Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows: Diabetes When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.   High blood pressure This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.   Genetics Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.   Autoimmune disease Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys.  Birth disorder Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.   Other causes Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time.  Glomerulonephritis It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys.

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes changes in the macula, leading to vision loss. Though there is no cure for this condition, following an eye-healthy meal plan is important in managing complications like vision loss. A nutritional regime for age-related macular degeneration should include healthy amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Some foods that contain eye-healthy vitamins that help manage symptoms of macular degeneration are listed below. Macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is a primary cause of vision loss among people aged 55 years and above. The condition refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina called the macula. Symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, difficulty recognizing faces, visual distortions, and more. Studies indicate that nearly 20 million people in the country live with some form of age-related macular degeneration. This condition occurs in two forms- the dry and the wet form. The dry type occurs when the macula gets thinner with age. This condition gradually progresses over the years. The dry form can advance into the wet type when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and harm the macula. The wet type of AMD usually accelerates vision loss. Leafy green veggies Dark-green, leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.

One can say that their smile is their biggest asset. But the color of teeth plays a huge role in deciding how confident one is when smiling. One’s teeth might turn yellow as they age, as the enamel wears away over time, revealing the pale teeth underneath. However, one can consider whitening their teeth to address the change in color. Teeth whitening does not always require expert assistance; one can use at-home whitening methods.  What causes yellow teeth? Before looking for at-home teeth whitening remedies, one should understand the underlying conditions and causes of yellow teeth. Here are some common reasons for yellowing: Oral trauma or tooth injury Excessive sugar intake High coffee and tea intake Poor dental care and oral hygiene Excessive exposure to fluoride Side effects of treatment options  Dry mouth or lack of saliva Teeth whitening solutions One can find whitening toothpaste and other products that improve the appearance and color of their teeth. However, one should be wary of harsh chemicals and abrasives. If one is looking for natural ways to whiten their teeth, they can choose a natural, mild, whitening toothpaste. Alternatively, several at-home whitening options can offer similar results with regular usage. Here are some natural ways to whiten teeth at home:

Wrinkles, also known as rhytid, are fine lines or creases appearing on a person’s skin as they age. They are a normal part of the aging process and are found mostly on your face, neck, legs, and arms. While some people embrace this sign of aging, some actively look for ways to reduce wrinkles. So, if you are looking for ways to get rid of wrinkles, here are some helpful natural remedies. Causes Before discussing the natural remedies to reduce and prevent wrinkles, people must understand the reasons that increase their chances of getting wrinkles. One of the main reasons is that your skin produces fewer natural oils and collagen as you age. Along with this, the fat in the layers of your skin also dries up. It leads to the appearance of wrinkles . Besides this, other environmental factors may speed up the process of aging. These include long-term exposure to UV radiation, unhealthy lifestyle habits, lack of proper skincare routine, and repetitive facial movements and muscle contractions. Natural remedies to prevent and control wrinkles Today, several treatments are available to control and manage wrinkles . These range from topical creams to more invasive options such as surgery. However, these treatments may involve several side effects, such as allergic reactions, facial pain, swelling, bruising, and redness.

Good sleep is essential to keep a person energized and healthy. In contrast, poor sleep habits could lead to many health concerns in the long run. Many factors are responsible for poor sleep quality, sometimes, your mattress included. Purchasing the correct mattress that lets you sleep peacefully is challenging since multiple options are available. To help you with your decision, here are some factors and tips to consider while choosing a mattress. Understanding different mattress types Knowing the various types of mattresses in the market can help you select and find the right option according to your preferences. Listed below are some of the different types of beds. Innerspring-  This type of mattress comprises steel springs, making them firmer. They also offer a more bouncy feeling. Stomach and back sleepers may benefit from these mattresses as they offer sturdy support.  Memory foam-  These types provide the best pressure relief. These mattresses are great options for side sleepers or people suffering from back pain. Latex-  These are similar to memory foam ones but come under the bouncier options. If you are looking for an organic option, these are the best. There are two kinds of Latex mattresses – Dunlop and Talalay.

Eczema is an inflammatory skin disease that causes blisters, scaly areas, rashes, and itchy and dry skin. Itchy skin is the most typical symptom of eczema. The seven types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis. Anyone, at any age, can get eczema. Symptoms typically start in early childhood and persist through adulthood. A thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment plan are the first steps toward relief. Causes of eczema Immune system Your immune system overreacts to minor allergens or irritants (triggers) in your environment if you have eczema. Your immune system interprets minor irritants as dangerous foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses, when you come into contact with a trigger. Consequently, the triggers cause your body’s defense mechanisms to go into action. Inflammation is the immune system’s method of protection. Your skin’s eczema symptoms are brought on by inflammation. Irritants from surroundings Your surroundings may have many things that can aggravate your chances of developing skin diseases. Examples include breathing in pollutants, using harsh soaps, wearing wool, and using some skin care products. Your skin could feel dry and inflamed in low humidity or dry air. Sweating can be brought on by heat and excessive humidity, which can worsen itching.

Anxiety is an uncomfortable feeling people experience when they are nervous about meeting someone or doing something, and at times, without apparent reason. However, anxiety disorder is a condition that affects one physically and mentally. The disorder’s visible symptoms are increased heart rate, sweating, shortness of breath, trembling, and muscle tension. Excessive worrying, isolation, below-par performance, and inability to relax are other consequences. However, the condition can be managed through natural remedies and lifestyle changes. Dealing with anxiety One can follow many simple strategies to reduce anxiety and its impact. First, one must understand the triggers and the symptoms or changes when dealing with the disorder. One should also learn to identify unwanted thoughts of failure and danger. One should communicate openly with their doctor or a mental health professional, who may recommend prescription options and behavioral and cognitive therapies to deal with the disorder. They continue the treatment until they see improvement in physical symptoms and one’s ability to overcome intrusive thoughts and associated behavior. Doctors may also recommend a few natural methods to help manage anxiety and its consequences, minimizing the need for prescription options. Prescriptions have long-term side effects like dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, headaches, nausea, erectile dysfunction, and other problems.

When we sense an impending danger, our body creates a survival mechanism by sending adrenaline to our blood, enabling us to stay and fight or leave the scene. Sometimes, this happens when one perceives some danger to themselves, even though there is none. If such alerts happen frequently, our body becomes hyperalert and sends signals in the form of physical changes. These changes are called anxiety disorders and are a type of mental illness. What is anxiety? An anxious person typically tends to exaggerate or, in some cases, imagine a threat. They could have thoughts like: I am in a dangerous situation right now I cannot cope with it The worst is going to happen to me Along with such thoughts, they may also see some physical changes, including: Tension Perspiration Sudden intense blushing Increase in heart rate Tremble or shakiness in legs Wringing of hands Lump in the throat Dizziness Nausea Irritable bowel syndrome or a sudden urge to pass stools Once the physical symptoms begin, they may feel they cannot survive and want to escape. If they feel anxiety, they are likely to isolate themselves from others by avoiding people and specific places, or they may go there only with a companion.