The kidneys are among the essential organs in the body. They help eliminate toxins from the blood and transform the impurities into urine. Unfortunately, several diseases may affect the kidneys and prevent them from functioning correctly. As per estimates, around six million people in our country aged 18 or older suffer from kidney disease. It can affect one or both kidneys and can be severe enough to require dialysis or even transplantation if not managed. What are the types of kidney diseases? They are mainly divided into chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney disease (AKD): Chronic kidney disease CKD is a long-term problem affecting the organ’s ability to filter waste from the blood. Here, the kidney is affected gradually, usually due to ailments like diabetes or high blood pressure. The main symptoms are tiredness, feeling sick more often, and weakness in one arm or leg when standing up (this may go away on standing up straight). Acute kidney disease AKD occurs suddenly and is more severe but not a long-term problem. It may result from damage to the organ due to an illness or treatment. The symptoms include chest pain, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and fever, among others. What are the most common kidney diseases? Some of the most common ones are kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and urinary tract infection (UTI). Let us take a closer look: Kidney stones These are hard deposits of calcium and other substances inside the organ. Kidney stones can be as tiny as a salt grain or as large as a lime. They may cause pain in the lower back, side, or abdomen and blood in the urine. The pain is caused by pressure on one or more of the ureters—the two tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Kidney diseases are some of the most common and life-threatening conditions that affect patients worldwide. These diseases lead to kidney function failure over time. It can be caused by various factors, including environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Kidney disease can lead to severe health complications such as acute renal failure (ARF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic renal failure (CRF). A healthy kidney is a sign of a healthy body and lifestyle. The function of the kidney The kidney is an essential organ that performs many functions in the body. It filters the blood, removes waste products and excess water from the body, and helps maintain a person’s balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Kidneys help maintain their normal levels of salt concentration which is essential for the proper functioning of every cell tissue in the body because, without adequate amounts of salt, no cells can function properly. The kidney also plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and volume by keeping them at appropriate levels through urine production. The kidneys also regulate fluid balance in your body by removing excess water from urine and adding extra water into the urine when necessary for your body tissues not to be dehydrated. Kidney failure is when a person’s kidneys cannot function properly due to disease or injury; this condition can be fatal if left untreated. What is kidney disease? Kidney disease is a general term that describes any condition that affects the kidneys. The most common types of kidney diseases are acute and chronic. An infection, trauma, or surgery causes kidney diseases. They usually develop rapidly and cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain before progressing to a cushingoid appearance with high blood pressure and swelling in the feet or legs due to fluid retention—a condition called edema—and ultimately death if untreated.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the macula – a light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Age-related Macular Degeneration is the top cause of blindness in people over 65, affecting more than 6 million people today. As you age, AMD can cause a progressive loss in central vision (the ability to see objects clearly). It can lead to vision loss or blurriness of things you see with your central eye. Here we will take an in-depth look at what causes AMD, how it affects your eyesight, and what treatments are available. What is macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is a disease that affects the macula or the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. It causes blurred vision and loss of central vision (the area where you see things clearly). This can make driving dangerous or impossible for some individuals who have lost their peripheral vision because they cannot judge distances accurately anymore. Risk factors In general, the following risk factors are associated with AMD: Age (50 or older) Gender (men more likely than women) Family history of AMD in first-degree relatives (parents and siblings), especially if there is a tendency for early onset of the condition High-risk factors include high blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. Symptoms of AMD There are many symptoms of macular degeneration, including: Poor central vision (the ability to see objects clearly) Vision loss in the center of your field of vision Difficulty reading text or other small print Blurriness What causes age-related macular degeneration? Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a form of vision loss that affects the central part of your retina. It can make it hard to see faces, read, watch TV, and more. Your peripheral (side) vision may remain normal. Experts do not know precisely what causes AMD or how people get it, but they know that smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing AMD by 50%.