Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP protein. Foods to help manage migraine headaches Certain foods are part of the preventive treatment for migraines. While a preventative treatment may not completely stop migraine headaches, it will help reduce the severity and occurrence of these attacks. Bananas Bananas are rich in magnesium. According to some studies, magnesium is deficient in migraine sufferers, and the mineral stops the chemicals that cause pain. Watermelons Watermelons contain around 92% water, and it is a great way to stay hydrated. Dehydration often triggers headaches in general, which could lead to migraine attacks.

As a pet parent, you probably pet-proofed your home before getting a dog or a cat. You ensure that the animals have no access to the chocolates, the antifreeze, the repellents, and even put all the hazardous toys out of their reach. But, most of us forget about plants. Read on to know how those seemingly safe and aesthetic potted plants in your home or yard can be toxic for your pet dog: 6 household plants to keep way from your dogs Sago palm The sago palm plant is a very common sight in households worldwide. Its leafy green aesthetic makes it the perfect addition to your indoor plant collection. It is also effortless to care for, making it a popular plant choice for homes. But, you may want to remove it or steer clear of it if you have a dog. This is simply because sago palm is toxic to dogs. It contains an element known as cycasin, which, if consumed, can lead to a wide range of symptoms or be fatal. If your dog has ingested this plant, you may note symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, loss of balance, and even seizures. In worse cases, consuming the sago palm plant can also lead to liver failure or death. Note that every part of this plant is toxic to dogs. Aloe vera The gel found in the aloe vera plant leaves has tons of health properties and works wonders for the skin. Not to mention, it is very low maintenance, which makes them the perfect choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration. But, what many do not know is aloe vera is toxic to dogs. The gel in the plant contains two toxic components: saponins and anthraquinones. These can prove harmful to your pet if ingested. Typical signs of aloe vera ingestion in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and lethargy.

Parkinson’s is a nervous system disorder that affects around seven to ten million people worldwide. It occurs due to damage to specific nerve cells in the brain. The condition inhibits movement and leads to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, balance problems, and slurred or soft speech. These emerge gradually and may not be noticeable at the start. While the disease has no cure, the following treatments, meal plans, lifestyle tips, and therapies help manage Parkinson’s symptoms: Treatment options Treatment is necessary to manage the condition and must be started immediately after diagnosis. The popular options are: RYTARY RYTARY helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms like difficulty moving, shakiness, and stiffness. It contains two compounds: carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, a hormone necessary for normal brain function. On the other hand, carbidopa prevents levodopa breakdown. It also helps lower levodopa side effects , like vomiting and nausea. The dosage of RYTARY is usually thrice a day, but one must consult a doctor before using it. It should not be chewed or crushed but swallowed as a whole to lower the risks of side effects. ONGENTYS ONGENTYS is an oral treatment usually used once daily at bedtime or as the doctor recommends. It has a substance called opicapone that improves the effects of levodopa and allows the brain to get more of it. Healthcare professionals recommend a dosage according to the patient’s condition. One should not eat anything for an hour before and after the dose . The side effects of opicapone include severe muscle stiffness, fever, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and uncontrolled or unwanted movements. Those who experience these must contact a doctor immediately. Foods to eat and avoid There is no specific meal plan for Parkinson’s disease, but certain foods help manage the condition. Doctors recommend brightly colored and dark fruits and vegetables like blueberries, spinach, and carrots as these have flavonoids and antioxidants that boost brain health.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disorder identified by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. This condition begins in childhood and sometimes lingers through adulthood. Unfortunately, there is no clarity on the cause of atopic dermatitis. During a flare-up, the symptoms and inflammation can get worse when scratched. Despite no definitive cure, some treatment options can manage the symptoms. Let us look at the treatment methods, meal plans, and natural remedies to ease the condition: Treatment options DUPIXENT ® It is a prescription treatment that can help treat moderate to severe atopic dermatitis signs. You can use it alone or with other treatment measures. It is an interleukin inhibitor. You can find the DUPIXENT ® injection as a preservation-free, sterile, slightly opalescent to clear, yellow or colorless solution. But, this treatment option can result in severe side effects like pink eye, injection site reactions, new-onset or worsening eye symptoms, cold, and headache. This treatment option should be administered under professional care and supervision. In addition, consult the doctor for the recommended dosage. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa It is an oral Janus kinase (JAK)1-selective inhibitor that helps with severe atopic dermatitis, especially in patients who did not respond to other treatment measures. Upadacitinib is an FDA-approved treatment indicated for use in those who are twelve years and older. Eucrisa curtails a substance that triggers atopic dermatitis symptoms. It is an ointment that offers relief in mild to moderate eczema. It is safe for use in adults and children three months and older. CIBINQO™ This is an oral treatment option prescribed for adults with moderate to server AD symptoms. CIBINQO™ blocks the JAK 1 protein, which reduces skin inflammation. The dosage depends on the severity of the condition and the physician’s recommendation. It can also result in side effects like headache, nausea, cold, cold sores, UTI, and throat pain.

