Cholesterol is a kind of waxy fat obtained through the different foods you eat. Cholesterol is needed in adequate amounts for the normal functioning of the body. Cholesterol, in excess amounts, may cause health problems like heart diseases, obesity, and stroke. Here is a list of must-include nutrients for lowering cholesterol. 1. Soluble fiber Fiber is one of the essential nutrients that help dissolve existing cholesterol deposits in the body. Once you consume cholesterol, it starts lining the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. By consuming a lot of soluble fiber, the fiber pushes out the cholesterol and prevents cholesterol deposition. 2. Unsaturated fats Not all fats are problematic. Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats make it to the list of must-include nutrients for lowering cholesterol. Unsaturated fats don’t stick to each other and are known to reduce the bad cholesterol in the body (LDL cholesterol), which is the cause of all health conditions. Unsaturated fats include coconuts, coconut oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil, and fatty fishes. 3. Magnesium Studies show that low levels of magnesium in the body will result in higher LDL cholesterol levels. When people increase their magnesium intake, their cardiovascular health improves, and the HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol) go up.

Globally, there are millions of people who suffer from depression. Not all of them seek timely medical attention. Some of them suffer silently due to the stigma associated with mental health, and others do not even realize that they are suffering from depression. Learning how to manage depression without medication would come in handy to help yourself or a loved one when the mental health starts crumbling. 1. Get physically active One of the most effective ways to treat depression is by leading a physically active lifestyle. One way to do it is by enrolling in a gym or seeking the help of a fitness coach. The other way would be to start practicing a physical sport that will make you sweat it all out. Physical exercises of all kinds, including simple everyday walking and jogging, when done consistently, can lead to an increase in the serotonin levels in the brain and make you feel calmer and happier. 2. Cut back on caffeine Grabbing a warm mug of coffee might feel like the most comforting thing to do, but high levels of caffeine in the body would lead to an overstimulation of the brain. This can elevate your stress levels.

A type of blood pressure that affects the arteries in the lungs is known as pulmonary arterial hypertension. If you are wondering what the causes of PAH are, then it should be noted that the exact cause of the condition is unknown. However, there are certainly significant factors that are thought to cause PAH. These are mentioned below.  1. Injury At the top of the list of the causes of PAH is damage or injury to the cells that line the small blood vessels in the lungs. This can occur due to unknown reasons. The injury or damage could cause the smooth muscle cells to contract, resulting in the constricting of arteries. 2. Genetics Researchers believe that 15-20% of patients with PAH have inherited the condition. Changes or mutations in the BMPR2 gene can result in the development of PAH. However, with ongoing studies and research, other gene mutations and pathways have also been identified as factors that contribute to the development of PAH. 3. Certain medications Studies have found an increased risk of developing PAH if you use appetite-suppressing medications such as dexfenfluramine and fenfluramine for more than three months. Although these medications have been taken off the market by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), other diet pills and medication are available that can also be factors for PAH.

Hepatitis C refers to a particular health condition when a viral infection leads to liver inflammation. In critical and severe stages, the infection caused by Hepatitis C can severely damage the liver. According to medical studies, HCV or hepatitis C virus spreads through contaminated blood. One needs to keep in mind that most Hepatitis C patients do not perceive any symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Hence, one needs to be very alert and see a doctor immediately if they notice any minor signs of the disease. Keep scrolling to know the signs and symptoms of hepatitis C. 1. Acute hepatitis C If you are getting the symptoms of Hepatitis C for the first time, then it is referred at acute Hepatitis C. In acute Hepatitis C, the symptoms are similar to those of the flu. But, in most cases, you might not have symptoms at all. If you get any symptoms, they may include belly pain, clay-colored poop, dark urine, fatigue, fever, jaundice (yellow tint to your skin or eyes), joint pain, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting. In acute Hepatitis C, the symptoms usually get visible between 2 and 12-weeks post-exposure to the virus. 2. Chronic hepatitis C Chronic Hepatitis C refers to the long-term infection with the disease.

Pain associated with headaches, back issues, or chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, low back and hip pain can make it challenging to get a good night’s rest. That said, proper sleep is essential to lead a quality life and manage or cope with pain. This is because a lack of sleep causes your pain threshold to drop, worsening your condition. Here are a few tips for sleeping well with chronic pain. 1. Check your pain medications Certain medications like codeine and morphine, which are prescribed for pain management, can cause side effects that affect your sleep cycle and quality. While over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin might help induce sleep, they may increase the time it takes for you to fall asleep as they affect melatonin functioning. Opiate painkillers like oxycodone can affect the brain, which, in turn, can disrupt Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. So, one of the useful tips for sleeping well with chronic pain is to consult your doctor for alternatives if you’re facing trouble sleeping while on pain medications. 2. Physical activity and exercise Those with chronic pain find it difficult to exercise, which results in weight gain that can worsen the pain. One of the simplest yet effective tips for sleeping well with chronic pain is to take up moderate and low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga.