The nerves help with various functions, such as speech, movement, awareness, and hearing. A seizure occurs when the nerve cells in one’s brain receive sudden and uncoordinated electrical signals, leading to severe alterations in consciousness, behavior, and movements. When a person experiences two or more seizures less than a day apart, they are known to have epilepsy. Besides seeking timely treatment, here are some foods patients with seizures should avoid. French fries Processed foods like fries, bacon, sausage, and processed cheese and butter contain high levels of saturated fats, which increase one’s susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmia. This condition, characterized by irregular heartbeat, in turn, increases one’s risk of convulsive syncope, which has symptoms similar to those of seizures. Therefore, patients prone to seizures should avoid processed foods. They must instead reach for nutrient-rich meals, which can reduce cravings for processed foods and promote a sense of satiety. Chocolate High sugar intake is directly associated with a surge in blood glucose, which can cause or aggravate seizures in some individuals. Therefore, patients grappling with the condition should avoid all sources of added sugar, such as confectionaries, chocolates, candies, as well as sugary beverages like soft drinks and store-bought smoothies. It is a good idea to replace added sugar with natural sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices.

The skin, as the body’s largest organ, plays a vital role in protecting against external elements and regulating internal temperature. So, maintaining skin health is a key part of overall well-being, and it requires mindful and consistent care. However, a few daily habits can have a negative effect on the skin’s appearance and function. By recognizing the following unhealthy practices and adopting a proactive approach to break these habits, one can get radiant, resilient skin. 1. Inadequate sun protection Excessive sun exposure without proper protection poses a threat to skin health. Prolonged exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to a range of issues, including premature aging, sunburns, and a higher risk of skin cancer. To prevent sun damage, one should wear sunscreen, protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses while stepping outdoors. Further, the threat of UV rays is not limited to sunny days, as they can penetrate clouds and even windows, making sun protection a year-round necessity. 2. Poor hydration Adequate hydration is a key step toward healthy skin. When the body is dehydrated, the skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes, leading to dryness, flakiness, and a dull appearance. Additionally, dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation and inflammation, making it more susceptible to conditions like eczema and dermatitis.

A virus invades living, normal cells and uses them to multiply, leading to a viral infection. Someone who has a viral infection may notice various signs and symptoms that might be similar to a bacterial infection. However, mistaking the signs for another illness could interfere with its associated treatment plan. Therefore, one must be mindful of the early warning signs of viral infections, seek a professional opinion, and take the necessary steps to fight viruses. Here are some common viral infections and their associated symptoms: 1. Common cold The common warning signs of a common cold include a runny nose, red eyes, fatigue, a fever, a cough, and a hoarse voice. An individual might get the infection when a virus enters the respiratory system. This might occur when the person touches an infected surface, such as a grab rail or table, or shakes hands with another individual who is ill. This will spread the viral infection if the individual touches their nose, eyes, or mouth. This illness is one of many upper respiratory infections that a person may experience. Other infections in this region with similar signs include epiglottitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), sinusitis, and laryngitis. 2. Viral gastroenteritis Some people might contract an intestinal infection called viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).

For those experiencing trouble sleeping, it might not be just excess screen time or stress causing problems. Some things as simple as what one chooses to eat right before heading to bed may be affecting one’s circadian rhythm. There are several foods that are popular for providing comfort, but these very items may be preventing one from a restful sleep. Thus, here are some of the common foods to avoid before bedtime. Coffee The high percentage of caffeine in coffee makes it one of the worst foods one can have before bed. Caffeine is a well-known stimulating substance that excites the central nervous system, even several hours after consuming it. The effects can last from 8 to 14 hours, making one stay awake. So before drinking a cup of coffee, make sure to keep the bedtime in mind. The best time to have coffee or any caffeinated beverage is at least 8 hours before going to sleep. Potato chips Having a comfort snack such as potato chips right before going to bed may seem to make one feel relaxed. However, as much as this snack may produce some serotonin in the brain, it may end up disrupting sleep. This is because potato chips have a high amount of unhealthy fats and sodium.

An existing condition or a problem in the circulatory system can result in poor blood circulation. This disrupts the supply of nutrients and oxygen to various parts of the body. When vital organs do not get enough blood, they may be unable to function normally, leading to various health issues. This is why it is important to keep an eye out for the warning signs of poor blood circulation and seek treatment to prevent complications. Warning signs 1. Numbness This is one of the key warning signs of poor circulation. The restricted blood flow leads to inadequate oxygen and nutrient supply to the extremities, leading to such complications. Here, one may experience numbness and tingling sensation in the hands and feet. This feeling can also be described as pins and needles or a prickling sensation.  2. Swelling Poor blood circulation can lead to blood clots, resulting in blood accumulation in the region and blockage in blood vessels. The clots are a warning sign of another condition called DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which often develops in the lower leg but can also affect the arms and the belly. Here, even when the clot is gone, one may experience pain in the area and swelling due to the damaged blood vessel under the skin.

