Our lungs are critical organs of our body. But we often tend to ignore maintaining our lung health. Like other parts of the body, the lungs tend to become less flexible over a period of time. This can lead to breathing issues. Engaging in certain practices might unknowingly be bad for your lungs. Let’s spare some time and understand the mistakes that can damage the lungs and how to avoid them. Untidy houses and buildings Untidy homes and buildings can give rise to mold and dust mites, both of which can cause respiratory issues. These problems can be avoided with regular cleaning and sufficient ventilation. Also, the common carpets used at home can gather dust and allergens over time, especially if you have pets around. It is essential to vacuum them often and seek professional cleaning services on a regular basis. Exercising in heavy traffic areas Exercising in congested areas such as a city park might be harmful. To prevent the hazards connected with high-traffic regions, one should exercise in a safe and less crowded location, such as a gym. Additionally, the time of the day matters. The quality of the air can vary greatly depending on which time you choose to exercise.

People with breathing conditions like asthma, COPD, or seasonal allergies need to be careful about the foods they eat. A healthy meal supports maintaining a strong body, particularly the lungs. Seating position changes and pursed lip breathing are two methods for relieving breathing problems. Certain foods may lead to increased mucus production, inflammation, and other respiratory issues. This article discusses six of the worst foods for people with this issue. The worst food for breathing problems Dairy products Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can be harmful for people with breathing issues. These products contain casein, a protein that can cause inflammation and mucus production in the airways, making breathing difficult. Fried foods Fried foods contain a lot of trans fats, which can cause inflammation. This can aggravate respiratory symptoms and make breathing difficult. Fried foods are also high in calories and can contribute worsening breathing issues. Processed meats Processed meats, such as sausages, bacon, and other red meats, contain a lot of sodium and preservatives, which can cause inflammation and fluid retention. This can make breathing difficult, particularly for those suffering from COPD. Sugar Sugar is a major inflammatory factor in the body, and can exacerbate breathing problems.

Sleep is an essential component of a healthy life and overall well-being, but many overlook its importance. Getting adequate sleep ensures that the mind and body are relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle all the challenges of the day. However, getting the recommended hours of sleep at a stretch can require more than just sticking to a strict sleep schedule. Common reasons for inadequate sleep could be poor lifestyle choices. Choosing heavy meals Digestion can be an energy-consuming activity. Eating heavy meals close to bedtime can lead to acid reflux and indigestion and potentially wreck your sleep quality. It is best to have dinner at least three hours before bed and ensure that it is a light meal. Additionally, avoid caffeine and other stimulating drinks for a minimum of 5 hours before bedtime to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Engaging in stimulating activities Playing video games, watching television, and scrolling through endless social media feeds can disrupt sleep quality. These activities make it difficult for the brain to wind down and relax. So, you end up with an overactive mind when you would rather be sound asleep. So, consider avoiding screen time and extremely stimulating activities at bedtime if you are trying to improve your sleep quality and the amount of rest you get.

Seizures are sudden and uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. These disturbances can cause unusual sensations and behavior and loss of consciousness. The condition can affect people of all ages, but the symptoms may vary depending on the type of seizure the person is experiencing. While some seizures are harmless, others might end up being fatal. So, individuals must be aware of the disorder’s warning signs and visit a health expert if they occur. Convulsions Convulsions or uncontrolled, jerky movements are the most common symptom. These movements are usually seen in the arms and legs but can also affect the face, neck, and other body parts. The movements can be irregular or in rhythm and may last from a few seconds to a few minutes. Loss of consciousness During a seizure, the patient might become unresponsive to visual stimuli, appear dazed or confused, and stare blankly. In some cases, one might also fall to the ground unresponsive. Muscle stiffness Seizures can, at times, lead to muscle stiffness or soreness. This symptom is more common in people experiencing grand mal seizures, also known as tonic-clonic seizures. Muscle stiffness might cause the person to fall to the ground. Sensory disturbances Seizures may also lead to sensory disturbances, such as numbness and tingling in the upper and lower limbs and the face.

Actively asking your doctor questions is one way through which you can know more about your health. It gives patients a safe space to discuss potential problems or special care needs they may have, so that a more comfortable healthcare experience can be curated. If one is too stressed to visit the physician on their own, they can take a trusted person along, and prepare a list of questions to ask the doctor. Am I at risk for any health issues? Discussing one’s lifestyle habits with the doctor (along with factors such as age and gender) can help set realistic expectations for health in the future. Doing so can also help recognize any risks or complications. Are there any additional screenings I need to undergo? Depending on one’s age and other factors, doctors may recommend additional tests or screenings such as lipid testing for cholesterol levels, hemoglobin A1c screening for diabetes, a colonoscopy, a PAP smear for cervical cancer, etc. When should I schedule my next appointment? Depending on one’s general health and lab test results, a person may be asked to return on a date sooner than their scheduled annual or bi-annual checkups. Are my physical tests (BMI, Blood pressure, heart rate/breathing signs) normal?

Regular health checkups are an important part of preventive healthcare. You can make the most of these checkups by being proactive during the examinations. This means asking your doctor the right questions regarding all your health concerns. With this, you will have a better understanding of your health and wellness status. If you are wondering which questions to ask your doctor during a routine checkup, here are a few options to get you started: What is the impact of my family history on my health? Prior to your appointment, make sure you do thorough research on the health history of your family. Note the major diagnoses given to close family members, including your parents, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, and siblings. Based on this information, ask your doctor whether you should be making any lifestyle changes, undergo any tests, or keep tabs on symptoms or signs. Are your symptoms normal? It is normal to be concerned about certain changes in mental or physical health, symptoms like experiencing acute or chronic pain, a lump, changes in the sleep cycle, or extreme changes in body mass. A routine checkup is the best opportunity to ask doctors whether the changes or symptoms you are experiencing are normal or a cause for concern.

Being thirsty is one of the most common indicators of dehydration. It happens when the body does not have enough fluid and electrolytes (such as salt and potassium) to function correctly. Dehydration, when untreated, can cause an increase in heart rate, which can strain the organ. Extreme dehydration can also lead to severe complications such as seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, or hypovolemic shock. To avoid these, understanding the warning signs of dehydration is important. Unusual signs of dehydration The most common signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty, passing dark yellow and strong-smelling urine, peeing less often than usual, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, tired, and suffering from a dry mouth. However, many unusual warning signs could also indicate the condition, some of which are listed below. Bad breath Saliva has important antibacterial properties that keep bad breath at bay. Dehydration decreases the saliva in the mouth, making it an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and cause bad breath. Drinking water can help avoid the sensation of dry mouth and prevent bad breath. Dry/flushed skin The skin may undergo various changes due to dehydration, including dry or flushed skin and sweaty skin. It may also remain “tented” when pinched and take longer to return to its usual appearance.

On the surface, there seems to be no link between what one eats and their hearing ability. While lost hearing cannot be restored through food alone, certain items, such as legumes, bananas, and broccoli, benefit people’s ears to an extent. Alternatively, some foods are just plain “bad” for the hearing parts of the body. This list predictably includes high-fat meals and processed foods. Some of the foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties are: Salted nuts Foods with high sodium content cause fluid retention in the ears. It can accelerate disorders such as Meniere’s Disease, an inner-ear condition in which people experience vertigo, hearing loss, and frequent spells of dizziness. To lower the possibility of developing this disease, one must avoid foods with MSG (monosodium glutamate) as it triggers migraine. Apart from sodium, salty foods also tend to worsen the sound in one’s ears, especially in people with food allergies. Unfortunately, salted nuts contain sodium in large amounts. Therefore, people with existing hearing issues must stay away from this food. Coffee According to certain research studies, regular coffee intake can bring about constriction in the blood vessels in and around the ears. This results in reduced blood supply to a frequent coffee consumer’s inner ear.

Dehydration occurs when one loses more fluid than they take in, leaving the body with inadequate fluid to function properly. This condition can occur to anyone; however, it’s more dangerous in older adults and children. One of the most common causes of dehydration in young children is vomiting and severe diarrhea. On the other hand, older adults are more prone to the condition because of the naturally low volume of water in their bodies. Top 4 unusual signs of dehydration Usually, some of the most common symptoms of dehydration are constipation, fatigue, or dizziness. However, sometimes a few ignored signs could also indicate the presence of this condition. Hence, here are some of the unusual signs of dehydration to look out for. Bad breath The saliva in the mouth has antibacterial properties. However, dehydration can prevent the generation of saliva, leading to an increase in the growth of bacteria in the mouth. This can cause bad breath, which also occurs when one wakes up in the morning. Dry or flushed skin In most cases, when one is dehydrated, they may produce an increased amount of sweat. However, when the individual goes through the different stages of dehydration, they may notice dry skin.

Breathing is a vital function that supplies oxygen to the human body and gets rid of carbon dioxide. Breathing correctly promotes relaxation, reduces stress, strengthens the immune system, lowers heart rate, improves mental clarity, and provides several other benefits. Unfortunately, most people do not pay attention to how they breathe, which leads to respiratory problems and lung diseases. This post discusses the common breathing mistakes one should avoid for optimal lung health. Shallow breathing Shallow breathing, also known as chest breathing, is a common mistake. In this type of breathing, the air only reaches the upper part of the lungs, which means the lower part does not receive sufficient oxygen. This can lead to shortness of breath and other lung problems. To avoid complications, one can practice deep breathing exercises that involve filling the lungs with air from the bottom to the top. Mouth breathing Mouth breathing is another common mistake, especially during physical activities like running or exercising. When one breathes through their mouth, the air does not get filtered or humidified, which can cause lung irritation and inflammation. Experts recommended breathing through the nose as much as possible, as it helps filter and humidify the air before it reaches the lungs.