Migraines are debilitating headaches that often cause symptoms of blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Many different environmental factors, including weather, stress, and even smell can trigger a migraine. In fact, 95-percent of migraine sufferers report sensitivity to certain smells, which is known as osmophobia. Specific odors known to trigger migraine attacks include: 1. Cigarette smoke This is one of the most well-known triggers for migraines. This includes smoking cigarettes, pipes, vape pens, and cigars as well as just being around people who are smoking. Smoking is a prevalent migraine trigger because cigarette smoke contains chemicals that irritate the trigeminal nerve, which is located just under the surface of the skin in the face and neck area. Irritation of the trigeminal nerve negatively affects the blood vessels in the brain, which can trigger a migraine headache. 2. Food odors Many food smells can trigger migraines. For instance, if you are sensitive to an ingredient in a certain recipe, cooking it or even being in a room where it’s being prepared may cause headaches. Common food odors that trigger migraines include onions and garlic, spicy, and fatty food smells if foods are deep fried. 3. Perfumes and fragrances If you are sensitive to smells, then perfumes and other strong scents may trigger a migraine.

Anemia is a medical condition characterized by an inadequate red blood cell count. There are many types of anemia, but all of them have symptoms of chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle cramping and weakness, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent type of anemia, often caused by a lack of iron in the diet. Foods that help to raise iron levels include fish, red meats, and poultry, as well as non-meat foods like dark chocolate, beans, nuts and seeds. While these foods help boost iron, other foods can negatively affect iron absorption, and even make anemia symptoms worse. 1. Tea and coffee These two caffeinated beverages can contribute to worsening anemia symptoms because they contain chemicals that inhibit iron absorption. It is best to avoid drinking tea and coffee when you have anemia, especially with meals. If you do still want to drink coffe and stea, with meals when you have anemia, and to drink them between meals, but not with food. Studies show that this method can help increase iron levels in the body by up to 40%. 2. Milk and other dairy products Milk and other dairy products (i.ebutter, cream, yogurt, sour cream) can interfere with the absorption of iron from plant sources (i.e., dark leafy greens).

Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand and both can be detrimental to physical and mental health. According to psychologists, depression often triggers anxiety, and being chronically anxious leads to worsening symptoms of depression. Although both anxiety and depression can be treated with doctor-prescribed medications and ongoing therapy, our nutrition can also help stabilize mood and reduce depression and anxiety. Here is a list of some of the best snack foods to help with depression: 1. Avocados Avocados contain vitamin B6, which directly aids in the production of serotonin. In observation of patients with mood disorders like depression, it’s often noted that their B6 levels are low. Avocados also contain oleoylethanolamide (OAE), which is a type of bioactive lipid that protects neural cells. Frequent consumption of OAE has been shown to reduce severe depression symptoms by up to 52-percent. Snack idea: guacamole with whole grain crackers. 2. Walnuts Walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, a healthy fat shown to modify neural signaling and membrane structures, which in turn acts as a natural antidepressant. In fact, studies show that patients with depression that increase their omega 3 intake, boost docosahexaenoic acid (or DHA) in the brain, and this fatty chain acid can help boost memory and learning, all of which help counteract depression symptoms.

Once the cold and flu season hits, it is crucial to take preventive measures such as regularly washing your hands and staying healthy with food and exercise. It’s always best to try and prevent a cold or flu by being prepared to fight it! Common cold and flu symptoms include a runny nose, watery and red eyes, sneezing and coughing, fatigue, and a sore throat. When experiencing these symptoms, there are specific foods that can be particularly helpful. Below are some of the most soothing foods for cold or flu sufferers: 1. Ginger Ginger has long been known as an effective remedy for a sore throat, especially if you have swollen lymph nodes. This plant has antioxidant compounds that can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Brewing some ginger tea can help to clear congestion, restore normal breathing, and soothe a sore throat. You can consume ginger in the form of powdered spice, fresh slices of the root, or grated and added into recipes, like soups and beverages. 2. Citrus fruits We know that many fresh fruits are rich in vitamins responsible for building and boosting the immune system, and citrus fruits are no exception. Fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are recommended during cold season because they are high in vitamin C, which helps the body’s ability to fight cold and flu viruses.

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the body is lower than expected. Bodies with inadequate healthy red blood cells are unable to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues, causing a myriad of health issues. There are many types of anemia, however, iron deficiency anemia is the most common type, accounting for up to 80% of cases worldwide. This post discusses some common types of anemias and how to treat them: 1. Iron deficiency anemia Iron is a vital component of proteins involved in the transportation and storage of oxygen throughout the body. When you don’t have enough iron, red blood cells cannot transport enough vital oxygen to your tissues, leading to symptoms of fatigue, pale skin, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. Iron deficiency anemia usually occurs due to poor diet or intestinal bleeding (i.e., peptic ulcer, colon polyps, blood loss due to injury, etc.). Iron-deficiency anemia is usually treated with iron supplements or dietary changes, which include adding more iron to your diet. Foods high in iron include red meat, beans and lentils, fish (tuna and salmon), poultry (chicken and turkey), and dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard.

