10 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Chikungunya Fever

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10 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya is a viral disease which is caused by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Due to the little knowledge about the disease, it has caused a lot of panic among people. It is seldom life threatening. The most painful aspect of chikungunya is the period of pain and swelling in the joints. This is due to the response of one's own immune system to the parts the joints. This is known as an auto-immune response. This is most commonly experienced by older people because if they have a pre-existing arthritic tendency, they suffer badly. This infection has become prevalent these days and affecting lives of hundreds and thousands.

Ayurvedic view of chikungunya fever

In Ayurveda, it is known as sandhi jwara that literally means 'fever of the joints'.Chikungunya fever is considered as vata dosha disorder.  In chikungunya, Ayurveda believes in enhancing the immunity of an individual. Thus, Immunomodulator medications are prescribed that help to modulate the immune response of the body against antigens which inadvertently affect the joints. Ayurvedic treatment helps to reverse the inflammatory process as well as prevents the tissue damage. Medicines to improve immunity, medicines to reduce fever and treatment to bring down muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, rash and headache are given in Ayurveda along with rejuvenation medicines.

Allopathic treatment options are only symptomatic for mitigating the pain and fever along with anti-inflammatory drugs, in such cases convalescence cause prolonged joint pain which may require analgesics along with long-term anti-inflammatory therapy.

There is a slight difference between the symptoms of dengue and chikungunya. The most distinguishing feature of dengue is bleeding. Both are caused by viruses but they are different viruses. Chikungunya is caused by an Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus while dengue is caused by Flavirideae flavivirus. Joint pain resulting from chikungunya may last for years.

Diagnosis- Chikungunya fever is diagnosed on the basis of serological tests like ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays) for detection of antibodies like IgG and IgM and RT- PCR (Reverse Transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction). These tests are used to detect the presence of virus in the blood.

A study by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri has found that symptoms and blood test results of patients with chikungunya is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

What are the symptoms of chikungunya?

Severe joint pain
Fever
Rash
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscular pain

How chikungunya spreads?

Several varieties of viral infections are spread through droplets discharged into the atmosphere by the sneezing of the infected patients.
It is important to note that sometimes, post chikungunya affects multiple joints leaving a person debilitated for a long time so proper treatment is necessary.

Some key points about chikungunya-

It is a viral disease.
Mosquito control is the only effective prevention technique.
Usually non- fatal
Currently, there are no vaccines available.
Transmission is only through mosquito bite not from human to human.

Prevention of chikungunya fever:

Currently, there is no vaccine available for Chikungunya so prevention is the best option. The best prevention is not to get a bite from a mosquito. Precautions should be taken to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Use mosquito nets during sleep
Keeping a tulsi plant (Ocimum sanctum) prevents the mosquito to breed around your home as it flies with the fragrance of tulsi leaves.
Use of cream or spray that can be applied on the skin. Local application of coconut oil on arms, knees, legs is also recommended to prevent the mosquito from biting on open areas.
Drain all the water collected around the house.
Ensure that drainages are either closed or chemicals are sprayed which kill mosquito larvae.

Home remedies for chikungunya fever

Turmeric(curcumin longa)- Turmeric is natural anti-inflammatory due to the presence of alkaloid curcumin. It has strong anti-oxidant properties thus very useful in treating chikungunya.
Ginger- It contains naturally occurring analgesics, which mimic Non- Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs(NSAIDs). Ginger is anti-inflammatory thus provides relief in chikungunya.
Vitamin c- Vitamin C has antioxidant properties. It helps to flush out toxins from the body. Sources of Vitamin C are- Amla(Indian gooseberry), oranges, lemon etc.
Leafy green vegetables- They are useful as they are a rich source of iron and vitamin E among other nutrients. One must include leafy green vegetables in a diet to fight chikungunya.
Massage with sesame oil is very helpful to reduce the symptoms of pain in the body due to chikungunya.
Giloy(tinospora cordifolia) is an immunomodulator. Thus, Giloy and Ginger boiled in water to make a decoction. It can be taken for 1 week thrice a day.
A decoction of neem, tulsi, giloy, Ginger should be taken thrice a day.
Ashwagandha powder(withania somnifera) to be taken daily with milk.
Local application of garlic paste or clove oil on the painful joints for providing relief from pain.
Chewing tulsi leaves (Ocimum sanctum) helps in providing relief from chikungunya.

