Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine. Along with the inner lining of the large intestine, it can also affect the rectum and the colon. The symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be discomforting and lead to severe complications if left untreated. Hence, it is crucial to recognize the signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis for timely diagnosis and management. Abdominal pain and cramping A common sign of this disease is abdominal pain and cramping. It can range from mild to severe and may come and go, but it is often exacerbated during flare-ups. If a person is experiencing pain in their left side, it may indicate left-sided colitis. Diarrhea Another telltale sign of ulcerative colitis is frequent diarrhea. Also, it is usually followed by an urgent inclination to pass stool. This symptom can be distressing and disruptive to daily life. The diarrhea may also be accompanied by mucus and can increase during a flare-up. Blood in stool The presence of blood in stool is a concerning symptom of ulcerative colitis. This symptom can result from inflammation and ulcers in the colon’s lining. Along with blood, pus and mucus can be present in stools.

Chronic bronchitis is caused by the long-term inflammation of the airways. This causes excess mucus production. In addition, there is a higher risk of lung infection. Those who have chronic bronchitis are also diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD, or chronic bronchitis, often occurs through periodic flare-ups. A chronic bronchitis flare-up or exacerbation is a sudden worsening of symptoms. These flare-ups are generally preceded by the following signs: Signs of chronic bronchitis flare-up The signs of a flare-up can last for two days. In some cases, it lasts for several days. The intensity of the symptoms is usually more severe than usual. A person may have to go to the emergency room if they experience a full-blown exacerbation during a flare-up. Some of the common signs that indicate an incomplete flare-up include the following: Wheezing and noisy breathing sounds Coughing accompanied by more mucus than usual Change in the color of mucus Trouble catching breath Discomfort in the chest Tiredness or fatigue Some other signs include the following: Unable to take deep breaths Trouble sleeping Headaches after waking up Stomach pain Frequent bouts of anxiousness Swollen ankles and legs Drowsiness Unable to think clearly Frequent mood changes Pale skin Changes in nail and lip color Difficulty talking Tips to manage signs of a chronic bronchitis flare-up Here are a few tips to manage chronic bronchitis symptoms:

Research has shown a correlation between nutritional choices and heart health. Out of all meals, breakfast plays an important role when it comes to reducing the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A heart-friendly breakfast can set the tone for the rest of the day, providing essential nutrients and energy to keep one going. So, here are 7 heart-healthy breakfast ideas that are not only delicious and nutritious but also easy to make: 1. Overnight oatmeal Rolled oats soaked overnight in milk or dairy-free alternatives with a sprinkle of chia seeds, a touch of honey, and fresh berries can be a filling, heart-healthy breakfast. The fiber in oats helps lower bad cholesterol levels, promoting heart health. 2. Avocado toast Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to lower levels of bad cholesterol and a reduced risk of heart disease. Here, one can layer thin avocado slices on whole-grain toast and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, or even a poached egg can also be added to the recipe. 3. Vegetable smoothies Smoothies with leafy greens like spinach or kale, along with cucumber or celery, can be nutritious, as these veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to better heart health.

Loneliness is a common and deeply human experience that can affect anyone at various stages of life. It is also a complex emotion often arising from social isolation or the feeling of being disconnected from other people, among other factors. The good news is that there are practical ways to deal with such feelings while also fostering meaningful connections. So, here are a few ways that can help overcome loneliness: Engage in prayer Prayer can involve meditation, reflection, or quiet contemplation, all of which help by offering hope and faith in a better future. Additionally, engaging in this practice can help one find inner peace, possibly reducing feelings of loneliness. Spend time outdoors Connecting with nature can be a rejuvenating activity. Whether it is a leisurely stroll in the park, a hike through the woods, or enjoying the sun, stepping outside can help one experience a sense of peace and a connection to their surroundings. Volunteer for a cause Giving back to the community can be a fulfilling way to not just help but also connect with others. This way, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and belonging. Whether it is lending a hand at a local shelter or hospital, reading to children, or participating in neighborhood clean-up drives and other community initiatives, volunteering is a great way to make new connections.

The bones work with muscles and joints to hold the body together and support movement. They require continuous nutrition to perform this function efficiently. Ignoring this can weaken a person’s bones and significantly raise the risk of osteoporosis. The best way to improve bone strength and density is to get sufficient nutrients from food. But if that isn’t enough, experts may recommend supplements rich in specific elements like the following: Boron Boron is necessary to build and preserve bones. While one does not require much of it, the element is necessary because it helps the body effectively use calcium. Boron supplements may also support osteoporosis treatment as they activate the vitamins and minerals required for bone formation. Magnesium Magnesium works in combination with calcium to improve bone strength and support overall health. About 60% of the body’s magnesium is stored in the skeletal system, which makes it essential to get enough of this nutrient through meals. If that does not suffice, one could consider magnesium supplements for improved bone density after consulting a healthcare expert. Calcium A large amount of calcium is stored in the bones and teeth, which makes it a vital nutrient. Calcium makes the bones hard and strong.

Metabolism is the chemical process by which food is converted into energy. There are multiple chemical processes involved in metabolism. Certain minerals and vitamins can boost this process. Also, what one consumes greatly influences the speed and quality of their metabolism. Therefore, consuming foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins can seriously increase one’s energy throughout the day. Here are some of the vitamins and minerals that boost one’s metabolism: 1. B vitamins This family of vitamins is critical for energy metabolism in the body. Essentially, if one does not consume these vitamins, they may have digestive issues. The various B vitamins are B-12, biotin, folate, B-6, pantothenic acid, or B-5, niacin, or B-3, riboflavin, or B-2, and thiamine, or B-1. Out of these vitamins, B-12 is responsible for the metabolism of fats and proteins. Vitamins B-6 and folate help facilitate this process. Thiamine enables metabolizing carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, while B-6 helps metabolize some key proteins. Vitamin B-rich foods include whole grains, dairy products, eggs, lean meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, spinach, potatoes, squash, bananas, apples, grapes, and watermelons. 2. Vitamin C Vitamin C is used up by the body when a person is stressed. At the same time, the body releases a lot of cortisol when a person is stressed.

