The human body has a complex network of veins and arteries that transport blood to different parts. It is a crucial function because blood contains oxygen and essential nutrients to keep a person healthy. Sometimes, clots can form in the veins and arteries, restricting blood flow and leading to severe complications. When this happens, doctors may recommend treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes to eliminate such clots and improve blood circulation. Signs of blood clots Identifying blood clots in time is vital to prevent the condition from worsening. Here are the signs to look out for: Swelling A swelling in the legs, arms, or other body parts that does not go away may be a sign of a blood clot. Pain or tenderness Pain or tenderness in the affected area may also be a warning sign. The pain may be localized or spread over a larger area. Warmth or redness Blood clots can cause warmth or redness in the affected area, which should not be ignored. Shortness of breath Blood clots in the lungs may cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Dizziness or confusion Clots in the brain can cause dizziness, confusion, and difficulty speaking or understanding. Foods to manage blood clots Besides using the proper treatment, one may add the following foods to their meals to manage the condition after consulting a health expert: Salmon Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and prevent unnecessary blood clots from forming. Dark chocolate Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, natural compounds that have been shown to improve circulation and reduce clots by helping thin the blood. Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent and manage blood clots. Ginger Ginger has compounds like gingerol and paradol that can help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation.

High blood pressure is one of the most prevalent health problems globally. While it is a lifelong disorder with no cure, high blood pressure can be managed through treatments and lifestyle modifications. One of the crucial aspects of managing it is eating the right foods and avoiding others. Fresh fruits, green vegetables, and whole foods are often recommended to maintain safe blood pressure levels. Equally importantly, one must avoid fried and fatty foods, among others. 5 foods to avoid that increase blood pressure Cold cuts and cured meats Salami, sausages, pepperoni, bacon, prosciutto, and hot dogs contain a high amount of sodium. The high level of sodium is necessary to preserve the meat. It also gives the cold cuts and cured meats their flavor. However, for those with high blood pressure, eating these meats on a regular basis will worsen the symptoms. Packaged sandwiches Sandwiches can be healthy meal options. However, the nutritional value and whether they are safe for high blood pressure or hypertension greatly depends on the ingredients used. Most packaged sandwiches use white flour-based bread, deli meats, cheese, pickles, and other condiments. All of these make these sandwiches high in sodium, which is bad for managing high blood pressure. Instead, homemade sandwiches with fresh vegetables, whole-grain bread, and non-sodium-rich ingredients are a better alternative. Frozen pizza This may seem like a quick and convenient alternative to cooking a meal. However, frozen pizzas can potentially make hypertension worse, especially when consumed on a regular basis. This is because they have high amounts of saturated fats, sodium, and sugar. All of these can increase blood pressure levels and aggravate symptoms. Sweetened beverages Packaged sweetened beverages contain huge amounts of artificial sweeteners and sugars. From packaged fruit juices, milk shakes, to carbonated beverages, all of these can do more harm than good in the case of hypertension.

Our eyes help us see what’s around us so that we can react accordingly. Since they perform such a crucial function, we must maintain them by following healthy practices. Sadly, many ignore eye care and increase their risk of ocular conditions. These conditions are usually treatable with timely intervention, but prevention is always better than cure. Below are a few simple yet practical ways to maintain eye health in the long run. 1. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the functioning of the meibomian gland. This oil gland protects against age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and should be a part of one’s meals to protect the eyes. Nuts like walnuts and seeds like flax and chia seeds are also rich in this essential nutrient. 2. Maintain an active lifestyle Moderate-intensity exercises considerably reduce eye pressure, lowering one’s risk of glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye disorders. Hence, individuals should avoid a sedentary lifestyle and incorporate walking, jogging, skipping, cycling, swimming, or other exercises into daily workouts. 3. Wear shades while stepping out during the day In the long run, persistent and direct exposure to sunlight can trigger several eye diseases, including macular degeneration, corneal damage, and cataracts. While stepping out in the sun is often inevitable, one should wear protective shades to prevent eye damage caused by UV rays. 4. Include foods with beta-carotene The body transforms beta-carotene into vitamin A, an essential nutrient that supports eye health and helps prevent ocular diseases. Carrots, leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, papaya, and red bell peppers are a few foods high in beta-carotene. 5. Avoid overuse of electronic devices It’s hard to imagine a life without gadgets today.

