Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid, a gland located at the neck base that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. While there are several types of thyroid cancer, including papillary and follicular, one of the rarest and most aggressive types is metastatic squamous neck (MSK) thyroid cancer. MSK thyroid cancer can be challenging to diagnose and treat, so one must be aware of the subtle signs of this cancer type. This article will examine what MSK thyroid cancer is, the symptoms you should be mindful of, how it’s diagnosed, and the available treatment options. We will also discuss how to manage the side effects of treatments, some coping strategies for those with MSK thyroid cancer, prevention methods, and prognosis for the disease. Introduction to MSK Thyroid Cancer MSK thyroid cancer is a rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer that is believed to originate from the squamous cells in the neck, which are thin and flat cells that line the surface of the throat. MSK thyroid cancer spreads quickly to the lymph nodes in the neck and other body parts, such as the lungs and bones. This cancer is more likely in adults, particularly those over 40. Symptoms of MSK Thyroid Cancer One of the biggest challenges with MSK thyroid cancer is that it can be difficult to detect in its early stages. However, symptoms of MSK thyroid cancer are typically very subtle and can even be mistaken for other conditions. Some of the most common symptoms of MSK thyroid cancer include the following: – Swelling or a lump in the neck – Pain in the neck or throat – Difficulty swallowing – Difficulty breathing – A hoarse or raspy voice – Coughing – Unexplained weight loss – Fatigue If you experience these symptoms, speaking immediately to your healthcare expert is essential.

Potassium is a key mineral integral to safeguarding one’s general health. This mineral helps maintain normal levels of fluid in one’s cells. Besides that, potassium helps regularize one’s heart rate and aids in nerve functioning. Not eating potassium-rich foods can lead to constipation, fatigue, muscle weakness, tingling or numbing, and even irregular heartbeat. These are reasons to worry, so it helps to be aware of healthy potassium-rich foods to include in one’s meal.  Why do we need potassium? The body needs potassium for optimal health but cannot produce the nutrient on its own. Potassium is also essential as an electrolyte since it bears an eclectic charge that activates different cells and plays a pivotal role in nerve functioning. Potassium enables the contraction of muscles and helps maintain normal blood pressure.  Potassium is an unsung nutrient, and its deficiency can be problematic. Though excess potassium levels cause diseases like hyperkalemia, its deficiency is also dangerous. Therefore, it is important to consult a health expert about the amount of potassium that suits you. If you are susceptible to kidney conditions, the doctor might ask you to have less of this mineral. However, according to experts, the daily advised potassium intake amount for adult women is 2,320 mg, and for adult men, it is 3,016 mg.  Healthy potassium-rich food items Potassium is available naturally in many food items and can be taken as a supplement. One can incorporate the potassium-rich foods listed below into one’s daily meal plan to improve general health.  Watermelon Watermelon is a delicious food that has potassium in abundance. It is also known for its exceptional water content, but this summer fruit also contains protein, fiber, fat, vitamins A and C, magnesium, and potassium. A single wedge (about 286 grams) of watermelon contains 7% of the recommended potassium value.

A good night’s sleep is one of the critical factors to a high quality of life. Healthy sleep habits indicate the individual’s mental and physical well-being. However, in this day and age, several factors hinder sleep despite an efficient lifestyle. Heartburn can significantly impede a healthy sleep cycle, but there are ways to prevent and manage it. This article will discuss ways to avoid heartburn and get a better night’s sleep. What is heartburn, and how does it impact sleep? Heartburn is a burning sensation in the chest or throat caused by acid reflux and can make it challenging to get a comfortable and sound sleep. Fortunately, there are quite a few strategies a person can use to prevent and manage heartburn and get a healthy and restful sleep during the night. Heartburn is a common condition caused by the regurgitation of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to a burning sensation in the chest or throat. This burning sensation can become more uncomfortable when lying down, making it difficult to get comfortable and stay asleep. Additionally, heartburn can cause difficulty breathing, resulting in frequent waking throughout the night and poor overall sleep quality. Therefore, it is imperative to avoid foods that cause heartburn at night. Studies suggest that food breaks down more efficiently when one eats dinner early in the evening. People suffering from frequent heartburns must avoid oily, tomato-based, carbonated beverages and citric and spicy foods. More on the list of foods to be avoided at night would be fast foods, pizza, fried foods, cheese, and fatty meats like bacon and sausages.  6 tips for a healthy sleep cycle Establishing a regular sleep schedule Establishing a regular sleep schedule is vital in preventing and managing heartburn. Having a consistent bedtime and wake time helps regulate one’s body’s internal clock, making falling and staying asleep easier.

