पैरों की सूजन

 

पैरों में सूजन होने के कारण (Causes of Swelling in Legs)

Dry fruits ka benefits kya hota h

 

Dry fruits ka benefits kya hota h 

Immunity Boosters

Dry fruits are rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus and various vitamins like vitamin A, D, B6, K1 and E. These nutrients are essential for a healthy immune system. According to a study, dry fruits with high levels of polyphenols help improve immunity by showing anti-inflammatory effects. It is due to the antioxidant properties of several dry fruits. It also helps eliminate free  radicals  and relieve oxidative stress.

Humara BP yani blood pressure low kyo hota h

 BP (Blood pressure) low hone ke karan and reasons or meaning

लो ब्लड प्रेशर या निम्न रक्तचाप क्या है?

 

इससे कभी-कभी आप थका हुआ या चक्कर आना महसूस कर सकते है। किसी भी व्यक्ति के रक्त चाप की सामान्य मात्रा 120/80 होना चाहिए। जब किसी भी इंसान का ब्लड प्रेशर 90/60 से नीचे चला जाता है, तो इस अवस्था को लो बीपी या हाइपोटेंशन कहते है।

khujli ke karan

 

त्वचा में खुजली के लक्षण, कारण, घरेलू उपचार और परहेज (Home Remedies for Itchy Skin) खुजली क्या है? (What is Itching in Hindi?)

कई बार त्वचा पर एलर्जी होने से खुजली हो जाती है। इस स्थिति में सिर्फ खुजलाने की इच्छा होती है। इसे एक प्रकार का चर्मरोग भी कह सकते हैं। खुजली शरीर के किसी एक हिस्से, और पूरे शरीर, या फिर शरीर के अलग-अलग हिस्सों में भी हो सकती है। आमतौर पर खुजली की समस्या रूखी त्वचा में अधिक देखी जाती है। इसके अलावा गर्भावस्था में भी हो सकती है।

Dandruff in hair

 Hi Friends

if you are suffering from dandruff in hair please go thru these steps to remove this permanently

-Apply coconut oil twice in a week

-do hair bath twice in a week

-eat amla regularly

-drink milk regularly

these are home remedies so you can avoid hair dandruff easily and all have no side effects.

Chest pain symptoms/chest pain kya hota h/chest pan ke kya resason h

 Symptoms

• Pressure, fullness, burning or tightness in your chest.
• Crushing or searing pain that spreads to your back, neck, jaw, shoulders, and one or both arms.
• Pain that lasts more than a few minutes, gets worse with activity, goes away and comes back, or varies in intensity.
• Shortness of breath.
• Cold sweats.

Headache kyo hota h and eska kya ilaaj h

 

Migraine

Symptoms: pain in the face or neck, throbbing in one area, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, distorted vision

Duration: 4 to 72 hours

Primary or secondary: Primary

Jb apko dog bite kar de ya jb apko kutta kat jaye to ap kya karenge

 

first aid

The type of first aid you administer will be determined by the severity of the bite.

If your skin wasn’t broken, wash the area with warm water and soap. You can also apply an antibacterial lotion to the area as a precaution.

If your skin was broken, wash the area with warm soap and water and gently press on the wound to promote a small amount of bleeding. This will help flush out germs.

If the bite is already bleeding, apply a clean cloth to the wound and gently press down to stop the flow. Follow up with an application of antibacterial lotion and cover with a sterile bandage.

Hand Cut

Dear All if your hand is injured or faced several cuts due to sevearl reasons apply these steps you will feel relatxed,

- POUR COLD WATER OVER THE CUT ON HAND

How to made your complexion fair

 Dear 

Today we will see the tips and tricks from which you can made your face very fair i mean you can change your face very fair. here i am giving tips and tricks you should follow

TIPS AND TRICKS 

- DRINK REGULARLY MILK WITHOUT SUGAR

-EAT FRUITS REGULARLY

-AVOID TAKING SUGAR IN EXCESS QUANTITY

-AVOID TAKING JUNK FOOD 

- SMILE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN FROM HEART

These are a few tips and tricks which made you fair and happy.

