Early (or premature) menopause happens when a woman’s periods stop before the age of 45. It can occur naturally or be a result of certain treatments. It is generally diagnosed through blood tests and a physical examination to rule out other conditions like pregnancy or thyroid disease. The tests are used to measure estradiol and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels, which indicate the onset of ovary failure and estrogen production levels, respectively. What are the physical symptoms of premature menopause? The main symptom of early menopause is periods becoming infrequent or stopping altogether without any other reason. Other physical signs may include: Hot flushes Sudden feelings of hot and cold in the face, neck, and chest, which can make one feel dizzy. Difficulty sleeping This may result from night sweats, making one tired and irritable during the day. Palpitations This occurs when the heartbeats become more noticeable. Other premature menopause signs Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual Muscle aches and joint pains Changed body shape and size Skin changes, including dry and itchy skin Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) Reduced libido Vaginal dryness, pain, itching, or discomfort What are the mental health symptoms of premature menopause? Common mental health symptoms of early menopause and perimenopause include:

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system – a part of the germ-fighting network in the body comprising the lymph nodes, thymus gland, bone marrow, and spleen. Lymphoma can affect all these areas and also other parts of the body. There are two main subtypes of lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The treatment plan mostly depends on the lymphoma type and its severity. Read further to know more about this condition. Early signs and symptoms In most cases, lymphoma treatment may vary depending on various factors, such as the organs involved and the progression of the disease. Also, some patients may experience glaring signs of the condition, but others may not have anything at all. Hence here are some early symptoms of lymphoma. Swollen lymph nodes The lymph nodes are a part of the immune system in the body as they help circulate lymph fluid which contains immune cells throughout the body. In patients suffering from the condition, the swollen lymph nodes might appear like lumps under the skin and are primarily noticed in areas like the underarm, side of the neck, groin, and above the collarbone. Even though a glaring sign of lymphoma, the swelling may also be caused by infections.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and sores or ulcers in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis affects the large intestine, and there is no permanent cure for the condition . However, some management options can help keep the symptoms at bay. One of the most crucial management tips is changing food and nutritional habits. Here are some foods that one must avoid to prevent inflammation or discomfort. Dairy products It is observed that those with UC are often lactose intolerant and have trouble properly digesting. The trigger here is not dairy per se but the small intestine’s inability to digest the sugar found in milk with the help of an enzyme called lactase. This indigestion leads to abdominal pain and even diarrhea in some cases. Therefore, it is best to avoid dairy and dairy products like milk or cheese, but if you want to add them to your meal plan, consult nutritional experts about adding lactase supplements to ease digestion. Processed foods It includes packaged breakfast cereals, canned vegetables, sausage, ham, salami, and microwave-ready meals. Processed food products are often high in trans fat, which is known to cause a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis.

The list of worst cities to live in for people with asthma is drawn up by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA). Cities are judged on parameters such as the number of asthma cases, asthma-related deaths and trips to emergency rooms, pollution, poverty, access to health insurance and asthma specialists, and exposure to smoke. These factors gravely affect the quality of life of people with asthma. The most challenging cities include: Detroit, Michigan In 2022, Detroit was named the most challenging city for people with asthma, according to the AAFA. This can be attributed to the city’s high poverty rates and low air quality. Detroit also ranks third highest for asthma cases and eighth highest for asthma-related deaths among the 100 cities that were examined. Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland’s high ranking on this list is due to the high levels of asthma cases, along with asthma-related deaths and visits to the emergency room. This is further worsened by high levels of poverty and ozone pollution, which have reduced the chances for asthma care in the city. Allentown, Pennsylvania Allentown has a high level of asthma cases in the city, along with the second highest level of visits to the emergency room for asthma, according to the AAFA.

About one in four adults across the country have arthritis. At their core, inflammation causes issues like arthritis and joint pains. Issues like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can be prevented or treated by consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and greens, which contain plenty of antioxidants to fight inflammation. Frozen fruit and vegetable-blended smoothies are counted as healthy food options. Here are some of the best smoothies to address arthritis and joint pains: Tropical sunrise smoothie The Tropical Sunrise Smoothie has a sweet taste to it, featuring an irresistible blend of unsweetened coconut milk and half a cup each of frozen pineapple, banana, and mango. This makes it an ideal starter for any meal. More importantly, this concoction is rich in antioxidants, making it one of the best foods to prevent or treat health conditions from arthritis and joint pains. Pineapple anti-inflammatory smoothie Pineapple juice and pulp contain massive amounts of pain-killing enzymes. One such enzyme is bromelain. Additionally, the other ingredients used in this smoothie, such as Romaine lettuce, ginger, and cilantro, all contain several anti-inflammatory properties. The main components of this drink are half a pineapple, a handful of coriander, a small piece of ginger, a head of Romaine lettuce, and two ribs of celery.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) develops when stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the esophagus—the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. Acid reflux causes heartburn, discomfort, or even vomiting and is triggered primarily by certain types of foods. GERD can be easily managed by getting the right nutrition and maintaining healthy habits post meals. As GERD is directly associated with the digestive tract, eating the right foods becomes all the more important. Foods for managing GERD Common symptoms of GERD include heartburn, bloating, burping, dry cough, and sore throat. One may also experience a burning sensation in the chest or stomach after a full meal or having highly processed or spicy foods. Here are some foods that can help keep GERD symptoms at bay: Egg whites Egg whites, rich in protein, are alkaline foods, making them a good option for dealing with heartburn. Whole grains Foods like brown rice, whole wheat bread, quinoa, barley, and millets are highly fibrous foods, making one feel full for a long period. This ensures one does not overeat or snack between meals, which is one of the prime reasons for heartburn. Oatmeal Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and can lower the risk of acid reflux.