Other tips:

Adequate rest is necessary.
Take fine powder of Haritiki (Terminalia chebula),This is to be consumed along with warm water.
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Don't take aspirin and other Non- Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
A mixture made up of honey and lime is also beneficial.
Since there is no cure for chikungunya in modern medicine, medicines are prescribed for symptomatic relief, these home remedies will prove very beneficial as these are recommended to build up immunity and to reduce pain and inflammation.

Various Ayurvedic combinations like- Sanjivani Vati+ Amritarishta(4-6 weeks), to reduce inflammation( Yograj guggul, Vatari guggul), to restore energy after the fever is relieved( Ashwgandharishta, Balarishta 2 times a day), Shilajit capsules etc.

Oil for the application can be used after the fever is relieved to improve joint strength and relieve pain. For kids below 7 years of age and suffering from chikungunya will have to strictly follow the advice of a doctor. In children, 5 ml Amritarishta + 5 ml water can be administered after meals along with medicines prescribed by a doctor to bring fever under control. In case, if a child suffers from joint pain after the fever is relieved, then local application with oil can be done to relieve pain.

9 Tips to Stop Food Cravings and Help You With Your Diet

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9 Tips to Stop Food Cravings and Help You With Your Diet

Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the perfect diet
all the time and have our struggles with food, same as everyone
else. But having an awareness of this fact and knowing a little
bit about our health and food nutrition can help when it comes to
making wise decisions.

Many people struggle with food "cravings." Studies tell us that
it's fairly common for food cravings to happen at certain times,
quite often at around bedtime. Your guard may be down, you may
have had an unusually hard day, and off you go on your
not-so-merry way to find that tasty treat. Fatigue and stress
often combine to take their toll on the best of intentions.

When food cravings are unconstrained, what starts out as a
bedtime snack quickly turns into a full blown feeding
frenzy...not something most of us fully understand or appreciate.
We head to kitchen and every other place where food can hide,
clearing a path as we go.

Most food cravings are not about satisfying a nutritional need or

imbalance. They seem to be more emotionally related, or God
forbid, are caused by plain old gluttony. Exactly why we
over-indulge is not completely understood, however our knowledge
about this subject continues to grow.

Listed below are some thoughts and ideas about food cravings:

- If the food isn't available, you can't eat it! Empty the cookie
jar and keep it that way! Keep healthy food choices on-hand.

- Recognize the feelings and emotions that lead-up to a food
craving. Do you have food cravings when you're bored, lonely, or
stressed? If you can identify a trigger, you can deal with the
emotion that's making you desire a certain food. Try to deal with
the triggers in the best way you can.

- Sometimes, even recognizing that a craving is about to happen
doesn't seem to help. Don't beat yourself-up. There is always
tomorrow. Call a friend, make good use of your support network
and share your feelings with someone.

- Get enough sleep. When you're tired, you're more likely to

crave things.

- Never give-up. When you "slip", press-in, bear-down, get a
grip, do whatever is necessary to re-gain control. Try to
practice restraint most of the time, but don't get legalistic and
un-balanced in your weight loss approach. Think moderation and
not abstinence at all times!

- Understand that self-control and discipline by themselves,
won't cut it! If you depend totally on yourself for control, you
will fail. Forming caring and supportive relationships is
required. If you do not currently have a support network, start
building one TODAY.

- Exercise. It increases feel-good endorphins that cut down on
your cravings. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical
activity every day.

- Use moderation. Instead of stuffing yourself with every kind of
food hoping that your craving will go away, eat 100 to 200
calories of your "craved" food.

- Substitute with low-fat foods and complex carbs. If you're
hungry for chocolate, eat non-fat chocolate yogurt. Try fig bars
or raisins for a sweet craving.

- Never skip a meal. Eat every three to five hours. Try six
smaller meals or regular meals with nutritious snacks.

- Understand that hunger craving are oftentimes stress related.
Practice other ways to treat chronic stress - a walk in the park,
spiritual connections, a cozy fireplace, baths...all these
stimulate neurochemicals that activate regions of the brain that
stimulate pleasure. Relaxation techniques may work by reducing
the psychological drives on stress output, which can be the root
causes of stress. Bottom line, substitute pleasurable experiences
for comfort foods.

