Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal (GI) or digestive conditions. These may occur anywhere along the digestive tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, liver, intestines, colon, and rectum. Some common GI diseases include cirrhosis, Crohn’s Disease, GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, colon polyps, and certain forms of cancer. When visiting a gastroenterologist, having a list of questions for your doctor can help put your mind at ease. Seemingly uncomfortable questions to ask your gastroenterologist Diagnosis-related questions It is natural to be worried and imagine the worst scenarios before getting your diagnosis. Rather than continuing with that line of thought, it is advisable to ask your doctor questions like: What tests will be conducted to diagnose the condition? How should I better prepare for these tests? Are the tests conducted one after the other or simultaneously? How long will the results take, and do I visit you with the results? Are there any risks associated with these tests? Ailment-related questions Once you have gotten diagnosed, it is best to truly understand the condition by asking the following questions: What are the possible underlying causes of the condition? How will this condition affect my daily life? What symptoms should I watch out for? Are there any specific dos and don’ts to follow? Is this a chronic or recurring condition? What are the usual treatment options? What are the signs of a serious complication with this condition? Family-related questions In some cases, the disease can be hereditary or contagious. Thus, it is vital to know if any preventive measures can be taken by asking the questions below. Is this condition contagious? Can I infect others by being in close proximity or sharing items with them? What precautions can I take to avoid passing on this condition? Is this a hereditary condition?

Though migraine headaches are not considered dangerous, the throbbing sensation on one or both sides of the head can seriously impact one’s daily routine. Various sensory, visual, or nutritional triggers can aggravate migraine episodes or cause the discomfort to persist. However, simple changes in daily food habits can provide some relief for patients. A few food items and beverages that help manage migraine symptoms and prevent pain from worsening are listed below. Fatty fish Fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and trout are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids that naturally counter inflammation and prevent painful migraine flare-ups. Leafy greens Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens, and broccoli are rich sources of magnesium and excellent antioxidants that fight inflammation and prevent frequent flare-ups. Sweet potatoes Sweet potatoes boast excellent nutrients, including beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins, that actively help counter the inflammation triggering migraine attacks. Avocados Avocados are one of the richest sources of plant-based omega-3 fats that help prevent inflammation and fight oxidative stress. Avocados also contain vitamin D and magnesium to alleviate migraine pain. Assorted berries Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, are all excellent sources of antioxidants with the potential to relieve the pressure on the sinus due to migraine attacks. Bananas Sometimes, low blood sugar can cause energy levels in the body to drop and trigger a headache or worsen migraine episodes. Bananas contain magnesium, an essential nutrient that prevents migraines from worsening. Watermelon Dehydration is one of the leading trigger factors of migraine episodes. Watermelon, with its 92% water content, can easily rehydrate a person and prevent migraine symptoms. Furthermore, it’s a great fruit to have during the summer. Mushrooms Mushrooms contain essential riboflavin (vitamin B2) that is proven effective in reducing the frequency of migraine episodes. Nuts and seeds Tree nuts like almonds are packed with magnesium to counter migraine symptoms.

Schizophrenia is one of the most complex mental disorders. Individuals struggling with the condition often experience symptoms like delusional thinking, hallucinations, and social isolation. The condition significantly affects cognitive ability, leading to trouble perceiving emotions or controlling behavior. Patients need multidimensional support, including special care and dedicated treatment. Other remedies, such as eating a healthy meal plan, can help. For example, foods can determine one’s mood, so it’s important to know the most nourishing foods for schizophrenia. Here are a few foods that patients with schizophrenia can include in their meal plans: Lentils Lentils are reasonably priced food items that contain many nutrients, from protein and fiber to essential vitamins and antioxidants. These superfoods help boost the production of a brain chemical called serotonin, which regulates one’s mood and behavior. Apart from that, it also stabilizes one’s sugar levels and keeps one energetic. Broccoli Studies show that this cruciferous vegetable has high levels of antioxidants, sulforaphane, vitamins, folic acid, zinc, and fiber. People with schizophrenia may experience chemical imbalances in their brains, which sulforaphane-rich foods like broccoli can regulate. Whole grains People with schizophrenia struggle to satisfy their hunger and may not feel full even after meals. In addition, the patients may also see a hike in their body fat due to schizophrenia treatments. So, foods rich in fiber, like whole grains, can help one feel full for a long time. These may include wheat, rye, barley, and millet. Avocado This is another food high in fiber that contains healthy monounsaturated fats. This combination can help reduce brain inflammation and keep one feeling full. Berries These sweet fruits, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are rich in antioxidants and known to improve one’s cognitive function, reduce brain damage, and maintain a healthy heart. They are low in calories and versatile, making them a perfect snack or ingredient in different dishes.