Quite a few things can cause bad eyesight, and one of these major factors is aging. However, there are some day-to-day choices we make and activities we partake in that slowly but surely impact our eyesight. This article discusses some obvious and not-so-obvious things that weaken our vision and force us to visit an ophthalmologist. Most of these causes are rooted in lifestyle habits and linked to preexisting health conditions. Too much screen time Sitting on the computer for extended hours is quite detrimental to eye health. The majority of the population spends time staring at their laptops, phones, or television. Screen pixels on the screen emit blue rays. While these rays are not as harsh on the eyes as UV rays, they have a better penetrative range and can end up causing deeper damage. Other side-effects of extended screen time include dry eyes, pricking of the eyes, strained eyesight, and headaches that can result in progressive worsening of the condition. Rubbing the eyes Rubbing the eyes can be an unconscious reaction for those dealing with dry eyes. It’s difficult to control the urge when allergies trigger itchy eyes. This can damage the cornea and increase pressure on the eyes. A better option is to cover the eyes with a damp towel to relieve itchy and dry eyes. Not wearing sunglasses We often end up treating sunglasses as a fashion accessory more than a necessity. While there is nothing wrong with that, it is equally essential to choose the right pair of sunglasses based on the protection they provide. For example, smaller framed sunglasses fail to provide optimal protection. Their UV protective ability determines the sunglasses’ effectiveness instead of the darkness of the shades. Poor eating habits Empty calories and food filled with additives and preservatives contribute to poor vision.

Poor blood circulation can occur due to a number of health conditions. These include peripheral artery disease or PAD, diabetes, and Raynaud’s disease. While these require treatments prescribed by healthcare professionals, eating certain foods to improve blood count and blood circulation can also help. These foods also benefit athletes and those who indulge in physical activities to improve recovery and stamina. Here are some of these few foods to add to everyday meals. Broccoli One of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables is broccoli, which is packed with several nutrients. It is a rich source of vitamin B9 or folate. This nutrient is important to increase the count of red blood cells in the body. Adding broccoli to salads, stir-fried meals, and other food options can help the body produce red blood cells quicker, thus improving blood count and blood circulation. Bananas Adding bananas to cereal or having banana smoothies is not just filling but also extremely good for blood. This is because bananas are one of the richest sources of potassium. Potassium can lower blood pressure and improve blood flow. This is especially helpful if there is an excess of sodium in the body. High levels of sodium can lead to high blood pressure. However, the presence of potassium in the bananas flushes the additional sodium through the urine. This helps to improve blood circulation. Cayenne pepper This bright red pepper adds spice to sauces, dips, and chili oil. In addition, it has tons of nutritional benefits too. These benefits come from the compound known as capsaicin that lends cayenne pepper its spicy hot flavor. This compound optimizes the functions of the arteries. As a result, the muscles in the blood vessels relax. This controls blood pressure and improves blood circulation. Beetroot This vibrant, colorful veggie is packed with fiber, folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C.

Overactive bladder or OAB is a condition that groups some urinary symptoms, pointing toward bladder problems. It is not a disease but a set of symptoms. For some people, the symptoms can get so severe that it affects their social and work life and sleep. The frequent bathroom breaks can also dent one’s confidence, making them feel isolated and lonely. Here are some signs to notice and management tips to follow. Signs and symptoms Some signs and symptoms, if mild, may seem like regular bowel movements. However, observing and recognizing irregularities is essential for early detection, treatment, and management. Here are some signs to notice: Urgency to urinate Having a frequent urge to urinate is the most common and major symptom of OAB. The individual cannot ignore the strong and sudden urge to urinate; in fact, some people are afraid that there will be a leak if they do not use the bathroom immediately. Leaking urine Urge incontinence is another symptom. Under this, the urine may leak when there is a sudden urge to go to the bathroom. However, it is not to be confused with stress urinary incontinence. In Stress urinary incontinence, the person may leak urine during sneezing, laughing, or other physically strenuous activities. Urinate frequently Apart from the sudden urge to urinate, one may have to go to the bathroom frequently throughout the day. Experts suggest that going to the bathroom more than eight times daily is “frequent urination.” Waking up at night due to urgency If someone has to wake up at night in the middle of sleep, more than once, to relieve themselves, then it may point towards OAB. Management tips There are several treatment options for OAB, which may work for different individuals. Lifestyle changes can help control frequent urination. One of these changes is to limit the intake of certain foods and drinks that may irritate the bladder.