How to made Hair permanent Black

 Hi dear

Today we will discuss how to made hair permanent black and without any side effects or using any medicine. actually i did experiment on me and find good results. so i will share you a few tips to made your hair permanent black

- FIRST DRINK LOTS OF WATER REGULARLY WITHOUT ANY ADDITIVE

-AVOID JUNK FOOD 

- MAKE AMLA IN YOUR DIET CHART AS SALAD PORTION

-ONCE IN A WEEK DO GOOD HAIR MASSAGE WITH BADAM OIL OR COCUNOT OIL

-AVOID COLD THINGS YOU CAN TAKE ALL DRINKS IN NORMAL MODE

Hope you will get your hair permanent black from these tips. take care

Steps to remove hair from face

 Hi Dear friends

today we will steps to remove hairs from face as our face is first impression for others so we need to clean it and clear from unwanted hair so here are steps to remove hair from face

Given below are proven ways to remove hair from face

1. Shaving. Shaving is one of the fastest and easiest ways to remove hair and continue your day.
2. Tweezing
3. Epilation
4. At-home waxing
5. At-home laser hair removal

How to increase your height

 Dear Friends

today we will study how to increase height, these are a few points from which you can increase your height

- take balance diet reguarly

- do cycling as pedals working increase height regularly

-do exercise regularly

-take milk regularly if possible take full cream as your exercise increase stamina and milk gives you all nutrients

-avoid supplements

-do yoga

How to remove spax/ how to increase eyesight/how to remove lenses

Dear friends

Today we will see how to remove lenses spax or increase your eyesight. 

i was also facing the same problem infect 75% of the population suffering the same problem and i find out the solution which is completely house made and no side effects.

How to remove dark circles under eys

 Hi Friends

today we will discuss how to remove dark circles from under the eyes you have to follow the following steps to remove the dark circles.

-Firstly wash eyes from cold water regularly before sleeping

how to remove rashes/How to get rid of a rash overnight

 

Cold compress

One of the fastest and easiest ways to stop the pain and itch of a rash is to apply cold. Whether you choose a cold compress, cool showers, or damp cloth, cold water can bring immediate relief and can help stop swelling, ease itching, and slow the progression of a rash.

Consider making or purchasing fabric bags stuffed with ice. They freeze well, and they can be heated for other uses.

how to heal cracked heels

  following steps may help treat cracked heels: heal cracked heels

1. Using an emollient or humectant moisturizer

Emollients penetrate the skin and reduce water loss. They fill the gaps between skin flakes, which makes the skin feel smooth, soft, and flexible. They help to reduce water loss in the skin.

Headache

 Headache kyo hota h

headache one type of pain arise in head or mind due to tension or stress. sometimes it happens due to migrane problem or some disease.

Blood Sugar kaise hoti h/Blood sugar ko kaise kam kare

 Blood Sugar Kya hoti h

When sugar level increases in your blood it increased blood sugar level as it is harmfull for the body. it creates several problems in body as it creates over weight stiffness and fainting. you can avoid this by stop eating sweets and fat food cum junk food.

Which is the best eye drops?What is the use of eyedrops?Is it okay to use eye drops daily?What eye drops are good for eye infection?

 Eye drops 

Hi Friends

This is sonika and today we will discuss about eyedrops. i will clear a few doubts and suggest you better way to check your eyedrops

First DOUBT

Sardi khasi ke gharalu upay/Cold cough ke gharalu upay

 Cold cough ke gharalu upay

- Steam le balm dalkar

- dabur balm dalkar steam le

- cold water avoid kare

-Luke warm water le

-luke warm water me namak dalkar garare kare regualry jb tak cough clear na ho

Other remides for cold cough

-you can go to doctor if any urgency

-take cough syrup

-

Junk food effects on health/ body/ teeth and stomach

 Good Morning friends

I Hope you enjoyed junk food like i am also foody but a few day back i understand its bad effects on health.

I regularly eat pizza and macroni due to which my weight increased tremendously and i feel panic. i visited doctor and he told me stop eating outsinde food otherwise you will not live more than 6 months. after hearing the same i was shocked and stopped eating anything even homely food but later on i realised the bad and good effects of junk food and homely food.

Junk food didn't gave me any nutrient and only fulfill my hunger and create so many problems in my health but homely food give me proteins vitamins and nutrients which improved my life and i started recovering from bad life.

i advised all of you to eat homely food as it gives your body all proteins vitamins and good for healthy life.

Symptoms of Cancer-Cancer ke sign

 How do you know if you have cancer in your body?

