces insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes and there are about 27 million people in the country that suffer from this disease. In this condition, the body’s cells are unable to respond to the insulin produced. While this is a lifelong disease, it is possible to manage this condition with the help of the right diet, exercise, and prescriptions by your doctor. Ensure that you are aware of the symptoms and take immediate help if they last for too long. Symptoms to be aware of: Frequent urination Tingling or numbness in your hands and feet Non-healing wounds Yeast infections Blurry vision What causes type 2 diabetes? Not just one, but usually a combination of things causes this condition. Genes Your DNA determines how your body will make insulin, and hence some people would genetically be at the risk of developing this condition. Obesity Being overweight can cause insulin resistance, and hence it is important for everyone to keep a check on their diet and exercise. Glucose production The liver makes and sends out glucose when there is not enough in the body.

Treatment plans and medications for depression According to the World Health Organization, the estimated number of people around the world affected by depression are around 350 million. It is the most common illness worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. WHO states that it is a common mental disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness and a loss of interest in activities that a person usually enjoys, accompanied by an inability to carry out daily activities for at least two full weeks. What causes depression? While the cause of depression is not fully understood, it is likely to be a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and biological and psychosocial factors. Also, while depression can affect people of all ages from all walks of life, poverty, unemployment, life events like the death of a loved one or a relationship break-up, physical illness, and problems caused by alcohol and drug use are likely to increase the risk. The symptoms involve losing interest in doing things that one would usually enjoy, change in appetite and sleep patterns, and feeling sad for at least 2 weeks. Approaches to treat depression If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, patients are advised to get professional help from a therapist who can evaluate the symptoms and recommend the right approach for treatment.

Treatment options and medications for managing rheumatoid arthritis A long-term, progressive and, disabling autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and other body organs. It occurs when a person’s immune system mistakenly assumes the body’s healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a response, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or the organ. While this condition can occur in any joints, it usually affects the hands and feet in the initial stage. Treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis patients Unfortunately, currently there is no cure to treat rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatment options that can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve the pain, and slow down the damage caused to the joints. Physical therapy The goal is to keep you moving, this therapy uses exercise and other methods that stimulate muscles, bones, and joints. Instead of planning your own personal exercise chart, it’s advisable to consult a professional therapist who is aware of the challenges occurring with rheumatoid arthritis patients and how to work around it to keep the patients fit. Occupational therapy Since rheumatoid arthritis can make daily tasks difficult to accomplish due to pain and swelling, this therapy comes as a rescue.

6 FDA-approved medications to treat lung cancer One of the leading causes of cancer deaths, lung cancer has been known to claim more lives every year than prostate, colon, breast, and ovarian cancer together. It begins in the lungs and, depending on the stage, can spread to other parts of the body as well. Lung cancer has multiple causes. However, people who tend to smoke are at a higher risk of lung cancer. The risk increases with the length of time and the number of cigarettes smoked. Other causes include passive smoking, exposure to radon gas, exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens, and a family history of lung cancer. Lung cancer causes coughing that doesn’t go away. Additionally, a person suffering from lung cancer can cough up blood, and experience shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, and headache. Treatment usually includes surgery and medications. The below-mentioned medications are FDA-approved and need to be taken only when prescribed by a medical expert. Xalkori: Also known as crizotinib, Xalkori has been approved by the FDA for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Earlier prescribed to those with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, this medication is now recommended to those with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer that had started spreading.