Migraine is a neurological health condition that causes intense headaches. They occur in episodes when exposed to specific stimuli. Common triggers include loud sounds, fatigue, weather changes, and bright lights. Though the precise cause is unknown, it is clear that the propensity to get migraines and even the particular triggers can be transferred through heredity from parents. The following is a comprehensive account of foods and smells that trigger migraine and cities that are particularly problematic migraine hotspots. Foods that trigger migraines Food and beverages can provoke migraines on their own, as well as in combination with other triggers. Combinations and triggers are highly individualized; thus, there are no universal triggers. However, some foods are more common detonators than others and are listed below, so you can watch out for them. Always consult a doctor about food modifications to ascertain what affects you and what does not. Foods with MSG Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, exists naturally in the body but is also present in certain foods. Though safe to eat in minute proportions and widely used as a food additive, these might activate migraine attacks. Other food preservatives may also cause migraines. Aged cheeses Aged cheeses like feta, blue cheese, and Parmesan all contain a compound called tyramine. It causes the breakdown of proteins as the cheese ages; hence, the older the cheese, higher is the tyramine content. This compound is known to trigger migraines and headaches in some people. Spicy foods Though spicy food can be good for your health when consumed now and then and does wonders for a sinus headache, it can be problematic if you suffer from migraines. Chilli peppers are particularly detrimental when compared to other spicy ingredients. Spicy food activates TRP pain receptors, and individuals with a high risk of migraines have sensitive receptors.

Eczema is a condition that affects the skin and causes redness, itching, and dryness. It can be very uncomfortable and can affect any body part. It can also cause psychological distress and can be challenging to manage. Thankfully, several guidelines can be followed to help keep skin healthy and avoid the symptoms of eczema. This article will discuss the causes of eczema, the signs and treatments, and a few guidelines for avoiding eczema symptoms and treatment. Introduction to eczema Eczema is a skin issue often characterized by redness, itching, flaking, and dryness. The situation is often accompanied by swelling, crusting, and even blistering of the skin. It can affect any body part, including the face, hands, arms, and legs. Eczema is not a contagious condition, but it can be uncomfortable and affect the quality of life. People with a family history of eczema are more likely to develop the condition. Other d that may increase the risk of eczema include stress, allergies, and certain skin irritants. What are the main causes of eczema? The exact cause of eczema is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. People with a family history of eczema are more likely to develop the condition. Other well-known factors that may increase the risk of eczema include stress, allergies, and certain skin irritants. It is also believed that certain factors may trigger the onset of eczema. These triggers include certain foods, environmental allergens, and even certain fabrics. Identifying and avoiding the triggers is essential, as they can worsen the condition. Symptoms and treatment options  The symptoms of eczema may vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include redness, itching, flaking, and skin dryness. In severe cases, the skin may become inflamed, swollen, and even blistered. The skin may also become thickened, cracked, and scaly.

The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against infection and diseases. Sometimes, this system malfunctions and attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing diseases in one or many body parts. Such diseases are called autoimmune diseases. Lupus is an example of an autoimmune disease that can affect people of all ages, with women at a higher risk than men. This post closely examines what lupus is, its types, and its symptoms. What is lupus? Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease where a person’s immune system mistakes healthy cells for invaders. It then creates antibodies to attack the healthy cells and tissues, causing inflammation and pain in different body parts, including the skin, joints, muscles, and internal organs. Lupus can be mild to severe and, in some cases, life-threatening. Patients with lupus may see phases when they are very ill and phases where they feel better. The symptoms can be managed with treatment, and patients diagnosed with the disease can lead a full life. Different types of lupus The signs and remedies may vary from one person to another based on the type of lupus that affects them. The following are a few common types one should know: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) SLE is the most severe and most common form of lupus. It can affect a person’s health in many ways. For instance, SLE can cause inflammation of the kidney that damages the organ; inflammation in the nervous system and brain that causes headaches, strokes, memory problems, and confusion; inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain that leads to seizures, changes in behavior, and high fever, coronary artery disease that could increase the risk of a heart attack; and pulmonary hypertension. SLE is difficult to diagnose as its symptoms mimic those of other benign diseases. Doctors use a combination of diagnostic tools, such as a physical examination, blood and urine examinations, and imaging tests, to rule out other ailments and identify SLE. If a person complains of kidney or skin issues, doctors may also perform a kidney and skin tissue biopsy to ascertain the cause.

