Breastfeeding is a universal way to nourish a newborn. Many mothers exclusively breastfeed their baby for six months, which is the minimum duration doctors recommend around the world. During this phase, nursing mothers need to have healthy, nutritious foods as this is how infants get the nutrients they need. Additionally, certain foods can help increase the milk supply. So here are a few superfoods that are ideal for nursing mothers:  Avocados This superfood is loaded with nutrients like heart-healthy fats that can help new mothers feel full for long periods. Breastfeeding mothers usually feel frequent hunger pangs due to having to nurse often. Further, women need more calories during their nursing period. This is why avocados are a great and versatile option for filling recipes. The fruit contains essential vitamins and is a versatile option to add to meals.  Nuts Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts are great snacking options for new mothers. These nuts are usually high in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins K and B. They are known to be lactogenic and also excellent sources of healthy fats and protein, essential for babies and mothers alike.  One can have these nuts by the bedside to make them easily accessible. Coconut Coconut consumed in any form is great for nursing mothers as it is high in fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Additionally, coconut contains high amounts of fiber that help regulate bowel movement. Also, it is especially recommended for breastfeeding mothers as it helps improve the milk supply. Further, coconut water is full of electrolytes that can serve as a great source of hydration for breastfeeding mothers. Beans and legumes These are a great source of protein and vitamins essential for one’s overall health. Additionally, some legumes, such as chickpeas, have been categorized as galactagogues (or lactation boosters)—foods that increase breast milk supply.

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.

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes. During an infection, the immune system in the gut becomes active and produces cells and proteins that make the gut nerves more sensitive, affecting one’s digestive health. The gut experiences bloating and pain as a result of highly sensitive nerves. A low-FODMAP diet, which calls for avoiding foods high in certain carbohydrates (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols), has been shown to relieve the symptoms of IBS. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The portions of the GI tract that are most usually impacted by Crohn’s disease are the terminal ileum and cecum.

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.

Resorts are among the most popular accommodations for individuals, couples, and families on vacation. With their lush gardens, swimming pools, and overall laidback vibe, resorts are the perfect destinations for relaxation. However, not all resorts offer the best facilities and services, making some of them not worth the money. Say, a lack of cleanliness, improper security for guests, or poor service can make the stay unpleasant. So, here are some resorts one should avoid: 1. Resorts with poor housekeeping services Many budget-friendly resorts may compromise on cleanliness. Often, their staff may have not undergone proper training to keep rooms clean and sanitized at all times. So, one must not settle for unclean accommodation when they plan their vacation. While making holiday plans and booking accommodation online, one must check customer reviews to see if anyone has complained about unclean rooms, lobbies, pools, or hallways. Upon finding multiple complaints of poor housekeeping services, one should reconsider their decision to book a stay at the resort in question. 2. Poorly rated resorts Online ratings and reviews play an important role in the service and hospitality sectors. One can simply look up the name of a resort, and they will find everything there is to know about it through online ratings given by former guests. Along with guest ratings, one can read through good and bad stay experiences in reviews and understand what to expect during their stay. So, resort ratings can act as a meaningful reference point for those looking to book a stay. Resorts with poor ratings and reviews must be avoided, especially if a large number of guests have given the resort a negative review. Here, the chances of an unpleasant stay are higher. 3. Resorts with bad security Vacationers often take their families, including children, to resorts to get access to a variety of amenities in one place.

In a world where sugar-laden treats and beverages are readily available, the impact of excessive sugar consumption on our health cannot be ignored. Studies show that consuming too much sugar can lead to more than tooth decay, it can also increase the risk of heart disease. If left unattended, it may cause cardiovascular health complications. So identifying the early signs is important as it enables individuals to proactively address their eating habits and protect their hearts. What is the link between high sugar intake and cardiovascular health? Excessive sugar consumption can raise one’s blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. It also triggers the liver to release harmful fats into the bloodstream and can contribute to chronic inflammation linked to heart attacks and strokes. The slow digestion of sugary foods provides a steady energy supply to cells, further exacerbating these effects. On the other hand, consuming foods that are high in nutrients and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, has proven to be effective in lowering the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Besides this, excessive sugar intake can cause unhealthy fat accumulation in the abdomen, resulting in inflammation, insulin resistance, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Early signs of heart disease due to excess sugar intake Chest pain Chest pain is a common symptom of diabetic heart disease. Individuals with diabetic heart disease may experience chest discomfort, pressure, tightness, or pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. These symptoms typically occur during physical exertion or emotional stress, when the heart’s demand for oxygen-rich blood exceeds its supply due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Shortness of breath Unexplained shortness of breath, even during mild physical activity or rest, can indicate diabetic heart disease. The impaired heart function may lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, resulting in difficulty breathing.

