Maintaining oral hygiene is an important aspect of your overall health care routine, and just brushing and flossing does not ensure it. Going for routine dental checkups, making a few lifestyle and dietary changes, and regularly monitoring your pearly whites reduce the risk of mouth and teeth problems like decay, gum disease, gingivitis, and chipping of the teeth enamel. While some signs of a developing oral health issue are obvious, many others may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Pay attention to these common signs of mouth and teeth related problems and follow an effective oral hygiene routine to prevent these issues in the first place. Look out for any physical signs of teeth decay Regularly check for signs of persistent bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup, or red and swollen gums that may indicate a developing infection. Noticing these visual indicators early helps understand the problem so that you can book an appointment for a dental checkup. Periodic dental checkups should anyway be part of your health care routine to ensure proper mouth and teeth care. Check for broken or chipped teeth Several things can chip your teeth and expose the dentin. In many cases, you might not even notice it, as it doesn’t necessarily cause pain.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune and potentially disabling disease. The signs and symptoms of the disease are severe in some cases. Most people experience a much milder form of MS with long periods of remission. MS also has no cure, hence it is important to stay informed. Read on to find out more about MS- it’s symptoms, types and treatment methods. What is multiple sclerosis? Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system that is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. In this condition, the body’s immune system affects the protective covering (myelin) of the nerve fibers, causing problems between the brain and the rest of the body. As the disease progresses, it can lead to complete debilitation and disability. Considering that MS is actually an autoimmune disease, the cause of the disease is still a mystery. But, scientists believe that multiple sclerosis can be triggered by a bunch of different environmental and genetic factors. Types of multiple sclerosis There are two types of MS: Relapsing-remitting MS Relapsing-remitting MS is a condition wherein the person will experience episodes of worsening symptoms. These episodes are followed by a period of remission which can last for years at a time.

Cholesterol is a fatty wax substance that the body naturally produces to support certain digestive functions. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart problems. There are two main types of it: High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Medical professionals refer to HDL as good cholesterol that comes from healthy, organic, and natural food sources while LDL is a bad byproduct of processed foods rich in additives. You must maintain low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL to strike a proper balance and reduce the risk of health complications down the line. This can be done in the following ways. Maintain a proper diet Switch to alternatives that promote HDL in the body. Also, avoid foods that are high in LDL, including red and fatty cuts of meat, such as pork, beef, and lamb. Refrain from having too much butter, egg yolk, cheese, and other highly saturated foods. Processed foods are rich in trans-fats that also increase LDL levels in the body. So avoid eating baked, fried, and processed foods taken from the shelves in the supermarket. Instead, incorporate more fresh fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy, certain fish, and an assortment of healthy nuts.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is quite complex. It causes extreme tiredness that can leave you constantly tired and irritable. CFS is also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or systemic exertion intolerance disease (SEID). But, the worst part is not just that its symptoms can be confused for multiple other diseases, it’s actually the fact that until today, no one has been able to figure out what exactly causes CFS. So, here’s what you need to know about this syndrome to stay on top of it. What are the possible causes of CFS? The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is actually unknown but there are a few factors that contribute to it: A recent viral infection that has left behind a weakened immune system Lots of stress Hormonal imbalances in the body The CDC, in fact, suggested that chronic fatigue could possibly be the final stage of various conditions. What are the symptoms of CFS? One of the most obvious symptoms of CFS is being so tired or exhausted that it begins to interfere with your daily activities. This surge in exhaustion is called post-exertion malaise or PEM. PEM will be extreme, especially after any physical or mental activity, and can last for more than 24 hours after the activity.

Aging is a part of life; there is nothing to worry about if you know what to expect and how to prepare for it in advance. Indeed, you may not be as strong and suffer from aches and pains more often. However, by ensuring that you take care of your health now, you can slow down your body’s aging process. Read on to know more about aging, its signs, and how to take care of yourself. What are the signs of aging? Aging is a subjective process and can not be generally categorized. Aging is associated with psychological, biological, and physiological changes. The most easily noticeable and early signs of aging are graying of hair followed by drastic changes that affect the working and functioning of a person. However, with timely medical check-ups, proper diet, and exercise you can ensure that you are healthy and prepared for anything that aging throws at you. What happens when you age? As mentioned above the human body goes through a multitude of changes. The heart, bones and joints, muscles, brain, digestive and urinary tracts, and senses weaken with age and do not perform optimally. The heart is especially affected by age as its muscles begin to stiffen leading to heart problems and high blood pressure.

