Research shows that at least 4 in 10 people suffer from digestive disorders that can disrupt their daily routine. From aches to chronic diseases, stomach conditions affect people of all ages, exhibit a myriad of symptoms, and are accompanied by mild to severe discomfort. Depending on the severity, certain changes in diet and lifestyle can help manage the symptoms. In severe cases, a combination of medications and treatment is recommended by medical professionals. Here’s an overview of the four common stomach conditions and their causes: Bloating and gas This is, undoubtedly, one of the most common stomach conditions and digestive problems among both men and women. One may feel extremely bloated and pass gas regularly in this condition. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to pass gas up to 21 times a day, indicating normal digestive activity. Gas is nothing more than a byproduct of food that the body releases during digestion. Veggies like asparagus, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions can cause gas to form during digestion, and the resulting buildup can also lead to bloating. Acid reflux Also known as heartburn, it is one of the more severe stomach conditions that results in a painful burning sensation from the upper part of the stomach all the way up to the chest.

Many fitness websites focus on weight loss tips, but nobody talks about how hard it can be to maintain your ideal weight. Weight management is unlike shedding pounds; it is much more complex. It requires a sheer amount of discipline and dedication, along with maintaining a consistent routine. So, here’s a 5-step guide to weight management to make the process easier for you: Step 1: Maintain a consistent exercise routine Exercising is a common way to lose weight, but do not brush it off just because you’ve shed those extra pounds. You throw your routine out the window, and chances are that you’ll be off your ideal weight again. Exercising is essential, as it helps the body burn fat and improves overall health. Also, keep in mind that the type of exercise does not matter, so you can choose any physical activity you like to indulge in. Step 2: Don’t count every calorie Diet plans that help lose weight count each and every calorie consumed and burned, but this does not work in the long run. Trying to stay fit is not possible when you’re on a restricted diet. You need to get all the required nutrients, and fats are also an integral part of the list.

Doctors recommend a decent 8 hours of sleep every night for adults because sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. From managing hormone levels and relieving fatigue to affecting mood, a decent sleep cycle helps regulate various body processes. While there’s nothing one would love more than a good night’s sleep after a tiring day, sleep disorders often disrupt sleep cycles and reduce the quality of sleep. Here are some common sleep disorders and their symptoms that you should know about: Sleep apnea Characterized by repeated interrupted breathing, sleep apnea is a serious disorder. People with this condition experience repeated episodes of breathing difficulties while they’re asleep and often wake up gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) RLS is a sleep disorder that leads to an irresistible urge to move one’s legs. This condition is so uncomfortable that people find it difficult to sleep and pace around at night, hoping to achieve some relief. Insomnia Insomnia is a common condition that makes it difficult for an individual to fall or stay asleep. While many adults suffer from insomnia, only a few experience chronic insomnia. Narcolepsy This is a neurological disorder that affects sleep control and causes uncontrollable episodes of sleepiness during the day.

Addiction is a compulsive activity of abuse that induces temporary pleasure. These substances can be anything from alcohol, medications, and other stimulants. The overuse of such substances has a detrimental effect on the body and mind. Therefore, even after successful treatment, the road to complete recovery is challenging. To avoid relapse, here are simple ways one can try to cope with withdrawal symptoms and fight temptations. Support system The simplest way to cope with addiction is to build a support system of trustworthy friends. One must remember that recovery is a long process and your friends and family can help you overcome temptations and fight withdrawal symptoms. Note that while treatment conditions the body to be independent of the substance, support and therapy conditions the mind to avoid chances of a relapse. Seek sponsors or former addicts who are now sober and can advise you based on their experience. Learning from their experience will certainly instill confidence in your ability to not relapse. Attend group sessions Group therapy sessions provide recovering addicts with a platform to share their positive efforts towards recovery. Here, recovering addicts gather to openly discuss their addictions in a positive light and share their experiences on how they managed to overcome temptations and avoid relapse.

Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an adult is challenging. ADHD can impact almost every aspect of an individual’s life, including personal and professional relationships. Further, it can also take a toll on one’s health. Even trivial day-to-day activities such as paying bills on time, managing work, and keeping up with the demands of family and friends can be overwhelming. Some common adult ADHD symptoms include disorganization, having a hard time meeting deadlines, and impulsive behavior. But the good news is that one can learn and practice certain skills that can help them manage the symptoms of ADHD. One can start by improving their daily habits, and slowly develop skills that can help them remain organized, improve interaction with friends and colleagues, and become efficient. Remember that these self-help tips for managing ADHD require patience, practice, and a positive attitude. That said, here are effective tips that one can employ to deal with ADHD. Organize every detail Lack of focus is one of the major symptoms of ADHD, which makes organizing anything one of the biggest challenges. However, one can learn to organize things in a better way by breaking down tasks into smaller steps and taking a systematic approach.

