Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are painful blisters that appear on the lips and the surrounding areas. These blisters can be seen in groups of 10 or individually and are caused by the Type 1 or Type 2 herpes virus. The infections can be painful and make one feel sick for days at a stretch. These cold sores may be manipulated by the food eaten; hence some food items are better avoided. Coping with cold sores – foods to avoid Food and nutrient intake plays a vital role in overall health, including lip health. If one finds themselves prone to cold sores, it’s important to check the foods taken in because this condition results from various factors, and food can be one of the primary triggers. Curry In general, spicy foods should be avoided by patients prone to cold sores. One of the reasons is that a highly spicy meal may irritate the area around the mouth. It increases the discomfort caused by the condition and can heighten the problems suffered by the patient. Instead, one can try a stew, mashed potatoes, or even a mild casserole for the main meal. Pickle Salty foods rich in vinegar can cause irritating sensations in people suffering from cold blisters.

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are a cluster of tiny sores developing on and around the lips. These sores are typically painful, beginning with an itching or burning sensation and eventually swelling up and reddening. Cold sores are typically caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which spreads through activities involving close physical contact. Although cold sores do not have a specific cure, their frequency may be controlled with some basic remedies: Apply apple cider vinegar Research studies suggest that applying apple cider vinegar can help the body protect itself from bacteria, germs, and viruses. Further, apple cider vinegar can help eliminate dead skin cells from the body, contributing to a quicker healing process. Use cold compress Using a cold compress is one of the best cold sores remedies to reduce swelling and inflammation and provide pain relief. One may also wrap a muslin cloth around an ice cube and place it on the affected area to relieve cold-sore symptoms. Invest in a good sunscreen and lip balm Exposure to direct sunlight can trigger or aggravate cold sores. However, as one cannot avoid stepping out during the day, applying good sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can help prevent such flare-ups.

From childhood, we are taught that eating well can help us look and feel our physical best. What is often glossed over is the fact that what we eat also has a significant impact on how we feel mentally. Healthy, well-balanced meals can help people think more clearly, become alert, and improve concentration and attention span. On the other hand, unhealthy foods lead to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and a slower reaction time. Processed foods can cause brain inflammation Increased reliance on processed foods high in sugar and flour can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. And brain inflammation is linked to mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, many of these processed foods stimulate the dopamine centers in the brain, making us crave more. Healthy gut bacteria help regulate mental processes Researchers have been studying the connection between our gut and brain, which are linked via the vagus nerve. According to the American Psychological Association, gut bacteria produce a range of neurochemicals used by the brain for regulating physiological and mental processes, such as our mood. Around 95% of our mood-stabilizing hormone, serotonin, is produced by gut bacteria, signaling its undisputed role in maintaining our mental health.

Nutritious food can play a significant role in maintaining and improving our overall health. On the contrary, some meals may be unhealthy, especially for individuals with health complications, including prostate cancer. The disease is characterized by symptoms like regular urination, blood in the urine, and weak urine flow. Certain foods may aggravate or trigger the symptoms of prostate cancer, leading to other complications, and should hence be avoided as far as possible. Red meat People who opt for meals with large portions of red meat are at risk of developing prostate cancer or worsening their symptoms. Red meat like hot dogs, beef, and pork contain heterocyclic amines (HCAs)—carcinogens detected in cooked meat. HCAs are said to be linked to the development of multiple cancers. Full-fat cheeses Excess consumption of dairy products like full-fat cheeses should be avoided. Their high-fat content has been associated with c-peptide concentration, which may lead to the aggressive development of prostate cancer. Other dairy products to steer clear of include yogurt, butter, cream cheeses, and ice creams rich in fat. Coffee Coffee and other caffeinated beverages function as diuretics. They may dehydrate an individual faster and increase the urge to urinate. And someone with an enlarged prostate might find it challenging to relieve themselves, which can cause discomfort.

The blood needs essential clotting factor VIII proteins to clog an open wound and prevent a person from bleeding. Hemophilia occurs when the blood is missing these clotting factors triggering excessive bleeding without any underlying health complication. It is an inherited bleeding disorder passed down as a genetic mutation from one or both parents carrying defective genes. Following are the available silent signs of developing hemophilia to take notice of and ensure immediate medical attention. Bleeding inside the joints The blood disorder primarily triggers bleeding into the joints, a sign that goes unnoticed well into the advanced stages of hemophilia. It is noticeable only when the pooled blood triggers pain and swelling of the joints. The resulting tightness of muscles and cartilage ultimately affects movement. Bruising and discoloration on the skin surface are also visible signs of excessive blood pooling under the joints. This is commonly referred to as a hematoma. If left unchecked, the bleeding will severely affect joint flexibility and mobility, thus disrupting daily routine. Bleeding in the mouth and gums At first glance, people often assume that poor oral hygiene or an underlying dental problem triggers bleeding in the gums and around the mouth. However, bleeding disorders like hemophilia also exhibit similar signs of progression.

