Lower back pain is a disorder involving the nerves, muscles, and bones of the back. It is a common problem that everyone suffers from at some point in their life. As the pain affects the lower end area of the spinal cord – the lumbar region, the condition is also called as lumbago. The lumbar region is a complex structure of joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves all of which perform together to give support to the upper body. Muscles in the L1, L2, L3, L4, and L5 regions of the vertebrae are responsible for flexibility and rotation of the hips. The nerves in this area support the muscles in the limbs. If any muscles or bones are strained in this area, it can impact a person’s routine tasks. The pain symptoms can be in the form of a dull ache to a sudden stabbing sensation that can affect the body’s mobility. Daily activities like standing up straight, bending or moving around may become painful and strenuous. The condition may occur in an acute form as a repercussion of an injury or a health condition. Over time the swelling in the muscles or the nerves heal, and the pain subsides. However, if the pain extends over a few weeks, then the condition becomes chronic, and effective measures need to be taken to assuage the discomfort.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which the initially flexible, round red blood cells become crescent moon- or sickle-shaped. As a result, blood flow through small vessels slows down or stops, leading to various symptoms. The only cure for sickle cell anemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. However, recent studies have shown that certain herbs and their blend can also provide relief. Read on to learn more about the herbal management of sickle cell anemia. Niprisan herbal extract formula Nigeria has the highest number of sickle cell patients in the world. To help its citizens fight the disease, the Nigerian government’s National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) developed a herbal formula called Niprisan that has shown promising results. It is made with extracts from four different plants: Piper guineense seed: Also called the West African pepper or Guinea pepper Pterocarpus osum stem: An African timber Eugenia caryophyllus: Also called cloves Sorghum bicolor: Also known as sorghum, great millet, durra, jowari/jowar, or milo The main active compounds of these herbs are piperine, chavicine, capsaicin, and cubebin. The medicine is unlikely to cause significant side effects. Fagara zanthoxyloides Herbal management of sickle cell anemia involves a few other herbs as well, which have shown promising results.

Sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia, is a genetic disorder that modifies regular red blood cells into a sickle or crescent shape. The disease is more common in people with a deficiency in vitamin D and poor appetite. The condition may also lead to reduced growth and development in children. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how nutrition can help support sickle cell patients. Balance and increase nutrients When it comes to sickle cell disease, asymptomatic patients tend to show energy levels below the set threshold. This number falls to about half when illness sets in or when the person is hospitalized. Therefore, one should increase the food they eat if they wish to tackle the condition’s symptoms. Some of these foods include the following: Whole grains, rice, and cereals, which are high in vitamin B, magnesium, folate, and selenium Milk, cheese, and yogurt that are loaded with vitamin D and calcium Certain vegetable oils that are rich in vitamin E and fatty acids Meats, nuts, seeds, and beans are good sources of protein, zinc, and iron Green leafy vegetables and fruits, as these foods carry high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and even fiber Calorie intake A high-calorie intake also supports those with sickle cell disease.

An unhealthy lifestyle coupled with the amount of stress we are burdened with to achieve the “perfect life” has left us combating various serious health issues. Some of these ailments are hereditary, whereas, some of them are self-created. And, then there are those ailments that fall under both these categories. Diabetes is one such ailment that is known to have its roots firmly planted in our genes and can be a result of our reckless lifestyle as well. However, if normal blood sugar levels are maintained, people can easily coexist with diabetes and lead a normal life. Whichever treatment a person opts for controlling their diabetes, it involves maintaining normal blood sugar levels. A rise in the blood sugar levels leads to a string of other problems. So, the key to living with diabetes involves taking steps to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Diabetes isn’t an ailment that can be cured completely. So, one must follow these tips to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Lose weight Obesity is the root cause of a wide-range of disease or is known to worsen an already existing condition. Excess weight makes the person resistant to insulin, and this, in turn, disrupts the normal blood sugar levels in the body.