The blood mainly comprises three types of cells: White Blood Cells (WBCs) that stave off infections and diseases, platelets that help heal wounds, and Red Blood Cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen throughout the body. A depletion in RBCs due to lack of nutrition or an underlying disease leads to anemia and manifests symptoms that can range from persistent fatigue to irregular heartbeats. There are several types of anemia categorized on the basis of the causes and symptoms. Several health experts suggest that, apart from early diagnosis and timely treatment, following a healthy diet and ensuring proper nutrition are key to maintaining healthy levels of RBCs in the body. Here are a few power-packed foods that can help keep the symptoms of anemia at bay: Dark leafy greens The deficiency of iron has long been synonymous with anemia. So, don’t forget to add leafy greens like spinach and kale into your basket the next time you’re out buying vegetables. Also, you must up your intake of leafy green veggies if you depend only on plant sources of iron, as the body absorbs less of the nutrient. Lean meats If you’re looking for a larger dose of iron and don’t mind meat on your plate, grass-fed lean meat is a perfect source.

Research shows that at least 4 in 10 people suffer from digestive disorders that can disrupt their daily routine. From aches to chronic diseases, stomach conditions affect people of all ages, exhibit a myriad of symptoms, and are accompanied by mild to severe discomfort. Depending on the severity, certain changes in diet and lifestyle can help manage the symptoms. In severe cases, a combination of medications and treatment is recommended by medical professionals. Here’s an overview of the four common stomach conditions and their causes: Bloating and gas This is, undoubtedly, one of the most common stomach conditions and digestive problems among both men and women. One may feel extremely bloated and pass gas regularly in this condition. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to pass gas up to 21 times a day, indicating normal digestive activity. Gas is nothing more than a byproduct of food that the body releases during digestion. Veggies like asparagus, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and onions can cause gas to form during digestion, and the resulting buildup can also lead to bloating. Acid reflux Also known as heartburn, it is one of the more severe stomach conditions that results in a painful burning sensation from the upper part of the stomach all the way up to the chest.

Doctors recommend a decent 8 hours of sleep every night for adults because sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. From managing hormone levels and relieving fatigue to affecting mood, a decent sleep cycle helps regulate various body processes. While there’s nothing one would love more than a good night’s sleep after a tiring day, sleep disorders often disrupt sleep cycles and reduce the quality of sleep. Here are some common sleep disorders and their symptoms that you should know about: Sleep apnea Characterized by repeated interrupted breathing, sleep apnea is a serious disorder. People with this condition experience repeated episodes of breathing difficulties while they’re asleep and often wake up gasping for air. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive and central. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) RLS is a sleep disorder that leads to an irresistible urge to move one’s legs. This condition is so uncomfortable that people find it difficult to sleep and pace around at night, hoping to achieve some relief. Insomnia Insomnia is a common condition that makes it difficult for an individual to fall or stay asleep. While many adults suffer from insomnia, only a few experience chronic insomnia. Narcolepsy This is a neurological disorder that affects sleep control and causes uncontrollable episodes of sleepiness during the day.

Hair loss is a natural process that automatically gets rid of old tissue and hair to promote new growth. So don’t be alarmed when you do find a few strands of hair tangled in your comb. However, a clearly visible scalp and a receding hairline are indicative of developing the problem of permanent hair loss. There are several internal and external factors that can accelerate hair fall, leading to pattern baldness in both men and women. Here are the top four reasons that trigger unnatural hair fall. Stress Stress ranks among the top risk factors associated with many medical conditions. In fact, one way or the other, taking physical or psychological stress harms the body more than you can imagine. For hair loss, especially, excessive shedding starts right after the body undergoes physical or psychological distress. A few examples include experiencing high fever, blood loss due to accident or injury, or even post-surgery recovery can result in stress that causes hair loss. Stress, coupled with anxiety, results in accelerated hair loss. To cope with this problem and reduce its effects, stress management is of crucial importance. Hormonal changes Men and women both experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. However, an imbalance associated with various conditions can trigger hair loss.

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.

Flu or influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can result in mild to severe illness and health complications. A severe flu infection can result in hospitalization and can even prove to be fatal, especially in young children, older people aged above 65, and people with underlying health conditions. There are two main types of flu viruses: Type A and Type B virus. The illness can be periodical and result in seasonal flu epidemics each year. The cold, flu, and its symptoms such as cough is caused due to the type of the viruses mentioned above. Influenza may not always be considered by most people as a serious illness, its symptoms comprising a runny nose, headaches, cough, and muscle pain can be confused with those of a heavy cold. Yet reports suggest that seasonal influenza can claim up to 650,000 lives every year. That is why influenza vaccinations are important because they protect people, especially those in at-risk categories, such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with vulnerable immune systems or underlying health conditions. What most of us call “the flu” is essentially seasonal influenza because it comes around in the coldest season twice a year, once in the Northern hemisphere’s winter, and once in the Southern hemisphere’s winter in temperate zones of the world.