The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It is responsible for cleansing the blood, regulating the supply of energy, vitamins, and minerals, manufacturing essential proteins, regulating hormones and cholesterol, and producing bile. Given its vital role in the body, it is important to take good care of the liver. However, people often end up making some errors while doing so. Seven common mistakes to avoid while maintaining liver health include: Making the wrong nutritional choices High levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood (hyperlipidaemia and hypercholesterolaemia, respectively) are the culprits behind the fatty liver disease. This could be a result of over-indulging in certain foods containing unhealthy fats (saturated fats, trans fats, and hydrogenated fats), sugars, processed foods, and refined grains. It is best to avoid these. Instead, opt for well-balanced meals containing complex carbohydrates or whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and “good fats,” such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fish. Some foods that help bolster liver health and function include avocados, garlic, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, turmeric, beetroot, green tea, olive oil, walnuts, salmon, apples, grapefruit, and lemons. Adding herbs such as chicory roots, peppermint, milk thistle seeds, and dandelion roots to one’s meals could also positively affect the liver.

Thyroid eye disease, also popularly known as Grave’s disease, is an autoimmune condition in which specific eye muscles and tissues become inflamed. An autoimmune response causes inflammation, as the body attacks its own tissues when it perceives a threat. Grave’s or thyroid eye disease is categorized by swelling around the eyelids, bulged eyes, blurry vision, and vision impairment of varying degrees if not managed on time. Here are a few things to know about this condition: Symptoms There are a few common signs that help professionals diagnose thyroid eye disease. These are as follows: Changes in the eyes The condition is characterized by the swelling of the tissues and muscles in and around the eyes. As a result, patients may experience swelling around the eyelids, bloodshot eyes, and undereye bags. Additionally, all these symptoms make the eyes appear disproportionately huge and bulgy. The pupils also appear smaller in comparison to the rest of the eyes. Low tolerance of bright lights The inflammation and swelling of one’s eye muscles also cause muscle weakness. As a result, all the various parts of a person’s eyes, such as the cornea and iris, become more strained when an individual with this condition stares at bright lights.

Antidepressants are often a key part of a treatment plan for managing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. They work by increasing the levels of certain brain chemicals and helping improve mood. However, like any treatment option, antidepressants also come with a few side effects. To help one make an informed decision when undergoing treatment involving the use of antidepressants, here are some of the common side effects one should know: 1. Serotonin syndrome This side effect is associated with certain types of antidepressants that can affect the serotonin levels in the body and cause imbalances. So, here, one may have excessive levels of serotonin. This is called serotonin syndrome. Although rare, this is a serious side effect that can lead to nausea, diarrhea, agitation, frequent bouts of frustration, high body temperature, shivering, and sweating. One may also experience twitching, headaches, tremors, muscle spasms, hyper-responsive reflexes, confusion, dilated pupils, delirium, rapid heartbeats, hallucinations, unexplained heart issues, and high blood pressure. Among the rarer and more serious symptoms of this condition are coma, convulsions, and recurring arrhythmia. This syndrome tends to have varying effects based on factors such as the person’s age, overall health, level of physical activity, and the presence of underlying health conditions.

Menstrual cramps, pain, and discomfort are common in over 80 percent of people who menstruate in the country. Of course, a heat bag, plenty of rest, and some self-love and care usually do the trick for the most part. But one also needs to follow some basic hygiene and lifestyle tips to better manage these excruciating symptoms. So, here are some common mistakes menstruating persons make and how to avoid them: Using scented tampons and pads Body odor is quite common during periods, and a seemingly effective hack to get rid of this odor is using scented tampons and pads. However, these products can cause a lot of irritation and trigger rashes and itching. Also, they tend to change the vagina’s natural pH balance, which leads to problems like bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. So, it is best to avoid using these products and stick to the conventional ones. Not having enough water It’s important to stay hydrated on any day, but it is particularly necessary during periods because the body loses a lot of fluid during this time. Water is an absolute must for different bodily functions, from supplying nutrients and oxygen to cells to regulating digestion and body temperature.

Blackheads, also referred to as open comedones, are tiny dark bumps that pop up on one’s face when the dead skin cells and excess oil or sebum get trapped inside the skin pores. They appear black in color because they interact with the air and get oxidized. There are certain right and wrong ways of getting rid of these blackheads to keep the skin smooth and healthy in the long term. Best ways to get rid of blackheads Exfoliating gently and once in a while One is advised to go for exfoliation only a few times a week and scrub gently to remove dead skin. The exact frequency depends on which product an individual uses. Instead of harsh scrubs, one can use alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) that also improve skin softness while clearing the pores. Cleansing with salicylic acid Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in many products that treat blackheads. It has been proven to break down the oil, dirt, pollution, makeup, impurities, dead skin cells, and other materials that clog skin pores. It is best to consult a dermatologist to know whether the ingredient is suitable for one’s skin type and get personalized recommendations for a product containing salicylic acid.

A seizure is a medical condition wherein an individual experiences electrical disturbances in the brain, affecting their behavior and emotions. The condition is triggered by stress, lack of sleep, flashing lights, or underlying neurological conditions like epilepsy. A seizure may seem to strike out of nowhere, but several warning signs indicate it is coming. It’s essential to be aware of these to know the long-term remedies to ensure safety and well-being. Symptoms of a seizure Focal seizures Focal seizures originate from abnormal electrical activity in a particular brain area, with or without a loss of consciousness. When consciousness is affected, it may feel as if the person is in a dream, although they are fully awake but unresponsive to their surroundings. They may exhibit repetitive movements or behaviors. In seizures without impaired awareness, emotions or sensory perceptions are altered, but one’s consciousness remains intact. Here are some emotions and signs that indicate a focal seizure: Suddenly depressed, ecstatic, or furious Indescribable nausea Inability to talk normally Numbness or tingling feeling Jerky movements of arms and legs Tingling feeling Feeling dizzy or seeing lights Generally, seizure symptoms vary according to the type, and they can be mild or severe. Most commonly, some early warning signs of seizure include the following:

Dealing with joint pain and stiffness from injuries or arthritis can be extremely difficult. To aid medical therapies and promote quicker healing, many people have started taking a more holistic approach to health by opting for supplements. However, not all supplements are made equal, making finding the right one a daunting task. To help people through this process, here are ten tips for choosing the right joint supplement for one’s needs. Research well First and foremost, begin with a round of thorough research. Check the list of ingredients and verify if they are backed by data proving their effectiveness in reducing joint pain. Most often, joint pain supplements contain a mix of glucosamine, methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), and chondroitin. Explore the web to learn more about these ingredients and how they may help manage pain better before choosing the right supplement for one’s needs. Steer clear of supplements with questionable ingredients On any pack of supplements, the list of active ingredients is given the most importance. While these are the primary elements of the product, individuals must also pay careful attention to other ingredients. These aren’t added for their health benefits but to enhance other aspects, such as stability and flavor.

Seizures are a type of episodic neurological condition usually triggered when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The condition’s cause, intensity, and form differ from case to case. Acute seizures and seizure clusters affect millions of people, but with advancements in healthcare, there are numerous ways to manage them. However, it is tricky to manage, especially since the condition involves sudden onsets and requires due diligence on the part of the patient. Definition of and difference between acute seizures and seizure cluster Both these conditions stem from abnormal electrical signals between the brain that affect one’s muscular or bodily control, alter consciousness, cause muscular contractions, and disturbances in the senses. It can also lead to hallucinations or other cognitive impairments. Acute seizures are usually intense in nature, and their symptoms affect the person’s quality of life in a major way. Mostly, an individual seizure can be brief and spontaneous, lasting from a few seconds to a few minutes. They can either occur as isolated events and may not necessarily have a pattern. Epilepsy, brain injury, infections, metabolic imbalances are all potential causes of acute seizures. People who already suffer from refractory epilepsy tend to typically develop seizure clusters.

Mental health is a crucial aspect of human well-being that impacts a person’s overall functioning. It encompasses internal experiences, including how one feels, behaves, thinks, or relates to others. Although today’s society has become more aware and accepting of mental health issues, severe conditions like PTSD and anxiety are often overlooked or sometimes dismissed as minor concerns. Seeking the help of professionals like consulting psychologists can make a major difference in managing such conditions.  Meaning and types of consulting psychology Consulting psychology is the professional practice of diagnosing and treating psychological issues. Since the symptoms of mental health conditions are subtle at first and can be associated with just everyday stressors, there are several ways to approach diagnosis and treatment. Some common types of consulting psychology models include the following- Client-centered-  A professional such as a licensed practitioner or physician dedicates time to the client and analyzes, diagnoses, and implements strategies to help with their condition. Consultee-centered-  Here, consultees mainly aim to become more knowledgeable and skilled in a particular subject by receiving guidance and training from the practitioner. Behavioral consultation-  Here, the consultants examine the individual’s behavior and assess the causes, then develop strategies to effectively modify or manage behavioral patterns.

Cardiovascular diseases of one kind or another are prevalent in almost half the population of the world, where the country alone records nearly 805,000 cases of heart attacks annually. This huge number indicates how important it is for people to be aware of the warning signs to get timely treatment and assistance. Once people know what signs to look out for, the chances of heart attacks or other undiagnosed heart conditions can decrease significantly. Chest discomfort or pain Chest discomfort or pain is one of the key warning signs that should not be ignored under any circumstances. One might experience tightness, heaviness, or strong squeezing in the chest. This can be due to the cholesterol build-up that has caused the narrowing of the arteries and veins. A tighter space would also mean the heart has a limited blood supply and functioning capacity. Even if one experiences a mild variation of this symptom, one should speak to the doctor or visit the ER as soon as possible. Chest discomfort, especially when resting, can be a worrisome sign. Fatigue Sometimes, one may feel tired and worn out from day-to-day activities. These tasks may not require much effort, but suddenly, they become challenging to complete.