Lung cancer is a form of cancer that starts in the lungs. All of us have two spongy chest organs via which we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Lung cancer is one of the world’s top causes of cancer deaths. Some lung cancer symptoms include trouble breathing, chest discomfort or pain, wheezing, a cough that does not go away, and hoarseness. Read the article to know more about lung cancer, and its management options: Treating Lung Cancer Here are some tips for managing lung cancer: Treatment Options Here are the three most common prescription treatments to manage lung cancer: Gavreto: It is an FDA-approved prescription treatment option for treating cancers caused by specific gene changes. It comes as capsules and is orally consumed. It is available in a single strength of 100 mg. Gavreto contains pralsetinib and is a RET inhibitor. Doctors prescribe Gavreto for metastatic NSCLC (Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer) that has rearranged RET genes or mutated. Doctors recommend a dosage of 400 mg once daily. It implies you will take four tablets at a time. Pralsetinib: It is another prescription remedy for treating metastatic NSCLC. Even patients with RET fusion-positive gene tumors also opt for Pralsetinib. Before prescribing Pralsetinib, the medical professional conducts a test to assess the RET gene fusion. It is an antineoplastic that intervenes with cancer cell growth and destroys the existing malignant cells in the body. The prescribed dosage for Pralsetinib will be different for different patients. So, please follow the instructions given by your doctor. Afatinib: It helps treat some NSCLCs that have spread to the other body parts or surrounding tissues. It is an antineoplastic agent and falls under the kinase inhibitor category to confine the action of the naturally occurring substances that make the cancer cells multiply. It must be orally consumed only once a day on an empty stomach, an hour or two after a snack or a meal.

Bacteria are commonly perceived as harmful organisms to be avoided at all costs. However, very few know that many of them play a vital role in maintaining our gut health. Probiotics are good bacteria that our gut craves to eliminate the harmful bacteria from our body. Even though several sources of probiotics are available, like fermented foods and supplements, there is no tastier way to include good bacteria in meals than yogurts, as discussed below: What are the key probiotic benefits for the body? Your body, specifically your gut, is composed of trillions of microbes called the gut microbiome. When you eat or drink something, your gut microbiome balance is affected, which comprises both good bacteria and harmful bacteria. When an infection attacks your body, the number of harmful bacteria exceeds the number of good bacteria in your guts. To destroy these bad guys, your body requires good bacteria from external sources. When probiotics from external sources like supplements or fermented foods enter your body, they attack the harmful bacteria to restore the equilibrium of your gut microbiome, making your colon strong and helping your body to fight off infections. Some of the typical disease symptoms that probiotics help in managing include diarrhea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and lactose intolerance. This is because they help in disintegrating fibrous foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, and specific fruits. Among the various existing probiotic types, Lactobacillus acidophilus is the most commonly available as well as the most beneficial one. It maintains blood sugar levels, promotes overall digestion, and strengthens your body to fight off yeast infections. It is typically combined with two other probiotics called Lactobacillus casei and Bifidus regularis to make it more effective in enhancing intestinal health. You can also find L. acidophilus in miso, tempeh, cheese and sauerkraut.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and rests between beats is higher than the normal range (120 over 80). This changes according to the activities one does throughout the day. Hypertension is known as a silent killer because its symptoms usually go unnoticed until it gets to an advanced stage. Here are some signs and symptoms one should watch out for before it gets too late. Headaches It is normal to get headaches, but if you have persistent and throbbing pain, it may be a sign of hypertension. This is especially noticed when you wake up in the morning. Dizziness One could feel dizzy for several reasons, and hypertension should not be ruled out as the illness causing this symptom. Some people may even experience fainting due to high blood pressure. So be aware of any changes in your body’s normal functions. Blurred vision The eyes contain many tiny blood vessels, which, when subjected to high blood pressure, may lead to rupture of these vessels. It could lead to retinopathy or blood vessel damage. This lack of blood flow to the retina can lead to blurred vision or even loss of sight. Chest pain When one experiences high blood pressure, it can damage the arteries. The condition makes the arteries less elastic, leading to decreased blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This can increase the risk of developing heart diseases like angina, which causes chest pain. Shortness of breath The arteries carry oxygen to the lungs through the heart. When one experiences hypertension, the arteries do not contain enough oxygen to carry to the lungs. This can lead to shortness of breath even in regular everyday tasks. Fatigue and weakness Generally, a lack of energy is a warning sign of hypertension.

