Dark circles under the eyes can be a bothersome concern. They are often attributed to various factors, including genetics, lack of sleep, stress, and poor nutrition. While concealer can offer a temporary fix, addressing the issue at its root is essential for long-lasting results. Incorporating specific foods into one’s routine can be an effective and natural way to diminish dark circles. This is, of course, in combination with a dermatologist-approved skincare routine. Here are a few foods that can help reduce dark circles: 1. Almonds Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin E, which is known for its skin-nourishing properties. This vitamin helps protect the delicate skin around the eyes from oxidative damage, reducing the appearance of dark circles. Additionally, almonds are a good source of fiber, healthy fats, and protein, contributing to overall skin health. 2. Avocado Avocado is a treasure trove of nutrients, including vitamin K, which plays a pivotal role in blood clotting and circulation. By promoting healthy blood flow, avocado helps prevent blood from pooling beneath the eyes, a common cause of dark circles. Moreover, the natural oils in avocados provide deep hydration to the skin, contributing to a more youthful and refreshed appearance. 3.

A cold sore is a condition in which individuals develop blisters on or around their lips. These fluid-filled blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which jumps from person to person through close contact or sharing items like lipstick or utensils. The virus gets activated and flared up by specific triggers every so often, resulting in an outbreak of cold sores. Here are some unusual triggers for cold sores: Sunlight The sun triggers some aspects of the herpes simplex virus to cause rabid cold sore outbreaks. The sun’s UV rays inflame and irritate the skin if exposed for too long. People with cold sores will suffer the irritation and inflammation caused by UV rays in the form of blisters in and around their lips. UV rays tend to suppress an individual’s immune system and activate or awaken the dormant elements of cold sores in some people. Apart from UV rays, freezing temperatures can also trigger blistering by drying up one’s lips. All in all, if an individual has cold sores already, they must avoid being exposed to the sun constantly. Fatigue People with cold sores who are exhausted or rundown are more likely to experience flare-ups of the condition.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig’s disease after the famous baseball player who succumbed to the disease, is a motor-neuron condition characterized by the breaking down of nerve cells in the body and leading to a degeneration of the brain and spinal cord. Approximately 5.2 per 1,00,000 individuals are affected by this neurodegenerative disease each year nationwide. Here are some early warning signs of ALS that can facilitate timely intervention: Early warning signs of ALS Difficulty walking This health condition begins with muscular weakness, which eventually poses difficulty standing and walking. Thus, ALS patients may require assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs as the disease progresses. Problems with chewing and swallowing Since ALS involves the weakening of the masseter and temporalis muscles responsible for chewing and swallowing, individuals with ALS face difficulties carrying out these activities independently and may require assistance while having their meals. Muscle cramping Muscle cramping is a highly prevalent symptom among patients with ALS, reportedly affecting 95% of patients with this condition. Spasticity Muscle weakness due to ALS may progress to muscle tightness or spasticity, making it difficult for patients with this disease to move the different muscles in their bodies. Loss of control over emotional expression Some patients with ALS may experience a momentary loss of control over their emotional expressions, such as crying or laughing.

Eating nutritious foods is incredibly essential, especially for those with heart conditions. Certain ingredients can affect the organ and worsen existing issues, while others can help maintain heart health without compromising taste. When switching to a healthier food plan, experts recommend starting the day with the right breakfast. This first meal should support the heart and provide energy for the tasks ahead. Here are five heart-healthy breakfast ideas to try today. Whole wheat pancakes Adding whole grains to meals is a great way to keep heart health in check and potentially decrease the risk of developing cardiac diseases. Experts suggest whole grains can also help reduce cholesterol and the risk of a stroke. One of the best ways to consume whole wheat in the mornings is to make whole wheat pancakes for breakfast. Follow the usual pancake recipe, but use whole wheat flour over unhealthy varieties. Have them with seasonal fruits and a little blueberry syrup for extra deliciousness! Quinoa breakfast bowl Quinoa is another heart-healthy food that can easily be incorporated into breakfast. It contains a lot of fiber, which can help lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes and keep cholesterol and blood sugar in check. Since this ingredient is also rich in antioxidants, it may help prevent heart damage.

