Viral infections like the common cold and flu can cause a  runny nose . It could also be a symptom of an allergic reaction caused by exposure to cold or hot weather, inhaling dust from the air, or certain smells. Whatever the reason, you can treat the problem easily using simple natural or home remedies in most cases. Here are a few helpful tips on  how to stop a runny nose. Drink warm fluids Warm fluids soothe the inflamed lining of the throat and nose and relieve congestion. While plain warm water is adequate, you can have homemade chicken soup or chicken broth, as these have compounds that effectively fight a runny nose. However, avoid liquids that aggravate membranes in the throat and nasal passages. Try steam inhalation Steam inhalation is a traditional method for relieving congestion. Use a water steamer or hold your head over a pot of boiling water and slowly inhale the vapors. Adding some ginger or garlic to the boiling water is more helpful in loosening the mucus in the nose. Apart from being an excellent home remedy to stop a runny nose, inhaling steam is beneficial for treating cough and nasal allergies. Use saltwater rinse Saltwater rinse, traditionally known as “neti pot,” helps decongest the nasal tract.

A stroke is a health emergency and requires immediate attention. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures or a blockage affects the blood supply to the organ. In both cases, the brain is deprived of oxygen. Consequently, the brain cells get damaged, leading to a loss of physical and cognitive abilities. While the condition is curable with timely treatment, you may also need to perform stroke recovery exercises to function normally. Why are stroke recovery exercises important? A stroke can cause chemical changes in the brain, damaging its cells. As a result, the organ’s performance is affected. You may not be able to move or function properly. But the human brain has self-healing capabilities. It can repair and rewire itself. After a stroke, the healthy brain cells take over, performing the tasks previously undertaken by the damaged ones. But to ensure this happens, particular actions must be performed repetitively so that the brain can relearn and execute them through different neural pathways. This is where recovery exercises come in. They help relearn specific tasks and movements, which, in turn, restores normalcy over time. The specific exercises can also provide other benefits, including improved strength, endurance, and balance.

Old age and osteoporosis are two of the biggest reasons for loss of bone density. More than 53 million people in the country suffer from osteoporosis or are at-risk. In its most severe form, it can cause a fracture from something as simple as a hard sneeze or cough. But loss of bone-density can also be caused by other health conditions, some of which may be surprising as these conditions are not bone-related diseases. Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a health condition where the body doesn’t renew the bone material fast enough, resulting in the bones becoming fragile. When it affects the bones, the holes in the honeycomb structure keep getting larger, reducing the density and making them weak and fragile. Gender, age, family history, and even lifestyle choices are some risk factors for this condition. Women tend to get osteoporosis more often than men, and it becomes more likely with age. People with a family history of the illness are also at higher risk. The condition can be diagnosed with a bone density test that measures the amount of minerals in the bones. Low bone density is an indication of osteoporosis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) RA is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease that can lead to bone loss.

Cholesterol is a waxy type of substance, similar to fat, that’s present in the blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease. There are two types – HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is good, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is bad. While HDL helps remove LDL from the arteries, eating certain types of foods too can help lower bad cholesterol. Certain lifestyle changes also help in reducing bad cholesterol levels. Types of foods to eat Eating foods that are high in fiber is essential to lower cholesterol levels. Fiber binds with cholesterol and helps in eliminating it from the body. Fiber is of two types – soluble and insoluble. Oats, beans, lentils, apples, and carrots are rich in soluble fiber, while insoluble fiber can be found in wheat bran, nuts, and seeds. Eating some amount of fruits and vegetables everyday can also help in reducing cholesterol levels. One should make sure to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat and trans fat. Saturated fats are found in animal products, such as butter, cheese, and red meat. Trans fats are found in processed foods, like baked goods, margarine, and fried foods. Regular exercise can also help in lowering bad LDL levels and in increasing your HDL levels.

Nasal congestion occurs where the nasal passages become blocked, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This can be caused by a number of things, such as allergies, the common cold, or a sinus infection. If your nasal congestion is severe, you may need to see a doctor for additional treatment options. However, these tips should help you to get some relief from your symptoms. Tips to relieve nasal congestion Drink plenty of fluids Drinking water, juice, hot herbal tea, and hot soup can help thin out mucus and make it easier to expel. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. However, avoid caffeine as it can have a dehydrating effect and make your symptoms worse. Use a humidifier A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which when breathed in, helps decrease irritation and can help loosen mucus for ease of breathing. But care must be taken to maintain the humidifier by regular cleaning and replacing of filters; if this is not done, it can worsen allergies and sinusitis. Steam inhalation Breathing in steam can help to clear out a stuffy nose and offer some relief. Boil a pot of water and then hold your face over the steam, breathing in deeply.

Several factors help in making the digestion process easier. While eating a balanced meal, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough exercise is important, there are some foods that give the body an added advantage when it comes to the process. High-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables; foods rich in probiotics like yogurt and kimchi; and lean protein options like chicken or fish make for some excellent choices for good digestion. Gut-friendly foods Yogurt Probiotics are microorganisms that restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut. Since yogurt is packed with probiotics, it helps improve digestion by making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients from food. Yogurt also contains some vital nutrients that are required by the body. It is an ideal source of calcium, which keeps the bones and teeth healthy. It can also help to reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is an illness that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation. Bananas Bananas have a lot of fiber in them. They also are good sources of potassium, which can help regulate fluid levels in the body. Potassium is also responsible for maintaining electrolyte balance. Bananas are also low-acid foods, which can help to reduce heartburn and other digestive issues.

Heart disease is fairly common in the country, and the importance of maximizing heart health cannot be overstated. Exercising regularly, making good lifestyle choices, and above all, eating right are some ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. There are some foods that have a wealth of nutrition and they also ultimately help lower cholesterol and promote heart health. Adding these to your daily meals is the first step forward. Salmon Salmon is a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation and promote cardiovascular health. Salmon is also a good source of protein and other nutrients. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a versatile option for meals. Fish, in general, is a lean protein source and is low in saturated fat. Adding fish to your meals at least two times a week can help reduce the risk of developing a cardiac disease. Some of the best fish for heart health apart from salmon are mackerel, herring, and sardines. Olive oil This versatile oil is rich in flavor and can be used to cook, roast, bake, fry, and can even be used for salad dressing. Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and anti-inflammatory properties, olive oil is a heart-healthy food that can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that causes abnormal perceptions, thoughts, and emotions. It is characterized by changes in thinking, mood, behavior, and social relationships. The symptoms of this condition can become extremely severe to disrupt the patient’s daily life. These symptoms can be categorized as Positive, Negative, and Cognitive. In some instances, a few uncommon symptoms can go unrecognized in the early stages of the condition. Some of these are listed below. Sleep An early uncommon sign of schizophrenia is a change in sleeping habits. A person may start to sleep less or have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They may also experience strange dreams or nightmares. Eating habits People with schizophrenia may lose their appetite or start to eat more than usual. They may also fixate on certain foods and become obsessed with eating them. Disordered thinking This early symptom could easily be passed off as being overworked or stressed. However, consistent trouble with processing one’s thoughts, focusing, and concentrating is an early symptom that could be overlooked. Speech A person in the early stages could reduce their conversations with people. They may speak very rapidly, or make up words and phrases. A lot of unfair assumptions can be made at this stage.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. It usually occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks good bacteria in the organ. The predominant types of the disorder are ulcerative proctitis, occurring in the rectum; proctosigmoiditis, affecting the rectum and lower colon; and pancolitis, spreading across the colon. While several oral and surgical ulcerative colitis treatments are available, patients may follow a few additional tips for the best results. Avoid fiber-rich foods Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, which can aggravate with high fiber intake. Thus, it helps to add low-fiber foods to the meal plan, such as eggs, tofu, fruit and vegetable juices, and tender meat. At the same time, foods like nuts, whole grains, and beans should be avoided as they contain large quantities of fiber. However, patients must consult a doctor or nutritionist to ensure their nutritional requirements are met even after avoiding fibrous food sources. Drink sufficient water Most individuals with ulcerative colitis have bouts of diarrhea that result in acute loss of fluids from the body. Thus, it is imperative to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and its repercussions. Besides drinking two to three liters of water daily, one can include other liquids like juices, soups, and buttermilk in the meals.

Most people experience pain in their head or face multiple times during their lifetime, and about 45% of people in the country report being affected by headaches every year. The pain intensity brought on by headaches can be constant, sharp, throbbing, or dull. People can deal with the condition through treatments, lifestyle changes, and natural home remedies. However, one should understand the types of headaches and their warning signs to get the right treatment. Tension headaches People with tension headaches may feel like a headband is slowly tightening and squeezing their forehead. The signs and symptoms of tension headaches include chronic fatigue, crankiness, trouble focusing, and general muscle aching. Tension headaches may also cause symptoms like headaches when the individual wakes up, mild sensitivity to light, and difficulty falling asleep or staying awake. Tension headaches are the most common form of headaches. There are two types of tension headaches that a person may experience. The first is episodic tension headaches, where the pain ranges from mild to moderate and affects the front, sides, or top of the head. The pain progresses gradually, can be triggered in the middle of the day, and may last between 30 minutes to several days.