Eye Floaters: Possible Causes, Treatment, and Home Remedies

Have you ever noticed unnatural, unusual spots right in front of your visual field? Do you find it demanding at times to see things clearly due to those cloudy, spluttery eye floaters?

You may notice them, especially when you try to see at some bright objects like a white wall, a blank white paper, or sometimes, a clear, blue sky.

Isn’t it very annoying?

Although you may find eye floaters very annoying, more often than not, they are not harmful to your eyes or vision. But being annoying is more than enough to find some practical and safe options to get rid of them finally.

This post will deal with some potential causes of eye floaters, their symptoms and complications, different treatment options, and some very effective home remedies. Let’s start with knowing a bit in detail about eye floaters.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Most people think that the small lines, circles, dots, cobwebs, and other shapes they notice in the visual field are in front of the eyes. But, interestingly and surprisingly, they are not! In fact, they are actually inside your eyes! And they are floating all the time!

They may often appear as gray or black flecks that seem to move around with your eyes’ movement or when you directly look at the specks. What you see are actually eye floaters, very tiny, at times irregular or cellular masses or clusters of gel inside the black part of your eye. Yes, eye floaters may look like some definite objects, but in reality, they are shadows casting by the clumps on your retina of the eye.

Different Common Types of Eye Floaters

Experts started to call them “floaters,” needless to say, due to their floating nature, especially how they keep drifting when you intentionally try to focus on them.

Everyone can have a completely different experience related to floaters, but some common types may include:

  • Grey dots
  • Black dots
  • Threadlike, transparent strands
  • Squiggly and uneven lines
  • Rings
  • Web-like structure

Once you start noticing eye floaters, they are less likely to go away completely. However, the appearance does reduce with the progression of time.

Potential Causes of Eye Floaters

Why do you get eye floaters? As we have already said, eye floaters are formed in the back of your eyes, known as “vitreous.” Most of the eye floaters are formed with very tiny, gel-like flecks of collagen – we all know that it’s a type of protein.

The vitreous in our eyes keep maintaining a gel-like disposition throughout birth and adolescence. The vitreous usually gets thick or shrink with the advancement of age, and sometimes, they even start dissolving and become more like liquid. Some of the gel-like particles may not dissolve completely, as they are protein fibers. Instead, they keep floating in the gel-like, watery center of the vitreous

These clumps, flecks, or strands keep forming in the area of vitreous and form shadows on your retina, and as a result, they appear as eye-floaters, especially when you try to focus on a white, blank background.

Since the movement of floaters is in sync with the movement of your eyes, you are unable to focus properly on these floaters completely and may never understand the exact shapes, sizes, or colors. And that’s why you keep experiencing the movement of these floaters in front of your eyes.

How are Eye Floaters Linked with Flashes?

Don’t you notice flashes in front of your vision fields at times? You surely do! You can name them “seeing stars” or “lightning streaks.” The frequency of noticing these flashes increases, especially when you feel dizzy or get an injury on your head.

If you notice the continuous appearance and disappearance of floaters regularly, that’s still fine. However, if you notice clusters of floaters at a time and that too with flashes, you shouldn’t waste any time before talking to an ophthalmologist.

Such type of sudden incidence may be caused by a pulling away of gel-like vitreous from your retina. And this condition is medically called “posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)” and is caused by dislodging of the retina from the innermost layer of the vitreous. However, it’s very rare; there might be a tear or hole in the retina that may lead to “retinal detachment.” Retinal detachment is one of the most serious eye conditions and calls for an immediate medical emergency.

PVDs are also rare but are common when compared to retinal detachment and are less serious. But you still have to get proper medical attention to assess the cause and possible treatment plan.

Conditions that May Cause Eye Floaters

You might have a predisposition of getting eye floaters, especially if you,

  • are aged between 50 to 75
  • have chronic headache
  • suffer from migraines very often
  • use prescription glasses, especially for nearsightedness
  • have swelling or inflammation in the eyes due to certain medical conditions
  • have bleeding from vitreous due to injury or trauma of the eye or head
  • recently had eye surgery, mainly after having a cataract
  • have a torn or detached retina
  • are suffering from diabetic retinopathy
  • are having an eye tumor for so long

Eye floaters are very common and don’t usually call for medical attention. However, they may sometimes indicate some serious health issues, especially when combined with some other, more serious symptoms or signs. It is very important to discount such possibilities after talking with an eye specialist.

If your doctor doesn’t diagnose a potentially harmful health condition as a cause of eye floaters, here are some home remedies you can try to manage.

Tips to Treat Eye Floaters

1: Don’t Treat Them at All!

Yes! If you and your doctor are sure about no other serious problems, “not treating the eye floaters at all” is the best way to deal with them. Why? Because floaters tend to fade away or even disappear with time. And even if that’s not the case, your brain starts adapting accordingly with time and learns easily to ignore them. And if your brain isn’t seeing something as a real problem, you don’t need to be worried at all.

Also, with time, eye floaters usually move and settle at the bottom of your eyes as the vitreous liquefies. The bottom of your eyes helps you with overhead vision, which is blocked due to eyebrows and eyelashes, and the eye floaters don’t remain bothersome and noticeable at all.

If you are annoyed with eye floaters constantly, and for a very long time, you can try shifting the fluid in the vitreous by moving your eyes up and down for a few seconds. With that, eye floaters won’t be visible in front of the field of vision anymore.

However, if the eye floaters start becoming a cause of major concern and start impacting your life massively, you can discuss with your doctor to have one of these treatments.

2: Get a Thorough Eye Exam

Even if you are not experiencing troublesome eye floaters, we suggest you go for a thorough eye exam. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a regular eye checkup is recommended to people over forty, even without having any eye trouble. It becomes a must for people over sixty.

What’s the reason for it? Any underlying condition like diabetic retinopathy or a tumor in the eye may be responsible for eye floaters’ constant appearance, and interestingly, without causing a vision problem! So, you may not even be wary that you are already struggling with a potentially dangerous eye condition, and you are dangerously close to suffering from a compromised vision!

Since we have already discussed the potential causes of eye floaters, a lot of them may even go unnoticed due to the absence or lack of signs and symptoms. So, you must go for a thorough eye-checkup regularly to discount any eye condition that may hamper your vision for the rest of your life.

3: Get Yourself Tested for Blood Count

An abnormal and sudden increase in white blood cells, especially due to an inflammation or infection, may also lead to eye floaters. If your blood count is higher than the normal range, a combination of anti-inflammatory and antibiotics should be enough to improve the condition. However, don’t reach a conclusion or try medication without having a thorough discussion with a licensed medical practitioner.

4: Stay Hydrated

Without any doubt, water is very important for the overall growth and functioning of your body. Dehydration can be responsible for a wide range of health problems, including the eyelids’ excessive dryness. Dehydration or deoxygenation of the collagen in the vitreous may cause shrinking of the inner eyes, and hence, may lead to eye floaters.

Therefore, staying hydrated is not only required for you to stay physically healthy and active, but it is also essential for your eyes’ health. Furthermore, eye floaters may also be a result build-up of toxins inside the eyes. And you know, only water can remove the toxins thoroughly from your body!

Number 4: Detox from Molds and Heavy Metals

According to Homoeopathic Ophthalmologist Dr. Edward Kondrot, “An unhealthy diet with heavy metal toxicity may be responsible for eye floaters. And, he suggests a 6-hour urine examination to check out the heavy metals. Dr. Kodrot states that “we have seen a lot of eye floaters patients with an increased level of lead and mercury in their urine samples.”

According to a research, heavy metals get accumulated in the ocular tissues of humans, including the vitreous.

If you constantly have eye floaters, we also suggest you look out for molds at your home or workplace. Mold is a type of fungus that matures healthily in warm or humid conditions.

Constant moisture at home or workplace may be favorable for mold growth, especially if there is poor ventilation. Places like washrooms, window sills, AC vents, basements, fireplaces, attics, sinks, etc., are more than perfect for molds’ growth. Molds can be harmful and cause health problems, especially to those who have some respiratory problems like asthma or are allergic to molds. Molds are usually not responsible for eye-related problems but may be linked with blurred vision, red eyes, and eye floaters.

If you are sure about humidity inside your home or at the workplace, try some effective ways of getting rid of it.

5: Have an Anti-inflammatory Diet

Sometimes, people wrongly assume that inflammation is always visible through skin or physical appearance. However, internal inflammation, mainly at the cellular level, is never visible and doesn’t even show through signs until there is something serious. In fact, system-wide inflammation, if it remain unnoticed, may be responsible for serious health problems like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.

So, never, we repeat, never ignore the importance of a healthy diet in your life. And have an anti-inflammatory diet full of leafy greens, foods high in omega three fatty acids, and other very important nutrients. Get rid of unhealthy, processed foods from your diet as soon as possible.

Try to cook foods for yourself and your family instead of munching outside regularly and frequently. These are some foods you can add to your diet to deter eye floaters:

  • Tomatoes
  • Antibiotic-free eggs
  • Coconut oil
  • Whole grains and legumes
  • Citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges
  • Extra-virgin olives and olive oil
  • Raw nuts like almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, etc.
  • Tuna, wild Alaskan salmon, or other fatty fishes
  • Dark green veggies like spinach, collard greens, kale, and Swiss chard, etc.
  • Organic berries such as cherries, blueberries, and strawberries, etc.

Final Words

Eye floaters are not a problem until they are accompanied by some major signs and symptoms we have mentioned above in the write-up. You don’t really need to treat them at all! However, if they annoy you regularly and frequently, you can talk to your doctor and find the possible cause(s). “Removal of the cause” is a way to go ahead as far as treatment is concerned. Otherwise, we can tell you to “just chill”! They are not even a problem!

20 Amazing Benefits of Fenugreek Seeds for Skin, Hair, and Health

Also known as “Methi Seeds,” Fenugreek is cultivated in central and south Asia (mainly in India). It is one of the earliest ancient Indian remedies been used for a wide range of health problems. These days, the multi-purpose seeds are grown and cultivated throughout different parts of the world, including the USA, North Africa, and other Mediterranean regions.

The seed has become a very common spice used in a wide range of Indian and Asian dishes. Additionally, fenugreek seed is used in soaps and shampoos as a natural thickening agent too. Unfortunately, thanks to the prevalence of modern medicine and a lack of knowledge about traditional remedies, the healing power of fenugreek seed are ignored.

In this write-up, we will recall some amazing benefits of using fenugreek seeds for skin, hair, and health.

Fenugreek Seeds for Skin

 1. Improves Your Skin’s Health

Fenugreek seed can be a very good, all-natural alternative to all the contemporary, chemical-loaded creams. The seed contains natural oil and is packed with skin softening, moisturizing, and hydrating properties. Thanks to its carotene, potassium, and vitamin C constituents, you can successfully use fenugreek seeds for face glow.

 2. It May Improve Acne

Fenugreek acts very effectively on your digestive system and removes all the toxins from the body and the skin. As a result, it can be a wonderful home remedy for skin problems like acne. Various researches claim that regular application of fenugreek seeds as a face mask can even control fresh acne outbreaks. And, thanks to the presence of salicylic acid, fenugreek seeds can also be effective to unclog skin pores.

Applying the fenugreek paste at night and washing in the morning can help you overcome acne outbreaks and plenty of other skin problems.

 3.Cleanses Your Skin

Fenugreek seed can be your ultimate, natural skin cleanser. When you crush the fine granules of seeds into a powder, you get a wonderful skin cleanser that can easily go through your skin pores and get rid of all the unwanted skin oils and dirt. What do you get in return? Of course, fresh, young, and clean skin. What more? You can use fenugreek seeds as a natural, gentle skin exfoliator too.

Make a thin, coarse paste from soaked fenugreek seeds, and you have plenty of different options to use fenugreek seeds for your skincare routine.

 4. Helps You Overcome Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is the sole cause of unnatural skin darkness and other skin problems. And if you are in search of an effective way of overcoming hyperpigmentation, yes mate, fenugreek seed can be the answer! Fenugreek seed contains vitamin K and can be immensely helpful in skin lightening and removing the blemishes – hence, speeding up the skin cells’ healing process.

  • Prepare a fine paste from ½ cup, soaked fenugreek seeds.
  • Apply on the skin affected by hyperpigmentation.
  • Leave for about ten minutes before washing with lukewarm water.

 5. Delays Premature Ageing

You can completely lose your confidence if you get premature aging signs, including fine lines and wrinkles. But you don’t have to ponder much, as using fenugreek seeds for skin can also be effective against premature aging. The spicy seeds are packed with potassium, vitamins, and dozens of other nutrients that can maintain the skin’s elasticity and keep the signs of premature aging at bay.

You can prepare an anti-aging face pack by adding two to three drops of lemon juice and five drops of rose water to fenugreek seeds paste.

Water in which seeds are soaked can also be an effective remedy for premature aging.