Cord blood (that is left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth) contains special cells that can be beneficial in treating more than 70 types of conditions, including some genetic disorders, neurologic disorders, and even some forms of cancer. This method of stem cell banking has grown leaps and bounds in technology and popularity today. However, there are many myths floating around about cord blood banking. Here are five of them debunked: Myth 1: Banked blood stem cells are only good for 18 years Most blood banks offer cord blood storage for 18–20 years. Due to this, many people believe that stem cells ‘expire’ post this point. However, if stored safely, cord blood cells can last indefinitely. Myth 2: Taking blood samples from the birth mother is unsafe for the baby When the mother arrives at the hospital for delivery, a tiny amount of blood is drawn from her (before fluids are given). This blood is sent to a laboratory to run an infectious disease panel to screen any potential risks or threats for the child. Some people believe that giving extra blood before delivery can be dangerous. However, since a very small amount is drawn, this poses no risk of an unsafe delivery for the mother or child.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a respiratory condition characterized by obstructed airflow, leading to breathing difficulties. Individuals with COPD often face symptoms like persistent coughing, increased mucus production, shortness of breath, and wheezing, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Managing COPD necessitates a comprehensive approach, with suitable food choices playing a crucial role. Proper nutrition can help optimize lung function, strengthen the immune system, and enhance overall well-being for individuals with COPD. 7 foods that worsen COPD symptoms Processed foods Processed foods, often convenient but nutritionally lacking, can pose challenges for individuals with COPD. These items are typically high in sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, which can have detrimental effects on respiratory health. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, potentially placing extra strain on the heart and lungs. Trans fats, commonly found in processed foods, have been linked to inflammation, which can further compromise respiratory function. For those managing COPD, it is advisable to scrutinize food labels and opt for whole, unprocessed alternatives to support optimal lung health. Cauliflower While cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower offer a wealth of nutrients, they can sometimes lead to excess gas production in the digestive system.

Flawless and ageless skin is a dream for most people. As we age, the appearance of our skin changes with fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. But there are several skin care techniques we can follow to prevent this. When it comes to restoring a youthful appearance, attention to detail is essential. These 5 skincare mistakes are often overlooked and could mostly be the culprit behind aging skin. So, avoid them to achieve healthy, youthful skin. Irregular cleansing of face Removing your make-up before going to bed is widely spoken about. The sooner you clean your face after a day of make-up, the better. Pollution leads to embedding free radicals on our skin, which can take a toll on skin health, and lead to acne and irritation. Further, leaving make-up on will clog your pores and worsen these conditions, which is why you must remove the day’s make-up as soon as you get home. It is also essential to wash your face off in the morning. Throughout the night, our skin removes impurities and restores its balance. Ignoring a morning cleanse can lead to a build-up of these impurities, which can affect your skin and its aging process. So make sure you develop a balanced skin cleansing routine to detoxify your skin and clear it of any impurities to maintain healthy and supple skin.  If you want to improve your skincare routine, you can take a look at brands like Tatcha.

Food is a significant factor that can either aggravate or help better manage multiple sclerosis. Some foods are labeled inflammatory as they increase the level of inflammation in the body, worsening symptoms like bladder and bowel problems, cognitive changes, and fatigue. They can even result in further progression of the condition. Therefore, patients must choose foods wisely and avoid anything that can aggravate the disorder besides making other lifestyle changes. Saturated fats Saturated fats are among the common triggers of multiple sclerosis symptoms. They can aggravate the condition and reduce the patient’s life expectancy. Saturated fats also increase LDL cholesterol levels in the body, which is the leading cause of diseases like heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Foods like red meat, cheese, and butter are some commonly known sources of saturated fats to steer clear of. Sugary foods Almost everyone knows the effects of adding sugary foods to the regular menu. It not only impacts oral hygiene but also causes changes in a person’s metabolism and other health indicators. Further, increased sugar intake can result in increased fatigue in patients. And since fatigue is already a common symptom of multiple sclerosis, sugar intake must be reduced. Not doing so can lead to decreased physical activity and further flare-ups.

