Magnesium is an essential macro-element which is naturally present in many foods. It helps the human body in protein synthesis, healthy bone development, maintaining a healthy heart, regulating blood pressure, controlling nerve impulses, regulating glucose levels in the blood, and energy production.

The Office of Dietary Supplements in National Institutes of Health recommends that adult men should consume 400 to 420 milligrams (mg), and women should consume 310 to 320 mg of magnesium daily. Foods like almonds, cashew, peanuts, spinach, and black beans are excellent sources of magnesium. However, some people suffer from hypermagnesemia which is a condition where the level of magnesium in the human body exceeds the standard range. Continue reading to know more about the side effects of magnesium in detail.

• Gastrointestinal effects
  Gastrointestinal problems are a common effect of magnesium toxicity. It is a known fact that magnesium acts as a laxative, and this is the reason why it is a component of medicines for heartburn or acidity. However, if the level of magnesium rises beyond the tolerable value, the person suffers from diarrhea. Here, the individual discharges watery stools and suffers from abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, as well as fatigue. The U.S. Institute of Medicine advises patients against consuming magnesium supplements that contain more than 350 milligrams of this element.
• Cardiovascular effect
  Irregularity in the cardiovascular system is one of the more common side effects of magnesium. Many individuals have reported a drop in blood pressure after consuming high doses of magnesium supplements. This condition is known as hypotension, and it may lead to lightheadedness, dizziness, blurry vision, and even loss of consciousness. Hypermagnesemia may also cause slow heart rate and arrhythmia (erratic heart rhythms). In rare cases, it may even induce a cardiac arrest.
• Kidney damage
  Under normal circumstances, kidneys perform the function of removing excess magnesium from the blood vessels. However, kidney functions get impaired due to certain medical conditions like long-term diabetes, alcoholism, and drug abuse. Hence, it cannot remove excess magnesium from the system, which results in magnesium toxicity. In such cases, doctors prohibit the consumption of additional magnesium supplements as it leads to side effects like poorly controlled diabetes and slow blood clotting.
• Respiratory problems
  Excess magnesium in the body may also lead to the impairment of a person’s pulmonary functions. Here, the individual suffers from breathing difficulties, decreased reflexes, and sleepiness. Discontinuing the magnesium supplement helps to improve the condition.

If you’ve been experiencing any of these side effects for a prolonged duration, then you must book an appointment with a doctor for a diagnosis.

Eyes are very sensitive to external stimuli and any irritation or allergy can cause watery eyes. Watery eyes from allergies are a common phenomenon and occur when the eyes come in contact with certain environmental allergens such as dust, pollens from weeds and grass, mites, certain indoor allergens, contact lenses, and cosmetics. In certain cases, preservatives used in artificial tears may also cause watery eyes. When the eyes are exposed to an allergen, the body sends an immune response and a chemical called histamine is released by the body as a natural defense mechanism. This release of histamine causes inflammation, swelling, and itching sensations in the eyes.

Common Symptoms
Watery eyes from allergies can cause visible changes in eyes. As soon as the eyes are exposed to an allergen, the symptoms appear. However, in certain cases, the symptom may develop after a few days. A few common symptoms of watery eyes are:

• Irritation in the eyes and redness
• An intense urge to itch
• Swelling in the eyelids
• Tears running from the eyes
• Burning sensations and chronic pain
• Sensitivity towards light

Treatments
Watery eyes from allergies can cause severe discomfort and disrupt normal day to day life. The following precautions and treatments may help in alleviating discomfort. However, any medication for watery eyes must be taken only after consulting an eye specialist.

• Wear sunglasses: A continuous exposure to the sun during eye infection may aggravate the situation. To prevent this, good quality sunglasses must be worn when going out of the house. This also prevents the entry of dust particles, pollen, and other allergens in the eyes.
• Wash eyes regularly: Rinsing your eyes with clean water will remove any deposited allergens.
• Artificial tears: Artificial tears help lubrication and remove allergens. They must be used only after consulting a doctor.
• Remove contact lenses: Contact lenses may cause allergy and hence must be removed if eyes are watery.
• Do not rub eyes: Avoid rubbing the eyes when you feel an itching sensation. Rubbing the eyes will only worsen the situation as this will increase the inflammation in the eyes.

Eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in our body and they are constantly exposed to allergens. The symptoms and discomfort due to watery eyes from allergies can be alleviated by taking certain precautions, and in case the symptoms persist for a longer duration, seeking immediate medical help is essential.

The thyroid is a small but one of the most important endocrine glands of the body. It secretes two hormones very crucial for controlling metabolic rate, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones increase the oxygen consumption and stimulate the synthesis of new proteins in the cells. The activity of this crucial gland is regulated by another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH is not produced in the thyroid but produced by the pituitary gland located in the brain. Thus, abnormal TSH levels may hinder the normal functioning of this gland.

Symptoms: The symptoms are not specific and can be easily misdiagnosed with other common disorders. Some of the common symptoms of abnormal TSH levels (or abnormal thyroid function) are fatigue, weakness, nervousness, weight gain or weight loss, tremors, sudden paralysis, issues with vision such as light sensitivity, muscle weakness, and insomnia.

Control of thyroid: TSH, secreted by the pituitary, causes secretion of the thyroid. Higher levels of thyroid hormones “switch off” the section of TSH. However, in certain conditions the activity of the thyroid is compromised making it either overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). Thyroid disorders are more common in females as compared to males.

Reference range and interpretation of TSH levels: The reference range of TSH is still a debatable issue but a commonly accepted range in 0.4 mU/L to 2.5 mU/L.

A high level of TSH indicates lower activity of thyroid gland (underactive). Thus, excess TSH is secreted to provide a signal to the thyroid gland to produce hormones.

A low level of TSH indicates overactive thyroid that consequently increases the thyroid hormones in the blood. These higher levels of hormones inhibit the secretion of TSH from the pituitary gland.

Treatment: Since the thyroid gland is central to energy metabolism, any disorder of this gland requires a careful examination and treatment by an expert, preferably an endocrinologist. However, certain medications that decrease thyroid hormone levels and other treatments, which increase the levels of thyroid hormones are prescribed to control abnormal TSH levels. However, a blood test is performed to detect abnormal TSH levels and accordingly a treatment is advised.

TSH levels in the body control the proper functioning of thyroid gland. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland causes widespread disruption of body functions due to its critical role in body maintenance and energy homeostasis.

Chronic bronchitis is the infection of the main airways of your lungs, i.e., bronchi, causing them to become inflamed and irritated. Coughing is the main symptom. Also, phlegm is produced as a result of this long-lasting cough and you may experience wheezing and a sore throat. It is not contagious when it is caused due to air pollution, smoking or some other inhaled irritants. If any bacterial or viral infection is the reason for your chronic bronchitis, then it is contagious. For the best treatment for chronic bronchitis, consulting a healthcare professional is the best thing to do. However, it can get better in some natural ways and using some home remedies as well. The following treatment options are quite effective against chronic bronchitis.

• Fluid Intake
  When you are suffering from chronic bronchitis, try to consume adequate fluid. Usually, due to fever, the body loses the fluid faster. If the patient stays well hydrated, the lung secretions will become thinner and can be released easily.
• Healthy Diet
  Another natural treatment for chronic bronchitis is maintaining a healthy diet that includes foods having the properties of reducing the bronchitis symptoms. Foods that are helpful to deal with it are ginger, lemon, honey, almonds, and bay leaf.
• Use a Mist Vaporizer
  To reduce the bronchial irritation, a humidifier or a warm mist vaporizer can be a great help.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
  This is an effective treatment for chronic bronchitis as it includes nutrition counseling, education, learning different breathing techniques, doing regular exercise along with getting help to quit smoking. These activities will not only improve the patient’s health but will also help to stay fit and healthy.
• Oxygen Therapy
  Chronic bronchitis affected patients may face trouble in breathing with the progress of the disease. When it becomes difficult to breathe naturally, some supplemental oxygen is needed to offer relief to the patient.
• Proper Rest
  As a patient of chronic bronchitis faces breathing issues, the affected person might feel tired and dizziness. Proper rest including sitting in a steamy bathroom or sleeping near any humidifier will help to deal with chronic bronchitis.

