Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for the heart, skin, and various vital organs of the body. While it is best to get an adequate intake of fish oil directly from fish such as mackerel, tuna, herring, trout, and sardines, fish oil supplements are an excellent alternative. So, if one is considering boosting their omega-3 intake, here are the key benefits of fish oil supplements: 1. Boosts heart health Fish oil helps support a healthy heart by helping lower cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, and prevent plaque formation that hardens arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent stroke and other cardiovascular illnesses. Additionally, fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help in stabilizing atherosclerotic lesions. Research also suggests that those who take fish oil supplements for more than a month may see improvement in heart health. 2. Helps reduce inflammation Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce chronic inflammation that can lead to health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. While the role of omega-3 fatty acids isn’t fully understood in managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, they are known to reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Sinus congestion happens when there is swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses. This condition blocks the nasal pathway and swells it up with excess mucus and fluid. It happens when there is an infection, such as cold, flu, or allergies. Sinus congestion can cause extreme discomfort and may affect one’s daily life. However, there are some easy natural remedies and foods that alleviate the pain from sinus issues and provide relief from the condition. Staying hydrated Sinus congestion causes inflammation in the mucous membranes. This condition can be managed by staying hydrated. Consuming plenty of water and other fluids can help the mucous membranes function correctly and alleviate the symptoms of sinus congestion. Drinking hot tea is also known to help manage sinus congestion. It is best if the tea contains ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and lemon, as they have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve pain. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and contain antioxidant properties that help make white blood cells and fight infections, including sinus congestion. Fruits like oranges and lemons also have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce discomfort and inflammation caused by sinus congestion. Therefore, it is always a good idea to include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in the daily meal plan to have a balanced nutrition and stay healthy.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder affecting the nervous system. It also affects the parts of the body controlled by nerves. Parkinson’s symptoms may differ from person to person but typically manifest as tremors, rigid muscles, and loss of automatic movements. The course of action for managing Parkinson’s depends on the severity of the symptoms and disease progression. Nevertheless, the following nutritional choices and management options are common ways to manage the disorder. Nutritional choices When dealing with Parkinson’s, adding the following foods to the meal regime may help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate the symptoms. 1. Berries: Parkinson’s disease often develops when the brain has an imbalance of antioxidants and unstable compounds (free radicals). To counter the damaging effects of free radicals, experts recommend foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries, to help protect the brain against oxidative stress. 2. Salmon: Fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that can improve brain function. Other options rich in omega-3s are flaxseed, soybeans, oysters, and halibut. 3. Sirloin steak: Lean red meat, like sirloin steak, is rich in iron—a mineral that helps with the production of neurotransmitters and helps the blood carry oxygen throughout the body, including the brain.

Food prices are constantly rising, which might make it challenging for many to purchase simple things such as groceries. While there are cheaper alternatives out there, they are usually processed and may be harmful to one’s overall health. Moreover, no one should compromise on their nutrition goals because of an unprecedented strain on the budget. So, here are seven tips to help one eat healthy meals while maintaining a budget. Plan the menu Menu planning is an ideal step to ensure one eats a balanced meal and meets nutritional needs. Creating a menu for the week or month can ensure that one saves time and money at the grocery store and when at school or work. One should take an inventory of what’s in the fridge, pantry, and freezer, check the cookbook for healthy recipe ideas, and plan the menu for the week. A set menu would ensure one does not buy foods that they do not require. Make a list One of the best ways to ensure one gets the nutrition they require without overspending is to make a shopping list. Once the meals for the week are planned, one should make a list of the ingredients that they require for the week.

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves’ orbitopathy or ophthalmology, is a rare auto-immune disease that causes inflammation in the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands, and the tissue behind the eye. As a result, the eyes seem to “bulge forward” or appear red and swollen. This disease occurs at a rate of 19 per 100,000 people per year in the country. Read on to learn more about its symptoms and treatments. Symptoms of thyroid eye disease While TED does not cause vision loss, it may lead to symptoms such as: Bags under the eyes Blurred or double vision (diplopia) Changes in the eye’s appearance Difficulty moving the eyes Trouble in closing the eyes completely, which could lead to the development of a sore in the cornea Dry or watery eyes Gritty sensation in the eyes Reduced tolerance to bright lights Pain around the eyes Redness of the lids and eyes Swelling of one or both eyelids One’s symptoms may be progressive for six to twelve months. To diagnose the condition, doctors need to conduct a physical eye exam. This may be followed by a blood test to check thyroid hormone and antibody levels, an ultrasound of the eyes, a computed tomography scan (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The liver is a vital organ that filters out toxins, synthesizes proteins for cell structure, secretes bile to assist digestion, and metabolizes carbs and fats. Besides this, it also safeguards the body from many diseases and helps keep one’s energy up. However, unbeknownst to many, the liver is often overloaded with toxins and can cause long-term health problems if left ignored. Here are some ways to detox the liver to ensure its optimal functioning. Supplements to detoxify the liver There are several signs that show that one’s liver needs detoxification. Some common symptoms include persistent constipation and fatigue, dark urine (which also indicates low water intake), bloating or gas, acid reflux or heartburn without any reason, easy bruising, moodiness, and lowered appetite. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to get their liver functioning checked. Alternatively, one can try out the following supplements for liver health- Potassium Health experts recommend a daily intake of 4,700 milligrams of potassium. This mineral can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and help cleanse the liver. One can include potassium-rich foods like sweet potato, tomato, beet greens, spinach, and bananas for a nutrient boost. Vitamins E and C Vitamin E and vitamin C are both usually recommended to help with the liver detox process and protect liver cells from damage and oxidative stress.