Migraines are a severe type of headache that can cause extreme pain in the form of throbbing or pulsing sensations, usually on one side of the head. Based on research, healthcare experts conclude that certain risk factors may worsen the symptoms of migraines. Prominent triggers are also determined by the city in which one lives. So factors like their lifestyle, weather and associated changes, and temperatures can vary based on the particular geographical location. St. Louis, MO One of the primary reasons why St. Louis makes the list of worst cities for migraine management is the lifestyle. Here, people usually have extremely busy schedules, due to which they might also be more stressed compared to those in other cities. Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Augusta, GA When a storm hits the city , cold and warm air mix, leading to changes in barometric pressure. These variations are often known to trigger or worsen symptoms of migraines. Augusta is constantly subject to such changes, so a person dealing with migraines should avoid moving here. Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati is home to multiple tourist attractions, including the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. However, people affected by migraines who live in the city may notice their symptoms worsen frequently.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic acid reflux condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This acid reflux can irritate the esophagus lining, causing other health complications. While it is common to experience acid reflux sometimes, it is still recommended to see a doctor. It is also essential to be careful of food choices, so here are some foods which keep GERD at bay. Ginger Known for its medicinal properties, ginger is one of the best herbs to consider when managing acid reflux. It is alkaline and is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice of ingredient to add to vegetables, soups, and tea. It is learned that acid reflux also often happens due to an inflammation in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, so ginger can provide some relief. Some ways to incorporate this in meals include adding crushed ginger to cooked vegetables, ginger paste, or even sliced ginger to soup and boiling a broth with this ingredient. Ginger tea is another clever way of getting the ingredient benefits without chewing on it by simply sipping on this hot brew slowly in the morning or evening.

Arthritis and joint pain can weaken a person, leading to mobility issues and other health conditions. People coping with arthritis require timely and consistent treatment, care, and lifestyle changes to control its symptoms. A nutritious food intake contributes to a healthier lifestyle and a better response to treatment. Besides having wholesome foods, incorporating refreshing smoothies into one’s meal plan can balance taste and nutrition . Here are some smoothies that can help individuals with arthritis. Pineapple and blueberry smoothie Pineapple contains high vitamin C, an antioxidant that can relieve joint pain. Moreover, blueberries contain anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation. A blend of pineapple, blueberry, and other ingredients like ginger root and honey can create a refreshing smoothie perfect for the taste buds and joints. Green smoothie Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and parsley are packed with crucial nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K; iron; polyphenols; and antioxidants, in addition to being low in calories. A smoothie with leafy greens and some fruits of your choice can be your go-to breakfast or snack for healthy joints and reducing arthritis symptoms. Orange, carrot, and turmeric smoothie Citrus fruits like oranges are packed with vitamin C, highly effective in reducing joint inflammation.

Some cities can be healthier for migraine sufferers, and can reduce the incidence of migraine attacks. According to research conducted in 2006 by some researchers, four categories of data were analyzed to determine which cities were the best and the worst for those with migraine. While more recent analyses have added access to world-class healthcare to this list, the original methodology used for determining these hotspots included several parameters such as: Lifestyle factors: Factors that can contribute to an increase in migraine attacks include the number of hours of overtime worked, plane travel, frequency of vigorous exercise, frequency of insomnia, and frequency of sunburn. Irregular sleep patterns and high amounts of stress also contribute to the frequency of migraine headaches. Prescriptions filled: This is defined as the number of migraine-related prescriptions per capita. Environmental factors: Many environmental factors are commonly known to trigger migraines, such as barometric pressure, rapidly changing weather, and extreme temperatures. The coasts are safer than the mountains when it comes to rapidly changing weather. Migraines can also result from the social environment, induced by factors such as divorce rates, crime rates, suicide rates, and commute time. Consumption of common food triggers: While this is a personal factor, common trigger foods include citrus fruits and juices, cheese, chocolates, pickles, sour cream, nuts, coffee, tea, soda, hot dogs, sausages, peanut butter, and foods with nitrates in them.