Foods and beverages provide the necessary nutrients to support physical and mental activity for growing children and adults. However, the body gradually loses its ability to break down foods and beverages to extract and absorb nutrients effectively with advancing age. Even some underlying health complications can trigger nutritional deficiencies, forcing one to take supplements extracted from natural foods and beverages. Here are five crucial mistakes to avoid while taking supplements: Taking too many supplements The body can absorb and process only a finite amount of nutrients daily. So, taking more can trigger unnecessary complications without any of the inherent benefits of supplementing. More is not always healthy, especially regarding supplements made from synthetic extracts. Also, not all vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can be taken at once since mixing supplements has multiple side effects, even the most basic ones for boosting immunity and overall metabolism. Combining the wrong supplements together Never take calcium and iron supplements together, as calcium lowers the body’s ability to absorb iron effectively. The same applies to magnesium and calcium, which should never be taken together. It’s alright to take them apart at long intervals. Vitamin C is great for boosting immunity, and vitamin B12 helps boost energy and cognitive function and improve mood.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is produced by the liver. It helps in the formation of cell membranes, hormones, and vitamin D. Although cholesterol is needed by the body, too much of it can cause multiple health problems, especially for the heart. Moreover, since cholesterol cannot travel through the body, particles called lipoproteins do the job. Let’s understand these in detail and learn about the symptoms of increasing cholesterol levels. Forms of lipoproteins LDL is a form that makes up most of the cholesterol found in the body. However, too much of LDL puts the heart at a high risk of developing diseases like stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The high build up of LDL on the walls of the arteries is called plaque. HDL absorbs the cholesterol in the blood and brings it back to the liver. This is then flushed out of the body, therefore, higher levels of HDL are considered to be good for one’s health. Symptoms of increasing cholesterol levels There are no specific early signs of increasing cholesterol levels; however, one should always be observant of the body’s responses to food, environment, and activities. In most cases, high cholesterol is only observed too late when it is already affecting the body with health illnesses like a stroke or heart disease.

The brain is the most complex organ in the human body and controls all movements, functions, and responses. It comprises a network of nerves that sends and receives vital signals to the body. However, any abnormal activity in this electrical impulse can trigger seizures. Some people only experience mild seizures, while others develop chronic seizure disorders like epilepsy. Here are the warning signs of a seizure to look out for prevention: Cognitive symptoms Minutes before the seizure, one might experience multiple discomforts that affect cognition, for example, confusion and anxiety, starting with a general feeling of uneasiness. Some people also experience headaches and become irritable before a seizure. Abrupt movements Uncontrolled movements, like sudden jerking of the arms or legs, are also warning signs of a seizure. A developing seizure will disrupt vital communication signals from the brain that control gross motor skills. One might even experience physical uneasiness that causes the body to become stiff. No balance  Losing consciousness is also one of the precursors to developing seizures. A person may blackout moments before the seizure kicks in and fall suddenly, having no control over balance or gross motor skills. Falls are commonly associated with severe seizures, but a person might feel dizzy right before the seizure, which affects overall balance and consciousness.

There are probably several things in your house that have the potential to harm your eyes if you don’t take adequate precautions. You need to be extra careful, especially when you have kids around the house. While some of these products can be done away with, most are often considered essentials. So you’ll have to take action appropriately and store the essentials as required. Here’s a list of harmful household products that could hurt your eyes. Household cleaners Nearly all household cleaners you buy from the supermarket contain tons of chemicals, including bleach and ammonia. Both of these irritate the eyes. From floor cleaners to window cleaners, floor polishing waxes, furniture polish, drain cleaners, toilet cleaners, bathroom cleaners, multi-surface cleaners, and glass and mirror cleaners can contain these chemicals. This is why it is always important to read the labels and follow the usage and storage instructions. Use these products in a well-ventilated space with the spray nozzle pointed away from you. Vinegar Vinegar is one of the most versatile and useful household products. You not only use it while cooking but also for getting rid of stains and other purposes. However, you need to be careful while using it.

While daily tasks have become easier with the invention of products that help keep homes safe and increase efficiency, it is important to know the risks of such seemingly harmless everyday items. While some household products can pose physical harm due to their design, many have been linked with an increased risk of diseases like cancer. One should also lower the risk of being exposed to carcinogens found in daily objects and find safer alternatives. Scented candles Many scented candles available today are made with products like petroleum, paraffin, and perfumes. Because of these ingredients, when the candle is lit and the burning process starts, the fragrance one can smell is just harmful chemicals and smoke. These chemicals have carcinogenic properties that are harmful to the body. So, one should check the ingredients in such products and avoid using them too often. One can always choose candles made using soy wax, which is a healthier alternative. Asbestos roofing and insulation Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals known to be resistant to heat and corrosion. Because of these unique properties, asbestos is used extensively, for example, in insulation, fireproofing materials, wallboards, and automotive brakes. The risk here rises when fibers break and can easily be breathed in and get lodged inside the lungs.

