Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease generally occurs when there is excessive gastric juice refluxed into the esophagus.  This might result in different symptoms—either with or without esophageal mucosal injury. GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease can be considered a very common digestive problem characterized by the passage of gastric elements from the stomach to the esophagus. Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of this disorder, which is a kind of burning sensation in the upper abdomen and chest. What are the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease? The symptoms of acid reflux include: Frequent clearing of the throat Coughing Difficulty swallowing food or water (or dysphagia) Exacerbation of asthma or hoarseness Burning sensation in the chest especially after eating, which might worsen at night Regurgitation of sour liquid and food Laryngitis Disrupted sleep What are the causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease? It is important to understand the risks of this problem prior to understanding the causes. The risk factors for succumbing to this disorder include foods that increase the production of acid within the stomach. In addition to foods, there are certain conditions that can also result in acid flowing into the esophagus. The main causes of acid reflux are as follows:

Dry eyes is a very common problem that generally occurs when the tears are unable to lubricate the eyes. This can happen due to a number of reasons. For instance, the condition might occur if you are not producing enough natural tears or if you are producing low-quality tears. The condition feels quite uncomfortable mainly because the eyes burn and sting. Dry eyes may be enhanced for patients if they spend too much time in air-conditioned rooms or in airplanes. Looking at the computer screen constantly or riding a bike can also result in this problem. Treatments for this issue are typically over-the-counter and offer much-required relief. What are the symptoms of dry eyes? The symptoms of dry eye syndrome are as follows: Itchy and red eye(s) Burning sensation Aching sensation Fatigued eyes Heavy eyes Dryness Sore eyes Blurred vision Photophobia or light sensitivity Foreign body sensation, or feeling or grit or foreign material in the eye Permanent damage to the eye surface Inflammation Watery eyes can also be a common sign of dry eye syndrome. This generally happens because the dryness on the surface of the eye over-stimulates the production of watery content in the form of a protective layer.

Lemongrass, a staple in Thai cuisine, is celebrated for its delicious flavor world over. However, it has much more to offer, including its amazing gout benefits as well as a variety of other health benefits that this article intends to discuss. What is lemongrass? Also known as citronella grass, it is a perennial grass that grows in tropical climates. Mild citrus notes characterize the flavor of lemongrass. It is a common ingredient used in Thai or Vietnamese meat, soups, and seafood dishes. It is also brewed as a tea in Africa and is used as a medicinal herb in India. It has tremendous medicinal and nutritional properties. It is a storehouse of iron, folate, magnesium, zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. Lemongrass also has several antioxidants and boasts anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. Lemongrass side effects and safety precautions When used in food, lemongrass is generally safe for most people. You can apply it to the skin, eat it, or inhale as aromatherapy. Rarely does it cause a rash when applied directly on the skin. Few people are allergic to its smell. Consuming lemongrass by mouth during pregnancy may be unsafe, as it is known to prompt menstrual flow. What are the health benefits of Lemongrass?

Gout is a kind of arthritis that’s described as an inflammatory condition affecting the joints. People suffering from this condition experience severe and sudden attacks of swelling, inflammation, and pain in the joints. Luckily, there are medications and treatments that can help control painful gout symptoms. For instance, lifestyle changes and a healthy diet are some of the most common treatments for this condition. Following a gout diet that helps control the levels of uric acid in the blood can serve as one of the most important parts of the treatment plan for gout. This is mainly because high levels of uric acid in the blood can cause crystal formations in the joints resulting in severe inflammation and pain. What does a gout diet focus on? Conventionally, diets for gout generally focused on the foods that should not be eaten. These food triggers typically have a high content of nitrogen-containing compounds and purines, which metabolize into uric acid. However, further research in this field has proved that what people eat might have a major impact on managing the levels of uric acid. This would further help in reducing the risk and severity of painful attacks and inflammation in the joints.

According to a study conducted by the American Hair Loss Association, approximately 70% to 75% men are likely to experience hair loss after the age of 35 and around 85% men observe hair loss or hair thinning by the age of 50. However, due to today’s hectic and stressful work life, hair loss in women is also becoming a common phenomenon. Today, women are experiencing hair loss at a very young age, as young as 30- to 35-years old and even younger. What causes hair loss? Typically, male pattern baldness, or alopecia, is heredity or age-related. The following reasons are linked to hair loss in both men and women: Hormonal changes Medications or medical treatments like chemotherapy Age Poor nutrition Stress Other medical or environmental conditions (i.e.,  increasing pollution) Can you reverse balding? We see many advertisements showing how hair loss can be prevented by using particular products. However, it’s not wise to trust these products blindly. However, medications, like minoxidil and finasteride, have been clinically proven to be effective in treating male pattern baldness. These drugs are approved by FDA to reverse baldness. However, hair loss can continue after stopping any of these medications. One effective and permanent solution to concur baldness is hair transplant, but it is a very expensive and often painful procedure.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that involves utilizing certain parts of the immune system to fight disease in the following ways: By giving the patient immune system elements, or man-made immune system proteins. By stimulating the immune system to work harder and better in attacking the cancer cells. In recent times, immunotherapy has become one of the most important treatments for kidney cancer, chronic myelogenous leukemia, leukemia, and lymphoma. Other types of immune treatments are also being studied for their impact on treating disorders such as follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. What are the different types of immunotherapy? Immunotherapy involves a number of treatments administered in different ways for boosting the immune system and/or for training the immune system to attack the cancer cells in a specific manner. The most common types immunotherapy used in cancer treatment are as follows: 1. Monoclonal antibodies Monoclonal antibodies are man-made immune system proteins specifically designed to attack a certain part of a cancerous cell. Interleukins and interferons are generally the best classes of man-made immune system proteins. 2. Cancer vaccines These substances that are put into the body to initiate an immune response against some diseases. Cancer vaccines are administered to healthy individuals and are useful in preventing infections.

