Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs found on both sides of the body. Their primary functions include blood purification and urine production to excrete fluids from the body. However, organ failure can result in fluid buildup and causes waste buildup in the body. Kidney failure primarily affects the production of red blood cells in circulation and triggers several discomforts that should not be ignored. Here are the common causes and signs of kidney failure explained. Primary causes of kidney failure Kidney failure is mainly triggered due to underlying health problems, such as the following given below. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common causes of kidney failure. Certain autoimmune diseases can also trigger problems with organ function. Genetic traits that trigger changes in organ function may lead to the development of chronic kidney diseases like medullary cystic kidney disease. Regular dosages of certain prescriptions given to manage chronic illnesses can also put pressure on the organ resulting in kidney failure. A condition called nephritis that results in the swelling of nephrons causing filtering units in the kidneys to malfunction. Bladder problems that cause the urine to flow back into the kidneys and can result in scarring of the tissue. Poor lifestyle choices and nutritional deficiencies can also affect the proper functioning of the organ resulting in permanent damage. Signs of kidney failure Fatigue Unexplained fatigue, due to a lack of oxygenated blood in circulation, causing the brain and muscles to feel fatigued, is one of the main kidney failure signs. This symptom occurs because the kidneys are responsible for purifying blood in circulation. Also, without the kidneys, the body cannot produce a vital hormone called erythropoietin, which is necessary to produce red blood cells. As the kidneys fail to function, it causes a decrease in hormone levels and, as a result, affects oxygenated blood circulation.

Visiting a gynecologist involves discussing intimate aspects of one’s health and body, which can lead to feelings of unease or embarrassment. But it’s crucial to remember that a gynecologist is a medical professional dedicated to patients’ well-being and is there to provide guidance and support. It’s important to ask certain unusual questions to ensure one receives the best care possible. Here are some of the uncomfortable questions one might be too embarrassed to ask their gynecologist: Why is sexual intercourse painful? Insufficient vaginal lubrication, yeast or bacterial infections, vaginismus, wherein the muscles of one’s vagina involuntarily contract, pelvic muscle injury, fibroids, muscle spasms, ovarian cysts, childbirth trauma, and other reasons can contribute to one’s experience of painful intercourse. Discussing the details of one’s experience with a doctor can lead to a proper diagnosis and treatment for one’s problem. Why is it hard to orgasm? Many physical and psychological factors contribute to one’s difficulty achieving orgasm. Some of these reasons include thyroid issues, low oxytocin levels, low libido, dehydration, hormonal deficiencies, lifestyle factors like a lack of exercise, or injuries or surgeries that affect nerves connected to the genital area. Similarly, mental stress or anxiety, a history of sexual trauma, a lack of emotional intimacy, mood disorders like depression, or sociocultural beliefs may influence an individual’s attitude and affect their sexual desire, intimacy, and pleasure. How should one perform a breast self-exam? A breast self-exam is vital for detecting changes in one’s breast tissue. A gynecologist can guide you on self-exams, mammograms, and what changes warrant medical attention. Performing a breast self-exam every month is usually recommended, ideally at the age of 20. The examination is to check for any lumps, hard knots, dimples, discharge, pain, discomfort in the underarms or around the breast area, changes in one’s nipples, or any other size, shape, or color distortions.

Maintaining good dental health goes beyond regular brushing and flossing. One must also take care to avoid certain unhealthy habits that damage teeth. However, most of these habits do not cause any issues immediately; the effects are seen only after a few years. But it takes time to undo the side effects. So, the sooner one starts to get rid of these bad habits, the better it is for the teeth and gums. Using a stiff-bristled toothbrush It is a misconception that the harder the bristles are of a toothbrush, the more effective it will be in removing plaque and keeping the teeth clean. On the contrary, hard bristles cause more damage to the teeth by scrubbing at the protective enamel layer. It can also cause tooth sensitivity and gum recession. So, always pick a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles for gentle and thorough cleaning. Nail biting Biting on one’s nails can lead to chipping, cracking, and wearing down of the teeth. Sometimes, constant nail biting can also cause dysfunction of the jaws. This happens because the jaws are pushed to an unnatural angle when biting on the nails. As this habit persists over time, it leads to temporomandibular disorder, or TMD, an oral health disorder that causes pain in the jaws. Also, biting the nails can transfer harmful bacteria to the mouth, causing tooth cavities, bad breath, and other oral health problems. Grinding or clenching teeth This is an unconscious habit that causes damage to the teeth. Many people tend to clench or grind their teeth during stressful or anxious periods. Over the long term, the intense pressure building up on the jaws can lead to severe pain. In addition, the enamel of the teeth may wear off due to constant grinding, making the teeth and gums more susceptible to decay.

