A heartbeat is the contraction of the heart to pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body. One’s heart beats irregularly or quickly when affected by atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition affects millions in our country and is often caused by changes to the heart’s tissue or electrical signaling. Eating the following unhealthy foods may trigger or worsen the symptoms and suppress the effects of AFib treatments. Sausages Processed foods like sausages are easy to prepare and can be found in most supermarkets. However, they are unhealthy for people diagnosed with AFib and must be excluded from the meal plan. These foods are high in calories, preservatives, and salts, which may negatively impact the heart. Poor heart health can, in turn, trigger or worsen the condition’s symptoms. Besides sausages, other processed foods one should exclude from their meal regime include bacon, ham, and frozen foods like burgers and pizzas. Coffee Coffee is a go-to beverage for those who want a quick energy boost during long hours at work. Studies have shown that controlled amounts of the drink could improve one’s health in specific instances. However, too much could lead to excessive caffeine in the body. Since caffeine stimulates the cardiac system, it could trigger episodes of AFib.

Heartburn and acid reflux are related conditions that involve the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus. It may cause discomfort and a burning sensation in the chest and can be triggered by various factors, including bad lifestyle and eating habits. By examining these habits, one can find the underlying triggers and learn how to minimize their impact. Here are eight such bad habits and ways to incorporate healthier alternatives to find relief. Lying down after meals When one lies flat, gravity cannot keep stomach acid down, which allows the acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily, causing discomfort. So, one should maintain erect posture while eating and avoid lying down for at least two to three hours after a meal. One can also practice Vajrasana or thunderbolt pose, which is a yoga pose where one sits on one’s heels with the knees bent. This posture aids digestion by promoting healthy blood flow to the abdominal area and supporting the natural movement of food through the digestive system. Wearing tight clothing Tight-fitting clothes, especially around the waist and abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach, leading to heartburn. One can opt for loose-fitting attire to alleviate this pressure and improve digestion.

Smoothies require just a few ingredients and can be whipped up fresh every time one craves a cool, nutritious beverage. The best part is that most ingredients, especially fruits and vegetables, used in popular smoothie recipes are excellent sources of nutrients that help improve overall health and manage existing conditions like arthritis. So, here are a few healthy smoothies that can help one manage pain and other symptoms associated with arthritis: Cherry smoothie Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants called anthocyanins that actively fight oxidative stress and prevent healthy cell degeneration. One can add a couple of almonds and blueberries to the smoothie to enhance the antioxidant properties. Finally, all one has to do is blend the ingredients with coconut water, which is naturally rich in potassium and helps lower inflammation by flushing out the excess sodium in the cells. Blueberry-ginger smoothie Blueberries are another great source of anthocyanins that help counter inflammation and prevent oxidative stress from damaging healthy cells. Ginger is a multipurpose root that also counters inflammation, helps in digestion, and relieves symptoms like nausea or vomiting. One can either use almond milk or any other drink for the base of the smoothie and add a few spinach leaves and half a banana to the ginger-blueberry mix to make the drink thicker.

Cancer that begins in the eyeball, or nearby parts, such as eyelids or tear ducts, is known as eye cancer. All forms of eye cancer are extremely rare. Of these, some common types of eye cancer include uveal melanomas and retinoblastoma. Most people do not have symptoms of eye cancer unless it grows in certain parts of the eye or becomes more advanced. As the condition develops, one may experience the following symptoms: Symptoms of choroidal melanoma Choroidal melanoma affects the tissue that covers the middle layer of the eye. Symptoms of this condition include: Detached retina if the tumor grows large enough A dark growth in the eye that may only be visible as a shadow at the back of the eye Vision changes, such as blurred vision or lights flashing Eye floaters, or specks that move around in someone’s field of vision Pressure in the eye Pain in the eye or the surrounding areas Symptoms of conjunctival melanoma When cancer begins in the outer tissue that covers the eye (conjunctiva), it is called conjunctival melanoma. Some warning signs of this type of eye cancer include: Elevated, dark growths in the eye that may look like small moles or freckles Vision changes, such as blurred vision, vision loss, or lights flashing A spot in the eye that grows or changes Symptoms of retinoblastoma This is the most common form of eye cancer that begins in one’s childhood.

