Paying attention to abdominal health is imperative for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. GERD and other digestive disorders can affect the quality of your life. Knowledge about such issues is an important tool that can guide you towards having a strong stomach. The right way to prevent digestive disorders like GERD is to maintain an active lifestyle and follow a disciplined meal plan. Here are the most common digestive disorders that affect people worldwide. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) GERD is a digestive disorder that needs prompt treatment to prevent complications. This condition is triggered by gastric acid that flows persistently from the stomach back up into the food pipe to the mouth. Weakening of the ring of muscle that lies between the esophagus and stomach is the cause. Symptoms of this health condition include heartburn, indigestion, bad breath, trouble swallowing, and, in some cases, issues with breathing. A few factors such as a high body-mass index, consuming too much caffeine, overeating, and eating a lot of chocolate and spicy foods can trigger or worsen the symptoms of this condition. Contact your healthcare provider when a digestive disorder like GERD starts interfering with your everyday life. The treatment of this condition aims to reduce the amount of reflux of stomach acid. While GERD is not a life-threatening disorder, chronic inflammation of the esophagus can lead to serious digestive issues.

What does it mean to have high blood sugar, and what does it have to do with diabetes? The two issues are interlinked as people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels, i.e., the disease results in excessive amounts of sugar in one’s blood. Diabetes affects 537 million adults, however, one in two people with the condition remain undiagnosed. So, understanding the disease is a crucial first step in dealing with the symptoms. Understanding high blood sugar and diabetes Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder that is one of the most common health concerns around the world. The food we eat is broken down into sugar in our body, and this sugar is released into the bloodstream. The pancreas then releases a hormone called insulin to respond to the increase in blood sugar (or glucose). Insulin prompts the cells to use the blood sugar as energy or fuel to carry out different processes and life-sustaining activities in the body. However, when affected by diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot adequately utilize the insulin. This results in the accumulation of sugar in the bloodstream, and over time, this build-up of glucose can lead to serious health problems.

You may think that the cough you’ve had for the past few days is not a huge concern. But, a persistent cough, if not taken seriously, may result in quite a few chronic respiratory conditions. Respiratory diseases and conditions are quite common in the country. It is crucial to recognize what to look for and when to see a health care provider. This article lists some common symptoms and respiratory diseases and conditions. Common symptoms There are various common signs to look for in respiratory diseases and conditions. Some of the common symptoms are: Difficulty breathing Any difficulty in breathing should be evaluated and treated by the physician. Chronic cough If you have a stubborn and chronic cough that has not subsided in months, it may be an indicator of some respiratory ailment. Stubborn Mucus If you have been coughing up phlegm or there is drainage in the chest for more than a month, you need to get it treated by a health care expert. Severe chest pain If you experience sudden, severe, and lingering chest pain for more than a month, it may be a symptom of some respiratory conditions. Coughing up blood Coughing up blood is a serious concern, and it should be treated by a healthcare professional.

The cold and flu are contagious upper-respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. Cold symptoms are milder than the flu and develop slowly. Flu symptoms often come suddenly and are typically more intense. Some cases of the flu can cause complications like sinus and ear infections and pneumonia. As the cold and flu share so many symptoms, it is important to know what you are dealing with before taking any treatment options. Causes Viruses that can cause a common cold include Rhinoviruses These viruses are the most common ones to affect you, but they do not make you seriously sick. Parainfluenza This virus can cause severe conditions such as pneumonia, especially in young children. Coronavirus There are different types of coronaviruses, of which only three or four of them are harmful. The spread of the influenza virus causes the flu. When people with the flu are coughing, sneezing, or talking, the spread of fluid on a surface can also infect someone if they come in contact with it. Common flu viruses are Influenza A This virus is quite harmful and is known to spread rapidly; it can be found in humans, pigs, and birds. Influenza B This virus is less severe and is found in humans.

According to the Scientific Reports Journal, sleep disorders are experienced by approximately 56 percent of the world’s population at least once in their lives. So, what are these conditions, and do they have any signs and symptoms? Do they cause a more significant impact on your overall health? How can you prevent them? This article discusses all these questions to help you know more on sleep disorders, in general, and certain types of the condition. What are sleep disorders? Sleep is a basic human necessity that allows the body to function optimally. Most adults need around seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. These disorders, also known as sleep-wake disorders, are conditions that impact the quality and amount of your sleep. Lack of sleep is also linked to other chronic health conditions such as cardiac problems, diabetes, and hypertension. Common sleep disorders and their symptoms Insomnia Insomnia is a sleep disorder that interferes with a person’s ability to fall or stay asleep. There are two types of insomnia. These include short-term and chronic insomnia. While the first one lasts only for a few days, chronic insomnia lasts for a longer time. It occurs at least thrice a week and lasts for three months or longer.

With increasing age, it is normal to have problems with memory and cognitive tasks. However, a person could be dealing with Alzheimer’s if these problems are more severe and prevent them from doing even the most routine chores. Yes, the signs of Alzheimer’s disease and aging are very similar, but one can tell the difference. People usually manifest the following symptoms when battling a mental health condition like Alzheimer’s disease. Extreme memory loss Most people find it hard to remember places, events, or names as they age. Such mild loss of memory is normal. However, if this happens more frequently or interferes with one’s daily tasks, it is an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.   Forgetting the names of close family members, relatives, and friends or landmark events in life is a cause for concern. Asking the same questions over and over again is another characteristic sign of this health condition. Inability to follow basic instructions Young or old, we all make mistakes. But, if a person finds it difficult to follow basic instructions, such as the steps in their favorite recipe, or finds it hard to manage and pay bills, it could be a warning sign of   this mental health condition.  Difficulty  with simple routine tasks Needing help with the microwave buttons or the features of a mobile phone is a typical sign of aging.

