A person’s immune system is critical for their survival. People tend to have longer and healthier lives when their immunity is consistently strong. Good, nutritious food is important in maintaining one’s immune system’s strength. On the other hand, certain foods can have a detrimental effect on one’s immunity. Sugar is one such food element that weakens the immune system. Here are some signs of a poor immune system due to excessive sugar intake: High-stress levels Stress has always been associated with weakened immunity in people. That is why, after a particularly stressful day at work, people are more likely than not to call in sick the following morning. Stress results from weakened immune responses caused due to illness or other bodily conditions. Stress tends to decrease the count of the body’s lymphocytes, the white blood cells responsible for battling infection. Sugar consumption causes a stress response in one’s body. Anxiety and stress are closely linked with a person’s blood sugar rising or falling. Blood sugar triggers various mental health issues, such as depression, insomnia, a lack of focus, memory issues, a constant feeling of being overwhelmed, inflammation, and other issues. A reason for these problems is that sugar suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in a person’s brain. This axis regulates stress responses in individuals. So, effectively, when a person has a sugar rush, they feel happy and euphoric for a while because of the dopamine release. However, those sensations are accompanied by lingering anxiety as the body eventually loses its natural capability to handle stress. Fever Diabetes and fever are two more points at which sugar and immunity weakening converge. When a person’s body temperature exceeds normal, their immune system works doubly hard to fight certain infections. Mild fever is a sign of certain autoimmune conditions too. People with extremely high blood sugar also tend to develop infections more often than those who do not have the health condition.

The adverse effects of eating too much sugar are not limited to just diabetes and dental issues. The liver, responsible for detoxifying the body and regulating metabolic processes, can also fall victim to sugar overload. Individuals who relish sweets too often should learn to recognize the signs of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake. Besides listing the indicators of liver damage, this post discusses how to maintain liver health to prevent complications. Signs of liver disease due to excessive sugar intake While the symptoms listed below could result from several conditions, they are commonly linked to kidney disease, which may occur gradually due to high sugar intake: Fatigue and weakness Persistent fatigue and weakness are common signs of liver disease. When the liver is overwhelmed by excessive sugar intake, it becomes inflamed and suffers from cell damage. As a result, its ability to store and release glucose for energy production can get affected. When the body’s cells and tissues do not receive glucose, individuals experience unexplained fatigue and a general lack of energy. Abdominal discomfort Liver disease caused by excessive sugar intake can result in abdominal discomfort. Individuals may experience pain where the liver is located. This symptom can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by bloating or a sense of pressure. Jaundice Jaundice, characterized by yellowed skin and eyes, mainly develops when the liver cannot properly filter a waste product called bilirubin from the blood, created when red blood cells are broken down. If someone notices a yellowish tint in their skin or eyes, they should seek expert attention immediately. If ignored, jaundice can lead to severe complications, including brain damage. Dark-colored urine Changes in urine can indicate liver dysfunction. Dark urine is often a sign of increased bilirubin levels in the body, which can affect the working of the liver.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV), commonly known as herpes, is an infection that may result in painful blisters or ulcers. The disease is primarily spread through skin-to-skin contact. There are two types of the herpes simplex virus, type 1 and type 2. According to researchers, around 3.7 billion people under age 50 are diagnosed with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection, and about 491 million aged 15 to 49 globally with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. Symptoms There are a few things that one should note about the symptoms of the herpes simplex virus. Most people with herpes do not experience any symptoms or only mild symptoms. Others might not even be aware that they have the infection and may pass it along to others unknowingly. The symptoms of the condition may include painful, recurring blisters or ulcers. Furthermore, new infections may result in body aches, a fever, and swollen lymph nodes. An individual with the disease might experience varied symptoms during the first episode of infection than when it recurs. If symptoms occur, they might begin with itching, tingling, or burning sensations near where the sores appear. The common symptoms of oral herpes include blisters (cold sores) or open sores (ulcers) around the mouth or lips. One may also notice signs, including blisters, bumps, or open sores around the genitals or anus. These developments are typically painful. Furthermore, the blisters may break open, ooze, and then crust over. One may have repeated outbreaks of the herpes simplex virus over time, but these are usually shorter and less severe than the first outbreak. Causes We have established that the herpes simplex virus spreads from one person to the next through close contact. Therefore, an individual might contract the virus by touching a herpes sore. However, people usually develop complications from an infected individual who does not have sores.

Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) lung disease is a rare but serious respiratory condition caused by a group of bacteria of the same name. MAC lung disease occurs when these bacteria invade the lungs, leading to respiratory problems. Recognizing the signs of MAC lung disease is crucial for early diagnosis and management. This article delves into the various indicators of MAC lung disease and explores remedies to alleviate its symptoms and support lung health. Signs of MAC lung disease Here are a few common signs to know about: 1. Persistent cough A persistent cough is often one of the earliest signs of MAC lung disease. The cough may start out mild but can gradually worsen over time. It may produce mucus or phlegm and persist for several weeks or months. 2. Fatigue Unexplained fatigue and weakness can be indicative of MAC lung disease. Individuals may experience a persistent lack of energy, making everyday activities more challenging. 3. Shortness of breath Shortness of breath, also known as dyspnea, can occur as the disease progresses. It may initially be mild but can become more pronounced, making it difficult to engage in physical activities or even perform routine tasks. 4. Chest pain Chest discomfort or pain may occur in individuals with MAC lung disease. This pain can vary in intensity and may be exacerbated by coughing or deep breathing. 5. Fever and chills Fever and chills can be intermittent or persistent symptoms of MAC lung disease. An unexplained fever, often accompanied by night sweats, should be a cause for concern. 6. Clubbing of fingers Clubbing is when the fingers and sometimes the toes become enlarged and rounded at the tips. It can be associated with advanced stages of MAC lung disease and indicates reduced oxygen levels in the blood. 7. General malaise A sense of overall discomfort and unease, or malaise, can accompany MAC lung disease.

Alopecia, or in colloquial terms,  hair loss, is a condition impacting over 80 million people in the country. Several causes of hair loss may include genetics, excessive stress, hormonal fluctuations caused by menopause or pregnancy, harmful haircare like bleaching or perms, chemotherapy, fungal infections, thyroid disease, and many more. Even though not all types of hair loss  (like cicatricial alopecia) are reversible, here are some key ways to manage them. Consult a health professional without delay Shedding 100 strands per day is expected in humans. With new strands replacing the older ones, the loss of previous strands hardly makes any difference. However, receding lines or thinning regions can be observed on the scalp when little or no hair grows back to replace the lost strands. This is when the patient must consult a health professional to ascertain the cause of their hair loss and seek appropriate treatment. To identify the exact cause of alopecia, the doctor may inquire about the patient’s genetic history, hair care routine, and food habits. Besides that, they may also conduct a physical examination along with tests like a pull test, blood test, light microscopy, and scalp biopsy. Depending on the type of hair loss the patient suffers, the health professional will prescribe specific treatment plans comprising oral prescriptions and surgeries. Some of the most common treatments the doctor may prescribe are: Hair transplant The doctor recommends a hair transplant when the patient experiences a receding hairline due to female or male pattern baldness. This treatment option can reverse the hair loss condition permanently. Corticosteroids These are steroids made up of synthetic versions of hormones generated by the adrenal glands. The doctor prescribes these injections when the patient suffers from patchy alopecia areata. The doses are injected every four to eight weeks into the thinning region of the scalp.

Our digestive system plays a crucial role in breaking down food and absorbing nutrients for producing energy. The gut, or stomach as it is called in simple terms, is where food is temporarily stored during the process. Certain harmful foods or lifestyle habits can affect the working of this organ, leading to severe complications in some people. The following are a few common signs of an unhealthy gut to look out for. Constipation or diarrhea An unhealthy gut can change the consistency and frequency of a person’s stools. Repeated cases of constipation (irregular bowel movements) or diarrhea (loose, watery stools) indicate the stomach is facing trouble processing food or experiencing microbial imbalance. Generally, people are advised to see a doctor if these symptoms last more than seven days and the frequency of passing stools rises considerably. Constipation and diarrhea can interfere with a person’s daily routine, so one should not delay visiting an expert. A lack of sleep Insomnia is a health condition where people find it hard to sleep at night. As a result, they feel tired throughout their day, which takes a toll on their productivity. A lack of sleep can result from various reasons, such as depression, anxiety, and cancer. Another common cause is an unhealthy gut. Most of the body’s serotonin, a compound that influences a person’s sleep patterns and mood, is created in the gut. So, when a person has stomach issues, it triggers serotonin imbalance. Consequently, they find it incredibly hard to sleep during the night. Acid reflux Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also commonly known as acid reflux, is a condition in which the digestive system does not work correctly, and, as a result, the digestive juices in one’s gut travel up the food pipe. This causes a burning sensation in one’s throat and upper abdominal area.

