What are probiotics? Since the 90s people have been increasingly curious about this term “probiotics.” So, what are probiotics? In simple words, probiotics are bacteria. Our body houses both kinds of bacteria, i.e., good and bad. And probiotics are friendly bacteria, which maintain our body’s overall balance and immune system. There are several types of probiotics that can be found. All of these can be comprehensively beneficial for you or can facilitate one particular advantage for your body. Some of the most common types of probiotics strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Enterococcus faecium, Saccharomyces boulardii, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus gasseri, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium lactis. What food products contain probiotics? When one mentions probiotics, the instant image that hits the mind is that of yogurt. Although yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, one can find these healthy bacteria in pickles, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, kvass, kombucha and raw cheese. You can also find several probiotics supplements on the market. Just ensure that you consider them, only if your doctor recommends it. Otherwise, it will be safe to stick to the natural sources of probiotics mentioned above. Benefits of probiotics Here are some of the key benefits of probiotics that can assist in keeping your body healthy and strong.

Vitamin D is a vital nutrient and also a hormone which is essential for the human body. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain healthy bones and teeth since the nutrient helps absorb calcium in your system. Thus even a mild vitamin D deficiency is a cause for concern since the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases. Vitamin D is also vital for preserving and maintaining normal brain function, especially for brain development in children, overall mental health, forming memories and making decisions. But this nutrient is necessary for the maintenance of a healthy brain function during old age. Vitamin D levels form an important immune system and overall maintenance of immunity. It has been noted that low levels of vitamin D in your body can lead to developing symptoms of multiple sclerosis which is a disease of the central nervous system, with no known cure. There are both natural and manufactured sources of vitamin D which can be availed on a daily basis. When it comes to natural sources, your options of vitamin D include whatever you get from your food, vitamin D from sunlight and other supplements. But here are a few top sources of best vitamin D supplements you can avail from, the market:

A waxy substance produced by the body naturally is known as cholesterol. Our body requires some cholesterol to make healthy living cells, hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you to digest foods. As such, a certain level of cholesterol is essential for the body’s normal functioning. Small packets of lipoproteins carry the cholesterol through our bloodstream to different parts of the body. There are two types of lipoproteins, which are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). A certain standard level of both types of lipoproteins is important for our body. However, excessively high levels of cholesterol, particularly, LDL cholesterol can lead to serious health problems including clogged arteries, heart disease, and stroke. LDL cholesterol is produced by the liver and is used by the body to build cell walls, hormones, and digestive juices. A high level of LDL cholesterol, commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol, can lead to building up of cholesterol deposits in your arteries. This plaque-like substance on the walls of your cardiovascular system interferes with the normal flow of blood through the arteries leaving you at severe risk for heart attacks and strokes. Even though a person might be at a long-term risk, there are several safe and effective high LDL cholesterol treatment options.

An underarm rash is an unpleasant condition that hampers the appearance along with the personality of an individual. It is also a reason for utter discomfort as it makes wearing clothes difficult. Such a condition results in itching, burning, unpleasant odor, and skin darkening. The part of the skin which is affected triggers mild to acute pain. People with a rash on their armpit are not able to wear sleeveless clothes or synthetic material and must seek immediate treatment. It is frustrating to live with symptoms such as pain, unpleasant odor, and a discolored and rough underarm. Before proceeding with underarm rash treatment, it is essential to diagnose the source of the rash. Causes of underarm rash A few reasons that cause an underarm rash include the following: – An allergic reaction to certain foods may result in an underarm rash – Perfume or deodorant can also be the cause of such an unpleasant and painful condition – Certain underarm hair removal creams may also cause reaction and rash – The detergent used for washing clothes may also result in an armpit rash Thus, recognizing the cause of the rash is the first thing that you must do as soon as you encounter an underarm rash.

