Bags under eyes, also known as puffiness of eyes, are common with aging and especially, among older people. With aging, the muscles supporting the eyelids start weakening and fat supporting the eyes move into lower eyelids. This causes the eyes to appear puffy. There is also a possibility of fluids accumulating below the eyes and adding to the swelling.

Eye puffiness is not a serious medical condition but it makes you look older. Home remedies such as applying cucumber, tea bags, etc. on the eyes can help to treat eye puffiness. In case of severe and persistent symptoms, it is good to consult a doctor.

Signs and symptoms
Common symptoms of bags under eyes include:

• Saggy or loose skin under eyes
• Mild swelling under the eye area
• Dark circles appearing under eyes

In case of persistent symptoms, it is necessary to consult the doctor. These symptoms include the following:

• Swelling persists for a longer duration
• Puffiness is accompanied by pain, irritation, or redness of eye
• Fever
• Other body parts such as hands, legs, etc. are affected

What causes the bags under your eyes?

• Aging: With aging, the muscles supporting the eyes get weaker and results in accumulation of fat beneath your eyes. This makes the portion under your eyes look baggy.
• Diseases: Suffering from various diseases and other health conditions such as conjunctivitis, eczema, chronic sinus, etc. are known to cause bags under eyes.
• Allergies: Exposure to allergens will cause allergies that lead to inflaming of the mucous membrane in the eyes. This will result in swelling and itching of eyes.
• Insomnia or oversleeping: Lack of sleep will cause puffiness of eyes along with dark circles. Oversleeping also results in puffy eyes and dark circles.

How to treat under eye bags?
Home remedies
The various home treatment methods to cure eye puffiness are as described below:

Hydration
Drinking plenty of water keeps your body well hydrated and thus helps in reducing eye puffiness. Water also helps to flush out harmful toxins from the body. It is recommended to drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day for staying well hydrated.

Cucumber
Cold cucumbers have inflammatory properties that will tighten the skin and help in reducing eye puffiness. It also benefits to get rid of dark circles and will provide a refreshing feeling to the eyes. You can take two fresh slices of refrigerated cucumber and place them on your eyes for few minutes till the slices become warm. Repeat the process several times a day to get better results.

Potato
Potatoes also possess anti-inflammatory properties which provide a good remedy for treating eye bags. It is also beneficial in getting rid of dark circles. Refrigerate a washed, raw potato for few minutes and cut it into two slices. Place them on your eyes for 15–20 minutes. Repeat this procedure several times until the puffiness reduces.

Egg whites
The skin tightening properties of egg whites play a great role in treating eye puffiness and tightening the skin around eyes. Besides, it also helps to prevent wrinkles. Break 2–3 eggs and take the egg whites in a container. Whip the egg whites thoroughly. Apply it on the affected area using a clean brush or soft cloth. Leave it for few minutes and allow it to dry. Finally, clean it with cold water. Repeat the process daily.

Tea bags
Tea bags, whether green tea bags or chamomile tea bags, can help to reduce swelling under the eyes due to their anti-irritant properties. Their herbal properties are also helpful in reducing inflammation and redness. Take two chilled tea bags and place them on your eyes. Relax for a few minutes and you will notice quick results.

Cold spoons
Even though it sounds surprising, but ice-chilled spoons prove to be very effective in reducing puffiness of eyes. They help to tighten the skin surrounding eyes and relax the blood vessels. Refrigerate 4 or 6 metal spoons for some minutes. Place a spoon over each eye by holding its rounded portion against the eyes and leave them as it is until they become warm. Repeat the process again by replacing the warm spoons with the cold ones.

Bags under eyes creams
Besides the above-mentioned home remedies, there are also many eye products available in the market to treat puffiness of eyes. The below list consists of the top 10 bags under eyes creams available to treat puffiness of eyes:

• MDSolarSciences Daily Eye Repair Emulsion
• Honest Beauty The Depuffed Eye
• Origins No Puffery Cooling Roll-On for Puffy Eyes
• Barbara Sturm Eye Cream
• Puffy the Eye Bag Slayer Wake-Up Under Eye Patches
• NYDG Skincare Re-Contour Eye Gel
• Preparation H Hemorrhoidal Cream
• Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm
• L’Oreal Advanced Revitalift Eye Cream
• Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

You can choose from these top 10 bags under eyes creams to get effective and quick results. However, it would be better to consult your doctor before choosing one of these bags under eyes creams so that you would have a better idea of which cream would suit you better.