Poor blood circulation is responsible for reducing the blood flow to the various organs and muscles, which can cause severe complications in individuals. This condition develops when the circulatory system cannot pump blood effectively to various body parts, leading to low oxygen levels and nutrient deficiency. This condition usually affects the hands and feet of an individual. Here are some warning signs of poor blood circulation in the body which you should be aware of. Numbness in some body parts Experiencing a numbing or tingling feeling in the hands and feet is a common sign of poor blood circulation. In addition, some individuals may also feel pins and needles in their extremities due to inadequate blood flow to the area. This sensation occurs when the restricted blood flow does not reach sufficient quantities. Cold hands and feet When the blood flow is low and does not reach the hands and legs, it can also make these body parts feel colder than the rest. This temperature fluctuation is an issue that affects not just the skin but also the nerve endings of the arms and legs. However, some other conditions can also lead to cold hands and feet, so always be aware of the symptoms thoroughly. The other illness could be Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is responsible for causing the coldness in these body parts. Swelling in the lower extremities Due to poor circulation in the body, there can also be an accumulation of fluid in some parts of the body. This swelling caused by this fluid accumulation is called edema, often experienced in the feet, ankles, and legs. Some of the symptoms of this phenomenon include stiff joints, pain in the affected areas, heaviness and swelling in the area, and tight, warm skin. This condition can also occur when the blood collects in these affected areas like hands and feet, and when the pressure builds inside the blood vessels, the fluid is forced to leak into the surrounding tissues.

Bone cancer refers to the growth of malignant cells in a bone, most commonly the arm, leg, or pelvic bones and sometimes the skull, hip, and ribs. Eventually, the cancer-causing cells spread to other body parts, including surrounding bones, organs, and tissues. Bone cancer may be cured completely if diagnosed at the initial stages. Moreover, early diagnosis can help curtail the spread of cancerous cells. Here are the types and warning signs of bone cancer: Types of bone cancer Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, wherein the cells that produce bones begin growing excessively, causing the development of a cancerous tumor in the bone. It typically occurs among children and young adults. Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare condition in which the cancer develops outside of the bone. Ewing sarcoma Ewing sarcoma develops in the pelvic region and commonly occurs among children and young individuals. Chondrosarcoma Chondrosarcoma involves the excessive growth of cells that produce cartilage. It is the second most common type of bone cancer. Early signs of bone cancer Swelling Most patients with bone cancer experience swelling and inflammation over the affected bone. Such swelling can considerably restrict one’s mobility, especially if it occurs on a bone situated close to a joint. Severe bone pain Persistent bone pain is a common sign of bone cancer. Such pain may occur in bouts at first and aggravate with time. It is usually accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Limping Affected individuals with bone cancer developing on the leg bones may experience difficulty walking, causing them to limp. Fever In certain cases, bone cancer may cause one to develop a fever of about 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Although it is unclear why certain cancers, such as bone cancer, cause fever, these cancers are believed to produce certain fever-inducing toxins in the body.

Menstrual health and hygiene is often an overlooked aspect of one’s overall health. As a result, there are several period mistakes that one may unconsciously commit, increasing the chances of infections and health disorders related to the reproductive system. Therefore, it is important to follow good hygiene practices to help one stay comfortable during periods without any potential health risks. Here are a few period mistakes to avoid for better health and hygiene. Using scented pads, tampons, or toilet paper Fragrant hygiene products contain several chemicals. Some of these even contain additives such as aloe. These additives can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin. Since the skin in and around the vagina is already sensitive, using scented pads, tampons, or toilet paper can cause discomfort. There can be persistent itching or burn-like symptoms. So avoid using fragrant, feminine hygiene products during periods. Make sure everything is fragrant and additive free. Organic products, menstrual cups, or reusable cloth pads are better alternatives. Changing tampons or pads infrequently To avoid rashes, bacterial growth, infections, and inflammation, it is important to change pads once every four hours. In the case of tampons or menstrual cups, a change is needed once every six to eight hours, depending on one’s period flow. Using tampons for long hours can increase the risk of toxic shock. Also, always pick hygiene products with absorbency levels that match the flow of periods. This will ensure that the pads or tampons are changed on time. However, it is not possible to change pads every four hours while sleeping. This is because during this time, bodily functions slow down, and the intensity of bleeding and the production of sweat and sebum decreases. Washing the vagina and vulva too frequently Keeping the vaginal area clean during periods is vital to prevent bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and other health issues.

Atrial fibrillation is a health condition that disrupts the heart’s rhythm. This negatively affects the rhythmic pumping of the atria, or upper chambers, of one’s heart. People with this condition experience fast or irregular heart rates. This makes the heart less efficient in terms of circulation. As a result, it has to work doubly hard to pump blood to various parts of the body. There are certain foods that can worsen this condition. These are foods that patients with atrial fibrillation should avoid: Potato chips Certain food-based compounds can mess with the circulatory system and one’s cardiovascular health. Two such prominent components are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and margarine. These are usually associated with deep-fried foods. Both of these components contain trans fats in high proportions and can dramatically increase the risk of atrial fibrillation in individuals. Apart from atrial fibrillation, these foods also increase the possibility of developing other cardiovascular ailments. Butter, red meat, and cheese are loaded with saturated fats, while margarine, cookies, potato chips, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, doughnuts, certain cookies and crackers, and other deep-fried foods are filled with trans fats. Therefore, if one has a habit of tearing open a pack of potato chips and bingeing on them, they will need to let go of it to keep their heart healthy and away from atrial fibrillation. Coffee Caffeine is a harmful food ingredient if it is consumed in large quantities. In fact, the daily consumption of coffee or tea can put people in danger of developing atrial fibrillation in the long run. Many studies have found a direct link between cardiovascular deterioration and coffee drinking. Other caffeine-heavy foods besides coffee are tea, guarana, soda, and energy drinks. Coffee consumption, if regularly done (as is the case with most consumers), increases blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and insulin resistance in many individuals.

