Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus -the muscular tube that allows food to pass from the throat to the stomach- causing discomfort. Various factors contribute to developing the condition or triggering flare-ups, including certain food items. Understanding these trigger factors helps patients explore alternatives that are healthy to eat while managing the condition. Keep reading to learn more about foods that worsen EoE symptoms and how to avoid them. Chocolate Unfortunately, chocolate can be a trigger for EoE. Studies suggest foods that carry a higher probability of causing heartburn or acid reflux can worsen eosinophilic esophagitis in patients. Chocolate is one such food that is counter-indicated for patients with heartburn. To avoid complications, satisfy your sweet tooth with carob-based treats or enjoy desserts with alternative ingredients. Nuts Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and many other nuts can result in an allergic response. Intake of these nuts can trigger severe EoE symptoms. Allergic reaction in the body leads to increased inflammatory levels and swelling. Replace nuts and peanuts with seeds, such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or explore nut-free alternatives.  Seafood Seafood is often considered one of the healthiest sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, shellfish and fish are also among the foods people can be allergic to. Intake of seafood can trigger eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms in some individuals. It can increase inflammation in the esophagus and might even trigger acid reflux in some patients. To improve symptom management and the severity of the condition, avoiding these foods from the meal plan is best. Instead, one can opt for other protein sources like chicken, turkey, or legumes. Soy Soy is a common source of food allergy in individuals. Its regular use might even lead to people developing sensitivity or experiencing digestional discomfort. Excessive intake of soy sauce, soy milk, and tofu can lead to complications as all of these products contain a type of protein that elicits an increased immune response in susceptible individuals.

The bladder is responsible for storing urine before it is flushed out of the body. Just like other organs, the bladder is susceptible to a range of complications due to factors like genetics and age. However, one may also unknowingly indulge in certain unhealthy habits that can affect bladder health. This could result in urinary tract infections, urinary retention, or urinary incontinence. So, here are a few habits one should avoid for a healthy bladder: Holding it in for too long One may choose to hold in urine when occupied at work or while watching a movie, attending a concert, or traveling. While these are rare situations, one should not make it a habit. Holding in urine for a long period could result in urinary infections, as the bladder may turn into a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Further, delaying urination can cause the bladder to stretch. So, it is essential to pee whenever one feels the urge, as this can help maintain a healthy bladder. Not emptying the bladder Not peeing completely could be as bad as holding in urine for a long time. While this could be intentional when one is in a rush, it may also develop due to urinary retention. The bladder can become unable to completely empty itself due to blockages, infections, neurological conditions, swelling, and side effects of prescriptions. So if one finds that they are unable to urinate completely, they must consult a healthcare expert immediately. One should also avoid ignoring this issue and look for signs such as swelling or pain in the lower abdomen, the urge to pee right after urinating, a slow stream, and frequent urination in small amounts. Overlooking excessive urination Sometimes one may urinate more than 8 or 9 times a day. There are many reasons for excessive urination, including age and lifestyle.

Getting a good night’s rest is critical for the mind and body to rejuvenate for the next day. Adults must get a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to maintain a healthy outlook and avoid complications from developing in the future. But there are certain nutrition choices and lifestyle habits that develop inadvertently, whereas others are forced errors that prevent you from getting good sleep. Here are 9 such mistakes to avoid. Drinking coffee or tea before bed Drinking tea or coffee at night is not recommended because they contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can increase metabolism and prevent the body from resting. Drinking these beverages at night will also keep the mind alert as the caffeine stays in the system for a long time where its effects persist. According to experts, it’s best to avoid consuming beverages that contain stimulants, such as coffee or tea, after 6 pm. Taking a cold shower before bed The body and mind are trained to respond to the daily routine in a fixed manner. So, taking a cold shower signals the brain that it’s time to wake up and be alert, as most people shower first thing in the morning. Showering at night could mix up the signals and confuse the brain into thinking it’s time to stay alert rather than power down to get rest. This can affect sleep, making it hard to get some shut-eye. Instead, experts suggest taking a hot shower, if necessary, a few hours before bed. Hot water mainly helps the muscles relax and provides a soothing effect beneficial for sleep. Following an erratic sleep cycle The body and mind have a set circadian rhythm that controls when we wake up and go to sleep through the release of hormones. At night, the metabolism slows down to allow the organs and vital functions to rest.