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that causes blisters, scaly areas, rashes, and itchy and dry skin. Itchy skin is the most typical symptom of eczema. The seven types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. Anyone, at any age, can get eczema. Symptoms typically start in early childhood and persist through adulthood. A thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan are the first steps toward relief. Causes of eczema Immune system Your immune system overreacts to minor allergens or irritants (triggers) in your environment if you have eczema. Your immune system interprets minor irritants as dangerous foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, when you come into contact with a trigger. Consequently, the triggers cause your body’s defense mechanisms to go into action. Inflammation is the immune system’s method of protection. Your skin’s eczema symptoms are brought on by inflammation. Irritants from surroundings Your surroundings may have many things that can aggravate your chances of developing skin diseases. Examples include breathing in pollutants, using harsh soaps, wearing wool, and using some skin care products. Your skin could feel dry and inflamed in low humidity or dry air. Sweating can be brought on by heat and excessive humidity, which can worsen itching. Genes If you have a family history of eczema or dermatitis, you are more likely to develop the condition. Additionally, if you have a history of allergies, hay fever, or asthma, you are at a higher risk. Pollen, pet dander, and foods that cause an allergic reaction are examples of common allergies. Filaggrin deficiency Additionally, there may be a hereditary component to eczema. A protein called “filaggrin” helps keep your skin moisturized; a filaggrin deficiency could result in drier, itchier skin. This can raise your likelihood of developing eczema. Emotional causes Your skin’s health can also affect your emotional well-being, which could escalate eczema symptoms.

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling people experience when they are nervous about meeting someone or doing something, and at times, without apparent reason. However, anxiety disorder is a condition that affects one physically and mentally. The disorder’s visible symptoms are increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling, and muscle tension. Excessive worrying, isolation, below-par performance, and inability to relax are other consequences. However, the condition can be managed through natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Dealing with anxiety One can follow many simple strategies to reduce anxiety and its impact. First, one must understand the triggers and the symptoms or changes when dealing with the disorder. One should also learn to identify unwanted thoughts of failure and danger. One should communicate openly with their doctor or a mental health professional, who may recommend prescription options and behavioral and cognitive therapies to deal with the disorder. They continue the treatment until they see improvement in physical symptoms and one’s ability to overcome intrusive thoughts and associated behavior. Doctors may also recommend a few natural methods to help manage anxiety and its consequences, minimizing the need for prescription options. Prescriptions have long-term side effects like dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, nausea, erectile dysfunction, and other problems. Natural methods of management Natural approaches require significant commitment and dedication from the patient. One can start by practicing these methods for a few minutes and incrementally increase the duration and intensity of these remedies. Some of the natural methods to manage anxiety are: Relaxation Learning to relax is a key step in managing the disorder. As one relaxes, their mind and body can become calmer, their muscles relax, and they stop shaking and trembling. People with the disorder can try various relaxation activities and techniques and choose the ones they enjoy the most. This could include the following options:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also known as wet AMD, is a condition that causes vision loss in the center of the retina. The disease can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and other factors. Age-related macular degeneration does not affect a person’s eyesight overnight but progresses over time. However, diagnosing it early is essential for keeping one’s baseline vision intact. This article debunks 10 common myths about the condition. Read on to know more. Dry AMD is easier to treat than Wet AMD Patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can see improvement within just one month after starting a new treatment plan. Many people think dry AMD is more difficult to treat than wet AMD, but the opposite is true. While both forms of the disease can cause vision loss and blindness if left untreated, dry AMD does not require surgery or prescription treatment as frequently as it does for those with wet AMD. One will know right away if they have AMD The truth is that most patients with AMD do not know they have it. Generally, at the initial stages, it creates only minor vision changes or shows no symptoms at all. It is only at a later stage, when the vision starts getting worse, does a person realize that something is wrong with their eyesight. For this reason, it is suggested that one must get their eyes checked regularly to keep their health in check. Nothing can be done to prevent the progression of AMD Many believe that there is nothing that can be done to manage AMD. However, this is not true. Making a few changes in the meal plans and regularly consulting with a doctor can help prolong a person’s vision. It is best to consume more leafy vegetables and oily fish for the extra nutrients required for good eyesight.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores. Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection. Itching, redness, and irritation can all worsen by rubbing and scratching the skin. What causes eczema skin disease? The underlying etiology of eczema still has to be thoroughly comprehended. The cause, according to scientists, is an overactive immune system. When allergens from the outside come in contact with the skin, the immune system reacts, causing eczema to flare up. A collection of typical flare-up triggers is provided below. Additionally, researchers have shown that the bodies of some people with eczema do not produce enough of the protein filaggrin. This protein is essential for keeping skin healthy and nourished.