A strong immune system works as a shield to protect against infections and diseases caused by pathogens and foreign substances. But sometimes, immunity can weaken, leaving one susceptible to several health issues. Also, the recovery time from these illnesses tends to get longer. Therefore, it is important to recognize the common signs of a weak immune system to maintain overall health and take the necessary precautions after consulting a primary care doctor. Common signs of a weak immune system Here are a few common signs of a weakened immune system: Frequent instances of infection When the immune system becomes weak, there are frequent infections. This happens because there is a decrease in the production of white blood cells and antibodies. These are responsible for fighting off bacteria and other germs that cause infectious diseases. As a result, one frequently experiences mild to severe infections such as the common cold, flu, and ear, urinary tract, and sinus infections. Wounds take time to heal Whenever there is a cut, burn, scrape, or any type of wound, white blood cells, antibodies, and essential nutrients flow through the blood to the wound area. This helps the damaged skin layers regenerate faster, so the wound heals quickly without any complications or infections. However, this essential function slows down when one’s immunity is weak. Thus, the skin takes time to regenerate, leading to slow wound healing. Frequent allergies With the immune system losing its strength, there is an onset of frequent allergies. A person who has never experienced any allergic symptoms may become susceptible as their immunity weakens. Frequently, sneezing, throat irritation, nasal blockage, nose irritation, watery eyes, and headaches will occur. Dust, pollen, animal dander, certain chemicals in the air, pollution, or seasonal changes trigger these. Risk of autoimmune diseases Autoimmune diseases occur when the body accidentally starts to attack healthy cells, mistaking them for pathogens.

As the most visible component of the body, a person’s skin is an accurate reflector of their overall health. People can keep their skin healthy by following certain lifestyle habits such as drinking loads of water, exercising regularly, and getting adequate amounts of sleep every day. On the other hand, certain bad habits can steadily debilitate the skin and make it appear dull and wrinkly. Here are some poor habits that worsen skin health: Not drinking enough water A major reason why some people have elastic and soft skin is because they drink lots of water. Drinking water keeps the skin hydrated and adequately moisturized, which indicates that a person has healthy skin. On the other hand, dehydration causes the skin to look dull, less resilient, and dry. Also, drinking less water removes the body’s ability to flush toxins out, causing eventual breakouts and other skin issues. Ideally, health and skin experts suggest that one must drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water every day without fail. Skipping broad-spectrum sunscreen People should use sunscreen while stepping out of their homes on a sunny afternoon or when one is about to be exposed to sun rays for longer periods. Sunscreens (with a minimum SPF of 30) shield the skin against the harsh, skin-debilitating elements of sun rays. Broad-spectrum sunscreens, or ones that shield the skin against UVA and UVB rays, offer the most long-lasting protection. Individuals need to apply a tablespoonful of such creams on their face and other areas of the body exposed to the sun. Going to bed with makeup on Cosmetic products contain plenty of chemicals and other artificial skin enhancement components. These elements, combined with the dirt and pollutants that stick to the skin throughout the day when a person stays out, form a potent combo that negatively affects the skin.

Research data estimates that approximately 5.5% of the population nationwide suffers from cancer. While genetic factors also play a role in the onset of cancer, certain lifestyle changes can help with its prevention. According to WHO, 30-50% of all cancer cases can be prevented. Following a healthy meal plan, staying physically active, and avoiding processed foods are some ways to help prevent cancer. Here are some superfoods that can reduce cancer risk: Garlic Garlic serves several vital functions in the body besides flavoring one’s food. This ingredient fights against H. pylori, a bacterium associated with stomach cancer, and reduces one’s risk of developing stomach, pancreatic, and colon cancer. It also reduces the risk of other cancer types, including esophageal and breast cancer. Peeling and chopping garlic cloves about 20 minutes before having them can activate compounds containing sulfur and maximize their anti-cancer properties. Tomatoes These versatile fruits are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that terminates cancer cell growth, prevents damage to DNA, and enhances the functioning of enzymes involved in destroying cancer-causing elements. Studies have shown that a meal plan rich in lycopene can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by 31%. It is also proven to help prevent prostate cancer. Tomatoes may be added to stir-fries, gravies, salads, soups, etc., to enliven one’s meals. Broccoli This cruciferous vegetable contains high concentrations of sulforaphane, a cancer-fighting phytochemical that reduces the risk of prostate, breast, colon, and mouth cancers. Alongside broccoli, one should also have other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage to reduce cancer risk. Oatmeal Rolled oats are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that reduce one’s vulnerability to heart disease, osteoporosis, and other health conditions. Such effects of oatmeal aid in cancer prevention. Moreover, reports by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) recommend that individuals have at least 30 grams of fiber daily.