Fights Dryness of the Skin

It can be very challenging as well as struggling to deal with dull and dry skin. However, using fenugreek seeds as a face mask can help you overcome this common yet annoying problem. Fenugreek seed can be effective in retaining moisture in the skin and can also repair the damaged skin cells – hence, in return, it gives you much suppler, smoother, softer skin.

  • Mix two tbsp of soaked fenugreek seeds with one tbsp each of honey and yogurt.
  • Apply the face pack on your face.
  • Wash off after twenty-odd minutes and pat dry.
  • You will start noticing the difference if you can use this dryness treatment regularly.

Fenugreek Seeds for Hair

 6. Fenugreek Seeds Promote Healthy Hair Growth

As we have already discussed, fenugreek seeds contain different types of nutrients. These nutrients can be immensely helpful in healthy hair growth as well. Applying the paste, especially fenugreek leaves, can be very healthy for your scalp and promote natural hair growth. What more? It can even preserve the natural hair color too!

According to a study on men and women aged between 30 and 67 years noticed a very good effect of fenugreek seeds for hair growth. As many as 80% of volunteers noticed an improvement in thickness and hair volume after getting fenugreek treatment for a while.

 7. Fenugreek Seeds Can Treat Dandruff

Yes, you can use fenugreek seeds as an all-natural, gentle, and chemical-free conditioner too. Thanks to its mucilage content, fenugreek seed works as a very effective conditioner. In fact, it is used as a treatment for the flaky scalp for so many years!

You can prepare a hair mask or a conditioner easily by soaking the seeds overnight and blending them to make a paste. And the best part is that you can get the most of fenugreek seeds for hair by using them internally and externally.

 8. Makes Your Hair Silky and Shiny

If you are now annoyed so much with dry and frizzy hair, you don’t have to go beyond fenugreek seeds, as regular usage of soaked overnight seeds can help you to finally get shiny, voluminous, and silky hair.

 9. Prevents Premature Hair Greying

Premature hair greying has become a very common and prevalent problem for modern-day youth. Instead of using hair colors and dyes loaded with harmful chemicals, you can use fenugreek seeds to fight premature hair greying.

  • Add a few drops of Amla juice to the paste prepared from soaked fenugreek seeds.
  • Apply the mixture on your scalp and allow a resting time of about one hour.
  • Use a mild shampoo to wash the hair.
  • Repeat this treatment twice a week for promising results.

 10. Controls Hair Fall

We have already discussed the effectiveness of fenugreek seeds on the scalp. This action can improve scalp health and can make the hair stronger right from the hair follicles.

  • Use soaked fenugreek seeds and blend them with lemon juice.
  • Apply on your hair, covering evenly from hair roots to ends.
  • Let the paste rest for half an hour before going for a shower.
  • Using fenugreek seeds for hair fall will start showing results after three to four weeks.

Fenugreek Seeds and Health Benefits

 11. Fenugreek Naturally Boosts Testosterone

Fenugreek can effectively boost testosterone levels – the hormone known for playing some very important functions in males.

According to a study on about 100 males between 35 to 65 years, fenugreek seeds successfully elevated the serum testosterone levels and the sperm count. The study participants were asked to add fenugreek seeds supplement to their diet for twelve weeks to overcome the deficiency of testosterone.

 12. Fenugreek Seeds Can Improve Breastfeeding

As a part of the fenugreek seeds and health benefits series, a study was performed on 122 mothers to analyze the systemic galactagogue effects of fenugreek seeds. The study also compared the results of fenugreek seeds with other placebo and galactagogue supplements. Surprisingly (or not), the researchers found that consuming fenugreek seeds effectively increased breast milk production in breastfeeding women. Hence, regular consumption of soaked fenugreek seeds or adding them to the diet can drastically improve breastfeeding and several other related problems.  

 13. Fenugreek Can Assist Weight Loss Programs

Early research suggests that consuming 500 mg of fenugreek seeds regularly can help in reducing unhealthy body fat. Fenugreek is packed with healthy fibers and induces a feeling of fullness, and can help you avoid overeating. In a study, participants were asked to drink fenugreek seeds, and they felt less hungry than those who didn’t participate in the study.

 14. Helps Treating Diabetes

If we talk about further benefits of fenugreek seeds for health, it can support the efforts of treating diabetes. You can’t rely on these seeds solely to overcome diabetes, but combining them with other conventional treatment methods and a healthy diet can be immensely effective. Fenugreek contains a special fiber that can make a sticky and thick gel in your intestine and control the absorption of excess sugars and unhealthy fats.

A study was performed in two separate groups of people having type 2 diabetes. The group that took fenugreek seeds two times a day noticed a considerable improvement in type two diabetes symptoms.

 15. Helps Improving PCOS Symptoms

In a study, females with menstrual disturbances, infertility, and hyperandrogenism were asked to consume fenugreek capsules. All of them noticed a considerable improvement in these PCOS symptoms – that too, within a couple of months.

In addition, their period cycles got normal, and ovaries reverted to normal health as well. The best thing is, the participants in the study reported no side effects of fenugreek capsules either.

16. Can Help Relieving Constipation

Constipation is a very common problem affecting millions of people all over the world. And there is enough evidence of fenugreek seeds for gut health. These seeds can prevent various stomach disorders, including constipation, and can promote healthy guts. As we already know, fenugreek seeds contain a good amount of mucilage and prevent constipation by softening and relieving mucus membranes. In addition, these seeds can easily control excess mucus production as well.

Thanks to its mucilage and high fiber content, fenugreek seed is a bulk-forming laxative. What more? The seeds expand when they combine with water. As a result, you get a better muscular contraction and improved bowel movement – both of which are important for bulky, voluminous stools.

17. Fenugreek Seeds Improve Heartburn

According to a study, thanks to effectiveness of fenugreek seeds for gut health, they can also reduce the severity of heartburn. By working similarly as an OTC antacid, fenugreek seeds can soothe gastrointestinal inflammation by forming a shielding line on the intestinal coverings.

18. Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Fenugreek seeds reduce both total cholesterols as well as LDL (the bad cholesterol). The seeds contain a high amount of steroidal saponins that can easily intercept the cholesterol and triglycerides absorption. As a result, the seeds dissuade the production of cholesterol in the liver.

According to a human double-blind trial, the experts found that fenugreek seeds didn’t only reduce the cholesterol levels but also inspired the production of good, healthy cholesterols.

19. Fights Inflammation

Here is another amazing benefit of using fenugreek seeds for health. These seeds contain linoleic acids and can offer very effective protection from almost all types of inflammations. What more? The flavonoids, ethanol, and mucilage extracts of the fenugreek seeds are already known for their wonderful anti-inflammatory properties.

20. Fenugreek Seeds Reduce Aluminum Toxicity

In a study, fenugreek seeds’ consumption effectively reduced aluminum toxicity by protecting bones, kidneys, and brain.

Another study demonstrated that fenugreek seeds also worked to control the progressive loss of memory due to aluminum toxicity. It can be effectively used as a detoxifying supplement to control almost all aluminum toxicity signs and symptoms.

These are some amazing, hard to ignore the benefits of using fenugreek seeds for health. In addition to promoting your skin and hair’s health, fenugreek seeds can be proved a blessing for other aspects of your health too. If you were not aware of these benefits, or you were behaving like an ignorant (just like most of us do), you should now start giving some importance to this amazing seed.

Soaking a handful of seeds overnight and consuming or using them as paste/face pack/conditioner can help you overcome many health issues. Hopefully, you are now very well aware of the miraculous benefits of fenugreek seed, and you are now more than ready to add it to your daily routine.

Can You Reduce High Creatinine Levels Naturally?

What is creatinine? How to lower creatinine level? Why is high creatinine not good for your body? How is the blood-creatinine level studied? Is there a natural way of lowering high creatinine level? In this article, we will discuss all these questions and a lot more about high blood-creatinine level.

Creatinine is a type of waste product produced by the metabolism and use of your muscles. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering creatinine from your blood with other waste products—these filtered products exit from your body through urine. A creatinine test reveals very important information related to your kidneys. A serum-creatinine test is performed to measure the creatinine level in your blood. It gives insight into the glomerular filtration rate of your kidneys, which is a parameter of examining the kidneys’ filtration capacity.

Why Does Your Doctor suggest for A Blood-Creatinine Test?

Medically known as “serum-creatinine test”, it measures the creatinine level in your blood sample and indicates the proper or improper functioning of your kidneys. You may have to go for multiple blood-creatinine tests depending on various underlying conditions, including:

  • Diabetes Type 1 or 2: Your doctor may suggest serum creatinine test at least once every year.
  • Any kidney disease: Doctor may ask for frequent tests for proper monitoring of your health.
  • An illness or disease, affecting your kidneys: Including diabetes, high blood pressure, or prolonged intake of medications that can affect your kidneys.

What Do High Creatinine Levels Mean?

Generally, a high creatinine level is an indication of unhealthy or slightly inefficient kidneys. It indicates that your kidney(s) is not working at its maximum capacity. Sometimes, creatinine levels are also increased due to very long and severe dehydration or certain medications, eating a lot of meat, or low blood volume. Intake of dietary creatinine supplement may also elevate the serum-creatinine level for a short period.

If you have a high serum-creatinine level, your doctor may recommend other blood and urine tests to confirm the underlying cause(s). If there is even a slight indication of kidney damage, it’s critical to check the possible contributory factors that can cause further damage. Undoing permanent kidney damage is not straightforward. However, a combination of certain medications and lifestyle adjustments, can control the damage to some extent.

Symptoms of high creatinine levels

Yes, a patient needs to go through proper medical investigations for correct diagnosis and treatment. Identifying the high serum-creatinine level at the right time can be immensely helpful to control possible damage to the kidney(s). Like proteinuria, an elevated creatinine level indicates certain health conditions and is not a condition itself.

You may develop certain symptoms of high creatinine level, as your kidneys may not be able to remove waste products, especially creatinine from your body. You may develop a combination of symptoms, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Muscles Cramp
  • Chest Pain
  • Nausea
  • Changes in appearance, frequency and smell of the urine
  • Swelling or fluid retention
  • Itchiness
  • High blood pressure
  • Vomiting

High creatinine levels causes:

  • Temporary elevation of serum-creatinine levels due to various medications, supplements, and foods etc.
  • Regular and frequent consumption of very high amounts of red meat and protein.
  • Overexertion while doing heavy or strenuous exercises.
  • Kidney infections and impairment.

Certain diseases may also cause an increase in serum creatinine levels, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Gout
  • Muscular dystrophy or rhabdomyolysis is causing the abnormal breakdown of muscles.
  • Continuous high blood pressure
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Goodpasture syndrome
  • Shock causing a high amount of blood loss
  • Autoimmune disorders like lupus

Are high creatinine levels life-threatening?

High creatinine level is not always life-threatening but can indicate serious health issues like chronic kidney disease. Yes, it may become life-threatening if increased seriously, and especially doesn’t managed properly on time.

Home Remedies to Reduce High Creatinine Levels

If you have high blood-creatinine levels, you need to talk to your doctor for a proper treatment plan to find and treat the possible causative factors harming your kidney functions and elevating the creatinine levels in your blood.

Along with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, you can include the following home remedies to reduce creatinine levels effectively.

1. First of All, Reduce Your Intake of Protein

According to researches, excessive intake of dietary proteins can cause an elevated creatinine level. More often than not, the elevation of creatinine due to high protein intake is temporary. High consumption of cooked red meat, in particular, can affect your normal creatinine levels. Red meat already contains creatinine, and the cooking heat may be responsible for a raise in blood-creatinine levels.

In addition to red meat, other protein sources, including dairy products, can also be responsible for an abnormally higher creatinine level. Hence, if you habitually eat a lot of red meat or other foods high in protein, you should substitute them with more fruits and vegetables. Try adding following recipes to your diet to keep a check on your creatinine levels naturally.

  • Hearty vegetable stew
  • Vegetable patties
  • Lentil soups and other lentil curries etc.

2. Avoid Consuming Creatinine Supplements

Your liver forms creatine naturally, and creatine is then transported to the muscles and used for energy. Unused or left creatine is converted into a waste product as “creatinine”.

In addition to the natural form, people take creatine from oral supplements as well. Athletes, in particular, are known for taking creatinine-producing supplements to improve their performance. But medical experts don’t support this idea, as prolonged usage of creatine supplements can affect your kidneys in the long term.

So, if you want to improve your kidney function, you should avoid consuming creatine supplements, as there is not enough research backing the safety or efficacy of creatine supplements. If you wish to consume, talk to your doctor first.

3. Lower your Creatinine Levels Naturally by Adding More Dietary Fibers

We need more studies to conclude the effects of dietary fibers on blood-creatinine levels. Nevertheless, according to the study, there were notable reductions in creatinine levels in people suffering from chronic kidney diseases which started to take more fibers through their diets.

Fruits, legumes, vegetables, and whole grains are some of the best sources of healthy fibers.

4. Reduce Your Salt Intake

Reducing your salt intake can also help you lower your creatinine levels naturally because recipes containing excess salt can cause increased blood pressure. And, processed foods, in particular, contain a lot of phosphorus and sodium, overconsumption of which can potentially cause various renal problems.

Instead of eating salted foods, try adding more unprocessed, spices, herbs, and other whole foods to your diet.

5. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

Alcohol consumption can adversely affect your kidney’s function. If you are habitual alcoholic, moderate alcoholism can help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Excessive alcohol intake can severely damage your kidneys and cause conditions like alcohol dependency and high blood pressure. If you consume alcohol regularly, try to cut down the quantity slowly and regularly. Sudden withdrawal of alcohol may cause other lifestyle and habitual disorders, so that’s not the best idea at all.

6. How to lower creatinine levels by food?

A healthy diet can be very helpful to reduce the high creatinine level. Following are some effective food habits you can adapt with other treatment options to bring the elevated creatinine level back to the normal, healthy level.

  • Cucumber: Adding cucumber to your diet can give surprising effects on your creatinine levels and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Consuming cucumber can help you stay hydrated, as well as keep the high blood sugar levels in check. Cucumber is not only a delicious option for your salads; it is low in calorie and is a very powerful antioxidant. They are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, silica, magnesium, and potassium etc. and that’s why also known as “natural kidney cleanser”. Cucumber can remove the debris and tiny stone particles from kidneys and the urinary bladder as well.
  • Onion and Garlic: If you are looking for an effective high creatinine level treatment, both garlic and onion can be the answers. Garlic protects your kidneys from potential radical medicated damage. On the other hand, thanks to its PGA prostaglandin content, onion can reduce high blood pressure. High blood pressure is a massive risk for kidney patients, increasing the chances of kidney failure. Kidney patients, especially those with a high creatinine level, should increase onion and garlic intake to protect their kidneys.
  • Carrots: Carrots can be very good vegetables if you have both heart and kidney problems. A carrot is packed with a lot of nutrition, including vitamin A, C, D, and calcium. Regular intake of carrots can protect your kidneys and can also reduce the risk of kidney infections.
  • Green Leafy Vegetables like cabbage and lettuce can also reduce high levels of creatinine in the blood. Not only that, but leafy green veggies are also good at preventing the formation of kidney stones.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: If you are looking for highly effective home remedies to reduce high creatinine levels, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can be surprisingly helpful. Eat foods like salmon, walnuts, sardines, and tuna etc. to ensure good health of your kidneys and keep a check on high creatinine levels.
  • Soy Products: Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and removing metabolic wastes from your blood can be highly effective in maintaining kidneys’ health and serum-creatinine levels. Soy foods can be especially beneficial for people having prolonged kidney disease. Soy milk, tofu, and soy nuts etc. should find a place in your kitchen if you want to check creatinine levels.

How to reduce creatinine level by yoga?

There is less evidence of the effect of yoga on the creatinine level. However, certain yoga postures can help to maintain your kidneys’ overall health. You can combine following yoga postures and your medicinal treatment and other lifestyle adjustments to ensure good health of your kidney. Not only kidneys, these yoga postures positively affect other parts of the body as well. So, by targeting your kidneys with yoga, you are helping other body parts too. In short, good health starts here with yoga.

  • Sphinx Pose: In addition to boosting your immunity, sphinx pose or Slamba Bhujangasana also strengthens your kidneys and other abdominal organs.
  • Sitting Half Spinal Twist: Ardha Matsyendrasana stimulates liver and kidneys and also works positively on your immunity.
  • Two-Legged Forward Bend: Paschimottanasana stimulates the kidney, relieves menstrual discomfort, as well as improves digestion.
  • Bridge Pose: Setu Bandhasana stimulates various abdominal organs, reduces high blood pressure, and reduces physical and mental stress.

How to lower creatinine level fast?

  • Avoid alcohol, beer, caffeine, wine, and other carbonated drinks
  • Avoid excessively salty and sugary foods.
  • Reduce the consumption of legumes from your diet.
  • Control the intake of white bread, white flour, dairy products, and red meat etc.
  • Completely avoid junk foods to control sodium intake.
  • Avoid oranges, chocolates, potatoes, tomatoes, and nuts etc.
  • Avoid frozen meals, canned soups, canned vegetables, salted potato chips, and cheese etc.

When it comes to answering an all-important question like “how to lower creatinine level”, we have to focus thoroughly on many different aspects, including causative factors, underlying diseases, and the timeline from which patient has high serum-creatinine level.

These home remedies or tips are only for “supporting” other medical treatments and management. Suppose you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms of high creatinine level. In that case, we recommend you to talk to your doctor – consulting a specialist of renal diseases will be more beneficial.

We don’t back the idea of relying only on these or any other home remedies or any other “self-treatment” for elevated creatinine level. Sometimes, it is an indication of a serious kidney-related problem(s). Getting proper medical guidance from a practicing healthcare provider is advised.

Baking Soda to lighten underarms

Having dark underarms is not the worst thing, but it can be a reason for embarrassment for some people. You may think twice before flaunting your body in those sleeveless dresses if you have dark underarms.

You might feel nervous while enjoying the much-awaited beach vacancy. In short, dark underarms can stop you from being who you are! Then,

what’s the last-minute solution? How can you start wearing your favorite dresses with confidence again? Well, you may find a dozen answers, but baking soda for dark underarms can be the ultimate solution.

How to Lighten Underarms Using Baking Soda?

Honestly speaking, there is no scientific proof of baking soda as an effective remedy for dark underarms.

However, being skin-friendly and alkaline, baking soda can help your skin whitening, that too, without disturbing your skin’s PH level. Instead, baking soda works effectively on your skin and soothes it naturally.

It is often used as an exfoliant to get rid of dead skin cells from under the skin. And these are enough reasons to make baking soda an effective dark underarms treatment.

Baking Soda Recipes for Dark Underarms

  1. DIY Baking Soda and Water Scrub

As said earlier, baking soda can be handy to lighten your dark armpits. It can quickly fade dark spots away and other marks from the skin due to its bleaching properties. Here is how you can use baking soda with water.

Ingredients You Need

  • 2 tbsp of baking soda
  • 1 tbsp of water

Steps to Follow

  • Add water to baking soda to form a consistent paste.
  • You can adjust the quantity of water according to requirements.
  • Apply the paste evenly under your arms and massage for a couple of minutes.
  • Baking soda and coconut oil for dark underarms

You may have dark underarms due to prolonged skin dryness. And coconut oil is considered among the best skin moisturizer.

Also, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, coconut oil can keep skin infections away. You can easily overcome the problem of dark underarms by applying it with sodium bicarbonate.

Recipe

  • Stir together 2 tbsp each of coconut oil and baking soda to get a fine paste.
  • Apply properly under the arms and leave for about ten minutes.
  • Splash with fresh water before drying off with a clean cloth.
  • Follow these steps every day for a month to see the results.
  • Lemon and Baking Soda to lighten underarms

The bleaching prowess of lemon is very well known. Not only that, lemon juice is packed with other skin benefits too.

Regular use of lemon juice alone can help you to start flaunting your armpits again. And when you use it with baking soda, the effectiveness just gets doubled.

Recipe

  • Add one tbsp lemon juice to one tbsp baking soda.
  • Prepare a fine paste by mixing correctly.
  • Apply on the dark areas under your arms and leave for fifteen minutes.
  • Wash off with fresh water and pat dry.
  • Both lemon and baking soda are slightly acidic. Hence, we recommend you to use a gentle moisturizer.
  • Repeat this treatment twice a week for desired results.
  • Baking Soda and Orange Juice

Orange juice is very good at maintaining your skin’s pH level. Thanks to high vitamin C concentration, orange juice also improves the collagen production, which improves your skin’s appearance.

Combining these properties of orange juice with the cleansing and exfoliating prowess of baking soda can be proved a decent dark underarm treatment.

Recipe

  • Add two tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice to one tbsp baking soda.
  • Mix properly to ensure suitable consistency.
  • Lather your armpits and pat dry with a towel.
  • Massage the dark areas with the mixture and leave for five minutes.
  • Wash and pat dry again.
  • Repeat these steps thrice a week for great results.
  • Tomato and Baking Soda for Dark Underarms

Tomato juice is packed with a decent enough amount of vitamin C and different antioxidants. It works as a natural bleaching agent and can help you to get rid of the darkness of your armpits.

Applying tomato juice with baking soda can make your armpits brighter and radiant. Besides, the combination can also control excessive pigmentation, dark spots, and dullness of the skin.

Recipe

  • Mix one tbsp each of baking soda and freshly squeezed tomato juice.
  • Rub under your arms for a couple of minutes before leaving for about ten minutes.
  • Remove the mixture with cold water and pat your underarms dry.
  • Repeat this method twice a week to notice the difference.
  • Turmeric and baking soda for dark underarms
Baking Soda

Turmeric is very good at restoring your natural glow as well as improving the tonicity of the skin.

Turmeric contains potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant known as “curcumin,” which is known for its skin benefits, including skin complexion and skin brightening.

Using turmeric powder with baking soda can be proved mighty effective if you are struggling with dark armpits

Recipe

  • Mix two tbsp each of turmeric powder and baking soda.
  • Add enough water to make a fine paste.
  • Now, apply gently under your dark arms.
  • Leave for ten minutes, splash some water, and pat dry.
  • Repeat this process regularly until you see some improvement.
  • Baking Soda and Honey

Honey is one of the best natural antioxidants being applied to the skin for centuries.

Thanks to its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey can also be one of the most potent dark underarm home remedies.

It is also among the most capable natural moisturizers and can enhance your skin’s complexion. And you can always double its efficiency of honey by combining it with baking soda.

Recipe

  • Merge one tbsp honey with one tbsp sodium bicarbonate.
  • Blend uniformly to get a stable mixture.
  • Spread under your armpits and keep it on for about fifteen minutes.
  • Flush with fresh water and take a towel to pat dry.
  • If you have itching under your arms, you can use honey as a mild scrubber.
  • Ensure the repetition for a few days for best results.
  • Epsom Salt and Baking Soda to Lighten Underarms

If you have inflammation with darkness under your arms, Epsom salt can be the best option.

Epsom salt penetrates your skin very easily and removes the dead cells from under the skin. As a result, it can improve the skin darkness quite effectively.

Applying Epsom salt with baking soda can help you overcome hyperpigmentation, one of the apparent causes of dark underarms.

Recipe

  • Prepare a fine paste by adding one tbsp each of baking soda and Epsom salt with enough water.
  • Apply evenly on the dark spots and wear for about twenty minutes.
  • Cleanse with lukewarm water before patting your skin dry.
  • Adding some Epsom salt to your bath water can be very useful as well.
  • Cucumber and Baking Soda Scrub for Dark Underarms

Thanks to its caffeic acid and vitamin C contents, cucumber is used as a scrub for various skin problems. It contains a lot of water and can reduce irritation and inflammation of your skin.

Cucumber improves your skin’s hydration and helps you fight abnormal skin darkness. Preparing a scrub with cucumber and baking soda might be useful to manage dark underarms.

  • Cut a small cucumber into thin slices.
  • Grind these pieces in a grinder, ensuring you still have some tiny cucumber pieces.
  • Now, add two tbsp of baking soda with enough water to get a thick consistency.
  • Cover your armpits with this mixture and leave for about half an hour.
  • Go for the shower like you usually do.
  • You can try this treatment every other day for half an hour before going for a shower.
  1. Olive Oil and Baking Powder for Dark Armpits

Extra virgin olive oil is packed with decent skin lightening effects. Olive oil is effective in controlling over-pigmentation, as well as controls tissue damage due to various external factors.

If used regularly, olive oil can also reduce skin wrinkles, darkness, as well as inflammation. What more? Olive oil is among the best natural bleaches, antibacterial agents, and skin exfoliator.

Using olive oil with baking powder can be proved surprisingly effective to eliminate the darkness of armpits.

Recipe

  • Mingle 4 tbsp olive oil with 2 tbsp baking soda.
  • Make a fine paste by mingling them properly.
  • Apply under your arms with black areas.
  • Keep the mixture on for about one hour before washing off with fresh water.
  • Use this formula thrice a week to see the results.
  1. Carrot Seed Essential Oil and Baking Soda to Lighten Underarms

If you are annoyed with dark underarms for quite a while now, carrot seed oil may be proved handy. It contains a lot of beta-carotene and can assist you in your efforts to deal with hyperpigmentation. Using carrot seed essential oil with baking soda may help you get your natural skin color back.