Maintaining steady blood sugar levels is critical for people with diabetes, but it can often be challenging. Patients are required to track what they eat, as certain foods can spike blood sugar, leading to health complications. To reduce the potential blood sugar swings, doctors recommended foods with a low glycemic index and foods high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This post discusses 12 foods that surprisingly spike blood sugar levels and should be avoided. Bananas Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, but specific options like bananas are best avoided. Bananas adversely affect blood sugar levels as they contain simple carbs and have a high glycemic index. To ensure blood glucose readings do not rise drastically, one should consider the ripeness of the fruit before eating. Green or unripe bananas usually have less sugar than yellow or ripe bananas. Oatmeal If one cannot do without oatmeal for breakfast, they should consider varieties that take a while to digest. Instant or processed oats often contain added sugars and are digested quickly, raising blood sugar levels. On the other hand, minimally processed oats metabolize slowly. Rolled or steel-cut oats are suitable for people with diabetes. Grapes Grapes are a great source of antioxidants but can be problematic for those with diabetes. While all fruits contain a natural sugar called fructose, grapes have the highest levels. Unsurprisingly, even a handful of this berry can rapidly raise blood sugar. So, to keep blood glucose stable, it would be wise to ditch grapes and include strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries in the meals. Fruit juices Fresh fruit juices are nutritious and have many health benefits, but those with diabetes should avoid them to keep their blood sugar under control. Fruit juices lack fiber and contain a large amount of fructose. A glass of fruit juice might be refreshing but is digested quickly, resulting in glucose accumulation in the bloodstream.

Acid reflux, commonly referred to as heartburn, is a discomfort that most adults experience on a regular basis. The stomach holds digestive juices that break down the foods and beverages consumed before moving them along the digestive tract. When these juices flow back up the esophagus, the resulting burning sensation and discomfort is called acid reflux. Here are some known causes, triggers, and habits that may inadvertently worsen the condition. Having a large meal The body can only absorb and process a certain amount of nutrients from foods and beverages consumed daily. Overeating only adds extra calories that remain unprocessed and adds to the body mass index, triggering the risk of high body fat, among other complications. Putting pressure on the stomach forces the gastric foods back up the esophagus. This happens as the esophageal sphincter relaxes, opening the valve connecting the end of the esophagus with the top of the stomach. The acidity content of these gastric juices is extremely high, and the upwards regurgitation is what triggers painful heartburn. Instead of having a large meal, doctors advise splitting up the same food into smaller portions and having smaller meals every couple of hours. Wearing clothing that presses against the stomach Wearing tight fitting clothes may be a stylish fashion choice, but this habit can trigger heartburn. Tight pants, jeans, or wearing tight accessories like belts and waistbands press against the stomach. Even if you don’t consume heavy meals and avoid beverages that lead to acidity, this extra pressure from tight fitting clothing pushes the stomach acids upwards. The added pressure also leaves the esophageal sphincter open, resulting in acid reflux. Taking a nap after having food One of the worst and severely underrated triggers of acid reflux is taking a nap immediately after having a small or large meal.

With increasing numbers of people prioritizing health and wellness, the fitness sector has been booming like never before. Several new as well as traditional fitness and wellness trends have been gaining traction across the globe. This is because there has been a seamless merger between the online and real-world as people pick up routines that use advanced technology while simultaneously taking them outdoors. Here are a few fitness and wellness trends to be explored. Wearable technology Wearable technologies have been trending for quite some time. Now, they are far more advanced and intuitive. From fitness trackers to smartwatches, these devices have become far more capable of storing personalized data to help keep track of fitness goals. Furthermore, these wearable techs can now be connected with several apps to have synchronized and fully connected workout experiences. Strength training using free weights Strength training has steadily become one of the leading fitness trends in recent years. Its popularity is because it is flexible enough to incorporate different routines. These include using weights, elastic bands, dumbbells, and weighted knuckles for full-body workouts to build resistance, strength, and core. Bodyweight training Bodyweight training involves using the body’s entire weight as resistance to perform different types of movements ranging from simple to complex. These movements can include running, push-ups, chin-ups, and even lunges. To do these, there is very minimal equipment required. Also known as calisthenics, this type of training is used to target large muscle groups. Functional fitness training Functional fitness training is best for those who like to make their body for everyday activities. Thus, it involves repeating the movements that you do on a day-to-day basis in a high-intensity and high-energy environment. The goal is to make the body stronger and fitter to do daily tasks such as bending over to pick up something or having a firmer grip to haul groceries.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that can cause recurring seizures. Today, there are different types of epilepsy where the cause of some is known, and for others, the causes haven’t been identified yet. This condition is quite common. It can affect people across genders and ethnic backgrounds. According to estimates, 1 in 26 people develop the condition. Fortunately, there are treatments available to control the seizures. This can include avoiding trigger foods. Foods that can trigger or worsen epilepsy In most cases, symptoms of epilepsy depend on the type of seizure. This is because the condition is caused due to certain activity in the brain. However, making certain lifestyle changes can help control the symptoms. Hence, here are some foods that can trigger or worsen epilepsy and its associated symptoms. Bananas While bananas have a variety of health benefits, their potassium content can cause health issues for people with epilepsy. Excessive consumption of the fruit can lead to high potassium levels in the body. This can give way to periodic seizures that can affect the quality of life of the patient. Therefore, patients are suggested to consume the fruit in fewer amounts or avoid it altogether. Coffee Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea often trigger an overactive central nervous system ( CNS). Furthermore, according to the Epilepsy Society, drinking high amounts of coffee can increase susceptibility to seizures. Hence, one must either consume coffee and other beverages in moderation or steer clear of them entirely to avoid triggering epilepsy-related seizures. Monosodium glutamate Also known as MSG, monosodium glutamate is often used in processed foods as an additive. This food additive, either singularly or in combination with others, can lead to excessive nerve cell firing. Hence, MSG can be considered one of the top triggers for neurological conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson, and more.

There is so much information on skincare floating around – from beauty bloggers and magazines to old wives’ lore tales. Sifting through this to find what truly works for your skin can sometimes feel like a herculean task. What happens to your skin can sometimes indicate what is happening within your body. Here are a few questions to ask your dermatologist at your next appointment to improve your skin’s health and glow: How should I regularly prevent and screen for cancer? Skin cancer is a frequently diagnosed type of cancer in the country. Despite this, very few people get checked for the condition regularly. According to certain experts, when caught early, there is a 99% survival rate for those with skin cancer. That is why it is important to have a candid conversation with your dermatologist to discuss your risk factors and family history and possible ways of screening and prevention. How should I monitor my moles? Sometimes, your moles may be a cause of concern. It’s crucial to stay aware of any warning signs of skin cancer because no one knows your body better than you do. Follow the ‘ABCDE’ test to recognize signs of melanoma at home: Asymmetry : Is one half of the mole different from the other? Border : Does the mole have an irregular border? Diameter : Is the mole increasing in size? Elevation : Is the mole elevated from the skin’s surface? Color : Has the color of the mole changed recently, or is it exhibiting multiple colors? If any of these is a worrying factor, it is important to consult a dermatologist. What is my risk for skin cancer? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 people in the country get skin cancer at some stage. Several factors can increase your risk for skin cancer, such as:

Black Friday is one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year, and it’s not just for big-ticket items like electronics and appliances. Pet owners looking to score some fantastic deals on cat food this Black Friday can find many premium cat food brands like Royal Canin, Whiskas, and Purina being heavily discounted. Based on past year trends, here are the top 10 Black Friday deals one can expect in different cat food categories. Dry cat food Dry cat food is a staple in many households with cats. On Black Friday, shoppers can expect discounts on large bags of dry cat food from well-known brands such as: 1. Inaba, Temptations, and Greenies discounted their dry food treats or kibble by up to 50%. 2. On the other hand, Chewy discounted their packs of lickable treats in different flavors, from chicken to scallops, by 46% through a promo code. Wet cat food multipacks Wet cat food can often be expensive, but Black Friday deals frequently include multipacks at a fraction of their regular cost. Shoppers should look for bulk offers on their preferred wet food brands to save money while ensuring their feline companions have a varied and enjoyable mealtime experience. 3. Last year, on Black Friday, Amazon gave a 28% discount on Catit Creamy, a versatile 50-treat lickable cat treat that could also serve as a food topper. 4. Chewy discounted a 20-pack of lickable puree tubes by nearly $20, allowing cat owners to treat their feline friends to moisture-rich snacks. This cat food came in four flavors: chicken, shrimp, chicken and cheese, and scallop and chicken. 5. The Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry and Beef wet cat food variety pack dropped from $22 to $19, offering a 13% discount. Grain-free options Black Friday often provides deals on specialized cat foods for cats with dietary restrictions or those who prefer grain-free options.