7 cold sore food triggers to avoid

7 cold sore food triggers to avoid

A cold sore is a group of painful tiny blisters that are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These blisters are also known as fever blisters or herpes simplex labialis. In most cases, the symptoms are the worst when one gets cold sores for the first time. However, after the first outbreak, the body begins to produce antibodies to protect itself from the virus, thus raising immunity against the condition. Managing cold sores – Foods to avoid Usually, cold sores appear when one’s immunity has already been compromised, and unfortunately, they are not as quick to leave. However, these blisters require arginine (a type of amino acid) to replicate and thrive. Hence, depriving the virus of arginine may help reduce the duration of such outbreaks. So, here are some of the foods that must be avoided by patients. Oranges Citrus fruits, such as oranges, contain acid that can cause a burning sensation on contact with the blister. Hence, in addition to avoiding oranges, many healthcare professionals suggest steering clear of citrus fruits like grapefruits as well. Instead, one can opt for bananas and cucumbers to gain optimum nutritional benefits. Pumpkin seeds Although pumpkin seeds are considered incredibly healthy, they are unfortunately rich in arginine.
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10 foods for improving blood count and circulation

10 foods for improving blood count and circulation

Poor blood circulation in the body can be brought on by a number of illnesses, such as stress, diabetes, and peripheral artery disease. Low blood counts, in which the body is unable to create enough red blood cells (RBCs) every day, can also cause poor circulation. Additionally, symptoms including numbness, intestinal issues, and cramps might result from a low blood count. So here are 10 nutritious foods that support a higher blood count and better circulation. Why is it important to maintain a healthy blood count and circulation? Blood circulation and a healthy blood count are essential for overall well-being. Not only does the blood carry essential nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, but it also eliminates harmful substances and waste products. Maintaining a healthy blood count guarantees enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. Low counts may cause fatigue, anemia, and other health complications. Additionally, proper blood circulation ensures that oxygen-rich blood flows easily across vessels to nourish organs and cells. Without it, people could face various health problems, including hypertension, coronary disease, or stroke – so maintaining healthy circulation and counts is essential for overall well-being. Foods for improving blood count and circulation Our food provides essential nutrients to the body, improving blood count and blood circulation .
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8 foods that improve kidney and liver function

8 foods that improve kidney and liver function

A healthy kidney and liver are essential to the functioning of other organs in the body, such as the heart, spine, and brain. Keeping this in mind, it is important to provide the body with the best nutritional care possible. There are certain foods that are recommended for improving the health and function of the kidney and liver. Read to know more about the foods that you can add to your regular meals. Cabbage Cabbages have high levels of vitamin B6 and folic acid content, which are known to protect the kidneys from infections and damage. Since cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, they are known for the phytochemicals which help in breaking the free radicals that damage the body and are also known to cause cancer. They are also high in vitamins like K, C, and fiber. Fatty fish Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and other cold water fish like herring, mackerel, and sardines. These are all oily fish that are great sources of healthy fats that keep the body functioning well. According to several researchers and the National Kidney Foundation, the omega-3s found in fatty fish are responsible for keeping blood pressure in check by keeping the healthy fat in check.
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6 foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties

6 foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties

The auditory sense is a crucial aspect of perceiving the world around us. However, approximately 15% of adults in the country report some hearing problems. With advanced technology, several solutions, including hearing aids and assistive devices, have been devised to help individuals with hearing impairment. In addition, following a healthy, curated meal plan can help them control symptoms of hearing impairment. Here are some foods to avoid and general tips for those experiencing hearing difficulties. Foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties Monosodium glutamate An integral part of several packaged and ready-to-eat foods, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can cause severe neurological impairment, worsening the symptoms of hearing conditions like tinnitus. Thus, checking the ingredients in ready-to-eat foods and avoiding those with MSG is advisable. Caffeinated beverages It has been found that excessive intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can elevate one’s blood pressure and aggravate the symptoms of hearing conditions. However, since caffeine also comprises several antioxidants, it may benefit the body in limited quantities. The key here is to limit one’s intake of tea and coffee. Processed foods Processed foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which can lead to plaque generation in the arteries and problems with blood circulation.
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6 foods that may aggravate breathing difficulties

6 foods that may aggravate breathing difficulties

Breathing-based illnesses make getting through a day challenging for people living with them. To top it off, if such individuals eat these “wrong” foods, that will aggravate the condition even more. People overlook the sheer vitality of foods on their respiratory system, which is a massive oversight and can have dire consequences on their health. The worst foods are loaded with sugar or other unhealthy compounds or are overly processed. So let’s look at a few. Beef and pork Regarding processing, red meats contain several chemical preservatives and additives to boost their shelf life and edibility. Additionally, such foods are also packed with saturated fats. Therefore, regularly eating foods such as beef, pork, lamb, mutton, veal, goat, venison, and red meats raises the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the body dramatically. In addition, LDL is linked with lung inflammation and greater difficulty inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. This risk element gets compounded several times more when people with severe respiratory issues such as COPD or asthma consume foods loaded with processing chemicals and saturated fats. Due to their inflammatory nature, people with respiratory illnesses will do well to steer clear of processed meats and foods. Cakes and pastries As implied earlier, refined sugar is an equally big negative regarding lung health.
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10 foods that may trigger or worsen epilepsy symptoms

