Sickle cell disease is characterized by cells becoming curved and losing their flexibility. As a result, they can get stuck in small blood vessels and prevent oxygen flow to vital parts of the chest, joints, and belly. There are a couple of warning signs that may indicate the development of this disease. Here are six symptoms to look for. These can help one seek immediate treatment and diagnose the condition at the earliest possible time. Shortness of breath An individual may experience breathing problems due to allergies, asthma, infections, or inflammation. But this may also occur because of health complications like sickle cell disease. The phenomenon can be triggered when the abnormal cells block blood and oxygen flow from reaching the lungs. Other symptoms associated with the chest include coughing and chest pain. Fatigue The smaller size of the red blood cells may restrict oxygen flow to other parts of the body compared to healthier RBCs. The lack of oxygen may lead to fatigue, the constant feeling of no energy, and tiredness. Headache Individuals may experience acute and chronic headaches from sickle cell disease. This might occur due to lower oxygenation of organs such as the brain. Others may also be susceptible to symptoms like dizziness. One should get these signs checked by a healthcare expert immediately. Trouble with mobility The lack of sufficient oxygen supply to various muscles might lead to trouble with mobility. Some individuals may experience muscle cramping, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, vision changes, or increased pressure in the eye. Yellowing of the skin Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, is a common symptom of sickle cell disease. The abnormal cells do not survive for as long as normal cells. As a result, the liver cannot filter all the dead cells out as fast as it should.

When dry age-related macular degeneration progresses to an advanced stage, it is known as geographic atrophy (GA). It is called “geographic” because the regions of atrophy look similar to a map when a doctor examines the retina. GA reduces a person’s ability to read, drive, and recognize faces by affecting their central vision. While GA cannot be cured entirely, here are a few things to avoid to slow down its progression: Exposure to sun The sun’s ultraviolet light can have harmful effects on the eyes. This will cause GA to progress quickly. So, one should avoid stepping out in the sun as much as possible. If going out is unavoidable, it is best to wear sun protection. These include sunglasses that have UV protection and a wide-brimmed hat. Irregular eye check-ups With GA, it is important to monitor the progression of the disorder. This can help in taking measures that can help in effectively managing the condition. However, this is only possible when one schedules and attains regular eye check-ups. Therefore, missing out on eye appointments is one of the major things to avoid if one wants to take better care of their eyes with GA. High blood pressure and cholesterol levels Hypertension or high blood pressure can cause faster degeneration of the retina. Furthermore, high cholesterol levels can cause dysfunction of the retina by damaging the blood vessels. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels to manage GA effectively. Sedentary lifestyle Maintaining an exercise routine can have a positive impact on protecting overall eye health. It can also aid in slowing the progress of GA. It is important to engage in moderate exercises for at least five days a week. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle without physical activity can raise cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels, making it harder to manage GA.

Contact lenses offer convenience and the option to change one’s looks on a daily basis. They are also easier to handle compared to spectacles due to the latter’s tendency to get easily scratched or broken. Whichever the case, unlike spectacles, contact lenses are a lot closer to the eyes. So, one must take more precautions to maintain eye health. Thus, here are four ways in which one can protect one’s vision while wearing eye lenses.  Do not use lenses continuously When one wears contact lenses, one can easily forget that they have them on. Unlike a pair of glasses that might fog up or slide down the nose, lenses don’t have any overt sign of being worn. However, it is essential to note that to maintain eye health, one must be mindful of how often one wears and changes these lenses. Never wear eye lenses if the eyes feel irritated or appear red. One must consult the ophthalmologist when one has red or sore eyes and wait till one’s eyes heal completely before putting on contact lenses again. Whether colored lenses or prescriptive, it is best not to wear them full-time because the eyes need a little break. Also, be careful about makeup around the eye as it can cause irritation or even infect the eyes when worn with lenses. One needs to remember that replacing one’s contact lenses often is essential. These are some other tips to maintain the lens: use a fresh contact lens solution when storing the eye lenses after each use, do not mix new solutions with old or used eye solutions, and do not sleep wearing contact lenses. Have backup glasses Regardless of whether one wears plain or colored contact lenses, one must always have backup glasses. One’s eye doctor will likely tell one how long and how often one should wear the lenses.