Autism is a condition associated with the development of the brain. This condition often exists in a spectrum, implying a range of symptoms and severity of autism. Depending on where a child is in the autism spectrum, it changes how they socialize with others and perceive everything around them. This may cause hindrances in communication and social interactions. To understand this condition better, here are a few causes and early signs of autism in children. Causes of autism The exact causes of autism are not yet known. However, based on ongoing research, experts have concluded that certain genetic or chromosomal conditions can potentially affect infant brain development. In addition, several risk factors increase the probability of autism, such as: A child has the possibility of having autism if a close family member, such as a parent or a sibling is on the spectrum. A child has a 10 percent chance of being autistic if they have another genetic syndrome such as Fragile X or Down syndrome. Some research suggests that children may have autism if parents have conceived them at an advanced age. Certain prescriptions before pregnancy may increase the likelihood of autism in infants. The above risk factors do not necessarily mean a child will have autism. However, if any of the above risk factors are present, watching out for a few common signs is recommended. In many cases, children on the spectrum will begin to show autistic signs at a few months old. In other cases, a child may develop normally in the initial few months or years and show the symptoms later. However, in several cases, the early signs of autism in children become apparent before they are 12 months old. Also, in most cases, the signs of autism are noticeable before the child is two years old.

Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the third most prevalent cancer in the country. The American Cancer Society reports that about 1 in 25 women and 1 in 23 men may develop colon cancer during their lifetime. It starts in the large intestines and colon, with some instances beginning in the rectum. These organs are part of the digestive system. Read on to learn more about colon cancer, including its symptoms, causes, stages, and treatment. Signs and symptoms of colon cancer Issues with bowel movement Changes in bowel movements can be a sign of colon cancer. Watery stools caused by diarrhea, sudden changes in stool consistency, constipation, or hard, dry stool with fluid leakage are potential indications. Although these symptoms may indicate digestive system problems, it is crucial to seek medical attention if they persist for an extended period. A doctor may recommend undergoing tests to detect cancerous cells in the colon. Bleeding from the rectal area Another common sign of colon cancer is rectal bleeding. The bleeding may occur in the digestive tract. As a result, the stool may appear maroon, crimson red, dark brown, or even tar-like black. But in some cases, the bleeding is not very clear. It can be seen only under a microscope. Since this symptom is similar to hemorrhoids, getting a diagnosis as soon as possible is recommended. Feeling discomfort in the abdomen Colon cancer can lead to abdominal discomfort due to the growth of cancerous cells in the colon, which disrupt the digestive process. This can result in the formation of excessive gas in the stomach, severe abdominal pain, and bloating. Even without eating full meals, there may be a feeling of fullness in the stomach. Occasionally, one may also feel nauseous. Incomplete bowel movements Since colon cancer begins in the colon located in the lower part of the digestive system, it can affect the excretion process of the body.

To maintain good health, it is important to create a healthy sleep and wake-up schedule. Poor sleep can negatively impact hormonal balance, exercise performance, and even brain function. While many factors can interfere with the quality of your sleep — from responsibilities and stress to illnesses — there are several things you can do before bed for a good night’s sleep. Here are nine secrets and tips to help you sleep better at night. Reduce your blue light exposure in the evening The body has a natural circadian rhythm or a time-keeping clock, which governs the best time to sleep and wake up. Working according to this clock can help improve your productivity and energy levels during the day, as well as sleep quality and duration during the night. Exposure to bright lights in the evening or night can upset this rhythm and affect melatonin levels in the body. Blue light is emitted by several electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and TVs. While avoiding them entirely during the evening may be difficult, the following tips may help: Wear glasses that block blue light Download an app on your phone or laptop that can block blue light Stop watching TV and turn off any bright lights at least two hours before bed Don’t drink any liquids before bed Drinking water or any liquids before bed is likely to increase your chances of waking up in the night to pass urine, thus disturbing your sleep. While it is important to stay hydrated, try to avoid drinking large amounts of fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime. Set your bedroom temperature The temperature of your room plays a major role in affecting the quality of your sleep. You may not be able to fall asleep comfortably when it’s too warm or too cold. For most people, 60-70℉ is the most comfortable temperature to induce quality sleep.