Leukemia refers to a type of cancer developing in the blood-forming tissues of the body. Statistical reports suggest that one person is diagnosed with leukemia approximately every three minutes in the country. There exist different types of leukemia, including acute lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. Acute lymphocytic leukemia is the most common of these types. Here are some early warning leukemia symptoms one should recognize early to facilitate timely diagnosis and intervention: Early signs and symptoms of leukemia Frequent infections The white blood cells of the body play a vital role in preventing infections. Since leukemia involves the excess production of abnormal white blood cells, the body cannot fight infections, causing patients to experience frequent infections. Fever and chills The infections prevalent among those with leukemia may lead to fever and chills, which may persist for extended periods and rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Swelling of lymph nodes The accumulation of clusters of cancer cells that have spread from the bone marrow to the lymph nodes may cause lymph nodes to swell up among patients with leukemia. Recurrent nosebleeds The body typically produces fewer platelets when grappling with leukemia; therefore, the condition increases one’s risk of frequent nosebleeds.

Nose blockage is a common symptom experienced, especially during the cold and flu season. Several factors, like viral infections, environmental irritants, food sensitivities, or allergens like pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet hair, can cause a runny nose. The condition is often curable, and the right treatments and home remedies can help relieve one from the uncomfortable symptoms within a few days. Here are some tried-and-tested natural remedies that alleviate nose blockage and promote quick recovery. Try facial steam Steam inhalation is one of the oldest and most effective home remedies for relieving nose blockage. The warm, moist air helps open nasal passages, reduce congestion, and soothe irritated nasal membranes. Additionally, it does not use any ingredients except water, so it is one of the safest methods for quick relief from nasal congestion. To try this, boil a pot of water, lean over the bowl with a towel draped over one’s head, and inhale the steam for about 10-15 minutes. One should be careful not to get too close to the bowl to prevent burns. Using a steamer is another option. Add moisture to the air Nasal congestion causes dryness in the nasal passages, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and difficulty draining the mucus.

Strong and healthy bones are essential for mobility, protecting vital organs, and maintaining a strong skeletal framework. While many factors can influence bone health, such as genetics, physical activity, and hormonal balance, food also plays a crucial role. Essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and others, help in maintaining bone health, while certain foods, if consumed excessively, may weaken bones. Here are some of the best and worst foods for bone health. Foods that weaken bone health High-sodium foods Excessive sodium intake can lead to calcium loss and ultimately weaken the bones. Consuming about 2,300 milligrams of salt leads to a loss of about 40 milligrams of calcium from the bones. On average, however, an average adult person in the country consumes about 5,000 milligrams of salt each day. Some obvious salt-rich snacks include pretzels, potato chips, canned soups, and processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs. While one can control the amount of salt added to one’s cooking, several products contain hidden sodium. For example, pre-packaged and ready-to-cook frozen meals are usually high in sodium to extend their shelf life and improve taste. Even some condiments and sauces like soy sauce, ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings can have hidden sodium.

Ensuring that bones remain strong and healthy is essential to lead an active and fit lifestyle. And one of the major factors that contribute to maintaining healthy bones is the right choice of food. While the importance of consuming foods that improve bone health is often emphasized, it is equally important for one to be aware of foods that can weaken their bones. The following are a few such foods and beverages that can weaken the bones. Salt While it is important for individuals to consume salt, it is more important to consume it in moderation. Salt contains sodium, which, if consumed in high amounts, can drain some amount of calcium from the body through urine. Since calcium is of utmost importance for building bone strength, if too much calcium is lost, it can severely weaken the bones. Therefore, to maintain bone health, it is crucial to avoid or at least limit the intake of foods with high amounts of salt. These include salty snacks such as chips, canned soups, canned vegetables, and processed foods. Coffee Coffee is a highly popular beverage and a part of the daily life of a lot of individuals. However, one needs to be aware of the detrimental effects that consuming high amounts of caffeine can have on the bones.

Gastric acid is naturally produced in the stomach to help break down food. Heartburn and acid reflux occur when this acid backs up into one’s esophagus, which is a tube that carries the food down. Heartburn is a common phenomenon that can get triggered due to various reasons like overeating, sleeping right after having meals, or eating spicy foods. The first line of defense for it is making changes to one’s food regime. Foods that help relieve heartburn Bananas Bananas are one of the most highly nutritious and versatile foods in recipes. They are alkaline or non-acidic in nature and are known to neutralize the stomach acids. Bananas also layer one’s esophagus lining and enable the easy passage of food from the pipe, reducing friction and irritation. The pectin fiber found in this fruit can also help one to feel full for a longer time. Apart from bananas, there are several other alkaline foods that help suppress the stomach acids. Some commonly found in the market include cauliflower, fennel seeds, and melons. Salmon Fish like salmon are a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids. They also contain lower levels of unhealthy fats and are easy to digest, making them a good choice for heartburn.