How to prevent your eyes from puffiness?

• Reducing the intake of salt in your diet
• Avoiding carbonated and caffeinated beverages
• Avoid rubbing the eyes
• Avoiding too much alcohol
• Staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Increasing your intake of vitamins

You can use any of the above-mentioned home remedies or bags under eyes creams to get effective results and get rid of the bags under your eyes.

What is a chronic migraine?
Migraines are tremendously painful headaches. Patients dealing with migraines usually seek professional medical assistance to alleviate the pain as over-the-counter drugs might be inadequate. According to medical statistics, women are more susceptible to migraines than men.

Migraines are categorized into two forms, i.e., episodic and chronic. Episodic migraines intermittently occur, i.e., there are long gaps between every migraine attack. These could be quantified into a period of numerous weeks and months. Conversely, chronic migraine is characterized by the health condition of experiencing headaches for more than half the time of the month. Apart from frequent occurrences, such types of migraines can last for hours. Episodic migraines, in due course, might advance to the chronic stage.

Symptoms of chronic migraines
If you already suffer from episodic migraines, then you must be aware of the symptoms of chronic migraines. This is because you have a fair chance of acquiring them in the future. Recognizing the signs of a chronic migraine at an early stage will help you take timely and effective measures.

The most apparent symptom is experiencing headaches for more than 15 days every month.

Chronic migraines might get aggravated after carrying out simple physical activities. The pain can also worsen after persistent coughing, sharp movements, etc.

Along with severe headaches, you could also experience neck stiffness, body weakness, slurring of speech, confusion, sensitivity to bright lights and loud sounds, and variations in vision.

If this scenario occurs for more than two or three months, then you must immediately consult your doctor.

Understanding the causes of chronic migraines
A chronic migraine is a complex health condition that varies from person to person. Therefore, there is no concrete reason for its occurrence. There are multiple factors that need to be considered for an individual to be correctly diagnosed. However, you need to be mindful of the most common causes of chronic migraines to effectively manage your condition on a personal level.

Genetic factors
If your biological parent has suffered from chronic migraines in the past, your vulnerability to getting it increases too. These can start from right from childhood or develop after a certain age during adulthood.

Imbalance in brain chemicals
For a brain to operate smoothly, it requires a proportionate amount of brain chemicals. If there is any form disparity occurring in the brain chemicals, then it can possibly prompt an event of a chronic migraine.

Neurological disorders
Any form of an existing neurological disorder can aggravate a chronic migraine. Therefore, it is important to get your migraine diagnosed as it might not just be a health condition in itself but a symptom of a more complex medical issue.

Psychological problems
Stress, depression, and anxiety can give rise to chronic migraines. Such mental issues can also result in excessive sleeping or sleep deprivation, worsening the situation. If you have been dealing with similar mental ordeals, then instantly seek professional assistance.

Medications
Certain types of medications such as vasodilators are used for patients dealing with cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure. Such drugs enlarge blood vessels to facilitate easy blood flow. These drugs end up affecting the blood flow in the brain as well, which can activate persistent events of migraine attacks. To tackle this problem, ask your doctor to make some necessary adjustments in your medicines.

Hormonal fluctuations
One reason for a migraine being more common in women is because they experience monthly hormonal fluctuations in the form of menstrual periods. During or around this time, women can experience multiple instances of migraines. Apart from menstruation, migraines can occur in women who are going through menopause or are on a prescribed course of hormonal therapy.

Foods and drinks
Your dietary habits widely affect how your body responds and manages health conditions like migraines. For example, foods containing refined sugars, high sodium, spicy food, dairy, and caffeine, can intensify the frequency of migraine attacks. Therefore, diligently observe your food regime to avoid ingredients that affect your chronic migraine. Likewise, eating patterns also matter, so avoid skipping meals and binge eating and drinking.