Science tells us that not all bacteria are bad. We need good bacteria for fermentation and digestion. Probiotics are good bacteria that help the digestion process. Probiotics live in our bodies. Their variety and pattern are unique, just like human fingerprints. In the present day, probiotics are available as food supplements; doctors prescribe them too. You can find them in the form of yogurts and chocolates as well. Effectiveness of probiotics The primary purpose of probiotics is to replace the bad bacteria with the good ones. If you have been sick and taking antibiotics, you need an effective probiotic to regain your strength. Probiotics provide your system with immunity and strength. It is especially useful in digestion. Probiotics maintain the balance between the levels of good bacteria and bad bacteria. You can find the most effective probiotics to have a balance between the two and stay healthy. Also, probiotics help in the synthesis of vitamins. They are responsible for enhancing gastrointestinal motility and nutrient absorption. Probiotics play a significant role in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). They also produce polyamines and cytokines. They help in the coagulation and growth of a person. They regulate the intestinal mucus secretion and blood flow to the viscera.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid or fat in the blood. It is an essential part of the cell membrane and helps the body cells to change their shape to maintain fluidity. This helps in the movement of the body. Cholesterol formation in the body leads to the biosynthesis of other important substances such as steroid hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D in the body. Cholesterol is essential for the human body; however, excessive levels of cholesterol in the blood can clog the arteries and lead to heart problems. The fatty items that we consume every day also contribute to the cholesterol levels of our body. In the US alone, the daily cholesterol intake on an average is 307 mg, which is higher than the safe limits. It is important to carry out regular cholesterol level diagnosis in order to check the cholesterol level in the body and control it accordingly. Most of the cholesterol that we ingest into our body daily is esterified or fatty in nature, which is why the body does not absorb it properly. It gets accumulated in the cells of the body and increases the fat content. The concentration level of the cholesterol increases. The body compensates for this excessive cholesterol by reducing the synthesis of cholesterol in the body.

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a disorder characterized by erratic changes in your bowel movement. Some people experience diarrhea whereas some others face constipation problems. Abdominal pain and cramps are common symptoms that make everyday life seem like a challenge. You must visit a doctor for proper treatment of IBS. You should also know that certain lifestyle changes and diets can help to improve the condition. Below are the some of the top five IBS diet plans that you should try for healthy bowel movements. Low-FODMAP Diet When we talk about a Low-FODMAP IBS diet plan, we are trying to eliminate the FODMAP from our diet temporarily. What is FODMAP? FODMAP stands for fermented, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. The saccharides and polyols are short-chain carbohydrates. If your body is unable to digest these properly, they ferment in your large intestine. The fermentation takes place in water and produces carbon dioxide, hydrogen, or methane inside your body. This is the reason for your abdominal pain, bloating, and so on. Low-FODMAP IBS diet plan restricts the common food groups to a large extent. However, this diet is not a permanent solution. The main idea is to isolate all the FODMAP from your diet.

Today, diabetes has become a disease that commonly occurs along with blood pressure and heart problems. Often, they are influenced by the other diseases, and it is important to have a closer look at your lifestyle, diet and food habits. Diabetes can be controlled and almost cured with proper diet and sizeable choice of food on a daily basis. People with diabetes do not have to suffer from a bland and boring diet to have their sugar level within limits. Keep in mind the diabetes foods to avoid. However, sometimes, foods that are considered harmful can be a little treat when taken in the right amount. It is necessary to know and understand how certain foods spike the sugar level up and which of them should be avoided. The carbs in the food you eat get converted into glucose by the juices that your body secretes. This causes the sugar level to raise or lower, depending on the nature of the food. Here are few pointers for you, so that you don’t deprive yourself of the tasty food and yummy sweets all while staying conscious. What can you eat? When it comes to a healthy diet with diabetes, it is all about having a balanced diet.

Eczema is a skin condition that affects several people in the world. It is also common in the country. Marked by a characteristic skin inflammation, itching, and red rashes, eczema can cause discomfort to many, but fortunately, it is not contagious. Treating eczema begins with reducing its various signs and one of the best ways to treat it is by using skin lotions. There are three types of eczema which are as follows: Atopic dermatitis – It is genetic and found mostly in children. Irritant dermatitis – It is formed by overuse of Retin A. Contact dermatitis – It is caused due to the flare-ups of the skin coming in contact with irritants. Symptoms of eczema The most common symptoms of eczema include the following: – Dry, scaly patches of skin – Itchy skin – Inflammation or swelling of the skin – Red rashes around the scalp, cheeks, elbows, knees, or all over the body – Skin infections caused by rashes – Skin irritation There are certain treatments available for getting relief from eczema. You can find these best lotion for eczema over the counter or on the basis of the prescription given by your doctor. However, before going for the best lotion for eczema, you must consider your age, health, gender, physique, and medical history.

The key to success is all about putting your best foot forward. Your shoes are one of the first things a person notices about you. So, dressing up along with a perfect pair of shoes has become the norm today. However, while doing this, you must also ensure that your shoes don’t cause any discomfort to your feet. Your foot is home to several nerve endings, and a small pain in your foot can cause the entire body to feel the impact. The market floods with different types of shoes, and you can avail shoes for foot pain. Our legs have 52 bones, 66 joints, and over 200 tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Our feet support our skeleton, connect us to the ground and provides us balance and mobility. Despite that, they are the most overlooked and neglected part of our body. If you force your footwear on your feet, they tend to neglect their functions which could lead to serious health problems. A bad shoe can be painful, and you must ensure that you wear comfortable shoes. If you suffer from severe foot pain, you should try and avoid wearing stylish shoes and instead wear special shoes for foot pain.