Recipe

  • Make a fine paste by combining these two ingredients with the required water.
  • Massage your armpits with the mixture before leaving for about half an hour.
  • Remove the mixture with fresh water and pat dry.
  • Repeat these steps for a few weeks or until you see improvement.
  1. Baking Soda and Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood essential oil is popular for its miraculous skin lightening, skin clearing, and skin whitening properties.

It contains numerous skin lightening agents and can successfully overcome abnormal skin darkness.

Thanks to its other prospects like anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties, sandalwood essential oil may help you get the best out of baking soda to lighten underarms.

Recipe

  • Make a fine paste by adding enough water to two tbsp baking soda.
  • Add together 10 to 12 drops of sandalwood essential oil.
  • Now, apply gently under your armpits and leave for around twenty minutes before going for a shower.
  • Apply this aromatic composition for three to four months and start expressing the best of you again.
  1. Baking Soda and Rose Water

Due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory properties, rose water can be proved handy in various skin conditions, including dark armpits.

Rosewater can control hyperpigmentation, dermatitis, and other causes of the darkness of underarms.

Hence, it can be a potent companion for baking powder for dark armpits.

Recipe

  • Add two tbsp baking soda to a few drops of rose water.
  • Make a decent paste by adjusting the rose water quantity.
  • Cover your armpits with the paste and leave for ten to fifteen minutes.
  • Splash some water to remove the paste and pat the armpits dry.
  • Finish with rose water as a gentle moisturizer.
  • Follow the process twice a day for three weeks and assess the change.
  1. Baking Soda and Glycerin for Dark Underarms

As we said earlier, dryness of the skin may be among the prominent causes of dark underarms. And glycerin can go a long way when it comes to retaining the moisture.

Glycerin also heals tissue damage due to different reasons, including bacterial infection, prolonged sweat, and other external stimuli.

You can elevate the effectiveness of glycerin by combining it with baking soda to lighten dark underarms.

Here is How

  • Prepare a thick paste by mixing these two ingredients in a bowl.
  • Apply the paste to dark armpits and leave for fifteen minutes.
  • Wash off with freshwater or go for the shower.
  • Try repeating this method twice a week for promising results.
  1. Baking Soda and Milk Scrub

Topical application of raw milk can help to overcome unwanted tans and hyperpigmentation.

Thanks to its lactic acid content, milk can’t only lighten your skin but can also remove the dead cells from under the skin.

And combining it with baking soda can give you a potent remedy for dark underarms.

Recipe

  • Add one tbsp baking soda to enough fresh, raw milk, and make a consistent paste.
  • Apply the paste under your arms.
  • Scrub it for a while and let dry for ten minutes.
  • Flush some lukewarm water for proper and gentle removal of the mixture.
  • Repeating this gentle dark underarm treatment four times a week should be helpful.

Having dark underarms is not a huge concern, and you don’t have to sweat out heavily to get rid of it either.

These are some very effective, as well as safe baking soda treatments for dark underarms. Hopefully, you now have multiple ways of finally overcoming dark armpits.

Share your journey of treating dark armpits to inspire a lot of other people.

Reference Links

https://www.cookist.com/12-ways-to-lighten-your-underarms-with-baking-soda/
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/can-baking-soda-whiten-underarms/
https://www.healthline.com/health/underarm-lightening
https://www.femina.in/beauty/skin/benefits-of-baking-soda-for-your-skin-77418.html#:~:text=Baking%20soda%20can%20come%20to,it%20suitable%20for%20skin%20application.
https://www.besthealthmag.ca/best-looks/skin/turmeric-benefits-for-skin/
https://www.indiaaromaoils.com/miraculous-benefits-of-sandalwood-oil-for-skin-whitening.html

Home Remedies for Piles

Hemorrhoids (read hem-uh-roids), also known as “piles,” are swollen veins of your lower rectum and anus, pretty similar to varicose veins. Depending on the affecting area, hemorrhoids are classified as “internal hemorrhoids” (inside the rectum) and “external hemorrhoids” (under the skin surrounding the anus).

It is a prevalent condition affecting almost three out of four adults once or more in the lifetime. Underlining the exact cause of hemorrhoids is not very easy, but a combination of factors like a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet is usually responsible. Luckily, there are some very effective as well as safe home remedies for piles.

You can use these remedies and some lifestyle adjustments to improve the condition, especially in the early stages. But you can’t rely only on these remedies if you are having symptoms of late stages of piles. Symptoms like painful stools and regular constipation can be managed at home. However, if you start noticing rectal bleeding, you should talk to your doctor without any hesitation.

Before we discuss these home remedies, let’s try to answer some critical questions related to hemorrhoids.

How long do piles last?

It deserves entirely on the severity of the condition and related symptoms. We can’t talk of a set duration for how long you can have piles. Small, painless piles without considerable discomfort usually clear up within a few days and don’t require specific treatment. A change in diet, like more fiber and exclusion of oily foods, leading an active lifestyle, etc., is enough to overcome small hemorrhoids.

However, large, external piles causing significant discomfort like very painful stools, constipation, and rectal bleeding, etc., may take longer to heal. In such cases, home remedies for piles may not be enough, and you may have to talk to your doctor for proper treatment.

How long does it take for hemorrhoids to shrink?

Again, it depends mainly on how the rectum and anus are affected by hemorrhoids. Regular hemorrhoids with mild discomfort usually shrink within a week. However, thrombosed hemorrhoids may take up to 10 days to improve if you are not going for the surgery. It may require two to three weeks for the lump to heal completely.

The healing period after getting proper treatment won’t stop you from leading an everyday life. However, your doctor may suggest you against intense exercises and strenuous activities, at least for a couple of weeks.

Is there a natural cure for piles?

Yes, natural remedies are quite effective in improving the condition – but only when you don’t have severe piles complications. Following are some very effective home remedies that can help you overcome mild to moderate piles symptoms.

Home remedies for piles

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel has been applied as a natural remedy for piles for many years. The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera gel may effectively improve inflammation and irritation of the anus and rectum. Although we don’t have enough scientific evidence of aloe vera as an effective treatment for piles, the National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health records aloe vera gel as a very effective and safe topical natural treatment for piles.

You can find aloe vera gel in various skincare products, but using only pure, fresh aloe vera gel is recommended for the best results. Some people are allergic to aloe vera gel. You should avoid using aloe vera gel even if you are allergic to onions and garlic. Rubbing a pea-sized amount of gel on the forearm will help you to check for allergic reactions. If you don’t notice anything different after 24 to 48 hours, the gel is safe for you for topical use.

2. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is also considered among very efficient home remedies for piles. You must be very sure and, at the same time, cautious about what you are going to apply on piles – because the already-affected area may get more irritated and inflamed. Many people use witch hazel to apply directly on external piles to get relief from pain and irritation.

Natural witch hazel is an excellent source of astringent, a substance known for its tissue-shrinking abilities. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel may give you instant relief from complications, if not treat the symptoms permanently.

Here is how you can use witch hazel as a natural treatment for piles:

  • Take a small quantity of pure and fresh witch hazel on a cotton ball.
  • Dab the cotton ball on painful areas to get some quick relief.
  • You should never use witch hazel diluted with alcohol to avoid an increase in irritation and dryness.

3. Apply Some Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly, Vaseline, in particular, may also be effective to soothe inflammation and pain. For desired results, dab some petroleum jelly on the affected area and get quick relief.

Must Read: Remove Gallstones Naturally – Is It Possible?

Home remedies for external piles

1. Ice Packs

Applying cold or ice packs to the piles may also be surprisingly useful to improve pain and inflammation. An ice pack may temporarily relieve pain and reduce swelling as well.

Don’t apply ice cubes directly to the skin to avoid tissue damage. Instead, scarf a few ice cubes in a soft, clean cloth and dab on the affected area for fifteen minutes to get relief.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing effects and can reduce piles’ complications within a few minutes. You can apply some coconut oil directly on piles to get rid of swelling and irritation. Coconut oil is also very good at reducing the urge to scratch the piles-affected anus.

3. Potato Compress

It may sound very strange, but a potato compress is also among the most effective home remedies for external piles. When you apply grated potato on piles, it works as a soothing astringent and improves the symptoms like pain, inflammation, itching, etc. 

4. Warm Bath with Epsom Salt

A warm bath can also give surprising results and can reduce irritation and inflammation. Both a full-body bath and a sitz bath can give you immediate relief from the complication of piles. We recommend taking an Epsom salt bath for fifteen to twenty minutes after a bowel movement for great results. It might sound a bit arduous but is packed with some surprising results. Hence, you should give it a try.

How to get rid of piles when pregnant?

Pregnant women are usually prone to getting hemorrhoids, especially in the third trimester, due to the pressure of an enlarged uterus on rectal veins and reduced physical activities. You can ease the complications with these home treatments:

  • Avoid sitting in one position for so long: Sitting aggravates the anus and rectum’s venous pressure. You should avoid sitting in one position for hours. Instead, try to take a stroll or keep changing your sitting position regularly. Standing up every few minutes may also help. Sitting on a hemorrhoid pillow (also known as doughnut and ring cushion) may also be very handy.
  • Soak in warm water: Soaking the affected area in a tub filled with warm water may also help reduce complications of hemorrhoids during pregnancy.
  • Ask your doctor for an over-the-counter-remedy: Applying witch hazel medicated pads can be immensely helpful. Otherwise, ask your gynecologist for prescribed medication or cream to ease the symptoms.

NOTE: Pregnancy is itself full of different complications. If you get affected with hemorrhoids quite frequently during pregnancy, we suggest you get in touch with your doctor for proper assessment and a change in the pregnancy-care module, if required.

Natural food treatment for piles

Some minor changes in your eating habit can be surprisingly useful to deal with hemorrhoids and related complications. Here are some tempering you can do with your diet.

1. Add more fiber

Diet rich in fiber can play a crucial role in improving piles by positively affecting your digestion. Fiber increases your stool volume and weight and ensures easy and comfortable passage of stools. Oatmeal, nuts, beans, fruits, pears, etc., are some of the best dietary fiber sources.

2. Drink plenty of water and other liquids

Most anal problems, including hemorrhoids, usually develop due to a lack of fluids in the diet.

Quench a lot of water and other fluids such as fruit and vegetable juices, coconut water, etc., can help you keep your stools soft and make them easy to pass through the intestines. A much softer stool means you can pass the stool without putting much pressure on the rectum – and in less irritation to the affected parts.

3. Add more whole grains

Whole grains are the powerhouses of nutrition. Because they are ready to eat with endosperm, bran, and germ – all of which are packed with various health benefits.  Whole grains are particularly rich in insoluble fiber and can immensely improve your digestion and reduce the discomfort related to hemorrhoids.

You should keep in mind that whole grains are not only about bread and whole-wheat flour. While these are the best options, the list contains corn, brown rice, oats, whole rye, barley, and quinoa.

In particular, oatmeal can be a perfect natural treatment for piles, and that too, without any side effects. Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber known as “beta-glucan,” which works like a prebiotic and improves your gut microbiome. Prebiotic also ensure better survival for good bacteria in your diet.

When you visit an online or nearby store to purchase oatmeal, steel-cut oats need more cooking time but are less processed.

4. Add Broccoli and Other Veggies Containing Cruciferous

Cruciferous veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, arugula, kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, turnips, radishes, etc., can be very healthful home remedies for piles.

These vegetables are known for their anticancer properties, but they are packed with many insoluble fibers. For example, only one cup (76 grams) of raw broccoli gives you about 2 grams of healthy fiber, and the best part is, all of it is insoluble. Broccoli increases your stool’s volume and makes it pass easier. Additionally, cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolate, a plant chemical that is easier for your gut bacteria to breakdown.

A study highlighted that an increased intake of cruciferous vegetables (14 grams per kg) of body weight assorted the gut microbe within a couple of weeks. And assorted gut microbe is directly linked with a healthy, more resilient gastrointestinal system, and at the same time, and improved immunity. This, especially when combined with fiber content, makes cruciferous veggies a go-to option for people struggling with hemorrhoids.

5. Cucumbers and Melons

Cucumbers and melons come from the Cucurbitaceae family. They are not only very delicious, but can be fine home remedies for piles, and can also improve your digestion.

Tip: Instead of consuming peeled cucumber, have them with the skin to get the most fiber content.

6. Apples

Apples also boast a decent amount of healthy fiber. For instance, one medium-sized apple contains about 5 grams of fiber. The apple contains a special fiber known as pectin, which forms a gel-like consistency in your digestive tract.

This improves your digestive system and bulks up the stool, easing the strain during stool and other hemorrhoids symptoms.

Some other very healthy and effective foods that can help you get over piles are pears, raspberries, bananas, stewed prunes, bell peppers, celery, root vegetables, squash, etc.

Foods to Avoid:

You should avoid foods low in fiber, including red meat, dairy products, fried foods, processed meats, salty foods, white flour, etc.