Prostate cancer is a condition in which healthy cells in the gland start growing uncontrollably, subsequently forming a tumor. Cancerous tumors may grow and spread to other parts of the body. So, it is important to seek treatment at the earliest. But, as such unusual developments might be associated with other health conditions, one may often overlook the possibility of cancer. So, here are eight signs to help identify the onset of prostate cancer: Pain in the prostate One may experience pain in their prostate due to bacterial infections, bladder stones, prostate stones, UTIs, and even following surgery. But the sudden onset of pain in this gland without any known conditions contributing to it could be a sign of prostate cancer, so it should be examined by a doctor. The pain might indicate the development of cancerous cells. One may notice it more when they sit down. Issues with ejaculation One of the most common symptoms of conditions associated with the prostate is ejaculation issues. While it could be triggered by other complications, one should seek a proper diagnosis. Difficulty ejaculating could also be an indicator of prostate cancer that may require undergoing various treatments and therapies. A few symptoms one may experience include painful ejaculation, reduced volume of ejaculation, and hematospermia (blood in the semen). Sudden change in muscle mass There are many reasons one may experience a loss in body mass, including regular exercise and health conditions like diabetes, dental problems, and dementia. Further, the side effects from ongoing prescriptions are also known to trigger changes in appearance. However, unexpected muscle mass loss is also a common indicator of prostate cancer that may have spread to other parts of the body. Termed cachexia, the symptom may develop due to increased metabolism, loss of skeletal muscle, fatigue, and loss of appetite, all of which are early signs of prostate cancer.

Seizures are commonly sudden bursts of electrical energy in the brain. In most cases, these may be uncontrollable, causing the patients to change movements, levels of consciousness, and emotions. Hence it’s essential to look out for the condition’s symptoms and seek treatment. Further, one can change their food habits to manage the condition better. Keep reading to learn about the common symptoms and a few nutrient-rich foods that may help manage seizures. Symptoms Today, there are various types of seizures, and their symptoms can vary depending on their type – Partial or primary generalized seizures. While some patients can have mild symptoms, for others, they can turn out to be severe enough to affect daily activities. Therefore, here are some of the common symptoms of a seizure to keep an eye out for. Emotional changes – Fear, anxiety, or deja vu Uncontrollable jerking movements in both arms and legs Muscle stiffness Blank staring spells Temporary confusion Loss of consciousness Top 7 foods that can help manage seizures Typically, when trying to manage seizures and their accompanying symptoms, one can be suggested certain changes to their meal plans. Generally, these foods are advised to reduce the frequency of seizures, paving the way for better management. Some of the foods that can be opted for include: Spinach Leafy green vegetables such as spinach are rich in the nutrients the body needs. This encompasses vitamins and minerals. Especially magnesium, which can help calm the nervous system. Thus reducing the seizure activity in the brain. Moreover, leafy green vegetables have a low carbohydrate content and can aid in the reduction of inflammation in the brain. Therefore, in addition to spinach, one can opt for leafy green vegetables like kale and Swiss chard to manage the condition and reduce seizures. Salmon Patients who have seizures are at an increased risk for heart attacks.

Epilepsy is a kind of brain disorder or illness in which the body experiences unprovoked and recurring seizures. This can be a result of a brain injury, genetic disease, trauma, or even stroke. The doctor can diagnose the seizure as epilepsy if it happens two times unprovoked and also in a short duration of time. Here are some foods and drinks that may trigger or worsen epilepsy and should be avoided for managing the condition. Citrus fruits There is no conclusive study to suggest that there are any specific fruits and vegetables which can trigger epilepsy seizures; however, certain studies are conducted to understand how some foods react with any particular anti-epilepsy treatment methods. This includes citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges that do not go well together with anti-epilepsy treatments and can trigger seizures. It is studied that these citrus fruits metabolize or help break down the epilepsy treatment products in a way that makes them less effective for the body. When this happens, the body is automatically more susceptible to frequent epilepsy attacks. One must speak to a doctor to understand if there are any specific food groups that they should avoid when undergoing epilepsy treatment. Food additives There are some preservatives and food colorings that may trigger seizures in some people; however, the evidence remains inconclusive and needs more in-depth study. Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG, is infamous in the food industry and it may also trigger seizures in some individuals. Moreover, there are some artificial sweeteners that should not be added to food to prevent any epilepsy symptoms from onsetting. It is always best to keep one’s food choices clean to avoid any health complications. Speaking to a doctor and a nutritionist can help understand how to make meal plans. Gluten Too much gluten may contribute to the risk of developing illnesses like seizures in some people.

