The red blood cells in the blood are made in the bone marrow. The cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to various regions of the body. However, sometimes people may develop a condition called polycythemia vera that causes the bone marrow to create excessive red blood cells. The elevated RBC count thickens the blood, slowing down its flow. While the disease is rare, it may lead to health complications. Causes The exact cause of polycythemia vera is yet to be determined. However, the disease develops when there is a mutation in a gene that may trigger problems in blood cell production. The body usually regulates the quantity of each of the three types of blood cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, when one develops polycythemia vera, the bone marrow produces an abnormally large number of these cells. Symptoms Many people with polycythemia vera do not have noticeable symptoms, mainly because the condition progresses gradually. Some vague symptoms caused by the disease are dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, and headache. However, more specific symptoms include: Numbness, burning or tingling sensation, and weakness in the hands, feet, legs, or arms Itching after a warm bath or shower Unusual bleeding, including bleeding gums or a nosebleed Painful swelling in one of the joints, usually the big toe Feeling full after eating and bloating or pain in the left upper abdomen as a result of an enlarged spleen Difficulty breathing while lying down Shortness of breath Remedies If one is diagnosed with polycythemia vera, the doctor will recommend treatments such as frequent blood withdrawals or prescription options to reduce the number of red blood cells.

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys melanocytes, the skin cells that make pigment. The condition causes depigmentation to specific skin patches and occurs when the skin starts losing its natural color and leaves milky-white patches all over it. While there are no ways to prevent or cure vitiligo, it can be managed by adopting a healthy lifestyle and staying hydrated. Check out a few more ways to curb its spreading. Have nutrient-dense meals Since vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, it can be managed by eating nutrient-dense meals. It boosts the immune system, which directly helps manage vitiligo symptoms. A plant-based meal plan that includes the following nutrients is often recommended. Antioxidants – Vitamins like C and E are naturally occurring compounds that function like antioxidants. Foods such as berries, green leafy veggies, herbs, dark chocolate, and nuts contain these compounds. These help deal with oxidative stress and avoid cell damage, which invariably alleviates the symptoms of vitiligo. Phytochemicals – Compounds such as beta-carotene are phytochemicals found primarily in plants. These include vibrant veggies and fruits like sweet potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and carrots. Omega-3 fatty acids – Many nuts, seeds, and oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Hepatitis is a condition of the inflammation of the liver, which affects its strength and functions. A relatively unknown factor that can lead to a person contracting hepatitis is through certain medicines. Drug-induced hepatitis is an injury or inflammation of the liver caused by these prescribed medicines, but it is not the only type of liver injury that medication can cause. Other types of drug-induced issues include fatty liver and iron overload. Here’s a detailed look at drug-induced hepatitis. The liver is generally responsible for breaking down any substance that one eats. This process facilitates digestion, which, in turn, keeps the body healthy. The liver is also responsible for breaking down medicines that one may require for various purposes. These medications can include both medicines that one purchases over-the-counter or the ones that their doctor may prescribe for any health issues they face. However, the process of breaking down food or medication through the liver occurs at a slower rate in certain individuals. In such a scenario, the medication should be prescribed and consumed after checking whether they are suitable for the patient. If they fail to do so, the chances of liver damage increase significantly. On the other hand, even small doses of certain medications can lead to hepatitis despite the normal functioning of the liver.

Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs due to elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. High uric acid results in the accumulation of urate crystals which cause inflammation and pain in the joints. In general, the symptoms of gout include pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints, specifically of the big toe. This condition can have a negative impact on one’s quality of life and his or her ability to carry out day-to-day activities. When it comes to the prevention and management of gout, your diet plays a crucial role. What you eat can influence the uric acid levels in the blood directly. Include gout-fighting food items in your diet and restrict the consumption of foods that are associated with gout. Here is the list of foods to eat and avoid for a gout-friendly diet: Foods you should consume A nutrient-rich and well-balanced diet can help ward off gout flare-ups. Some of the food items that can help with this inflammatory condition, whilst keeping uric acid levels in check, are: Fruits and vegetables Fruits like oranges and cherries are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that helps with gout by reducing uric levels. Vegetables such as red bell peppers and cabbage are perfect for a gout-friendly diet due to their high nutritional value.

The liver is a vital organ in the body that performs numerous metabolic functions including the elimination of toxins and breaking down of key nutrients. Keeping the liver healthy is crucial for your health as diseases affecting this organ can lead to life-threatening complications such as liver cancer. A nutritious and well-balanced diet along with a healthy lifestyle is important for the proper functioning of the liver. It also helps reduce the risk of liver diseases like fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, and acute hepatitis. Here’s a list of foods and drinks that are good for the liver and including them in your diet can support liver health. Oatmeal The high nutritional value of oatmeal makes it one of the best foods for the liver. It is a fiber-rich food item that was found to reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The regular consumption of oatmeal helps combat health conditions like obesity that adversely affects liver health. By incorporating oatmeal in your diet, you can improve liver functions and keep it well-protected from troubling conditions. Coffee The presence of hepatoprotective properties in coffee makes it one of the best liver-supporting beverages. An array of clinical studies have found that regular coffee consumption can lower the risk of chronic liver diseases and life-threatening conditions such as liver cancer.

Have your eyes been stinging, burning, or looking red? If yes, you might have a condition called dry eyes. It happens when tiny glands in and around the eyelids do not make enough tears to keep your vision clear. Additionally, tears help keep the eyes moist and hydrated. They can wash away any grime and debris and protect it from infection. The cause for this condition could be due to certain medicines, diseases, or simply one’s age. Usually, the treatment process depends on the cause of this condition. Before you consider taking eye drops or other medicines, try these natural and home remedies for dry eyes, as they are safer. Warm compresses It is one of the best natural and home remedies for dry eyes. At times, inflamed and flaky eyelids clog the oil-making glands that are on the edge of the eyelid and cause dry eyes. To release these clogged eyelids, you can use a warm, wet cloth over your eyelids, pressing it gently on the edges to help release the clogged oils. The heat and moisture help loosen the clogged oils in the glands and also reduce inflammation, if any. Do it a few times in a day until you get relief.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. While there is no cure for the condition, a healthy nutrition regime is key to managing and alleviating the symptoms and avoiding flare-ups. Since there is no one particular nutrition plan for people with ulcerative colitis, there are certain foods that one should add to their meals to help keep the symptoms at bay. Yogurt Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live bacteria that have health benefits. Probiotics are thought to help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, and they may also help reduce inflammation. While more research is needed, it is found that probiotic-rich foods like yogurt may help improve the symptoms of ulcerative colitis. One can include yogurt to their daily meals by adding it to their breakfast smoothie or even as a healthy evening snack. Low-fiber foods such as bananas One food group that’s recommended to help alleviate the signs of ulcerative colitis is low-fiber foods. Bananas are a great example of a low-fiber food that can be helpful for those with ulcerative colitis. They’re easy on the digestive system and can help provide some much-needed relief from the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.