Nutrition makes up for a considerable portion of a healthy lifestyle, where what kind of food one eats is paramount. Every disease, regardless of what it is, requires the patient to be wary of what they eat, and there are always foods that are either acceptable or avoidable. The same goes for lung health. Therefore, given below are some common foods that help reduce congestion, boost lung health, and should be included in daily meals. Peppers Peppers are rich in vitamin C and are known for their antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that eating a medium-sized sweet red pepper can give the body 169% of the recommended intake of vitamin C. This food is also known for decreasing inflammation in the body. Turmeric Turmeric is a well-known remedial herb used for traditional healing in Asian culture. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which help heal the body and other health conditions. The main active turmeric compound, curcumin, is primarily known for its beneficial role in lung health. A study with 2,478 participants included consuming turmeric for research purposes, and the conclusive result stated that curcumin intake improves lung function in individuals. Green tea This particular beverage is known for its healing properties due to its high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Respiratory illnesses are generally contracted through air. Social distancing is the best way to prevent the transmission of such illnesses, as the viruses that cause them tend to travel via airborne channels. In certain public zones, social distancing is harder than in other areas. In such zones, even if a single person is carrying a virus that causes respiratory illnesses, it can make many people sick. Some such high-risk public places are listed here: Public pools For many people, summer vacations simply translate into an endless array of pool parties and swimming lessons. This is why, public pools are generally full of kids and adults just having a refreshing and good time as they unwind during the summer. Unfortunately, such zones are also home to many types of bacteria and viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the average swimmer contributes to about 0.14 grams of fecal matter in pools when they enter the water. Unsurprisingly, public pools also have people in close proximity and several commonly touched surfaces like pool steps, the water, door handles, and similar others. Therefore, public pools often become hotspots for respiratory viruses and disease outbreaks now and then. Beaches Like pools, beaches are also hot property during vacations for a legion of summer lovers.

Weak bones, which can indicate conditions such as osteoporosis, can be a concerning issue. If a person’s bones weaken, they become more prone to fractures, significantly disrupting their life and daily activities. Hence, it is essential to recognize the early signs of the weakening of bones so one can take the necessary steps to prevent more serious consequences. Here are 6 early signs of weak bones that one must look out for. Brittle fingernails If a person notices that their nails have become fragile and are breaking easily, it could be an indication that their bones are becoming weak. Besides weakening, if a person notices vertical ridges on their fingernails, it could also be a sign of calcium deficiency, which can further affect their bone health. However, it is important to take note of the fact that brittleness in fingernails can also be caused by various other factors. It is better to consult a healthcare provider about their concerns if one is in doubt. Reduced grip strength Weakening of bones can also affect a person’s grip strength. They may notice that tasks like twisting door knobs, holding onto objects, opening jars, etc., are becoming tougher. This could be a sign of decreasing bone density.

Environmental pollutants, genetics, injuries, age, and other factors can affect one’s eyesight. Luckily, several visual aids are available in the market to help people see better, contact lenses being a popular choice. These lenses are placed over the eye’s cornea to correct refractive errors. Some people also wear them for cosmetic purposes. In either case, one should avoid the following mistakes while wearing contact lenses to ensure they work well and don’t cause complications. Sleeping with contact lenses When one sleeps, the body works to recover and rejuvenate organs, including the eyes, from the stressful situations that may have occurred during the day. Sleeping with contact lenses can interfere with this function. Moreover, when closed, the eyes don’t receive sufficient oxygen to fight germs, and wearing contact lenses may block the oxygen supply further. Not cleaning the lenses Some people don’t clean their contacts for days. This is a terrible mistake that can lead to bacteria settling on them. When such lenses are worn, they can increase the risk of infection and inflammation. They can also lead to keratitis, a painful eye infection of the cornea. One must clean their contact lenses regularly and ensure they are hygienic when placed on each eye.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting the body’s lymph system. This system comprises organs and tissues that help maintain good health and fight infections. Lymph nodes are essential organs of the lymph system affected by the condition. These nodes hold special white blood cells, which keep immunity strong. There are two types of lymphoma, and the symptoms vary according to the type. Here are some early signs and symptoms to never ignore. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes Both types of lymphoma, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, trigger a common symptom: swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes circulate lymph fluid to the entire body. This fluid contains immune cells crucial in keeping one healthy and performing other vital functions. There are around 600 lymph nodes in the body, which can get swollen or enlarged with lymphoma. However, the lymph nodes in the underarm area, above the collarbone, in the groin region, and at the side of the neck are often affected when someone develops the condition. Although lymph node swelling is an essential sign of lymphoma, it may sometimes be associated with another non-cancerous infection. Hence, individuals must consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis before jumping to conclusions. The other symptoms of lymphoma can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer.

