Arthritis can be described as swelling and/or inflammation of joints. While different types of arthritis can have different causes, they all revolve around painful, stiff and swollen joints that cause mobility issues. Some of the main types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Thankfully, arthritis is treatable: 1. Biologic response modifiers Enbrel, the brand name for Entanercept, is a biological agent that inhibits inflammation. Since arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, Enbrel works to interfere directly with the immune system, making sure that it does not go into overdrive and bring harm to the individual. Enbrel mainly works by acting as a decoy to a chemical called TNF, which normally produces inflammation. This decoy makes sure that that inflammation does not take place. Enbrel is approved for use for most types of arthritis. 2. Monoclonal antibodies Monoclonal antibodies are cloned white blood cells with the express purpose of engineering a specific type of antibody. Examples include Vedolizumab entyvio, infliximab,tremfya for psoriatic arthritis, and adalimumab. Similar to Enbrel (Entanercept), infliximab also works to neutralize the TNF chemical and attack inflammation although the key difference is that infliximab works by binding to the cell. These antibodies are known as chimeras, because originally the antibodies were engineered from mice.

Cholesterol is defined as a waxy substance found in the blood. Cholesterol (HDL) helps in building healthy cells. However, high cholesterol (LDL) can affect the heart by depositing fatty acids in the blood vessels, thus inhibiting efficient blood flow to the arteries. In severe cases, these deposits can break suddenly, causing complicated heart conditions such as heart attack. Unhealthy lifestyle choices usually cause risk factors for high cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can treat and prevent the disease. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is commonly referred to as good cholesterol since it removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and stores it in the liver. Thus, it prevents fat from clogging the arteries. Conversely, LDL (low-density lipoprotein)is considered bad cholesterol since cholesterol takes cholesterol back to the bloodstream. The following are some ways to lower LDL cholesterol: 1. Stop smoking Cigarettes contain carbon monoxide that increases the level of LDL cholesterol that leads to clogging of arteries. Moreover, smoking increases the heart rate and blood pressure, putting stress on the heart ticker. Continued smoking results in chronic conditions such as; clogging of arteries, increased inflammation, weakened immune system and increased clotting. Additionally, smoking causes injuries to the walls of the blood vessels. When you combine damaged blood vessels with LDL cholesterol, it results in cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks.

Eating for gum health is important for keeping a fresh and bright smile. Eating certain healthy foods, flossing, and brushing your teeth with gingivitis gum toothpaste are ways to prevent gingivitis and other gum infections. The foods you eat can go a long way towards determining the health of your gums. You also need to choose the best toothpaste for healthy teeth and gingivitis gums to stop the development of inflammation and gum disease. Some of the best foods for gum health are listed below: 1. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables There are plenty of reasons to eat fruits and vegetables. Gum health is just one. Carrots and apples help increase saliva production in your mouth. Saliva is a natural cleanser for teeth. Spinach and kale contain calcium to help build tooth enamel. Celery scrapes away bacteria and plaque while you eat it. 2. Milk Milk not only promotes strong bones but also gum health. A protein in milk called casein helps to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. Calcium in milk also strengthens your teeth so bacteria finds it harder to get inside them. 3. Plain yogurt Plain yogurt is another dairy product that is a star when it comes to healthy teeth and gums.

Heart disease leads the nation as the foremost cause of death, but many people still ignore the risks. In their day-to-day life, many Americans have poor diets, sedentary lifestyles, and many even smoke. These factors put anyone at significantly greater risk of developing heart disease. These risks are prevalent and, unfortunately, common throughout the entire country, but some states have a much higher heart disease rate, such as: 1. Alabama Alabama has a high percentage of people who smoke, compared to the country’s population as a whole. Since tobacco use is a major contributing factor that leads to heart disease, this, in turn, explains why about a quarter of their population dies from heart disease. Another factor with so many smokers may also be the common presence of second-hand smoke. 2. Arkansas Arkansas is another leader for deaths by heart disease, although being the leader in that race can hardly be considered a win of any kind. The activity and exercise levels in Arkansas are sadly way below the national average. This, in conjunction with a high rate of smokers, contributes to Arkansas being one of the worst states for heart disease prevalence. 3. Louisiana Louisiana has no single risk factor that is drastically higher than national averages.

Those who suffer from migraines can have a wide range of symptoms including pulsating headaches, throbbing headaches, light sensitivity, and nausea. These symptoms can range from minor to severe and everyone’s migraine experience is different. Often, migraines are brought on by certain triggers. One of the most common types of migraine triggers are smells. Below we are going to learn more about smells and how they can negatively affect a migraine sufferer: 1. Cigarette smoke Cigarette smoke is one of the most common odors that trigger migraines. In fact, one study revealed that 72% of migraine sufferers were triggered by tobacco smoke. If you suffer from frequent migraines, you should avoid this trigger whenever possible. However, you may live with someone who smokes or work in an environment where it can’t be avoided. If this is the case, you should consider using migraine medication to lessen your symptoms. 2. Food odors Food odors are hard to avoid and they can be a nightmare for those who have frequent migraines. Some of the foods that can bring on a migraine including baked goods that contain yeast, nuts and nut butters, soy products, chocolate, diary products, tomatoes, olives, and more. Those that can’t avoid these triggers should seek medicine for severe migraine headaches.