Caring for the teeth isn’t just about brushing, flossing, and using an expensive mouthwash. Lifestyle habits can also affect one’s oral health. Certain bad habits inadvertently damage the teeth, causing them to become chipped or cracked. They also increase the risk of gum injuries, jaw and bone disorders, and bacterial infections that cause severe discomfort. From biting the nails to eating too much sugar, here are six bad habits that damage the teeth. Biting the fingernails Nail biting is a bad habit people develop unknowingly. Since the nails hold dirt and debris, it’s unhygienic. Biting the nails repeatedly can also cause weaker teeth to chip off. Further, the jaw assumes a protruded position while biting, which can lead to jaw disorders that are hard to rectify. The best way to avoid this habit is to trim the nails regularly. Chewing, grinding, and clenching Chewing hard foods can chip the teeth or erode their surface. Hence, experts recommend softening the foods with saliva before biting them down with brute force. Clenching and grinding are subconscious habits some develop at night. Dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard to prevent the upper and lower jaw from grinding excessively. Using the teeth for unnecessary tasks Using the teeth to cut open strips of sticky tape, packages, or hard substances can cause them to chip off and grind away. The teeth aren’t tools that can open stuff up. Doing so only damages the molars and increases the risk of gum injury. Brushing irregularly and incorrectly Irregular brushing speeds up tooth decay and leads to yellow stains, plaque, and cavity buildup. Similarly, using a hard-bristled toothbrush can prematurely erode the enamel (outer layer) and expose the dentin to infections. Using toothpicks Using toothpicks to eliminate tiny food particles in an improper manner increases the risk of gum injury and infection.

The immune system is the primary defense mechanism employed by the body to actively protect against disease and prevent health complications in the long run. Even changes in daily nutrition and certain unhealthy lifestyle choices directly impact immunity. But the more important concern here is to identify the signs of a weak immune system so that immediate treatment and preventive care can be given for recovery. Here are the top indicators of weakened immunity. Elevated stress Stress is often referred to as the silent predator as it causes a high rise in cortisol levels in the body. An excess release of cortisol in the bloodstream lowers the white blood cell (WBC) count, the body’s central disease-fighting cells. Low WBC triggers a hormonal imbalance that directly affects a person’s immunity, leaving the body vulnerable to known diseases. Continuous stress can severely affect organ function and cognitive health. Fever Developing a fever indicates the body’s immune system is working hard to fight off a reaction or infection. There are also multiple autoimmune responses (triggers of the immune system) that directly impact a person’s overall health. With fever, a person also develops fatigue that impacts their daily routine. Frequent sickness An illness that persists or takes longer to recover from is a clear sign of a weak immune system. That is because the body cannot produce disease-fighting cells to counter the source of the illness. Also, developing an unusual sickness triggered by a bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection is serious and requires immediate healthcare intervention. Digestive problems Chronic constipation or diarrhea indicates digestive problems that flareup up due to the body’s inability to support hormone and metabolic functions. These changes are rapidly triggered because a significant chunk of the immune system is in the gut along the digestive tract. So, the first signs of infections impact digestion and bowel movements.