Other than all the aforementioned ways, many medications, vaccines, steroids, antibiotics etc. are available that offer an effective treatment for chronic bronchitis. However, it is advised not to take any medication, supplements, or anything without consulting a medical expert. This medical guidance will not only help you to deal with the symptoms but will also help in getting the fastest recovery from this chronic bronchitis.

Itchy skin causes a lot of irritation. It is characterized by rashes and red bumps on the surface, which can be caused due to several skin conditions or internal illnesses. Red, itchy rash legs are most often a sign of a serious underlying disorder.

Normally, these rashes are not a matter of concern and can be treated with the help of effective home remedies and OTC topical ointments. But, it is important to find the exact cause of the rash before starting on any treatment.

Common Causes of Red Itchy Rash Legs

• Keratosis Pilaris: These are small red or white bumps that appear on the arms and legs. They generally do not itch or itch very less. The skin condition occurs when the skin pores are clogged with a protein called keratin. People with eczema or dry skin are more likely to have keratosis pilaris.

• Folliculitis: This is a skin condition that occurs as a result of infection in the hair follicles, either in the scalp or in other areas of the body that have been shaved. It is most commonly caused due to a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis): If your red itchy, rash legs have red bumps and scaly patches, it is more likely to be an eczema infection. Your skin will become extremely itchy and have blisters that may ooze out a clear fluid.

• Hives: Hives is another cause of red, itchy rash on legs. Also known as urticaria, hives make the skin red and raised. They are often caused due to a reaction to certain food items, medicines, cold, insects, pollen, or latex.

• Insect Bites: Red, itchy, rash legs can also be caused due to insect bites, especially if they itch a lot. Common causes include mosquitos, fire ants, fleas, lice, chiggers, bed bugs, and scabies.

• Psoriasis: This is a chronic condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. The second most commonly occurring form of this condition is known as guttate psoriasis, which causes reddish and scaly spots on the trunk and limbs.

• Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is primarily caused by extreme and prolonged exposure to the sun. There are different types of skin cancers that result in red and itchy skin. The most common types include Bowen’s disease and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

If the itchiness does not go away on its own, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a suitable line of treatment.

The kidneys are located underneath the rib cage, toward the back. So, when you experience pain around this part of the body it apparently becomes tough to understand whether the pain is emanating from the kidney or the back. However, the symptoms along with a close observation of the type, severity, and location of the pain can help understand where the actual problem is. Here is a guide that will help resolve the dilemma of back pain vs kidney pain.

Location of Pain

• Back pain is mostly located in one of the buttocks or in the lower back, but it can be identified anywhere on the back as well.
• You can feel kidney pain in the flank, i.e., on either side of the spine between the ribcage bottom and hips. However, mostly, felt on one side of the body, kidney pain can be experienced on both sides as well.

Type of Pain
Understanding the type of pain is another way to distinguish between back pain vs. kidney pain.

• You will feel a dull ache in case of muscle pain. An irritated or injured nerve pain mostly gives a sharp sensation of burning that travels down the buttock to the lower leg or sometimes, even the foot.
• A kidney stone causes sharp pain that may fluctuate with the stone’s movement. During an infection, a dull, constant ache is felt, and it does not go away without treatment and remains unaffected if you move.

Pain Radiation

• Muscle pain mostly stays in the back. The pain in the nerve can spread to the lower leg.
• Sometimes, the kidney pain radiates to the lower abdomen or inner thigh.

Severity of the Pain
How severe your pain is actually can help you to discriminate between back pain vs. kidney pain.

• Usually, an acute pain can last from days to weeks. The subacute pain can last from 6 weeks to 3 months! A chronic back pain can last longer than 3 months.
• A kidney stone causes a severe pain while the pain caused by an infection is usually mild.

Accompanying Symptoms

• Back pain results in numbness in the legs, muscle spasm, swelling in the affected area etc., which are the accompanying symptoms.
• For kidney pain, vomiting, nausea, chills and fever, dark urine, feeling pain while urinating, a recent bladder infection, blood in the urine etc. are some of the accompanying symptoms.

Consulting a healthcare professional is always the best idea to distinguish between back pain vs. kidney pain and to get better with the right treatment.

Seniors fight with a number of problems, which in turn affects their strength and stability. Medical conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or heart condition can have an adverse effect on their body strength.

