An enlarged prostate, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is very common as men get older. About half of men in their 50s and most men over 80 have some enlargement. It isn’t cancer and doesn’t raise your risk of prostate cancer, but it can make peeing slower, more frequent and more annoying.

Common symptoms

• A weak or slow urine stream
• Trouble starting to pee, or stopping and starting
• Needing to pee often, especially at night
• A sudden, urgent need to pee
• Feeling that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
• Dribbling at the end

These symptoms can also be caused by other problems, such as a urine infection, diabetes or, less often, prostate cancer, so it’s worth seeing a doctor to find out.

Self-care that helps

• Cut down on drinks in the evening, especially in the 2 hours before bed.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which make you pee more and can irritate the bladder.
• Double voiding: after peeing, wait a few seconds and try again.
• Avoid constipation, which puts pressure on the bladder. See constipation relief.
• Check your medicines. Some cold and allergy medicines with decongestants or older antihistamines can make it harder to pee. Ask a pharmacist.
• Stay active and keep a healthy weight.

Medical treatments

If symptoms bother you, a doctor may suggest:

• Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin, which relax the prostate and bladder neck and often help within days
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride or dutasteride, which slowly shrink the prostate over 6 to 12 months
• Combination treatment or tadalafil for some men
• Procedures such as TURP, laser treatment or newer minimally invasive options, for more severe symptoms

These are prescription treatments, so they need a doctor’s assessment.

What about herbal products?

Saw palmetto is the best-studied herbal option, but large, well-designed trials found it worked no better than a placebo for urinary symptoms. Ayurvedic formulas such as Himalaya Himplasia are traditionally used to support prostate and urinary health, but evidence in people is limited. If you try one, see a doctor first to rule out other causes, and don’t use it instead of treatment your doctor recommends.

See a doctor urgently if

• You can’t pee at all (urinary retention): this is an emergency
• You see blood in your urine
• You have pain or burning when peeing, fever, or pain in your lower back or side
• Your symptoms get worse quickly

Frequently asked questions

Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal?

The prostate doesn’t usually shrink on its own, but symptoms often stay mild for years, and medicines like finasteride can shrink it over time.

Is an enlarged prostate the same as prostate cancer?

No. BPH is non-cancerous and doesn’t lead to cancer. But the symptoms can overlap, so a doctor’s check is important.

At what age should men get their prostate checked?

Many US guidelines suggest discussing prostate cancer screening with your doctor from age 50, or earlier (around 40 to 45) if you’re Black or have a close relative with prostate cancer.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

There’s no pill or drink that “boosts” a healthy immune system beyond normal. What you can do is give it what it needs to work well. The good news is that the habits with the strongest evidence are free.

What actually supports your immune system

1. Sleep 7 to 9 hours

People who sleep less than 6 hours a night are more likely to catch a cold when exposed to the virus. Regular sleep is one of the most effective things you can do.

2. Keep your vaccines up to date

Vaccines train your immune system to recognise specific infections. In the US, adults are advised to get a yearly flu vaccine and stay up to date with COVID-19 and other recommended vaccines.

3. Eat a varied diet

• Plenty of fruit and vegetables for vitamin C, vitamin A and fibre
• Protein at each meal (beans, fish, eggs, dairy, meat)
• Zinc from meat, shellfish, beans, nuts and whole grains
• Fermented foods like yogurt may support healthy gut bacteria, which play a role in immunity

4. Move every day

Regular moderate exercise, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking most days, is linked to fewer colds. Very intense training without rest can have the opposite effect.

5. Manage stress

Long-term stress raises cortisol, which can dampen immune responses. Sleep, exercise, time outdoors and talking to people all help.

6. Don’t smoke, and keep alcohol low

Smoking damages the lining of the airways, and heavy drinking weakens immune defences.

7. Wash your hands

Washing with soap for 20 seconds, especially before eating and after being in public places, cuts the spread of colds and stomach bugs.

Do supplements help?

• Vitamin C: taking it daily may shorten colds slightly, but doesn’t prevent them for most people. See vitamin C for colds.
• Vitamin D: may help people who are low in it. Ask your doctor about a blood test, especially in winter.
• Zinc lozenges: started within 24 hours of cold symptoms may shorten a cold. They can cause a bad taste and nausea.
• Herbal products: Ayurvedic herbs such as guduchi (giloy) and formulas like Himalaya Septilin and Himalaya Guduchi are traditionally used to support the body’s defences. Evidence in people is limited. Giloy has been linked to rare cases of liver injury, especially in people with autoimmune conditions, so check with a doctor first if you have liver disease, an autoimmune condition, diabetes or take other medicines.