Blood pressure measures the force or pressure of the blood in the arteries. These readings are given in systolic and diastolic numbers. The systolic pressure (top number) is the maximum heartbeat pressure, and the diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the amount of pressure in the arteries between beats. A typical healthy average reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. When measuring blood pressure, one must be careful and avoid making common mistakes, such as: Using the wrong-sized cuff One of the most frequently occurring mistakes is using the wrong cuff size. A large cuff will give falsely low readings, while a smaller cuff will give falsely high readings. According to the American Heart Association’s blood pressure measuring guidelines, the length and width of the cuff should be 80 and 40 percent of the arm circumference, respectively. Generally, doctors carry three cuff sizes – large adult, regular adult, and pediatric – that fit a majority of the population. However, doctors working with younger patients may require multiple smaller-sized cuffs. Incorrect patient positioning Getting accurate blood pressure measurement also requires the patient to be seated properly. For instance, a poorly supported back or feet may increase a reading by six to ten points, an unsupported arm may raise it by ten points or more, and sitting with one’s legs crossed may raise it by two to eight points.

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the body’s equilibrium by filtering waste, regulating fluid balance and electrolyte levels, and producing hormones essential for various bodily functions. Any impairment in kidney function due to various reasons can lead to a range of symptoms. Some early indicators may suggest compromised kidney function. Understanding these signs can enable individuals to take proactive steps, seek medical assistance promptly, and minimize the risk of further complications. Signs of poor kidney function Changes in urine color, smell, and consistency If one notices any changes in the color, frequency, or smell of one’s urine, it is usually considered an early sign of kidney disorder. One may experience an increased need to urinate, especially at night, which can disrupt normal sleep patterns. Conversely, one may see a significant decrease in one’s urges to urinate, which leads to a buildup of waste products and fluid retention in the body. Similarly, if one’s urine smells foul or has changed color to dark, foamy, or bloody, it may be a cause for concern. Changes in appetite and taste Poor kidney function can impact the digestive system, and individuals may experience a persistent metallic taste in the mouth or a significant loss of appetite.

The liver performs several crucial bodily functions. For instance, it eliminates toxins, supports digestion, and helps store essential nutrients. However, specific lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can affect the organ, lowering its performance and increasing the risk of severe complications. When that happens, one may develop numerous symptoms. Here are a few such signs of liver damage individuals should not ignore and immediately get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Jaundice Jaundice, characterized by the yellowing of the eyes and skin, is also called yellow fever. The ailment develops when there is a buildup of toxic compounds and waste products in the body, which the liver cannot filter out. Bilirubin is an example of such a toxic compound, formed when the body breaks down old or damaged red blood cells. When the liver cannot appropriately filter out bilirubin from the body, its buildup gives the skin, eyes, and even the mouth a yellow tint. One’s urine may also turn dark and the stool pale when suffering from jaundice. These are potential signs of liver damage that should never be ignored. Fatty liver disease Fatty liver disease is a common term for numerous illnesses that affect the liver when too much fat accumulates in its cells.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that leads to the inflammation of the colon and the rectum in the body. There is no cure for this disease and it can get challenging to deal with the symptoms; however, there are some management techniques that can help relieve them. It is important to be observant of these signs that may indicate the development of ulcerative colitis to start the management plan immediately. Diarrhea This is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis, which is often also followed with pus or blood in the stool. This diarrhea is caused due to the inflammation in the digestive tract. It becomes difficult for the colon to process the food and the waste due to its inability to absorb the water from it properly. Due to this, the stool is loose and watery in nature. Some other signs to be careful of include abdominal cramps, urgency to use the bathroom, increased bowel movements both at night and day, and also the feeling of incomplete bowel movement simultaneously. Fatigue This is another common symptom experienced by people with ulcerative colitis. Due to the inflammation in the colon, the body is constantly responding to fix this, causing the energy to drain.

The market has many products to clean the house and keep it smelling fresh. However, not all of them may be as safe as you think. Some cleaners have harsh chemicals and ingredients that can harm you, the other members of your house, and even your pets. So, it is crucial to research well before choosing items to use at home. Here are some common household products that harm lung health and must be avoided. Cleaning solutions Most cleaning solutions, including floor, window, countertop, rug, and oven cleaners, have volatile organic compounds that potentially threaten the lungs. When used, volatile organic compounds release harmful gasses into the air, which can worsen COPD symptoms. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term used to describe a group of diseases that block the airflow to the lungs and create breathing-related issues. What is more worrying is that the gasses from volatile organic compounds can have effects that last for years. Besides volatile organic compounds, household cleaners have ammonia and bleach, ingredients that can be harmful when their quantity is not regulated. Research studies suggest that women who used cleaning products more frequently or worked as professional cleaners and used these products noticed a rapid decline in their lung health as opposed to those women who did not use these cleaning products regularly.

A heartbeat is the contraction of the heart to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. One’s heart beats irregularly or quickly when affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition affects millions in our country and is often caused by changes to the heart’s tissue or electrical signaling. Eating the following unhealthy foods may trigger or worsen the symptoms and suppress the effects of AFib treatments. Sausages Processed foods like sausages are easy to prepare and can be found in most supermarkets. However, they are unhealthy for people diagnosed with AFib and must be excluded from the meal plan. These foods are high in calories, preservatives, and salts, which may negatively impact the heart. Poor heart health can, in turn, trigger or worsen the condition’s symptoms. Besides sausages, other processed foods one should exclude from their meal regime include bacon, ham, and frozen foods like burgers and pizzas. Coffee Coffee is a go-to beverage for those who want a quick energy boost during long hours at work. Studies have shown that controlled amounts of the drink could improve one’s health in specific instances. However, too much could lead to excessive caffeine in the body. Since caffeine stimulates the cardiac system, it could trigger episodes of AFib.