Nasal congestion causes things such as the inability to smell, changes in one’s voice and taste buds, and, in many cases, headaches. Nasal congestion is often a symptom of other health issues, such as sinusitis and the common cold. Certain foods, such as ginger and green leafy vegetables, tend to reduce the severity of nasal congestion. On the other hand, some foods simply make the symptoms worse. Here is a list of some such foods. 1. Tacos When discussing the foods that worsen nasal congestion, spicy foods are among the top ones. Tacos are delicious but make people’s ears ring and their noses run for hours. Spicy foods like tacos create a lot of histamine in a person’s body. This chemical can cause allergic reactions and inflammation in the sinus area. As a result, if someone already has a congested nose, eating a taco is destined to worsen matters. 2. Milk Although dairy products may affect different people differently, many regular milk drinkers have found increased mucus production in their lungs and noses. There is a significant correlation between chronic sinusitis flare-ups and milk consumption. In many individuals, milk facilitates the production of nasal polyps, a common precursor to sinusitis and congestion. 3. Tomatoes These foods have several taste-making and flavor-enhancing qualities but can worsen allergies and nasal congestion in people with sinusitis. Tomatoes increase mucus production in a person’s body, while their high acidic levels can also aggravate GERD symptoms. 4. Red meat Foods such as beef and pork, especially the processed kinds, contain several chemical preservatives and elements that aggravate inflammation in consumers. This is why regularly consuming red meat can worsen inflammation-driven health conditions like nasal congestion in individuals. 5. Cakes and pastries Consuming foods loaded with refined sugars, such as cakes and pastries, also worsens nasal congestion in people.

Lung disease refers to any problem in the lungs that prevents the organ from functioning properly. Several factors, such as age, pollution, and genetics, may influence lung complications. But, one often overlooks the fact that even their lifestyle habits, such as the type of food they eat, could damage the organ or worsen an existing illness. So, here are ten foods that may trigger or worsen any type of lung disease. Salty foods Foods high in sodium content may lead to fluid retention, which may cause bloating and inflammation. The resultant pressure on the lungs could make it difficult to breathe. Sodas Some studies have found links between the frequent consumption of sodas and cancer that may develop in the lungs. Therefore, to manage the organ’s health, it is best to avoid sugary drinks such as sodas and speak to an expert about alternative foods. French fries Fried foods like french fries are rich in unhealthy oils that may trigger gastrointestinal discomfort, which might make it difficult to breathe. Moreover, eating these foods regularly could lead to other health problems like high cholesterol and blood pressure, which could exacerbate lung diseases. Bacon Processed meats like bacon, salami, and chorizo contain nitrates to preserve the food that may worsen symptoms in patients with asthma or COPD. Milk Studies show that people with asthma, lung disease, or COPD might suffer from inflammatory symptoms if they consume dairy products like milk. These produce an opioid peptide called casomorphin, which increases phlegm and mucus and causes trouble breathing. Dried fruits Dried fruits may contain sulfites used as preservatives and additives. And while these might be okay for consumption for most people, they might have negative effects on people with asthma. Coffee Drinking coffee may introduce salicylate compounds to the body. People who have an intolerance towards these compounds might suffer from symptoms of lung disease such as asthma, rhinitis, nasal polyps, and gastrointestinal irritation.