Supplements can’t make up for poor sleep or diet, and more isn’t better: very high doses of some vitamins and minerals can cause harm.

When to see a doctor

• You get infections very often, or they take a long time to clear
• You have a fever that lasts more than 3 days, or trouble breathing
• You lose weight without trying, or have night sweats
• You have a condition or take a medicine that weakens immunity

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to boost your immune system?

There’s no quick fix. Good sleep, a varied diet, regular activity and up-to-date vaccines are what make the biggest difference.

Does giloy boost immunity?

Giloy is traditionally used for immunity in Ayurveda, but evidence in people is limited, and rare liver problems have been reported. Talk to a doctor before using it, especially if you have a health condition.

Which vitamins help the immune system?

Vitamins C, D and A and the mineral zinc all play a role. Most people get enough from a varied diet; supplements mainly help people who are low.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Colic is long bouts of crying in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. It affects up to 1 in 5 babies, usually starts at around 2 weeks old, peaks at about 6 weeks and is gone for most babies by 3 to 4 months. It isn’t caused by anything you did, and it doesn’t harm your baby, but it can be exhausting.

Signs of colic

Doctors often use the “rule of 3s”: crying for more than 3 hours a day, on more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks, in a baby who is otherwise healthy and growing well. Colicky crying often:

• Happens at the same time each day, often late afternoon or evening
• Sounds intense, like screaming, and is hard to soothe
• Comes with a red face, clenched fists, arched back or legs pulled up to the tummy

What causes it?

No one knows for sure. Likely factors include an immature gut, swallowed air, sensitivity to stimulation and, in a small number of babies, cow’s milk protein allergy or reflux.

Soothing techniques that help

• Hold and rock your baby, or carry them in a sling
• White noise, such as a fan, a white-noise app or a gentle “shhh”
• Motion: a walk in the stroller or a drive in the car seat
• Swaddling in a light blanket, keeping the hips loose
• A warm bath, followed by a gentle tummy massage in clockwise circles. Some parents use a mild baby massage product such as Himalaya Baby Tummy Roll On; patch-test first and avoid broken skin.
• Feeding tips: burp often, keep baby more upright during feeds, and check the bottle teat flow isn’t too fast

What about remedies?

• Simethicone gas drops are safe, but studies haven’t shown they work better than a placebo.
• Probiotic drops (Lactobacillus reuteri) may reduce crying time in breastfed babies. Ask your pediatrician.
• Diet changes: if your pediatrician suspects cow’s milk protein allergy, they may suggest a special formula or a dairy-free trial for a breastfeeding mother. Don’t switch formulas repeatedly without advice.
• Gripe water and herbal teas have little evidence. Never give honey to a baby under 1 year old.

Look after yourself too

Hours of crying are hard on any parent. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s OK to put your baby down safely in their crib and step away for a few minutes. Ask a partner, friend or family member to take over. Never shake a baby. If you’re struggling, talk to your pediatrician or a helpline.

When to call a doctor

Call your pediatrician if your baby:

• Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Vomits often, or the vomit is green, bloody or forceful
• Has blood in their stool, or diarrhea
• Isn’t feeding well, has fewer wet diapers or isn’t gaining weight
• Has a weak, high-pitched or unusual cry, or seems floppy or very sleepy
• Has crying that starts after 4 months, or follows a fall or injury

Call 911 if your baby has trouble breathing, turns blue, or can’t be woken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does colic last?

It usually peaks at around 6 weeks and stops by 3 to 4 months of age.

Is colic caused by gas?

Babies with colic often seem gassy, but gas is more likely a result of crying and swallowing air than the cause.

Can colic harm my baby?

No. Colic itself doesn’t cause lasting harm, but always check with a doctor to rule out other causes of crying.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from your pediatrician.

Seeing pink in the sink after brushing is common, and it’s usually an early warning from your gums rather than something serious. The good news is that the most common cause, gingivitis, can usually be reversed within 2 weeks with better daily care.

Why do gums bleed?

• Gingivitis: plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and inflames the gums. Inflamed gums are red, puffy and bleed easily. This is by far the most common cause.
• Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush
• Starting to floss, which can cause light bleeding for the first week or so
• Pregnancy, when hormone changes make gums more sensitive
• Medicines such as blood thinners and aspirin
• Smoking, which damages gums and also hides the bleeding, so gum disease can go unnoticed
• Less often: vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency, diabetes, or a blood disorder

What to do at home

• Brush twice a day for 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush, angled at 45 degrees towards the gumline. Gentle circles work better than scrubbing.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Toothpastes made for gum care, such as Himalaya Gum Care toothpaste or Himalaya Complete Care, are fine to use as long as you keep brushing well.
• Clean between your teeth once a day with floss or small interdental brushes. Keep going even if your gums bleed at first. The bleeding usually stops within 1 to 2 weeks as the gums heal.
• Try an antiseptic mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride or essential oils for a few weeks. Rinse with warm salt water if your gums feel sore.
• Stop smoking, which is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease.
• Eat well, with plenty of fruit and vegetables for vitamin C, and cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.

