Respiratory health is one of the most important aspects of living a healthy and fulfilling life. Air quality has been deteriorating over time with the increasing threat of climate change and natural and man-made disasters. So, here are some tips for maintaining lung health and ensuring healthy breathing practices. If one experiences changes in breathing patterns or any such issues, consulting a doctor is crucial for ruling out respiratory illnesses. Limit exposure to pollutants With the Air Quality Index being compromised every day, it is important to make sure that one does everything necessary to maintain respiratory health. This includes avoiding not just air pollutants like dust particles but also smoke from industries and chemicals from cleaning products at home or workplaces. One of the ways to avoid exposure is to be around those who follow a healthy, smoke-free lifestyle at home and work. If one resides in a city that frequently has poor AQI, then it is important to limit going outside too much and instead spend time at home or indoors. Further, one should check the AQI before stepping out every day and limit exposure to only necessary outdoor activities. Prevent infections Getting a cough or a cold occasionally may be inevitable, however, frequent infections indicate a weakened immune system.

A chronic respiratory disorder known as asthma is characterized by inflamed airways that make breathing challenging. Even though symptoms must be treated medically, certain foods can provide relief. On the other hand, some foods can worsen allergies and lead to painful symptoms. Vitamins C, D, and E, as well as selenium, fiber, and certain lipids, can help with asthma treatment. Here are the best foods for asthma patients to eat and stay away from. Best foods for asthma Carrots Carrots high in beta-carotene and vitamin C also contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants that protect the lining of the airways. Vitamin C aids in preventing oxidative stress and damage to respiratory cells and fluids. It may be included in salads, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies. Additionally, they can be roasted or grilled; rapid heating ensures that they keep some crunch and more of the vitamin C that comes from carrots. Sardines Sardines are abundant in selenium, which has cell-protecting and antioxidant effects. It has been discovered to help reduce airway mucus secretion and control inflammatory airway conditions, especially when paired with vitamin E. Sardines provide 82% of the recommended daily intake in three ounces. Citrus fruits Citrus fruits with high vitamin C content, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, can be used in sweet and savory recipes.

From childhood, we are taught that eating well can help us look and feel our physical best. What is often glossed over is the fact that what we eat also has a significant impact on how we feel mentally. Healthy, well-balanced meals can help people think more clearly, become alert, and improve concentration and attention span. On the other hand, unhealthy foods lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and a slower reaction time. Processed foods can cause brain inflammation Increased reliance on processed foods high in sugar and flour can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. And brain inflammation is linked to mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, many of these processed foods stimulate the dopamine centers in the brain, making us crave more. Healthy gut bacteria help regulate mental processes Researchers have been studying the connection between our gut and brain, which are linked via the vagus nerve. According to the American Psychological Association, gut bacteria produce a range of neurochemicals used by the brain for regulating physiological and mental processes, such as our mood. Around 95% of our mood-stabilizing hormone, serotonin, is produced by gut bacteria, signaling its undisputed role in maintaining our mental health.

Psoriasis is a common autoimmune skin disease. People living with this condition tend to have scaly red rashes on their skin. These rashes can be painful and also highly itchy for individuals with psoriasis. To treat the condition, one can use various creams and prescription-based products. Besides, something as simple as eating the right food and snacks can make psoriasis management easier. Here are some food choices that can be helpful while dealing with psoriasis. Oatmeal with blueberries and flaxseed Flaxseeds are high in ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a form of omega-3 fatty acid. This element has anti-inflammatory properties, which is a huge positive against inflammation-based conditions such as psoriasis. Also, blueberries have strong anti-inflammatory properties. So, a person with psoriasis can make this meal by combining a cup of cooked and softened oatmeal, three-fourths of a cup of blueberries, and a tablespoon of well-ground flaxseed. Apart from being a delicious snack, oatmeal with blueberries and ground flaxseed is hugely filling and nourishing, making it one of the best anti-psoriasis snacks. Cardamom vanilla almonds Nuts and seeds are delicious, crunchy, and, above everything, highly anti-psoriatic. Therefore, a nutty snack like cardamon vanilla almonds is not only a sensory delight but also full of healthy fats that boost skin and heart health.