When constipated, one’s bowel movements become difficult and infrequent. People with constipation find it challenging to pass stool and can experience hard stool, bloating, or even nausea. Not having enough fiber or fluids can cause constipation, and factors like pregnancy, traveling, sedentary lifestyle, and stress can also increase the risk of developing this condition. Constipation is usually treatable and can be managed using the following treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes: Treatment options Doctors can prescribe laxatives and other such options based on the severity of the condition. Here are a few popular options to treat constipation: Linzess: This increases the fluid content in the intestines, which accelerates the food movement through the gut. It also helps improve stool consistency and eases symptoms like discomfort, abdominal pain, straining, bloating, and feeling of incomplete bowel movements. Doctors recommend taking Linzess orally, at least half an hour before one’s first meal. Movantik: This option is prescribed to cure the kind of constipation that is a side effect of other treatment options that target non-cancer pain. Movantik curtails the impact of the other prescription treatments on the gut without blocking their effect on pain. This is an oral prescription treatment that should be taken on an empty stomach an hour before a meal or two hours after one. Amitiza: This is used to treat conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or chronic idiopathic constipation. Amitiza can provide relief from symptoms like abdominal discomfort and bloating. It may also reduce the need to strain, improve stool texture, and lower the feeling of not completely emptying oneself. Duphalac: This laxative is a type of sugar that can increase your frequency of bowel movements, can soften the stool, and improve stool water content. Duphalac can be taken once a day as a solution using its syrup or powder.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that helps the body function. But excess, usually over 240 mg/dl, is harmful. High cholesterol affects nearly 40 percent of our country’s adult population. The leading causes include a meal plan high in saturated fat, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress. The ailment has no symptoms, making it hard to detect without a blood test. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips for managing cholesterol levels: Treatment options There are two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol (also known as high-density lipoprotein or HDL) and bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein or LDL). High levels of bad cholesterol are more harmful, and most treatments aim to reduce its amount in the blood. Two popular treatment options are: LIVALO® LIVALO ® is an FDA-approved option for adults. It helps lower bad cholesterol by limiting the liver’s ability to produce it. The treatment works best with a healthy nutrition plan and exercise. The recommended dose for LIVALO ® is 2 mg daily, but it can go up to a maximum of 4 mg. Patients should consult a doctor to determine the correct dosage. It can have side effects like back pain and constipation. Repatha® Repatha® helps lower bad cholesterol by limiting the ability of a particular protein responsible for regulating the amount of cholesterol. It is administered into the blood and is available in multiple dosing options. One must consult a doctor to understand if Repatha® is suitable for them. Foods to eat and avoid High cholesterol affects the heart, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. So it is vital to include heart-healthy foods in the daily meals. These are mainly those high in fiber and dense in nutrients. Here are a few suitable options to consider: Whole grains Whole grains like oats and barley have soluble fiber that helps reduce the absorption of bad cholesterol in the blood.