Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that causes damage to the macula, or the part of the retina located at the back of the eye. This disease typically affects individuals aged 50 years and above. Early diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration can help manage its symptoms and maintain one’s eye health. Here are some early warning signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that one should not ignore. Blurred vision One of the most common early signs of AMD is blurry vision, which occurs due to the leakage of blood or fluids from blood vessels into the macula. Inability to recognize familiar persons AMD severely affects one’s central vision, which is responsible for enabling recognition. Therefore, persons with AMD may be unable to recognize familiar faces, even those of close family members and friends. Straight lines appearing wavy The central vision enables one to recognize and differentiate shapes, lines, colors, etc. Patients with AMD, whose central vision is compromised, may perceive straight lines as wavy. Difficulty perceiving and differentiating colors The macula consists of multiple photoreceptor cone cells, which facilitate the perception and differentiation of colors. Since AMD causes damage to one’s macula, persons with this condition may be unable to perceive or differentiate between colors and shades.

Migraines are recurring headaches that may cause pain and other unbearable symptoms. A few symptoms include increased sensitivity to light, vomiting, and pain when one sneezes or coughs. There are multiple treatment options for migraines, including supplements, prescriptions, and other therapies like acupuncture. Some experts today also recommend taking gummies to help with migraine relief. However, given that this is fairly new to many people, here’s what one should consider before taking a gummy for migraine relief. Learn the benefits Migraine relief gummies contain various plant compounds known to help with pain relief. Experts suggest that these properties help with short-term and long-term benefits for people suffering from migraines. The gummies could also help reduce the number of migraine days and decrease the impact of migraines. The composition of the gummies also helps ease joint and neck pain often associated with migraines. Know the risks Although gummies for pain relief are generally well-tolerated, they may cause some side effects, such as diarrhea, fatigue, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. Experts say that the treatment option is not a long-term solution and may have other complications, such as mood fluctuations or memory loss, if taken all the time. Therefore, one must ensure they take gummies for migraine relief in moderation and with consultation with a healthcare provider.

Herpes is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Oral and genital herpes are its common types. The disease spreads by skin-to-skin contact during intercourse. It has no cure, meaning once a person contracts the virus, it stays in their body for life. Some patients with herpes may show mild or no symptoms, while others may develop the following noticeable and bothersome warning signs. Fluid-filled blisters Painful, fluid-filled blisters or sores are among the most characteristic signs of herpes. A person may develop one or more of these after two to 20 days of infection. The blisters may last for seven to ten days. Their location may vary depending on the type of herpes: Oral herpes (HSV-1): In most cases of oral herpes, the blisters appear on one’s lips or the region around the mouth. Sometimes, they may even form on the face or the tongue. Also called cold sores, they tend to go away on their own after a few weeks. While they can make one uncomfortable, they are generally harmless among adults. Genital herpes (HSV-2): Those with HSV-2 may develop blisters anywhere on the genital region. Women may even experience sores inside the vaginal canal.

Fish oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for the heart, skin, and various vital organs of the body. While it is best to get an adequate intake of fish oil directly from fish such as mackerel, tuna, herring, trout, and sardines, fish oil supplements are an excellent alternative. So, if one is considering boosting their omega-3 intake, here are the key benefits of fish oil supplements: 1. Boosts heart health Fish oil helps support a healthy heart by helping lower cholesterol, maintain blood pressure, and prevent plaque formation that hardens arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent stroke and other cardiovascular illnesses. Additionally, fish oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help in stabilizing atherosclerotic lesions. Research also suggests that those who take fish oil supplements for more than a month may see improvement in heart health. 2. Helps reduce inflammation Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce chronic inflammation that can lead to health conditions like heart disease or diabetes. While the role of omega-3 fatty acids isn’t fully understood in managing conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, they are known to reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with arthritis.

Sinus congestion happens when there is swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses. This condition blocks the nasal pathway and swells it up with excess mucus and fluid. It happens when there is an infection, such as cold, flu, or allergies. Sinus congestion can cause extreme discomfort and may affect one’s daily life. However, there are some easy natural remedies and foods that alleviate the pain from sinus issues and provide relief from the condition. Staying hydrated Sinus congestion causes inflammation in the mucous membranes. This condition can be managed by staying hydrated. Consuming plenty of water and other fluids can help the mucous membranes function correctly and alleviate the symptoms of sinus congestion. Drinking hot tea is also known to help manage sinus congestion. It is best if the tea contains ingredients like turmeric, ginger, and lemon, as they have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve pain. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and contain antioxidant properties that help make white blood cells and fight infections, including sinus congestion. Fruits like oranges and lemons also have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce discomfort and inflammation caused by sinus congestion. Therefore, it is always a good idea to include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in the daily meal plan to have a balanced nutrition and stay healthy.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder affecting the nervous system. It also affects the parts of the body controlled by nerves. Parkinson’s symptoms may differ from person to person but typically manifest as tremors, rigid muscles, and loss of automatic movements. The course of action for managing Parkinson’s depends on the severity of the symptoms and disease progression. Nevertheless, the following nutritional choices and management options are common ways to manage the disorder. Nutritional choices When dealing with Parkinson’s, adding the following foods to the meal regime may help slow the progression of the disease and alleviate the symptoms. 1. Berries: Parkinson’s disease often develops when the brain has an imbalance of antioxidants and unstable compounds (free radicals). To counter the damaging effects of free radicals, experts recommend foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries, to help protect the brain against oxidative stress. 2. Salmon: Fish like salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are healthy fats that can improve brain function. Other options rich in omega-3s are flaxseed, soybeans, oysters, and halibut. 3. Sirloin steak: Lean red meat, like sirloin steak, is rich in iron—a mineral that helps with the production of neurotransmitters and helps the blood carry oxygen throughout the body, including the brain.

Food prices are constantly rising, which might make it challenging for many to purchase simple things such as groceries. While there are cheaper alternatives out there, they are usually processed and may be harmful to one’s overall health. Moreover, no one should compromise on their nutrition goals because of an unprecedented strain on the budget. So, here are seven tips to help one eat healthy meals while maintaining a budget. Plan the menu Menu planning is an ideal step to ensure one eats a balanced meal and meets nutritional needs. Creating a menu for the week or month can ensure that one saves time and money at the grocery store and when at school or work. One should take an inventory of what’s in the fridge, pantry, and freezer, check the cookbook for healthy recipe ideas, and plan the menu for the week. A set menu would ensure one does not buy foods that they do not require. Make a list One of the best ways to ensure one gets the nutrition they require without overspending is to make a shopping list. Once the meals for the week are planned, one should make a list of the ingredients that they require for the week.

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), also known as Graves’ orbitopathy or ophthalmology, is a rare auto-immune disease that causes inflammation in the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands, and the tissue behind the eye. As a result, the eyes seem to “bulge forward” or appear red and swollen. This disease occurs at a rate of 19 per 100,000 people per year in the country. Read on to learn more about its symptoms and treatments. Symptoms of thyroid eye disease While TED does not cause vision loss, it may lead to symptoms such as: Bags under the eyes Blurred or double vision (diplopia) Changes in the eye’s appearance Difficulty moving the eyes Trouble in closing the eyes completely, which could lead to the development of a sore in the cornea Dry or watery eyes Gritty sensation in the eyes Reduced tolerance to bright lights Pain around the eyes Redness of the lids and eyes Swelling of one or both eyelids One’s symptoms may be progressive for six to twelve months. To diagnose the condition, doctors need to conduct a physical eye exam. This may be followed by a blood test to check thyroid hormone and antibody levels, an ultrasound of the eyes, a computed tomography scan (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The liver is a vital organ that filters out toxins, synthesizes proteins for cell structure, secretes bile to assist digestion, and metabolizes carbs and fats. Besides this, it also safeguards the body from many diseases and helps keep one’s energy up. However, unbeknownst to many, the liver is often overloaded with toxins and can cause long-term health problems if left ignored. Here are some ways to detox the liver to ensure its optimal functioning. Supplements to detoxify the liver There are several signs that show that one’s liver needs detoxification. Some common symptoms include persistent constipation and fatigue, dark urine (which also indicates low water intake), bloating or gas, acid reflux or heartburn without any reason, easy bruising, moodiness, and lowered appetite. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to get their liver functioning checked. Alternatively, one can try out the following supplements for liver health- Potassium Health experts recommend a daily intake of 4,700 milligrams of potassium. This mineral can lower blood pressure and cholesterol and help cleanse the liver. One can include potassium-rich foods like sweet potato, tomato, beet greens, spinach, and bananas for a nutrient boost. Vitamins E and C Vitamin E and vitamin C are both usually recommended to help with the liver detox process and protect liver cells from damage and oxidative stress.

Typically intended for the management of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, antidepressants can help relieve symptoms of these disorders. However, it is important to know exactly what to expect when one is prescribed this form of treatment. Given how powerful they are, antidepressants come with a few side effects—both minor and major. Here is a look at some of the common side effects to help one make an informed decision: 1. Drop in sodium levels Some antidepressants can trigger a severe drop in sodium levels in the blood, which is also called hyponatremia. This side effect is often more common among older adults, as fluid and sodium regulation becomes more difficult with age. The low sodium levels tend to cause a build-up of fluids inside the cells, an outcome that can lead to complications like headaches, muscle pain, a reduced appetite, sickness, confusion, agitation, psychosis, seizures, disorientation, and feeling tired and listless without engaging in any physical activity. Certain antidepressants tend to suppress the hormones that regulate sodium and fluid levels. 2. Diabetes Certain studies have found a link between long-term antidepressant usage and diabetes. According to the research, those on antidepressants are at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes than those who are not.