Nutritious food can play a significant role in maintaining and improving our overall health. On the contrary, some meals may be unhealthy, especially for individuals with health complications, including prostate cancer. The disease is characterized by symptoms like regular urination, blood in the urine, and weak urine flow. Certain foods may aggravate or trigger the symptoms of prostate cancer, leading to other complications, and should hence be avoided as far as possible. Red meat People who opt for meals with large portions of red meat are at risk of developing prostate cancer or worsening their symptoms. Red meat like hot dogs, beef, and pork contain heterocyclic amines (HCAs)—carcinogens detected in cooked meat. HCAs are said to be linked to the development of multiple cancers. Full-fat cheeses Excess consumption of dairy products like full-fat cheeses should be avoided. Their high-fat content has been associated with c-peptide concentration, which may lead to the aggressive development of prostate cancer. Other dairy products to steer clear of include yogurt, butter, cream cheeses, and ice creams rich in fat. Coffee Coffee and other caffeinated beverages function as diuretics. They may dehydrate an individual faster and increase the urge to urinate. And someone with an enlarged prostate might find it challenging to relieve themselves, which can cause discomfort.

The blood needs essential clotting factor VIII proteins to clog an open wound and prevent a person from bleeding. Hemophilia occurs when the blood is missing these clotting factors triggering excessive bleeding without any underlying health complication. It is an inherited bleeding disorder passed down as a genetic mutation from one or both parents carrying defective genes. Following are the available silent signs of developing hemophilia to take notice of and ensure immediate medical attention. Bleeding inside the joints The blood disorder primarily triggers bleeding into the joints, a sign that goes unnoticed well into the advanced stages of hemophilia. It is noticeable only when the pooled blood triggers pain and swelling of the joints. The resulting tightness of muscles and cartilage ultimately affects movement. Bruising and discoloration on the skin surface are also visible signs of excessive blood pooling under the joints. This is commonly referred to as a hematoma. If left unchecked, the bleeding will severely affect joint flexibility and mobility, thus disrupting daily routine. Bleeding in the mouth and gums At first glance, people often assume that poor oral hygiene or an underlying dental problem triggers bleeding in the gums and around the mouth. However, bleeding disorders like hemophilia also exhibit similar signs of progression.

Leukemia is a blood cancer that predominantly affects a complex network of tissues making up the bone marrow and lymphatic system. In most cases, cancer spreads and affects the white blood cells, particularly in the bone marrow leading to excess production of these infection-fighting cells. Leukemia is a slowly progressing cancer that may go unnoticed; therefore, paying attention to the following silent signs becomes necessary. Unusual bleeding Unexplained nosebleeds or frequent bleeding of the gums are among the first signs of blood clotting. Clots can force the blood out with the slightest bruises, so paying attention to these bleeds is crucial. Women may also experience heavy menstrual periods indicating a severe problem. Observing purple spots anywhere on the skin is also a sign of blood clotting, so immediate medical attention is advisable. Fatigue and weight loss Leukemia affects the body’s ability to produce new red blood cells. A low RBC count means reduced oxygenated blood flowing through the body to different organs resulting in weakness and lethargy. Persistent tiredness can force a person not to be able to keep up with daily activities. However, one’s appetite may also be affected, causing rapid weight loss. Fever, pain, and weight loss Frequent bouts of fever raise the body temperature resulting in night sweats and chills.

Throbbing chest pain. Profuse sweating. Dizziness. In this age of unlimited information, most people know the critical indicators of a heart attack. Many even know the steps to follow before a medical team arrives to comfort someone experiencing an attack. However, one can be even more proactive by detecting the initial heart attack signs and visiting the nearest healthcare center to address the situation. These are some hidden heart attack signs: Throbbing backache One of the earliest indicators of heart attacks is stinging pain in other body areas. So, one might experience pain in their back, arms, jaw, neck, and even feet in some cases. Other body areas other than the chest, such as one’s shoulders and abdomen, can feel pain sensations too. Essentially, this happens when the heart triggers certain nerves to provide signals to the other parts of the body regarding, say, a blocked artery in an individual. As one’s nerves are connected to the heart, brain, chest, neck, abdomen, and other parts, one will feel pain signals in these other parts. So, if one experiences an unexplained backache, they must visit their nearest healthcare expert immediately as they may be showing one of the hidden heart attack signs.

A deficiency of blood cells, red or white, can be extremely dangerous. Blood is the primary carrier of nutrients and oxygen to all body parts. It keeps the body ticking and all the systems interconnected. Therefore, one always needs to choose foods that can help them maintain a healthy blood count and, as a result, boost circulation and lower blood pressure. Some foods for improving blood count and circulation are: Walnuts All nuts are packed with essential omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These acids reduce inflammation in the arteries and the possibility of massive blood loss and circulation problems. Walnuts, in particular, contain significant reserves of iron, too, thus boosting hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is the primary component of blood, which carries oxygen to all body parts. Individuals can snack on walnuts daily to boost their blood quality and quantity. This aspect makes walnuts quintessential for good health. Red beans Beans are known for their rich reserves of protein. While all beans are helpful, red beans are incredibly healthy and delicious. Boiled red beans possess high levels of iron. As a result, a person’s hemoglobin levels rise when they add red beans to their meal plan, which, in turn, improves blood count.