Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux, causes heartburn. When the sphincter, which is at the base of the esophagus, malfunctions, acidic fluids from the stomach flow back into the food pipe, making one feel a burning sensation in and around the throat and abdomen. It is a common health condition, affecting 1 in every 5 people in the country. Some foods may trigger heartburn and should be avoided. Fried foods Deep-fried fatty foods take longer to digest compared to other foods, staying in the digestive system for longer. This results in the stomach making more acids to digest them. Fried foods such as onion rings and french fries are rich in unhealthy fats, making them key foods to avoid for heartburn management. Apart from delaying digestion, such foods tend to make the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) relax, making the gastric fluids back up into the esophagus. One should also avoid excessive butter, whole milk, sour cream, regular cheese, bacon, fat, ham, and lard, as well as desserts such as ice cream and creamy fruit salads when dealing with acid reflux issues. Coffee Caffeine is a major trigger of inflammation in people. Like fatty foods, caffeine-rich foods also relax the LES, resulting in the acids in the stomach flowing into the esophagus instead of passing through the excretory system.

The first sign of a blood clot that comes to mind is swelling and severe pain around an affected area. Unfortunately, these aren’t always the only signs of a developing blood clot. Several other unusual symptoms can indicate issues with your circulatory system. For example, this article will break down six unusual signs of blood clots to inform you of related health problems and know when to consult your healthcare provider. Unusual signs of blood clots A blood clot appears when blood becomes thick and accumulates in a body part. Blood clots can indicate underlying health conditions and are sometimes life-threatening if not detected and treated promptly. While there are many typical signs of blood clots, such as pain, swelling, and redness in the affected area, there are also some unusual signs to be aware of. Therefore, here are the six unusual signs of blood clots: Hives or rash Blood clots can sometimes cause hives (bumps) or a rash on the skin. These can be itchy and uncomfortable and may appear in the area where the clot has formed. Tingling or numbness Blood clots can also cause tingling or numbness in the affected area. For example, the clot can press on nerves and restrict blood flow to the surrounding tissues.

Chronic allergies are allergies that are persistent all year round and are commonly caused due to many environmental and indoor allergens. Prescriptions may help relieve allergy symptoms. However, many people are surprised to learn that making dietary changes can also effectively manage them. If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to controlling allergies, a food-elimination plan could be just what you need. Here’s a week-by-week meal plan for six weeks to tackle aggressive allergies. Best food elimination nutrition plan for allergies A six-food elimination nutrition plan identifies food allergies or intolerances by temporarily eliminating certain foods from your daily meals and then slowly reintroducing them to see if they cause any adverse reactions. The six most common foods that people with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), asthma, bronchitis, etc., are usually allergic to and which are eliminated are: Milk and dairy products Wheat and gluten-containing products Soy and soy-containing products Eggs and egg-containing products Fish and shellfish Tree nuts and peanuts Here’s a sample six-food elimination meal plan: Week 1 Eliminate milk and dairy products from your meal routine. Read food labels carefully and avoid anything that contains milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, and butter. Week 2 Eliminate wheat and gluten-containing products.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition characterized by red, itchy, and scaly patches that could appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, eyelids, joints, and nails. While the skin bears the primary impact, the disorder can take a toll on the patient’s overall health and well-being. It can also eventually lead to the development of other health conditions, including hepatic diseases, hypertension, certain types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and more. Metabolic syndrome Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a collection of ailments that occur together and affect metabolism and cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of diseases like diabetes and stroke. A few symptoms of metabolic syndrome include high blood glucose, high blood pressure, and abnormal body cholesterol levels. Although the connection between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome is unclear, genetics and high inflammation are believed to be the common causative factors of both ailments. Cardiovascular diseases People with psoriasis have a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This is because psoriasis causes inflammation, which can damage blood vessel walls and increase the risk of plaque buildup. Interestingly, some psoriasis treatments can also raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes Diabetes is another condition liked to psoriasis. Patients with severe psoriasis have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The brain is the control center of the body and impacts everything one does. According to certain studies, excessive intake of foods rich in saturated or trans fats can lead to poorer memory and impaired thinking. However, eating the right food can help prevent cognitive decline and keep the brain functioning optimally. As food plays a key role, here are six foods that can help boost brain health and prevent memory loss: Blueberries Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, are rich sources of anthocyanins that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anthocyanins can reduce oxidative stress on the body, thus controlling conditions that may lead to brain damage or neurodegenerative diseases. Berries have also been associated with improving the neural links in the brain and supporting its health and cognitive functioning to improve memory. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli are laden with antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress on the brain. Cooked broccoli is also a rich source of vitamin K, which is important for forming sphingolipids, and has been linked to improved memory and cognition. Fatty fish Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, herring, and sardines are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The brain utilizes these healthy fats to build brain and nerve cells, making them an important part of cognition and memory.

People with breathing conditions like asthma, COPD, or seasonal allergies need to be careful about the foods they eat. A healthy meal supports maintaining a strong body, particularly the lungs. Seating position changes and pursed lip breathing are two methods for relieving breathing problems. Certain foods may lead to increased mucus production, inflammation, and other respiratory issues. This article discusses six of the worst foods for people with this issue. The worst food for breathing problems Dairy products Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can be harmful for people with breathing issues. These products contain casein, a protein that can cause inflammation and mucus production in the airways, making breathing difficult. Fried foods Fried foods contain a lot of trans fats, which can cause inflammation. This can aggravate respiratory symptoms and make breathing difficult. Fried foods are also high in calories and can contribute worsening breathing issues. Processed meats Processed meats, such as sausages, bacon, and other red meats, contain a lot of sodium and preservatives, which can cause inflammation and fluid retention. This can make breathing difficult, particularly for those suffering from COPD. Sugar Sugar is a major inflammatory factor in the body, and can exacerbate breathing problems.

