After the COVID-19 pandemic began, people have started taking nasal congestion more seriously, and maintaining good health has become more of a priority to many. But it is important not to let this vigilance translate to frequent visits to the doctors. Instead, one must equip oneself with effective home remedies and develop healthy eating habits. The following are 5 remedies for cold and flu and 5 foods that will help relieve nasal congestion. Home remedies for cold, flu, and nasal congestion Taking a hot shower The most obvious remedy for colds is a hot shower. Even without the flu, a warm burst of water can majorly relieve nasal congestion. Apart from washing away tiredness, inhaling the steam relieves pain and reduces pressure in the sinus, allowing a person to breathe easily for a while. If one is too tired for a hot water shower, one can use an electric facial steamer, which is more convenient. One could use a towel to cover one’s head and the steamer to increase the vapor’s concentration.  Investing in a humidifier Most flu-causing viruses thrive in cold, dry environments. And humid air helps soothe irritated nasal tissue. Hence, nasal inflammation can be reduced by using a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer. Humid air also thins mucus in the sinuses and allows them to drain quickly. This health remedy is beneficial when the air is more dry in the winter season. A similar effect is produced when one takes a long hot water bath. Ensure to regularly change the water in the bathtub or humidifier to prevent fungi and mold from growing. The effects can further be stimulated by adding essential oils like eucalyptus.  Menthol Congested airways often dissolve when brought into close contact with menthol. Menthol is a compound from mint plants and contains antibacterial and pain-relieving capacities.

If your kidneys are damaged, and their ability to filter waste from the blood reduces, you will probably be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or CKD. The accumulation of waste as a consequence of this health impairment can crease several complications, including high blood pressure, weak bones, nerve damage, anemia, and malnutrition. Chronic kidney disease tends to increase the risk of other conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Early detection and treatment can help slow the deterioration, but no cure exists. Thus, it is essential to acquire a good quality of life and prevent permanent kidney failure, which will necessitate dialysis or kidney transplants.  How to manage chronic kidney disease? The choice of treatment depends on the progression of chronic kidney disease, associated health problems, and current lifestyle. Prescription treatment typically helps to control comorbid conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, vitamin K build-up, water retention, and diabetes, among others. A nephrologist is likely to recommend a combination of options: lifestyle changes, prescription treatments for associated problems, and in later stages, dialysis or transplants.  Lifestyle changes for chronic kidney disease A doctor is also likely to recommend changes in your style of living. You can damage muscles and bones during the course of the illness, and hence exercising is vital. Ideally, you must get at least 150 minutes of exercise a week. During flare-ups, exercise is not possible, so you can opt for physiotherapy or electrical stimulation to strengthen the muscles. Further, salt can also become problematic – the ideal amount of one teaspoon daily is about 6 grams. Additionally, you must avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs – like ibuprofen) and use alternatives instead. Apart from these, food modifications can help reduce the progression of chronic kidney disease.  Foods for chronic kidney disease Restrictions in food items vary based on the level of kidney damage, and a “renal diet” is usually recommended.

Constipation refers to infrequent bowel movements or difficult passage of stools. It is diagnosed when you have fewer than three bowel movements a week. Constipation can cause excessive strain on the intestines and can have an adverse effect on your daily activities. It can be chronic when induced by other health conditions. Since constipation is a condition affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, food is the essential key to managing the condition. It is possible to alleviate or worsen constipation through the food. Eating the right food can help keep your intestines clear, but the wrong foods might bind the stools even further. Fiber-rich foods to eat for constipation Foods rich in fiber can help relieve constipation and keep your stool movements regular. The most common cause of constipation is the slow movement of food through the GI tract. This can be the result of prescription treatment options, diseases of the nerves, or psychological conditions. But most often, it is due to a poor food regime. Here are five fiber-rich foods that can help manage constipation. Prunes One of the age-old remedies for constipation is dried plums, or prunes, as they are commonly called. With three gms of fiber per quarter cup serving, prunes can increase the amount of water in stools, thanks to the insoluble fiber it contains. The body cannot absorb the sorbitol in prunes; thus, it has a laxative effect in the intestine. And finally, the phenols in prunes can stimulate the gut biome and restore balance. Kiwi A single kiwi contains 2.3 gms of fiber, 9% of the recommended daily intake. It is not just the fiber, the enzyme actinide in kiwi also enables gut motility and improves bowel habits. Having two kiwis a day for over two weeks helps soften the stools. It also helps individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Eczema is a generic term that refers to a group of skin conditions that cause irritation. These conditions can affect infants, children, and adults. Dry skin, redness, fluid-filled boils on the skin, severe itching, and rashes of various forms and shapes are typical characteristics of eczema. It is a chronic condition characterized by phases of flare-ups and remission. Managing this condition is important as it can cause discomfort and interfere with one’s routine. Early Warning Signs of Eczema The condition can affect anyone, but early signs of eczema can usually be seen in infancy. Infant boys and adolescent girls are more prone to the condition than others. Infants who develop such skin issues may get cured, and their symptoms may disappear as they age. However, the symptoms could return once they reach adulthood.  When suffering from this condition, a person can experience drastic changes in the way their skin feels and looks like. In its early stages, eczema can cause the skin to look bumpy or raised. The skin may also look inflamed, and one’s eyelids may appear swollen. Flaking or peeling of skin is another warning sign that appears early in eczema patients. Irrespective of the early warning signs, eczema can have a long-lasting impact. Some of its short-term and long-term impacts are thick leathery skin; deep lines in palms; formation of pus-filled bumps; and discoloration of skin. Symptoms of Eczema Since eczema is a skin condition, most of the symptoms are associated with changes in the skin. The symptoms may vary for infants, children, and adults. In babies Scaly and itchy rashes on the scalp and cheeks Dry, scaly, itchy, and patchy skin Bubbled rashes that begin to ooze Unexplained discomfort Constant rubbing against bedding to find relief from the itch In older children Rash in elbows, knees, ankles, legs, and buttocks Itchy, scaly, and patchy skin Lightening or darkening of the skin Thickening of skin Constant itchiness Swelling on the skin Slightly warm or hot skin Discoloration of skin Eczema Symptoms in Adults If a person has had eczema as an infant or a child, the symptoms might return when they turn 50.

Our eyes are one of the most complex organs in our body, with about 2 million working parts. They can see 30 to 60 frames per second, and our brains can process the complete images in about 13 milliseconds. To operate with such high precision and speed, every component of our eye needs to be healthy. However, it is uncommon for individuals to pay specific attention to their eye health unless they’re facing an issue. Six essential vitamins for maintaining eye health Consuming enough vitamins as part of your daily meal plan benefits your eye and overall health. If you have recently been diagnosed with an eye condition and started increasing the number of vitamins in your food, you may not see a dramatic or sudden improvement in your vision. Having a healthy and nutritious food regime from an early age can ensure that you can maintain your eye health as you age and prevent age-related eye diseases. While our health depends on a range of vitamins, nutrients and minerals, vitamins are more important for eye health. The six essential vitamins for maintaining eye health include: Vitamin A Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for eye health. Also known as retinol, vitamin A is a part of rhodopsin, a protein found in the retina. It aids in maintaining a clear cornea and can also help strengthen the retina, help overall immunity, and prevent eye infections. Regular and long-term consumption of vitamin A can help prevent night blindness, dry eyes, soft cornea, dry tear ducts, and xerophthalmia. The prevalence of vitamin A-related eye diseases is rare in the country as the nutrient is available in food items consumed daily, like fish, eggs, milk, broccoli, eggs, and orange-colored vegetables and fruits. Vitamin B1 Vitamin B helps proper cell function and is crucial in converting food into energy.

Drinking water is essential to keep body organs functioning at their optimum best. However, drinking too much or too little can affect the body in many ways. Dehydration can often affect cognitive functions, memory, and physical performance. Therefore, drinking water the right way at the right time is essential. Although most people know the importance of water, they don’t know the best time to drink it. So, let’s look at the best times to drink water daily. When you wake up Though most people reach for a cup of coffee, it is best to drink one or two cups of water as soon as you wake up. It helps you hydrate after 8 hours of no water and food, which typically causes slight dehydration. The water in the morning helps get your fluids back to baseline levels.  When you sweat When you exercise or use a sauna, you naturally sweat and lose a lot of water. During such activities, it is ideal to drink not just water after your activity but also before and during your workout. Keep a one-liter bottle filled with flavored or regular water at all times. Sip between 6 and 12 ounces every 15 minutes when you are active. After a workout, you can freely drink up to 24 ounces of water to restore the lost fluids. Before or during meals Do you sometimes feel hungry when you are thirsty? It happens to most people. Thus, drinking water before a meal ensures that you do not overeat. Also, most nutritionists suggest drinking one glass of water 30 minutes before a meal. This helps to ease the overall digestion process. You can also have a cup or two of water during meals. Middle of the day Have you ever experienced the 3 pm slump? If you’ve probably reached for a cup of coffee, you need to reconsider.

Migraine is a condition that can develop in anyone, however, women are three times more likely to get it. Some may have one or two episodes a year, while others could experience more than 10 episodes a month. The symptoms and severity of an episode may vary from one person to another. Migraine usually develops as a headache, beginning on one side and spreading to the entire head or shifting from one side to another. Severe signs to recognize Moderate to severe headache, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pain, and feeling too warm or cold are also common symptoms of a migraine. These symptoms are not alarming and get better with proper treatment and rest. However, there are some signs of headaches and migraines that one should not ignore. Migraine with aura As migraine is a neurological disease, one may experience symptoms like aura, where they see halos, flashing lights, zig-zags, and blank spots. Some may even experience a temporary loss of vision. Aura symptoms typically begin within one hour of the onset of the migraine. These symptoms usually last between thirty minutes to one hour. Some may experience confusion, weakness, or paralysis. Though aura symptoms alone are not dangerous, they could indicate other conditions like stroke. One should consult a doctor or a neurologist for a thorough examination and diagnosis if they observe this symptom. Headache that does not respond to treatment If one has a persistent headache lasting more than two or three days, and if it does not respond to any treatment, it is important to consult a doctor. A migraine typically lasts between four hours to three days. But, if one does not see any improvement in the symptoms, their headache switches from one side to another, or they experience a ringing sensation in the ears, they should seek immediate help.