There are various types of meat and seafood, and all are different when it comes to taste, nutritional value, and properties. Meats and seafood are excellent sources of proteins and other nutrients. And with the variety of flavors, there is something always available for everyone. Moreover, there are plenty of recipes to try. Today, we will explore the common types and varieties of meat and seafood available so that you know your options. Common types of meat The meat industry is one of the largest food industries in the world. There are three main categories of meat. Those three categories are: Poultry It is also called white meat and includes turkey and chicken. Red meat Red meat includes pork, goat, beef, lamb, and other livestock. Seafood Seafood includes fish, crabs, lobsters, oysters, and mussels . Common types of meat available in the country: Chicken As mentioned earlier, chicken comes under the poultry category and is considered white meat. It is one of the most consumed meats in the meat and seafood category in the country, and the poultry industry has been growing faster than ever. Chicken meat is rich in proteins and low in fats. There are various chicken-based foods such as roasted chicken, chicken soup, fried chicken, and even chicken popcorn.

Nearly one-third of the world’s population suffers from various allergies, and it manifests differently across cases. An allergic reaction occurs when your body’s immune system reacts to a harmless substance that does not bother most people. These substances, called allergens, are perceived as a threat, and the body releases a chemical called histamine in response, which produces allergic symptoms. In severe cases, allergies can lead to dangerous and even fatal symptoms. Common types of allergies The body can be allergic to any substance, but there are some commonly identified allergens, such as food, pollen, and pet dander. Depending on their nature, they enter your body through the digestive, skin, or respiratory systems. Food allergy Food allergies occur when your body creates antibodies against one or more food substances. Though any food substance can cause an allergic reaction in vulnerable people, there are certain foods that are the cause of most allergies. These include eggs, milk, soy, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. Some of the most common symptoms of food allergies that you should know are: Hives Itchy feeling in the ears, throat, or mouth Vomiting Swelling around the eyes, lips, or in the mouth around the tongue In more extreme cases, food allergies may cause a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis with serious symptoms that include:

Through decades of research, more than 300 agents that cause infectious diseases have been discovered. These agents significantly impact your health and are transferrable to other seemingly healthy individuals, increasing the risk of exposure. Knowing the common symptoms and risk factors of these infectious diseases and how to keep them at bay is crucial to keeping yourself and those around you safe. Here’s everything you should know about these common conditions: Causes and risk factors At any given point in time, millions of microorganisms live inside your body. They are beneficial for your health and perform functions such as breaking down food and building your immunity. However, not all microorganisms are beneficial for your health. Some invade your body’s immune system and cause diseases. Infectious diseases are caused by the invasion of pathogens like parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. And these pathogens are transferrable through contaminated food, water, and soil, other infected individuals, and stings and bites from certain bugs and insects. Common infectious diseases Millions of people are affected by infectious diseases around the world. Here are the most common infectious diseases to be aware of: Staph infections Staph is one of the most common infectious diseases existing in the country. This is a condition caused by the Staphylococcus bacteria strain and usually affects the digestive system, skin, bones, lungs, and heart.

Optometry, a branch of medical science, deals with the eyes. An optometrist or ophthalmologist has the knowledge and skills to conduct eye, and vision-related tests and accordingly recommends corrective measures, like contact lenses or glasses. They are also specialized in treating specific eye conditions and performing vision therapy to improve eyesight and visual health. The first step is to get an eye examination. Here, we will learn about the types of eye tests performed. What is an eye exam? An eye exam consists of several eye tests conducted under differing conditions to check the health of the eyes. It would involve the use of different medical devices to study the eyes in detail, assess vision, and look out for eye diseases. An eye exam is necessary to detect a possible eye issue early. Detecting such issues early on helps the person go in for corrective measures and undertake steps to improve the health of the eyes.   If you are facing vision-related issues, you must immediately seek help from a licensed optometrist. Adults are recommended to take an eye exam at 40 years of age. It is essential for kids younger than three years to consult with the pediatrician regularly to check the eyes for common problems like cross-eyes and lazy eyes.

We’re all incredibly passionate about our favorite meals and recipes. Most people prepare baked goods at home to enjoy. The country’s baking heritage is varied as well as delectable, from crunchy cookies that make a great afternoon snack to traditional loaf cakes for the weekend to basic croissants for morning breakfast. Here is a list of the baked goods we all absolutely love; you can find your favorite item here. Banana bread Even though there were a variety of cakes and baked goods in the 1960s, traditional banana bread rose in popularity. Although its usefulness allows conscientious consumers to use up nearly decaying fruit, the straightforward cooking and pleasant aroma are all significant but fail to truly explain banana bread’s rise to stardom. Just add more sweetness to the banana bread to make it your own, as you can with other sweet, cake-like foods. More recent versions now contain peanut butter or chocolate chips to leverage the kid-friendly appeal of the taste combinations. New York cheesecake Cheesecake, a mixture of sweet, soft cream cheese, sugar, and flavorings, has been declared the state dessert of New York and is also recognized in other parts of the nation. Pastry, cookie crumbs, or a buttery graham cracker bed make up the cheesecake’s bottom layer.