Environmental changes
Moving to a new place or sudden alterations in the weather can trigger a chronic migraine.

Physical exertion
Working for long hours or excessive workout sessions can create physical stress, which eventually leads to the occurrence of chronic migraines.

Apart from the abovementioned causes, chronic migraines could be an aftermath of traumatic brain injuries or bacterial infections.

To manage chronic migraines, you must start by identifying your causes. This will help you and the specialist to profile your condition in an improved manner. Along with prescription medications and therapies, you can also make certain lifestyle changes. These could include a personalized diet, exercising, and decreasing stress. Lastly, remember to not use over-the-counter medicines without medical consultation for migraines.

If you are suffering from high cholesterol level because of your existing diet, then there are ways by which you can reduce it. Simple changes like snacking on nuts, sprinkling a small amount of olive oil on your salad, and gulping down a little chocolate daily can help. By consuming cholesterol-lowering foods as a part of your regular diet, you can manage the condition easily. This is because such strategies will assist you in decreasing cravings for foods that are rich in cholesterol. By maintaining cholesterol level, the risk of stroke and heart attack also reduces gradually.

Some popular cholesterol-lowering foods are as follows:

Oats
If you are searching for various effective ways to reduce your cholesterol level naturally, then one of the best possible procedures is by changing the morning meal. If you consume two servings of oats consuming calorie-rich foods like sandwiches, deep- fried omelets, etc., then you will be able to lower 5.3% of bad cholesterol in just forty- two days. This is because oats contain a particular substance called beta-glucan which is efficient in absorbing LDL (bad cholesterol). If you find it boring to eat cholesterol-lowering foods like oats daily, then you can try different recipes of oats to make it interesting.

Fatty fish and salmon
A natural and amazing health wonder is Omega- 3 fats. It is effective in treating dementia, heart disease as well as various other diseases. Besides these benefits, another beneficial feature of such fats is to lower cholesterol level. According to Loma Linda University’s research, reducing saturated fats with the help of Omega- 3 fats found in fatty fish and salmon might increase good cholesterol up to 4%.

Nuts
If you are in search of snacks which can satiate your hunger and also reduce the level of cholesterol simultaneously, then you can opt for nuts. A study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It stated that if an individual consumed 1.5 oz of walnuts continuously for a month and six days per week, then it reduced the total cholesterol level by 5.4% as well as LDL cholesterol by 9.3%.

Apart from whole walnuts, two other useful options in decreasing cholesterol from your body are cashews and almonds. Nuts prove to be healthy for a person’s heart, but they contain high- calories too. So, it is better to practice consuming a controlled amount of nuts such as 1.5 oz which means equal to one and a half shot glass. Thus, if you are willing to consider nuts as cholesterol-lowering foods, then you must use a shot glass for measuring the specific portion which is perfect for your health. It will be a wise decision to consult a physician in such cases as he or she is the best person to suggest the amount needed by your body.

Avocado
A fantastic source of monosaturated fat that is healthy for the heart and is helpful in raising HDL or good cholesterol levels as well as decreasing LDL levels is avocado. This particular food contains beta-sitosterol which is an effective fat that is plant-based. It assists in lowering the cholesterol amount, which is absorbed by your daily food. Thus, the excellent combination of monosaturated fat along with beta-sitosterol proves avocado to be an outstanding cholesterol buster.

As avocado is rich in calorie, so the best strategy for consuming this veggie is by removing some other fatty food from your diet. An avocado (whole) contains thirty grams fat and three hundred calories. Again, the best idea is to take the advice of your doctor rather than determining the amount required for lowering cholesterol on your own.

Spinach
Among numerous cholesterol-lowering foods, one of the healthiest and common green food is spinach. It consists of huge amount of lutein which is the yellow pigment present in deep green leafy vegetables as well as in egg yolks. According to researchers, if a person consumes half a cup of food rich in lutein then it will protect him or her against heart attack as it assists the walls of arteries to remove cholesterol invaders.

Tea
You might be astonished to see the name of this beverage on the list of cholesterol-lowering foods. In the hot or iced state, tea provides lots of anti-oxidant compounds. Such compounds also help in reducing the level of cholesterol as well as blood pressure. Both black and green tea possesses high levels of anti-oxidants so you can enjoy a minimum of one cup tea daily.

If by chance you are already consuming the above- mentioned cholesterol-lowering foods, then you need to continue it for maintaining your good health. If not, then it will be a wise decision to add some of these food items to your daily diet. Stay healthy and happy forever as well as help others to do the same!

About one-in-every-five people suffering from bipolar are also affected by borderline personality disorder. Unless a person has severe mania, the disease can be difficult to diagnose. It is a kind of mental disorder where the affected individual suffers from extreme mood swings that range from high known as mania to low called depression and vice versa. These mood swings can also be mixed where a person may be delighted as well as depressed at a particular moment.

What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar mania?
There are numerous bipolar mania symptoms, and some of them vary from one person to another. Some of these include:

• Feeling extreme happiness for extended periods of time.

• Feeling of sleeplessness and having a reduced need for sleep.

• Speaking in a fast manner while coping up with the racing thoughts in mind.

• Being impulsive and extremely restless.

• Becoming distracted easily.

• Feeling overconfident about oneself.

• Indulging in risky activities

Let us now understand these bipolar mania symptoms in detail.

Talking swiftly:

The first of the bipolar mania symptoms include super-fast speech, and sometimes it is so fast that the listeners may fail to understand it. You could be surprised at how a normal and thoughtful person suddenly becomes very hyper-talkative in such a way that you hardly get a chance to get into a conversation.

Inflation of ego:

When someone is manifesting bipolar mania symptoms, their choice of words tends to exaggerate their abilities and self-esteem. They would try to prove what they are good at in such a way that it may appear to be bragging. Some people even claim expertise on something that they hardly know about.

Sleeplessness:

The condition can make a person cut down on sleep to such an extent that they feel as if no sleep is needed. At first, they feel perfectly alright without any sleep, but as time passes, the situation worsens without adequate sleep.

Risking their life:

When people are affected by the condition, they tend to take a lot of risks which they stayed away from earlier like, gambling with savings incurred all through life or opting for substantial expenses. Some people open numerous credit accounts while others spend their fortune shopping online or gambling. This often results in bankruptcy and unmanageable disaster.

Feeling thrilled with the symptoms:

You would be surprised to know some people undergo the bipolar mania symptoms tend to fall to the highs. Several types of research show that it takes about ten years for the affected people to accept the treatment and this is very dangerous for them.

These symptoms are usually replaced by the symptoms of depression in a short while. Some people affected by bipolar mania also have suicidal tendencies. If any of your close ones exhibit such bipolar mania symptoms, you should not judge or argue or yell at that person. You must remove all sorts of life-threatening objects that can cause harm to that person.

Do the bipolar mania symptoms change depending on the type of bipolar disorder?

There are various kinds of bipolar disorder, that is defined by the length, frequency, and pattern of episodes of mania and depression.

Here is a brief about the bipolar mania symptoms depending on its type.

Bipolar I disorder – The classic form of bipolar disorder was previously called manic depression since the manic phases are evident in this problem. The mood and behavior of the affected individual are extreme, and it sharply escalates till they go out of control. People affected with the first type of bipolar depression also have manic issues, and the symptoms of this condition include:

• Moods and behaviors which are contrary to a person’s normal behavior.

• Feeling elated most of the time for nearly one hour at a stretch.

Bipolar II disorder –It is much more common than the first type of bipolar, and it manifests symptoms which are not much severe. These symptoms are termed as hypomanic symptoms. With this kind of bipolar mania symptoms is difficult for the patients to see it in themselves and the friends and family are required to encourage them for seeking medical treatment. Hypomanic can become severe if left without treatment and the affected individual may become severely depressed or manic.

Cyclothymic disorder – It includes mood swings along with shifts which are quite similar to the first two types of bipolar mania. An individual affected with the cyclothymic disorder may often fail to function normally without the aid of medicines. With the passage of time, the mood swings of a person may develop into the diagnosis of the first two types of bipolar disorder.

Rapid Cycling – the Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling is diagnosed when a person experiences four or more manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes over a period of 12 months.

