Bad breath or halitosis can often be troublesome when it comes to oral freshness. The primary cause is usually poor oral hygiene. Other probable factors, like underlying health issues, can contribute to this issue. However, there are natural solutions found in everyday foods that provide an alternative to pharmaceutical remedies. Adding these foods to the routine can help improve overall health and gut microbiota that can help fight bad breath. Apples Apples are a remarkable natural aid in the battle against bad breath. Their high water content stimulates saliva production, aiding in the rinsing of the mouth. Moreover, the gentle abrasiveness of apples helps minimize the buildup of plaque. Additionally, malic acid actively encourages saliva production while maintaining an optimal pH balance within the oral environment. Whether enjoyed as a convenient and refreshing snack or added to salads, the satisfying crunch of apples promotes oral health. Carrots Packed with beta-carotene and fiber, carrots are ideal for maintaining oral hygiene. The act of chewing on raw carrots not only stimulates saliva flow but also neutralizes acidity, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. Essentially, carrots serve as natural cleansers, fortifying oral health. One can enjoy carrot sticks as a refreshing snack or integrate them into salads and soups.

Geographic Atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which leads to irreversible vision loss. As its name suggests, it directly affects the macula, the part of a person’s eye responsible for central vision. While currently, there is no known cure for geographic atrophy, there is a proactive approach that people can take to delay its progression. This includes altering nutritional intake, adding some foods to the daily routine, and subtracting others. Foods to eat for geographic atrophy Leafy greens Leafy greens like spinach, kale, lettuce, and Brussels sprouts are rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful pigments, in high amounts of leafy greens. These pigments are powerful antioxidants that can help protect the macula, the central part of the retina affected by GA. An excellent way to incorporate these leafy greens into the nutritional routine is by adding them in salads, smoothies, or lightly sauté for a side dish. Green vegetables Besides leafy greens, the pigments lutein and zeaxanthin are also found in high amounts in other green vegetables, such as avocados, green bell peppers, peas, and broccoli. These vegetables can also be easily included in salads or other sandwiches. Avocados can also be added to smoothies, spinach, and kale to make it even better for the eyes.

Vasculitis, or angiitis, is an autoimmune health disorder. It damages the blood vessels due to the severe inflammation that leads to their swelling and hardening. Therefore, the blood is unable to flow smoothly, resulting in organ and tissue damage. Although vasculitis is not preventable, one can delay symptom progression and prevent complications by watching out for the early signs. Here are some of the types, early signs of vasculitis, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Types of vasculitis There are more than 30 types of vasculitis. Depending on which blood vessels are affected, a doctor will determine the vasculitis type. Some of the known types include the following. Behcet’s disease Buerger disease Churg-Strauss syndrome Cryoglobulinemia Giant cell arteritis Granulomatosis with polyangiitis Henoch-Schonlein purpura Kawasaki disease Takayasu’s arteritis Early signs of vasculitis Some of the early signs and symptoms are common across all types of vasculitis. Breathing difficulties When vasculitis reaches the lungs, tears begin to develop in the healthy tissues. This can cause disruption in the respiratory function. Over time, this leads to pneumonia-like symptoms as well as breathing difficulties, wheezing, and coughing. These symptoms may worsen after any physical activity, such as climbing stairs, running, and lifting a heavy object.

A healthy smile plays a big part in one’s appearance. However, many common foods can be detrimental to teeth health, leading to the formation of plaque and cavities. Plaque is a thin, sticky, and invisible layer of bacteria and other substances that contribute to oral health problems such as gum disease and tooth decay. Over time, plaque formation can break down the enamel, and give rise to several dental problems. To prevent these issues, it is important to take proper care of one’s teeth and avoid these 12 foods that can harm teeth health: Candies Candies such as lollipops, mints, and others contain high levels of sugar. Chewing or biting on such hard candies can also cause chips or cracks in one’s teeth, increasing the risk of decay. Further, sour candies contain not only more sugar but also acids. These can be extremely tough on one’s teeth, and lead to enamel erosion. Due to their sticky nature, the candies stay on the teeth for a long time, increasing the risk of tooth decay. It may be safer to switch to chocolate instead of sour candy and rinse the mouth immediately after. Bread When chewed, the starches in bread are broken down into sugars by the saliva.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It results in the loss of muscle control and tends to worsen over time. The exact causes of the disease are yet to be identified, but experts can recommend certain treatments and therapies that help improve the quality of life of those affected. Following are 11 early warning signs of ALS. Muscle weakness Someone who develops muscle weakness out of the ordinary might be at risk of ALS. One may notice the development of symptoms in a specific limb, leg, or arm. Motor neurons are gradually lost, due to which the muscles controlled by them gradually become weak and non-functional. This results in weaker muscles and disability, which eventually turn worse. The loss of muscle strength could also affect everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs, lifting objects, or holding a cup. Trouble swallowing The process of swallowing involves a number of muscles that work together, including the tongue, jaw, lips, and throat. If they are affected by ALS, it could disrupt the harmony and make it tedious for them to swallow, which is termed dysphagia.