• Cancer can cause many symptoms, but these symptoms are most often caused by illness, injury, benign tumors, or other problems. ...
• Bladder changes.
• Bleeding or bruising, for no known reason.
• Bowel changes.
• Cough or hoarseness that does not go away.
• Eating problems.
• Fatigue that is severe and lasts.

Water for Injection-Medical Use

DESCRIPTION:

Sterile Water for Injection, USP is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, solute-free preparation of distilled Water for Injection. It is for use only as a sterile solvent or diluent vehicle for drugs or solutions suitable for parenteral administration. The pH is 5.5 (5.0 to 7.0).

Sterile Water for Injection contains no bacteriostat, antimicrobial agent or added

Hernia-Possible causes, reasons and how to avoid and how to treat

 

Hernia

A hernia happens when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in your muscle or tissue. There are several types of hernia that you can experience including, inguinal hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical hernias and hiatal hernias. If you have a hernia, it’s important to treat it quickly.

What is a hernia?

Ecotrin

 

What is Ecotrin?

Ecotrin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate) that is used to treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation.

Ecotrin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain (angina). This medicine should be used for these conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

Allergies

 

What are allergies?

Allergies are an immune system reaction to a substance called an allergen. Your immune system sees the allergen as harmful and attacks it.

What causes allergies?

Actos

 

What is Actos?

Actos (pioglitazone) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.

Actos is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Actos is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

 

is a buildup of fat in your liver from a condition other than alcohol abuse. NAFLD usually does not cause symptoms. You may have pain in the upper right side of your abdomen or feel tired.

Treatment:

Medicine is usually not used to treat NAFLD. Medicine may be used to treat other health conditions and manage blood sugar or cholesterol levels. Your medicine may be changed if it is causing your NAFLD.

Vomiting

 What is Vomiting?

Vomiting in simple words when we eat high fibre items and our digestion unable to digest the same then we start doing vomiting and our stomach clean the same food so in this case if you feel vomiting then you should do vomiting and eat low fibre food for 2 days.

When we should go to doctor?

Nausea

 Nausea

What is Nausea?

 

Nausea is a general term describing a queasy stomach, with or without the feeling that you are about to vomit. Almost everyone experiences nausea at some time, making it one of the most common problems in medicine. Nausea is not a disease, but a symptom of many different disorders. It is caused by problems in any one of three parts of the body, including:  

 

Acute Diarrhea

What causes acute diarrhea?

Bacteria, such as E coli or salmonella

Viruses, such as rotavirus and norovirus

A parasite, such as giardia

Medicines, such as laxatives, antacids, or antibiotics

 

Erectile Dysfunction

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?

ED, or impotence, is when you cannot get or keep an erection for sexual activity.

What causes ED?

Conditions that lead to nerve problems, such as a spinal cord injury, diabetes, or stroke

 

Gas and Bloating

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is gas and bloating?

Gas forms inside your body when you eat certain foods or swallow too much air. Bloating is the tight, full feeling you get from too much gas.

What causes gas and bloating?

Vegetables, such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli

Constipation

 

What is constipation?

Constipation means you have hard, dry bowel movements, or you go longer than usual between bowel movements.

What causes constipation?

Not enough water or high-fiber foods

Lack of physical activity

Certain medicines, such as opioid pain medicine, antidepressants, or high blood pressure medicine

A medical condition such as hemorrhoids, diabetes, or a stroke

Hyoscyamine

 

What is hyoscyamine?

Hyoscyamine is used to treat many different stomach and intestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used to control muscle spasms in the bladder, kidneys, or digestive tract, and to reduce stomach acid.

Hyoscyamine is sometimes used to reduce tremors and rigid muscles in people with symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Thyroid (desiccated)

 Thyroid (desiccated)

What is desiccated thyroid?

Desiccated (dried) thyroid is a combination of hormones that are normally produced by your thyroid gland to regulate the body's energy and metabolism. Desiccated thyroid is given when the thyroid does not produce enough of this hormone on its own.

What is Saxenda?

 

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is similar to a hormone that occurs naturally in the body and helps control blood sugar, insulin levels, and digestion.

Saxenda is an injectable prescription medicine that may help some obese adults or overweight adults who also have weight-related medical problems, and children aged 12 to 17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity, to lose weight and keep the weight off. It is used together with diet and exercise.

What is Ecotrin?

 

What is Ecotrin?

Ecotrin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate) that is used to treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation.