Regardless of the type of bipolar mania symptoms you are suffering from, you should make an effort to consult an expert so that the symptoms don’t become something serious with time.Learn as much as you can about bipolar disorder. The more you know, the better you’ll be at assisting your recovery.

Erectile dysfunction, commonly abbreviated as ED is mostly associated with impotence. This condition is becoming increasingly common where a man fails to achieve or maintain erection while performing sexual activity. This, in turn, leads to reduced sexual desire and a lack of sex drive. Doctors typically diagnose the individual with ED when the symptoms last for over a week or months together. It is quite surprising that erectile dysfunction affects over 30 million people in the US.

Standard treatments for the problem include vacuum pumps, prescription medications, implants and in severe cases, surgical interventions. However, many individuals tend to opt for natural remedies. There are numerous researches carried out all across the planet that justify the effectiveness of natural options in improving the symptoms of erectile dysfunctions. Read on to know how to cure ED naturally.

• L-arginine

L-arginine is a type of amino acid, which is naturally present in the human body and helps in the production of nitric oxide. This nitric oxide helps in relaxing the blood vessels for facilitating the erection and maintaining it for healthy sexual functioning for a long time.

According to a study conducted by researchers, it was found that 31 percent of men suffering from erectile dysfunction who take 5 grams of L-arginine on a regular basis have gone through significant improvements in sexual function. Another study showed that when L-arginine is combined with Pycnogenol, which is another plant product received from the tree bark. It can restore sexual ability to about 80 percent in about 5 years. 92 percent individuals have succeeded in restoring their sexual ability within three months. And the best part, L-arginine is also proved to be well-tolerated, safe and doesn’t interfere with other treatments.

• Panax ginseng

Also referred to as the herbal Viagra, Panax ginseng has substantial research data to justify its effectiveness. Researchers have recently reviewed seven studies of erectile dysfunction and ginseng conducted in 2008. The range of dosage was between 600 and 1000 milligrams thrice in a day, and it was concluded that there is suggestive evidence about the ability of red ginseng in treating the condition.

The research is still going on about how red ginseng can influence the male sex drive and improve vitality. Ginsenosides are the most important element present in the ginseng extract that can act on a cellular level for improving erection. It is the most suitable solution for individuals who have high levels of lipid in their blood and metabolic syndrome. This herb is known for its anti-inflammatory action and other characteristics, which pave the way for reducing ED.

• DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)is a natural hormone produced by the human adrenal gland and then it gets converted into estrogen and testosterone. Dietary supplements of this product can also be made out of soy and yam.

The renowned Massachusetts male aging study has proved that men suffering from this condition invariably have low levels of DHEA. Back in 2009, 40 individuals suffering from the same problem had participated in another study concerning the relationship between DHEA and ED. Half of them were given 50 mg of DHEA in a day while others were given a placebo. Those who received DHEA achieved and maintained their erection than others who received placebo.

To understand how to cure ED naturally, DHEA cannot be ignored. In fact, in recent times, DHEA is considered as an important treatment option for men suffering from ED and concurrent diabetes. It is a common ailment for these men along with other hormonal complications and diabetes issues, which interfere with blood flow.

• Rhodiola Rosea

When 26 out of 35 men suffering from erectile dysfunction were given Rhodiola Rosea 150 to 200 milligrams in a day for three months, they have experienced significant improvement of their ED. This herb is also known for reducing fatigue and improving vitality. But more studies are required to improve its effectiveness in improving the conditions associated with ED while those who are wondering how to improve ED, can take this herb.

• Acupuncture

Though the results of the studies conducted for determining the effects of acupuncture in improving ED are mixed, many have succeeded in showing positive results for treating the condition. A study in 1999 has shown that acupuncture improved the erections and restored good sexual performance in approximately 39 percent of individuals who participated in the study.

Also, the risks of acupuncture are significantly less when the whole process is carried out by an experienced and certified professional. Even though more studies are required to substantiate its effects, acupuncture can be one of the best ways to improve erectile dysfunction.

If you have been wondering how to cure ED naturally, you can seek any of these methods or a combination of these to improve your sex life and your relationship with your partner.

Botox is widely used for cosmetic purposes. In order to hide fine lines and wrinkles, people often undergo Botox treatment. However, there are lesser known uses of Botox that do not involve any cosmetic treatments. Botox has been used for treating several medical conditions including chronic migraines.

Medical conditions for which Botox is used for treatment include the following.

• Blepharospasm
• Cross eye
• Overactive bladder
• Excessive underarm sweating
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Chronic migraine

There are approximately 20 medical conditions for which Botox is used.

Botox was never meant for treating migraines; the discovery of Botox and its effects on migraine was rather accidental. Professionals who were giving Botox shots learned about its effects on migraine when people with a chronic migraine reported a decline in their migraine attacks after the treatment.

There are two ways doctors believe that Botox helps people with a chronic migraine. Muscles that are sensitive to pain are relaxed by using Botox and it blocks the brain’s pain signal to the nerves.

Things to expect from your Botox treatment for migraine

• If you are considering a Botox for treating your chronic migraine, there are many sessions which you will have to go through. There are approximately 31 injections that will be given around your head and neck for treating your migraine.
• There is a strict protocol to follow for migraine and the administering doctor needs to inject the needle in the specific spots as per the instructions. Before undergoing the Botox treatment for your chronic migraine, you can ask your doctor to tell you the spots where you will get the injections. This will help you be more prepared for your Botox treatment.
• Each session will take around 15 minutes and they will feel like a small prick. The injections that will be injected around your eyebrows and forehead will be slightly more painful than the rest of the injections.
• Post your first Botox session, you will get an immediate headache or a migraine attack. You may even suffer from fatigue, nerve pain, and nausea. You must also expect any of the possible side-effects to follow during or post your treatment. To be better prepared, it is important to learn about all the possible side-effects.
• As far as your results are concerned, it is important to know that the results vary from patient to patient. Some patients may see results appearing after the first session of the Botox treatment, while some don’t see any difference until the third session. However, if you are not able to see any improvement in your condition post the third session, you will have to consult your doctor regarding the same.

Before you consider going for a Botox treatment for your chronic migraine condition, you must learn about every single side-effect. It is also important to undergo the treatment from an experienced doctor for the same.

Botox is a trade name used for the procedure of injecting Botulinum toxin (BTX) into the skin to inhibit the movement of the muscles that prevents wrinkles. Getting a Botox job is commonly done for cosmetic reasons, however, there is one more reason to used Botox, and that is to treat migraine. Those who have been diagnosed with migraine and get frequent migraine attacks can consider getting a Botox treatment done.

In 2010, Botox was approved for treating chronic migraines by FDA. A person has a chronic migraine when there is a history of the condition in the family and the headaches last almost 15 days. Botox works only on chronic migraine and you should not get a Botox treatment if you get headaches for fewer days and if you suffer from other types of headaches.

Botox treatment shots result in cutting down the number of days people get headaches because of migraine. Most people who get Botox for migraine report ‘no-headache’ days every month post their treatment. As the rounds of Botox treatments for migraine increases, the headache decreases as well. Upon getting five rounds of Botox treatment, there is a 70% reduction in a headache.

How Botox works
Doctors believe that a chronic migraine can be treated by Botox as the treatment blocks the neurotransmitters that send pain signals from the brain. Botox acts as a barrier or a blockage in the pathway of neurotransmitters before they reach the nerve endings around the neck and head.

Botox treatment
People who suffer from a chronic migraine can undergo Botox for the treatment. There are several shots of Botox given around the head and the neck area once after every 12 weeks. This helps in a tremendous decrease or total prevention of migraine headaches.

There is a total of 30 to 40 shots for this treatment. Shots are given on both sides of the head equally. If there is a strong migraine pain in one specific part of the head, more shots of Botox can be given there.

Side effects of Botox
People who undergo Botox treatments for their chronic migraine condition may feel neck pain and headache. Other side effects include an allergic reaction; however, the occurrence of an allergic reaction is rare. The signs of the allergic reaction include shortness of breath, hives, or swelling in parts of lower legs. Though Botox does not spread to other parts of the body, there is a slight possibility of that happening, and in case that happens, it can prove deadly.

Before undergoing a Botox treatment for chronic migraine, it is important to know everything on the same to prevent health issues and side effects.