This autoimmune disease is characterized as an inflammatory disease that attacks the lining of the joints in the body. The inflammation around the joints causes swelling, tenderness, and pain. This chronic disease may affect one or multiple joints at once. Over a period, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Given the seriousness of this long-term illness, we have enlisted things that can worsen rheumatoid arthritis. Too much rest is not a good idea Moving around with rheumatoid arthritis could get challenging, but adopting an active lifestyle is instead a smarter thing to do. Doing daily chores, going for a stroll, and picking hobbies like gardening keeps. An active lifestyle rewards the body in the long run. After all, working out is one of the most important ways to lessen the disability associated with this condition. Exercise regularly can improve strength and flexibility in those with rheumatoid arthritis. Stronger muscles can support the joints well; on the other hand, better flexibility can aid joint function. Skipping treatment It’s not wise to stop treatment or avoid taking the prescribed tablets for the condition. If a dose is missed, it’s advised to have it as soon as possible. Most people stop physiotherapy or taking tablets after they feel better. Avoid strenuous physical activity Avoid lifting heavy groceries or stuff around the house or at work. This can put immense pressure on the inflamed joints and lead to faster bone erosion. Avoid eating packaged foods Any disease is treated with medical intervention in combination with a healthy food regime. Avoid packaged foods, frozen dinners, and sugary juices available in cartons. These commercially available foods come with tons of additives, preservatives, sugar, and salt to increase their shelf life. Most of these food products contain empty calories and are addictive.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of a robust immune system, particularly for respiratory health, has come to the forefront. The respiratory system, crucial for oxygen exchange and overall well-being, is often susceptible to infections and disorders. It is also responsible for delivering oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. This comprehensive guide explores ways, encompassing treatments, changes in food habits and lifestlye, and home remedies, to boost immunity against respiratory viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical importance of a healthy respiratory system. Individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions faced heightened risks, with the virus primarily targeting the lungs. Even those without prior conditions were prompted to reevaluate their lung health. This collective concern has spurred interest in proactive measures to fortify the respiratory system. Here are a few ways to enhance the immune system: Treatment options Vaccinations stand as a cornerstone in the fight against severe respiratory viruses. They equip the immune system to recognize and combat specific pathogens, protecting against subsequent infections. There are two primary types of vaccines: mRNA and non-mRNA options. While mRNA vaccines have gained significant attention, non-mRNA alternatives like Novavax contribute to the immunization effort. Novavax, a protein subunit vaccine, employs a different mechanism to stimulate immune responses, providing an additional option for those seeking protection. Foods for respiratory health Food plays a pivotal role in supporting respiratory health. Certain foods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that benefit lung function. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, can aid in maintaining healthy airways. Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel also demonstrate anti-inflammatory properties, supporting lung health. Additionally, foods abundant in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, assist in combating oxidative stress, a factor linked to respiratory conditions.

High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a primary concern for people with diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting about 13% of the adults in the country. Maintaining healthy levels of blood sugar is vital, as raised blood sugar levels for long periods can lead to various complications, including heart, kidney, eye, and nerve diseases. Here are the most effective ways to lower blood sugar for diabetes management: Treatment These prescription treatments can help manage diabetes: GlucoTrust It’s an FDA-approved, 100% natural supplement for type 1 and type 2 diabetes treatment. INVOKANA® INVOKANA® helps control blood sugar and lower the risk of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Kerendia® This is a once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetics. It helps decrease the rate of kidney damage and the risk of cardiovascular, heart attack, and more. Another effective method to control blood sugar levels is insulin therapy. All people with type 1 diabetes and some of those with type 2 diabetes need to take insulin, which is typically administered through a shot or insulin pump. For better diabetes management, it’s advisable to use tools like the Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring System. It’s a modern, feature-rich device that helps manage diabetes without fingersticks or calibration. Things to avoid It’s crucial to avoid doing anything that can counter an individual’s effort to manage diabetes. This primarily includes steering clear of foods that can raise blood sugar levels and increase the risk of diabetes complications, such as French fries, margarine, white rice, flavored yogurt, and sweetened breakfast cereal. It’s also important to limit or avoid intake of refined carbs, such as cakes, candies, sodas, and fruit juices. One must also limit or avoid processed foods or meats as they’re full of salt and oil. In addition, one should not exercise on an empty or full stomach and try not to miss any oral prescription treatment.

