Blood is the essential component that keeps all the systems ticking within the human body. Blood circulation facilitates the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to all the vital organs of the body. Certain factors, such as high cholesterol and dehydration, can slow down a person’s blood circulation, causing a range of health issues. One can detect blood circulation issues through certain symptoms, and some common warning signs of poor blood circulation are discussed below. Unusual skin changes Several blood vessels are present directly under the first few layers of one’s skin. Therefore, the first warning signs of poor blood circulation are often felt on the skin. Some of the changes one feels on their skin are twisted, bulging blue varicose veins appearing on the legs and ankles. This happens when a valve within a given vein fails and causes disruption in blood circulation. Apart from that, the appearance of blue skin on the lips, nose, hands, ears, and feet is also caused by stunted/slowed-down blood circulation. Tingling sensation in hands and feet This condition, known as pins and needles, is a direct result of poor blood flow. One may have experienced this directly on their palm after sitting on their hand or laying on their arm for too long. Tingling sensations are caused when too much pressure does not allow blood to flow to certain areas of the body. The hands and feet are technically the farthest points of the human body, so if someone has blood circulation issues, then they are likely to experience tingling in these parts of the body. Slow healing of wounds Wounds heal when the blood flows into the affected area and supplies it with the requisite oxygen, nutrients, and white blood cells to heal quickly. When a person suffers from blood circulation issues, their wounds do not get a proper and quick supply of blood, causing their wounds to heal slowly.

Lupus is a long-term autoimmune disease associated with inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. The inflammation here results from the immune system attacking healthy tissues in the body after mistaking them for harmful invaders. Genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, high exposure to UV light, and stress are some common issues that trigger the condition. Knowing its symptoms and available management options can help one get a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms The most common form of the condition is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which tends to affect multiple body parts and cause discomfort in those areas. Joint pain Pain or swelling in the ankles, wrists, and knees can develop due to inflammation in the lining of the joints. This also causes tenderness, stiffness, and aches in the joints as well as muscle pain and poor balance. Fever and fatigue Lupus may cause a high fever (over 100°F). This may make one feel fatigued without engaging in any physical activity. The persistent exhaustion may also make one take frequent naps during the day. Skin issues A telltale sign of lupus is skin rashes, especially butterfly-shaped ones (called malar rashes) across the cheek and nose. Depending on the skin tone, the rashes may be dark purple, brown, red, or pink. Additionally, fingers and toes can turn pale or purple when feeling cold or stressed. The skin may become more sensitive to sun rays or bright lights. Chest pain When dealing with lupus, one may find it difficult or painful to take deep breaths. This phenomenon is called pleurisy. Hair loss, seizures, mouth and nose sores are other common lupus symptoms. Treatment options Lupus is usually diagnosed with the help of a combination of tests—biopsy, imaging tests, urinalysis, kidney and liver assessment, and complete blood count. The tests also help confirm the severity of the condition, based on which treatment is determined.

Hemophilia is a severe medical condition in which the blood doesn’t clot as it normally should. The bleeding disorder is usually inherited and identified by painful symptoms such as excessive bleeding, joint pain, and deep bruises. After diagnosis, in which the doctor focuses on clotting-factors, a treatment plan is laid out and must be followed to avoid unnecessary complications. Read on to know more in detail. How is hemophilia treated? Different types of this condition are treated in different ways. The most common ones include: Desmopressin The medication is commonly used in the treatment of mild hemophilia A and von Willebrand disease. The vasopressin works by increasing the plasma concentration of factor VIII, which is one of the clotting factors in the blood and whose deficiency is the reason behind hemophilia A. Desmopressin dose varies from one patient to another and comes in the form of both injections and nasal sprays. Nonacog alfa Hemophilia B is the second form of the wider condition, wherein clotting factor IX is absent in the patient’s blood. Doctors treat the ailment by injecting a purified protein called nonacog alfa. The medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, temporarily corrects the deficiency, thereby reducing excessive bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma There are different ways to treat hemophilia C. Fresh frozen plasma is one of the most popular methods since one unit of this blood product contains all the coagulation factors. Factor XI deficiency is the defining cause of this form of ailment, and using fresh frozen plasma can help lower symptoms like prolonged bleeding. Hormone therapy is another useful treatment method for hemophilia. Fibrin sealants Fibrinogen and thrombin are the main components of this material. It is used as a hemostatic agent, and was first approved in the country in 1998.

A gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) occurs rarely. It begins in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and slowly spreads to the lymph nodes. It usually starts in the stomach. In some cases, the cancerous cells start to grow in the small intestine, esophagus, colon, and the rectum as well. GIST is usually treated through surgery or targeted therapy. To help the healing process, proper nutrition is recommended. Here are a few dietary tips for GIST patients. Consume fresh fruits and vegetables Colorful fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, red bell peppers, and so on are nutritious additions to one’s meals. These whole foods are great sources of micronutrients. All of these are essential for strengthening the immune system and improving one’s overall health. Include legumes and whole grains The colon may be adversely affected due to GIST. Whole grains and legumes are rich in fiber, which help the gastrointestinal system function better. Fiber-rich whole foods can also improve the health of the colon. Beans, lentils, rye, quinoa, and other legumes and grains must be included in a GIST diet. Avoid red meat One should limit their intake of red meat. Foods based on red meat can be had occasionally, but it is better to avoid them completely. Fish and lean meat are better options when the protein requirement is high. Low-fat dairy products, eggs, and soy-based foods are also healthier alternatives to red meat. Avoid charred foods Meat, fish, eggs, and any other foods cooked on direct heat can contain carcinogenic substances. This is why it is advisable to restrict the intake of foods cooked on direct flame. It is better to occasionally eat foods that have been cooked using low-temperature techniques. Broiled foods are preferable than grilled foods in the case of GIST cancer. In addition, it is also important to lower the intake of cured and smoked meats, such as hot dog and bacon.

Cancer becomes harder to manage with each passing day. It impacts patients both physically and psychologically, making every day a battle. While it’s impossible to say which type of cancer impacts the worst, gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is among the trickiest ones. This is because the disease is rare and isn’t treated like other types of cancer. Chemo and targeted drugs are two major treatment options, although both have painful side effects. Fortunately, you can manage GIST yourself and lower its consequences. Here are five tips that can help you. Eat smaller meals Digestion often becomes difficult after having surgery for GIST. However, you cannot skip eating either, as your body needs nutrition to heal. One way to address the problem is to lower the portion size of your meals. So instead of having three large meals in a day, break it down into 5-6 smaller meals. Avoid sugary foods and add more protein Sugary foods can increase acidity that might worsen symptoms. Proteins and carbohydrates, meanwhile, will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it makes sense to add more protein sources to your diet. That said, consult your doctor or dietitian before adding or subtracting foods from your diet. Don’t forget to exercise Cancer is definitely tiring and might make you feel fatigued. Staying in bed, though, is not the right thing to do as the condition will lead to emotional distress. Exercise will lift your spirits that can help your body recover faster. Begin with light exercise, and don’t increase the intensity without consulting your doctor. Get enough rest Compromising on sleep can adversely affect your symptoms. So ensure that you get at least eight hours of sleep at night. If possible, try and squeeze in a short nap in the afternoon as well. Seek help if you’re stressed Cancer is an extremely serious disorder that takes a toll on your physical and mental health.

Osteoporosis affects the structural integrity of the bone, increases the risk of fractures, and affects the ability of the body to regenerate bone mineral density. This condition worsens with age and affects bones in the wrist, spine, or hips. Normally, doctors recommend a combination of medications and weight-bearing exercises to prevent bone loss. Osteoporosis can also be prevented to some extent with healthy changes in habits related to nutritional regime. Foods to eat Recommended foods that help avoid osteoporosis are Foods containing calcium Calcium helps boost bone health and foods like kale, turnip, spinach, collard greens, and dairy products including milk cheese, yogurt, are rich sources. Those suffering from lactose intolerance can have soy milk and other such products. Fortified juices, cereals and snacks with vitamin D help the body absorb calcium better. Protein- and magnesium-rich foods Proteins are the building blocks of the body and magnesium helps maintain bone mineral density. Lean chicken and turkey cuts, eggs, milk, and assorted fish or seafood are rich protein options. Assorted nuts including almonds, cashews, peanuts, and some seeds are rich sources of magnesium to be included in daily meals. Foods rich in vitamins C and K Vitamin C is an essential immunity booster and studies show that the key nutrient also helps lower the risk of chronic ailments like osteoporosis. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, kiwi, and red peppers are loaded with this nutrient. Research also suggests that women suffering from vitamin K deficiencies are at an increased risk of developing bone disorders like osteoporosis. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, turnip greens, collards, and cabbage are vitamin k rich greens to include in daily meals. Medications for osteoporosis management Here are some common meds used for treating osteoporosis: Romosozumab by Evenity This medication belongs to a class of monoclonal antibodies that help reduce the risk of bone resorption (deterioration) and promote new bone formation.