Overactive bladder, OAB, occurs when you have problems controlling a frequent or urgent need to urinate. This can happen during the day at work or throughout the night interrupting your need for sleep. It’s possible you may release a bit of urine that you can’t seem to keep from exiting your body. Overactive bladder in women is more frequent than in men. Here are a few things to avoid if you have OAB: 1. Alcohol Alcohol has a big effect on our brain when you drink. For one, after a few cocktails, you often need to use the restroom. As time passes, the urge gets worse with a few more drinks in your system. Finally, you’ll have to give in and head to the bathroom. Drinking irritates the bladder, making OAB even harder to deal with. Consider cutting back on beer, hard liquor, or your favorite wine. 2. Artificial sweeteners Many of us add artificial sweeteners to our tea, on food, or in our coffee. These make OAB symptoms increase as well. Research shows that these sweeteners, whether natural or artificial, affect someone who has OAB. 3. Carbonated drinks If you love carbonated drinks, you might want to cut down or stop altogether.

Heart disease is a severe condition that affects millions of people in the United States every year and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening illnesses. There are many different types of heart disease, each with their own set of symptoms. If you are experiencing any such symptoms, it is essential to see a doctor. Therefore, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart disease is essential to helping you get the treatment you need: 1. Coronary artery disease (CAD)  CAD, also known as coronary heart disease (or CHD), occurs when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, potentially leading to a heart attack. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea. CAD and CHD symptoms can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, angioplasty (a procedure to open blocked arteries), and coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). 2. Atrial fibrillation AFib is a condition in which the heart’s rhythm becomes irregular. This condition can lead to blood clots, stroke, and other serious health problems. Symptoms of AFib include shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart palpitations. Atrial fibrillation can be caused due to side effects of medications like Ibrutinib. Atrial fibrillation is treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners), beta-blockers, and other medications.

Menopause is a natural biological process in a woman’s life, usually during middle age, that is officially diagnosed after a woman goes 12 months without a period. Perimenopause, on the other hand, can last for years leading up to the onset of menopause. Symptoms of both menopause and perimenopause can include hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, and depression. Unfortunately, birth control, such as the Mirena IUD, can do little to help relieve these symptoms. However, hormone replacement therapy, supplements like MenoEase, and modifications to your diet have all been shown to help women cope with the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause.  Here are some foods to eat and to avoid to help relieve the symptoms of menopause: 1. Flaxseeds Watching your cholesterol is vital during menopause, as it has been associated with a significant increase in LDL, or “bad cholesterol”, resulting in a much higher risk of heart issues in postmenopausal women. Luckily, flaxseeds are easy to incorporate into your diet and contain alpha-linolenic acid, which is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that can lower cholesterol. Plus, as an added bonus, studies have suggested that ground flaxseed can improve hot flashes and night sweats, similar to hormone replacement therapy.

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is a heart condition that causes irregular or rapid heartbeat. While many who have AFib never experience any symptoms, those that do may experience shortness of breath, chest pain, and heart palpitations. If you experience any of these symptoms, a heart doctor will likely place you on AFib irregular heart medications, or suggest the surgical intervention of a pacemaker to help maintain a steady electrical heart signaling connection, and recommend that you follow a heart healthy diet that does not include the following 7 foods:  1. Caffeine If you’ve ever had too much coffee in the morning, you know that caffeine is a stimulant that can make your heart race. Doctors commonly discourage patients with heart issues from drinking caffeine due to its link with an increased heart rate. Moreover, caffeine causes dehydration, which can lead to an AFib event. That said, if you drink fewer than four cups of coffee a day, you should be fine. But, all the same, consult your doctor to confirm if your normal caffeine intake is safe, and cut out caffeine supplements and energy drinks, especially mixed with alcohol. 2. Alcohol While caffeine’s status as a risky food for AFib patients has been questioned, there’s no doubt about alcohol—if there’s one drink you should avoid as an AFib patient, it’s this.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a part of the male reproductive system. It is one of two leading causes of cancer death in men and one of the most common cancers among men. The good news is that prostate cancer is highly treatable if caught early.  Doctors typically prescribe a combination of lifestyle changes and treatment drugs—such as advanced prostate cancer drugs like XTANDI (Enzalutamide), ERLEADA (Apalutamide), Rubraca (Rucaparib), and ORGOVYX (Relugolix). However, it often goes undetected for long periods and can spread to other bodily organs and even lead to death in some patients.   While there are numerous foods that minimize risk of prostate cancer (e.g., fresh fruits and vegetables, unprocessed lean meats, fibrous whole grains, etc.); there are also certain foods to moderate or avoid to reduce the risk of prostate cancer development: 1. High fat dairy High fat dairy products, such as whole milk, ice cream, cheese, sour cream, and butter, contain large amounts of saturated fats, which are linked to increased risk of prostate cancer. The reason for this is that dairy inhibits the enzyme Dopamine-Beta-Hydroxylase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone DHT, an enzyme that further increases cancer risk by damaging prostate tissues.