Lupus is an autoimmune condition that affects people in multiple ways. Primarily, it causes inflammation of the skin and joints, and also the brain, heart, and lungs. As a result, one may experience fatigue, joint pain or stiffness, skin rashes, kidney problems, dry eyes, chest pain, mouth sores, and low blood cell count. Recognizing these early signs can help one seek timely treatment. Additionally, here are some things to avoid when dealing with the condition: Unhealthy foods Healthy foods are imperative for managing lupus symptoms. While there is no doctor-recommended list of foods for the condition, one can benefit from excluding the following trigger foods – Garlic: Garlic tends to enhance the production and activity of white blood cells, which can help fight infections like the cold or flu. But for conditions like lupus, where the immune system is overactive, garlic intake may backfire. While not entirely bad for health, garlic is best eaten in smaller quantities and avoided during flare-ups. – Processed food: Processed food like sausages, pork, red meat, bacon, and other packaged junk food contains high amounts of saturated fats, which can trigger lupus flares. – Sugary foods : Sugary foods like sweets, cakes, donuts, and syrups are associated with many health issues and are best avoided.

Our bones perform various crucial functions, like facilitating movement, providing the body with a structure, and protecting the internal organs. But unfortunately, many people do not have healthy bones. Around ten million nationwide have osteoporosis, while 44 million have bone-density issues. Low bone density and weak bones increase the risk of fractures and mobility problems. The following are a few ways to prevent bone diseases and build strong and healthy bones. Choose calcium-rich foods Bones are the primary calcium reservoirs, with nearly 99% of the body’s calcium concentrated in them. Thus, calcium is vital for optimal bone health and physical well-being. To acquire calcium, one’s meal plan should consist of foods rich in this nutrient, such as dairy and dairy products (if one is not lactose intolerant), soybeans, leafy green vegetables, figs, and lentils. Have foods rich in vitamin D Studies have shown that the body requires vitamin D to produce a specific hormone essential for optimal calcium absorption. Therefore, besides having foods high in calcium, one should incorporate vitamin D-rich foods into their meals. Salmon, tuna, beef liver, eggs, mushrooms, and vitamin D-fortified orange juice are a few foods that ensure calcium absorption and facilitate stronger bones. Engage in physical activity Exercise has many positive effects on the bones and the muscles.

Human lives are dependent on the health of a pair of lungs, which deliver oxygen to the cells and remove carbon dioxide from the body. Consequently, lung problems must be addressed promptly to avoid further complications and detect diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and chronic cough should see a pulmonologist for timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are some key questions to ask a pulmonologist: What is causing my symptoms? Understanding the underlying cause(s) of a problem is essential to figure out an effective treatment course with one’s pulmonologist. Sometimes, treatments may help address the symptoms but may not deal with the root cause, which may cause the disease to relapse. For example, living in a highly polluted region may have caused or contributed to one’s asthma, or an unhealthy lifestyle may have been a significant cause of a COPD diagnosis. Discussing one’s lifestyle, geographical area, genetic factors, etc., with a pulmonologist can help one identify the possible root cause of lung disease. What are my treatment options, possible side effects, and best intervention? Almost every treatment course may have some side effects. Individuals with certain lung conditions or weak immunities may not be able to withstand the side effects of certain treatments and might require a different approach.

Getting a good night’s rest helps the body and mind recover from the physical and mental exhaustion one experiences throughout the day. Adequate rest is not only essential for recovery but also for maintaining vital metabolic and hormonal functions that are required to keep the organs running and prevent health complications. One should also prioritize rest to avoid dealing with the side effects of sleep deprivation that can affect overall health: Memory problems The brain needs adequate rest at night to be energized and function properly during the day. Lack of sleep affects cognitive functions that control memory. Sleep deprivation has a major impact on the connections the brain forms at rest that control short- and long-term memory. Poor analytical thinking Sleep deprivation also affects rational thinking and the ability to process information. One may also have trouble focusing, which can affect decision-making even when it comes to routine tasks. Mood swings Sleep deprivation affects the hormonal balance in the body and, as a result, the mood. Persistent lack of sleep can make one more irritable, short or quick-tempered, and emotionally unstable, increasing the risk of anxiety or depression. Elevated blood pressure and glucose Sleep regulates metabolic activities and processes, so without proper rest, the digestive and circulatory systems will not be able to function at optimal capacity.

The digestion and excretion processes are vital for maintaining our overall health. Yet complications with the gastrointestinal system, such as constipation and gas, are least discussed. And this is because people are primarily uncomfortable talking about their gastrointestinal health. Fortunately, a gastroenterologist could address any queries one may have about gastrointestinal health and also recommend remedies and treatment methods. So here are a few questions that one can ask their gastroenterologist. What is the cause of excessive gas? One of the most common factors in gastrointestinal health that most people do not talk about is passing too much gas. The condition could occur due to flatulence, i.e., swallowing more air than usual or eating food that is difficult to digest. Gasses may also build up when the body digests food and needs to get rid of it through flatulence or belching. However, too much gas could also occur because of health problems such as recurring indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD). So one is better off speaking to an expert who will help them diagnose the condition. Are   unusually colored feces normal? An individual might find that the color of their feces is different occasionally and worry about it.

Sleep is an integral part of one’s health. Yet, between 50 and 70 million people suffer from sleep or wakefulness disorders, and more than a third of the population reported getting less than 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, the recommended amount of sleep for healthy adults. Sleep is often overlooked for work, leisure, travel, or other factors. Fortunately, there are ways to improve sleep quality by avoiding these six common sleep mistakes: Not having a consistent bedtime While some people are comfortable with changing sleep schedules daily, most people find adjusting difficult. Setting a consistent bedtime routine can help the body’s internal body clock build a strong sleep-wake cycle, contributing to improved sleep quality as well. Failing to set a bedtime/unwinding routine When assessing sleep physiologically, researchers report a slowing down of brain wave activity, heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and more. Setting an unwinding routine can help reach this stage. To achieve this, you can engage in reading, listen to relaxing music, take a warm shower, or do light stretching. It is also advisable to avoid vigorous exercise just before bed and have a 2-hour gap between your last meal and bedtime. Having a poor sleep environment While sleeping, the environment needs to be conducive to sleep.

Besides enhancing one’s smile, healthy teeth reflect one’s personal hygiene and overall physical health. Unfortunately, over a quarter of adults in the country suffer from untreated tooth decay. Oral health is essential to one’s life and should not be overlooked. Timely detection of oral health conditions and a healthy lifestyle can help facilitate healthier teeth and gums. In addition, it is essential to avoid certain unhealthy habits that can damage one’s teeth: Biting one’s nails Nail biting is a common but highly unhealthy habit that can damage one’s teeth and jaw considerably over time. It can even lead to jaw dysfunction and cause teeth cracking and pain. Painting one’s nails is an effective way to curtail this habit. Not gargling after every meal Several food particles typically get lodged in cavities and between the teeth after meals. Gargling after every meal is essential to ensure that these particles get dislodged easily. Moreover, gargling removes tartar and bacteria accumulated in the teeth. One may use a mouthwash or simply gargle a solution of salt and water after meals to ensure good oral hygiene. Grinding one’s teeth Many adults are affected by teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Often a subconscious habit, it can occur during the day in up to one-third of adults and at night in 1 in 10 individuals.

Gastric sleeve is a bariatric surgery also known as sleeve gastrectomy. It involves the removal of a portion of the stomach. It is a safe and popular option for people looking to make significant changes to their body mass. While this surgery can offer life-changing benefits, one should understand its effects before opting for the procedure. From short-term discomfort to long-term changes in eating habits, one should know what to expect following the surgery. Diarrhea A common side effect of gastric sleeve bariatric surgery is diarrhea or loose stools. This could be attributed to the intake of liquid food for a while after the surgery. However, once the patients move to solid foods, diarrhea can go away on its own. Back pain Excessive body mass is known to strain the back muscles. While a gastric sleeve is a bariatric surgery that helps reduce this strain, the muscles continue to hold on to the tension state for a while after the procedure. The tension remains till the spine does not realign to the new body structure. Back pain can also result from the loss of adipose tissue that cushions the spine. Nausea and vomiting Nausea is a common after-effect of most surgical procedures.

Bone generation is an ongoing process. The human body constantly creates new bones to maintain a strong skeletal structure. As a person ages, the process of maintaining healthy bone structure slows down and can begin as early as the 20s or 30s, resulting in a loss of bone density. Unhealthy lifestyle choices and nutrition mistakes can accelerate this process, leading to premature bone loss. Read on to learn more about unhealthy habits to avoid for healthy bones. Eating unhealthy foods Excessive salt consumption harms the bones because the processed salt found in chips, fried foods, and fried snacks forces the body to lose calcium faster than it can be replenished. Also, drinking beverages that are rich in refined sugars, preservatives, artificial coloring, and additives all impact bone health. Flavored sodas, packaged fruit juices, and carbonated beverages are unhealthy food choices that trigger calcium loss, thus weakening the bones. Daily nutrition directly impacts bone health, especially the vital joints for mobility. Leading a sedentary lifestyle Sitting for hours on end and not being proactive can also lead to bone health deterioration. Simple physical activities like walking, jogging, or lifting weights help improve bone density. However, neglecting the 30 minutes of exercise recommended by physical therapists will only increase the risk of bone loss and fractures.

Fertility issues are common these days, affecting nearly 15% of couples. While conceiving and becoming parents can be physically and emotionally demanding, especially for first-time parents, one can opt for various treatment alternatives to ease the process. Moreover, changes in lifestyle and nutritional habits can help improve fertility. However, remember that severe complications like a blocked fallopian tube necessitate immediate intervention by a health expert. Read on to learn about healthy foods that improve fertility. Top 5 foods that can improve fertility Sunflower seeds This food item is a rich source of vitamin E – a nutrient that has been found to boost sperm count and motility in a few patients. The seeds are also high in selenium and folate, which are crucial for fertility in both genders – male and female. In addition to the above, sunflower seeds contain generous amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that can regulate hormones and improve blood flow to the uterus. Avocados Fruits such as avocados can also prove immensely helpful in increasing the folate count in the body. Moreover, it has been found that this fruit is also rich in potassium and vitamin K, which can regulate blood pressure and hormonal levels. But while eating the fruit, one must remember that it contains high amounts of calories – approximately 150kcal for half an avocado.