Liver cancer occurs when malignant hepatic tumors develop in the liver or outside the liver and spread (or metastasize) to nearby areas. The American Cancer Society estimate 42,220 reported cases of liver cancer in U.S. adults on a yearly basis. Although either gender can develop liver cancer, men are roughly 3 times more prone to a liver cancer diagnosis compared to women. Like other cancers, many factors can trigger the development of liver cancer, and because the liver works as the body’s central filtration system, cancer cells from other areas (i.e., the gut) can become trapped within the liver and develop further. Still, while the exact cause of liver cancer is unknown, the following causes and risk factors can contribute to liver cancer: 1. Chronic liver disease Liver cancer is most common in individuals with underlying chronic liver disease. For instance, liver disease, such as hemochromatosis, are typically inherited. Hemochromatosis occurs when excessive iron accumulates in the liver. However, liver cancer may also develop in rarer instances due to tyrosinemia or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which are both genetically inherited conditions. 2. Long term alcohol use Alcohol has long been linked to the development of alcoholic cirrhosis and, eventually, liver cancer.

As the name indicates, kidney cancer (or renal cancer) originates in the kidneys, the bean-shaped organs that are located just behind the abdominal organs. Renal cell carcinoma is among the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. In children, the most prevalent type of kidney cancer is Wilms’ tumor. However, there are some rarer types of kidney cancer that may also occur. What are the different stages of kidney cancer? Stage I: This is the first stage of kidney cancer, in which the tumor is about 2.75 inches in diameter and is confined to either kidney. Stage II: The second stage of kidney cancer the tumor is a little larger compared to the stage I tumor, but still remains confined to one kidney. Stage III: The tumor at this stage extends beyond the organ, and may even spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Stage IV: At this stage, the kidney cancer begins to spread outside the kidney and even to the multiple lymph nodes or other distant body parts (i.e.,  lungs, liver, etc.). What are the causes of renal cancer? The causes of renal cancer are not always definitive. However, the most common type of kidney cancer occurs due to several contributing factors.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is both serious and very common. In fact, the Skin Care Foundation indicates that there are over 178,000 melanoma skin cancers reported in the U.S. yearly. Melanoma is dangerous as it spreads to other parts of the body very quickly if it’s not detected and treated early. What is Melanoma? It is a form of skin cancer that occurs when the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) mutate and become cancerous. Melanoma is rare in people with darker skin, but it can be more dangerous in darker skin types, as it’s more likely to spread, or metastasize undetected. Melanoma affects the skin, as most pigment cells are found in the skin. However, melanoma can occur in the eyes and other parts of the body, including intestines, mouth, and genitals. Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin, but some areas are more susceptible than others (i.e., neck and face). For instance, the chest and back are the most common site in men, while melanoma most often develops on the legs of women. Melanoma tumors are usually brown or black in color while some can be pink, tan, or even white. What are the types of Melanoma?

Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties among Chinese and Ayurvedic doctors and within the natural health community. However, this pungent yellow spice often used in Indian dishes, has evolved as a powerful remedy for psoriasis due to it’s many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. While research on turmeric suggests many claims, this spice is loaded with an active compound, known as curcumin, which has been long used to remedy chronic skin ailments, such as psoriasis. In fact, findings from a clinical trial, published by the Iran Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, noted that plaque psoriasis treated with curcumin was shown to lower rates of redness, thick skin, and scaling compared instances where participants were treated with the placebo. What is Turmeric? Derived from the turmeric plant, it is a spice commonly used in Asian food. Loaded with anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antioxidant properties, turmeric plays an integral role in combating many diseases. It has long been an important ingredient of various traditional Indian and Chinese medicines. A number of health conditions that turmeric aids include psoriasis, eczema, arthritis, stomach ulcer, indigestion, jaundice, and other liver ailments. Turmeric also serves as a great natural remedy for depression, other brain disorders, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, and various types of cancer.