Piles are not a very serious complication, of course, until and unless left untreated for multiple weeks. You can improve mild to moderate symptoms with a healthy combination of a fiber-rich diet and home remedies for piles. Hopefully, we have guided you correctly with some very efficient natural remedies. If you don’t notice any recovery in symptoms even after a couple of weeks, we suggest you talk to a doctor for a proper assessment. Sometimes, doctors suggest hemorrhoidectomy (a surgical procedure to remove hemorrhoids), especially if there is no improvement after long-term medical treatment.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317114#Lifestyle-changes

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hemorrhoids/symptoms-causes/syc-20360268

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-hemorrhoids#otc-ointments

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322976#recovery

https://www.healthline.com/health/thrombosed-hemorrhoid#recovery

https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/conditions/home-remedies-for-hemorrhoids/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/hemorrhoids-during-pregnancy/faq-20058149

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/food-for-piles#Foods-to-avoid

Remove Gallstones Naturally – Is It Possible?

The formation of hard deposits in your gall bladder result in gallstones. Depending on the stone-forming particles, they are of two types, i.e., cholesterol gallstones and pigment gallstones. As the name suggests, cholesterol gallstones are formed due to excess accumulation of cholesterol in your gall bladder. On the other hand, pigment gallstones are formed due to excess bilirubin. Usually, surgery is the go-to treatment option; it is also possible to some extent to remove gallstones naturally.

You may have intense, sharp pain in the upper right of your abdomen. Pain due to gallstone usually radiates to the back and may even go up to the shoulder blade.This article will discuss gallstones, gallstones’ causes and symptoms, and some effective home remedies for their removal. Let’s find out more.

What Ate the Causes of Gallstone Formation?

As we have said earlier, gallstones are of two types, i.e., cholesterol and pigment gallstones. It is hard to highlight one particular cause of gallstone formation. However, doctors point out various possible factors, including:

  • Bile containing excess cholesterol: Your liver keeps excreting extra cholesterol. Bile juice functions continuously to dissolve cholesterol along with other chemicals. Due to some obvious reasons, your liver starts excreting more cholesterol than your bile is capable of dissolving. Continuous and prolonged accumulation of cholesterol into the gall bladder forms very tiny crystals, which are eventually build-up to form stones.
  • Your gallbladder is not emptying correctly:Sometimes, the bile concentration increases due to improper emptying of the gallbladder and contributes to gallstones’ formation.
  • Bile containing excess bilirubin: Bilirubin is a chemical produced duringthe breakdown of red blood cells. Certain medical conditions like biliary tract infection, blood disorders, liver cirrhosis, etc., force your liver to overproduce bilirubin. An excess of bilirubin eventually forms gallstones.

Complications of Gallstones

Depending on the duration of formation, type, and size of stones, a patient may have the following complications.

  • Inflammation of the Gallbladder: Inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) is mostly noticed when the gallstone gets stuck in the gallbladder’s neck. The patient may get severe abdominal pain and fever in such a case.
  • The blockage of pancreatic ductwhich is a tube-like structure that connects the pancreas to the common bile duct and continues to the duodenum. Especially if not detected early, gallstones may block the pancreatic duct and show signs like light-colored stools, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, sudden weight loss, etc.
  • Blockage of the common bile duct: Gallstones may also block ducts through which bile flows from the gallbladder or liver to the small intestine. You may have symptoms like jaundice, bile duct infection, and severe abdominal pain, etc.
  • Gallstone Cancer: Although rare, gallstones can potentially be responsible for gallbladder cancer. Gallstone cancer is mainly noticed when gallstones are not detected early or are ignored for months.

Can you dissolve gallstone?

Small-sized gallstones (less than 5 mm) are possible to dissolve with prescribed medications such as Ursodiol. Ursodiol is also effective for preventing the formation of gallstones in the future.

Besides, homeopathic treatment is surprisingly useful to dissolve gallstones of up to 5 mm. Some homeopathic medicines like Berberis Vulgaris, China, Carduus Marianus, Chamomilla, Chionanthus, Lycopodium, Veratrum Album, etc., can be helpful if you want to remove gallstones without surgery.

Note: These medicines are only for information purposes. We strongly suggest you not to take any of these medicines until and unless a qualified homeopathic practitioner prescribes them.

How to Dissolve Gallstones Naturally?

These days, medical science has reached a completely different height. And fortunately, treatment for so many different problems and complications is not only easily available but also affordable. We always suggest you get in touch with a qualified medical practitioner for correct analysis, examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

The effectiveness of these natural ways of dissolving gallstones is not backed by medical science. However, they are very popular natural alternatives to modern medical methods. Again, talking to your doctor before starting any of the following remedies is advised. If you are having moderate to severe complications of gallstone, you may require immediate medical attention. Let’s have a look at some very useful, safer alternative natural ways to dissolve gallstones.

Also Read: Pimple In Ear – Potential Causes, Treatment, Prevention and Much More

1. Gallstone Cleanse

We have already discussed some significant reasons for gallstone formation, like secretion of excess bile, excess bilirubin in your body, improper emptying of the gallbladder, etc.

Many people with a better idea of traditional remedies claim that a gallbladder cleanse can help break down the gallstones and empty gallbladder. However, we are still away from scientific backing. Still, some people prefer using a combination of herbs, olive oil, and juice for a few days.

During that period of gallstone cleanse, you are not supposed to consume anything but the oil mixture. We don’t have a standard recipe or mixture as yet, and this can be risky for people with lifestyle disorders like low blood sugar and diabetes, etc.

One study was performed to analyze the role of sunflower oil and olive oil on gallstones; researchers successfully found olive oil’s role in proper bile consumption. However, there wasn’t enough evidence of a noticeable effect on gallstones.

Don’t attempt the gallbladder cleanse without talking to your doctor. It might not be a safe option for everyone.

2. Apple Juice

Apple juice

Apple juice is considered an effective home remedy for gall bladder stones. People believe that apple juice may dissolve the gallstones and help you pass out through urine due to its acidic nature. The claim about apple juice being a treatment for gallstones was circulated after a 1999 letter with details about an anecdotal woman having successfully passed the gallstones with apple juice. However, medical experts don’t support this theory.

Regular fruit juice consumption may not be suitable for you if you have hypoglycemia, diabetes, stomach ulcers, or other chronic conditions.

3. Dandelion

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health adverts dandelion as a traditional home remedy for gall bladder stone. Some old-time recordings back dandelion as a treatment for various liver, gallbladder, and bile duct problems. Believers of ancient medicine claim that the bitter roots of dandelion may stimulate the production of bile.

People used to consume dandelion coffees and teas to remove gallstones. However, we don’t have enough scientific support to say whether it’s beneficial or not. Hence, you should ask your doctor before consuming dandelion, especially if you are down with gallstones, other gallbladder problems, or kidney problems.

4. Milk Thistle

milk

There are plenty of records of medical usage of milk thistle for detoxifying the liver. It has been in use for centuries. While it may help improve gallbladder complications, we don’t have enough scientific backing for its benefits on gallstones.

You can have milk thistle in different forms, including tablet, capsule, or a tonic. If you have conditions like ragweed allergy, diabetes, or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, you should not consume milk thistle without talking to your doctor.

5. Yoga

If we go with some claims, yoga is another effective way to remove gallstones naturally. A study articulates that yoga can improve the overall lipid profile, especially in people with diabetes. In a separate study, researchers worked with a group of people with cholesterol gallstones and found that most of them had abnormal lipid profiles.

However, they didn’t find conclusive evidence of a connection between abnormal lipid profiles and gallstones. Yes, yoga can improve various symptoms related to gallstones, but we can’t say it a dependable treatment for gallstones.

6. Artichoke

Artichoke extracts may have some effects on the stimulation of bile production and the liver and gallbladder’s function. However, there is no medical proof of artichoke calling as a home remedy for gall bladder stones.

Artichokes can be used in a lot of different ways for cooking and consumption purposes. The research mainly focuses on the effects of supplements containing artichoke extracts, which are perhaps more potent than the natural extracts.

Like all other home remedies, you should talk to a doctor before using artichoke for gallstones as well.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar for Gallstones – Is it a good option?

apple cider vinegar

Many people profess that apple cider vinegar can dissolve gallstones. But that’s far, very far from the truth. Yes, it’s a popular health supplement used for various reasons, but no scientific records are backing ACV as a treatment for gallstones. Let’s understand why ACV can’t breakdown stones in your gallbladder.

Many people believe that ingesting ACV can dissolve gallstones. And if you put some gallstones in a petri dish and add apple cider vinegar, you may notice them dissolving after a while. Why? Simply because apple cider vinegar is acidic!

However, can you somehow expose the stones inside a gallbladder directly to apple cider vinegar? That’s quite impossible. Why? First, you will have to consume some amount of ACV. By the time it will clear all the hurdles from your digestive system, it will breakdown into different chemical components and won’t remain as acidic as it was! And it’s doubtful that ACV can affect the stones, at least when they are still inside.

So, don’t be in any confusion whatsoever, and avoid consuming apple cider vinegar in the hope that it will quickly dissolve gallstones.

Can You Prevent Gallstones Formation?

Many people think that their body requires help from outside to detoxify and flush itself properly, but that’s not true at all! Your body is capable enough to function correctly enough – but you need to provide a healthy, balanced diet combined with plenty of physical workouts.

Flushing or cleansing your gallbladder, or even your clone is not even close to logic and certainly lacks scientific merit. Instead, you can ensure the prevention of gallstones by following a healthy lifestyle that should include:

  • Adding more fiber to your diet: Doctors give so much importance to a fiber-rich diet. Dietary fiber keeps your gut healthy and clean. It increases the size and weight of your stools and makes them easy to pass. Also, fiber can reduce the production of bile acids and bile cholesterol levels. Hence, we suggest you add more fibers to your diet by eating more vegetables, beans, whole grains, fruits, etc.
  • Consuming healthy fats: Gallstones are likely to form when your gallbladder doesn’t empty well enough. Healthy fats like fish oil and olive oil can stimulate the gallbladder’s contraction and ensure regular emptying. A diet with healthy fat can keep your gallbladder healthy without relying on a potentially risky “flush.”
  • Engaging in enough physical activities: Physical activities can also play a key role in gallstone prevention. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise five times a week is usually enough to maintain healthy body weight and keep cholesterol levels checked.
  • Reducing sugar intake: Avoiding overconsumption of sugar, especially refined ones, can also go a long way.

Can I eat eggs with gallstones?

Eggs are affordable and are an excellent source of protein. You can easily prepare a dozen different recipes with eggs. But can you consume them when you have gallstones? Potentially, egg yolks are high in cholesterol, and an elevated cholesterol level must be the last thing you would want!

An elevated blood-cholesterol level can cause various gallbladder problems, including inflammation and gallstones. However, you can consume egg whites in limited quantities, but only if you can follow a healthy and active lifestyle themed with a healthy diet, physical activities, mindfulness, weight management, etc.

Final Words

“Home remedy for gall bladder stone” is more a hypothetical concept than a proven or scientific one. In a modern era, where medical science is touching new heights every day, you should avoid such theories.

We recommend you get in touch with a qualified doctor for proper medical assistance. You will get a better idea of the condition of your gallbladder. Your doctor will tell you if medical treatment can be helpful to dissolve the gallstones. Otherwise, doctors usually suggest for surgery, known as cholecystectomy for gallbladder removal. You can survive even without a gallbladder with minimal side effects. Hopefully, you don’t have to face such situations.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321026#when-to-see-a-doctor

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-gallstones#prevention

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19803550/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

https://www.healthline.com/health/bile-duct-obstruction

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/qa/can-you-treat-gallstones-without-surgery

https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-gallstones#:~:text=If%20you%20can’t%20or,to%20four%20times%20a%20day.

https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-gallstones#:~:text=Some%20people%20claim%20that%20a,for%20two%20or%20more%20days.

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a699047.html#:~:text=Ursodiol%20is%20used%20to%20dissolve,are%20losing%20weight%20very%20quickly.

https://www.ijrh.org/article.asp?issn=0974-7168;year=2020;volume=14;issue=1;spage=57;epage=63;aulast=Sahoo#:~:text=There%20are%20several%20medicines%20in,Lycopodium%2C%20Veratrum%20album%2C%20etc.

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/gallbladder-removal-surgery/can-apple-cider-vinegar-help-gallstones

https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/eggs-bother-gall-bladder-7268.html

Pimple In Ear – Potential Causes, Treatment, Prevention and Much More

If you feel a bump in or around your ear, you probably have a pimple inside your ear. Is having a pimple in the ear common? Is it normal? What causes a pimple in the ear? Do you need to get serious about it? – A bunch of questions starts revolving around your mind, and you keep looking for satisfactory answers.

Pimple is a prevalent skin condition, affecting millions of people all around the world. Pimples can affect any part of your body, but the areas containing most oil glands are more prone to it, and that’s why your face and back are affected with pimples more than other body parts.