If you have high cholesterol, you’re not alone. According to the CDC, approximately 94 million American adults have higher than 200 mg/dL total cholesterol levels. Fortunately, a mindful diet can go a long way to keep your cholesterol in check. It’s also important to note that not all cholesterol is bad for your body.  LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease. However, HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, helps remove LDL from your arteries and keep them clear. This list points out a dozen foods to help lower LDL cholesterol and keep your heart healthy: 1. Oats Oats are a great way to start your day. They are high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. They also contain antioxidants, which can protect the heart from damage. Add some to your breakfast cereal or cook up a batch of oatmeal for a healthy and filling breakfast 2. Beans Beans are a healthy and filling food that can help lower cholesterol. They are high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help protect the heart. Legumes also contain plant sterols, which can block the absorption of bad cholesterol 3. Eggplant and okra Eggplant and okra are both high in fiber.

Stroke never comes without warnings and signs. If you pay attention, you will notice signs such as face drooping, difficulty in speech, and weakness in the arm that occurs before a person gets a stroke attack. Getting immediate medical help should be the priority when you notice any of these signs. A stroke is like an accident that takes place in the brain, the medical term for that accident is cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The brain loses its blood supply and the brain cells become blood deprived, and this is when a person gets a stroke. Along with the signs, there are some risk factors of a stroke and everyone needs to be aware of how to identify and prevent strokes attacks. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are the most common risk factors for strokes. Here are the things that cause high blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure Another word for high blood pressure is hypertension. When the blood pressure is more than 140/90, the person has high blood pressure. It becomes severe when the pressure is more than 180/120. High blood pressure is dangerous and can lead to stroke and heart attack. Hypertension causes damage to brain by causing transient ischemic attack, dementia, and mild cognitive impairment other than just stroke.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease. It attacks the nerve cells that are used for involuntary muscle actions which are also known as motor neurons. There are actions that we can control, such as those in the legs, arms, and face. Motor neurons are present in the spinal cord and brain. As Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progresses, these cells tend to degenerate and then eventually die. They stop sending messages to the muscles. The brain is, therefore, no longer able to control voluntary movements. Also, the muscles weaken and eventually waste away. Ultimately, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) affects all the voluntary muscles. This means that the person affected no longer has control over their arms, legs, and face. Some people diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) manage to live more than ten years. However, most people with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) live between three to five years after experiencing their first symptoms. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is said to affect between two to five people in every 100,000 in the world. The famous physicist Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) during his youth. Now, being over 70 years of age, he is considered as one of the greatest scientists for his achievements.

Early onset dementia or young-onset dementia (YOD) is dementia that absorbs the patient before the age of 65. Dementia affects about 35.6 million people all around the world, out of which an estimate of four to ten percent is YOD or early onset dementia. This type of dementia hits the person when they are young, approximately at the age as early as 30-35. Dementia is caused when there are plaques built around the brain, risk factors of early onset dementia gene mutations that affects the production and processing of this plaque. There are 8 risk factors for early onset dementia that account for about 68 percent of this condition, here are they in order of importance: Alcohol use : Alcohol use is one of the most prevalent risk factors for early onset dementia, excessive alcohol use is commonly known to induce memory loss and thereby lead to dementia. Most cases have noticed that alcohol abuse causes hallucinations, paranoia and memory loss, which are daunting risk factors of early onset dementia. History of stroke : A stroke occurs when a part of the brain stops receiving blood supply and faces errors in its functioning. This causes the brain to stop functioning smoothly which further becomes a risk factor for early onset dementia.

Endometriosis has affected millions of women over the years, and unfortunately, the number goes on increasing. It is a disorder which causes the tissues that usually line the uterus to migrate outside the uterus. It adheres to the nearby body parts such as the bladder, fallopian tubes, or bowels. It becomes inflamed and swells as well during the monthly menstrual cycle of a woman who is detected with endometriosis. It is not one of those diseases that heals with time. Endometriosis needs to be treated, or it is a wound that will sustain throughout the reproductive life of a woman. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms of endometriosis, then it is essential to make an appointment with an endometriosis specialist as early as possible. Painful menstruation Painful menstruation is one of the most common symptoms of endometriosis. The pain can start a week before ovulation and continue until one week followed by the end of menstruation. The pain can also cause cramps in the stomach, followed by discomfort. The cramps that are causing pain may radiate and come in waves also. To overcome the pain in endometriosis, taking medication is a good treatment option for painful periods.

You might associate aging with grey hair, wrinkles and forgetting why you left your house in the first place. These things are undoubtedly scary but getting old means so much more than that. In your late 50s and 60s, you will be caught off guard with unique health concerns that you never had to worry about all your life. So, what do you do? Well, you cannot press some buttons to stop aging, but you can be well prepared for it. Here are the 5 primary health concerns that you must be prepared to deal with in your old age- Cognitive problems Dementia is one of the most common cognitive syndrome that old people experience. At that age, the brain finds it difficult to carry out functions like thinking, remembering, and memorizing. Alzheimer’s is one of the most common forms of dementia that old people experience. Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s. But there is always a way in which you can delay and forestall the onset of the disorder. Arthritis Arthritis is one of the most common concerns in 60-year olds and above. One of the main reasons for this is all the reckless things you have done in your youthful years.