The herpes simplex virus causes fever blisters or cold sores. They generally appear on the lips and the skin around them. Blisters may appear individually or in groups of ten. They may be a painful infection, leaving patients ill for many days. And since they are open sores, they are susceptible to inflammation caused by the food one eats, affecting healing time. This article enlists eight foods people must avoid when dealing with such sores. Citrus fruits While citrus fruits are an excellent vitamin C source, essential to boost immunity, they are also highly acidic. As a result, they may cause a burning sensation when they come in contact with a blister. Opt for red bell peppers or strawberries instead of oranges, grapefruits, and lemons to maintain healthy vitamin C intake. Processed foods Processed foods may also be detrimental to one’s health during a cold-sore outbreak. This is because processed foods may weaken the immune response, reducing the body’s ability to fight the virus. One must avoid ultra-processed foods like frozen meals, processed pasta dishes, high-calorie snacks, pizzas, and sugary breakfast cereals. Refined sugar The excessive intake of high amounts of refined sugar may also negatively impact gut and immune health, prolonging recovery time.

Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). This condition is classified into two categories depending on where the symptoms occur: genital herpes and oral herpes. In both cases, the warning signs may not be evident early on. Also, in certain cases, the virus remains dormant for a long time, and the symptoms start showing after many years. Here are some of the warning signs of herpes and common signs and symptoms: Warning signs Some people have experienced a severe outbreak of herpes symptoms without any warning immediately after the infection. But some only go through mild episodes. In either case, a person may have the following warning signs after the initial infection: A tingling sensation in the infected area Constant itching or burning in the infected area Formation of sores or blisters around the mouth or genitals In most cases, the warning signs progress to full-fledged symptoms that last longer. These symptoms can occur anywhere between 2 and 20 days after the first exposure to the virus. Common symptoms of oral herpes Oral herpes can cause blisters to be found around or inside the mouth and the lips. These blisters are also known as cold sores or fever sores.

Herpes is a common viral infection caused due to the herpes simplex virus or HSV. While the virus affects people differently, its primary symptom is the appearance of blisters around one’s genitals or mouth. There’s no known cure for the condition, but studies show that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating the right foods can minimize its impact and alleviate its symptoms. Here are some foods that are best avoided for managing herpes better. Peanuts Peanuts are rich in arginine, an amino acid that can promote the growth of the herpes virus. Hence, those with the condition should avoid snacking on these nuts. Arginine is also found in chickpeas, soybeans, turkey and chicken breasts, pork loin, pumpkin seeds, and chocolate. While these foods are not inherently harmful, they can trigger herpes outbreaks. French fries Highly processed foods, including French fries, chicken nuggets, chips, pretzels, fast food, processed meat, and particular snacks, can weaken the immune system and promote inflammation. This can, in turn, lead to herpes flare-ups. Hence, patients should avoid these foods and instead opt for whole grains, quinoa, legumes, and millets. Eggs, fish, and avocados can also boost one’s immunity, making them suitable for those with herpes. Candy High sugar intake can lead to an imbalance in blood sugar levels, making it easier for the herpes virus to activate.

Blisters can quickly escalate into uncomfortable and potentially painful conditions if not addressed in their early stages. Understanding the subtle yet crucial warning signs of blister formation is paramount for proactive prevention and effective management. Whether one is an avid hiker, a dedicated athlete, or simply navigating the demands of daily life, this knowledge is essential as it equips everyone with the information needed to safeguard their skin and maintain optimal comfort. Skin sensitivity and redness When skin becomes sensitive, it’s reacting to the pressure or friction it’s enduring. This heightened sensitivity is an early signal that the skin is under stress. It’s akin to a gentle alarm, alerting individuals to take heed. As the pressure continues, the area might also start to redden. This redness indicates the body’s response to the stress, as increased blood flow rushes to the area to support and heal the compromised skin. Warmth and swelling As the skin endures sustained pressure or friction, it responds by sending more blood to the affected area. This increased blood flow leads to the sensation of warmth. Swelling may occur as the body works to support and repair the skin. This phase can be likened to a natural ‘first aid’ response from the body, mobilizing resources to assist the stressed skin.

Lung health is essential for one’s overall well-being. While not much can be done about environmental pollutants that can increase the risk of lung diseases, one can follow a nutrient-rich food regime to promote lung function and reduce the impact of free radicals on them. Let’s explore ten foods that can help reduce the severity of lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis and improve one’s quality of life. Beets Beetroots and beet greens are a great source of nitrates, which can help improve lung function. Nitrates help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve oxygen intake. This can improve lung performance among those with chronic lung conditions such as COPD and pulmonary hypertension. They are also a source of magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants, which can boost immunity. Apples Regular intake of apples may help boost lung function. This is because apples contain high amounts of antioxidants such as flavonoids and vitamin C, which can reduce the risk of asthma, lung cancer, and COPD, and improve lung performance. Turmeric Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food that is popularly used in several cuisines around the world. According to some studies, the main active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, may help enhance lung function by 9.2%.