- Beware of certain medications. They can stimulate appetite.
Drugs used for the treatment of depression and bipolar disorder
can be appetite stimulants. Other drugs, both prescription and
over the counter, may influence appetite as well. If you are on a
medication, and troubled by food cravings, discuss this with your
doctor or pharmacist. You may be able to find an alternative that
doesn't send your cravings out of control.

- Distract Yourself. What's that old expression...idle hands are
the devils workshop? Get busy. Do anything other than cave-in to
your desire for food, and keep doing it until the cravings
subside.

- One final thought, take a look inside your refrigerator and
kitchen cabinets and do some general "house cleaning." Throw-out
all that unhealthy stuff that is waiting to sabotage your diet,
and start shopping more wisely. A little forethought and careful
planning will go a long way for improving your chances of
success.

Eat wisely, be happy, and live long!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any
disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any
health care program.

8 Health Benefits Of Walking

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8 Health Benefits Of Walking

There is an easy way to get - and stay healthy. Almost anyone can do it, it fits into just about any schedule, and best of all, it can be done alone (enjoying nature?) or with company (catching up with your neighbor or sister?)...

It isn't a miracle cure, but at times it sure seems like it. If you're tired and don't feel like exercising, once you start, you'll feel so much better. What is this amazing way to achieve and maintain your health?

WALKING!

I know, it sounds too simple. But - here are some statistics:

Reduce your risk of breast cancer by 20%, heart disease by 30-40%, and diabetes and stroke by 50% just by walking 30-60 minutes a day.

But that's not all, you can also:

Raise your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (which is the good cholesterol)

Lower your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (which is the bad cholesterol)

Lower your blood pressure

Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety

Maintain lean muscle

Increase cardiovascular endurance

Reduce the pain and joint swelling that accompanies arthritis

Increase weight loss and reduce body fat

If you want to live healthier longer, start now with daily walking or exercise. A study in the November 14, 2005 "Archives of Internal Medicine" showed that exercise levels directly related to years lived without cardiovascular disease. They found that 30 minutes of walking a day adds an average of 1.3 healthy years to your life.

30 Minutes of Walking a Day Adds 1.3 Healthy Years

A moderate level of physical activity, such as walking 30 minutes a day, lengthened life by 1.3 years and added 1.1 more years without cardiovascular disease, compared with those with low activity levels. Those who chose a high physical activity level gained 3.7 years of life and added 3.3 more years without cardiovascular disease.

If you are walking at 3.5 m.p.h., in one hour you will burn an amount of calories equal to twice your pounds of body weight. Take that amount of calories and divide it by 3.5 to see how many calories you burn per mile.

Let's talk about burning fat vs. burning carbohydrates. Many people are confused about this and are making some erroneous exercise choices based on their goals (weight loss, building muscle, etc.).

When you burn fat, your body reacts to the sudden loss of fat by replenishing the fat that has been lost, so that you still have those reserves to pull from. You are training your body to replace the fat that you are burning.

When you burn carbohydrates, the body first burns the carbohydrates stored in muscle tissue before it starts burning fat. Therefore, your body doesn't tell itself to replenish the fat, but to replenish the carbs.

What does this mean?

Walking - a low-intensity workout - will allow your body to burn carbohydrates first, and then fat. If you are looking to lose weight and build muscle, walking is a much better option that jogging or aerobic activity.

When you do low-intensity exercise (like walking), you burn 5-8% protein (or muscle), 70% carbohydrates, and 15% fat. What does this mean? After you're done walking, your body continues to burn fuel - this means that you are burning fat after you are done with your walk.

When you do high-intensity exercise, you burn 2% protein, 95% carbohydrates, and 3% fat. What does this mean? From a health perspective, it means that you are burning fat throughout the day by depleting your carbohydrates.

In sum, the key to a successful walking regimen is having the motivation to walk every day, to be consistent with your walking, for 30-60 minutes. As with all activities, having the right equipment helps. It starts with a quality pair of walking shoes. Don't skimp! This is an area in which you should never cut corners. Walking affects your ankles, knees, hips - your whole body. A good walking shoe should promote the proper mechanics of walking, in which your heel should strike the ground first, and then roll through the step to your toe. People often think that walking is basic. But as with any activity, proper form and equipment will ensure maximum workout and minimum damage to your body.

Personally, I have found MBT shoes to be the best shoes for walking. They are designed based on Masai Barefoot Technology, and promote proper walking form. The proper heel-toe action will both change your stride while walking and greatly increase the effectiveness of your workout. Having the proper mechanics while walking will increase the health benefits of walking.