Aging is a part of life; there is nothing to worry about if you know what to expect and how to prepare for it in advance. Indeed, you may not be as strong and suffer from aches and pains more often. However, by ensuring that you take care of your health now, you can slow down your body’s aging process. Read on to know more about aging, its signs, and how to take care of yourself. What are the signs of aging? Aging is a subjective process and can not be generally categorized. Aging is associated with psychological, biological, and physiological changes. The most easily noticeable and early signs of aging are graying of hair followed by drastic changes that affect the working and functioning of a person. However, with timely medical check-ups, proper diet, and exercise you can ensure that you are healthy and prepared for anything that aging throws at you. What happens when you age? As mentioned above the human body goes through a multitude of changes. The heart, bones and joints, muscles, brain, digestive and urinary tracts, and senses weaken with age and do not perform optimally. The heart is especially affected by age as its muscles begin to stiffen leading to heart problems and high blood pressure.

Allergies are a common problem, and there is nothing that can be done to avoid them. However, there are treatments and medications available that help manage the symptoms caused due to an allergic reaction. It is necessary to be aware of the course of action in case you or someone around you is suddenly experiencing an allergic reaction. Continue reading to learn more about allergies, how to detect them, and its treatment options. What are allergies and how to detect them? An allergy is the reaction produced by the immune system when it is trying to fight a foreign substance it believes to be harmful. This foreign substance does not have to be bacteria or viruses. Sometimes, your immune system fights virtually non-harmful substances such as grass, dust mites, dander, and food, assuming them as harmful. This reaction against non-harmful substances or “allergens” is known as an allergic reaction. The body reacts to different things on a different scale. That means the type, the severity, and the signs of an allergic reaction can differ from person to person. While our genetics do play a role in their manifestation, it does not necessarily mean we exhibit the same allergies as our parents.

Alzheimer’s disease, a neurological condition, causes brain cells to die. It is a debilitating illness that starts with memory loss and cognitive decline caused by brain cell damage. It is one of the most common forms of dementia with nearly 80 percent of dementia cases starting with Alzheimer’s disease. More than 5 million people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease annually. The disease progresses in stages and symptoms become severe over time. Here are a few important things to know about Alzheimer’s disease. Various stages As mentioned above, Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are seven stages based on the severity of the symptoms. The disease begins with no impairment, progresses to mild and moderate decline, and finally, a state of severe decline. The diagnosis is usually done in the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s, known as “early-stage or mild Alzheimer’s.” Therefore, the disease can be said to have three main stages. The first one is preclinical, the stage before any of the symptoms appear. Mild cognitive impairment is the second stage, where symptoms begin to appear; however, they are quite mild. Dementia is the last and final stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Common symptoms One of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease is cognitive loss, which causes memory loss.

The blood mainly comprises three types of cells: White Blood Cells (WBCs) that stave off infections and diseases, platelets that help heal wounds, and Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen throughout the body. A depletion in RBCs due to lack of nutrition or an underlying disease leads to anemia and manifests symptoms that can range from persistent fatigue to irregular heartbeats. There are several types of anemia categorized on the basis of the causes and symptoms. Several health experts suggest that, apart from early diagnosis and timely treatment, following a healthy diet and ensuring proper nutrition are key to maintaining healthy levels of RBCs in the body. Here are a few power-packed foods that can help keep the symptoms of anemia at bay: Dark leafy greens The deficiency of iron has long been synonymous with anemia. So, don’t forget to add leafy greens like spinach and kale into your basket the next time you’re out buying vegetables. Also, you must up your intake of leafy green veggies if you depend only on plant sources of iron, as the body absorbs less of the nutrient. Lean meats If you’re looking for a larger dose of iron and don’t mind meat on your plate, grass-fed lean meat is a perfect source.

Cholesterol is a fatty wax substance that the body naturally produces to support certain digestive functions. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart problems. There are two main types of it: High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Medical professionals refer to HDL as good cholesterol that comes from healthy, organic, and natural food sources while LDL is a bad byproduct of processed foods rich in additives. You must maintain low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL to strike a proper balance and reduce the risk of health complications down the line. This can be done in the following ways. Maintain a proper diet Switch to alternatives that promote HDL in the body. Also, avoid foods that are high in LDL, including red and fatty cuts of meat, such as pork, beef, and lamb. Refrain from having too much butter, egg yolk, cheese, and other highly saturated foods. Processed foods are rich in trans-fats that also increase LDL levels in the body. So avoid eating baked, fried, and processed foods taken from the shelves in the supermarket. Instead, incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, certain fish, and an assortment of healthy nuts.