To improve body balance and coordination, exercises are essential. Here are some of the exercises for seniors that should be practiced to stay fit.

Single Limb Stance

• This is the simplest exercise for seniors that involves holding onto a chair and balancing on one leg.
• This helps to develop the core stability by maintaining the center of gravity in the ankles.
• Perform this exercise for a few seconds, balancing alternately on each foot. Once comfortable doing it for a minute, hold the chair with a single hand, followed by a single finger and finally, letting go of the chair completely.

Walking Heel to Toe

• Position one heel exactly in front of the toes of the other foot.
• Focus on something ahead of you to stay steady as you walk.
• Take a step forward by placing the other heel in front of the toes. Take 20 steps in this manner.

Balance Walk

• Raise your arms to the shoulder height sideways.
• Now walk in a B-line, with one foot ahead of the other.
• As you walk, lift your back leg and count up to 1 before placing it down.
• Do this with both your legs and repeat 15 times.

Wall Pushups

• Stand to face the wall, about 3 feet away; keep your feet apart and shoulder away from the wall.
• Place your hands, flat at the shoulder height on the wall. Keep your back straight.
• Lean toward the wall and then push back.
• Repeat 10-15 times.

Heel Raises

• This is a simple exercise for seniors meant for strengthening the upper calves.
• Sit on a chair, put your toes and balls of the feet on the floor, and lift only your heels. Repeat 20 times.

Shoulder Rolling

• Rotate your shoulders gently towards the ceiling, then backward and downwards. Do it alternately with both the shoulders.

Side Leg Raise

• Stand behind a chair and keep your feet marginally apart. Slowly lift your leg sideways, keeping your spine straight and pointing toes in the forward direction.
• Gradually, bring the leg back to its position. Repeat with the other leg.
• Perform this exercise 15 times with each leg.

Exercise for seniors is a good way to maintain balance, effectively cope with the challenges of aging, and staying fit.

What is neck and shoulder pain?
Neck and shoulders contain bones, nerves, muscles, ligaments, arteries, and many other supporting structures. Any injury or damage to any of these can inflict intense pain in the neck and shoulders. In most cases, the underlying condition that causes pain is not dangerous, such as muscle strains, contusions, etc. However, in a few cases, the reason can be serious and life-threatening, such as trauma or heart disease.

Neck and shoulder pain causes
Here, we will look at some of the most common neck and shoulder pain causes.

The common cause is the damage or injury to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues within the neck and shoulder.

• Degenerative Arthritis: This is a common form of arthritis that affects the spine, hands, feet, hips, and knees and is one of the most common neck and shoulder pain causes. The condition can sometimes pinch the nerves, resulting in neck, and shoulder pain.
• Degenerative disc disease: This is one of the initial signs of neck arthritis, which affects the shock absorbing cushions located between the spinal bones. The condition can often lead to incessant pain in the shoulder and neck.
• Broken collarbone: Falling down over the weight of your arm can cause a broken collarbone. This condition is most common in athletic cyclers.
• Broken shoulder blade: A major trauma can at times result in an injury to the shoulder blade.
• Bursitis: A bursa is a small sac, located over the joints to provide them with adequate cushioning. In case of injuries, this sac may get stiff or swollen, causing neck, and shoulder pain.
• Heart attack: During a heart attack, most people experience intense pain in their neck and shoulders. This pain is known as “referred” pain.
• Tendonitis: This is a condition in which the tendons, which connect the muscles to the bones, get stiff or swollen.
• Rotator cuff injuries: Rotator cuff is a collection of tendons, which support the shoulder. Sometimes, during heavy lifting or playing sports, these tendons get injured, causing pain. If not treated, this can lead to chronic loss of motion of the shoulder, a condition called frozen shoulder.
• Shoulder or A-C separation: The shoulder blade and collarbone are linked together through ligaments. Any injury or trauma can tear these ligaments and cause pain.
• Gallbladder disease: Gallbladder disease can also cause a pinching pain in the right shoulder.

These are some of the most common neck and shoulder pain causes. Mild cases of pain usually do not require professional medical help. But if you experience severe pain along with weakness, fever, numbness, headache or chest pain, immediate medical consultation is advisable.