When it becomes gum disease

If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form, and the bone holding the teeth in place is slowly lost. This can’t be reversed at home and can eventually loosen teeth. Nearly half of US adults over 30 have some periodontitis, often without knowing.

When to see a dentist

• Your gums still bleed after 2 weeks of good brushing and flossing
• Your gums are receding, or your teeth look longer or feel loose
• You have bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
• You see pus, or have swelling or pain in the gums
• You’re pregnant or have diabetes, as gum problems need closer attention

See a doctor promptly if your gums bleed without brushing, or you also bruise easily, have nosebleeds, or feel unusually tired, as this can point to a blood or clotting problem.

Frequently asked questions

Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?

No. Light bleeding when you start flossing is common and usually stops within 1 to 2 weeks as the gums get healthier.

Can bleeding gums heal on their own?

Gingivitis can reverse in about 2 weeks with good brushing and daily flossing, but it won’t improve without that daily care.

How often should I see a dentist?

Most people should have a check-up and professional cleaning every 6 to 12 months.

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This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a dentist, doctor or pharmacist.

About 1 in 10 people get a kidney stone at some point, and once you’ve had one, there’s roughly a 50% chance of another within 5 to 10 years. The good news is that a few everyday habits lower that risk a lot.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form when minerals in your urine become too concentrated and crystallize. Most are calcium oxalate stones. Others are made of uric acid, calcium phosphate or, less often, struvite or cystine. Knowing your stone type helps your doctor tailor advice, so ask for any stone you pass to be tested.

1. Drink enough water

This is the single most important step. Aim to drink enough to pass at least 2 to 2.5 liters (around 8 to 10 cups) of urine a day, which for most people means drinking 2.5 to 3 liters of fluid. Your urine should be pale yellow. Drink more in hot weather or when you exercise.

2. Add some citrus

Citrate in lemons, limes and oranges helps stop stones from forming. Adding fresh lemon or lime juice to water is an easy habit. Avoid sugary lemonades and sodas, which can raise risk.

3. Cut back on salt

Salt makes your kidneys pass more calcium into the urine. Keep sodium under 2,300 mg a day by limiting processed foods, canned soups, takeaway meals and salty snacks.

4. Don’t cut out calcium

It sounds backwards, but eating enough calcium from food lowers the risk of calcium oxalate stones, because calcium binds oxalate in the gut before it reaches the kidneys. Have dairy or other calcium-rich foods with meals. Calcium supplements are different: take them only if advised, and with food.

5. Watch oxalate-rich foods if advised

If you’ve had calcium oxalate stones, your doctor may suggest limiting very high-oxalate foods such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts and nut butters, beets and black tea. Pairing them with a calcium-rich food helps too.

6. Moderate animal protein

Large amounts of red meat, poultry, eggs and seafood raise uric acid and lower urine citrate. Keeping portions moderate and eating more vegetables, fruit and beans helps.

7. Keep a healthy weight

Obesity and type 2 diabetes raise the risk of stones. Avoid crash diets, which can increase risk. See how to lose weight safely.

Medicines and herbal products

If you keep getting stones despite these changes, your doctor may test your blood and urine and prescribe a medicine matched to your stone type, such as a thiazide diuretic, potassium citrate or allopurinol.

Herbal products: Himalaya Cystone, available as tablets and syrup, is an Ayurvedic formula traditionally used to support urinary health. A few small studies suggest it may help, but the evidence isn’t strong enough to say it prevents or dissolves stones. If you try it, use it alongside the habits above and your doctor’s advice, never instead of medical care.

Symptoms of a kidney stone

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, which may spread to the lower belly or groin and come in waves
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pink, red or brown urine
• Needing to urinate often, or passing only small amounts
• Nausea and vomiting

Get urgent medical help if you have pain with a fever or chills, pain so severe you can’t sit still, vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, or you can’t pass urine. A stone with infection is an emergency.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best drink to prevent kidney stones?

Water is best. Water with fresh lemon or lime juice adds citrate, which also helps.

Does coffee cause kidney stones?

No. Studies link moderate coffee and tea drinking with a slightly lower risk, as long as you also drink plenty of water.

Can kidney stones come back?

Yes. Around half of people get another stone within 10 years, which is why prevention habits matter.

More in our Everyday Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.