You may feel pain and discomfort in or around your ear if you have a pimple inside. Usually, pimples don’t need specific treatment, and they are subsided on their own. However, you can speed up the healing process by using simple, safe, and effective home remedies.

In this article, we discuss possible causes of pimples, how to remove them without hurting your ear, what are different treatment options, and what are the prevention tips.

Causes of pimple in ear

The causes of pimples inside your ear are not different from the causes of pimples you get on your face, back, or other body parts. Your ear canal and outer ear are made up of skin cells, oil-producing glands, and hair cells – and all of them take their part in the formation of pimples inside your ear.

Pimples are formed when a pore inside your ear gets clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Sometimes, bacteria are also responsible for causing pimples in the ear. And hence, anything that helps bacteria traveling inside can form pimples. Causes of pimple in the ear may include:

  • Regular and prolonged exposure to a dusty or dirty environment
  • Using already used earbuds or sharing them with others
  • Putting unnecessary things in the ear, including toothpick, pen, pencil, or finger, etc.
  • Increased mental stress
  • Ear becoming infected or dirty after piercing
  • Allergic reactions to certain hair or beauty products that accidentally enter the ear canal
  • Wearing helmets for very long hours
  • Hormonal imbalances, especially during puberty
  • Otitis externa or swimmer’s ear after getting in touch with dirty or stale water
  • Using old, dirty earphones or earbuds
  • Production of excessive oil from glands inside the ear

Also Read: Face Cream Allergy Symptoms

How to Know If the Bump in My Ear Is Boil or A Pimple?

Sometimes, a boil is misunderstood as a pimple because both look pretty similar from the outside. If you feel a painful bump in or around your ear, you might be having a boil. Boils are usually hard; reddish lumps appear on the skin. They usually affect the body parts that have hair and sweat. And that’s why you usually get boils around your head, eyelids, beard, armpits, and thighs, etc.

If you think you don’t have hair inside your ear canal, you are wrong – because you have! The hair inside the ear, along with the earwax, protects your eardrum from debris and dust.

Inspecting your internal ear on your own is almost impossible, and it can be a bit hard to differentiate between a boil and a pimple. Typically, if the bump is larger than a pea, is compressible, and fluctuant, it’s implausible that it’s a pimple.

If somehow, you can see the bump with the help of a mirror, an individual, or by taking a photo, you should look for the size and appearance. If it’s pinkish red, more extensive with a white or yellow center and lesion, it’s probably a boil.

If the bump is smaller in size, red in color, not very painful, it might be a pimple inside your ear.

How to treat a pimple in your ear?

Your ear is one of the most sensitive body parts, and you should not use “anything” as a treatment for acne inside the ear. Those usual acne creams should also be avoided to ensure maximum safety of your ear.

Following are some very effective and safe home remedies for pimple in the ear.

1. Cold Compress

Ice packs are used effectively to improve bumps and soothe inflammation. In fact, various studies back that repeated application of cold compress effectively treats pimples, including those inside the ear.

Steps to follow

  • Apply an ice cube gently around the painful area.
  • Hold and press gently for around 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Remove for a few seconds and apply again.
  • Repeat these steps twice or thrice a day to get soothing and calming effects.

2. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree essential oil is packed with excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties and can heal ear pimples, especially if caused due to bacterial infection. One should not use tea tree oil with 100% strength, as it can irritatethe skin. So, only use 5% diluted tea tree oil with a carrier oil. Using skin products containing tea tree oil can also help. We recommend using a cotton swab to apply tea tree oil a few times a day to the pimple visible from the outside.

3. Basil

Basil

Basil has been used as a natural treatment for various infections due to its antimicrobial properties. And it can also be proved a handy treatment for pimples in the ear.

What You Will Need

  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Cotton ball or dropper

Steps You Have to Follow

  • Extract the juice by crushing the basil leaves
  • Apply the juice to the visible pimple and surrounding area using a cotton ball
  • Alternatively, pour a few drops of basil juice inside your ear canal to treat pimple

4. Onion

Onion

Onions are known for their microbes-killing properties and can help you eliminate ear pimples, especially bacterial infection. Also, onion juice can absorb harmful chemicals from the skin affected by pimples and prevent a recurrence.

You Will Need

  • One medium-sized onion
  • Cheesecloth

What You Have to Do

  • Slice the onion into two halves and heat them on the stove or in the microwave for a minute or so.
  • Wrap one half of the onion into the cheesecloth, and place around your infected ear.
  • Please keep it for ten minutes, or until the onion cools down.

5. Olive Oil

Warm olive oil can be useful, especially if there is too much wax or dirt around the pimple. This can also help in treating ear zit.

What You Need

  • Olive oil
  • Dropper

What You Have to Do

  • Put some drops of warm olive oil in your ear using a new dropper.
  • Applying the olive oil topically with a cotton ball is also effective.

6. Black Tea

The tannin content of black tea with warm water can be proved a handy treatment for pimples in the ear.

What You Need

  • A couple of black tea bags
  • Warm washcloth
  • Warm water

Steps to Follow

  • Boil the water and dip tea bags for a couple of minutes. Extract the excess water and apply gently around your ear.
  • Keep the warm compress on for fifteen minutes to get rid of pain due to pimples.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

You can’t keep ACV away from your kitchen. Can’t you? This versatile vinegar does make its presence felt due to its action on a wide range of skin conditions. To help you, diluted apple cider vinegar may be used for pimples in the ear as well! ACV is known for its antibacterial and astringent properties and can help improving infections by opening up the clogged pores. Topical application of ACV can give instant relief from pimple symptoms, including pain, redness, and inflammation.

What You Require

  • Diluted apple cider vinegar
  • Cotton ball

Steps You Should Follow

  • Soak the cotton ball in diluted apple cider vinegar and wipe over the visible pimple.
  • Keep it on for a couple of minutes before washing with clean water.

8. Garlic

Garlic does wonders mainly for a pimple on the outer ear. It can improve pain due to pimple due to its antibacterial properties. By using garlic, you can get rid of both pains as well as a zit.

You Will Need

  • Two cloves of peeled garlic
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil or mustard oil

Steps You Need to Follow

  • Heat the lightly pressed garlic cloves and oil of your choice.
  • Warm the mixture on low heat until the cloves are black.
  • Strain the oil from the mixture and keep it aside until the oil gets to room temperature.
  • Now, apply the oil on the outer ear pimple and leave it for a few minutes.
  • If the pimple is inside, you can pour a couple of drops of oil inside.

9. Hydrogen Peroxide

Here is another very, very effective treatment for pimples in the ear. Hydrogen peroxide works really well on pimples due to bacterial infection. Thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, you can thin it as an alternative treatment.

You Will Need

  • 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide
  • Cotton ball

Must Read: How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Blackheads?

Steps to Follow

  • Soak the cotton ball in diluted hydrogen peroxide for a couple of minutes.
  • Remove the cotton ball and squeeze to get rid of excess solution.
  • Now, dab the cotton ball on the external ear pimple for a couple of minutes.

Toothpaste in the ear for pimple – Is it a good idea?

There is a lot of rumors around netizens about the effectiveness of toothpaste on the in-ear pimple. People claim rubbishy that dabbing some toothpaste on the pimple will clear it up overnight! Certain kinds of toothpaste contain some natural ingredients that can be effective against pimples, but there is no scientific backing for toothpaste itself as a treatment.

Most kinds of toothpaste contain ingredients like alcohol, triclosan, and other chemicals that can only harm your skin. Menthol content of some toothpaste can give temporary relief from pain and swelling, but there is no logic behind using toothpaste to treat a pimple. So, we recommend avoiding it altogether, especially if there are so many other natural and safe treatments available.

pimple in the ear

How to pop a pimple in your ear canal? – Is it safe to remove without proper treatment?

Sometimes, it may be tempting to squeeze the pimple out, but you should avoid it altogether, as it can harm your internal ear.

Trying to pop the pimple out of your ear can force the pus deeper into the pores. And in a result, you may suffer from further irritation and inflammation. In the process of squeezing the pimple, the area may get swabbed, and there may be a scar formation.

An infected pimple may also convert into a boil. Sometimes, it happens without any external reason, trauma, and pricking, squeezing, and poking.

Some Prevention Tips

It is possible to prevent the formation of pimple in the ear by:

  • Proper and regular cleaning to reduce sebum and dead skin cells
  • Avoiding swimming in filthy water
  • Avoiding the introduction of foreign objects in the ear
  • Not wearing hats or helmets for a very long time

Is it always a pimple?

Sometimes, other types of growth may also be mistaken for in-ear pimples. Other bumps that may affect your ear may include:

  • Keloid Scars: Dark, raised, large scar tissues resulted from an old wound
  • Sebaceous Cysts: Small bumps beneath the skin with slow or now growth
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma: Although very rare, bumps may be due to malignant growth
  • Seborrheic Keratosis: Common, harmless growths look like brownish, raised bumps
  • Acanthoma Fissure: An uncommon skin problem resembling a raised edge, usually seen in people who always use contact lenses or sunglasses.

Pimple in the ear can be painful, uncomfortable but is rarely severe. You can get rid of it by using some very simple, safe, yet effective home remedies. Hopefully, you got to know a lot about in-ear pimples, and you are now aware of some myths like “toothpaste in the ear for pimple” and “popping it out forcefully.” If you feel the symptoms of a pimple in or around your ear, and you are unable to see it even with the help of your friend, we recommend you to get in touch with an ENT specialist. It might be possible that you are having more than you are assuming, and you may require proper professional medical assistance. You are most welcome with your comments if you have something to say, ask, or suggest. Cheers!

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pimple-in-the-ear#outlook

https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/pimple-in-ear#treatment

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/get-rid-of-pimples-inside-the-ear/

https://www.healthline.com/health/toothpaste-on-pimples#Toothpaste-on-pimples-may-do-more-harm-than-good

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-do-with-a-pimple-in-ear-4171778

https://www.allure.com/story/pimple-in-ear-treatments

How to Lower Creatinine Level Naturally

Creatinine is the breakdown by-product of a protein substance called creatine. Both creatine and creatinine helps in muscle contractions. As creatinine is a waste by-product it is eliminated by the kidneys. This constant elimination help in maintaining normal and low creatinine levels in the body. The creatinine levels can be checked by performing a blood test or urine test.

Normal range of creatininein human body are 0.9-1.3 mg/dl in adult males , 0.6-1.1 mg/dl in adult females 0.5-1.0 mg/dl in children. The level of creatinine in human body can be studied by performing a blood test or urine test.

As kidneys are responsible for elimination of creatinine from body, if the filtration part of kidney i.e; glomerulus is damaged or is not working efficiently elimination of creatinine through kidneys is not done efficiently this causes increase in level of creatinine .peoplesuffering with chronic kidney disorder,renal infections, low blood pressure, diabetes,auto immune disorders, infection like syphilis, hepatitis B and C will show higher creatinine levels in blood.

Higher creatinine levels are an indication of improper kidney functioning.

Signs and symptoms that shows possible elevation in  creatinine levels are:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Chest pain
  • Cramps
  • Weakness
  • Change in urination frequency and colour of urine
  • Swelling
  • High blood pressure

Here are few tips to help you lower creatinine levels.

How to reduce creatinine levels naturally:

In order to reduce the levels of creatinine in the body and maintain optimal levels the excess creatinine is to be eliminated from the body. People often undergo a treatment called dialysis to achieve this.

Dialysis is medical procedure to eliminate waste from body and is often recommended when the kidneys no longer function efficiently.

Few tips to reduce creatinine levels naturally are:

  • Reduce protein intake:

Red meat has muscle tissue which containcreatine. This creatine when absorbed by body breakdown to creatinine.

Therefore less consumption of red meat is advised to reduce the levels of creatin in body.

  • Avoid consumption of creatine supplements:

Creatine supplements are often consumed by atheletes to generate energy to enhance muscular contraction, it is advisable only to be consumed for a period of 3-6 months.

AS we know creatinis the parent compound of creatinine, therefore consumption of creatin supplements also elevate the levels of creatinine.

  • Indulge in less strenuous activities:

When we exercise, muscles are strained and require energy which is obtained by breakdown of creatine.

Excessive exercise leads to more creatin buildup inturn increasing the levels of creatinine.

So avoid exercise or any strenuous activity to maintain your creatinine level in optimal range.

  • Increase your fluid intake:

Drinking atleast 6-8 glasses of water reduce creatinine level in body by increased diuresis.

  • Get enough sleep:

When we sleep, our body’s metabolic rate is reduced this help in reducing the creatinine levels.

  • Using alpha lipoic acid:

Alpha lipoicacid reduce protein levels in body and hence they simultaneously help in reducing the creatinine levels.

                Apart from these consuming supplements containing substances that improve diuresis and kidney function also help in attaining optimal creatinine levels.