Regular health checkups are an important part of preventive healthcare. You can make the most of these checkups by being proactive during the examinations. This means asking your doctor the right questions regarding all your health concerns. With this, you will have a better understanding of your health and wellness status. If you are wondering which questions to ask your doctor during a routine checkup, here are a few options to get you started: What is the impact of my family history on my health? Prior to your appointment, make sure you do thorough research on the health history of your family. Note the major diagnoses given to close family members, including your parents, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, and siblings. Based on this information, ask your doctor whether you should be making any lifestyle changes, undergo any tests, or keep tabs on symptoms or signs. Are your symptoms normal? It is normal to be concerned about certain changes in mental or physical health, symptoms like experiencing acute or chronic pain, a lump, changes in the sleep cycle, or extreme changes in body mass. A routine checkup is the best opportunity to ask doctors whether the changes or symptoms you are experiencing are normal or a cause for concern.

On the surface, there seems to be no link between what one eats and their hearing ability. While lost hearing cannot be restored through food alone, certain items, such as legumes, bananas, and broccoli, benefit people’s ears to an extent. Alternatively, some foods are just plain “bad” for the hearing parts of the body. This list predictably includes high-fat meals and processed foods. Some of the foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties are: Salted nuts Foods with high sodium content cause fluid retention in the ears. It can accelerate disorders such as Meniere’s Disease, an inner-ear condition in which people experience vertigo, hearing loss, and frequent spells of dizziness. To lower the possibility of developing this disease, one must avoid foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate) as it triggers migraine. Apart from sodium, salty foods also tend to worsen the sound in one’s ears, especially in people with food allergies. Unfortunately, salted nuts contain sodium in large amounts. Therefore, people with existing hearing issues must stay away from this food. Coffee According to certain research studies, regular coffee intake can bring about constriction in the blood vessels in and around the ears. This results in reduced blood supply to a frequent coffee consumer’s inner ear.

Dehydration occurs when one loses more fluid than they take in, leaving the body with inadequate fluid to function properly. This condition can occur to anyone; however, it’s more dangerous in older adults and children. One of the most common causes of dehydration in young children is vomiting and severe diarrhea. On the other hand, older adults are more prone to the condition because of the naturally low volume of water in their bodies. Top 4 unusual signs of dehydration Usually, some of the most common symptoms of dehydration are constipation, fatigue, or dizziness. However, sometimes a few ignored signs could also indicate the presence of this condition. Hence, here are some of the unusual signs of dehydration to look out for. Bad breath The saliva in the mouth has antibacterial properties. However, dehydration can prevent the generation of saliva, leading to an increase in the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This can cause bad breath, which also occurs when one wakes up in the morning. Dry or flushed skin In most cases, when one is dehydrated, they may produce an increased amount of sweat. However, when the individual goes through the different stages of dehydration, they may notice dry skin.

Breathing is an involuntary process that is often taken for granted. However, how one breathes can significantly impact one’s health, particularly lung health. Many people make common breathing mistakes that can affect their lung capacity and overall respiratory function. By understanding these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, one can promote healthy lung function and improve mental health and clarity, reduce stress, and even strengthen immunity. Chest or shallow breathing Chest breathing involves taking short and shallow breaths, limiting the air that reaches one’s lungs, especially the lower part of the organ. Stress is another factor that leads to taking shallow breaths. So, breathing like this involuntarily can bring a false sense of stress in the body and cause other problems. To remedy this, one can practice deep, mindful breathing exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes daily to improve one’s lung capacity. Mouth breathing Nose breathing lets the body filter and humidifies the air from dust and allergens. Mouth breathing, on the other hand, may cause inflammation in the airways or make one more vulnerable to infections. Mouth breathing can also lead to various health problems, including sleep apnea, dry mouth, snoring, and bad breath. If one feels congested or has trouble breathing through the nose, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional for potential causes and treatment options.

The urinary system is an integral part of the body that helps to eliminate waste and excess fluids. Many people, however, make certain common urination mistakes that can harm their bladder health. It is important to maintain bladder health by avoiding these errors and seeking expert attention if there is any discomfort while urinating. Besides bladder health, it also benefits one’s general well-being. Here are six peeing mistakes to avoid to keep your bladder healthy. Mistakes to avoid while peeing Holding it in for too long Holding urine for long periods can lead to urinary tract infections and other bladder-related issues. It can also cause bladder muscle stretching, which can impair bladder control. Therefore, it’s important to urinate as soon as the urge strikes and not to wait too long. Rushing while peeing Rushing through the urination process can also be bad for the bladder. Rushing through the process can result in incomplete bladder emptying, leaving behind leftover urine and causing infections and other bladder issues. Therefore, it is essential to wait and ensure the bladder is empty while peeing. Not drinking enough water Dehydration can cause concentrated urine which irritates the bladder lining and leads to infections and other bladder issues.