In the human health system, a few significant metrics indicate cardiovascular health and blood pressure is one of them. Maintaining healthy blood pressure levels requires a nutritious combination of wholesome food and supplements, especially nitric oxide supplements, that can help increase blood flow and lower blood pressure. While some food choices may appear harmless, they can, in fact, cause problems with cardiovascular health. Limiting such food items is the first step towards a heart-healthy lifestyle. Salt Excessive sodium intake is a well-known contributor to high blood pressure. Processed foods, including canned soups, salty snacks like pretzels and chips, and restaurant-prepared meals, are often high in sodium. The body retains more water to dilute the excess sodium, increasing blood pressure levels. Instead, choosing low-sodium alternatives, using herbs and spices for flavor, and incorporating fresh, whole foods can help mitigate this risk. Sugar Consuming excessive sugar, mainly through sugary drinks, candies, and processed snacks, has been linked to increased blood pressure levels. It is often associated with its ability to cause insulin resistance. A high sugar intake triggers the body to produce more insulin, which can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels and an eventual rise in blood pressure. Caffeine While the effects of caffeine on blood pressure can vary, excessive intake may lead to a temporary spike in blood pressure. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, causing the heart to beat faster and blood vessels to narrow. Individuals sensitive to caffeine should monitor their intake, particularly from coffee, energy drinks, and certain teas. Processed meats Processed meats like sausages, bacon, and deli are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Their regular inclusion in meals has been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues. The high sodium content in processed meats can lead to fluid retention and higher blood pressure.

Aside from the role of genetics, healthy skin is typically a combination of the right food and a healthy lifestyle. Food plays a huge role in skin health, especially for issues like dark circles. One must eat nutritious ingredients that help in skin repair and nourishment, simply using expensive or extensive skincare products may not be enough. So, here are six foods to eat to help get rid of dark circles. Cucumbers They are mostly water and act as an elective and natural toner for the skin. This hydrating vegetable contains vitamin K, which helps in reducing dark circles by strengthening the blood vessel walls. There is no research to suggest this is a hundred percent effective method, but it is observed that it can help reduce the appearance of dark circles over time. Tomatoes A rich source of vitamins C and K, tomatoes are a great ingredient to add to meals. It also contains potassium, which is helpful in maintaining the right sodium-to-potassium ratio in the body. Tomatoes help in increasing blood circulation and also aid in protecting the blood vessels under the eyes. Oranges This is another vitamin C-rich ingredient that helps in keeping the skin clear and looking young. The vitamin A present in the fruit also helps in collagen production and protects the skin from any kind of damage. Carrots The vitamin A present in the vegetable is great for skin health as it helps in slowing down the signs of aging. This helps give a youthful glow to the skin. Beetroots Beetroots are rich in magnesium, vitamin C, and have many antioxidant properties, which are great for the regenerative repair of the skin. It helps to keep the skin moisturized and reduces the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. Blueberries These and most other berries are a great source of antioxidants for the skin.

Bones are the foundation of the human body. Several factors affect bone health, including lifestyle habits, exercise routines, the environment, and, most importantly, nutrition. Some foods, like green leafy vegetables, nuts, fruits, fatty fish, and milk, are suitable for the bones, while others are harmful if eaten too often. Here are a few foods to avoid to prevent conditions like osteoporosis and maintain better bone health in the long run. Coffee Caffeine is among the worst beverages for bone health. Caffeine reduces the bones’ capability to absorb calcium, an essential nutrient that keeps them strong. As a result, people who drink coffee several times a day for years are likelier to develop brittle bones and similar issues. Beef liver Animal-derived vitamin A is loaded with retinol, an element that speeds up osteoclast activity within one’s bones. This activity leads to conditions like osteoporosis and increases the risk of frequent bone injuries. While beef liver is incredibly delicious and has a host of health benefits, its high retinol levels make it dangerous for the bones. As a result, individuals wanting to build healthy bones should eat it in moderation or leave it out of their meals entirely. Soda Sodas and soft drinks have high amounts of phosphoric acid, which can weaken the bones. Drinking these too often can put one’s bone health in jeopardy. These beverages are also high in refined sugars, which can lead to other health complications if consumed in excess. Salted nuts Sodium can facilitate the drainage of excessive calcium from the body through one’s kidneys, leading to weaker bones and other health issues. To preserve bone health, experts suggest keeping salt intake below 2,300 milligrams a day. Women going through menstrual cycles and individuals with existing bone issues are most vulnerable to bone weakening due to salt consumption.