Bladder cancer is a common mutation that begins in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. The cancerous cells are also found in the kidneys and the ureters. The condition is usually diagnosed at an early stage and is also treatable. However, bladder cancer may replase after it is eliminated or in remission. In either case, one should be mindful of its signs so that one can get on a treatment plan immediately. Pain in the lower back One may experience pain in the lower back or abdomen for multiple reasons, including an injury. But if the pain occurs with other symptoms, such as those associated with urination, they might need to speak to an expert to determine its cause, which could be bladder cancer. Those who develop this sign may experience pain, usually on only one side of the body. Unusual bladder changes The presence of cancerous cells in the bladder may result in multiple unusual bladder symptoms. One may start urinating more often than usual, wake up many times at night to urinate, or experience pain or a burning sensation during urination. The individual may also have trouble urinating or have a weak urine stream.

The immune system helps protect the body from all diseases and health complications. Without this, the body is vulnerable to diseases and chronic ailments developing and affecting daily routine. Fortunately, the body can show certain signs through flare-ups, as a weakened immune system can result in one or a combination of these known symptoms. Pay attention to these signs of weak immunity to diagnose and identify the best course of treatment. Frequent cold, fever, infections The immune system is the first and only barrier of defense for the body to protect against viruses and bacteria that trigger illnesses. So, if one develops the common cold, experiences frequent bouts of fever, and develops recurrent infections, these are all signs of a compromised immune system. The body is not able to produce white blood cells that counter and prevent these illnesses. A weakened immune system also makes it difficult for the body to recover from these diseases. Wounds don’t heal properly The immune system also provides the necessary nutrients and ensures a steady circulation of red blood cells for wounds to heal. However, decreased immunity affects these functions, so it takes longer than usual for the smallest of cuts, scrapes, bruises, and wounds to heal.

Dental implants are one of the game-changing advancements in the field of dentistry, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. It involves implanting artificial tooth roots that improve oral health and reinstate the ability to bite and chew without discomfort. However, the success of dental implants largely depends on proper planning, execution, and aftercare. Avoiding a few common mistakes in these stages can help individuals prevent complications, pain, or implant failure. Choosing an inexperienced implant dentist Selecting the right dentist is crucial for the success of one’s dental implant procedure. It is advised to research a dentist’s credentials thoroughly, seek suggestions from family and friends, read patient reviews and testimonials, and before-and-after photos of previous implant cases. Going to a dentist who doesn’t have proper training and experience can result in incorrect placement, infection, and other post-implant complications. Not disclosing one’s health history People with existing health conditions, especially diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, should communicate the same to their dentist. In addition, one should also disclose any ongoing remedies or treatments to confirm if they will not interfere with one’s implant and affect the healing process. A dentist who is aware of one’s medical history can suggest a treatment plan that suits one’s needs.

Millions of people worldwide are impacted by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Statistics suggest it is one of the leading causes of death in patients. While it’s a significant health concern, recognizing its early signs can pave the way for timely diagnosis and intervention. To avoid any progression and long-term complications of the condition, it is important to learn about the key early signs of COPD, their causes, and their intricate link to this debilitating respiratory condition. Persistent cough One of the earliest warning signs of COPD is a persistent cough, often accompanied by increased mucus production. Airway irritants are the primary cause of COPD. Inhaling pollutants like dust, smoke, chemicals, and pollen irritate the airways and cause inflammation. It can lead to coughing as the body attempts to clear mucus and foreign particles. Shortness of breath Experiencing shortness of breath, especially during physical activities, is an early indicator of COPD. When mild, it can be looked at as a sign of participating in physical activity, lack of exercise, or aging. COPD causes airway inflammation and damage to the lung tissues, leading to reduced lung function. This diminishes the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the body, resulting in breathlessness.