With more hours spent on smartphones, computers, and televisions, the eyes get tired and dry. Dry eyes syndrome is a hindering condition, causing hindrance in vision. The best preventive method is reducing the time one spends on screens, allowing eyes to rest. Additionally, one needs to protect the eyes from dust and pollution. However, this is easier said than done. Apart from consulting your doctor, you can resort to alternative treatment for dry eyes. These include both over-the-counter measures and home remedies. To help you, here are four alternative treatments for dry eyes. 1. Eye drops Dry eyes are caused because the eye duct that secretes tears dry up. As an over-the-counter preventive measure, doctors suggest eye drops that stimulate the tear glands, fighting inflammation and keeping the eyes moist. However, be aware of eye drops that can contain polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, and glycerine as primary ingredients. Using conventional- or glycerine-based eye drops can result in the side effects such as eye pain, distortion in vision, complete blurring of vision, or an allergic reaction if used for a long time. Instead, opt for eye drops that have fewer alcohol components as ingredients. This not only ensures eye health but also protects you against side effects and allergies.

Inflammation and arthritis go hand in hand. More often than not, pain experienced by people with arthritis is because of inflammation in the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium (the soft tissue that lines several joints and tendons) is affected. In age-related osteoarthritis, there is pain because of the wear and tear of the cartilage. Certain foods like cheese and alcohol can trigger inflammation, but other foods can reduce or help fight it. Here is a list of some of the top anti-inflammatory foods that help tackle arthritis: 1. Green tea Green tea has been around for centuries. Made from unfermented leaves, green tea contains the strongest, most potent catechins among all tea varieties. Catechins are antioxidants that help reduce inflammation by regulating the functioning of T-lymphocytes. These are the white blood cells that are responsible for triggering an immune response. Green tea also increases the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring amino acid that has anti-anxiety effects. It also improves metabolism, and to some extent, promotes cardiac health. 2. Nuts and seeds Including a variety of nuts and seeds in your diet will help control the body’s inflammatory responses. Walnuts and almonds, and seeds like flax or pine, are storehouses of alpha-linolenic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-3-fatty acid.

Not all anti-inflammatory foods prevent gout. Eating anti-inflammatory foods on a daily basis drastically reduces the risk of many life-threatening diseases that target the heart, bones, brain, and blood sugar. Gout is caused when excess uric acid runs through the bloodstream. The best anti-inflammatory foods are the ones that check uric acid levels in the blood. Here is a list of eight anti-inflammatory foods for gout. 1. Apples Apple contains malic acid that neutralizes the uric acid in the blood. Eating an apple a day can prevent gout; however, as apples contain fructose, the servings have to be restricted to no more than one. Doctors report that people who suffer from gout triggers have to avoid consumption of gout-triggering foods and beverages like red meat, organ meats, and alcohol. 2. Olive oil Cold-pressed olive oil has an abundance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols. Furthermore, it has mono-saturated fats, making it the best oil to prevent gout. Olive oil further reduces joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. 3. Celery Celery contains anti-inflammatory compounds, including luteolin, that reduce uric acid production in the body. Celery and celery seeds can be consumed on a daily basis as they eliminate toxins and other wastes from the renal glands and the urinary tract.

Hepatitis C is caused by a viral infection. The condition is characterized by liver inflammation and can even lead to severe complications of liver damage. The virus usually spreads through contact with contaminated blood. Today, there are a plethora of medications available to help slow down the infection and control it. This article discussed the symptoms and causes of hepatitis C. Symptoms of hepatitis C Some of the signs and symptoms of hepatitis C that manifest themselves after some time are: 1. Body tiredness When the hepatitis C virus attacks the body, one’s immune system gets activated. It tries to fight off the infection and tends to overwork in the process. This leads to fatigue and drowsiness. 2. Loss of body mass Initially, when the body is continuously attacking the virus from setting in, there is a loss of appetite. This makes the patient reduce food intake, which leads to loss of weight over a while. 3. Colored urine Since the liver goes through changes after being impacted by the hepatitis C virus, the urine starts becoming dark-colored. The color is due to a build-up of bilirubin, an element that the liver is unable to break down. Hepatitis C can also lead to ascites or fluid build-up in the abdomen.

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to turn red, swollen, itchy, and painful. While the actual cause of this skin condition is yet to be determined, the weather and climate impact the disease immensely. For example, dry weather causes irritation, and humidity causes skin itchiness. On the other hand, a more moderate climate is right for your skin. This article discusses how different weather conditions affect eczema and ways to manage the condition. 1. Hot weather and eczema You might have noticed that eczema flare-ups are more frequent during summer. This could be due to the higher level of pollen in the air. Besides, the hot and dry weather causes you to sweat, thus triggering eczema. The main culprit here is sweat, which contains a mix of minerals such as sodium, zinc, and chloride that are general skin irritants. 2. Cold weather and eczema Winters are also problem causers for eczema flare-ups. The dryness of the air can cause the skin to dry up, too. Besides, the woolen clothes you wear during this season can also cause a problem. The rubbing of wool against the skin causes itching, thereby resulting in an eczema flare-up. 3. The worst weather for eczema – summer or winter?