Blood pressure refers to the force of the blood flowing through your body which is pumped through by the heart. When this force exceeds the standard limit which is considered safe, the resulting condition is known as high blood pressure. There are varying levels of high blood pressure on a high blood pressure chart, and it is estimated that around 80 to 90 million people in the country suffer a variety of health problems due to this condition. These estimates are alarming because, among three adults over the age of 20, one of them is suffering from high blood pressure in the total count. Before we can try and understand how to read a high blood pressure chart, it is important to understand the five main types of blood pressure: It is important to understand the two categories of levels which indicate blood pressure, namely systolic and diastolic levels. Systolic levels are the numbers in the upper section which indicates how much pressure is being put on the walls of any artery when the heart pumps blood. Diastolic levels, however, are the numbers in the lower section which indicate the pressure on the walls in between heartbeats. So, both during heartbeats and in between, the upper and lower numbers together will indicate the overall blood pressure levels.

Though the human body’s immune system is strong enough to keep malicious agents at bay, it sometimes fails in protecting the body from an onset of ailments caused by bacteria and viruses. Many times, people develop allergies to certain things that, though harmless, can incite severe reactions from people. One such relatively harmless by-product of nature are pollens, but the number of people allergic to pollen is quite high. Around 30% of the total adults and 40% of the child population in the US are allergic to pollen. What is pollen allergy? Pollen allergy is an airborne infection that triggers symptoms such as continuous sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, etc. Pollen is a harmless powder that is produced by trees, flowers, plants, grasses, weeds, etc. Its purpose is to fertilize other plants of the same species. Even though these pollens are considered harmless, when they come in contact with the body’s immune system, it mistakes it for lethal invaders and produces chemicals that fight these pollens. This allergic reaction triggered by the overdrive of the immune system indicates that the person is allergic to pollen. Home remedies for people allergic to pollen Certain medications help in reducing the severity of pollen allergy.

With age comes a variety of ailments. Even though a person might have tried their level best to maintain a healthy life, aging would make them vulnerable to various ailments. The common health issues that older adults face include joint pains, back aches, knee pain, etc. It is an accepted fact that with age, the wear and tear cause our joints to weaken, and we aren’t as strong as we were during our heydays. One of the most common ailments that affect a majority of the population above 50 years of age is spinal stenosis. What is spinal stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a disorder that affects the spinal cord, causing the spinal canal to narrow. The spinal canal is a passage of nerves that spread to the center of the back. When the spinal canal starts narrowing, it exerts a lot of pressure on the spinal cord and the nerves on the back, which in turns causes excruciating pain in the back, sciatica, and nerve-related problems. Causes of spinal stenosis Spinal stenosis is mostly the collateral damage caused by arthritis. Since arthritis causes thickening of ligaments, disc changes, and bone spurs, it would exert pressure on the spinal cord, and thereby cause spinal stenosis.

Mental and physical stress, genetics, dermatitis, fatigue, irregular sleep pattern, and an unhealthy lifestyle are some of the primary causes of puffy, droopy, and worn out eyes. People with eyes that look forever tired often find baggy eyes incredibly frustrating more so on big days and important occasions. While several spa and beauty and cosmetic treatments claim to ease all the puffiness and the bags under your eyes, these are usually either too expensive or completely ineffective. Here are some super easy home remedies that would not only treat bags under your eyes but would help you feel fresher and happier. Keep yourself hydrated Water is indeed an elixir of life. Therefore, having plenty of water is the best remedy for puffy eyes. Once your body is fully hydrated, the possibility of water retention under the eyes and on other parts of the body also reduces. Drinking enough water, therefore, helps flush out all the toxins from the body, keeping you fit and active all day long. In addition to increased water intake, bags under your eyes can also be treated by reducing the amount of salt consumption and avoiding caffeine or carbonated drinks that can lead to dehydration, water retention, and puffiness.

Chronic constipation is caused when there are infrequent bowel movements on a usual basis. This condition makes it extremely difficult to pass stools for several days and can go one even for weeks. Constipation can be a condition on its own or can be a cause of a more severe disease. People experience constipation on few occasions and that is considered be normal. However, when constipation becomes chronic, it can disrupt one’s daily life and interfere with the ability to go about doing daily tasks. It also leads to discomfort due to extreme strain in order to have a bowel movement. There are several causes that may be responsible for chronic constipation. Not drinking enough water and follow a poor diet may be primary causes. However, there can be mechanical problems that lead to obstruction in the passing of stools. A blockage in the colon and rectum will hamper the smooth movement of stools and either slow down or stop the process altogether. The pelvic muscles that contribute to the movement of the bowels can be affected, causing chronic constipation. Diseases like diabetes and underactive thyroid or pregnancy in women too can lead to this condition due to an imbalance of hormones in the body.