7 Ways To Get Over A Broken Heart FAST!

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7 Ways To Get Over A Broken Heart FAST!

A broken heart is hard to deal with no matter how the break up goes down. It is something that may hurt for a long time to come.

You need to figure out how to get over a broken heart when it happens. It may not be something that you want to think about but you have to do it because life does go on and you need to take advantage of it.

There are going to be different phases of the breakup. You need to go through them all so that you are able to achieve the sense of security and love that you once did. Having these feelings are going to be good for you but you do not want to take them too far.

This will only make things harder on you when it comes to getting on with your life. There are predicable phases of a break up. You may have been through them before, but there are some good ways to deal with your strong feelings and get over that broken heart fast!

1. You need to share your feelings.

Getting out what you are feeling is going to make you feel better inside. You want to share these feelings with your friends and family or anyone that will listen to you. Having a good support is going to help you get through the tough times faster. You do not have to let it out all at once. Talk about it slowly and work your way up to getting it all out in the open.

2. Think about what is good for you.

You have to get over this broken heart fast so that you are able to feel better. You need to make good choices for what is good for your heart and soul. Make sure that you are not putting yourself in any situation that may be harmful for you. Getting over the breakup is important and you need to do what is best for you.

3. Taking good care of you is important.

You want to keep eating and exercising and staying healthy. You need to keep your strength up so that you are able to be strong and able to feel good about yourself. This will help you get over the break up and get back on track.

4. Let it all out if you want to.

Crying is good. You do not have to be embarrassed about crying. It is part of life. You will find that there are going to be hard times that hit you all of a sudden and you will feel like crying and letting it all out. You need to do this anyway to keep your sanity. This will help you feel better and get back on track. You need to do this when you feel the urge and do not worry about what others think.

5. Doing the things that you love the most will help you get over the break up too.

You will want to make sure that you are keeping up with your hobbies and doing what makes you the happiest. You want to keep your schedule on track and stay busy. This will help you heal faster.

6. Keeping busy is KEY.

You need to stay on the go and keep your mind occupied. This will allow you to keep old what is his name out of your mind and keep you motivated to stay healthy. You want to make sure that you are doing all that you can to stay busy. You will want to talk to your friends, go out more and spend some time with your family. These things will make you feel better and help heal your wounded heart.

7. Time is of the essence.

You need to remember that all wounds heal with time. You need to give yourself the time and soon you will notice that you are not feeling so bad and that life is good again. You will move on and find a new love that will take your mind off of the break up that you thought would ruin your life.

There is no need to worry when you are involved in a break up. Everyone has been through it and there is going to be happiness again. It will happen for you and when it does, you will feel much better that you knew what to do to get over the break up faster.

7 Reasons Why A Close Relationship Is Good For Your Mental Health

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7 Reasons Why A Close Relationship Is Good For Your Mental Health

To fall in love with the right person is probably the best feeling in the world. It is because a close relationship with the person you love can add so much of meaning and happiness to your life. But, do you know a healthy and close relationship with your partner can also improve your mental health and help you lead a happy life? Yes, relationships are important to your mental health every day of the year. To know why a close relationship is good for your mental health, read the following reasons:

Relationships Can Reduce Stress
Relationships can reduce stress and improve your mental health. If you are in a close relationship with someone you love, it will help you overcome stress and anxiety even in the worst situations. Your partners support and love will help you to get rid off any type of tension faster. Thus, it will make you emotionally stronger and mentally healthier.

Relationships Can Boost Your Happiness
Being in a close and healthy relationship with someone you love can really make you happier as a person. Whenever your partner shows gratitude towards you or surprise you with a Valentine gifts on February 14, it has a great effect on your oxytocin level, which can boost your mood and enhance your happiness.

Relationships Can Prevent Loneliness
Your partner can help you celebrate your good times and also provide support at your bad times. Isnt it? So, if you want to make your presence felt to the girl you love even if you are miles apart, dont forget to send a Valentines Day gift for girlfriend on February 14. Remember your companionship and love can improve your mental health and your girlfriends too.

Relationship Can Heal You Faster
Whether you have got your leg fractured or hurt your head, your partners love and warmth will help you heal faster. A little emotional support and love from the person you love can help you recover from a illness faster. So, make sure you stand by your partner always no matter what the situation is.