Heartworm disease is a serious medical condition that affects many animals. It is caused by a parasitic worm that spreads through the bite of a mosquito. If undetected, heartworms often result in severe lung infections, organ damage, and even heart failure. There are many options available to prevent this parasitic infection. In this article, there are a few easy home remedies that can help treat heartworms in dogs. Pumpkin seeds Pumpkin seeds are a great home remedy when it comes to deworming your pet dog. They contain an amino acid known as cucurbitacin that eliminates worms from the intestine. They have proved to be an effective treatment in removing heartworms from dogs. The best way to feed your dog pumpkin seed is by drying them, removing the shell, and grounding the seeds into powder. You can then sprinkle it onto your pet’s food until the heartworm dies. Carrots Another great remedy for worms in dogs is carrots. Carrot is a high-fiber veggie. That removes any mucus and parasites residing within the walls of the gut and stomach during digestion. The parasites are then eliminated from the body along with fiber content. When it comes to heartworm, carrots could help by producing anti-parasitic compounds. They are also filled with essential vitamins and nutrients good for overall health. Coconut oil Coconut oil is known for its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It makes a great home remedy for deworming pets. It can also tackle other internal parasites such as heartworm. Give your dog one teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds in body weight as part of their food. You can also give your dog dried coconut or coconut milk. Note that home remedies may not be safe or work in a similar manner for all dogs. So, don’t forget to check with the veterinarian before you start treating heartworm in dogs with home remedies.

4 asthma triggers you probably didn’t know about Many know of the external factors that trigger asthma but only a few know that emotional stress can also trigger episodes of asthma. In fact, any extreme emotion may lead to an onset of asthma. These could be emotions of sadness or even excessive joy. This is why people suffering from asthma often try to contain their emotions. Some of the uncommon emotional triggers of asthma include: Emotional events In a single experiment, researchers measured a section of the lung and how it functions after showing people pictures depicting extreme emotions. It was proven that people in the study group who looked at the images of injuries, catastrophes, and sad events found it harder to breathe than others. Later, the people from the same group were asked to rate their moods thrice a day. This experiment continued for three weeks. Here, the lung functioning was measured with the help of a peak flow meter. While the study was significantly small, it reflected that negative emotions could deteriorate the functioning of the lungs. Additionally, it was observed that it was even worse for asthmatic patients to endure over the long run. Stressful events There have been many studies conducted which showed that severe life events were often associated with asthma attacks. Children and adults were admitted for asthma complications around the time they faced serious life issues. Additionally, it was also observed that everybody involved in the study, irrespective of them having asthma or not, reported having aggravated respiratory symptoms. Ongoing depression and panic attacks It has also been observed that both anxiety and depression are a lot more commonly found in people who are affected by asthma. Patients who have a mental health disorder along with asthma may have no to little control over their asthma symptoms and frequent asthma attacks, Moreover, they are more likely to visit the emergency department.

Liver functioning is an essential process of the human body. The liver is required to help detox your body, break down carbohydrates, make glucose, store all the nutrients and produce bile. Bile liquid is required to absorb all the nutrients and digest them by giving a proper metabolism to the body. Taking care of your liver is part of a holistic nutrition hence you should be aware of what destroys your liver and what helps its healthy functioning. For your overall health functioning the ability of the liver to do all the above is a necessity. Any kind of liver dysfunction can lead to bodily disorders like type 2 diabetes, metabolism issues, and other liver diseases which could also lead to death. It is possible to manage the risk factors once the liver dysfunction starts by making sure you have a healthy intake of food and drinks that are good for the liver. Plant foods A large number of plant foods like avocado, bananas, barley, broccoli, beetroots, carrots, figs, lemons, papayas, chard, kale, celery, and watermelons are foods that are good for the liver. Grapefruit Naringenin and naringin are the two main antioxidants present in grapefruit which is one of the foods that are good for the liver. Grapefruit reduces the toxic build up in the liver. This helps protect the liver cells and reduces inflammation. Garlic Reducing body weight is a great index to a healthy liver. Garlic helps in reducing the fat content near the liver. Coffee Studies have found that around 50 percent of the population consumes coffee. Coffee is one of the drinks that are good for the liver. It protects the liver’s protective tissues. Coffee definitely has other potential hazards but it reduces chronic liver problems to a good extent. Oatmeal Oatmeal has fiber and beta glucans that are essential for protecting fatty liver tissues.