Ecotrin is sometimes used to treat or prevent heart attacks, strokes, and chest pain (angina). This medicine should be used for these conditions only under the supervision of a doctor.

Ecotrin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Breast Cancer

 

Breast Cancer

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer among women in the U.S. In 2019, roughly 271,270 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over a lifetime, on average. However, today, 9 out of 10 women with breast cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis due to earlier detection and advanced therapies.

 

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in women in the cells of their cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

In the United States, almost 14,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and more than 4000 will die from it. The incidence of cervical cancer has declined dramatically worldwide in those countries with access to cervical cancer screening (Pap tests/smears) and human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV). However, in less developed countries it continues to rank as one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. Virtually all cases of cervical cancer are associated with the HPV virus, with two strains, HPV 16 and HPV 18, estimated to cause up to 70% of all cases. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer.

 

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in the United States (other than skin cancer). On average, one man in nine will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime; however, only 17% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer will die from it.

Prostate cancer is more likely to be diagnosed in older men and African-American men. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, and it affects 6 out of every 10 men over the age of 65. The average age at diagnosis is 66 and the disease is very rare in men under the age of 40.

Lung Cancer

 

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a cancerous lung disease that is primarily caused by smoking. It is in the top three most common cancers among both men and women in the U.S. and is the leading cause of cancer death in both sexes. Most people are diagnosed with lung cancer at a late stage because it often has no obvious symptoms until the disease is quite advanced.

Treatment for lung cancer may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or targeted drug therapies. Unfortunately, survival rates are low.

Breast Cancer: Treatment and Prevention Options

 

Breast Cancer: Treatment and Prevention Options

 

Overview: Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer in the U.S. with the exception of skin cancer. The primary risk factors for having breast cancer diagnosis include being a woman and older age, with most breast cancers occurring after the age of 50.

Currently, the average risk of developing breast cancer over 80 years of life is 12.5%. However, today, 90% of women with breast cancer are still alive five years after their diagnosis due to earlier detection and advanced treatment options.

What is Breast Cancer?

 

What is Breast Cancer?

Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. The body is made up of many types of cells, and normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells only when the body needs them. Sometimes, however, cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. These extra cells form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. There are two types of tumor: benign and malignant.

What is Cancer?

 

What is Cancer?

Cancer is the name given to a group of related diseases characterized by the uncontrolled and excessive growth of abnormal cells. More than 200 different types of cancer have been identified.

When these extra cells form a mass or a solid lump of tissue, it is called a tumor. Most cancers form tumors, but not all do. Tumors may be either benign or cancerous.

What is carboplatin?

 

What is carboplatin?

Carboplatin is used together with other cancer drugs to treat ovarian cancer.

Carboplatin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

What is Baqsimi?

 

What is Baqsimi?

Baqsimi (glucagon) is a hormone that increases blood sugar levels. It also slows involuntary muscle movements of the stomach and intestines that aid in digestion.

Baqsimi Nasal Powder is a prescription medicine used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in adult and children at least 4 years old.

drug interactions?

 

What are drug interactions?

Anytime you take more than one medication, or even mix it with certain foods, beverages, or over-the-counter medicines, you are at risk of a drug interaction. Most drug interactions are not serious, but because a few are, it is important to understand the possible outcome before you take your medications.

What is Taltz?

 

What is Taltz?

Taltz (ixekizumab) is an immunosuppressant that reduces the effects of a chemical substance in the body that can cause inflammation.

Taltz is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children at least 6 years old.

Taltz is used in adults to treat active psoriatic arthritis or active ankylosing spondylitis.

Taltz is also used in adults to treat axial spondyloarthritis.

What is acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)?

 

What is acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)?

ALL is cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The bone marrow makes white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), and platelets. WBCs help fight infection. RBCs help carry oxygen throughout the body. Platelets help the blood clot. ALL causes your body to make too many immature (young) white blood cells (WBC). These cells are cancer (leukemia) cells, and cannot fight infection like healthy WBCs. Cancer cells crowd the bone marrow and prevent it from making healthy blood cells. Without enough healthy blood cells, you are at risk for infection, bleeding, and anemia. Anemia is a low level of red blood cells.

Cold hands

 

Cold hands

Definition

 

It's common to have cold hands even when you're not in a cold environment. Usually, having cold hands is just one of the ways your body tries to regulate its temperature and shouldn't be cause for concern.