Relationship Can Help You Live Longer
Last but not the least, relationship can actually help you live longer. It is because when you are in a relationship you are happy. And, when you are happy, your body releases a number of hormones which boost your mood and strengthen your immune system. So, always make sure that you are happy in a relationship.

Relationship Can Give You Peace Of Mind
In this world full of chaos, people seek out for that peace of mind that can bring contentment in their life. A healthy relationship with your partner can give you that peace of mind amid of every hurdle in your life. So, if you are one of those who is seeking out for peace the, seek out for a healthy relationship.

Relationship Can Improve Your Sleep Cycle
A healthy sleep cycle is very important for a good mental health. Nowadays a lot of people usually suffer from sleeping illness which further cause mental illness. But, being in a healthy relationship can improve your sleep cycle and help you overcome insomnia.

This is how a close relationship with your partner can help you improve mental health and make you a happier person.

7 Herbal Remedies for Lowering Cholesterol Levels

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7 Herbal Remedies for Lowering Cholesterol Levels

Day by day chances of heart problems is expanding. High cholesterol levels are the main cause of the blockage of arteries in the heart. High level of cholesterol is called hypercholesterolemia. Do you know the healthy cholesterol range? Well, Blood cholesterol levels should remain below 200 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter of blood). When it increases up to 240 or higher mg/dL it is considered as high cholesterol. Though there are various medicines available in the market which helps to lower the cholesterol levels. But these medicines may also result in the negative impacts on health.

How herbal remedies for lowering the cholesterol levels can help us?

In Ayurveda, herbs are used to treat health issues. It is the safest way to cure the sickness since the herbs dont result in the negative impacts on health.

There are various herbs like Which possess the cholesterol-lowing properties.

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
Pipal tvak ( Ficus religiosa)
Dalchini (Cinnamon tamala)
Choti elaichi (Elettaria cardamom)

7 herbal Remedies for lowering cholesterol

1. Arjuna(Terminalia arjuna)

This herb has the great medicinal importance in the Ayurveda. Medicinal properties of Arjuna are very fruitful to treat the heart problems as it is loaded with the cardiovascular properties.  It helps to strengthen the   heart muscles and maintains the healthy blood flow throughout the body. Use of this herb is quite effective to lower down the LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase the HDL (good) cholesterol.  Hence for the heart health this herb works like wonder.

2. Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is considered as one of most potent herb in Ayurveda as it offers the overall health benefits. This herb is quite good to maintain the good cholesterol levels, good blood pressure. Besides of all this it helps in the dilation of blood vessels and provides the strength to heart muscles also.

3.Brahmi(Bacopa monnieri)

This herb also supports the good health of heart.  Brahmi is also considered as an effective herb to manage the symptoms of congestive heart failure and strengthen the heart muscles. It helps in the blood purification and removes all the impurities from blood.

4. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

It is considered as the rejuvenating herb for healthy heart. Herb Punarnava is comprised of two words - Puna means again and nava means new. It works like natural mild diuretic and removes the toxins and edema from body. For heart problems it acts as cardiac tonic.  Use of this herb is very beneficial to healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels in the body.

5. Pipal tvak (Ficus religiosa)

This herb is commonly called as Peepal. It is considered as the sacred tree in Hindu and Buddhists religion.  Leaves of this tree are in the shape of heart hence the it is best herb for good heart health. Antioxidants and astringent properties of peepal are quite useful in maintaining rejuvenating effects on the body. Moreover medicinal properties of this herb also aid in the lowering of cholesterol levels in body.

6. Dalchini (Cinnamon tamala)

This herb is commonly called as the Cinnamon. It is the one of most common spice used in the Indian Kitchens. It is a rich source of fiber, calcium and magnesium hence offers the good heart health benefits. Use of this herb is known to be quite effective in lowering down the cholesterol levels, LDL (bad cholesterol). Hence it is herb with heart protective properties

7. Choti elaichi (Elettaria cardamom)

Elaichi  is famous for its magical flavor and known to be quite good in alleviating the bad breath. Whereas in Ayurveda this spice is famous for its medicinal properties since ages. It acts like a panacea for heart health. Essential minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium present in elaichi are quite good to maintain the good heart health. It helps to maintain the healthy levels of cholesterol and blood pressures.
Magnesium present in cardamom plays a vital role in the production of enzymes which act like a scavenger and protects the body from free radical damage.

