Infections caused by the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) cause damage to the liver, like the other hepatitis viruses. Transmission is through the blood, and this virus differs from the others since it is an acute infection that can develop into chronic hepatitis if not treated within 12 weeks. Apart from the treatment, paying attention to what one eats can go a long way in mitigating hepatitis symptoms and slowing the progression into a chronic illness. 1. Importance of following a specific diet to manage hepatitis C The liver is a part of the digestive tract. It plays a vital role in detoxing the body by removing harmful substances from the food we eat. When infections like that caused by hepatitis C inflame the liver, the walls get thicker, and detoxing becomes a more laborious task. Medications reduce inflammation, but by eating the right foods, you can ease the pressure on the liver and make faster recovery. 2. Hepatitis and its effect on one’s appetite and eating patterns Hepatitis C does not necessitate a special diet, but having a specific diet helps reduce pressure on the liver. The virus and treatment affect appetite in various ways. Interferon treatment causes nausea, vomiting, and soreness in the mouth and throat.

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, affect the urinary tract, kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Bacteria predominantly cause these, but in some rare cases, fungi and viruses can also trigger the infections. Symptoms include burning urination, increased frequency and urgency of urination, bloody, cloudy, or pungent urine in women, pelvic pain, and rectal pain in men. UTIs are treatable, despite the level of discomfort one feels. Since different organisms cause different urinary tract infections, the treatment will vary. Typically, an accurate diagnosis requires a urine sample. Doctors ask for a clean catch, meaning you must collect the urine in the middle of the stream. 1. Antibiotics Since bacteria cause most UTIs, the most common type of treatment is antibiotics. Oral antibiotics can treat lower tract UTIs, that is, infections of the bladder or urethra. On the other hand, upper urinary tract infections, those affecting the kidney or ureters, require intravenous antibiotics. These medicines are injected directly into the veins. This is necessary because the upper urinary tract infections are more severe but thankfully rarer. Most treatments last about a week, but unfortunately, sometimes bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Short-term Treatment Simple urinary tract infections happen to people who are healthy and have normal urinary tracts, i.e., no particular susceptibility to UTIs.

Skin health depends on various factors, including the city you live in. Some cities are easier on the skin than others, and choosing the right vacation spot or new hometown can save your skin a lot of trouble. Warm months can cause rashes, while cold seasons might make the skin dry and lips chapped. Cities with less air pollution, a comfortable climate, dermatologists proportionate with the population, fewer smokers, and tanning beds are better for the skin.  The following are the best cities to maintain healthy skin. 1. Portland, Oregon Portland is one of the best cities for skin health. The long rainy season keeps people indoors and out of the sun. The pollution-free environment ensures you do not get irritated or inflamed skin. In recent years there have been fewer smokers in the city. So, apart from the skin, your lungs are safe as well. The population, though active, suffers the least sunburns among the American population, and if you choose to live here, you can also enjoy youthful skin for longer. 2. Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore has one of the lowest incidences of skin cancer and the least death rate in the country. This city’s residents have access to top-of-the-line health care, and there are numerous dermatologists to help you with anything from sunburns to melanoma.

Depression is becoming increasingly prevalent among children, teens, and adults. People no longer misread symptoms of depression as laziness, and there is a growing awareness about the importance of professional help. Typical symptoms of depression are irritability, lack of motivation, change in eating and sleeping patterns, low self-esteem, and severe anxiety or panic attacks. This article talks about methods of coping with depression in a natural manner. Can we treat depression naturally? If you can identify or recognize symptoms of depression in yourself or any family member, consult a doctor. You may want to help yourself and get better independently, but you have to get a diagnosis from a doctor or psychiatrist. Though treating depression naturally can help patients to cope with the symptoms, it cannot replace treatment. Also keep in mind that if you are under treatment, you can not stop the medication halfway and try these natural techniques. 1. Set goals for motivation Setting reasonable and manageable goals can help you get through your day. Some examples are “waking at seven every day,” “writing two pages by the end of the day,” “walking the dog twice a week,” “helping with grocery shopping,” “exercising twice a week.” You can start by setting daily goals and extending them as you go on.

Washing clothes can become a dreaded chore if your detergent contains too many chemicals, especially if you have sensitive skin. The best detergent could leave traces of soap or fragrance in the clothes, which could trigger reactions in your skin. You must switch over to products tested and recommended by dermatologists to find relief from detergent-related skin issues. Such products are made with plant-based ingredients, or safe chemicals, or with a combination of both. If you or anyone in your family has been diagnosed with sensitive skin, look for products recommended by dermatologists and approved by allergists to be doubly sure of what you buy. If you see the label tested by dermatologists, it implies that it is safe for people with sensitive skin. If the soaps fail the dermatologist test, they may not be declared safe for people with sensitive skin. 1. Persil ProClean Power-Liquid Detergent for sensitive skin Persil ProClean is tested by dermatologists and is suited for families who have members with sensitive skin. Persil Proclean is gentle on the skin and does not cause or aggravate any flare-ups. It is also created with technology that does deep cleaning without chemicals. It can work with all types of high-efficiency washers and washes well in cold water.