Millennials are all for quick fixes, and you cannot blame them as they need to be on par with their fast-paced life. Our tendency to opt for things that make our lives easier now includes foods as well; we would prefer heating the pan pizza for breakfast rather than take the efforts to make scrambled eggs. When the weigh scale shoots past one’s previous weight is when realization dawns upon them that there are no quick fixes to losing those extra pounds. Though you can conquer the three important meals of the day without giving in to any temptations, snack time is when your conviction is tested. It is always easier to buy processed food off the shelves of the supermarket rather than toiling in the kitchen to make the perfect healthy snack. No one said that making healthy food choices will be easy, so, instead of navigating your way to the ready-to-make snacks or potato chips to satisfy your hunger, you can try some easy healthy snack ideas that the Internet is rife with. Here are some of the easy healthy snack ideas that wouldn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen and can satisfy your hunger pangs as well. Chia seed pudding Everyone loves pudding! However, it’s not the right choice if you wish to eat healthily and control your sweet tooth. So, instead of your regular pudding, you can treat yourself to chia seed pudding. The major ingredients used for concocting this delicious healthy snack are organic coconut milk and three tablespoons of organic chia seeds. All you to have to do is mix these ingredients in a mason jar and add cinnamon or honey as a sweetener. Allow this mixture to sit overnight, and relish it the next day. Hummus and veggies mason jar This is an extremely easy healthy snack idea and doesn’t require chef-like skills.

Following a diet can be difficult, especially because you’re expected to be strict in terms of timing and quantity. Nonetheless, following a diet doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in delicious food. Herein, we have put together five recipes that will help you stay on a diet while indulging in quick and delicious food every day. One-pot chicken with lemon, herbs, and rice Within half an hour, you can create a dinner that is delicious, low on calories, and easy. Just take a deep pot, melt some butter in it, and toss the chicken in. Then, add the rice, broth, seasoning, and previously half-cooked chicken. This recipe is very customizable and can be easily frozen to be eaten later. Three-ingredient salmon Three ingredients and less than half an hour in the kitchen are enough to create an incredibly healthy and delicious dinner that will seem almost seamless. You will need fresh salmon, some lemon juice, and seasoning. Simply marinate the salmon in freshly squeezed lemon juice and seasoning. Bake for ten minutes and serve along with some rice or noodles. One-pan chicken breast with tomatoes and garlic This is one of the healthiest and tastiest options for anyone who’s on a diet. First, you need to season and sear the chicken in the pan until cooked. Next, cook the tomatoes in the same pan. You can also add some mushrooms or cheese here. Lastly, pour the chicken into the tomatoes, and voila, your quick and delicious chicken with tomatoes and garlic is ready Tomato sourdough soup This low-calorie meal is tasty, quick, and super-easy to make. Begin by tossing the onions in a pan until translucent, followed by fresh tomatoes. Add the vegetable broth, seasoning, and sourdough bread and cook for a couple of minutes. Give it a quick mix and your delicious vegetarian tomato soup is ready.

As a dog owner, one of the biggest concerns to tackle is fleas and tick infestation. These parasites feed off the pets’ blood, causing excessive scratching and irritation. There is a variety of flea and tick repellents in the market. However, it is necessary to be aware of natural remedies. The following article lists some of the most effective treatments to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs at home: Clinical options Before discussing natural remedies to manage flea and tick infestation in dogs, it is also important to be aware of clinical treatment options. Simparica® This is one such option that prevents flea and tick infestation in dogs. The FDA-approved oral treatment option can be given once a month which remains effective for up to 35 days. Other treatment options Other options include Bravecto® and K9 Advantix®, where the latter is a topical treatment used on a monthly basis, and the former is an oral treatment option used once in three months. Bravecto® can also be used for getting rid of heartworm. Foods to eat Experts say that fleas and ticks are likely to attack weak and unhealthy animals. If your dog is given healthy and nutritious foods, fleas and tick infestation won’t be a problem. Make sure your dog’s meal comprises of fresh whole foods and unprocessed proteins. Nutrients such as B vitamins, probiotics, sulfur, omega-6 fatty acids, and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for their health. These nutrients can be acquired from foods like meats, organ meats, fatty fish, flaxseed, poultry, eggs, broccoli, cauliflower, and more. Natural home remedies Essential oils The topical application of essential oils is one of the best natural remedies for treating fleas and tick infestation in dogs. It’s best to use essential oils like lavender, peppermint, lemongrass, cedar oil, or eucalyptus oil.