Typically intended for the management of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of these disorders. However, it is important to know exactly what to expect when one is prescribed this form of treatment. Given how powerful they are, antidepressants come with a few side effects—both minor and major. Here is a look at some of the common side effects to help one make an informed decision:  1. Drop in sodium levels Some antidepressants can trigger a severe drop in sodium levels in the blood, which is also called hyponatremia. This side effect is often more common among older adults, as fluid and sodium regulation becomes more difficult with age. The low sodium levels tend to cause a build-up of fluids inside the cells, an outcome that can lead to complications like headaches, muscle pain, a reduced appetite, sickness, confusion, agitation, psychosis, seizures, disorientation, and feeling tired and listless without engaging in any physical activity. Certain antidepressants tend to suppress the hormones that regulate sodium and fluid levels. 2. Diabetes Certain studies have found a link between long-term antidepressant usage and diabetes. According to the research, those on antidepressants are at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes than those who are not.

Chest congestion develops with an accumulation of mucus in the lungs, which can cause discomfort, cough, and, sometimes, pain. Congestion is a common symptom of seasonal illnesses like flu or cold, or it can indicate a chronic health condition. The treatment depends on the cause. Further, when brought on by a mild infection, congestion can be treated with simple home remedies. So, here are some treatment options and home remedies to relieve congestion: Management options Upon noticing persistent congestion, one should consult a doctor, who will determine the cause and recommend a suitable treatment plan. This could consist of prescription treatment to loosen the mucus. Some prescription options can fight the infection responsible for chest congestion. Alternatively, if dealing with a chronic illness, doctors may suggest prescription treatment to minimize the discomfort and relieve congestion. Apart from the abovementioned treatment options, certain at-home solutions can help in managing congestion. Home remedies 1. Salt water gargle Gargling with lukewarm water and some salt can help relieve cold-like symptoms, including chest congestion and throat pain. One can take a glass of warm water, add a quarter tablespoon of sea salt to it, and mix it. Then, one can take a big sip of this solution, tilt their head back slightly, and gargle for 30 seconds.

While not all heart problems have clear symptoms, many of them are often preceded by a series of early warning signs. Being aware of these early signs can be useful in seeking diagnosis and treatment on time. This is crucial since most heart diseases can be easily avoided if detected and treated before the symptoms become too severe. Those with increased risk factors need to keep an eye on these early warning signs of heart disease. 1. Experiencing pain in the chest Most people often have chest pain, which is one of the most common early warning signs of heart disease. It is not just an oncoming heart attack that causes severe chest pain, but many other heart-related problems. For example, a person may feel a shooting pain in their chest when they exert themselves. However, the pain may go away when they are at rest. This is usually a sign of angina. Whenever one experiences chest pain along with the feeling of extreme unease, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible. 2. Feeling nauseated Nausea can be an early sign of a lot of health problems. Yet, many people ignore it, assuming it will go away.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, or TTP, is a rare but life-threatening blood disorder. In this condition, blood clots form in the small blood vessels throughout the body, which can limit the flow of blood and potentially block it from reaching the organs, such as the heart, kidney, and even the lungs. This means it can create serious complications and needs immediate treatment. Here are key things to know about the disease, its diagnosis, and the treatment options. Symptoms and causes TTP occurs when there is insufficient ADAMTS13 available in the blood. This protein is crucial in regulating how the blood clots. With the lack of this enzyme, excessive blood clotting can occur, leading to complications. This condition can be inherited from a parent’s gene or, in some cases, acquired by the person. Some of the symptoms of TTP include petechiae, which are small, flat red spots on the skin caused by the leaking of blood in the blood vessels. Purpura is another symptom in which the bleeding causes red, purple, or brownish-yellow spots. Other signs include fast heart rate or shortness of breath, headache, confusion, coma, stroke, seizure, nausea, fatigue, fever, and diarrhea. Diagnosis The healthcare provider may ask for the patient’s health history and family history to check for any inherited diseases.

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a constant feeling of sadness and a loss of interest. It is among the world’s most common mental health conditions to occur in individuals where more than 8% of the country’s adult population is affected by it. The symptoms of depression are severe, with intense signs that may include significant changes in an individual’s appetite, sleep, and overall health. Here are a few other symptoms to not miss: Increased fatigue Fatigue is a sign of various physical and mental health conditions. However, when the fatigue persists and is not accompanied by other physical symptoms, it can be attributed to depression. Low energy levels and high fatigue levels are some of the most commonly occurring warning signs of depression. Lack of focus Another warning sign of depression is the inability to focus, which can significantly impact a person’s daily routine and prevent them from completing tasks that would otherwise be relatively easy. Mundane activities such as paying attention in class or meetings, finishing homework, completing necessary chores, or reading a book can require tremendous effort. Regardless of the source of this lack of focus, it could be a warning sign of developing depression. Social isolation and withdrawal If someone is repeatedly declining invitations to social events or gatherings, it could indicate that they are beginning to experience depression.