Migraines are headaches that cause severe throbbing pain or pulsing sensation. In most cases, these headaches may appear on one side of the head and are accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Furthermore, the duration of migraine attacks may differ; some can last for a few hours, while others can last for days. However, the intensity of pain can be severe enough to hamper daily activities. Warning signs of migraine headaches According to research, nearly 39 million people in the country deal with this neurological condition. However, migraines aren’t simple headaches, and the episodes can often come with severe symptoms such as fatigue and loss of concentration. Some other common warning signs that indicate migraine are discussed below. Aura About 30% of migraine patients report experiencing an aura before or during the headache episode. Furthermore, most patients have also reported a few visual symptoms, such as zigzag lines, blind spots, and flickering lights. In some cases, people have also experienced hearing disturbances such as tinnitus ( ringing sensation in the ears) during a migraine headache. Migraine auras usually last between five minutes and an hour, and they may appear within an hour of the onset of the headache or along with it.

Cancer is the uncontrolled and rapid mutation of healthy cells in the body. Lung cancer is triggered when the mutation begins in the respiratory organ and progresses quickly, destroying healthy lung tissue. There is no cure for lung cancer. But it is possible to improve the outlook with prompt diagnosis and early treatment. For this, one must be able to identify the following common and alarming signs of lung cancer. A persistent cough A cough that develops and does not subside is one of the primary alarming signs of progressive respiratory failure. Any new cough lasting for eight weeks or more is a worrying sign that should be immediately assessed. In some cases, one might also cough up some blood-tinged mucus or rusty-colored phlegm, indicating cancer has begun to destroy healthy tissue resulting in lung cell damage. Chest pain A feeling of tightness in the chest that gets worse with each passing day is also indicative of progressive lung cancer. The cancer cells rapidly spread and infect healthy lung tissue responsible for absorbing and storing the inhaled oxygen. As a result, one will experience pain while breathing deeply or even coughing as the lung tissues expand and contract. As the cancer spreads, this feeling of tightness only worsens, so immediate specialist consultation is advisable.

Esophageal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the esophagus, which is a long, hollow tube that connects the stomach to the throat. The esophagus is responsible for transporting food from the throat to the stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer usually starts in the cells that line the esophagus. This cancer is the world’s sixth leading cause of death from cancer. Here are a few alarming signs of esophageal cancer. Swallowing food The most common sign of esophageal cancer is difficulty swallowing, specifically the feeling that food is stuck in the throat. Some patients also experience food choking. As the esophagus narrows due to cancer spreading, these symptoms worsen over time, with a rise in pain when swallowing. In such cases, it is best to avoid consuming large amounts of solid food and instead eat softer foods in smaller portions. Chest pain This cancer also causes pain in the center of the chest, like GERD. Some patients experience a burning sensation or chest pain after swallowing food or liquid that comes into contact with the location of cancer in the esophagus. These symptoms are frequently triggered by conditions other than cancer, such as heartburn. If the discomfort persists, it is critical to consult a doctor.

According to data from the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.4% of adults in the country have experienced at least one depressive episode. Depression is a significant mental health issue that makes one feel uninterested in activities they previously enjoyed, and they can constantly feel sad and hopeless for no concrete reason. Understanding some warning signs of depression may enable one to seek timely help to heal from the condition: Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) suggests that individuals with major depressive episodes experience loss of interest in their daily activities over a period of at least two weeks. For example, they may be withdrawn from their hobbies and pastimes or experience low sex drives. Depression typically affects one’s ability to experience pleasure. Changes in the sleep cycle Drastic changes in one’s sleep schedule are among the common symptoms of depression. Individuals with depression may either face extreme difficulties in falling asleep or may indulge in oversleeping. Research has demonstrated a strong association between depression and sleep disorders such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea. Social withdrawal Clinical depression often causes an individual to pull away or withdraw from social situations, even minimizing interactions with one’s close friends and family members.

In an era of rising pollution levels and novel respiratory disorders, keeping the lungs healthy can be a challenge for many. While exercising and frequent physical screenings can help, what a person eats is equally critical for their respiratory health. Certain foods, such as apples, tomatoes, and blueberries, are great for the lungs. On the flip side, some foods can seriously degrade lung health in the long term. So let’s look at such foods. Ice cream Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can worsen asthma and its symptoms in patients. Milk is a rich source of calcium and vitamins. However, milk products also have casomorphin, a chemical that has been known to increase the mucus quantity in the intestines. Ice cream is arguably the worst of them all, as overeating can inflame the respiratory tract tissues and produce excessive mucus in the lungs. Ice creams contain refined sugar, which makes them one of the worst foods for the lungs. Chocolate Speaking of sugar, chocolate also contains high amounts of artificial sweeteners, sugar, and a surprisingly low number of nutrient elements. Additionally, it has caffeine, which rapidly increases the heart rate of a person. Like milk and other dairy products, sugar is also an inflammatory agent.