Pneumonia is an infection that targets one or both the lungs. This infection commonly causes an inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs are known as alveoli. The inflamed alveoli get filled with pus and liquid, making it extremely difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and symptoms of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi that lead to the formation of an infection. However, pneumonia can also be caused by noninfectious elements such as toxic elements and foreign matter that are inhaled through breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition, if not treated in time. A large population around the world loses the battle to pneumonia every year. This fatal disease can affect anybody, irrespective of their age or gender. However, elderly people and individuals who have a weak immune system are at a greater risk of suffering from this condition. It is more serious and difficult to treat when contracted by younger kids, old individuals, and people who already suffer from a medical condition. The condition and symptoms of pneumonia generally begin when one inhales a bad germ into the lungs. A person who is suffering from cold or fever is likely to get the disease as these infectious conditions make it difficult for the lungs to restrain and fight against the germs.

Gout is a type of arthritis that is caused by the presence of excess uric acid in the body and extremely painful. The abnormal metabolism of uric acid results in the excess of it in the tissues of the body and blood. In case of an individual who suffers from gout, the body either produces too much of uric acid or the kidneys are unable to excrete it. Gout can be a primary condition or can be associated with other medical conditions. High levels of uric acid in the blood leads to the formation of urate crystals that get deposited in the joints. This causes excess inflammation and pain. Gout can affect anybody, irrespective of gender and age. However, men are more likely to suffer from this condition. Also, a large number of women are susceptible to gout after the period of menopause. Gout causes an attack that can be described as a string or severe burning. These gout attacks can occur at any time, however, they are more likely to spring-up in the middle of the night. During a gout flare, the skin looks red and there is severe swelling in the joint. The base of the big toe joint is the most common place for gout, followed by the ankle, knee, elbow, and wrist.

Heartburn is a condition wherein the stomach acid leaks into the esophageal system thus causing irritation and discomfort. There are a number of heartburn symptoms and triggers which are caused due to the malfunctioning of the LES sphincter which is a natural flap that stops stomach acid from leaking into the esophagus. Although there are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat this disorder, it is always better to find some natural and home-made remedies to counter discomforts. The following 11 natural, home remedies can aid in treating heartburn symptoms: Baking soda:  Baking soda has proven to be quite effective to cure heartburn symptoms. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, a spoonful of baking soda mixed with water can help relieve the burning sensation of heartburn caused due to a gastrointestinal reflux. It also has a high pH level which helps neutralize stomach acid. Aloe vera juice:  Aloe vera juice is a natural therapy to help soothe the discomfort caused due to heartburn. Aloe vera has a lot of uses because of its anti-inflammation properties. Acid reflux causes the stomach acid to be thrown up into the esophagus and thus causes the burning and irritating sensation, which can be calmed down with a nice glass of aloe vera juice.

The sluggish way of life and lack of planned routine is hampering human health thereby affecting the immunity level and paving the way for serious medical illness. The increasing fast-paced life has brought with its addiction to foods which directly harm primary organs of the body. Medical conditions which could initially be identified in geriatric people are now being seen in people falling within the age group of 30 to 45. Heartburn is one such condition which is commonly found in youngsters today thanks to binging disorders and haywire routine. Heartburn is a condition where contents of the stomach get pushed through the esophagus thereby leaving a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Heartburn is also commonly known as acid reflux. Repeated bouts of this acid reflux, if not treated on time can lead to severe gastro related medical conditions. Apart from consulting a doctor, here are a few remedies to help suffice pain and burn caused due to heartburn. Chewing gum Saliva is a natural healing element to it which helps in sufficing the burning sensation caused due to heart burn. Medical research has proved that people who are suffering from heartburn, chewed chewing gum and experienced pain relief caused due to heartburn.

Dry eye occurs when the tears fail to keep the surface of eye adequately lubricated. The risk of developing chronic dry eyes increases with age Consequences of dry eyes range constant eye irritation to significant inflammation and can also lead to scarring of the front surface of the eye. Dry eyes are one of the common syndrome affecting most of the citizens in the country. Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include burning sensation, itchy eyes, aching sensations, eyes that feel heavy and fatigued, sore eyes, dryness sensation, red eyes, photophobia, and blurred vision. One of the other common symptoms is something that is called foreign body sensation. It is that grit feeling of some object or material in your eye. An odd symptom of dry eyes is watery eyes. This happens because of dryness of the eye’s surface sometimes overstimulate production of a watery component, which is nothing but a protective mechanism. Following are the causes of chronic dry eye syndrome: • A consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keep eyes healthy, comfortable and seeing well. The water content in the eyes keep them moist and washes away the dust, debris, and microorganisms, which might damage the cornea, leading to an eye infection.