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques. Noting down your triggers One must identify what’s upsetting them to address the underlying cause of their anxiety. One can achieve it by setting aside time to assess your emotions and thoughts. Journaling is a fantastic method to connect with your anxiety triggers. Keep a diary or notepad beside your bed if your anxiety-related thoughts keep you awake at night. You can note down all the issues troubling you. Another technique to identify and understand your nervous feelings is speaking with a friend. Consider the things you can change Worrying about things or incidents that are yet to occur or might never occur can often lead to anxiety.

Heart-related issues are some of the most concerning health concerns in the country. Of these, a key condition is atrial fibrillation or abnormal heart rhythm. The country sees over 454,000 hospitalizations with atrial fibrillation as the primary diagnosis, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, one can prevent and manage the condition by making lifestyle changes, including healthy eating habits. Here are some heart-healthy foods to help deal with atrial fibrillation: Causes and symptoms Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is heart arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm. The condition usually causes an irregular or fast heartbeat and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Atrial fibrillation is caused by an imbalance between the electrical impulses that control the heartbeat’s rhythm in the left atrium—the top section of the heart. One may have this irregular heartbeat for several months before or after being diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The condition develops when the upper chambers of the heart beat irregularly and chaotically. An irregular heartbeat can cause severe damage to blood vessels, making them leak fluid. If left untreated, this fluid buildup can lead to organ failure and other serious complications. Here are some of the common causes of AFib: High blood pressure: One’s blood pressure rises when exercising and decreases when fasting. However, one should opt for regular checkups with the doctor if they have abnormal blood pressure fluctuations or high blood pressure (hypertension). Damage following a heart attack or surgery: If one has had a heart attack recently or major surgery on one of the arteries—such as an angioplasty—the risk of developing AFib increases significantly. AFib occurs in 20% to 40% of patients after getting a coronary artery bypass surgery. Common symptoms of atrial fibrillation are: A fast or irregular heartbeat Fatigue Dizziness, fainting, and lightheadedness Sweating, palpitations (or rapid, pounding heartbeat), and shortness of breath (dyspnea).

Wrinkles, also known as rhytid, are fine lines or creases appearing on a person’s skin as they age. They are a normal part of the aging process and are found mostly on your face, neck, legs, and arms. While some people embrace this sign of aging, some actively look for ways to reduce wrinkles. So, if you are looking for ways to get rid of wrinkles, here are some helpful natural remedies. Causes Before discussing the natural remedies to reduce and prevent wrinkles, people must understand the reasons that increase their chances of getting wrinkles. One of the main reasons is that your skin produces fewer natural oils and collagen as you age. Along with this, the fat in the layers of your skin also dries up. It leads to the appearance of wrinkles . Besides this, other environmental factors may speed up the process of aging. These include long-term exposure to UV radiation, unhealthy lifestyle habits, lack of proper skincare routine, and repetitive facial movements and muscle contractions. Natural remedies to prevent and control wrinkles Today, several treatments are available to control and manage wrinkles . These range from topical creams to more invasive options such as surgery. However, these treatments may involve several side effects, such as allergic reactions, facial pain, swelling, bruising, and redness. Add to this the fact that anti-aging treatments are expensive and cannot fit into everyone’s budget. It is one of the reasons why more people worldwide are opting for natural remedies to manage wrinkles . Some of the most-effective remedies for the reduction of wrinkles are listed here . Applying skin-firming oils Certain oils act as collagen boosters for your skin and delay the onset of wrinkles. According to experts, coriander essential oil is a powerful remedy for wrinkles. It enhances collagen production and reduces the harmful impact of UV radiation that induces premature wrinkles .