Asthma is a condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and produce extra mucus, making it difficult for one to breathe. While this condition is chronic, several methods can help manage its symptoms successfully. Here are a few ways to manage this condition better. Foods to eat What one eats matters a lot. Certain foods can help soothe symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Here is what one must eat to manage the condition: Tomatoes Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and a must-have for those with asthma. They contain lycopene, an antioxidant that helps clear the airways. Drinking tomato juice helps relax the airways, allowing one to breathe better. Spinach We all know that leafy greens are healthy. They are especially beneficial for those who have asthma. It is essential to add spinach to one’s meals, as they are full of essential vitamins like folate, which can reduce the number of asthma attacks. Salmon Omega 3 fatty acids present in salmon have several known benefits to alleviate symptoms of asthma. They reduce inflammation and provide one with a good amount of vitamin D, an essential vitamin that boosts immune responses to viruses triggering asthma attacks. Foods to avoid Avoiding certain trigger foods can help one avoid an asthma attack.

Osteoporosis is a bone condition where the bones become brittle, which leads to their weakening and creates a high possibility of fractures. There are about 54 million people in the United States who have this condition. Although it occurs in both men and women, the latter are more susceptible to developing the disease. Fortunately, there are factors like the right foods to eat, avoid, and home remedies, to keep the condition in check. Foods to eat Dark leafy greens Kale, cabbage, and collards contain calcium, while other dark leafy greens contain magnesium and vitamin K. These properties together help fight osteoporosis. You can also try spinach and Brussel sprouts which are also rich in such nutrients. Eggs Eggs are rich in vitamin D, which helps manage osteoporosis. It can also monitor a calcium-binding protein in the body that can regulate when calcium is absorbed. Dairy products Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, which acts as the primary nutrient when it comes to better bone health. Dairy products include cheese, yogurt, and milk, while other substitutes such as soy milk, tofu, and almond milk also have good calcium content. Fruits Fruits like figs and kiwis are rich in vitamin A, C, and K, which help improve the density of bones.

Parkinson’s is a disease that affects a person’s ability to control their movements as it progresses. This is because the disease affects the nervous system that is responsible for relaying brain signals to the rest of the body. It usually starts with light tremors and can progress to muscle stiffness and mobility issues. Treatment plans include medications coupled with changes in food habits and lifestyles. Read on to know more. Foods rich in antioxidants Oxidative stress is one of the main triggers of neuron degeneration among Parkinson’s patients. Many foods are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and prevent free radicals from damaging healthy cells. Spinach and kale are nutritious antioxidant-rich veggies to include that you can be included in one’s food regime. Fresh grapes, pomegranates, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, goji berries, and elderberries actively combat oxidative stress. Studies show that plant-based foods like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant pack the highest amount of nutrition. One can add a few assorted nuts and seeds to the mix, featuring walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and pistachios to balance the flavor palate. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids Healthy fats have been known to slow down the progression of chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s.

Constipation is characterized by a difficulty in passing stools and decreased frequency of bowel movements. The causes of this digestive disorder include eating low-soluble fiber meals, being dehydrated, and living a sedentary lifestyle. It is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems faced in the country, affecting close to 2.5 million people. That being said, most mild cases of constipation can be controlled by following a healthy lifestyle and by eating and avoiding certain foods. Here is a list of common foods to eat and avoid during constipation: Foods to eat Prunes Prunes are an ideal choice when it comes to tackling constipation at home. They are packed with fiber, which helps ease as well as speed up bowel movements. Studies have indicated that prunes increase the frequency of bowel movements and improve the consistency of the stool. Apples Apples are one of the best foods to eat for constipation. That’s because they are full of fiber, especially insoluble fiber. Eating apples can increase water content in the colon, soften the stool, and accelerate stool movement through the intestines. For maximum constipation relief, it is advisable to eat raw and whole apples. Oats Oats are a type of whole grain packed with soluble fiber.