Heartburn is a condition that results from a disturbed digestive system. In this condition, the acidic contents of your stomach end up going back up through the esophagus pipe as a result of reflux. This leads to an uncomfortable feeling that is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, which is commonly known as heartburn. Heartburn – Main causes, signs, and symptoms The lower part of the esophagus, or the food pipe, opens up to release food into your stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter, which is the lower part of the food pipe may sometimes end up opening abnormally to release acidic contents back into the esophagus. It could be caused due to indigestion of certain foods or even due to the consumption of spicy foods. This results in the feeling of a strange, burning sensation in your chest, which can be characterized as one of the main heartburn signs. In other words, every time the lower esophageal sphincter gets too relaxed, the stomach juices go upwards, thereby causing this condition. As mentioned above, the occurrence of heartburn signs and symptoms can be attributed to the intake of certain kinds of drinks and foods. The intake of spicy foods, in particular, can lead to the onset of heartburn symptoms. It can also be triggered by consuming certain fatty and fried foods. The lower esophageal sphincter ends up weakening as a result of consuming large meals as well. Certain foods like the tomato sauce and ketchup may also cause certain signs and symptoms of heartburn to appear. Certain citric products can also be responsible for causing heartburn symptoms. Beverages that have high caffeine content and alcoholic drinks are also known to be a leading cause of heartburn symptoms. Even peppermint and chocolate can be responsible for triggering heartburn. Typical heartburn symptoms and signs There are certain heartburn symptoms and signs that are characterized by a burning sensation and pain in the chest usually when you lie down or after eating.

There are a variety of factors leading to the development of the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and it is important to determine the underlying symptoms. If anyone experiences symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as the ones listed below, a timely diagnosis has to be made before treatment can be initiated. Fibromyalgia symptoms checklist The following are some of the common symptoms of fibromyalgia: Widespread pain A dull ache that has persisted over 3 months is not supposed to be concluded as a symptom of fibromyalgia. The pain must be present on both the sides of the body as well as below and above the waist. Fatigue Even after getting sufficient sleep, patients who are suffering from fibromyalgia have complaints of fatigue when they wake up. In most cases, patients with fibromyalgia symptoms could be suffering from other disorders such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. Difficulties with cognition Patients with fibromyalgia suffer from “fibro log” which leads to an impairment of the ability to focus, problems in paying attention, as well as concentrating on tasks involving the mind. There are certain coexisting health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, various types of headaches including a migraine, interstitial cystitis which is also known as a painful bladder, as well as disorders of the temporomandibular joint, so these can be considered symptoms of fibromyalgia as well. Risk factors that can cause fibromyalgia There could be a plethora of factors that could lead to the development of fibromyalgia: Genetics : One could be prone to acquiring fibromyalgia through various gene mutations which tend to run in the family. Infections : Fibromyalgia can often be triggered by certain illnesses. Trauma : Traumatic incidents like car accidents could contribute to the development of fibromyalgia as well. It could also occur as a result of psychological stress.

Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis. There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include: AGEs Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis. Sugar High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar. Dairy The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein. However, some studies have shown that milk has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, you should only stop dairy if your body reacts negatively. Alcohol Alcohol leads to several health issues, one of them being arthritis. Drinking can increase the chances of you developing gout as well. Avoid alcohol as much as possible and concentrate on a healthier lifestyle to keep your joints free from irritation and stiffness. Tobacco Tobacco is a major culprit when it comes to health issues. Along with other major diseases, tobacco can also trigger inflammation that causes arthritis. The most common form of arthritis caused by tobacco is rheumatoid arthritis.

Lung cancer develops when there is an increase in cancerous cells in lung tissue. Research shows that the number of deaths caused by lung cancer increase every year. Once a person is diagnosed with lung cancer, they surely need medical assistance. It is, therefore, beneficial to follow a few home remedies to prevent the occurrence of lung cancer. Mostly, cancer is caused due to lifestyle choices, genetics, and faulty food habits. There are several reasons for the occurrence of lung cancer. Here are some of the most common ways to prevent it: Quit smoking: It is proven that nine out of ten people who smoke are affected by lung cancer. Smoking damages the lung tissues and covers it with tar, which results in the deficiency of oxygen. It leads to various infections in the lungs, which includes lung cancer. The probability of lung cancer can be reduced if you quit smoking. Beware of passive smoking: Unintentionally taking in cigarette smoke is called passive smoking. Breathing air filled with smoke from burnt cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer. Though the intake of the smoked air is minimal, there are high chances of being affected by lung cancer, as the air is filled with traces of cancer-causing agents. Staying away from tobacco filled air is definitely a wise way to stay away from lung cancer. Staying away from dangerous gases: People working in industries that involve exposure to dangerous materials such as nickel, chromium, arsenic, and asbestos need to follow proper precautionary methods to prevent their intake. These dangerous materials are known to cause lung cancer. Intake of proper diet and physical activity: A proper, balanced diet with regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is an added advantage, and improves the chances of preventing cancer. Along with a proper diet, a regular exercise routine helps in increasing immunity, which in turn helps the body fight against cancerous cells or infections.