Chronic bronchitis is a common condition that affects the lungs and causes inflammation, breathlessness, and coughing. It affects more than 11 million people in the country. This long-term condition can be managed with effective treatment and lifestyle changes. In addition, eating a healthy and balanced meal plan is one of the easiest and most effective ways to manage the symptoms of chronic bronchitis and reduce the risk of flare-ups. Many foods can help reduce inflammation and support healthy lungs. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, can help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can also help improve overall lung health. Vegetables The vegetables that are best to maintain a healthy pair of lungs are pumpkins, cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage, broccoli, broccolini, cauliflower, bok choy or Chinese cabbage, turnips, bell peppers, cayenne peppers, turmeric, beets, beet greens, tomato, onion, garlic, ginger, carrots, horseradish, radish, and daikon. Doctors suggest eating a range of colorful vegetables is essential as the color pigments contain compounds suitable for the lungs and the whole body. The cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and bok choy contain sulforaphane, essential in lung maintenance and function. The red bell peppers and cayenne flavonoids are among crucial minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C. Tomatoes contain lycopene, carotenoid antioxidants that improve lung health and processes. In contrast, turmeric, ginger, and garlic are antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation.  Leafy greens Including dark leafy greens in your daily meal plan can keep your lungs healthy. Some include kale, Siberian kale, tatsoi, wild arugula, watercress, mint, garden cress, collard greens, spinach, Japanese mustard spinach, and swiss chard. These leafy greens contain iron, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and carotenoids, crucial to reducing inflammation of the lungs as they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Macula is a small 5-mm portion at the center of the retina. It is located in the back of the eye and is responsible for central and color vision and the fine details of the things we see. Damage to the macula refers to macular degeneration, causing loss of central vision. In most cases, the damage develops over time, usually due to aging. So, the condition is common among people aged 50 and above.  Understanding the condition Macula is made up of a large number of photoreceptor cells that detect light. Once light enters our eye, these cells signal the brain, which interprets them as images. While age is the most common cause of macular degeneration, family history, diabetes, head injury, eye infection, and nutritional deficiencies are other factors that increase the risk of developing the eye condition. Wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the two types people experience. With dry AMD, the macular tissue gradually becomes thin and stops working, causing vision loss. Wet AMD results from fluids from blood vessels leaking into the macula. It is a long-lasting disorder leading to blurred vision and blind spots in the central vision. When dealing with eye diseases like macular degeneration, one can experience symptoms like blurry vision, inability to read or notice fine details, blind spots in central vision, and distorted vision. Cure and prevention While AMD cannot be prevented, one can prevent regular macular degeneration by treating underlying diseases like diabetes and protecting the eyes from trauma and injury. Some other measures that can prevent or slow down macular degeneration are: A meal plan rich in eye-friendly nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, vitamins C and E, omega-3s, and beta-carotene Wearing protective eye gear Regular and comprehensive eye examinations Regulating sugar intake and blood sugar Exercising to maintain cardiovascular health and prevent leakage of blood vessels Food and macular degeneration There is no specific meal plan that doctors recommend for managing macular degeneration.

Thyroid cancer is the ninth most common cancer in the country. It can occur at any age and affects both men and women. While it is a relatively rare cancer, it is essential to be aware of its signs and symptoms so that it can be diagnosed and treated early. This article will cover the causes, signs, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment options, prevention, and support resources for those dealing with thyroid cancer. Introduction to thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer is a kind of cancer that originates in the thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the bottom of the neck. The thyroid is a unit of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that regulate several critical bodily functions. In thyroid cancer, abnormal cells in the thyroid rapidly divide and form a tumor. There are other types of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic. The most common type is papillary thyroid cancer, which makes up about 80 percent of all thyroid cancers. Follicular thyroid cancer is the other most common type, making up about 10 percent of cases. Causes of thyroid cancer There are several risk factors may increase a person’s chances of developing the disease. These include a family history of thyroid cancer, exposure to radiation, specific genetic syndromes, and a food regime high in iodine. A family history of thyroid cancer increases a person’s risk for the disease. If a person has a parent, sibling, or close relative with thyroid cancer, their risk of developing the disease is higher. Radiation exposure is also a risk factor for thyroid cancer. People who, in the past, have had radiation therapy to the neck or chest may be at an increased risk, as well as those who have lived in areas with high environmental radiation levels. Specific genetic syndromes can also increase the risk of thyroid cancer.

Many digestive disorders can be excruciatingly painful and annoyingly disturbing. About 20 million people in the country suffer from some digestive disease, and statistics prove that the numbers are increasing. Most of us are leading a sedentary lifestyle and consuming unhealthy foods. However, if these issues are not addressed in time, various illnesses will cripple the nation. Read this article to learn about 7 critical digestive conditions and their symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent digestive condition affecting the large intestine. It usually causes abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and changes in bowel habits. The primary symptoms of IBS are a pain in the abdominal region and changes in bowel movements, such as constipation, diarrhea, or both. People with IBS may also experience stool bloating, gas, and mucus. Some other symptoms of IBS could be fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, etc. The symptoms can differ from person to person and may come and go. Sometimes, symptoms may worsen during stress or when consuming certain foods. Therefore, visiting a doctor to understand the intensity of irritable bowel syndrome is advisable. Once the diagnosis is positive, the treatment plan may include modifications in the meal plan and supplements as prescribed by the doctor. Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a common type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the intestinal tract. To be very specific, it is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (CGBD) that causes colon, rectum, and anus inflammation. Because this inflammation progresses slowly and cannot be completely controlled with prescription treatments, patients often spend months or years with no improvement. Other treatments may include modifications in the meal plan and lifestyle changes. With simple lifestyle changes, one can get fast relief from Crohn’s disease symptoms and even lead a normal life again.