When it comes to health, what you introduce into your body and environment holds great importance. This holds for lung health as well. With increased levels of air and water pollution surrounding us, impaired lung capacity is a growing concern. In such a scenario, avoiding foods that could further contribute to the deterioration of your lungs is necessary. Avoiding foods that can compromise lung health can also help maintain heart health. Processed meat Increased intake of highly processed meats like bacon, sausages, hot dogs, and other deli meats has long been linked to compromised lung health. According to numerous research results, daily intake of processed forms of meat can impair lung function, increasing the risk of developing and triggering conditions like COPD. A set of research also found the rehospitalization rate to be higher in COPD patients that continued using processed meat. The problem is the high salt content and the subsequent water retention these foods can cause. Added sugar Sugars that are not naturally present in food and have been added as a measure of taste enhancement or preservation are added sugars. Most often, it is in the form of refined sugar or other syrups. Commonly occurring foods with added sugars include cereals, granola, cakes, flavored yogurts, and more.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis can make it challenging for people to get the proper nutrition their body needs. However, the body may not digest or absorb the nutrients well, leading to malnutrition and other deficiencies. To avoid these troubles, it is essential to know the foods that can trigger inflammation and lead to flare-ups in people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and their treatment options. Foods to avoid for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Some foods can trigger IBD symptoms and worsen inflammation. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD. The condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary to help patients track their state over time. Common culprits that may trigger flares of Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis include: Caffeine Caffeinated drinks like coffee can worsen Crohn’s and UC symptoms, like diarrhea and stomach pain, by speeding up gut motility. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and complex to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines; therefore, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used to refer to chronic inflammation of tissues in the digestive tract. IBD is generally categorized into two types – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. These disorders are characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The effects of the disease differ from individual to individual. While symptoms of IBD may be mild for some, they may lead to life-threatening complications for others. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD, as the condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary, which may help patients track the condition over time. Common culprits that may trigger IBD flares include: Peas Peas, beans, and lentils contain indigestible sugars that may cause gas, so avoiding these during a flare may help. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Dried fruits Dried fruits, berries, and fruits with pulp and seeds are often high in fiber and can worsen symptoms during a flare. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and difficult to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) can cause severe discomfort and hamper day-to-day functioning in their more advanced stages. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are two common IBDs affecting several individuals at different severity levels. Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves inflammation and ulcers in the large intestine’s inner lining, whereas Crohn’s disease is characterized by swelling of the large intestine. Here are some foods patients with UC and Crohn’s disease should avoid, together with some treatment options. Whole grains Whole grains can irritate the gastrointestinal tract among individuals suffering from UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to avoid consuming whole, unprocessed grains like buckwheat, brown rice, rolled oats, and wild rice varieties. In addition, white rice and instant oats may be more easily digestible. Raspberries A cup of raspberries contains 8 grams of fiber, a no-no for individuals with UC and Crohn’s. Replacing such high-fiber fruits with low-fiber alternatives, such as cantaloupes, watermelons, nectarines, peaches, and fresh fruit juices without pulp, will help. Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain high levels of insoluble fiber, which is difficult to digest and can aggravate existing digestive problems like UC and Crohn’s disease. It helps to avoid such vegetables and replace them with more easily digestible alternatives like asparagus tips, cucumber, and cooked spinach.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the umbrella term for health conditions involving inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is primarily categorized into ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, which affect one’s moods and involve symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and rectal bleeding. In addition, a person’s food habits and treatment course are crucial in controlling IBD symptoms. Here is some information on UC and Crohn’s disease and foods individuals with these conditions must avoid. Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an IBD involving inflammation in the colon and rectum. Ulcers develop in the rectum and the large intestine’s inner lining, causing severe pain and discomfort. Individuals with UC may experience symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and an inability to defecate despite feeling the urge. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is an IBD characterized by gastrointestinal tract inflammation. It typically begins with the small intestine, progressing to the large intestinal lining. The affected areas usually appear as patches in the latter condition. Moreover, while UC only affects the large intestine’s innermost lining, Crohn’s can occur in any part of the tract. Foods to avoid Changing one’s nutritional habits is crucial in managing IBDs like UC and Crohn’s disease. It is because certain food items tend to trigger flare-ups among people diagnosed with these conditions.