Migraine is one of the most unpleasant neurological conditions and can even disrupt everyday activities. Anyone who has ever experienced it knows how difficult it can be to cope with the constant throbbing pain and nausea. If you are susceptible to these headaches, here are some tips to help deal with the pain and discomfort. We’ve curated a list of effective remedies that you can use to avoid the headaches: Don’t skip meals Eating habits can have a major impact on a person who suffers from migraine headaches. Skipping meals is an unhealthy habit that can increase the risk of a headache as fasting or skipping a meal can result in low blood sugar levels. You should ensure that you follow healthy eating habits and consume food at frequent intervals to prevent the attacks. Sleep well According to reports, people prone to migraine headaches often experience sleep problems that worsen the condition. To avoid headaches, it is imperative to get proper sleep regularly. By getting seven to eight hours of sleep every day, you may keep migraine headaches at bay. Meanwhile, improper sleep habits can spark intense headaches if you are prone to migraines. Try to stick to a sleep schedule to improve your sleeping habits as it can help with the treatment and prevention of the headaches. Manage stress It is a tried-and-tested tip that can help with the treatment as stress is one of the primary culprits of headache disorders like a migraine. High-stress levels cause certain hormones to act abnormally, which can trigger a migraine headache, and managing stress is crucial to ward off the risk. There is an array of ways to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Practice meditation and spend time doing things that you enjoy regularly to keep stress levels in check. Exercise regularly Regular exercise is another effective way to fend off migraine headaches.

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or many joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. There are multiple types of arthritis and each has its own symptoms. Characterized by swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and redness of the skin around the joints, arthritis can also cause a decreased range of motion. Moreover, wear and tear of the tissues around your joints is a major cause for arthritis. Although no food can completely cure arthritis, it can make a difference. Eating healthy foods can decrease the severity significantly. Some of the food that you should consume regularly when suffering from arthritis are: Fish Omega-3 fatty acids are components in food that greatly reduce the effects of arthritis by decreasing the inflammation around the joints. Fish are packed with high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially salmon, mackerel, and tuna. These fish are great for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Soy Serving as an alternative for fish, this vegan product is also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Soy also contains high fiber and is wholesome. Some items containing soy that you can incorporate into your daily diet include tofu, soy milk, etc. Oils As bad as corn oil is for people with arthritis, other types of oils such as olive, avocado, safflower, and walnut prove to be extremely helpful to reduce the effects of arthritis. These oils have great anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut oil has more Omega-3 content than olive oil. Avocado and safflower oils also reduce cholesterol. These oils are especially helpful for osteoarthritis. Cherry Cherries are known to reduce the recurrence of gout attacks. Anthocyanins present in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect on your joints. This substance is also found in other red and purple fruits, such as raspberries and blueberries. Dairy Low-fat dairy products show results that are exactly the opposite of high-fat dairy products.