Respiratory viruses are a global health concern, leading to many illnesses and diseases that can be prevented cautiously. These viruses usually spread through contact with contaminated spaces, airborne droplets, aerosols, and similar mediums. Some public places can be at high risk for spreading such respiratory viruses, and it is essential to be careful of such spaces. Here are a few places where viruses can spread rapidly: 1. Public transport Nearly everyone takes public transportation, if not within the city, but to travel outside the city, country, or continent. This involves going through crowded spaces, buses, airplanes, and trains. These are often hotspots for disease spreading, as public transport mediums are always filled with people. They are poorly ventilated, so respiratory droplets can easily infect anyone. There are frequent touchpoints, like surfaces like seats, handrails, and even door panels. 2. Entertainment venues Places like concert halls, sports arenas, theaters, and wedding venues are a few examples of high-risk zones for respiratory viruses. Activities like singing and cheering can release more respiratory droplets in the air, which can easily affect some people. If it is an indoor seating venue, the ventilation is not good enough to filter out the toxins, and it does not help that all the people are sitting near each other, which increases the risk of transmission.

Lactose and gluten are the new buzzwords in the health market. Despite their popularity, many people still need clarification on what the terminologies mean and their ramifications on specific health conditions. Also, since digestive problems are rising, there has been significant research and development in food alternatives. This article explores one of the most popular alternatives, i.e., lactose-free milk – and why it may be a sound choice for many. What is lactose-free milk? Many people experience abdominal issues such as bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after consuming regular milk. This health condition is known as lactose intolerance. It occurs due to the sugar ‘lactose’ found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and ice cream, which can be difficult to digest. It may be caused due to genetic factors or due to illness or injury to the small intestine. As a solution to this, companies began producing lactose-free milk, that is, regular milk without lactose. Most lactose-free milk contains 0.1% or less of lactose. This is achieved by processing milk to remove most of its lactose content and adding lactase to cow’s milk. Lactase helps break down lactose content in the body, making it easier for people to consume and digest milk.

Clothes do more than just enhance one’s look – they protect the body from external factors and provide warmth and comfort. Thus, while shopping for outfits, it is important to consider not only the esthetic appeal but also the fit, durability, comfort, and texture. With a variety of outfits available today, fashionistas are spoilt for choice in every outfit category. In this scenario, it makes sense to avoid certain types of clothes that may affect one’s overall health: Underwire bras Although underwire bras are intended to uplift and support the breasts, these bras increase one’s risk of skin conditions like rashes and fungal infections. They can also cause problems like chest and neck pain and block milk ducts among lactating mothers. Hence, it is advisable to limit the use of underwire bras, replacing them with comfortable wireless cotton bras, bralettes, and sports bras, among other options. Tight jeans Skinny jeans may accentuate one’s figure and enhance one’s appeal, but their continuous friction with the skin may cause potential skin problems like rashes. Moreover, tight jeans can prevent blood circulation and trigger nerve and muscle damage. Trying alternative types of trousers, such as palazzos, capris, and culottes, is a good idea.

Sickle cell crisis, also called vaso-occlusive crisis, is a painful and potentially life-threatening episode that occurs in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This type of blood disorder is caused by an abnormal genetic mutation. The condition affects one’s hemoglobin and turns the shape of red blood cells into sickle-shaped cells, leading to restricted blood flow, anemia, and increased risk of infections. Understanding the warning signs of sickle cell crisis is important. Intense pain and headaches Sickle cell crisis brings excruciating pain, often accompanied by headache or dizziness. Individuals experiencing a crisis describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, and unbearable. This pain can occur anywhere in the body but is most commonly felt in the bones and joints. It can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, making it impossible to ignore. Muscular weakness and swelling Muscular or general weakness can manifest in various parts of the body during sickle cell crisis, making it difficult to move some parts of one’s body or perform everyday tasks. It can also be due to swelling of hands and feet or localized swelling that can be tender or painful to the touch. These symptoms mainly occur because the sickle cells get stuck in the small vessels and block blood flow.

Although unpleasant, nasal congestion is a common, and perhaps the most pervasive, allergy symptom for millions of people worldwide. It is also a common symptom indicating a cold or flu. Congestion can interrupt daily routine, so one can try management options to relieve this symptom and breathe better. Here, anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce the discomfort. So here are six foods that help fight nasal congestion, prevent excess mucus buildup, and relieve a stuffy nose: Tea Breathing in the steam from hot liquids like tea or broth can help make mucus thinner and relieve congestion. Additionally, green tea is also known for its anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols, which can help with swollen sinuses. Honey According to preliminary studies, honey can help soothe a sore throat. It may also help fight upper respiratory tract infections. Honey is generally safe to eat for people over the age of 1. One can add it to tea, use it as a salad dressing, or just eat a spoonful to relieve inflammation. Citrus fruits Vitamin-C-rich fruits such as limes, lemons, grapefruit, and oranges help boost immunity. They also have antioxidant properties, which can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with nasal congestion. The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants can help thin mucus and reduce allergy-related congestion.