Usually, most people prefer sugary foods as they give them the needed energy boost. However, this effect is often short-lived. The regular intake of sweets can affect different parts of the human body, like the kidneys, eyes, teeth, and even the skin. This happens due to an increase in blood sugar levels which causes diabetes. Continue reading the article to learn about the signs of aging caused due to high sugar intake. An increase in acne breakouts Typically, when one consumes refined sugar-rich foods and beverages, it causes an increase in blood sugar levels. In most cases, this can trigger inflammation in the body. Besides this, the spike in glucose levels can stimulate the overproduction of sebum – a natural oil-like substance that keeps the skin healthy. If left unchecked, this excess production can cause acne breakouts on the skin. Additionally, if one eats processed and junk food regularly, it can lead to hormonal imbalance. Subsequently, this imbalance can play a huge role in the breakout of hormonal acne on the patient’s skin. Blisters Although rare, diabetic patients can experience the sudden appearance of blisters on the skin. This can either be in the form of one large-sized blister or a collection of small ones in various body parts such as forearms, hands, legs, and feet. In some cases, one may notice both. While these blisters can look similar to the ones that can be seen after burns, they are not painful. So, if one notices this symptom’s development, one must seek immediate expert attention to avoid further complications or infections. Wrinkles Regular intake of sugary foods can have various side effects on the skin. One of them is collagen damage. Collagen are proteins found in the body that help keep the skin flexible, firm, and smooth. But, when the glucose level in the body increases, it slowly begins to break down the existing collagen.

Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitative mental illness that adversely affects a person’s thoughts, behavior, and interaction with their surroundings. In its advanced stages, people with this condition lose touch with reality. While the exact causes of this condition are not yet known, healthcare experts believe that a combination of altered brain chemistry, genetics, and one’s immediate environment are responsible for it. Here are some of the common signs of schizophrenia one should not ignore: Withdrawal People with schizophrenia prefer to stay isolated all the time. Typically, when someone enters a room with a person who has schizophrenia, it can provoke a negative reaction, such as anger, irritation, or fear. Essentially, this condition reduces a person’s capacity to relate to others. In one of its initial stages, known as the prodromal phase, people tend to have an abrupt preference to be left alone. This means that schizophrenic individuals will suddenly, in the middle of social interaction, feel the need to isolate themselves from a crowd. Schizophrenia brings about a feeling of vulnerability in people when they are around others. Many patients mention feeling like an outcast in the middle of a sea of people. Hallucinations This symptom is characterized by schizophrenic people hearing sounds, feeling things, or seeing sights that do not exist. It is not uncommon for a person with this condition to see dead people or historic figures standing in front of them or hear voices in their heads. Hallucinations result from schizophrenia affecting the brain to the degree that an individual’s five senses are distorted. Normally, auditory hallucinations, such as hearing someone miles away speaking in their ears is the most common occurrence in people with this condition. Such visions or sounds are usually personal or deeply meaningful to those who see or hear them. For example, a person with schizophrenia may see and hear an angry parent yelling at them.

The International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC) is responsible for collecting and publishing cancer statistics worldwide, and they have released a list of daily-use carcinogenic substances and activities that lead to an increased risk of cancer. The term carcinogenic describes a substance’s potential to cause cancer. To ensure you’re not using such products and avoid all types of household carcinogenic, here are 14 items and daily activities that may increase the risk of cancer: Arsenic in drinking water Arsenic is a highly toxic chemical that is used in the manufacturing process. Improper treatment of production waste can lead to arsenic dumping in rivers and lakes. This can seep into the groundwater, find its way into our homes, and increase the risk of liver, lung, kidney, and bladder cancer. If you live in an area where this is a concern, consider investing in a reverse osmosis (RO) filter to remove arsenic from drinking water. Chimney sweeping Chimney sweeping is the old practice of cleaning the dust and soot out of the chimneys. This process is now mechanized and does not require human intervention. However, inhalation or accidental ingestion of coal or wood fumes and residue raised the risk of a special form of cancer, now known as ‘chimney sweep cancer’. Areca nut Areca nut is a mild stimulant that is commonly consumed with betel leaf in some traditional households. This nut has been known to increase the risk of mouth and esophageal cancer. Sunlamps and sunbeds Whether it’s for light therapy or to get the perfect tan, tanning beds have been growing in popularity across the country. However, these beds emit ultraviolet radiation to help achieve a cosmetic tan. Overexposure to ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of cataracts, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. Processed meats and fish Salted or pickled fish contains high levels of nitrites and nitrates as preservatives.