Cancer has become widespread in today’s world. Out of the many types of cancer, lung cancer is becoming common. Rapidly changing lifestyle and food habits contribute to the increase in cancer cases. Habits such as smoking and excessive drinking lead to the development of this disease. Once a person is affected by lung cancer, they need to analyze their lifestyle and make healthy changes. One of the most important ways to prevent the onset of cancer is to consume healthy food. Given below is a list of foods that help fight lung cancer: Pears and apples As per recent studies, scientists have discovered that pears and apples have a certain amount of phloretin chemicals in it, which helps in the recovery of lung cancer. Phloretin helps in reducing the growth of tumors. They also prevent fibrosis in the lungs, due to the presence of photo-chemicals in them. Green tea Green tea contains compounds such as Theaflavin and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG). These compounds are mainly used in cancer-curing drugs. It is important to consume freshly made green tea and not the bottled ones available in store, as the bottled ones have less or no traces of these compounds. Salmon Increased intake of salmon helps in providing increased nutrition. Salmon consists of Vitamin D3, which is one of the powerful resources to heal or recover from cancer. In most cases, the intake of Vitamin D can be increased by being exposed to sunlight regularly. However, people undergoing chemotherapy face a higher risk of sunburns, and therefore, cannot be exposed to the harsh sun rays. In such cases, salmon and other food products can provide your daily dose of Vitamin D. Ginger Ginger has several health benefits and it is rich in antioxidants like 6-Shogaol. It plays a prominent role in preventing the development of lung cancer by reducing the level of metastasis or spread of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer all over the world. The death rate due to lung cancer is considerably high. Most forms of cancer are caused due to quick and changing lifestyles, bad dietary habits, and heredity. Once a person is affected by cancer, he or she has to undergo painful and uncomfortable treatment. However, you can prevent getting cancer if certain food items are avoided. The food items to be avoided in order to prevent lung cancer include: Processed meat Studies have proven that processed meat is related to poor lung function. This type of meat is processed using various artificial flavors like color fixatives, preservatives, taste improvers, antimicrobial agents, and added nitrates. These added flavors and chemicals increase chances of inflammation in lung tissues and airways, which leads to cell damage in the lungs. Meat is an important source of protein, however, there should be a healthy limitation to the quantity consumed, along with proper intake of fresh fruits and vegetables — this can lower the risk of cancer. Red meat High intake of red meat increases the chances of lung cancer. Red meat needs to be cooked well before consuming. It needs to be well-done and reheated until it is steaming hot before being served or consumed. Fat Consuming high amounts of fatty foods increases the cholesterol level in our body, which leads to a higher risk of lung cancer. Chain smokers already face cancer risk, which increases when these fats are consumed in larger amounts. Coffee Increased intake of caffeine leads to higher chances of getting lung cancer. Consuming more than two cups a day affects the lung airway, which leads to a deficiency in oxygen that damages lung cells. Unpasteurized food and products Any food product in its raw form is a habitat to several infectious viruses and bacteria.

Research talks about plenty of tips and food products that claim to prevent lung cancer; however, only a few mention foods that could help fight this condition. Since lung cancer is fatal, it is advisable to first consult a doctor before trying out any of the diets or foods. Some of the foods that could help fight lung cancer are: Pears Studies showed that phloretin, which is found in apples and pears, noticeably induced cell death in these cancer cells. Not only that, phloretin also enhanced the anticancer effect of cisplatin, which is a common chemotherapy drug used for those suffering from lung cancer. Additionally, phloretin could also reduce fibrosis in the lungs. Green tea Green tea has a key role in the prevention of lung cancer and is beneficial to those already suffering from this condition. One needs to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine, so if someone is sensitive to it, they might want to go in for a caffeine-free variety. Also, skip the creamer, as dairy products could neutralize the compound which helps prevent the effects of cancer. Salmon A diet rich in vitamin D could greatly benefit people who have lung cancer. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency could end up leading to many health problems. Of all the minerals and vitamins in our food, vitamin D could be the hardest to get in dietary form. However, vitamin D is found in fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, and salmon. Ginger Ginger contains a compound known as 6-shogaol , which has been proven to prevent lung cancer from developing and lower the risk of metastases cancer. Since the metastasizing of cancerous cells is the chief reason for fatalities for people with cancer, consuming ginger is important. Try eating ginger in a crystallized form or in the form of ginger tea.

Also called mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, Kawasaki disease causes swelling in the body’s artery walls. The swelling blocks the blood supply to the heart and can be fatal. The condition primarily affects children below five and leads to symptoms like high fever, vomiting, red skin, rash in the genital area, and thick eye discharge. This article discusses the condition’s diagnosis and treatment options. Diagnosis Since some Kawasaki disease symptoms like fever and vomiting are common, they can be easily confused with other health conditions. Hence, tests are done to rule out the possibility of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, toxic shock syndrome, measles, and scarlet fever, among others. Depending on the symptoms, doctors conduct the following tests: Blood tests These are mostly done to check the blood cell count in the body. In Kawasaki disease, the WBC count is high, and there are signs of anemia and inflammation. Sometimes, blood tests are also done to look for B-type natriuretic peptides; however, this may not be a conclusive sign. Echocardiogram As the name suggests, this is an ultrasound test that determines the child’s heart health. It can tell if the coronary arteries are under stress, so that treatment can be administered accordingly. Electrocardiogram This test uses electrodes attached to the skin to understand the child’s heart rate. An irregular heartbeat is one of the tell-tale signs of Kawasaki disease. Treatment Kawasaki disease is treatable. Initially, treatment is aimed at controlling the fever to prevent heart damage. It is done using medication administered intravenously or orally. While the treatment may seem simple, it should be administered by a health professional in a health facility to ensure the child does not have severe reactions to any medicines. Once the fever is controlled, doctors monitor the heart and artery health. Follow-up tests are done in regular intervals to monitor the situation and understand the condition better.