However, persistently cold hands — particularly with skin color changes — could be a warning sign of nerve damage, blood flow problems, or tissue damage in the hands or fingers. For example, if you are outside in extreme cold weather and you have cold hands, skin color changes could be a warning sign of frostbite.

What is linezolid?

 

What is linezolid?

Linezolid is an antibiotic that fights bacteria in the body. Linezolid is also an MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor.

Linezolid is used to treat different types of bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, skin infections, and infections that are resistant to other antibiotics.

Narcolepsy

 

Narcolepsy

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes severe sleepiness and frequent sudden daytime attacks of sleep. Narcolepsy can cause you to fall asleep at any time but can keep you from sleeping well at night. You do not get enough sleep in a 24-hour period. The cause of narcolepsy is not known.

What are the signs and symptoms of narcolepsy?

Chemotherapy

 

Chemotherapy

 

Overview

 

Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill fast-growing cells in your body.

Chemotherapy is most often used to treat cancer, since cancer cells grow and multiply much more quickly than most cells in the body.

Cough and Cold - Overview

 

Cough and Cold - Overview

Common cold is a contagious disease which can be caused by the number of different types of viruses. Cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Cough is an expulsion of air from the lungs, to clear the lung airways of mucus, fluids or other material. Children younger than 6 are at greatest risk of cough and colds, but healthy adults can also expect to have 2 or 3 colds annually.

What is edema?

 

What is edema?

Edema is swelling throughout your body. Edema is usually a sign that you are retaining fluid. The swelling may be caused by heart failure or kidney, thyroid, or liver disease. It may also be caused by medicines such as antidepressants, blood pressure medicines, or hormones. Sudden swelling around the lips or face may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. Swelling of an arm or leg may be caused by blockage of your veins.

Jakafi

 

Jakafi

 

Generic name: ruxolitinib (RUX oh LI ti nib)
Brand name: Jakafi
Drug class: Multikinase inhibitors

Jaundice

 

Jaundice

What is jaundice?

Jaundice is yellowing of your eyes and skin. It is caused by too much bilirubin in your blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance found in red blood cells. It is released when the body breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin usually leaves the body through bowel movements. Jaundice happens because your body breaks down cells correctly, but it cannot remove the bilirubin.

What increases my risk for jaundice?

Liver, pancreas, or gallbladder conditions or diseases

A liver infection, such as hepatitis

Too much alcohol over a long period of time

Medicines such as acetaminophen that affect the liver

Pregnancy that causes bile to build up in the gallbladder

A genetic disorder that causes problems with bilirubin breakdown, such as Gilbert syndrome

How is jaundice diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask how long you have had symptoms. He or she will ask what medicines you take and how much alcohol you drink. He or she will also ask if you recently had surgery, an injury, or a blood transfusion. Tell him or her if you or anyone in your family has a history of liver disease. Your healthcare provider will order blood and urine tests to measure your bilirubin levels. You may need other tests to find the cause of your jaundice.

How is jaundice treated?

Your healthcare provider will try to find and treat the cause of your jaundice. Medicine may be given to decrease bilirubin levels. Your provider may have you stop taking a medicine if it is causing your symptoms. You may need one or more procedures to find or remove a blockage in your pancreas or gallbladder.

How can I manage my symptoms?

Drink more liquids as directed. Liquids help you stay hydrated and urinate more. This helps prevent harm to your kidneys. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.

Eat foods low in fat. Healthy low-fat foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. These foods are easier to digest and may help reduce your symptoms.

Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol harms your liver and may make your symptoms worse.

When should I seek immediate care?

You have severe abdominal pain or a fever.

You suddenly feel lightheaded or faint.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

You begin to have tea-colored urine or pale, gray bowel movements.

Your skin and eyes become more yellow, or other symptoms get worse.

You are confused, or others notice changes in your behavior.

You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Liver disease

 

Liver disease

Overview

 

The liver is an organ about the size of a football. It sits just under your rib cage on the right side of your abdomen. The liver is essential for digesting food and ridding your body of toxic substances.

Liver disease can be inherited (genetic). Liver problems can also be caused by a variety of factors that damage the liver, such as viruses, alcohol use and obesity.

Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring (cirrhosis), which can lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition. But early treatment may give the liver time to heal.

 

Liver problems

Liver problems that can occur include fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The liver and its cells — as seen through a microscope — change dramatically when a normal liver becomes fatty or cirrhotic.

Symptoms

Liver disease doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, the may include:

Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)

Abdominal pain and swelling

Swelling in the legs and ankles

Itchy skin

Dark urine color

Pale stool color

Chronic fatigue

Nausea or vomiting

Loss of appetite

Tendency to bruise easily

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. Seek immediate medical attention if you have abdominal pain that is so severe that you can't stay still.

 

The liver

The liver is your largest internal organ. About the size of a football, it's located mainly in the upper right portion of your abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above your stomach.

Causes

Liver disease has many causes.

Infection

Parasites and viruses can infect the liver, causing inflammation that reduces liver function. The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected. The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Immune system abnormality

Diseases in which your immune system attacks certain parts of your body (autoimmune) can affect your liver. Examples of autoimmune liver diseases include:

Autoimmune hepatitis

Primary biliary cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Genetics

An abnormal gene inherited from one or both of your parents can cause various substances to build up in your liver, resulting in liver damage. Genetic liver diseases include:

Hemochromatosis

Wilson's disease

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency

Cancer and other growths

Examples include:

Liver cancer

Bile duct cancer

Liver adenoma

Other

Additional, common causes of liver disease include:

Chronic alcohol abuse

Fat accumulation in the liver (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease)

Certain prescription or over-the-counter medications

Certain herbal compounds

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of liver disease include:

Heavy alcohol use

Obesity

Type 2 diabetes

Tattoos or body piercings

Injecting drugs using shared needles

Blood transfusion before 1992

Exposure to other people's blood and body fluids

Unprotected sex

Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins

Family history of liver disease

Complications

Complications of liver disease vary, depending on the cause of your liver problems. Untreated liver disease may progress to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.

Prevention

To prevent liver disease:

Drink alcohol in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men. Heavy or high-risk drinking is defined as more than eight drinks a week for women and more than 15 drinks a week for men.

Avoid risky behavior. Use a condom during sex. If you choose to have tattoos or body piercings, be picky about cleanliness and safety when selecting a shop. Seek help if you use illicit intravenous drugs, and don't share needles to inject drugs.

Get vaccinated. If you're at increased risk of contracting hepatitis or if you've already been infected with any form of the hepatitis virus, talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.

Use medications wisely. Take prescription and nonprescription drugs only when needed and only in recommended doses. Don't mix medications and alcohol. Talk to your doctor before mixing herbal supplements or prescription or nonprescription drugs.

Avoid contact with other people's blood and body fluids. Hepatitis viruses can be spread by accidental needle sticks or improper cleanup of blood or body fluids.

Keep your food safe. Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or preparing foods. If traveling in a developing country, use bottled water to drink, wash your hands and brush your teeth.

Take care with aerosol sprays. Make sure to use these products in a well-ventilated area, and wear a mask when spraying insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Protect your skin. When using insecticides and other toxic chemicals, wear gloves, long sleeves, a hat and a mask so that chemicals aren't absorbed through your skin.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can cause nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Diagnosis

Finding the cause and extent of liver damage is important in guiding treatment. Your doctor is likely to start with a health history and thorough physical examination.

Your doctor may then recommend:

Blood tests. A group of blood tests called liver function tests can be used to diagnose liver disease. Other blood tests can be done to look for specific liver problems or genetic conditions.

Imaging tests. An ultrasound, CT scan and MRI can show liver damage.

Checking a tissue sample. Removing a tissue sample (biopsy) from your liver may help diagnose liver disease and look for signs of liver damage. A liver biopsy is most often done using a long needle inserted through the skin to extract a tissue sample that's sent to a lab for testing.

 

Ultrasound of liver tumor

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image. This ultrasound shows a liver tumor.

 

Liver biopsy

A liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small sample of liver tissue for laboratory testing. Liver biopsy is commonly performed by inserting a thin needle through your skin and into your liver.

Treatment

Treatment for liver disease depends on your diagnosis. Some liver problems can be treated with lifestyle modifications, such as stopping alcohol use or losing weight, typically as part of a medical program that includes careful monitoring of liver function. Other liver problems may be treated with medications or may require surgery.

Treatment for liver disease that causes or has led to liver failure may ultimately require a liver transplant.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Changing certain lifestyle habits can often help improve your liver health. If you've been diagnosed with liver disease, your doctor may recommend that you:

Drink alcohol sparingly, if at all.

