It’s no news that tobacco use is harmful to our body, and that quitting this habit is no joy ride. In 2017, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated of 34.3 million adults were smokers in the country. The addiction is such that it becomes an involuntary habit and part of the lifestyle. While the health risks of smoking are well known, quitting this habit needs more determination and will than anticipated. Herein, we look at some ways to follow through the decision to quit this addiction. Nicotine replacement therapy The nicotine in tobacco is what keeps the addiction alive in consumers. It has the tendency to make one physically dependent; hence, a cut-off from it altogether can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Once you start on your journey to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) acts as your crutch to keep you steady on this road. NRT gives you nicotine in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers or lozenges that can take care of the body’s physical craving for it. One can start using NRT as soon as they quit smoking. Apart from this, there is a need to have some other psychological therapies that will help one fight the urge to pick up a cigarette.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) occurs when the antibodies present in the body mistakenly attacks the cells lining the joints. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. This is a chronic disease that affects over 1.3 million people in the country, as reported in 2018 by Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network. There is no specific cause of RA, and hence treatment is varied, and many rely on home remedies that give them some relief. Here are some remedies that can help you get rid of pain and stiffness caused in arthritis: Mustard oil, and camphor remedy Heat 1 cup of mustard oil and add 10 grams of camphor in it. Heat this together till the camphor dissolves completely. Wait till the oil is lukewarm, and then use this mixture to massage on the areas where you experience swelling. Mustard oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has historically been used to soothe aches and pain. Also, camphor has properties that relieve pain and inflammation. Olive oil and lavender essential oil remedy Take some warm olive oil in a small bowl and add 2 drops of lavender essential oil in it. Use this mixture to massage the affected areas to alleviate discomfort and inflammation.

You’ve finally decided to stop smoking. Great! Now comes the tricky part of sustaining this resolution. Kicking this habit takes a lot more than simply dumping that cigarette pack. While it can be challenging to practice abstinence, there are certain measures you can take to ensure that you succeed in this endeavor. In this article, we’ll discuss “what not to do” when you are trying to quit smoking: Don’t be pessimistic An intense craving for nicotine after you quit smoking is a very natural reaction. It can be accompanied by symptoms like sweating, tingling in hands and feet, constipation, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. These symptoms provoke negative feelings that could eventually lead to a relapse. The only way to weather this period is by staying patient and focusing your energy on the present, which can include your work, partner, children, friends, and hobbies. Remember that thinking about your smoking history will not do you any good, so make a conscious effort of living in the moment. Don’t be negligent about your health Cessation is a time when you need to pay extra attention to your physical and mental needs. Doing so will help you deal with any withdrawal symptoms more effectively.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths that occur due to cancer. It is estimated that lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers combined. Based on the statistical data by the American Cancer Society, there are about 220,000 new cases of lung cancer every year. Several types of treatments are being developed and researched on to stop or at least slow down the disease progression in lung cancer patients. Apart from this, several oncologists and nutritionists also suggest that maintaining a proper diet can help in fighting the symptoms of lung cancer. There are some foods that can keep lung cancer symptoms at bay and can also be used as home remedies along with mainstream treatments. Some of the foods that can aid a lung cancer patient are mentioned below: Green tea According to several oncologists, green tea not only helps in preventing lung cancer but can also benefit to those who are living with the disease. Green tea contains theaflavin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which can potentiate the effect of chemotherapy medications. It is important to know that bottled green tea may have very little or no EGCG as the compound doesn’t last long when bottled.

As we age, the body naturally begins to develop wrinkles on most parts of the body including the hands, face, and neck. The process is much likely to be noticed in areas that are exposed to the sun. Wrinkles are most seen post the age of 40 years as the skin loses its moisture and becomes thinner. Most people are highly concerned about wrinkles in the area around the eye. The most apparent cause of this development is sun exposure, however, several other factors such as smoking, and an unbalanced diet too can be contributors. There are several forms of medical treatments that can be employed to combat the development and reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles. However, you can also resort to several home remedies that have been found to be effective for this reason. Here are some effective natural ways that you must try before you arrive at which one works best for you: Consume probiotics Probiotics have been found to have the best effect on the reduction of wrinkles and boosting the health of the skin, overall. Probiotics are abundantly found in yogurt. However, they can also be consumed through formulated supplements. Some studies prove the good effects of probiotics when it is regularly applied to the skin as it reduces the level of sun damage.