10 foods that may trigger or worsen epilepsy symptoms

The brain is a vital organ responsible for several bodily functions. Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder that affects the brain and prevents it from working correctly. The condition may cause unusual behavior and sensations, seizures, and sometimes loss of awareness. Many factors can trigger the symptoms of epilepsy, including certain foods. Those with the disorder are advised to steer clear of the following options to manage their symptoms better. Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, a helpful stimulant that boosts energy for carrying out tasks at work or home. However, the beverage might not be the best for someone with epilepsy. Drinking too much coffee may trigger symptoms like seizures, which can lead to severe complications if not controlled. Therefore, patients are better off excluding this stimulant from their nutrition plan. Bananas Eating bananas regularly can have several health benefits. The fruit contains a substantial amount of potassium, which various body parts use to function well. Potassium may also help transfer electrical signals in the brain. However, eating too many bananas in a day may increase the body’s potassium levels. Excessive levels of this mineral in the brain may lead to symptoms of epilepsy, including seizures. One banana a day should not have adverse effects, but it is best to speak to a healthcare expert before changing a meal plan.
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Beware of these 5 household items that can increase cancer risk

Beware of these 5 household items that can increase cancer risk

Cancer is one of the leading conditions with fatal conditions affecting people worldwide. The condition is characterized by an uncontrolled mutation of healthy cells that get destroyed while spreading, affecting vital organs and functions. Several risk factors and triggers are involved based on the type of cancer and exposure. However, unbeknownst to many, certain daily-use household items can increase one’s risk of getting the condition. Five such instances where risk is high are discussed below. Household furniture Preservatives are added to increase the durability and shelf life of certain products. But one of the significant carcinogens linked to cancer, called formaldehyde, is heavily used in household furniture installations and furnishings. Unknowingly, people are at risk of developing this chronic illness due to repeated exposure due to certain materials used in making furniture and home upgrades. Common items like plywood, particle boards, paneling, foam insulation, wall paint, wallpapers, synthetic fabrics used in furnishing, and even many cosmetic products contain this preservative. These products release the fumes of the preservative. If the house is not airy or there is no proper ventilation, one could be actively inhaling this carcinogen, increasing the risk of known cancers. Cosmetic products Even beauty products contain certain chemicals and preservatives that expose the skin and body to cancer.
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7 worst foods for eye health

7 worst foods for eye health

Nutritional choices can play a significant role in maintaining the health of organs, including the eyes. Further, due to the arrangement of vessels behind the eyes, issues with heart health can affect the eyes. So, choosing foods that are not heart-friendly and have low nutritional value can restrict the vessels from transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to the eyes. Such eating habits can degrade eye function, which may lead to problems with vision. Foods to avoid French fries One often enjoys fried items at a fast food joint. But such food can be extremely unhealthy. Many batches of french fries are made using the same oil and reheated multiple times before being served. While this is cost-effective for the fast food joint, the fries undergo molecular changes, which increases the harmful fat content. These fats are known to affect the health of organs, including the heart and eyes. Further, fried foods contain free radicals that cause oxidative stress to the body and subsequently affect eye health. Margarine Margarine is often deemed the healthier version of butter as it is made using vegetable oils. However, margarine is rich in trans fats, which are known to increase bad cholesterol levels in the body.
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20 useful tips to improve patient care

20 useful tips to improve patient care

The quality of patient care and experience is crucial in healthcare services. It impacts the overall outcomes of treatments and plays a significant role in shaping patients’ perceptions of healthcare providers and healthcare systems. With new challenges and complexities arising in delivering care, health experts must prioritize patient care to improve treatment outcomes. It calls for strategies like boosting communication, promoting patient education, offering supportive services, fostering a positive workplace culture, and more. Establish strong patient-provider relationships Developing strong patient-provider relationships can improve patient satisfaction and trust in healthcare providers. Healthcare providers should create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable discussing their health, troubles, doubts, and goals. Communicate effectively Effective communication is crucial for providing quality care and improving patient experience. Healthcare providers must be trained to communicate professionally, avoid using too much healthcare jargon, and listen actively to patients to ensure they understand their needs. Prioritize patient education Patient education is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and patient experience. Therefore, it is necessary to prioritize educating patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures to manage their condition. Encourage shared decision-making Shared decision-making involves healthcare providers and patients collaborating to make decisions on diagnosis, treatment, and care.
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7 adverse effects of poor hydration

7 adverse effects of poor hydration

Water is one of the necessities for our survival. The body needs adequate water intake for proper organ function and overall physical and mental health. Drinking insufficient water can give rise to adverse side effects, such as skin issues, kidney problems, dizziness, anxiety, and more. Thus, it is vital to know the importance of drinking water. One can also speak to a doctor to identify if their current water intake is sufficient for their body. 7 dangerous side effects of not drinking water Skin problems Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the body? Drinking insufficient amounts of water can cause premature aging of the skin, wrinkles, dry skin, and other skin concerns. When your skin looks like it lacks moisture, it loses more elasticity, making it more vulnerable to external impurities and other factors like stress. Water is responsible for ridding your body of toxins and impurities. Keeping up your hydration levels will ensure you have soft, supple skin that is clear and radiant. Decreased hair health Even our hair is 25% water. This means dehydration in the body can leave the hair dry and frizzy. Persistent dehydration can leave the hair dehydrated to the point that it grows brittle and breaks.
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