Avoid red meat, trans fats, processed carbohydrates and foods with high-fructose corn syrup.

Exercise 30 to 60 minutes around three to four times a week at a moderate intensity.

Cut calories by 500 to 1,000 calories daily, if you're overweight.

Alternative medicine

No alternative medicine therapies have been proved to treat liver disease. Some studies have indicated possible benefits, but further research is needed.

On the other hand, some dietary and herbal supplements can harm your liver. More than a thousand medications and herbal products have been associated with liver damage, including:

Vitamin A

Ma-huang

Germander

Valerian

Mistletoe

Skullcap

Chaparral

Comfrey

Kava

Pennyroyal oil

To protect your liver, it's important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks before you take any complementary or alternative medicines.

Preparing for an appointment

You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the liver (hepatologist).

What you can do

Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions, such as not eating solid food on the day before your appointment.

Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason why you scheduled the appointment.

Make a list of all your medications, vitamins and supplements.

Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.

Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life.

Ask a relative or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what the doctor says.

Write down a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Questions to ask your doctor

What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?

What kinds of tests do I need? Do these tests require any special preparation?

Are my liver problems likely temporary or long lasting?

What treatments are available?

Should I stop taking certain medications or supplements?

Do I need to stop drinking alcohol?

I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?

Are my children at risk for liver disease?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may leave time to go over points you want to spend more time on. You may be asked:

When did you first begin experiencing symptoms, and how severe are they? Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?

Does anything seem to improve your symptoms, or make them worse?

Have you ever had your skin or eyes turn yellow?

What medications and supplements do you take?

How many days of the week do you drink alcohol?

Do you have any tattoos?

Does your job involve exposure to chemicals, blood or body fluids?

Have you ever had a blood transfusion?

Have you been told that you have had liver problems before?

Has anyone in your family ever been diagnosed with liver disease?

 

Some Myths about Nutrition & Physical Activity

 

Some Myths about Nutrition & Physical Activity

Are you overwhelmed by daily decisions about what to eat, how much to eat, when to eat, and how much physical activity you need to be healthy? If so, don’t be discouraged because you’re not alone. With so many choices and decisions, it can be hard to know what to do and which information you can trust.

This information may help you make changes in your daily eating and physical activity habits so that you improve your well-being and reach or maintain a healthy weight.

Food Myths

Myth: To lose weight, you have to give up all your favorite foods.

Fact: You don’t have to give up all your favorite foods when you’re trying to lose weight. Small amounts of your favorite high-calorie foods may be part of your weight-loss plan. Just remember to keep track of the total calories you take in. To lose weight, you must burn more calories than you take in through food and beverages.

TIP: Limiting foods that are high in calories may help you lose weight. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 External link have estimated daily calorie needs based on a person’s age, sex, and physical activity level.

Myth: Grain products such as bread, pasta, and rice are fattening. You should avoid them when trying to lose weight.

Substituting whole grains for refined-grain products is healthier and may help you feel fuller.

Fact: Grains themselves aren’t necessarily fattening—or unhealthy–although substituting whole grains for refined-grain products is healthier and may help you feel fuller. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommend consuming grains as part of a healthy eating plan External link. At least half of the grains you eat should be whole grains. Examples of whole grains include brown rice and whole-wheat bread, cereal, and pasta. Whole grains provide iron, fiber, and other important nutrients.

TIP: Try to replace refined or white bread with whole-wheat bread and refined pasta with whole-wheat pasta. Or add whole grains to mixed dishes, such as brown instead of white rice to stir fry. Check out ChooseMyPlate for more tips to help you add whole grains External link to your eating plan.

Myth: Choosing foods that are gluten-free will help you eat healthier.

Fact: Gluten-free foods are not healthier if you don’t have celiac disease or are not sensitive to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye grains. A health care professional is likely to prescribe a gluten-free eating plan to treat people who have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten. If you don’t have these health problems but avoid gluten anyway, you may not get the vitamins, fiber, and minerals you need. A gluten-free diet is not a weight-loss diet and is not intended to help you lose weight.

TIP: Before you decide to avoid a whole food group, talk with your health care professional if you believe you have problems after you consume foods or drinks with wheat, barley, or rye.

Myth: You should avoid all fats if you’re trying to be healthy or lose weight.

