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%.

Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a prevalent eye disease. It causes a gradual loss of one’s central vision, making everyday tasks like reading and driving challenging. While the condition has no cure, individuals can control its symptoms and potentially slow its progression with a healthy lifestyle and nutrition. Here are a few foods to eat and avoid for managing macular degeneration and maintaining healthy vision in the long run. Foods to eat for macular degeneration The following foods can reduce the risk of this disease and improve overall eye health: Spinach Dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are packed with zinc, copper, and antioxidants, elements that help protect the retina from damage. Salmon Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats can reduce inflammation, slow macular degeneration progression, and promote eye health. Carrots Vibrant vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers are excellent beta-carotene and vitamin C sources. These nutrients can support eye health by reducing macular degeneration risk. Almonds Nuts like almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, and Brazil nuts have essential vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants. They can protect the eyes from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of eye disorders.

Human joints are at the core of flexible body movements, facilitating movement across different axes, including rotation, extension, and flexion. Thus, optimal joint functioning is essential for body mobility. Arthritis is a health condition involving severe joint inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types. Besides following the prescribed treatment course, avoiding certain foods and food types and exploring some management options can help control symptoms among arthritis patients. Foods to avoid for arthritis Sugary foods Excessive sugar intake is linked to increased production of cytokines, which are inflammatory proteins that can aggravate arthritis symptoms. Consequently, it is believed that sugar can increase arthritis flare-ups. Moreover, studies have found that individuals with arthritis are at a 61% higher risk of developing diabetes than those without the condition. Type-2 diabetes can aggravate the condition further. Therefore, it is best for patients with arthritis to replace added sugar with natural sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices. Processed and red meat Red meats like pork, beef and lamb, and other processed meats, including sausages and bacon, are known to cause inflammation in the body, worsening arthritis symptoms. Hence, persons with arthritis should steer clear of red and processed meats, substituting them with lean meat sources like poultry and venison.

Individuals may observe various health and environmental factors affecting their sleep quality. A lack of proper rest could affect their daily routines as they might feel fatigued. Such individuals might resort to taking sleep gummies before going to bed. These gummies may help improve sleep quality and level. However, many people may want to know what they are and their efficacy. On that note, here are five things one should know about the gummies. Ingredients Sleep gummies are usually made from a combination of various ingredients to induce sleep, including melatonin and L-theanine. Melatonin is a hormone the body naturally produces to help one fall and stay asleep. L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea leaves that helps relieve stress. Therefore, it may reduce anxiety by affecting brain waves, which is required for better sleep. The gummies may contain other ingredients, including several natural ones, that may help promote better sleep. One can usually find the ingredients listed on the manufacturer’s label. Potential benefits The primary benefit of sleep gummies is to help one get ample rest. Since gummies are relatively new to the market, the research to support their benefits is still under assessment. However, some studies may support the ingredients in sleep gummies, as mentioned above.