Also Read: Home Remedies: How to Reduce Sugar Level

Lowering Creatinine Levels in Body Through Diet:

  • Increased dietary fiber intake :

Consumption of food containing high fiber content helps you to reduce the creatinine levels in the body.

You can include cucumber, onion, garlic, leafy vegetables, apples, food rich in omega3 in your diet to reduce creatinine levels.

  • Reduce sodium intake in diet:

Excessive sodium causes fluid retention in body this ma lead excessive absorption of many products that are to be eliminated via urine.

Creatinine is one such example.

Hence reducing the intake of sodium in diet is advisory to reduce the absorption and level of creatinine in body.

  • Consume lot of water and avoid de hydration:

creatinine levels can rise due to dehydration and hence drinking lot water and maintaining hydration levels is very important.

  • Reduce potassium intake:

Increased potassium levels in blood lead to hyperkalemia, which cause several kidney disorders. Consuming food rich in potassium lead to elevated creatinine levels as potassium reduces the eliminating function of kidneys.

Herbal Remedies to Reduce Creatinine Level:

There are many remedies to reduce creatinine levels in body. Though there efficiency and success rate may vary from person to person. Various chineseherbs are known to be effectively supporting and improving kidney function  that help in reducing creatinine levels in body. These herbs have natural enzymes and are gentle with fewer sideeffects and more medicational effects there by  help in preventing excessive creatinine absorption thereby help in maintaining optimal creatinine range.

Apart from showing many positive effects on renal functioning chinese herbs also help in improvising various other body function without any major side effects and optrimize overall wellness.

Here are few herbal remedies that help you to reduce creatinine.

  • Drinking herbal tea:
Herbal Tea

Herbal teas made from herbs like chamomile, nettle leaf, dandelion root show diuretic action hence help in reducing creatinine levels.

  • Ginseng:
Ginseng

Ginseng improves the renal circulation inducing diuretic action by increasing volume of urine and reduce as much creatinine as possible.

  • Poly gonum root:

Poly gonum is a Chinese herb, which help to improve kidney’s ability to detoxify and flush out toxins from the body. Creatinine being a toxin is also flushed out. Apart from reducing creatinine level, poly gonum also helps to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol in body.

  • Epimeduim leaf:

Helps to improve kidney strength functioning and its ability to filter out waste.

  • Astragalus root:

It has a mild diuretic compound asparginewhich increase the kidney output. It helps to increase the rate at which toxins and creatinine are removed from the body.

It also improves digestion,and body metabolism.

  • Cinnamon:

This is a kidney friendly herb, it induces diuretic action and effectively flush out all the waste and toxic material from the body, improve the filteration ability of kidneys.

Apart from this it also helps to reduce blood sugar levels thereby preventing any further renal damage from being caused.

  • Dandelion root:

It is a natural diuretic which helps in effectively eliminating creatinine from kidneys and reduce creatinine levels in the body. It also reduces edema and any swelling caused due to accumulation of fluid in the body.

References:

  • https://www.indushealthplus.com/prevention-keep-creatinine-level-normal.html
  • https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320113#diet
  • https://www.rxlist.com/siberian_ginseng/supplements.htm
  • https://www.thehealthsite.com/home-remedies/effective-home-remedies-to-lower-creatinine-levels-762715/

Home Remedies: How to Reduce Sugar Level

A frequent rise in your blood sugar level is not good for your health at all. It can affect different body parts and components, including blood vessels, nerves, blood, and various organs. If left uncontrolled, high blood sugar may lead to some severe health conditions.

Different medications and synthetic insulin are used for regulating high blood-sugar levels. But there are some easy ways to regulate minutely high blood sugar with some natural treatments. These home remedies for hyperglycaemia are effective as well as safe and are suitable for diabetic and non-diabetic people of any age. In this guide, we will try to learn how to lower high blood sugar at home.

Also, we will discuss some essential aspects of high blood sugar; it’s causes, different blood-sugar levels chart and a lot more. Let’s find out what is high blood sugar first.

What is high blood sugar?

Also known as “hyperglycaemia”, high blood pressure is the most prominent characteristic of all types of diabetes. An average blood sugar level depends on various factors including age, sex, and lifestyle etc. The blood sugar level is raised when your pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, or your body’s cells have somehow become resistant to insulin.

When your body’s blood sugar level is more than 130 mg/dL before a meal or more than 180 mg/dL after the first bite of your meal, however, most of the signs and symptoms of high blood pressure remain dormant until the blood-sugar level is more than 250 mg/dl. But a few symptoms are known to have a rapid onset.

Hyperglycaemia can be both acute or chronic. Acute hyperglycaemia affects your body briefly and is usually due to meals highly rich in carbohydrates, stress, a missed dose of medicine, medicinal reaction, or other illness etc.

Chronic hyperglycaemia is a condition characterized by long-term elevated blood glucose. It is usually a result of ignored or untreated diabetes or due to improper diabetes treatment regimen. Chronic one is undoubtedly more dangerous and can be life-threatening at times as well. A long-term increased blood-sugar level can have a toxic effect on your tissues and may lead to a plethora of other complications.

What are the causes of high blood sugar?

Underlining a single cause for high blood sugar is a bit tough. However, there are various risk factors associated with diabetes, including:

  • Excessive eating, especially too much snacking between meals
  • Prolonged illness or infection
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Prolonged mental stress
  • Overtreatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)
  • Excessive intake of medicines like steroids

What causes blood sugar to rise in non-diabetics?

Non-diabetic hyperglycaemia is a condition in which your blood sugar level increases even if you don’t have diabetes. A major or prolonged illness is usually the most common cause of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia. Here are the conditions that are typically associated with non-diabetic hyperglycaemia:

  • Medical condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or Cushing syndrome
  • Infections like urinary tract infection or pneumonia
  • Trauma such as severe injury or burn
  • Nutrition through IV or feeding tube
  • Prolonged lack of physical activities
  • A family history of gestational diabetes
  • Overdose of certain medications like diuretics or steroids

What causes blood sugar to rise without eating?

Sometimes, your blood sugar level may elevate even without eating! Yes, some astounding factors can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar level

  • Artificial sweeteners – Some studies suggest that overuse of artificial sweeteners can also cause a hike in blood sugar levels.
  • Coffee – People who are sensitive to coffee can have an elevated blood-sugar level even without adding sugar to it.
  • Sunburn – The pain due to sunburn causes stress, which is a common causative factor for an increased blood sugar
  • Loss of Sleep – Insufficient sleep of even one night can be responsible for stress and hence, non-diabetic hyperglycaemia.
  • Skipping Breakfast – Leaving breakfast can also cause increased blood sugar, especially after lunch and dinner.
  • Dawn Phenomenon – Having a surge of hormones in the morning irrespective of being diabetic or not is also seen as a causative factor for higher blood sugar in both diabetics and non-diabetics.
  • Nasal Spray – Some nasal sprays contain chemicals that may trigger your liver to cause a surge in blood sugar levels.
  • Dehydration – Reduced water intake is also associated with a higher concentration of sugar in the blood.
  • Gum Disease – One of the common complications responsible for a hike in blood glucose in both diabetics and non-diabetics.

We recommend you to watch out for these factors if you are having a surge in blood-sugar level even after having a balanced diet and avoiding overeating. These factors elevate blood-sugar levels, usually for a limited period, and you should not be worried much. However, a constant or frequent surge should not be taken lightly, and you should see a licensed medical practitioner.

Can stress cause high blood sugar levels in non-diabetics?

Yes, work stress, emotional stress, very scary movies, a trauma, or a sudden lousy news etc. all can force your liver to release already stored glucose to ensure a better response to these triggers.

On the other hand, sometimes, stress disrupts the release of insulin from the pancreas and causes a pile-up of glucose in your blood. If you have long-term mental stress, the build-up of glucose will only increase. Stress-induced hyperglycaemia in non-diabetics is usually harmless and can be managed very effectively with physical exercises, meditation, counselling etc.

What level of blood sugar is dangerous?

You should start taking a lot of precautions and proper treatment if your blood sugar level is more than 150 mg/dL while fasting and 200 mg/dL after a meal. You may start developing symptoms once the blood-sugar level is more than 300 mg/dl. You may have one or more symptoms, including:

  • Dry mouth
  • Blurry vision
  • Excessive thirst
  • Excessive urination
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Tiredness throughout the day

Blood-sugar level of anything more than 400 mg/dl can be dangerous, and very high blood sugar, i.e. 600 mg/dl or higher can cause coma and even death.

High blood sugar levels chart?

A blood-glucose chart is convenient to identify ideal and healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day, including fasting and after meals. While checking for blood-sugar, you should also keep in mind the low blood sugar. It is not very common but can be very harmful to your health, even life-threatening at times. Here is a blood-sugar chart along-with recommendation.

Fasting blood sugar level Risk-level and suggested action
50 mg/dl or under Dangerously low: Immediate medical attention is very important
70 – 90 mg/dl Usually very low: Consuming sugar while having symptoms. If not improved, get medical attention
90 – 120 mg/dl Normal range
120-160 mg/dl Medium: Lifestyle changes under the guidance of a doctor is usually enough to manage
160-240 mg/dl Too high: Immediate actions are required to control and reduce bloodsugar levels
240-300 mg/dl Much too high: Can be a sign of improper glucose management, seeing a doctor is strongly recommended
300 mg/dl or high Very high: Immediate medical attention is advised
600 mg/dl or high Too high, the patient may go to coma. Can be life-threatening also.

Blood sugar levels chart by age

Average blood sugar level varies according to different factors; age being the most common one. Here is a chart for your reference, so that you can understand the optimum blood sugar level for other age groups

Kids Under 6

  • Fasting – 80 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 100 to 180 mg/dl
  • After a meal (1-1 ½ hour) – about 180 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 110 – 200 mg/dl

Age 6-12

  • Fasting – 80 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 90 to 180 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – At least 150 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 100 to 180 mg/dl

Age 13-19

  • Fasting – 70 to 150 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 90 to 130 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – At least 150 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 90 to 150 mg/dl

Age 20+

  • Fasting – Less than 100 mg/dl
  • Before meal – 70 to 130 mg/dl
  • After a meal (1-2 hours) – Less than 180 mg/dl
  • Before exercise – *If taking insulin – 100 mg/dl
  • Bedtime – 100 to 140 mg/dl

What to do when blood sugar is high? – Self-management of hyperglycaemia

If you are noticing early signs of high blood sugar, you should test your blood sugar with the help of your doctor. If the level is not very high, here are a few effective ways to control it.

  • Drink a lot of water: Water can be helpful to remove extra sugar from the blood through urine, and also aids you to avoid dehydration.
  • Change your diet and eating habits: “Don’t eat anything”. Avoid sugary or starchy foods from your diet. Reduce or stop sugar intake, especially that of refined sugar. Also, make some adjustments to the timing of your meals. Avoid eating late at night, so that your body can get enough time to digest and process the foods.
  • Exercise, a lot more, but with caution: Exercises and workouts can also help you to reduce high blood pressure. But specific activities are also known for causing a spike. So, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise. If you have diabetes and the blood sugar level is high, you should check for ketones in your urine. Don’t exercise if you find ketones.

How to reduce sugar level? – Home Remedies

Yes, treatment, particularly insulin intake, is necessary to keep your blood sugar level intact. But you can also try some home remedies to reduce high blood sugar, especially if it is just above the normal range.

  • Control Your Carb Intake:

Your body breaks carbohydrate down into healthy sugars, and then insulin helps sugars to move into the cells. When your body gets too much carb, the insulin factor is unable to function correctly, and the blood glucose level is raised unhealthily.

Hence, you should control your carb intake by having a track of what you are eating. These days, tracking your meals is very easy, thanks to some very innovative mobile applications, smartwatches, and gadgets. Lean meats, fishes, eggs, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and seeds etc. are some healthy, low-carb foods you can add to your diet.

  • Increase Fibre Intake:

Fibres are known for slowing down the digestion of carbs and absorption of sugar. So, increasing your fibre intake can help to keep your blood sugar level in check. Your body requires both soluble and insoluble fibres; soluble fibre is particularly effective to lower blood sugar levels. Some excellent sources of fibre are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes etc.

  • Manage Your Stress

At times, stress management alone can have surprising effects, especially if fluctuated hormones are causing a spike in blood sugar levels. Exercises, mindfulness, meditation, consulting a psychiatrist, talking to your family and friend etc. can help you to overcome stress.

  • Get proper, quality sleep

Insomnia, stress, hypertension, raised blood sugar levels, increased blood pressure, lethargies, irritability, obesity etc. all are very much linked with each other. At least one of them accompany further complication. And if you are struggling with insomnia, there are very high chances that you have mental stress. And finding out the exact cause, and managing it properly can help you to work your sleep cycle properly.

Practising mindfulness, bringing discipline to your life, and enjoying some time with family and friends etc. all can help you to feel relaxed while going to bed. And once you start getting proper, quality sleep, you will start getting rid of a lot of problems, including hyperglycaemia.