The second most common cancer in men is prostate cancer. It impacts the prostate gland, which secretes seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is usually localized and does not migrate. Early cancer detection results in less harm and more successful treatment of cancer. Although there are treatment alternatives, there are active clinical trials for more advanced treatments for prostate cancer. Read on to learn more about the warning signs and foods to eat and avoid for prostate cancer. 5 early warning signs of prostate cancer Frequent urge to urinate The prostate tumor exerts pressure on the urethra and the bladder, leading to a person getting an urge to urinate, especially at night.  Weak flow of urine Weak urine flow need not always be a sign of prostate cancer as one experiences trouble urinating as one ages. However, if one experiences a weak flow of urine or has no control over starting and stopping it, it is advisable to consult a doctor.  Numbness or pain As cancer advances, one might experience unexplainable pain in the hips, chest, or lower back. Some men may also experience numbness in the legs. Burning or painful urination Burning or experiencing pain while urinating is called dysuria. It is a common symptom of UTIs. However, it may also be a symptom of prostate cancer. It is better to get it checked. Blood in the urine Hematuria is a symptom of prostate cancer but can also be a symptom of health issues like UTIs. It always helps to get it checked. Meal plan for prostate cancer A well-balanced meal plan with ample fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates from whole grains, and healthy proteins can prevent prostate cancer and improve one’s overall health. Additionally, even when diagnosed with prostate cancer, paying attention to what is on one’s plate can go a long way in aiding your treatment.  5 foods to manage prostate cancer Broccoli Broccoli contains complex compounds that can protect a person from cancer.

The human circulatory system has three major components the heart, blood, and blood vessels. Together they supply blood, nutrients, and hormones to different organs and parts of the body. Another important function of the circulatory system is to carry carbon dioxide and other waste products to flush them out of the body. Any disruption in this process can result in an inadequate supply of blood and nutrients and incomplete disposal of waste. Impact of meals and lifestyle The heart, veins, arteries, and vessels function like a mechanical unit, where a problem in one component can affect the entire process. Clogging in the veins or arteries can lead to heart failure or circulatory system dysfunction. Regular intake of certain foods can form plaque in the arteries and make them thick. This prevents the smooth flow of blood and may lead to hypertension and other complications. An unhealthy meal plan can contribute to the hardening, clotting, clogging, and tearing of blood vessels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.  Best nutrient sources The ideal foods to improve blood count should be low in cholesterol and saturated fats. The meal plan should include alternatives such as trimmed meat and seafood, safe fats like mono or polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. Further, it should have more fruits and vegetables, fiber, and moderate quantities of milk and dairy products. Here are some of the best kinds of foods that help improve blood circulation: Foods with omega-3 fatty acids:  Omega-3 fatty acids are key nutrients for improving blood circulation. One can find them in plant-based foods and seafood. Doctors recommend omega-3-rich foods as they can reduce the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat. The build-up of these fats in the artery walls can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and atrial fibrillation.

An adult has 206 bones compared to an infant’s 306; as one grows, the bone fuses, and the bone tissues constantly break down and rebuild. The length of bones stops growing between the ages of 16 and 18, but bone density continues growing until age 35. Individuals begin to lose bone tissue between the ages of 35 and 40, but this can be hastened by conditions like osteoporosis, which leads to drastic bone loss. What is osteoporosis? Bones have a thick outer shell and an inner mesh resembling a honeycomb. The mesh contains proteins and minerals like collagen and calcium. Our body needs minerals like phosphorus and magnesium to build new bones regularly. As we age, if our body loses more bones than it can produce, it cumulatively results in bone loss. This condition is called osteoporosis, which develops and progresses slowly over many years. The bone’s outer shell and honeycomb-like mesh gradually become thinner when osteoporosis happens. The bone becomes weak, putting the person at a high risk of bone pain and fractures. Osteoporosis does not have any specific symptoms. Most men and women may not know they have had osteoporosis until the bone pain and stiffness become too intense or if they suffer a sudden fracture. Fractures of the hip, spine, and wrist are the most common impact of osteoporosis. Weak bones can break at the slightest movement and cause fractures when the person falls. In severe cases of osteoporosis, even a sneeze or a cough can cause a fracture. Five diseases that cause osteoporosis Whatever the cause, bone loss can only be delayed but not reversed. Genetic, autoimmune, hormonal, liver and allergic, psychiatric, and neurological disorders can cause osteoporosis. Five such diseases are: Cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is an inherited and life-threatening disease that causes thick sticky mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and internal organs.