The condition hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver, and the various types from A to E are based on the mode of infection. Hepatitis C is a result of blood infected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This virus is contagious and can spread through transfusions. The two main types of hepatitis C infections are Acute hepatitis C Being a short-term infection, acute hepatitis C symptoms can last up to 6 months. In this case, the body can fight the infection as the virus eventually goes away. But for people with a compromised or weak immune system, acute symptoms can lead to a chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C This form of hepatitis C can last even a lifetime. It can also cause severe health problems such as damage, scarring (cirrhosis), and cancer of the liver. Foods that help fight hepatitis C The symptoms of hepatitis C patients require close monitoring; moreover, appropriate treatment needs to be promptly provided to avoid further complications. As long as the HCV is present in the bloodstream, controlling symptoms becomes difficult. So, apart from administering medications for the symptoms, a diet specifically tailored to provide relief is equally important. Consuming foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties can prevent liver damage.

Although heartburn has nothing to do with the heart, it can feel strangely similar since the pain is in that area. This condition is generally characterized by a burning sensation in the chest. This sensation arises mostly due to stomach acid making its way toward the esophagus, which connects the stomach and throat. Occasional heartburns are quite common, but if left untreated, it can damage the esophagus and even lead to cancer. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, 60 million people in the country suffer from heartburn at least once a month, with 15 million reporting the problem on a daily basis. Causes, symptoms, and treatment There are tons of triggers for heartburn. The most common one, however, is the reverse movement of content from the stomach to the esophagus. It happens due to the malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter – the juncture where the esophagus connects to the stomach. In normal conditions, the sphincter closes as soon as the food reaches the stomach. This prevents the reverse passage of any material into the esophagus. Sometimes though, the sphincter doesn’t work that well, allowing certain elements to move back. Stomach acids can, in this way, cause heartburns. Other known causes include lying down immediately after eating, pregnancy, stress and anxiety, and smoking.

Dry eye syndrome or Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a chronic condition of insufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. A person suffering from this condition can experience subtle but constant eye irritation to significant inflammation of the eye. Severe cases can lead to the scarring of the front surface of the eye. Alternative medical terms of dry eyes include: Keratitis sicca This is generally the dryness and inflammation of the cornea. Dysfunctional tear syndrome This condition emphasizes the inadequateness of tears that helps in keeping the eyes hydrated. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca This is the condition in which the dryness affects both the cornea and the conjunctiva. A recent research showed the prevalence of dry eyes ranging from 5 percent to as high as around 50 percent in different populations across the world. Underlying health conditions such as retinopathy, diabetic, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and can also cause dryness in eyes. So, apart from treating the condition using medicines, proper supplementation of nutrients is also imperative. Vitamins play a key role in providing proper nutrition to improve eye health. Here is a list of vitamins that help maintain eye health. Vitamin A This vitamin plays a crucial role in vision by maintaining a clear cornea- the covering outside the eye.

An inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease is caused by a combination of factors, such as heredity, a weakened immune system, and environmental problems. This condition gives rise to irritation and inflammation in certain parts of the digestive tract. It also triggers multiple symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. It is often observed that certain foods can trigger the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. That is why following a special diet can help to ease the distress caused by this condition. Moreover, avoiding the consumption of certain foods can help to lower the probability of more flare-ups. Foods to eat There is no cure-all diet for Crohn’s disease. However, if certain foods are included in the diet, these can lower the severity of symptoms. Here are some common foods that can help to alleviate the symptoms of Crohn’s disease: Oily fish Rich in anti-inflammatory properties, oily fish can help to reduce the symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Moreover, these are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the immune system. Fish such as tuna, salmon, and herring are usually recommended to be included in the diet. Yogurt It is advised to not go overboard with dairy products and stick to one serving per day.

One of the most common digestive problems faced by individuals, constipation is characterized by a difficulty in passing stools and fewer than three bowel movements in a week. It affects more than 2.5 million Americans and is likelier to affect people aged 65 or older, those confined to bed, pregnant women, children, those with poor diets, and very little physical exercise. Occasional cases of the condition are seen quite frequently but go away on their own within a few days. Chronic constipation, however, is more severe and can lead to discomfort in everyday life. Symptoms and causes of constipation Having lumpy or hard stools, a sustained feeling of something stuck in the rectum, the need for external intervention to help move the stool, and fewer than three bowel movements in a week are symptoms of chronic constipation. An unhealthy diet is the biggest cause of the condition. Certain foods and adequate water help make the stool soft, thus easing its removal through the colon. Low-fiber diets and dehydration, on the other hand, result in hard and dry stools that get stuck in the colon. Additionally, travel or other changes in nature, certain medications such as high calcium antacids, diseases like diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and hormonal problems can also result in constipation.

A chronic progressive condition, congestive heart failure causes the heart muscles to weaken, affecting their pumping capacity. Congestive heart failure is also known as heart failure and refers to the stage of fluid buildup around the heart. This causes the heart to pump inefficiently, making it unable to pump sufficient blood to the body. Over time, fluids and blood fill up the other organs of the body like the liver, abdomen, lungs, and the lower body. Although the condition is life-threatening, it can be managed with medications and treatments, and a well-balanced and healthy diet can also be helpful. Here are a few essential diet tips for people with congestive heart failure. Lower sodium intake Often, a low-sodium diet is recommended as high levels of sodium are detrimental to heart health. Eating foods with high sodium levels can cause the body to retain more fluids, and increased fluid build-up increases blood pressure as well. This adds to the strain on the heart and worsens the symptoms of heart failure. So, based on the type of heart failure, the daily sodium intake will be limited to about 2,000 mg/day. To meet this dietary requirement, one can use herbs, citrus juices, and spices instead of salt to season meals.

Atrial fibrillation is the medical term for what doctors refer to as irregular heartbeat. The main function of the heart is to pump blood to ensure that the oxygenated blood is circulated throughout the body. An irregular heartbeat can mess up with blood circulation and lead to complications including a stroke and frequent blood clots. Also commonly referred to as a-fib, this condition predominantly affects the upper two chambers of the heart that pump blood to the lower ventricles. Treatment is mostly recommended for people who develop persistent symptoms. Thus, a few crucial lifestyle and dietary changes can reduce the risk of developing atrial fibrillation. Given below is a list of foods to avoid for those with atrial fibrillation: Salt A salty diet increases the chances of one suffering from high blood pressure, which in itself is one of the primary triggers of atrial fibrillation. Note that the body naturally maintains a delicate balance of sodium in the bloodstream and excess salt disrupts this delicate balance putting more than necessary pressure on the blood vessels. A prolonged risk of high blood pressure increases the odds of atrial fibrillation significantly. So, it’s time to put some serious restrictions on one’s salt intake.

You might wonder, why spend hundreds of dollars on professional lawn care services when simple tasks like mowing, trimming, and weeding can be done by members of the family? However, lawn maintenance is a regular and tiresome job that takes a backseat with limited time and manpower. And before you know it, those weeds grow back! To deal with this, you can consider opting for a good lawn and yard maintenance service. Owing to the increasing demand for affordable lawn services, several companies are now offering free quotes, flexible plans, and vetted services by professional contractors for the best lawn and yard maintenance money can buy. We’ll look at a few essential factors to consider before opting for professional lawn care. What do professional lawn care services offer? From trimming and cutting to full-blown maintenance, you can expect to find just about everything you need to maintain your home lawn. Check out what some of the top affordable lawn services have to offer and opt for a service depending on your needs: Landscaping and hardscaping Mowing does not stop at merely cutting the grass and cleaning up the area. In fact, mowing/trimming is one of the basic jobs any service offers as part of their package quote.