For many adults, neck and back pain are common occurrences. The reasons can vary from bad posture, a sedentary lifestyle, or a chronic health disorder. Most often, the culprit is the wrong sleeping position. The position you sleep in can affect your neck and spine health. So it is essential to adopt some of the best sleeping positions for the neck and spine to ensure you do not wake up again with a sore neck or back. Here are a few positions that can help prevent and alleviate neck and spine pain: Recline the back Sleeping on your back in a reclining position can help alleviate and avoid pain caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis. Invest in an adjustable bed since you can’t recline a normal bed. You can align it in a way that gives you the most comfort and support. Reclining can benefit your spine by forming an angle between your trunk and thighs. This will lower the pressure on your back. Keeping a pillow underneath the knees Lay on your back and place a pillow under your knees. The pillow helps to maintain the natural curve of your spine. For extra support, you can place a small, soft towel rolled up right beneath the small of your back. Sleep on your side and place a pillow between your knees If you are not comfortable sleeping on your back, try this position. Sleep on your side so that your shoulder and one side of your body touch the mattress. Then, put a pillow between your knees. There might be a small gap between the mattress and your waist. Here, you can place a smaller pillow for additional comfort and support. Sleep in a fetal position Another good sleeping position for the neck and spine is sleeping on your side, curled up in a fetal position.

People enjoy wearing outfits that they come across on social media. It can be quite enjoyable to anticipate upcoming fashion trends. But there might be occasions when you might notice rashes on your skin without any underlying cause. And this could be due to the damaging effects on your well-being due to certain outfits in your wardrobe. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of these six clothes that could harm your health. Skinny jeans Despite their fashion appeal, skinny jeans may compress nerves in the groin and legs, reducing blood flow to the lower legs. The phenomenon could lead to muscle damage, numbness, and swelling. The tight clothing may also damage the skin barrier that protects you from infections. Therefore, you should reduce the time spent in skinny jeans or switch to more comfortable options. Control-top tights Restrictive shapewear like stockings and spandex may lead to pressing against your body. It could result in excessively pushing against your organs, resulting in stomach pain and acid reflux. While you could still wear control-top tights, save them for special occasions and reduce the time you spend wearing them. Leggings The clothing items are usually much closer to the body and rub against the skin. Therefore, leggings could pick up sweat and oil in this process, and repeated use without washing could lead to fungal infections like scaly skin patches and ringworm. So it is important to wash them regularly to keep them free from germs. Bathing suits Bacteria and yeast tend to develop in bathing suits due to their synthetic fabric, which can trap moisture and increase the possibility of infections. If you need to wear a bathing suit, change into dry bottoms as soon as you finish the swim. Colored underwear Fabric dye irritates the skin around the male and female genitalia.

Excess sugar is linked to multiple health issues, from diabetes to cardiovascular diseases and chronic illnesses. With the increasing availability of packaged foods and baked goods at local stores, it is possible to go overboard with sugar if one is not careful. However, one can keep an eye out for common signs of excessive sugar and limit sweetened food and drink. So, here are a few signs of high sugar intake to recognize: Frequent sugar cravings If one eats too much sugar, they will continue to crave sugary foods and beverages. This is because sugar intake releases dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure in the brain, so one can crave this feeling and indulge in more sweet foods. So, if one notices persistent cravings, it could be a sign that they need to limit sugary foods and find healthier alternatives. Energy crash This is a common and often unnoticed sign of excess sugar intake. Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not lead to constant energy throughout the day. The ingredient is responsible for an instant boost or rush of energy as the body gets busy utilizing this sugar. However, due to a rapid rise in blood glucose, the body produces insulin to balance the excess sugar. This leads to a sudden drop in blood sugar levels and energy, making one feel fatigued and tired. Skin issues A visible early sign of excessive sugar intake is persistent skin issues. High sugar intake can lead to inflammation, which is the cause of major diseases, including skin conditions. Here, conditions like rosacea, eczema, and acne can be triggered. Collagen is a protein that maintains skin elasticity, making one look young. Excessive sugar can cause collagen to break down faster. Excessive thirst When one has a lot of sugar, the kidneys have to work harder to filter out the excess glucose from the bloodstream.