Research talks about plenty of tips and food products that claim to prevent lung cancer; however, only a few mention foods that could help fight this condition. Since lung cancer is fatal, it is advisable to first consult a doctor before trying out any of the diets or foods. Some of the foods that could help fight lung cancer are: Pears Studies showed that phloretin, which is found in apples and pears, noticeably induced cell death in these cancer cells. Not only that, phloretin also enhanced the anticancer effect of cisplatin, which is a common chemotherapy drug used for those suffering from lung cancer. Additionally, phloretin could also reduce fibrosis in the lungs. Green tea Green tea has a key role in the prevention of lung cancer and is beneficial to those already suffering from this condition. One needs to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine, so if someone is sensitive to it, they might want to go in for a caffeine-free variety. Also, skip the creamer, as dairy products could neutralize the compound which helps prevent the effects of cancer. Salmon A diet rich in vitamin D could greatly benefit people who have lung cancer. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency could end up leading to many health problems. Of all the minerals and vitamins in our food, vitamin D could be the hardest to get in dietary form. However, vitamin D is found in fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, and salmon. Ginger Ginger contains a compound known as 6-shogaol , which has been proven to prevent lung cancer from developing and lower the risk of metastases cancer. Since the metastasizing of cancerous cells is the chief reason for fatalities for people with cancer, consuming ginger is important. Try eating ginger in a crystallized form or in the form of ginger tea.

Menopause is a phase wherein a woman stops having her menstrual periods. Women can manage menopause by including the below-mentioned foods in their diet. The risk factors linked to menopause are inevitable to most women. Nutrition by managing your health with best foods to eat during menopause can help in many ways. The transition from a normal menstruation cycle to menopause can be difficult. Estrogen declines, and the balance between progesterone and estrogen declines as well. This affects metabolism and makes women gain more weight without even having to eat much. Other disorders include sleep apnea, nerve twitching, reduced bone density — these can be managed by consuming the following foods. Dairy products One of the major symptoms is reduced bone density and risk of fracture. Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk have phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and Vitamins D and K. This is one of the best foods to eat during menopause because it helps induce sleep. During menopause, women should get deeper sleep. Nowadays, due to several reasons, women have been affected by menopause at a very early stage. Dairy products are beneficial as they help reduce premature menopause by around 17%. Whole grains Whole grains are high in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. They are an ideal food to eat during menopause because it has been proven that a whole grain diet reduces heart disease, and has anti-cancer properties. Whole grains lower the risk of developing heart diseases by 20 to 30%. Intake of every 2000 calories per day with 4.7 grams of whole grain fiber reduced the risk of death by 17%. Food items such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, quinoa, rye, and barley can be consumed during menopause. Salmon Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fats and Vitamin D. It is known to reduce palpitation, breast cancer, and pain associated with menopause.

When the tear ducts in the eyes do not produce enough lubrication due to some internal or external factors, it often causes dry eyes. The symptoms of dry eyes include redness in the eyes, itching, inflammation, and discomfort. After any other underlying medical causes have been ruled out, one can try home remedies to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes. Some common home remedies for the condition are described as follows. Drink more water Drinking more water throughout the day can help prevent a wide range of health issues. It is important to drink at least 8-12 glasses of water throughout the day instead of chugging a lot of water in one go. Having dry eyes is a common sign of dehydration in the body. Drinking more water every day will ensure that one has enough water in the body for the eyes to remain lubricated at all times. This can help in reducing dryness in the eyes and offer more comfort. Eat natural fatty acids It has been observed that omega-3 fatty acids can largely help in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes. Thus, if one has been experiencing dryness in the eyes, they can add more fatty foods to their meals. This includes fish like tuna, salmon, or sardines, and nuts, such as almonds and walnuts. Using certain oils like palm oil or soybean oil can also help replenish omega-3 fatty acids in the body and help lessen the symptoms of dry eyes. Blink frequently Sometimes, dry eyes can be a result of staring at a computer screen and mobile phone for long periods. Blinking more frequently or taking a break every few minutes can reduce the evaporation of fluids from the eyes and help them stay hydrated. One can also try lowering the brightness of the computer screen slightly to slow down the evaporation of liquid from the eyes.