Certain factors can make any city a hotspot for migraines. Lifestyle elements such as the average overtime hours worked, frequency of air travel, lack of vigorous exercise, insomnia, and sunburn can all play a role in causing or worsening migraines. Additionally, environmental factors and the food consumed by the people living in the city can also contribute to migraines. Here are a few cities deemed migraine hotspots and why they are on this list. St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis is a booming metropolitan city that is densely populated and forever bustling with people. Its dense population and traffic make it one of the worst cities for people with migraine. Also, certain studies have found that people in this city exercise very little. People of St.Louis mostly commute or drive themselves to work every day. On top of all these, St. Louis has unpredictable weather and occasions on which the temperature is incredibly high. Apart from these factors, the people of this city frequently and excessively consume inflammation and migraine-inducing foods such as hot dogs, sausages, smoked meat, chocolate, coffee, cheese, and junk food. All in all, factors such as low frequency of exercise, poor choice of foods consumed by the city’s people, erratic and inconsistent weather, and the dense population make St.

Daytime sleepiness can profoundly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. It can arise as a complication of various sleep disorders. And can prevent individuals from leading a regular and productive life. It is important to look for some practical tips to help individuals overcome daytime drowsiness and regain their energy and focus. However, before adopting any practices, it is imperative to consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and determine the steps and strategies needed to deal with it. Prioritize consistent sleep patterns Establishing a regular sleep-wake schedule is paramount in regulating the body’s internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This rhythm dictates when we feel naturally awake and drowsy. By going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, individuals can reduce daytime sleepiness. This practice should extend to weekends to maintain consistency. One should set a fixed bedtime and wake-up time, ensuring they allocate sufficient hours for quality sleep. Creating and maintaining a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book or practicing gentle stretches, can signal the body that it’s time to wind down. Create a sleep-inducing environment The sleep environment plays a substantial role in the quality of rest obtained.

MAC lung disease refers to a lung infection caused by a bacteria group called Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), which is part of a large group of nontuberculous bacteria (NTM). Thus, MAC bacterial infection is the most common cause of NTM lung disease in the country. Typically, MAC lung disease occurs when one inhales these bacteria, commonly found in soil and water. Here are some warning signs of this condition that should not be ignored: Warning signs of MAC lung disease Chronic cough Patients with MAC lung disease may experience chronic cough and may sometimes cough up blood or mucus. Chronic cough is classified as the most common symptom of MAC infection. Swollen lymph nodes The body’s lymph nodes typically swell up when it tries to fight off germs or bacteria. Consequently, swollen lymph nodes among patients with MAC lung disease may be a sign that the body is trying to fight against the infection. Inability to clear mucus In some cases, MAC lung disease may lead to a condition called bronchiectasis, which involves damage to the bronchial tubes. Patients with this condition may not be able to clear mucus easily, causing them to experience constant discomfort in their throats. Changes in appetite Patients with MAC lung disease may experience loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or diarrhea if the infection spreads to other parts of the body.

Bladder cancer is a type of cancer in which the cells in the bladder region grow uncontrollably. This organ stores urine in the body and works together with the kidneys to remove toxins from the body. Bladder cancer starts to affect the functioning of this organ, and as it spreads, it starts to affect the other tissues and organs nearby. Some symptoms can help diagnose the disease at an early stage. Here is what to know: Signs and symptoms Usually, bladder cancer can be detected early on because it causes blood in the urine, which can easily be spotted. Other uncomfortable urinary symptoms can help identify the disease early on. Here are a few signs and symptoms to know about: Blood in urine This is one of the first signs of bladder cancer. Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can easily be spotted during a bathroom visit, making it easy to recognize the symptoms. Sometimes, the color of the urine may change to orange, pink, or even dark red depending on the amount of blood in the urine, so always be observant of the same. However, there are times when the amount of blood is too low, so only blood spots are found during a urine test but not otherwise when using the bathroom and relieving the bowel.

Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, is a condition where blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL. This health issue is more prevalent among individuals with type-1 diabetes. Low blood sugar can be caused by several factors, such as taking excessive insulin, not having enough carbs when on insulin, hormonal changes like menopause and puberty, and fluctuating weather conditions. It is crucial to recognize the early signs of low blood sugar to ensure timely intervention. Symptoms of low blood sugar levels Lightheadedness Persons with low blood sugar levels may experience varying levels of lightheadedness, from mild to debilitating dizziness, that may occur even when one is standing still. Extreme hunger Low blood sugar may cause one to experience extreme hunger pangs, especially when one is on insulin and has insufficient carbohydrate intake. In such cases, it is important to control one’s food intake, as overeating may aggravate the situation and trigger or worsen related health issues like cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Tremors Research studies suggest that the autonomic nervous system is overly activated during spells of low blood sugar, causing tremors and shaking among patients. Sweating It is estimated that a whopping 84% of persons with hypoglycemia experience sweating.