Bronchitis is a health condition involving bronchial tube inflammation. Patients typically cough up mucus and experience several other symptoms, including mild fever, sore throat, body ache, sinus, and shortness of breath. Bronchitis is typically bifurcated as acute bronchitis, lasting for a definite period, and chronic bronchitis , a long-term ailment. Timely treatment, adequate care, and lifestyle changes can steadily heal patients with bronchitis. Here are some foods you must avoid if you are suffering from bronchitis: Dairy Dairy products can trigger mucus production and aggravate one’s bronchitis symptoms. Thus, patients with bronchitis must consider limiting or avoiding dairy and dairy products and switching to non-dairy protein sources like lean meats, soy and soy milk, almond milk, and eggs. Sugary drinks and desserts Aerated drinks and beverages loaded with sugar are associated with inflammation, aggravated cough, and lung irritation. Consequently, they can severely impede the recovery of patients with bronchitis and should be strictly avoided. Sugar, in general, is detrimental to individuals with lung diseases — individuals with a high glycemic index may experience hyperglycemia symptoms, including the need to urinate frequently. Such symptoms can culminate in breathing issues, proving harmful to patients with bronchitis. Thus, avoiding or highly restricting your sugar intake is best for a speedy recovery from bronchitis and bronchial infections.

Schizophrenia is a chronic neurological, psychiatric disorder that develops in less than 1% of people in the country, mostly during later adulthood. It has no definitive cure yet, but it is possible to manage the symptoms in the long run. To diagnose it in time, doctors stress the importance of everyone at-risk knowing the common and uncommon symptoms of the disorder. Here are the top five psychological changes that can indicate schizophrenia. 5 uncommon signs of schizophrenia in adults Abrupt and unexplained changes in behavior Schizophrenia triggers many unusual catatonic behavioral changes that stand out from the common symptoms. For example, people may change their posture abruptly to sit or stand in an extremely uncomfortable position. Some also exhibit wavy flexibility with their arms and legs, also called cataplexy. Many people may also sit still doing absolutely nothing for prolonged periods. In addition, studies suggest that impulsive excitement and increased activity levels are telltale signs of catatonic behaviors. Note that the severity of these behavioral changes will vary depending on the condition’s progression. Not all changes will manifest simultaneously, and not all people with schizophrenia will develop all the symptoms. Changes in speech and abilities Though rare, many disorganized symptoms can also be an indicator of schizophrenia.

Skin conditions can be an underlying symptom of many health conditions and lifestyle choices, so it is important to educate yourself about the dos and don’ts of skin health. Here are some tips that will help you from developing unfavorable skin conditions. However, always make sure you are aware of the changing factors like food, other health complications, environment, and genetics that may lead to skin diseases in some people. Foods to avoid Milk Animal milk and dairy products from the same can cause acne in some people. Studies suggest that dairy contains amino acid leucine and this can cause excess sebum production in some people, leading to acne. It is also observed that hormones present in milk may cause an imbalance in the body. High glycemic index Foods that have a high glycemic index raise the blood sugar levels in the body, which leads to excess insulin production. When the body produces more insulin, it stimulates androgen hormone production and sebum causing acne breakout in individuals. This also triggers those with sensitive skin. Some of these foods include chips, cookies, hard drinks, sweet beverages, refined grains, sugary cereals, white bread, and foods with added sugar. Fried foods This is no study that concludes fried and junk food is the best meal anyone can have.