  • Lose Some Weight

If you are overweight or obese (See the difference), you should stop feeling very relaxed, because you are moving towards disaster. Obesity is very harmful to your body in a lot of ways and can be one of the major causes of high blood sugar.Hence, controlling your body weight can also be very useful to reduce blood sugar levels, and again, reduce your risk of getting diabetes.

Losing weight is not as straightforward as a lot of people think. However, if you are determined enough, you can shed a few kilos with a combination of a healthy diet, exercises, and workout etc.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to high blood sugar level, people assume straightaway that they have diabetes. However, that’s not the case. You may get a spike in your blood sugar levels even if you are non-diabatic. And managing acute hyperglycaemia is usually not very challenging. Hopefully, we were successful in trying to help you with different aspects of high blood sugar. It has become a pervasive health problem, and we recommend you to meet your doctor as soon as you get even a few symptoms.

References:

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/high-blood-sugar/#:~:text=Blood%20glucose%20is%20commonly%20considered,higher%20than%20250%20mg%2Fdl.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-ways-to-lower-blood-sugar#TOC_TITLE_HDR_16

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetes-hyperglycemia

https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-management/high-blood-sugar/#:~:text=Blood%20glucose%20is%20commonly%20considered,higher%20than%20250%20mg%2Fdl.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451#:~:text=A%20blood%20sugar%20level%20less,mmol%2FL)%20indicates%20prediabetes.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-blood-sugar-hyperglycaemia/

https://www.drugs.com/cg/nondiabetic-hyperglycemia.html

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/blood-sugar.html#:~:text=Some%20people’s%20blood%20sugar%20is,after%20both%20lunch%20and%20dinner.

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/qa/can-stress-cause-high-blood-sugar-levels

https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/aha_high_blood_sugar/#:~:text=Very%20high%20blood%20sugar%E2%80%94that,at%20your%20healthcare%20provider’s%20office.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317536#interpreting-the-results

https://www.srlworld.com/blog/blood-sugar-levels-normal-high-low-ranges/

Throat Cancer: Early Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Prognosis

What is throat cancer? What are the symptoms? How can you detect throat cancer with some early signs? What are the different causes? Is there any way to prevent throat cancer? Stage 4 throat cancer: how long to live?

There are so many different questions that can strike your mind when you hear about throat cancer. There are various types of throat cancer, and each of them is named according to the affected part of the throat. You may have cancer of the larynx (part of the throat containing voice box), the hypopharynx, the oropharynx, or the nasopharynx.

Fortunately, throat cancer is among rare types of cancer. If you fear developing throat cancer, or you have suddenly started to think about it due to certain complications. Here’s everything you should know about throat cancer before finally concluding.

How Common is Throat Cancer?

According to the National Cancer institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER), roughly 13,000 people had laryngeal cancer in 2018. Fifty-one thousand five hundred forty people will be suffering from the pharynx and oral cavity cancers by the end of 2020. There is a 78 percent survival rate of a throat cancer patient after diagnosis. Around half of all laryngeal cancer cases are diagnosed before spreading to other body parts.

How is Throat Cancer Staged?

The staging system for throat cancer plays a vital role in deciding how good or bad the prognosis is. The stage is determined according to the TNM staging system in which T refers to the primary tumor, N refers to the spread of cancer to lymph nodes, and M is for the spreading phase of the tumor.

There are five different throat cancer stages from stage 0 (probable progression of abnormal cells to cancerous ones) to stage 4 (spread of cancer is confirmed). The approach to treatment is decided according to the stage of throat cancer. Here is a brief discussion of different stages.

  • Stage 0: Also known as “carcinoma in situ,” reflects the beginning of the scale. It is characterized by the abnormal cell in the throat lining that can become cancerous.
  • Stage 1: The very early stage of throat cancer. The tumor size is not more than two centimeters, and the lymph nodes are not affected.
  • Stage 2:The tumor is more than 2 centimeters in size but less than four centimeters. Lymph nodes are not affected yet.
  • Stage 3 throat cancer: how long to live? The tumor is usually larger than four centimeters or has affected the lymph nodes of the compromised side. When it comes to the survival rate, almost 60 percent of affected people survive five years or more after the diagnosis.
  • Stage 4 throat cancer how long to live? It is called the “final stage” or “the most advanced stage” Irrespective of the size of the tumor, it may be spread to nearby tissue including the neck, thyroid, trachea, jaw, esophagus, mouth, or other nearby locations.
  • One large lymph node on the same affected side of the throat, multiple lymph nodes of different sizes on the same affected side, or a single lymph node irrelevant to size on the opposite side of the affected part.
  • In very severe cases, even distant body parts like lungs are affected.

When it is about survival, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the five-year survival rate after the diagnosis of the fourth stage of throat cancer is only 39.1 percent.

Possible Causes of Throat Cancer

The exact cause of throat cancer is still not clear; the cancerous cells developing thanks to the genetic mutations keep growing uncontrollably, and they start forming multiple tumors that may even spread to other body parts.

Some of the factors that can start genetic mutations in the cell are cigarette smoking (particularly chain-smoking), alcohol, exposure to toxic substances like asbestos, infection due to the human papillomavirus (HPV), etc.

throat cancer symptoms

Risk Factors Associated with Throat Cancer

Risk factors associated with throat cancer are usually related to lifestyle. For example, smoking, tobacco chewing, betel nuts chewing, deplorable dental hygiene, etc. can increase throat cancer risk. Chain-smoking for years is considered the leading cause of throat cancer.

Symptoms of Throat Cancer

The symptoms of throat cancer may vary from person to person. And the worst thing is, nonspecific symptoms are usually the most common ones. Not every patient will develop similar symptoms. But some symptoms are present in almost every patient with throat cancer. They are:

  • Hoarseness of the voice
  • Chronic sore throat
  • Chronic cough
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Constant pain in or around the throat
  • Constant production of phlegm
  • Uncomfortable and painful movement of the tongue
  • Painful opening of the mouth, especially in patients habitual of tobacco chewing
  • Nosebleeds and throbbing headaches

Early Signs of Throat Cancer

The prognosis and treatment may get better if throat cancer is identified at the early stages. These early signs also vary from person to person. However, like apparent symptoms, there are some common early signs too.

  • Persistent soreness of throat: One of the most common as well as classic symptoms of throat cancer.
  • Difficulty Swallowing: Some people with possible throat cancer development may experience a pain or burning sensation mainly while swallowing. Sometimes, the sufferer may feel the food is stuck in the throat.
  • Sudden voice changes: A quieter and huskier sound is another early sign of throat cancer. You may find it difficult while pronouncing certain words or may develop a slurred speech.
  • A lump on the neck: This is usually due to a swollen lymph node. A lump, possibly on the affected side, is also considered an early sign of throat cancer.

How to check for throat cancer at home?

Although it’s not the best idea, there are a few steps you can follow to check for throat cancer. Let’s look at a self-exam for the cancer of the head, neck, or throat (applies on all three).

Also Read: Oral Thrush – All You Need to Know

Both prevention and diagnosis require proper and regular oral pathology exams. But it’s also good to perform a self-exam from time to time to rule out any possible cancerous development. Here are the steps you can follow for the self-assessment.

Step 1: Know what you are checking: Signs of throat cancer may include

  • A sudden change in skin color in a particular area
  • A change in the texture of the skin
  • Lumps around throat or neck (mostly if it wasn’t there before)
  • Lesions

Step 2: Hold a bright light such as a torch or flashlight and look in a mirror and check for the following:

  • Cheek walls
  • Back of throat
  • Tongue
  • Lips
  • Top and bottom of the mouth

Now, let’s discuss how to check throat cancer at home

Step 1: Place your hands on the back of both sides of the jaw right under your ears. Open and close your jaws repeatedly while feeling for any bumps.

Step 2:Bring your hands down the neck without removing them.

Step 3: Rotate your head to the right side and feel for the left-side neck muscles. Now, rotate to the left side and feel for the right-side neck muscles.

Step 4: Try grabbing and swallowing your gullet.

Step 5: Bring your chin downwards, place your palms away from your face, and use fingers to feel the underside of the jaw.

That’s how you can check for superficial signs and symptoms of throat cancer. Proper physical examination with laboratory investigation is critical for an accurate diagnosis. So, you should not conclude without consulting an experienced physician.

Is there any home remedy for throat cancer?

No, there is no home remedy or cure for throat cancer. You should not consider them as first-line treatment. However, a few home remedies are useful to improve some of the symptoms of throat cancer.

  • Dietary supplements like vitamins and foods rich in vitamin C and folate
  • Herbs like garlic and green tea
  • Acupuncture
  • Hydrotherapy like cold and/or hot compressors
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle adjustments like exercises, change in diet, and avoidance of alcohol and smoking, etc.

NOTE: Don’t use any of these remedies without talking to your doctor

How is Throat Cancer Diagnosed?

Healthcare professionals take the proper and complete history of the patients for the correct diagnosis of throat cancer. The doctor will ask you a few critical questions related to signs, symptoms, and complications to conclude. Your doctor will only diagnose after finding various information. After a detailed physical examination, your doctor may suggest additional tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging tests like CT, MRI, PET scan, etc. are usually considered

Other tests like chest X-rays, barium swallowing, laryngoscopy, etc. are useful for cancerous cells’ correct location.

Biopsy of the tumor, endoscopic biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration of the tumor are definitive diagnosis methods.

How is Throat Cancer Treated?

Treatment of throat cancer mainly depends on cancer, the seriousness of symptoms, and the extent of affected cells. The treatment is usually tailored for different patients to ensure the best chances of a successful outcome. Treatment focuses on preserving the patient’s ability to speak, eat, and lead an everyday life. Doctors follow one or more treatment techniques, including radiation therapy, surgery, proton therapy, targeted therapies, and other clinical trials. Here is a brief discussion on the significant components of the treatment of throat cancer.

  • Chemotherapy: Anti-cancer drugs are administered to kill cancerous cells after radiation or surgical treatment. Chemotherapy, like cetuximab (Erbitux), is usually used with various suitable combinations.
  • Surgery: Different types of surgical procedures, including transoral laser microsurgery, minimally invasive, laser, robotic, tumor excision surgery, etc. are performed to improve speech and swallowing.
  • Radiation Therapy: Radioactive beads are placed close to the tumor. 3-D radiation beam therapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are tailored according to the tumor’s size and shape. Often, radiation is also considered as a first-line treatment of throat cancer.
  • Targeted Therapies: Several drugs are inferred with proteins and/or other cell receptors on cancerous cells.
  • Proton Therapy: Radiation is used with pencil beam technology targeting the cancerous cells and preserving nearby healthy tissues.
  • Cancer Clinical Trials: Experimental drugs or other suitable methods are used to enhance the chances of improving clinical symptoms of throat cancer.

Prevention of Throat Cancer – Is it Possible?

Although general screening of throat cancer is still not available, individuals at high risks should regularly consult their doctors if signs and symptoms are noticed. Individuals who smoke or drink periodically or those exposed to asbestos, HPV, sulfuric acid fumes, nickel, etc. are usually at high risk of developing throat cancer. Avoiding such situations can reduce the risk, but the prevention is not guaranteed at all. However, the HPV vaccine is one of the most effective preventive measures to minimize throat cancer chances, especially in young males and females.

What Kind of Specialists Treat Throat Cancer?

Most hospitals and cancer institutes go with the team approach to each patient affected with throat cancer. Usually, depending on the extent of cancer, a team of specialists for treating throat cancer may include:

  • Oncologists
  • Plastic Surgeons
  • Radiation Oncologists
  • Dentists
  • Swallowing Experts
  • Speech Pathologists
  • Dietitians
  • Therapists

The involvement of multiple doctors and specialists is the best way of treating and improving the survival rate. These specialists are also very good at identifying local support groups that can encourage patients and family members to deal positively with cancer and follow a healthy lifestyle.

Final Words

Throat cancer or any cancer is not easy at all to deal with. But the standard of medical science all around the world has improved a lot. And it is now easier than ever to overcome cancer, especially if diagnosed at an early stage. Keeping track of local signs and complications can play a critical role in identifying first throat cancer symptoms. You must consult a health professional without wasting any time to get proper treatment.

References

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/throat/throat-cancer-diagnosis/throat-cancer-stages

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/laryngeal-cancer/survival#:~:text=Stage%203, fixed%20and%20can’t%20move.

https://www.healthline.com/health/stage-4-throat-cancer-life-expectancy#:~:text=This%20means%20the%20cancer%20has,throat%20cancer%20is%2039.1%20percent.

https://www.medicinenet.com/larynx_cancer/article.htm#what_are_the_risk_factors_for_throat_cancer

https://www.murfreesborooralsurgery.com/blog/head-neck-cancer-self-exam-how-to/