All the above mentioned herbs are used in formulation of Planet Ayurvedas products which are listed below:

1. Total Heart Support AS the name suggest this herbal product offers the overall good heart health. Total heart support pack is the combination of various herbs which are given below -

Arjuna(Terminalia arjuna)
Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera)
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

Dosage One capsule two times daily with plain water.

2. ARJUN TEA This herbal tea is loaded with amazing blood cholesterol lowering properties and supports the good heart health also. Herbs used in the formulation of Arjuna tea are given below

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
Pipal tvak ( Ficus religiosa)
Dalchini (Cinnamon tamala)
Choti elaichi (Elettaria cardamom)

How to use:

Put one cup of water and 1 cup of milk in a pan.
Add 1 teaspoon of Arjuna tea and then stir the mixture.
Boil the mixture and simmer it on low heat. Boil until it reduces to one cup.
Strain the tea and add sweetener if needed (drink without sugar).

3. ARJUNA CAPSULES Arjuna capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of herb Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). These capsules are also quite effective to lower LDL cholesterol and to increase the HDL cholesterol. Moreover, these capsules are free from any side effects.

Dosage - One capsule two times daily with plain water.

Why Should One Go For Planet Ayurveda??

All the products are 100% pure.
Efficacy of the herbs is checked in the labs before making any herbal formulation.
Products are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch and any color.
All the products are manufactured under the guidance of highly experienced MD Ayurveda doctors.

7 Go-To Sources For Health Information

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7 Go-To Sources For Health Information

What does health mean to you? Is it running a really fast 100-meter sprint or a long distance marathon? Is it going 15 rounds in the ring or lifting really heavy deadlifts? Is it being able to twist yourself into poses or just living really long? Being healthy is one of the most overused and among the least understood ideas floating around in the zeitgeist. Health and fitness is one of the only businesses that never has a market crash, and thanks to the internet Health is now content, put the two together and you have a perfect storm of disinformation, misinformation and malicious information.

On one hand, there are the really trusted sources of health and medical information and then there are blogs that claim the source to eternal youth is found by things like auto-urine therapy and ayahuasca ceremonies. Here we look at websites that help you stay healthy and get healthier, during medical treatments and as a part of your daily life.

1) WebMD

WebMD is the leader in health information, especially for American audiences. It gives you in-depth information for an exhaustive list of illnesses and has a professionally written database of health and medical information. With WebMD though you can suffer from the rabbit-hole effect. You may go in looking for help with acid reflux and end up believing you need open heart surgery.

2) Livestrong

Livestrong, in spite of all the scandals good ol' Lance had to suffer, is still going strong. It has a backbone of really interesting and easily understandable material for everyday Americans. It specialises in fitness and nutrition and you will find yourself regularly using Livestrong when you're in search of information on even some obscure fitness topic. However, the fact that it focuses on fitness may leave you need more if you need some serious healthcare info.

3) National MS Society

Foundation websites like the National MS Society website or the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology are often the best way to get what you need to know about serious illnesses and diseases. Since these sites have a narrow focus they bring unmatched latest information with as much focus on all the possible scenarios a patient may face.

4) Health.Online

Health.online is the new kid on the block looking to bridge the gap between specialised medical information and everyday health information. They have some interesting social media posts that let you keep in touch with your everyday fitness and healthy living information, but also offers complex disease related information in a crisp and level way.

5) Mayo Clinic

The hallowed Mayo Clinic is at the other end of the spectrum, like your stern but experienced doctor in whites. Mayo offers comprehensive and detailed symptomatic and clinical information, but you might get lost in the jargon if you're a lazy person or just go "tl;dr" (the internet's way of saying Too Long Didn't Read)

6) Homeveda

Homeveda deals with the ancient Indian medicinal tradition known as Ayurveda. The website gives information regarding the methods to make many Ayurvedic concoctions for different ailments. Video clips are also available in the website to learn the preparation methods. The concoctions mentioned in the website can easily be made at home using ingredients that are easily available in grocery stores. The website also has many diet plans and cures for all kinds of health problems.

7) Everyday Health

Everydayhealth helps users check possible causes of many common symptoms such as arm pain, abdominal pain, earache, body ache, breast pain, diarrhea, cough, gas, irregular periods, joint pain, excessive sweating, vomiting, vaginal itching, sore throat and many more.