A person’s skin is a reflection of their lifestyle and the foods they eat. If an individual follows a good skincare routine, such as bathing daily, moisturizing the skin regularly, and drinking plenty of water daily, their skin will remain fresh, soft, hydrated, and, above all, healthy. On the other hand, certain unhealthy nutritional and lifestyle habits are incredibly harmful to one’s skin. Here are some habits that can worsen one’s skin health. Chatting on the phone constantly Most people do not regularly clean or wipe their phone screens, allowing bacteria and germs to accumulate on its surface. On top of that, people spend a lot of time resting their chin or cheek against their phones. It causes the bacteria to come into contact with the skin directly, causing eventual, long-term breakouts and skin infections. Additionally, leaning one’s phone against the face causes friction, heat, and complete or partial blockage of certain blood vessels, leaving the skin in much worse condition. To avoid this, one can use a headset to prevent their face from touching their phone screen. Ignoring moles A mole can be a severe issue; however, most people ignore them, considering they are harmless. Moles are more than just prickly dark spots that one develops during certain seasons. Moles are an indicator of melanoma in people too. Therefore, one should not simply ignore moles on their skin. The right solution to avoid serious health issues like skin cancer is to get a mole screening done at least once yearly by an experienced dermatologist. During such examinations, one must ask the expert to inspect moles in the less-than-obvious skin areas, such as the soles of one’s feet, under the nails, and on the scalp. Eating sugar-rich foods often Foods heavy on sugar have been scientifically found to speed up the aging process, a change that is almost instantaneously visible on a person’s skin.

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a severe health condition that silently develops within the stomach lining, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This makes early detection and diagnosis challenging, as the disease is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage with limited treatment options. However, understanding the early warning signs and symptoms associated with gastric cancer can be crucial for early intervention and improved prognosis. Let’s look at some of them. Persistent indigestion One of gastric cancer’s earliest and most common symptoms is persistent indigestion or dyspepsia. If one frequently experiences discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, accompanied by bloating, heartburn, or a feeling of fullness even after consuming small meals, it could be a sign that something is amiss. While indigestion is often attributed to food choices or stress, it should not be ignored if it persists for weeks or months. Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen region In some cases, gastric cancer can cause the stomach to enlarge or swell due to the growth of the tumor. This enlargement may lead to a visible and palpable mass in the abdominal area. So, if one notices unusual swelling or enlargement of the abdomen that cannot be attributed to bloating, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Although this symptom may be less common than others, it can still indicate gastric cancer. Abdominal pain Chronic or recurring abdominal pain is another potential symptom of gastric cancer. This pain is often described as a gnawing or burning sensation in the upper abdomen, which may come and go or persist over time. Even though there are many causes of abdominal pain, persistent discomfort should prompt a medical evaluation to rule out all underlying conditions. Nausea and vomiting Gastric cancer can lead to nausea and vomiting, particularly after meals.

Periods tend to be synonymous with menstrual pain, cramps, and other symptoms and are a hassle for almost every individual who menstruates. Approximately 80% of menstruating individuals experience period pain at some point. Period management involves several effective strategies and home remedies to alleviate discomfort and ensure hygiene and safety during this time. In addition, being aware of certain common period mistakes can help ensure a more hassle-free menstrual cycle: Changing pads and tampons infrequently Tampons and pads are a hotbed for the accumulation of bacteria, regardless of the amount of flow. Such bacteria can cause vaginal and urinary infections and emit an unpleasant odor. Individuals with normal blood flow should change their pads or tampons once every 3-4 hours, while those experiencing heavy menstruation should do so more frequently. Being dehydrated The body loses more fluids during menstruation than on other days. Thus, it requires more water to perform various functions, including regulation of body temperature and bowel movements, lubrication of joints, and supply of oxygen and nutrients to cells. Lack of water intake can slow down these functions, increasing weakness and fatigue. It is advisable to have a bottle of water handy throughout the day and set reminders if required to take water breaks frequently during one’s period. One may also incorporate other healthy fluids, such as fresh fruit juices, smoothies, soups, and herbal tea, into one’s meal plan to stay hydrated. Using scented pads or tampons While scented pads and tampons may seem like an idea to avoid unpleasant odors, these can cause extreme discomfort, itching, and irritation. Moreover, these products alter the vagina’s pH balance, causing issues like yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. It is best to steer clear of scented menstrual products, using only regular pads and tampons, to avoid menstrual complications. Not having nutritious foods Although period cravings are quite common among individuals who menstruate, it is best to limit junk foods during one’s menstrual cycle, as the body loses vital nutrients through period blood.