Having wrinkles, especially near the under-eye area, is a common complaint among many people, but these surface naturally once a person is in their 40s. However, it could be a cause of concern if wrinkles start appearing in the late 20s or early 30s. Premature wrinkling around the eyes could occur due to multiple factors including genetics, stress, constant sun exposure, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, there are some helpful preventive measures that can be taken to keep under-eye wrinkles at bay for as long as possible. Start with a moisturizer The under-eye area has a thinner skin compared to the rest of the face, which makes it extremely sensitive. It can quickly lose hydration, leading to premature fine lines and wrinkles. So, you should always moisturize to avoid dryness. We’d recommend investing in a moisturizer that is specially designed for delicate under-eye skin. This is because regular face moisturizers can be harsh and will cause inflammation and stinging in your eyes. When you are buying an under-eye moisturizer, look for ingredients like retinol, vitamin A derivative, growth factors, and peptides. These encourage collagen production that is instrumental for taut and younger-looking skin. Be gentle on your skin You might not realize it, but unwittingly you might be harsh on your skin while applying or removing eye makeup that could eventually cause fine lines and wrinkles.

Living with a chronic condition isn’t easy; you’ll always have to be on guard against elements that trigger the condition and will have to lug your medications wherever you go. Asthma is one such chronic condition that, according to the CDC, affects approximately 25 million people in the country. Moreover, this condition is quite prevalent in children—1 child out of every 12 is diagnosed with asthma. Asthma is an inflammatory condition that affects the airways to the lungs and makes breathing difficult. This, in turn, makes performing any physical activity impossible. Mostly, people opt for medications to keep asthma under control and prevent an asthma attack. But there are others who rely on alternative treatment techniques to control asthma symptoms and keep the condition in check. Here are some effective home remedies to keep asthma under control. Acupuncture Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. In fact, this method has been used in western countries as well to improve the symptoms of asthma. Acupuncture improves lung function and is believed to modulate the immune system as well. Also, there is an increase in studies on the effect of acupuncture in treating respiratory conditions.

Migraines are severe headaches that are recurring and can last for hours or even days. There is no specific cause known for migraines. As a result, no cure has been found yet. It is usually triggered by several factors like hormonal changes, emotional triggers (stress, anxiety, depression), environmental triggers (smoke or loud noises), and flickering screens. Sometimes, even certain foods or drinks can trigger migraine attacks. These include alcohol and caffeine. While triggers are different for each individual, there are some general home remedies that can help you manage your pain when a migraine comes knocking at your doorstep. Let’s look at some remedies that can help you manage migraine attacks better: Medicinal properties of ginger Ginger is known to be a medicinal herb and has been used as a home remedy for centuries now. Ginger root has anti-inflammatory properties that block out the prostaglandins which cause the pain during a migraine. You can use chopped ginger root in your food or you may also make ginger tea and consume it 2-3 times during the day. Cabbage paste Your simple kitchen ingredients are full of surprises. Cabbage has properties that reduce pain and swelling and can be used in the form of a paste to alleviate your migraine pain.

Glucose in the body helps in maintaining optimum energy levels and is also the brain’s main source of fuel, but it all comes down to how the glucose in the body is utilized. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases affecting how the blood sugar (glucose) is used by the body. Based on a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million people in our country are suffering from diabetes or prediabetes. Irrespective of the cause of diabetes, it can cause excess sugar in the blood, leading to several other complications. Apart from medical treatment, dietary changes also play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. Here are some foods that can help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels in the body: Leafy greens Green vegetables like kale, collard greens, spinach, cabbage, beet greens, and watercress are high in nutrients and low in calories. Leafy greens are low in digestible carbohydrates, which helps in maintaining low blood sugar levels. Other antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin in greens also help in maintaining a healthy immune system. These antioxidants also protect the eyes from cataract and macular degeneration, which may be complications of diabetes.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs. Inflammation in the bronchial tubes results in the narrowing of the airway and obstructs the process of natural breathing. It is not a condition that should be taken lightly, as the symptoms, if left unchecked, can lead to hospitalization. Additionally, asthma is incurable and is usually treated with an inhaler to relieve and prevent frequent flareups. However, there are simple techniques and natural treatments that can help manage the mild to moderate discomforts caused due to asthma. Changes in the diet Some studies show that drinking coffee or black tea helps provide some relief. Caffeine compounds help open up the blocked and narrow airway of the lungs, thus improving breathing. You can also incorporate more ginger in your daily diet as it is rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Also, foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids help counter the inflammation. Include more fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C and manganese to ensure there is no dietary deficiency of nutrients that can trigger asthma. Kale, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, and apples are rich in essential vitamins and minerals to supplement your daily requirements. Natural herbs Bromelain extracts taken from pineapples are rich in anti-inflammatory properties.