A deficiency of blood cells, red or white, can be extremely dangerous. Blood is the primary carrier of nutrients and oxygen to all body parts. It keeps the body ticking and all the systems interconnected. Therefore, one always needs to choose foods that can help them maintain a healthy blood count and, as a result, boost circulation and lower blood pressure. Some foods for improving blood count and circulation are: Walnuts All nuts are packed with essential omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids. These acids reduce inflammation in the arteries and the possibility of massive blood loss and circulation problems. Walnuts, in particular, contain significant reserves of iron, too, thus boosting hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is the primary component of blood, which carries oxygen to all body parts. Individuals can snack on walnuts daily to boost their blood quality and quantity. This aspect makes walnuts quintessential for good health. Red beans Beans are known for their rich reserves of protein. While all beans are helpful, red beans are incredibly healthy and delicious. Boiled red beans possess high levels of iron. As a result, a person’s hemoglobin levels rise when they add red beans to their meal plan, which, in turn, improves blood count.

Following a thorough dental care routine is imperative for healthy teeth and gums. Many foods and beverages hinder oral health and cause problems like tooth decay, cavities, tooth abscess, chewing trouble, pain, and even gum diseases like gingivitis. On noticing any such tooth problems, one should alert the dentist. Depending on the symptoms, the expert may recommend treatments and other oral care tips to manage the condition and maintain healthy teeth. Worst foods and beverages for the teeth Various foods and beverages contribute to dental issues, which may cause severe discomfort if ignored. A common problem is plaque buildup, where a bacteria-filled sticky film gradually forms over the teeth. It is mainly caused due to sugary snacks, such as candy. Hence, one must ensure to avoid such foods. A few other examples are: Bread Bread might be a regular breakfast option, but it can cause tooth problems. When a person chews bread, the saliva breaks down the starch into sugar. Moreover, the bread turns into a gummy paste-like substance in the mouth, which sticks to the crevices between the teeth, causing cavities. Those who cannot do without bread may choose whole wheat varieties, as they contain fewer added sugars and do not break down easily.

Dementia is a broad term that refers to a collection of symptoms that may affect someone’s ability to think, remember, process information, or communicate. According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people live with dementia worldwide, with ten million new cases diagnosed each year. Although the underlying causes of dementia may be varied, there are some key warning signs to watch out for. Seven early warning signs of dementia are: Subtle short-term memory changes A troubled memory is one of the earliest signs of dementia. Certain changes to short-term memory may include: Forgetting where they placed items Forgetting what they had for breakfast that morning Struggling to remember why they entered a particular room Forgetting about a given task Difficulty finding the right words A person with dementia may have a hard time explaining something or difficulty finding the right words to communicate their thoughts. Having a conversation with someone with dementia may be challenging and may even take a long time as they struggle to find the right words. Changes in mood Mood changes are also common with dementia. Depression is a common challenge in the early stages of dementia. Someone with dementia may also feel more fearful or anxious than before and may get upset if their routine changes.

Dementia is a condition that reduces the functionality of an individual’s brain. Among other symptoms, dementia weakens memory, social skills, and thinking abilities. Although dementia has no definitive cure, certain treatments can help people cope better with its symptoms. Research has found that eating the right foods can keep one’s brain healthy. Certain foods have more nutritional value than others; hence, they help keep dementia at bay. Check out a few such foods below. Salmon Fatty fishes like salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, and lake trout are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have various health benefits, including blood pressure regulation, keeping the digestive system healthy, and drastically reducing internal inflammation. Most importantly, salmon and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the likelihood of developing types of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. One can include salmon in any meal throughout the day to reap its digestive benefits and keep their brain healthy. Leafy green vegetables Like fatty fish, leafy green veggies also find their way on ‘best foods’ lists. These foods are good for one’s brain health too. Leafy green vegetables are rich in B-complex vitamins and potassium, essential to keep the brain perpetually healthy.

People with migraines can experience painful throbbing and pulsing sensations on one side of their heads. More than 38 million people in the country are affected by migraines. The condition can also make it difficult to get enough rest at night, and insufficient sleep, in turn, triggers migraines. One can get the best mattresses and sleeping aides to address the issue, but here are certain things one should avoid before bed when dealing with migraines. Making unhealthy food choices Foods like chocolates, cheeses, and sausages contain beta-phenylethylamine, tyramine, nitrates, and nitrites, which may trigger migraines. Some foods may also increase histamine production in the body, worsening the condition. So, one of the important things to avoid before bed should avoid such foods before bedtime and stick to lighter foods like cherries, kiwi, pineapple, avocados, and bananas, which help increase serotonin levels, a chemical essential for better sleep. Indulging in excessive screen time Most people use their smartphones or watch something on television, laptop, or other electronic devices before bed. But these devices emit a blue light that can suppress melatonin production. A lack of this brain chemical results in poor sleep, which may trigger a headache or migraine. One affected by migraines should avoid watching horror movies before bed, as that may also suppress melatonin production.