An adage states, “you are what you eat,” which might be more accurate than we believe today. The food you eat has much more to do with your health than you would like to give it credit. Your eating and lifestyle habits dictate the kind of health you live with. It also impacts the health of all your organs. Hence, it is evident that eating harmful foods will undoubtedly harm crucial health factors like vision. Saturated fat Frequent and unchecked intake of fatty foods is one of the biggest reasons for the rise in health conditions. It is responsible for serious health issues in the long run. Saturated fats are present in everything from your favorite pack of chips to burgers and baked food. Therefore, replacing saturated fats in meals with unsaturated fats is advised as it increases the risk of developing conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. Lean protein sources, vegetables, and dry fruits are some of the healthiest sources of good-quality fat. Margarine Marketing strategies have made everyone believe margarine is a much healthier alternative to butter. However, contrary to such beliefs, it is loaded with trans fats. Continued use of margarine in meals is a source of increased cholesterol levels in the body and can result in clogged-up blood vessels in the body.

The increasing number of people falling prey to cancer is rising, and ensuring that every home remains safe has become more important. Unbeknownst to many of us, numerous products we bring into our homes repeatedly contribute to the increased cancer risk. From everyday products found in kitchens to unsuspecting items in bathrooms and beyond, we can make changes that can create healthier environments and help prioritize our well-being. Let’s learn which household items to avoid. Cleaning products Most conventional cleaning products are being flagged for being harmful to health. They contain chemicals that make these products endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, and in some cases, respiratory irritants. Various ingredients, including ammonia, formaldehyde, and phthalates, have been researched to be associated with different types of cancer. To avoid the risk of the disease, adopting eco-friendly alternatives with natural compounds is suggested. You can also use kitchen ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon to make your cleaners at home. Personal care products We are constantly bombarded with a range of personal care products that pop up in the market every day. And this drives our curiosity to try and test various products that claim to have so many benefits. However, some personal care products like soaps, shampoos, deodorants, and others can contain harmful ingredients.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It builds healthy cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Since it cannot dissolve in water, it does not travel through the bloodstream. It is carried by lipoproteins, which are low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, or bad cholesterol) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, or good cholesterol). High amounts of LDL or low amounts of HDL can lead to fatty buildup in the blood vessels. High cholesterol To find out one’s cholesterol levels, a lipid profile may be required. Here’s what the results mean: Total cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s total cholesterol: Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline: 200 to 239 mg/dL High: 240 mg/dL or above LDL cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s LDL cholesterol: Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL Near-optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL High: 160 to 189 mg/dL Very high: 190 mg/dL or above HDL cholesterol in adults These are the parameters to check one’s HDL cholesterol: Optimal: 60 mg/dL or higher Borderline: 40 to 59 mg/dL among men and 50 to 50 mg/dL among women Low: Under 40 mg/dL among men and under 50 mg/dL among women Medicare insurance covers routine blood checkups for high cholesterol once every five years.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are essential to ensure the proper functioning of vital organs in the body. The transportation of nutrients and oxygen to these organs depends heavily on RBCs. It’s important to note that insufficient RBCs can lead to organ dysfunction, which is why maintaining a healthy RBC count is crucial. Fortunately, one way to achieve this is through proper nutrition. Several foods can help increase RBC count, ensuring the body functions at its best. Pumpkin seeds These seeds are well-known for their cardiovascular health benefits and can also help increase a person’s red blood cell count. Pumpkin seeds have a characteristic crunchy feel, making them a handy snack option for people to munch on every now and again. More importantly, these seeds contain almost eight milligrams of iron along with nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and manganese. All these elements are essential to boost red blood cell production in a person’s body. Moreover, pumpkin seeds also contain loads of copper, another mineral associated with increasing the red blood cells in the body and enhancing one’s immune system. As stated, pumpkin seeds can be eaten alone or sprinkled over smoothies or salads. Regardless of how one consumes them, pumpkin seeds are a great way to increase hemoglobin levels.

This may not be widely known, but diabetes can also affect eye health when the blood sugar levels are very high in the body. The condition typically has many signs and symptoms that point toward deteriorating eye health; for example, high sugar levels can change the fluid levels in the eyes, cause swelling, or even damage tiny blood vessels. So, let’s look at some of the signs of poor eye health due to high sugar. Blurry vision If you are suddenly experiencing blurry vision, this may be likely due to the high sugar level in the blood. Blurry vision is usually a temporary problem and can be resolved by getting the glucose back to normal. The normal blood sugar should be between 70-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL post meals. Once these numbers are under control, you can notice your blurry vision improving. It is said that it usually takes around 3 months of constant care and observation to fix the problem, so be consistent in your efforts, and you will see the results. Of course, always speak to your doctor to rule out any other causes for the blurry vision and ensure you are taking the right treatment.

Most people consume sugar on a daily basis. However, one may not know the dental problems associated with excessive sugar. These often include common issues such as cavities/tooth decay, tooth enamel erosion, gingivitis, and other diseases that can hamper oral health. If you are partial to fizzy drinks and sweets, you may want to learn about dental problems caused by excessive sugar and the signs to keep an eye out for. What are the common dental problems caused by excessive sugar? Tooth enamel erosion The shiny enamel layer on the teeth protects the body part against the effects of crunching, grinding, chewing, and biting. But it is susceptible to damage. So, when one drinks sodas and other sugary foods and beverages constantly, it can cause the bad bacteria in the mouth to eat away at the enamel, leading to its erosion. This can be further aggravated by the failure to clean the teeth regularly. Cavities/ Tooth decay Due to excessive consumption of sugar, one can have damaged areas in their teeth. These are commonly known as cavities and can develop into small holes or openings on the surface of the teeth. The main cause behind the formation of cavities is the bad bacteria in the mouth, namely Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sorbinus.

When eaten in moderation, sugar may have some benefits, such as improving one’s energy levels. However, excess consumption can have damaging effects on one’s immune system. It could result in the growth of unhealthy bacteria and yeast, which could compromise one’s immunity and lead to adverse effects on one’s overall well-being. So if the immune system is affected due to excessive sugar intake, here are seven signs one might experience. Regular cold Generally, adults may experience about two or three colds each year. People also usually recover in seven to ten days after falling ill. Recovery is possible because the immune system develops antibodies in about three to four days to fight the cold-causing germs. However, when immunity is weakened due to factors like too much sugar intake, it could affect the ways in which one’s immune system develops antibodies to tackle these invaders. So if one experiences regular colds, or develops one that does not run its usual course, it could indicate a problem with their immune system that requires an expert’s opinion. Stress Stress might be triggered by several factors, including significant life changes, constant worrying, and possibly work. However, if one finds themselves feeling high levels of stress for prolonged periods of time, it could indicate a weak immune system.

The term ‘heart disease’ is used to refer to a variety of conditions, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral heart disease, aortic disease, and others. These cardiovascular conditions are serious and put one’s life in grave danger. Learning their signs and symptoms can help recognize these conditions in their nascent stages and seek early treatment for a better chance of recovery. Thus, some early signs of heart disease to watch out for include: Chest pain Any discomfort or pain felt in the front of the body, in the region between the neck and the upper abdomen, is classified as chest pain. It is one of the most common symptoms that occurs due to poor blood flow to the heart or due to a heart attack. The severity of this pain may differ from person to person. During a heart attack, this pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, general weakness, change in skin color, extreme anxiety, lightheadedness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, or sweating. Shortness of breath A weakened heart can disrupt blood flow and cause blood to back up in the veins that go from the lungs to the heart. This fluid can enter the lungs and cause shortness of breath or even a choking sensation and may lead to heart failure.