Fact: You do not have to avoid all fats if you’re trying to improve your health or lose weight. Fat provides essential nutrients and should be an important part of a healthy eating plan. But because fats have more calories per gram than protein or carbohydrates, or “carbs,” you need to limit fats to avoid extra calories. If you are trying to lose weight, consider eating small amounts of food with healthy fats, such as avocados, olives, or nuts. You also could replace whole-fat cheese or milk with lower-fat versions. Read about food portions and how much food is enough for you.

TIP: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 recommend consuming less than 10 percent of your daily calories from saturated fats. Try cutting back on solid-fat foods. Use olive oil instead of butter in cooking.

Myth: Dairy products are fattening and unhealthy.

Fact: Dairy products are an important food group because they have protein your body needs to build muscles and help organs work well, and calcium to strengthen bones. Most dairy products, such as milk and some yogurts, have added vitamin D to help your body use calcium, since many Americans don’t get enough of these nutrients. Dairy products made from fat-free or low-fat milk have fewer calories than dairy products made from whole milk. Learn more about the dairy group External link.

TIP: Adults should have 3 servings a day of fat-free or low-fat dairy products, including milk or milk products such as yogurt and cheese, or fortified soy beverages, as part of a healthy eating plan. If you can’t digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products, choose fortified soy products, lactose-free or low-lactose dairy products, or other foods and beverages with calcium and vitamin D:

Calcium—soy-based beverages or tofu made with calcium sulfate, canned salmon, or dark leafy greens such as collards or kale

vitamin D—cereals or soy-based beverages

Myth: “Going vegetarian” will help you lose weight and be healthier.

Some research shows that a healthy vegetarian eating plan may be linked to lower obesity levels.

Fact: Some research shows that a healthy vegetarian eating plan, or one made up of foods that come mostly from plants NIH external link, may be linked to lower levels of obesity, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of heart disease. But going vegetarian will only lead to weight loss if you reduce the total number of calories you take in. Some vegetarians may make food choices that could lead to weight gain, such as eating a lot of food high in sugar, fats, and calories.

Eating small amounts of lean meats can also be part of a healthy plan to lose or maintain weight. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020 have more information about including meat as part of a healthy eating plan External link.

TIP: If you choose to follow a vegetarian eating plan, be sure you get enough of the nutrients your body needs to be healthy. Read Healthy Eating Tips for Vegetarians External link for more information.

Not all vegetarians are the same.
The types of vegetarian diets eaten in the United States can vary widely. For example, vegans do not consume any animal products, including milk and eggs. Lacto-ovo vegetarians eat milk and eggs along with plant foods. Some people have eating patterns that are mainly vegetarian but may include small amounts of meat, poultry, or seafood. Speak with a registered dietitian External link or health care professional if you are concerned about whether your eating plan is providing all of the nutrients you need.

Physical Activity Myths

Myth: Physical activity only counts if you do it for long periods of time.

Fact: You don’t need to be active for long periods to get the amount of regular physical activity recommended in the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition External link, (PDF, 14.2MB)  which is at least 150 minutes, or 2 hours and 30 minutes, of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. An example of moderate-intensity activity is brisk walking. You can spread these sessions out over the week and even do short, 10-minute spurts of activity 3 times a day on 5 or more days a week.

TIP: Find ways to build short bursts of physical activity into your day. While at work, take a 10-minute walking break or have a “walking,” rather than a “sitting” meeting, if work and schedule permit. Use stairs instead of an elevator or escalator. Get off the bus one stop early. Meet a friend for a walk, instead of a meal.

Myth: Lifting weights is not a good way to improve your health or lose weight because it will make you “bulk up.”

Do muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

Fact: Lifting weights or doing other activities 2 or 3 days a week that may help you build strong muscles, such as push-ups and some types of yoga, will not bulk you up. Only intense strength training, along with certain genes, can build large muscles. Like other kinds of physical activity, muscle-strengthening activities will help improve your health and also may help you control your weight by increasing the amount of energy-burning muscle.

TIP: Using large rubber bands, or resistance bands, or doing sit-ups or household or yard chores that make you lift or dig, may help you build strong muscles.

Don’t just sit there!
Americans spend a lot of time sitting: at desks, in cars, and in front of computers, TVs, and other electronic gadgets. Break up your sitting time by getting up and moving around, even if it’s for only 10 minutes at a time. Those minutes will add up over days and weeks.

Clinical Trials

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.

What are clinical trials, and are they right for you?

Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses.