Maintaining good vision and overall well-being requires actively protecting the eyesight. While incorporating nutrient-rich foods into daily meals promotes eye health, it’s equally important to actively avoid certain foods that can have a negative impact. By understanding which foods to steer clear of, one can actively make informed choices to safeguard one’s precious eyesight. So, let’s learn more about nutrition and how to keep the eyes healthy by avoiding certain foods. Candies Candies are difficult to pass up. Who wouldn’t want to satiate their sweet tooth with a snack that can easily fit into the pocket and provide immense satisfaction immediately? However, this sugar rush could cost one eye health. Excessive intake of sugary foods and beverages has a negative impact on the eyes, teeth, skin, hair, digestion, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. High sugar intake is linked to a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. It is best to avoid sugary treats like candies, cookies, sodas, and sweetened juices to protect one’s vision and overall well-being. French fries Consuming fried and processed foods on a regular basis can lead to a decline in overall health, including eye health. Most packaged foods come with unhealthy quantities of trans fats and sodium.

Skin cancer affects millions of people, and while most are aware of its more apparent signs, such as moles or unusual growths, there are also silent signs that can often go unnoticed. Early detection of these signs is highly critical to treat the condition. By being vigilant and proactive, one can protect one’s skin health and potentially prevent the progression of skin cancer. Here are some signs, as well as common causes and treatment options available for the condition. Common signs of skin cancer Persistent itching or tenderness Skin cancer can cause persistent itching or tenderness in the affected area, so it’s important to get sudden itchiness or tenderness checked by a dermatologist. Scaly or crusty patches One may mistake scaly or itchy skin for normal skin rash, allergic reaction, psoriasis, or eczema. But if basic treatments and home remedies do not seem to heal these crusty skin patches, it may indicate a more serious and deeper problem of skin cancer. Pimple that won’t heal Pimples or zits forming during adolescence are a common occurrence. Still, persistent pimples that do not fade or heal and fail to respond to normal acne treatments could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as hormonal imbalances or skin cancer.

Snacks are the ultimate hunger busters; these are foods that are not as wholesome as full-blown meals but just filling enough to keep food cravings away for a while. Although snacking from time to time is not particularly unhealthy, certain snack options can increase one’s cholesterol levels. These snacks are surprisingly (and dangerously) common foods eaten by millions around the world. Here are some such snacks that spike cholesterol levels and should be avoided. Granola bars Granola bars are often marketed as the ultimate hunger quenchers. While they certainly live up to that tagline, granola bars are also massive enhancers of cholesterol. These crunchy, chewy foods are layered with a large dollop of saturated fats, which ensure one feels full after having these bars. In fact, even the granola bars tagged “low-fat” contain moderate proportions of saturated fats (much higher than some cereals). To stay on the healthy side, one must eat granola that is sweetened through dried fruit, maple syrup, or honey and opt for bars that have at least 20 percent of the fiber value recommended by healthcare experts. Flour tortillas This snack is known for its juicy, crunchy texture and great taste, but it is also a major cause of high cholesterol.

Dementia is a mental health condition characterized by a persistent decline in intellectual functioning as a person ages. It leads to difficulty remembering things, abstract thinking, poor logical reasoning, confusion, and trouble starting and carrying forward conversations. The ailment also changes people drastically in terms of personality. For instance, the individual may get upset, worried, or angry more quickly. Here are the common warning signs of dementia that one should not ignore. Inability to recall actions and experiences Dementia impacts the brain’s memory center right from the onset. As a result, people with the condition tend to forget past conversations or experiences as if they never happened. It is one reason they often ask the same question multiple times despite repeatedly receiving an answer. Some patients repeat the same story to the same person in the same way over and over again. Speaking of memory, people with dementia struggle with remembering the minute details of an event or place they had visited recently. For example, they may forget they have been to a foreign country for a holiday a few days after returning. That said, they may recall specific events from their earlier life pretty clearly. Forgetting familiar names and faces Actions and experiences are not the only things individuals with dementia forget.

Living with arthritis can be a deeply uncomfortable experience. This is due to its myriad list of symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for arthritis, healthcare professionals can work on a treatment plan for people to reduce pain and inflammation and improve their quality of life. To achieve those objectives, such professionals need to detect the earliest signs and symptoms of the condition. Here are some of the most common early arthritis signs: Morning stiffness Most people feel stiff in the morning when they wake up. This tightness is caused due to the overnight changing of lubrication in the joints and fascia. Another cause for morning stiffness is that the body’s natural Ibuprofen has not kicked in yet. However, this stiffness tends to go away when one moves and stretches out a little. Morning exercises are a great way to release this morning stiffness. In the case of arthritis, this stiffness and tightness simply do not go away. This happens because of the inherently deep nature of arthritis symptoms. Therefore, if an individual experiences stiffness for 30 to 45 minutes after waking up, it may be a sign of arthritis and should be checked by a medical professional. In fact, the stiffness does not occur only in the morning but also after one rests for a long time and then gets up from a comfortable position.

Blood circulation is one of the most important functions in the body, as vital organs depend on oxygen and nutrients supplied by the red blood cells to survive and function. However, certain factors like poor nutrition, underlying health issues, and unhealthy daily habits can reduce blood flow and disrupt circulation. So, here are a few common signs of poor blood circulation and useful tips for managing and overcoming the problem: Signs of poor blood circulation Visible swelling One of the first and most evident signs of poor blood circulation is swelling. Also referred to as edema, this swelling develops in the legs, feet, and ankles. Edema develops when the blood pools in one place instead of moving along the arteries and veins. Pooling causes the area to bulge. Edema is often noticeable along the extremities of the body. Due to the swelling, the skin around the affected area becomes taut and warm. Additionally, one might experience a sensation of heaviness and stiffness around the joints when affected by poor circulation. Numbness and tingling Blood circulation is a continuous process, with the heart pumping blood to reach all extremities of the body. So, any obstruction here can restrict the circulation resulting in a familiar tingling or sensation of numbness.

Esophageal cancer presents a formidable challenge due to its often late-stage diagnosis. Considered the sixth most common among all cancer types, esophageal cancer tends to affect more men than women and is usually attributed to many factors, including poor lifestyle habits and genetic factors. Let’s understand its telltale symptoms, underlying causes, and available treatment options. Knowing these will help individuals recognize the signs promptly and enable better management of esophageal cancer. Understanding esophageal cancer Within the elongated and hollow pathway connecting our mouth to the stomach lies the esophagus—a crucial conduit for food. Any genetic mutations or cell abnormalities can lead to the formation and accumulation of cancerous cells. These cells may grow uncontrollably and develop into a tumor, which can then invade the surrounding tissues. In esophageal cancer, the cancerous cells begin to affect the inner lining of the esophageal tube first and gradually spread outside if they are not promptly treated. Esophageal cancer can be of two types, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The former develops from squamous cells along the esophagus while the latter develops from gland cells. Common signs Difficulty in swallowing This is one of the most common signs of esophageal cancer. The cancerous cells narrow the esophagus as they grow and block the pipe, making it more challenging for foods and liquids to pass through.

According to reports, one in every five deaths in the country is due to cancer; that said, technological advancements in healthcare have increased cancer survival rates. Early diagnosis and a systematic treatment course are essential for cancer recovery. In terms of prevention, genetic testing can help understand one’s odds of developing the disease. Moreover, besides following a healthy lifestyle, including some herbs and spices in one’s meals can help with cancer prevention: Black pepper In addition to spicing up one’s soups and salads, black pepper can help lower one’s risk of cancer. This pungent condiment contains a molecule called piperine, which brings about its delectable flavor and has anti-cancer properties. Some studies have also found that black pepper can inhibit the development of colorectal cancer cells. Ginger Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger has been widely recommended as the magic ingredient to relieve colds, flu, and digestive problems, among others. Moreover, studies have shown that gingerols present in ginger have a cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines. It has also been found effective in protecting against various other types of cancer, such as pancreatic, gastric, liver, and colorectal cancers. Basil The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) suggests that basil, which is packed with flavonoids, may have a protective effect against cancer.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. While many are familiar with the classic symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations, there are several lesser-known signs that can indicate this condition. Understanding these uncommon symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of schizophrenia. By understanding the full spectrum of schizophrenia symptoms, it is possible to promote better awareness, timely intervention, and improved outcomes for individuals with this condition. Social isolation and withdrawal Schizophrenia can cause individuals to gradually withdraw from social interactions and isolate themselves from others. They may prefer solitude and struggle with maintaining relationships. This social withdrawal is often a result of the individual’s internal experiences, such as disorganized thoughts or paranoia, which make it difficult to engage with others. Apathy and lack of motivation People with schizophrenia may experience a profound lack of motivation and enthusiasm for activities that were once meaningful to them. This lack of drive can extend to personal hygiene, work, and hobbies. They may struggle to initiate and complete tasks, leading to a decline in their overall functioning and productivity. Anhedonia Anhedonia is the inability to experience or derive pleasure from activities one usually enjoys. Individuals with schizophrenia may find that things they once found pleasurable, such as eating, socializing, or engaging in hobbies, no longer evoke positive emotions in them.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia?