Heavy consumption of alcohol or substance abuse is chronic and, in most cases, a progressive medical condition that requires immediate medical attention. Although one is not advised to rely solely on alternative therapies or remedies for recovery, natural treatments for alcohol and substance abuse can enhance overall wellbeing. Plus, they are free of side effects and can improve the body’s ability to respond to medications as well. Here are the top natural treatments for alcohol and substance abuse: Meditation programs Mindfulness-based programs are based on relapse prevention therapy and have been widely used for dealing with alcohol and substance abuse. Structured around meditation practices, participants are made aware of their thoughts, emotions, and cravings rather than just reacting to them. Although the results have mixed reviews, these programs have proved to be more beneficial than other forms of relapse prevention. Extracts of kudzu Kudzu extracts are among the most effective natural treatments for alcohol and substance abuse in cases with moderate addiction. Of its several effects, the faster rise in blood alcohol level helps as it makes one feel intoxicated sooner. The effect of acetaldehyde, a product of alcohol believed to be unpleasant and harmful, is also inhibited with this extract.

Polyps are soft and painless growths in the lining of the nasal passage. They are non-cancerous and develop in the inflamed tissue of the nasal mucosa, a wet layer that helps protect the insides of the nose and humidifies the air one breathes. During an allergy irritation or infection, the nasal mucosa swells up, reddens, and may produce fluid that drips out. Prolonged irritation may lead to the formation of polyps in the mucosa, and nasal polyps are common in adults. So, understanding the early warning signs of nasal polyps is important: Irritation and swelling Irritation and swelling of the nasal lining passages and sinuses are some of the early warning signs of nasal polyps that can last over 12 weeks in chronic cases. Since they are soft and lack sensation, one may not be aware of polyps, but multiple large polyp growths may block nasal passages, leading to swelling and irritation. Decreased or lack of sense of smell Again, this can be caused by the blockage due to polyps, and the symptom may not improve despite treatment. Persistently stuffy or blocked nose This is definitely one of the early warning signs of nasal polyps and may lead to patients finding it difficult to breathe through the nose in some cases, causing sleep disorders like apnea.

Anything that adds to a person’s chances of developing a certain health condition is known as a risk factor. Cervical cancer develops in the lower half of the uterus, that is, in the cervix. This cancer exhibits no signs in its early stage, and symptoms like vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and a watery-bloody discharge develop in the advanced stages. Risk factors ever so often impact the progress of cancer but do not directly cause it. Let’s understand the common risk factors of cervical cancer: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection:  An HPV infection is the most common and significant of all the risk factors of cervical cancer. A lot of people get affected by HPV once they become sexually active, but the infection is cured on its own in most people. Among more than 90 unique kinds of HPV, HPV16 and HPV18 are two of the most common types that cause cervical cancer. Indulging in sexual activity with multiple partners or becoming sexually active at a young age makes one more susceptible to getting infected with HPV. Immune system deficiency:  Women with a weaker immune system are more prone to getting cervical cancer. A strong immune system slows the spread and growth of cancerous cells, and in some cases, even destroys them.

Contraceptives are medications, devices, and, in some cases, even surgery used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. An array of contraceptives are available for both men and women, but some methods can have severe after-effects. One should understand which method of contraception works best for them before opting to use it. Listed here are some of the most effective forms of contraception one can choose from: Oral contraceptives:  Oral contraceptive pills alter the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent pregnancy. Some pills contain both progesterone and estrogen, while others contain only estrogen. They have to be taken at the same time every day to be effective. Oral contraceptives are considered to be successful in 99.8% of cases and are one of the most effective forms of contraception. Vaginal ring : A vaginal ring is a tiny, elastic ring containing the hormones progesterone and estrogen. It is inserted into the vagina and left for 21 days. Over this period, the ring releases hormones into the bloodstream of the woman to prevent pregnancy. Post 21 days, a vaginal ring is removed, and a fresh one is inserted after some days. This method of contraception has a success rate of 99.6%. The contraceptive patch:

Overactive bladder is a distressing condition that results in a sudden urge to urinate, along with difficulty in controlling the urge. People suffering from this condition may often feel embarrassed and isolate themselves. However, the good news is that a brief examination of the patient can help determine the exact cause of the condition and treat it. Several simple changes can help manage the symptoms. Understanding the early warning symptoms of overactive bladder is important to start treatment at the earliest. Here are some common signs that indicate this condition and require medical attention: A sudden urge to urinate that is often difficult to control:  This is one of the few and definite early warning symptoms of overactive bladder. The condition occurs when the muscles of the bladder start contracting involuntarily, even when the amount of urine in the bladder is low. These involuntary contractions increase the feeling of urgency to urinate. Unintentional loss of urine (urinary incontinence):  Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control that results in the unintentional outflow of urine. This occurs in case there is an unexpected and uncontrollable bladder-muscle contraction when urine is entering the bladder. Generally, people with this condition are unable to recognize whether or not they need to urinate, which leads to leakage.